I'm thankful for 911

Weird. Weird. Weird. I hope one day my brain will recover.

I went to the movies tonight with Eliza and my sister, Casey. Never would I have imagined the way my night ended.
We left the theater ten minutes after eleven. We were at the cheap theater and got out of the latest show, so there were only about six cars in the parking lot. The car parked next to us had a few running lights on, so I assumed that someone had used their keyless entry to unlock it from across the lot. However, there was no one walking in the same direction as us.
I walked around to the passenger side of the truck away from the car. Eliza said in a very light-hearted tone, "Do you think that kid's dead?"
(You read it right. This story is going to be crazy!)
What kid? I hadn't seen anyone in the vehicle. I got out of the truck with Casey behind me. There was a young man in the driver's seat slumped over with his head lowered on the passenger's side. We waited a moment thinking that he must just be looking for something. Yet he didn't move at all.
Casey, which coincidentally means Brave, practiced courage as she walked over to the passenger window and starting knocking. She knocked and knocked and knocked. After the fourth or fifth time of knocking without a response, I suggested we call 911.
After a short moment, Casey knocked again. Finally, the kid slowly sat up. He never looked in her direction. He started rubbing his face the whole while she stood in the passenger window. He started nodding as one does when extremely tired.
She knocked again. He sat up slowly again touching his face with his hands. Still he did not look in her direction or notice that Eliza and I were also staring into his vehicle.
Casey walked around to the driver's side. He must've had his window down as she immediately began asking him questions. Again, he wouldn't look at her. That was when I called 911.
Casey asked him over and over again, "Are you waiting for someone? Did you just fall asleep in your car? Are you okay? Do you need help?"
He never looked at her and she said he never enunciated a clear response.
As I spoke with dispatcher, he sat there with an absent look and a lifeless body. Casey finally came around to the passenger side of Eliza's truck.
Shortly after I walked to the back of the truck to get his car make/model and license number, he started revving his engine. I told the dispatcher that if he could get the vehicle in gear, then he would likely start driving.
All the while, I wondered why we didn't have an emergency response vehicle yet on the scene. I pass numerous cops every night. Where were they now when I needed them?
He finally put his car into reverse. He backed up about four feet and then stopped. In the mean time, I had passed the phone to Casey so she could tell the dispatcher if she saw any paraphernalia or smelled anything strange.
As she explained that there was no physical evidence of drug or alcohol use, he managed to put the car in drive. He drove right over the cement curb. He swerved to miss another cement divide and then stopped.
He stayed there for about ten seconds, then he started driving again. He stopped. He stayed there for a moment.
Still there was no police car on scene.
When he started driving toward the light to get onto the main road, Eliza had us pull our doors closed and she started following him.
He very slowly rolled into the main road and turned right. Fortunately, the car in his lane was attentive enough to slow down and move out of the way.
Finally, a police car pulled in behind him. Two other cops were right behind.
We came around the corner to find the car successfully pulled over in a business parking lot. We pulled in as per the request of the dispatcher. An officer came to our window and we explained that we had called in the incident. He had us fill out witness sheets.
It was very evident that this boy was looped out on something. Watching the search process and sobriety tests, it was obvious that he was not coherent. The only way I know how to describe him in the car and standing with the cops is to say that he looked like a zombie or a body without a spirit.
The officer that took our statements didn't give us much detail but told us that prescription medication was found in his car. Likely, he overdosed.
The officer told us thank you a few separate times as this boy could have killed someone tonight had he tried to drive farther.

This leads me to the gratitude section.
I'm thankful for
1. Eliza and her dad's truck. Had we gone to the movies in her tiny car, none of us would have seen the boy. Because Eliza had to climb up into the tall beast, she was able to see right into his car. I'm also glad she said something, even in jest. She explained that she said it that way hoping that it would really be a joke and that he'd sit up and catch her looking in his car.
2. Casey's courage. I hope I would have been able to knock on the window and attempt to talk to the boy like Casey did. Anything could have happened, so it took much courage for Casey to do what she did.
3. 911 and cell phones. I don't know what we would've done had we had to handle this on our own. Also, I'm glad we didn't have to leave the scene to get to a phone. Who knows what would have happened.
4. Nice police officers. The officer who took our statement was so very kind. I know I'm in good hands with kind and knowledgeable officers like him.

Read Eliza's take on the evening.

Six

I'm thankful for
1. My bathroommates. They are so nice and tell me great stories. Last night they were very helpful. They still haven't turned the heaters on at the dorms. My suitemates may or may not have a space heater. The heat from their room kept me warm and toasty all night. This contributed to my great mood this morning.
2. My laptop. I use it all day every day. I can't imagine life without it. It keeps me sane during my ridiculous classes. I find something productive to do while my professors fill the time with meaningless tasks.
It is also so much better for posting than the ancient computer I'm using right now. The letters I type appear on the screen 8 or 9 keystrokes late.
3. Forks. I learned how to use chopsticks tonight. It was a great accomplishment in my life, but I still prefer the efficiency of a fork. I swapped out for my long-time tined friend after six successful bites with the chopsticks.

Five days of blissful gratitude

I'm thankful for
1. Long talks. My friend gave me a ride home from rehearsal tonight. We were talking, so we decided to go for a drive. When we got back to my apartment, our conversation did not cease. We talked for two more hours. We shared awkward dating stories, frustrations, and our testimonies. I love talking, and I love listening.
2. Geekiness. I spent 35 minutes today sorting prefixes, suffixes, and root words so that each magnet board would have the exact same words on them (in the exact same order, although that will change with their first use). I took pleasure in that activity. I also giggled at the possible combinations and can't wait for tomorrow. I'm sure the students will be surprised when I encourage them to not only to create real words but also to invent psuedo words. Defining this new vernacular will be quite enjoyable.
3. Connections. When I went to check out a book at the college library, I knew I still had three books out. I was sure they were probably overdue, but I hadn't realized that they had been due 8 days ago. I owed the library $6. Fortunately, I used to work at the library and the supervisor working has become a dear confidant. We used to swap stories while we worked and will still share when we see each other. She renewed my books and cleared the fines. (I feel like this library story also demonstrates my geekiness.)

Four days of thanksgiving

I'm thankful for
1. Funny memories. My sister and I were reminiscing about the week we spent at our grandfather's house in Mississippi when I was 12 or 13 and she was 10 or 11. We remembered ordering hamburgers no matter where we went out to eat. We remembered going to the hair salon with our step grandmother, Mama Wilma. We remember going to Elvis Presley's birth home in Tupelo. We remember playing outside a lot because the house reeked of cigarette smoke.
Casey remembered that Mama Wilma had long armpit hair. When Casey saw her using aerosol deodorant, she thought it was special hairspray for her pit hair. Hahahahaha! I'm still laughing. (She figured out later what it was.)
2. Voting. I voted. Twice. Okay. Not really. Not really about the twice thing. I did vote. At 7:15 this morning. I had two "I Voted" stickers, so everyone I passed (whether I knew them or not) said, "You voted twice?" Yes, I did. My opinion matters twice as much. My voice is much stronger than yours.
3. Marvelous professors. I monopolized my professor's time after class seeking advice on two particular problems. She listened intently. By conversation's end, she suggested that we write a paper together to submit to a professional journal. How cool would that be? I'll answer. Totally cool. I admire Dr. Petersen so much. She's simply marvelous.

Three days of gratitude

I'm thankful for
1. Ward activities. I just got home from a simple yet very delightful ward Family Home Evening. We had a lovely lesson about making the most of every day. We convened to the kitchen to enjoy a delicious bean dip lovingly prepared by Sister Crosby. Brother Crosby whipped up some amazing smoothies and shakes. The fun moved downstairs for pool, fooseball, Hymns Made Easy, and multiple conversations.
Saturday was one of the coolest ward activities EVER! The Bishopric took a small group of us into a nearby box canyon. We had a wild west shoot out. Okay, that was an exaggeration. What isn't an exaggeration was that I've never seen or fired so many different guns in my life. With a trusty 20 gauge shotgun, I obliterated 5 clay pigeons in a row performing as well as two boys and two members of my bishopric. I fired a .45 that may have killed someone during WWII. With a rifle in hand, I was the only one to hit a target up the mountain. I was going to say how far away it was, but I'm not so good with distances. I love shooting. I've only been five or six times, but I would go every week if I had the chance.
2. Racing. After FHE, two cars of girls challenged each other to a race home. Wynne was driving one car and my roommate was driving the other. I was in the car with Wynne and guided her to the fastest route home. We were the first to arrive in the parking lot, but we almost lost when after we mocked the other girls they tried to sneak up a different staircase. Their giggle gave their plan away and we raced them up the stairs. I was first in my room and ran through the bathroom into their room. I yelled, "Beat ya!" when they opened the door. Then I raced my roommate to the toilet. I won that one, too.
3. The internet. I summon the powers of the internet multiple times a day. For example, this afternoon a resident asked me where she was supposed to vote. Seeing that I'm still registered at my parent's address (having moved a couple times in the last little bit), I wasn't sure. I called on my friend the internet and found the precint maps and polling locations in a snap. Thanks to the internet, I was able to post signs around the dorms reminding everyone to vote. This got me bonus points with my Resident Manager and the Housing Director. Thanks, internet.

Day 2 of Giving Thanks

I'm thankful for
1. Pianos and singing. This morning, I woke up feeling absolutely awful. I think I'm getting sick. I went to Stake Conference although I got there late, because I was dragging. I enjoyed the meeting, but I left still feeling miserable. A girl in my ward asked me to accompany her for a special musical number next week. She and her friend will be playing violas. Her friend drove into town for Stake Conference and requested that we move up our scheduled practice time today so that she would have a ride home. This meant that I had to trudge down to the Institute just after getting home. It wasn't long before playing the piano had lifted my spirit.
A couple hours later, I went to my friend's house. Celia and I practiced the solos we were auditioning for this evening. Still not feeling my best, I almost ditched out on the experience. I didn't think there was any way I'd audition well when I was feeling sick. After a half hour of playing the piano for my friend and taking my turn singing while she played, I was cured. My spirit was lifted and I no longer felt ill anymore. We both auditioned well and hopefully we'll hear tomorrow that we each got one of the solos.
2. Laughter. As if my day hadn't turned enough toward the better, I went to another friend's house after my auditions. Eliza and I watched a television program together. There was a scene in the show that caused Eliza to erupt in a hearty, gut-jiggling laughter. My time spent with Eliza usually involves that kind of laughter.
3. Thunderstorms. Early this morning, I was awaken abruptly by a loud clap of thunder. It was more than a clap. It was definitely an applause of thunder. There were three lightning strikes right in a row that were followed almost instaneously by the rolling thunder. The thunder was almost deafening. Out of concerns for the residents in my tower and curiosity for the storm, I left my room and walked past all the doors of the girls that I assist. The doors to the rooms all open to the outside, so I was right in the middle of the storm. I listened for screaming or crying but found that these girls were very brave or they were speechless. I enjoyed the storm with four guys that had emerged from their rooms from the second level walkway. Unfortunately, the storm passed through town rather quickly. On the bright side, it meant that I went back to sleep rather than admiring the storm for too long. I do love a good thuderstorm.

A month of thanks: Day 1

My friend speaks so highly of his mother and sister that when I chanced upon his sister's blog, I couldn't help but read it. She's absolutely darling. I say that having never met her just knowing from her brother's remarks about her and by reading her delightful posts. She has set a very noble goal for this month. She will be posting three things she's grateful for everyday in November. I aspire to do the same. Thanks, Laura, for the idea. (I won't count that as the first one.)
I am thankful for
1. The gospel of Jesus Christ. The greatest happiness I have experienced has come from the relationship that I have with my Savior. Read my testimony and some of my experiences on my other blog.
Tonight, I had the opportunity go on exchanges with the Sister Missionaries. The appointment I went to with Sister Kula had to be rescheduled, so we spoke briefly with a few others. It was such a joy to share my testimony and knowledge of Jesus Christ with those we visited.
I will be attending Catholic services with a girl from the dorms. She usually goes alone to church making attendance a little less appealing. Her RA was trying to help her find other Catholic students at the dorms to go to church with her. As soon as I heard about this, I went over to her room and offered to go with her. I love to go to church. Attending worship services each Sunday make my week so much better. I'm excited for this opportunity to attend church services with her and to share with each other our love we have for Jesus Christ.
2. Hymns. I love to sing hymns. My favorite part of church meetings is the singing of hymns. I'll admit it; there are times when I don't want to attend church or stay for all my meetings. The only thing that gets me there or entices me to stay is the opportunity to sing the opening and closing hymn.
My sister and I love to play and sing hymns together. I can play and/or sing hymns for hours on end without growing tired or bored.
Last week, I played the piano for my friend to sing a special musical number in her church meeting. She was asked to speak on the importance of music and hymn singing in our church services. After she spoke and sang, the meeting was opened for members of the congregation to come to the pulpit and share a favorite hymn of theirs; after each sharing, we sang the hymn. It was such an amazing meeting.
Recently, I attended a multi-denominational hymn singing/celebration at the Grace Episcopal Church. Four congregations (Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopal, and LDS) were represented with members of their choirs joining together to sing hymns that were unique to their sect. You might even call them their defining hymns. I had intended to sing with the group, but my schedule did not align with their rehearsals. However, attending and listening to these hymns was a very powerful experience. The celebration was called "Ties that Bind" which rightfully suited the evening. The choirs and later the congregation as well sang together. We shared many common beleifs and united in our love for God.
3. Higher Education. Although my classmates hear me say all the time that today is the day that I'm going to drop out, I couldn't be happier. I love to learn. I love to challenge my little brain. Not only has my intellectual self benefited, but my social, spiritual, and emotional well-being has increased ever so rapidly. Every day I feel like a new person. I look forward to professional development after graduation and going to graduate school in a few years.

Marriage between man and a woman is ordained of God

A friend and I were having a discussion yesterday on our way to Kolob Reservoir to go fishing. He and I had been fighting about where to go and if we even wanted to go anymore. He remarked, "When did we get married?" That comment led to another where he expressed that he didn't believe in the institution of marriage. We discussed this almost the entire hour long drive up the mountain.
This morning, I chanced upon an article about Proposition 8 in California. In 2000, the people of California used their voice and their right to vote stating that marriage would only be recognized between a man and a woman. Recently, the California Supreme Court overruled that decision and determined that it was lawful for same sex marriages to be performed and recognized in the state of California. Proposition 8 was written to amend the state constitution to again only recognize the marriage between man and woman as lawful.
ProtectMarriage.com was created as a coalition of numerous religious groups to spread awareness and encourage California voters to say Yes to Proposition 8. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined this coalition and has since created their own website Preserving the Divine Institution of Marriage. The Church does not support or encourage members to side with any candidate or political party. However, when it comes to legislation involving moral decisions, the Church will give its stance.
I was reading an article from the LDS Newsroom that was posted recently. There was a portion of the article that I just texted to this friend. It addressed perfectly one the major arguments he had against marriage. Here is the excerpt.
"Marriage is not primarily a contract between individuals to ratify their affections and provide for mutual obligations. Rather, marriage and family are vital instruments for rearing children and teaching them to become responsible adults. While governments did not invent marriage, throughout the ages governments of all types have recognized and affirmed marriage as an essential institution in preserving social stability and perpetuating life itself. Hence, regardless of whether marriages were performed as a religious rite or a civil ceremony, married couples in almost every culture have been granted special benefits aimed primarily at sustaining their relationship and promoting the environment in which children are reared. A husband and a wife do not receive these benefits to elevate them above any other two people who may share a residence or social tie, but rather in order to preserve, protect, and defend the all-important institutions of marriage and family."
Yes, I sent that much in a text message. It was important enough to share.

In regards to Proposition 8 and homosexual marriage, I do not love any less gay or lesbian couples. However, I do not support their actions. I believe that marriage between man and a woman is ordained of God. I believe in the truths taught in The Family: A Proclamation to the World release in 1995 by the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It says in part, "We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children . . . The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."
In regards to tolerance, the aforementioned article reads, "

Those who favor homosexual marriage contend that “tolerance” demands that they be given the same right to marry as heterosexual couples. But this appeal for “tolerance” advocates a very different meaning and outcome than that word has meant throughout most of American history and a different meaning than is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Savior taught a much higher concept, that of love. “Love thy neighbor,” He admonished. ^[13] Jesus loved the sinner even while decrying the sin, as evidenced in the case of the woman taken in adultery: treating her kindly, but exhorting her to “sin no more.” ^[14] Tolerance as a gospel principle means love and forgiveness of one another, not “tolerating” transgression.

In today’s secular world, the idea of tolerance has come to mean something entirely different. Instead of love, it has come to mean condone – acceptance of wrongful behavior as the price of friendship. Jesus taught that we love and care for one another without condoning transgression. But today’s politically palatable definition insists that unless one accepts the sin he does not tolerate the sinner.

As Elder Dallin H. Oaks has explained,

Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination. ^[15]

The Church does not condone abusive treatment of others and encourages its members to treat all people with respect. However, speaking out against practices with which the Church disagrees on moral grounds – including same-sex marriage – does not constitute abuse or the frequently misused term “hate speech.” We can express genuine love and friendship for the homosexual family member or friend without accepting the practice of homosexuality or any re-definition of marriage."

Below is a video that contains excerpts from a broadcast for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California. It, too, addresses tolerance.


For more information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visit www.lds.org or www.mormon.org.
If you missed the other links in this post, here they are again.
ProtectMarriage--A coalition of religious groups supporting Proposition 8.
PreservingMarriage--The LDS website regarding Proposition 8.
The Family: A Proclamation to the World from the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The recent article quoted as found at the LDS Newsroom.

Front page news

Recently, I planned an activity as Vice President of Dixie Education Student Association. The club presidency wanted to encourage reading by bringing in role models to share their passion for reading with the students. The Dixie State College Athletes joined with us for a previous service activity where we repainted playgrounds at three local schools. I decided to maximize the athletes' desire to help us by arranging for them to visit two other local schools.
A reporter from the Spectrum covered the activity and we made it onto the front page of the newspaper. Read the article. My name isn't mentioned despite the fact that my advisor, Nancy Hauck, repeated over and over to the reporter that I had made the arrangements. I like it better that way. The service is about reading and about the kids. I'm glad that it was such a great success! Many thanks do out to Professor Hauck. She was a great support and was the contact between our club and the athletes.
The athletes I talked to in the hallways seemed to love it. Elmer, a yell leader, even showed off a few stunts and spotted a few third graders through some flips.
Yippee for reading! Yeah for amazing athletes!

Through the years

I chanced upon these great family photos when I was cleaning the attic and couldn't help sharing.

My have the styles changed.



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Be informed

If you missed the Vice Presidential debate last week, watch it below.


If you'd rather read it, click here.

If you need some comic relief, watch SNLs take on the debate.

I'm torn

I was so excited to watch General Conference outside, streaming it on my laptop. It's raining. I love the rain. I'm not sure if I should be excited for disappointed.
I compromised. I opened the window.

Cupid

He hates his job.

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