From Dad August 2, 2015

August 2, 2015

Re: Letter 35 of 3

Dear Riley:

By now you’ve heard that Grandpa K passed away 11:15 PM last Friday. I was grateful that we were able to spend several hours with him last Sunday saying good bye. He was smiling, very loving, and surrounded by those who love him. We gathered around his bed and sang from his list of favorite hymns until our voices gave out. Every time we asked if he wanted us to stop, he would tell us “No”. It was a wonderful spirit which filled the room and permeated the days leading up to his passing. He was lucid and aware of what was going on until Thursday. Josie was so tender with him and spent a good deal of time by his bed, holding his hand, giving him hugs and kisses, talking about dying, patting his cheek and wiping his tears away. It was adorable to watch. Josie would announce that she needed to go over and spend some time with Grandpa because she was “his sunshine”. He left behind a wonderful legacy of faith, testimony, and posterity. An interesting thing to note was the fact that he passed on the anniversary of Grandma K’s death 24 years ago. 

So, now we have a funeral on Saturday in California. We’ll be leaving on Friday and are still working out the logistics of weaving our family vacation into the trip...Still not sure what we’re going to be doing, but pretty sure we’ll be spending some time on the beach or at the tide pools. Mom’s a little apprehensive about the van’s ability to get us there without giving out. I’m more optimistic than she is, but even if I’m wrong....the contrast of events is what gets seared into our memories and is often the source of laughter in later years once the drama and inconvenience has passed. So far the van hasn’t given me any reason to doubt its ability to transport us to our destination and back. We’ll see... At very least, it might provide an opportunity for one of our weekly family pictures. 

Business has been quite busy, but very rewarding. We’ve made some progress on the final installation of the larger pieces of equipment. (ie. reactors, heating and cooling loops, double cone dryer...) Every once in awhile I start to feel that perhaps we are close to capacity so far as our ability to do more with the current level of employees. It was good to have Parker there and helping out for a time. He’s now staying home to work on AP chemistry, so we miss him. 

We had a good Sacrament meeting today and enjoyed some fine testimonies. The spirit was strong and I continually find myself amazed that anyone can dismiss the gospel or its fruits outright. It certainly continues to bring peace, stability, and blessings into my life and I haven’t seen anything yet to compare with it as an environment in which to raise a family. At any rate, we’ve got wonderful faithful members who strengthen me with their testimonies and consecrated service.

There’s a recent development with the Boy Scouts of America which could well lead to a significant decline in its membership and funding. The National Board of Directors voted to allow openly gay individuals to serve as Scout Leaders. A short while ago they allowed Gays in administrative positions, which ultimately resulted in this influence being carried through to the Board of Directors. When they made this move with the Boy Scouts of Canada a number of years ago, the membership dropped by 50% within five years. The Church came out with a statement that they’re reconsidering their affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America and will have a decision on this by the end of August. Personally I feel that once the values of the organization no longer align with those of the Young Men’s organization of the Church, it’s time to part ways. This would have a devastating impact on the organization as a whole, as the Church is the single largest entity supporting the Boy Scouts of America in funding, membership, and volunteerism.

WOW! I expected this would be coming down the road, but everything in society is diverging at such an alarming pace. I’m of the opinion that the Church already has a program ready to replace Boy Scouts and they will do it better, more economically, and without sending confusing messages about the values we hold dear and those modeled by the leadership. The very fact the Church has stated that they’re reconsidering their affiliation has created considerable anger in some circles. Uncle John Parish responded to one individual who questioned why the Church was all of the sudden so intolerant, exclusive, and mean spirited as to even consider withdrawing its support on account of this decision with the following analogy. Such questions are similar to that of the parachutist who jumps from a plane, rolls over and asks...”why is the airplane suddenly diverting upward so radically?” The Church’s position and direction has not changed. Nor should it! We live in a crazy messed up world and it’s only by holding fast to the rod that we’ll be able to withstand every wind of doctrine that blows our way.

Time to wrap things up. We’re headed over to the C for dessert in a little bit. Take care and keep working hard. We love hearing from you and seeing the pictures from where you are serving.

Love,

Dad