Maybe I'm not "lost" Maybe I am being reset.
Reset to take on better things. To drop the old and make room for better.
I like this idea. so Now I need to allow that to happen. Get up in the morning ready for any new adventure ahead. I guess I'm not totally ready yet because I'm not there yet. I still have a bit to learn. But I am trying. And my own use of time needs to be addressed and adjusted. But thats all part of resetting right?
The Drapers.
Val Draper was my Bishop in Heber. He was a fantastic man. The youth loved him and the adults did too. He was fun and friendly and was usually the start of some massive water fights. Including on Trek where he smuggled in a pump water gun and hammered all the kids as they crossed the river. He had a "Moses Moment" when on the first silent River crossing he escorted his sweet wife across first then walked back to the middle of the river, planted his walking stick in and oversaw the crossing of the youth and leaders. My oldest daughter was a tiny new beehive and got caught in a current. He reached out and grabbed her as she was going under and escorted her safely to the other side before going back to the center for the rest.
If there was one person better than Bishop, It was his beautiful wife Kathy. She was a Strong, Silent type. She had a soft spoken way about her but a fierce testimony. She was always serving and was the kindest person. She was my Visit teaching companion. And I was honored to have that time with her.
A year ago, Sunday May 6, 2012 They attended the baby blessing of one of their adored grandchildren in Eagle Mountain. That afternoon, Matt was out jogging and said there mush be a bad wreck in the canyon. A bunch of ambulances and cop cars were heading out that way.
Later we had a knock on our door. An upset daughter of the YW president across the street told us that the accident was the Drapers. Sister Draper had died and Bishop was in critical condition. They had 2 grand children with them. An 11 year old girl and a Baby girl. Both being taken to hospitals.
Soon all the ward/neighborhood was outside. Walking around letting other neighbors know. Sharing concern, stories and tears. I knew in my mind that Bishop would not want to let her go without him. They had met in High school and married soon after he completed his mission. He adored her. She loved him. and it was a Love story worthy of a book. Soon word came that He had died and the Baby had as well.
We had to gather. We had to be together as a ward family. We met that evening in our chapel to remember. As I sit here I am crying at the memory of the feeling of that room. You have never seen a fuller more silent chapel. (until their funeral that is. It was a 3 hour wait in the chapel for the viewing.)
The first councilor of our Stake Presidency had been to the hospital. He was able to sit with Bishop after he had passed. He said he'd had the distinct feeling that Bishop was allowed to choose. I knew he couldn't let his beloved wife go.
Now a year later they still touch my life. I still smile at my mental images of him. Of the annual YM/YW Bishops water fight.
Yesterday without realizing it was the anniversary. My oldest and I were sharing memories of these 2 wonderful people. As we came out of a building there was a sudden down pour. We hurried to our car and didn't think much of it. Later I was reminded of the date and I realized the down pour was not a coincidence. If I had realized sooner I would have danced in the rain and shaken a fist heavenword and smiled as I yelled "Bishop!"
I Love you both and miss you terribly.
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