Miracles

Dear Family and Friends,

Miracles do happen!!  I received that dreaded call from my sister Sue, telling me that my brother Johnny had experienced a severe heart attack and would probably not survive. Of course, grief set in. After time to ponder, Bob suggested that I call my brother, Richard.  Richard said he wasn’t accepting it. He said he knew there was a miracle in store. That gave us great peace.  Johnny was life-flighted to Utah Valley Hospital in Provo from the Richfield hospital. There it was discovered that it was not a heart attack but that he had choked on an orange. The aspiration of the orange caused pneumonia.  The doctors in Provo questioned how much oxygen deprivation may have occurred. Prayers, fasting, and Priesthood blessings are being answered.  Johnny is responsive, and communicating.  His organs are all functioning properly.  A Miracle!!  He has a ways to go but will be fine. The Lord hears and answers prayers.

With Spring Break in Utah and other places, it has been extremely busy here.  During the first week of April, we had over 1,200 visitors. Some of the visitors were on their way to and from General Conference, so again there were people from all over the world. It’s fascinating to hear their stories and feel their spirits.

We found out Sunday that this will be our last week in Carthage.  We knew it would end but hoped it would last longer. This is such a marvelous, spiritual place to serve and grow together.  We are blessed to have this assignment.  Our testimony of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ is strong.  It is so hard to put into words, but Joseph has become so real. 

This past week, something kind of fun happened.  I had some little boys in one of my tours.  When we were in the Martyrdom room and it was quite solemn, the two little boys were looking out the window.  One of them slugged his brother and yelled “Slug bug”.  I had to giggle, my car is visible from that window.  I think Joseph would have found humor in it.

We know miracles happen.  May we always be grateful and recognize them.

Love,

Sister and Elder Long