My Friend - Valerie

Today a friend told me that I needed to put a new post of my blog, since it has been too long since the last post. I really haven't had anything worthy to post, and I've been so busy. And the sad thing is, as I sit here tonight, the only thing that I can think about is that today is the day that I lost one of my dearest friends, Valerie Nichols. She passed away on March 31, 2007. She had been ill for quite some time, and she had mentioned several times that she was ready to die, but like most people, I did not really think that she would be leaving me so soon. Even when she went into the hospital several times, I always knew that she would pull through and come home, and then Dave and I would go visit and play cards with her and Ed and spend the evening laughing and having a ball - just as if nothing was wrong. But, two years ago her body was finally too tired to fight anymore, and her heart too weak. As I sit here now, I wish I could pick up the phone and call her for one of our long long late night talks. She was always up late at night and ready to talk. I miss our card games, our shopping trips, our secret jokes, the 30 years of history that 2 people develop as their friendship grows. I hope that there were times I lifted her spirits just a little, just as she lifted my spirits. I will always remember my dear friend, and I know that she is laughing and healthy in the Celestial Kingdom right now.

Save a spot for me at the Canasta table, Valerie.

TICKETS, TICKETS, TICKETS

On Friday evening, (3/6), Dave and I got a chance to visit and tour the new Draper LDS temple. It was a very uplifting experience for me, and Dave was impressed by the beauty of the Temple and the significance of the symbolism throughout the different areas. One of the first things that he noticed, (and he lingered and admired), was the baptismal font that rested on the 12 oxen. When I explained to him that the oxen represented the 12 tribes of Israel, he nodded and walked around to get a better views.
The next item that really caught his attention was the chandelier in the Celestial Room. His question to me was "how much do you think that weighs?" I replied, "A lot, and I bet it's worth more than it weighs!!". Then we heard Temple President Donald Staheli and his wife speak in the largest of the 5 Sealing rooms, about the temple and it's importance, and especially the importance of Heavenly Father's eternal plan for all families. It was a very touching touching tour for me, and made me very grateful for the plan of salvation. Then on to Dave's favorite part of the tour "Free Cookies". :-) ...

Next, we were lucky to score tickets to the sold out performace of the Easter Bell Ringing program in the Tabernacle on Good Friday, (April 10th). This is the 2nd time that we have been lucky enough to get free tickets an LDS Bell Ringing event. The last time was for the Christmas Bell Ringing program. How lucky we must be!!