Today I was given a reward for the Pursuit of Excellence by
800 Youth leaders convened in Seattle
for a 3 day conference. Norma was also invited to attend. I really wanted her
to go to and share the podium with me because it belongs to her just as much as
it does to me. Although it was given for accomplishments in my profession as an
orthopaedic surgeon, I was cited mainly for what has happened in our family and
as a priesthood holder. It is very clear that I could not now enjoy the success
I feel as a patriarch in our family nor the feeling that I have magnified my
priesthood were it not for Norma’s strength, knowledge, love and support. And
so we share our lives and the priesthood together. I was able to tell these
choice young people who will soon lead the church through very difficult times
the difference between receiving awards of men (Kappa Delta award) and the
award they presented to me.
Norma and I saw several Saints –
Pres. Badger, Glenn Haws, Pres. Fagg, Pres. Dance who rejoiced with us. Truly
what a wonderful feeling to know that we are accepted and are comfortable in
the company of the Saints. Surely this is but an audition for the feelings we
will share with our beloved friends in the celestial kingdom. When I saw
Cornell Blackham and Glenna we embraced and cried like babies. It was so very
spontaneous – and although I’m a very emotional person, I lost my composure
when I saw Cornell coming toward me with tears in his eyes.
I am concerned about the
recognition that we give one another. Somehow I feel uncomfortable regarding
the manner in which it is done. I have reflected deeply about how the Savior
washed the feet of the Apostles during the last hours of his life. Surely his
message pertained to one of the major sins of man – pride. How wonderful
it is when a man can truly become a leader of men but yet be the least of them
through his humility as a true servant.
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