Dad's Perspective- Day 3 Thoughts

Today dawned bright, cool and partly-cloudy. It felt good to get a decent night's sleep. Since Melissa was tired after the "Hardest Day", I picked up Shauna after picking up the younger boys. We got home at a decent hour.

We got to sleep a little longer because Gabriel had a field trip for school and did not have to be there until an hour and a half after his regular start time. a tender mercy.

I had some interesting thoughts come as I was preparing for the day.

I still wish that I could take away Melissa's pain. I am sure this will not go away. I got thinking about pain and some interesting thoughts came. We do not have the ability to take away the pain of others. We can try to ease their pain, but that is all we can do. I would imagine if we had this ability, we would abuse it. God however does, if we let him.

The Book of Mormon prophet Alma had this to say,"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:11)

There is another side to this pain thing. We have the ability to inflict pain. Sometimes very serious pain. It seem rather ironic that we can't take away pain but we can cause it. I think that we have to learn to control the latter so that in eternity we can earn the right to perform the former.

I am so grateful for so many people this day. We have had such a showing of love and strength from so many people that I could never name them all. The list would contain hundreds of names and maybe more.

However, I would like to name some specifically: those unnamed persons first on the scene, regular, normal people. The man who called Lawrence. The emergency responders. Their invaluable skills saved lives that day. The Doctors and Staff at Primary Children's Medical Center and University Medical Center. Your compassion and consideration has been amazing. I am grateful that PCMC and UMC are connected together, we did not have to split up between facilities in different parts of the valley. To my wonderful wife, Shauna who always seems to keep an eternal perspective. And my six children (yes, this includes Lawrence and Jessica). To Priesthood leaders form both our ward and Melissa and Lawrence's ward. Thank you for being there and doing so much, giving so much comfort. Debbie, thanks for this blog, it is a great way to remember and is therapeutic. The people that I work with, thanks for the time off, and all of the support and wishes. Shawn Warenski-enough said. To all who have e-mailed the county and state about this intersection--changes are coming! Larry and Marilyn, thanks for sharing your son with us. And to all I have forgotten, THANK YOU!

Thank you Heavenly Father for the priesthood, and mostly for your Only Begotten Son.

Finally, Lawrence, thank you for being the man you are and taking care of your little family.

I am amazed at the goodness of people.

Melissa is improving. Sometimes the improvement is dramatic, even hour by hour.

Today has been a good day.