Jean's baptism

I thought you'd like to read the account of Jean's baptism from my journal: "Monday, November 24, 1975. Saturday morning has got to be the most wonderful experience of my whole life. I got there early about a half hour and the baptismal fount was full. I found the janitor and he turned off the water and gave me some paper to make a sign. I took it over to the other stake center so nobody would go to the wrong place. It was a very crisp and clear day and the tape wouldn't stick and the sign was holding by one corner when I drove back to the North Stake Center. Jean was there and we talked for a minute. My parents were the first to arrive with Larry, Danni, and the two kids, Matt and Brandon. But many more soon came. Jean's Dad, Clark, Holly Seeholzer and mom, Roger Wilson, Ned Nelson, Bryon Anderson, John and Barbara Bennion, Bill Emmett, Kristy Larsen, Bruce Jensen, Jay Haws, Brad Sorenson, Mike Egan, Diane Galbraith, Sue Brown, and many others.
"The program was Brother Tingey, conducting; opening prayer: Kristy Larsen; talk by Holly Seeholzer, who told about Jean and their experiences in California and about their close friendship. She did such a good job. Then Paul Thurston gave a good talk about taking time for God and how Jean had taken time for God. Then Brother Tingey added some choice remarks about baptism and the Holy Ghost.
"Then Lynn Broadbent and Deb Olsen sang two very special songs: By my Side and God's Love, Pass it On.
"Jean looked so pure and glowing in her white dress the missionaries supplied. We sat together before the baptism. Jean's excitement was pretty evident. Her eyes were bright and a little extra shiny. Tears came a little when the talks were given and the music played. Then we went down into the water and I whispered to Jean and she seemed relaxed.
"The words of the prayer of baptism are so simple--yet so very sacred. Jean went down completely under the water and back up. Those watching chuckled as they would to see a new born babe gasp for new air--the breath of life--Jean was born again by water. I signaled the OK sign to the people after Jean went up out of the water into the dressing room. They chuckled humbly--a prayer of thanks.
"A few minutes passed. We both dressed and I was a little quicker than Jean. She came out and chair was placed in the front of the room. All of Jean's friends that were there joined the circle. I remember President Baird, Roger Wilson, Brad Sorenson, Jay Haws, and others.
"I remembered the words just before placing my hands on Jean's head and my knees shook just a little.
"Jean Marie White, in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood which we hold, we lay our hands upon your head and confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and say unto you--receive the Holy Ghost.
"The prayer that followed mentioned Jean being cheerful and an example to others. I'm sure Jean remembers the words.
"The testimony meeting that followed was the climax. Roger Wilson (my high school coach and friend of Jean and I) started the testimony meeting. He said some nice things about the growth he had seen in both Jean and I. Deb Dance added her sweet testimony and it was nice to have her stand because she and Jean were good friends. She expressed that this was something she had always hoped for. Deb's baby was 12 days old.
"When I stood up and looked around there wasn't a dry eye to be seen. Everyone was so full of love for our sweet friend, Jean Marie White. I found it hard to keep from letting the tears go when I saw Mr. White's strong face show emotions.
"Soon, Jeannie sprung to her feet and bursting with love and excitement, bore the most wonderful testimony I've ever heard. She said, 'I know I'm doing the right things and I know this is the true church.' The meeting ended with Ken Tingey, the man conducting, quoting chapter 4 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Diane Galbraith gave a wonderful closing prayer.
"Everybody stayed around and hugged each other for a while after the baptism. Lare took our picture together. It was such a crisp, cold, clear, beautiful day.
"That afternoon, Jean and I packed a couple of sandwiches and headed for Blacksmith Fork Canyon. We realized that we were meant for each other and we talked about getting married. It was a most sacred and wonderful afternoon. We spent some time by the old family fishing hole.
"I think this was the most wonderful day in both of our lives."

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.