MOTHER'S WISDOM #3

MOTHER'S WISDOM

By Peggy Page

October 24, 2015

Two months ago today, my firstborn son Jeff experienced the most life-changing accident of his life. The journey for him, his immediate family, his large extensive family, his numerous friends, his LDS Ward family, and many business individuals he has dealt with throughout the years have all been part of "Jeff's Journey." We have gained a greater understanding and appreciation for life in itself and in the constant companionship and spiritual comfort of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We dare not question beyond our own simple understanding; better yet to see the progress Jeff has made in this short time. Many of those have been able to serve Jeff in various ways, from a simple visit to participating in his needs in preparing for his return to his home; and most appreciative are the numerous and fervent prayers and fastings.

The undying love and devotion from Annette, "his super wife," as Jeff refers to her often, is an example to all of us as she learns all the many tasks she will be required to do when Jeff returns home. Their children, Brandi and Zach, Ryan and Julee, Cherie and Blake and their 6 precious grandchildren give their all for their parents for they have been taught well by the example of their father and mother.

The relationship Jeff has developed with his occupational and physical therapists is very impressive. They listen to his needs and suggestions as he listens to them and their knowledge and experiences they have gained in helping others.

I am always impressed from week to week the progress Jeff is making. Compared to those first 12 days in the Denver Health ICU it is a remarkable improvement; so much of which is Jeff's attitude and desire to handle the struggle to go forward. As in everyday life, each day is a different experience for Jeff, many days seem to go forward, other days seem to falter with the many changes his body tries to deal with. His determination is his controlling power, but at times, like most of us experience, the struggles in life can dampen our resolve, as it does for Jeff on occasion.

Where is the wisdom from all this we are experiencing? For myself, Jeff's mom, it has simplified my understanding of life back to the beginning of his life; always pursuing knowledge and understanding of his world, how to live in the world and not be of the world. He gained a great appreciation of nature and of God's creations exploring as much as he could within his duties and obligations to his family, his church and his occupation. Interesting to note that one of the reasons he took to riding bicycles was to maintain his health in balancing the potential harm of working with paint, fibrous dust particles and fumes within his occupational choice of body and paint work. We all know he met that goal and beyond in his 28 years of mountain and street biking and almost 40 years of repairing autos and creating works of art restoring vehicles beyond their original concept.

Jeff's desire to travel beyond the trails led him to become a cruise agent, which he accomplished, giving him many opportunities to see much more of his world and assisting many others to do the same. We have had several experiences cruising the oceans, but our favorites have been the ones arranged by Jeff, especially traveling with our own cruise agent, Jeff. Cruise he will again as well as arranging cruises for others to enjoy our beautiful world.

As the winds of change have come into Jeff and his family's lives the door did not close, it only opened much wider for opportunities to find new direction, new ways in which to serve others, using prior knowledge mixed with new endeavors in the purposes of this life, which are:

SEEKING JOY ∞ MAKING A DIFFERENCE ∞ PASSING THE TEST

May we all remember the Lord's precious promise to those who trust in Him: Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will help strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

Faith Grants Patience ● Diligence Achieves Success ● Time is a Healing Power