signing off

Dear Fellow Bloggers,
This will be my last post on this website. I thank you for tuning in. Love to all.

Frankie is back

Frank, our blue eyed cat, (named after blue eyed Frank Sinatra) has come back from the dead again. After a three day journey on his own in the neighborhood, Frank found Jean and I as we were taking a walk. Jean thought we should go home a different way (three wise men did the same thing) so we walked near the place where Emily had seen him last. Not far from there, we stopped to see another cat and as we paused to look, there was Frankie, walking toward us from who knows where. We took him home, 7 lbs of mostly bones, and started feeding him and giving him water and milk. That night and throughout the next morning he had a seizure about every 30 minutes. It was awful, so we took him in desperation to the vet. The vet wanted to do blood tests, but when he saw Frank have a seizure, he started talking about whether we were ready to say "goodbye." I wanted the doctor to give him seizure meds, but he said they take a month to start working. We settled on valium given in pill form for a week to see if we could calm Frank down and help him rest. Jean went to Smith's pharmacy where she found out there is another Frank Stone living in American Fork (no relation to me or Frankie). Frank has responded to the pills by resting and not having any more seizures. Little miracles are the best!

turn, turn, turn

The kid I kicked out of seminary, his parents, and I met on Monday afternoon. The kid had done a complete turn around. He promised to make a positive difference in class--and a day later--he came through on his promise. It was a miracle; a softening of the heart by God and a affirmation of the Atonement.

A teaching first

So, today I kicked one of my students out of seminary. It's a lousy feeling. But it's done. Now I know a little of what a mission president must go through when he sends an elder home. I tell you it is the lowest moment I can remember feeling as a teacher. The offense: refusal to do what the teacher asked X twenty, with attitude. I called his dad and we will be meeting on Monday. Why is it when I try to help someone, that they turn it around so it's my problem instead of theirs? Isn't that why I got out of counseling as a profession? Maybe it is my problem. Age. Lack of funniness. Failure to connect. Lack of patience and charity. I can here him saying to his parents, "he's so mean; everyone hates him; everyone wants to transfer to the other teacher; why is he picking on me, I'm not the only one who talks out of turn; he's so boring." Aging athletes have to face the fact they are not able to keep up any longer. I think it's time to think about a change. Brett Farve went to New York. That was dumb. Just stop when you're not able to throw the long pass anymore and do something else. I sure wish I could talk to Dad right now. He'd probably say "maintain contact" this will pass.

Son and Daughter-in-Law

Here's a big hip hip hurrah for Tina and Brandon. They are the best. Thank you for being such unique and talented individuals. Thanks for your laughter and your quirkiness. Thanks for your deep beliefs and spirituality. Thanks for being such good companions and loving parents. I love you both.

Here we go again

The first week back to school always brings sweetness and a few worries. For me, this time, it's been mostly sweet with some mild worries. The students have been terrific as always. Many new faces and new names must be learned quickly, or my effectiveness wanes. The new challenges are exciting and the good outweighs the negatives. I have, as always, a deep sense of awe for a loving Father who knows how to succor His children. It's in His capable and loving hands. JMNEE, we love you. SMJZA, you too.

Priesthood Blessings

Our dear home teacher, Bob Lee, and I gave Emily a blessing on Sunday morning. She has been quite sick for 3 days with strep and a fever. I was struck by the sacredness of the blessing and the Spirit attending. An amazing feeling of love for Emily swept over me. Family relationships are so amazing. I am so grateful for all of my children, grand children, and of course, Jean.