Family

5/21/11 10pm
Those who receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, possess a comprehensive understanding of the emphasis placed on the family. The dictionary loosely describes the family in two ways;

a. a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not: the traditional family.
b. a social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the children they care for: a single-parent family.

Defined within the parameters of the Plan of Salvation, basically, the family unit, and the ward family. During Heather's surgery and recovery, both have been exceptional and absolutely essential. Our lives and well being have been sustained greatly by the love and charity of close family and friends. I understand and value the importance of the mother. However, long before the surgery the realization occurred; my best efforts in nurturing, support, and care for the children would not begin to approach the quality and efficiency maintained by Heather even in a debilitated state. The acceptance that your children will be negatively impacted in some way by the experience is painful. The focus promptly transitions to limiting such an impact. As posted previously, legions were organized and assembled to assist my family during a time of weakness and need. Priesthood blessings, visits from church leadership, offers to watch our children, and especially the nightly dinner meals are greatly appreciated and ensure our needs are met.

Thank you to the ward family for the love, consideration, and assistance. We have witnessed the Elders Quorum, Relief Society, and other groups at their finest. Excellent people and remarkable organizations to whom we are very grateful.

Thank you friends and extended family for your concern and prayers. The support and spirit certainly continue to be felt.

Lastly, thank you Martha McMullin (Heather's mother-in law) and Kathi Scott (Heather's mother) for managing and coordinating everything at home. Your kindness and efforts provided me the opportunity to accompany Heather in the hospital during the surgery and in-patient recovery; when she needed me most. I love you both and could not have attended to Heather appropriately without you.