This morning, I received word that my parents are once again together again; this time in the eternities, never to be separated. My Dad passed away peacefully this morning, one day shy of my Mom's passing three years ago tomorrow. Their focus, for my entire life, was us as their children, our Loving Savior Jesus Christ, and the temple. I cannot talk about one parent alone without mentioning the other. They were truly as one!

They both led by example in so many ways. They were both so generous and kind and loving. I remember well as I grew up thinking how strict they were. I never regret that. Their example of unending devotion to each other, us as their children, to our Loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, will forever be what I remember. They were both dedicated to building His Kingdom in the small and simple ways.

My Dad has forever been the example of who I want to be. He taught me my most important life lessons:

• To love your wife, the mother of your children with true devotion and unequivocal love.
• To love God, our Heavenly Father with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.
• To love our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
• To love your neighbor, giving of your time and substance and self to help them in their journey through mortality.

There is nothing I've wanted more in my life than to be like my Dad in every way I possibly could. I remember looking up to him as a little kid and a teenager and always wanting to do what he did. I'm happy to say I never felt any animosity towards him. He and my Mom were loving, doting, and yes, strict parents. Their every action showed that love. 

I had the wonderful opportunity to Home Teach with my Dad to wonderful families and ward members. His kindness to them was shown as he replaced a widow's water heater, her roof, had me mow her lawn. He reached out to those who struggled with their testimonies, lending and giving them books to strengthen them and give them hope. 

I remember well the time spent working with him at our Beach House in Newport Beach, Calif. Everytime we went there for a few days, the first thing he would do is pull out his stake directory and ask "Who should I call to invite down for a few days?" His generosity was readily apparent as he offered the home to newlyweds who couldn't afford a honeymoon.

He would hire so many different people for so many different jobs to help them have an opportunity to earn some (generous amounts of) money and keep their dignity: recently-called missionaries, young marrieds, struggling college students, elderly and retired individuals. He would have them paint around the house, build cabinets and furniture, help with various duties at his small business; anything to give them work that would help them on their way.

He was generous to a fault with the family business. Besides the full-time employees, he would also hire individuals and groups for part-time, temporary work. Most of his employees were so devoted due to his generosity and fairness as an employer, and his desire to help them have an honest and worthwhile career.

We spent oh so many hours fixing up the Bay Boat, his greatest love, second only to my Mom and the Lord. He was a sailor at heart. He loved to cruise the world and see the ocean. 

Dad, I love you with all my heart and am so happy and content that you and Mom are together again, in the eternities. Until we meet again...

Aug 4, 1947

Oct 5, 2019

1968 or 1969

Aug 2013

Dec 2016

Today at church, the talks were focused on Family History work and also the Temple - The House of the Lord.

This thought came to me: my parents set the example for me and my entire family of being sealed in the temple of the Lord. Two weeks after they were married Aug 4, 1947, they drove 700 miles to be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on Aug 21, 1947. It was a hard time; they really had no money, it was a 2-3 day drive, not very comfortable, yet it meant enough to them that they start out their marriage right that they did that.

If they can do that, and continued to attend the temple as often as possible, then I can too. A temple did not come to California until nearly 10 years later, so they would drive once a year to either St. George, UT or Mesa, AZ to attend a temple. I remember growing up, after the Los Angeles Temple was built, that they would try to go each month.

Their temple attendance blessed us in so many ways; and I'm sure mostly in ways that we do not recognize. I know that we were protected from so many evils and temptations. What they learned there, specifically the eternal perspective they gained, was taught in our home.

Now, all of their children have been to the temple and received their endowments. Many grandchildren as well. Most children and grand-children have been married to their sweethearts in the temple.

For those who have not continued to attend, for whatever reason, come back to His Holy House. There is protection there from so many ills and evils and foibles of this, the latter days. Remember with humility the gifts received and the promises and covenants made. They will fortify and strengthen you in so many ways.

You will be able to continue with all of us as a forever family. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters, all who love you and want to be with you and be there for you; today, tomorrow and throughout all the eternities.

If you need ANYTHING, ask ANY of us, pray to Heavenly Father for strength and His love will envelope you and surround you.

NEVER be ashamed of being mortal, of any weakness that you think is too much, or any mistakes that have been made. We are all here in mortality to love and strengthen each other. Let us love without malice or prejudice is my prayer for each of you.

God Bless!

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Monday - 9/30/2019
I had a thought I wanted to pass along: This coming weekend is General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I would recommend all of you watch all the sessions; however, if you feel you can't spare the time, I challenge you to do this much.

• With a prayer in your heart and mind, or just a thought/question/concern, watch at least one talk during the 2 day conference. 
• Point your browser to https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and click on the Watch General Conference link anytime on Saturday or Sunday, or any day after. 
• Watch/Listen/Read with real intent at least one talk with that thought or concern, and Heavenly Father will prompt you to know what your next step is. It may seem uncomfortable at first, because it may cause you to reflect on your mortality and frail human weakness, but if you have an open heart and open mind, your question/concern WILL be answered. I can promise you that!

I like the thinking of this article. It clearly reflects some of my thoughts; that WE are THE CHURCH and WE need to move forward individually in order for the Church to move forward collectively in thought and mind. Seek His will and you will be of one mind.

https://www.lds.org/church/news/with-general-conference-approaching-many-wonder-whats-changing-next?lang=eng

It’s easy to think of “the Church” as a big, global institution. But, really, “the Church” is you and me. It’s the people and their individual acts of love, service, and devotion to God that make all the difference. It’s individuals over institution. When you think of it that way, the responsibility is clear. Our future as disciples of Jesus Christ is unprecedented and unparalleled. This is a hinge point in history when, as individuals, we need to build up the Savior’s Church for what’s ahead—when He returns again.