New Friends

Earlier this month David and I were called to serve in a rehabilitation and care center where a branch of the church resides. We have felt blessed already by this opportunity. We work with three other couples in the presidency and I have a fourth counselor for Relief Society. The residents there are so grateful and warm and they love everything you do. It is almost childlike. I love how they support one another and have created a family. They are inspirational. We are blessed by this calling. How did we get so lucky? These are some of my new friends. This darling man suffered from a stroke several years ago. He is always happy and has this wonderful smile. Sometimes when we are sitting in Family Home Evening or in Church he reaches out his hand and flashes this great smile. He doesn't speak but his face says it all. He is a regular attender at Relief Society and serves on our branch council. He's pretty proud of the tag around his neck that shows his position in our branch.

This woman is recuperating from a knee replacement surgery among other things. When I was introduced as her Relief Society President, she fell into my arms and cried with gratitude. She is a great crafter and is always working on a gift for someone. Give her a crochet hook and she's off.

Saturday the 8th, were going to accompany this lovely woman to the temple for her first time. She has been so excited to make her preparations to go. Everyone is invited. She is a nurturer to everyone in the home. She has a lovely way about her and is always cheerful. This young lady signed a thank you card she had made for me as "Miss Hollywood" and that she is! It reminds me of the nursery rhyme that says "rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, she shall have music wherever she goes." She has many braclets, necklaces, hats, rings, and hair clips. She knows just what to do with them. Check out the pose. She brings a smile to everyone. What a great attitude for 82 and not being well. Her room is filled with pictures of her life. She has had a good one. I always feel happy when I see her. You can imagine why. "Stupid kid tricks" when he was in high school had a life changing effect on this dear man. He doesn't speak but he understands everything. He never misses Church, FHE or RS. He, along with all the others, loves the donuts we pass out on Family Home Evening.

This is my instant dear friend. She is 90 years old and has a masters degree from the U of U. Her husband was an associate of Marlowe's at the U. We made an instant connection and I love our visits together. She hasn't been strong enough to come to any meetings but always hopes for the next time. She tells me that she loves life. We connect. We said we would be friends forever.

These are just a few of the many ones we love. All have a story. All have something to teach. I haven't been able to get pictures of all of our loved ones so here's just a beginning.