Dear Family and Friends,
Today marks the 173rd anniversary of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. There is a commemoration this afternoon at Carthage. I'll write about that next week but wanted to remember them this day. The prophet did so much for all of us. Without him we would not have the restored blessings that bind us to heaven and the Savior's work would not have been complete. I love the prophet.
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| Joseph & Hyrum Smith Memorial (their final ride together) |
Bob's mom and brother, Rick came to Nauvoo this past week. We wondered just how things would go. Bob is the only member of the church in his family and has often been criticized for it. So...we thought it could possibly be less than positive. The Lord softened their hearts and things could not have gone better. A young sister missionary was one of the first missionaries to talk to Grandma. She praised her for supporting her son on his mission and complimented her for allowing him to join the Church. That's just what she needed. This became Grandma's "handle" for the rest of the visit. She was now a supportive missionary mother. The softening was physically tangible. At each site she told everyone how proud she was of her son. Rick was absolutely like a sponge. He felt that he was a VIP guest and repeated that often to me.
Elder Long was the guide for them on the carriage ride. For those of you who don't what the ride is, it is the horse carriage of about 25 people going through the woods of Nauvoo while the guide tells of ordinary saints doing extraordinary things. Testimony is borne often along the trail. It can be very powerful and their ride was exceptional. Both had tears running down their faces. Grandma told me how proud she was of her son being able to speak with such great composer and power. Of course, we know it was only possible through the Holy Ghost and the true witness of sacred things.
Each part of the trip was marvelous. Rick will be returning again this summer with his wife ReNae (also a non-member). She called on the phone and told me that she couldn't wait to come. Rick's enthusiasm for Nauvoo was contagious. Some of Bob's cousins also will be coming. Missions bless families.
Karen and her family are with us now and we've had a good time. The boys are soaking it all in. I've been surprised what an impact it has on young people. They loved seeing Grandpa and Grandma performing on stage with the other missionaries. They were also excited to be in the Children's parade. Of course Levi has lots of Grandmas and Grandpas to hug. They'll be here another day or so and that is great. Boston says he wants to drive back each month to see us. He loves Nauvoo. I don't think Karen and James loved the drive.
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You are loved,
Elder and Sister Long
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