Serving others

 

March 19, 2023

Dear Family:

The last few weeks I’ve been impressed by something Mike and Amy are doing.  Today they came to visit for a few minutes and I was reminded of why they inspired me.  They have been working hard to assess Mike’s Dad and Jane and their ability to stay in their own home.  They have spent hours visiting, worrying, helping, buying groceries, going to pick up Rollie when he was left at the grocery store by Jane who forgot why she was there, and just in general…..they are try to help them so that they can have a better quality of life.

Next weekend their weekend is dedicated to moving Rollie and Jane into an assisted living adult foster home in Damascus.  The reason that I’m impressed is that they are SERVING Mike’s dad and Jane.  Mike and his siblings have spent lots of time helping (serving) their Dad (Rollie and his wife Jane) and their Mom (Carrie and her husband, Jim).  Their parents are getting on in years, their health is failing, and their ability to be self-sufficient is limited.

It reminds me of the scripture, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt. 25:37–40.)”  And it reminds me of the reverse – many years ago Rollie and Carrie were serving their children (Mike and his siblings). They spent years serving their children.  I’ve mentioned to Mike several times that his parents did a good job raising him (because of something that I noticed that Mike does.)  It also reminds me of how much Brad & Sheri; Brian & Megan; and Mike & Amy have done and are doing for their children.  I remember when my grandchildren were born and when they were young all the work, worry, effort, sacrifice and chauffeuring you parents did.  You spent years with diapers, baths, brushing teeth, constantly buying new shoes and clothes, going to the doctor, laundry, folding clothes, homework help, sports equipment purchases and years of going to all the games and dance competitions, etc.   Now I see Taylor & Kelsy, Kenlee & Jake, Riley & Corbin, Michael & Laura, Tanner and Haley serving their little ones.  Learning service is natural for parents, it is also a valuable trait that children learn as little ones while mimicking their parents, while doing their chores and while helping each other.  This trait of knowing how to serve and wanting to serve transfers into everyday life.  It’s valuable in friend relationships, in family relationships, in career relationships and in their spiritual life.  Serving brings joy.

Dale G Renlund, “To effectively serve others we must see them through a parent’s eyes, through Heavenly Father’s Eyes.”

I believe that 100%.  It’s a heavenly trait.  You all have it!! I’m proud of each of you.  Parenting and serving have come to you naturally and because of the example of your parents.

I am a visiting teacher (new term is ministering sister), to two elderly ladies.  One I’ve been able to help quite a lot.  Her name is Norma.  I love her.  Part of that is that it brings me joy and a feeling of self worth to help her.  She has family around also and she has a son living with her who is in “end stage” hospice – emphysema.  I have another sister name Sandy.  She doesn’t know whether she is “afoot or horseback.”  Her memory is gone and she needs to be in assisted living.  One daughter who lives in Montana will talk to her.  One daughter who lives in Aloha won’t have anything to do with her.  My heart breaks for her.  The elder’s quorum president and I are in close contact about her.   I worry about Sandy and if something isn’t done soon, I’ll call social services and see what can be done.   Thank goodness the church has contact with some of these people who are in such need.  My taking a few peanut butter cookies didn’t do much, but hopefully the Elder’s Quorum president and I can save her life.  It’s bad.

The reason I tell you this is so that you can totally appreciate what Mike and Amy are doing for his parents.  I applaud them. 

I’m grateful that I learned about work, integrity and service from my parents.  They weren’t perfect.  I’m not perfect.  But I was raised in the church learning all along the way that serving others not only helps the “others” but it helps me by bringing me joy.

I may have told you this before, but when my children were really little.  Amy was a baby.  I had a girlfriend, named Kristine Saunders hat I worked with in Primary.  We became dear friends.  One day she brought me a beautiful “Orange Cake”.  She baked it and brought it to me, to help her feel better.  She had been diagnosed that day with muscular dystrophy.  I’ll never forget that incident.  She served me to make herself feel better.  How profound!

I want to take this opportunity to tell each of you that I know how much effort it takes to serve your family members, your little ones, your spouses, your friends, etc.  How wonderful are the rewards!

Have a great day and week

Love Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Sister and Aunt Suzanne