Wonderful Weekend

We were so blessed to be able to attend the funeral service for Lee Kenyon (President) Udall this weekend in Thatcher, Arizona. We drove the whole way there and back and would gladly do it all over again. He was a wonderful man and they gave him a very appropriate send off.

As with Sister Udall's funeral in July, the truths and principals of the gospel were taught and it made it seem more like a "see you later" rather than a good-bye.

They talked about his love for the gospel, his committment to callings, his humility, his sense of humor, his work ethic and his love for his family, especially Leona.

A few stories were shared from his childhood and the one that made us all laugh is he said that his mother used to tell his older siblings, "Go find Ken, see what he's doing and tell him to stop." He said that his mother "loved him anyway" despite everything he did. I thought that is such a blessing for any human to know, that their parents love is unconditional. His daughter said that she was shocked to discover at age 25 that the world didn't think that she was as wonderful as her parents did. His son talked about his humility, recounting a story that happened just a few months prior. A new church member was talking to him, saying that he must have had a lot of important callings in his life. A few of his grandsons were present and knew that their grandpa was just going to blow this man away as he recounted his numerous callings in the church. President Udall then said, "Oh yes, I've had an important calling. I've been a home teacher for 65 years." He knew what was really important. One of his daughters spoke of the love her parents had for each other and said that their mother had called him home. They know about the plan of salvation and they know they'll see him again. He left a wonderful legacy.

I found it interesting, and I have no idea if this was done on purpose or not, but in the room where they had the viewing, there was a quote on the wall from a scripture that was right above where he way laying. (Don't worry, I took all these photos after the funeral....I wasn't just snapping away...I say this mostly so my mother won't think I did anything inappropriate.)

To quote the whole scripture, “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy4:12

I thought this was so approprite because President Udall was an example, but he did it in the way Paul said. Not with grand sermons, not with gregarious actions, not with swelling pride, but you knew where he stood. By his words you knew he loved you and loved the gospel. In his conversation there was no negativity, just an affirmation that everything would work out. His love for others showed his charity. His testimony was born frequently showing his spirit and faith. He exuded the pure love that a man of God should have. We'll never forget his example and we'll try to do what he'd want us to do, which is to act as an example to others ourselves.

Just because this post is seeming a bit heavy, here is a photo of Nathan next to a Smart Car. Wouldn't he look funny driving one of these?

After the funeral, we rushed back to Mesa so that we could see everyone a little before we had to leave bright and early the next morning. Sharon had dinner for us at the house. Sunny, Courtney and Hayden were there, as well as Grandma and Aunt Beth. Mike and Tara came over for dessert too. It was a fun, impromptu gathering, but always nice to see everyone.

Sunday morning we got up and headed home. I got the chance to help a Scottish man put "petrol" in his car. He was having quite the trial figuring out how to pay at the pump and how to turn the pump on. He said I was a dear, sweet soul. That's enough to make anyone feel good, right?

We made it home safe and sound. I came home to a house dirtier than I like to leave it, a kid sicker than I left her and a dog with some sort of huge sore on her foot. I've got to figure all that out, and do all the laundry. So much to do, but what have I been doing? Talking! Natalee and I have just been talking a lot. She's been telling me all about her weekend, which also sounds wonderful. I've hopefully gotten her down for a small nap so we can kick this crud she's got and move on. Life goes on for the living, so we need to plug on and do the best we can.