Recognize, Remember, and Give Thanks

The First Presidency message this month could not possibly be more timely for us and for our family: "Recognize, Remember, and Give Thanks".  Many of you who read this blog are friends and family and probably already know something about what happened to our son Dave this past Saturday, August 3, 2013.  A day that we will never forget.  I think it might be best if I just put it in his owns words, so the paragraph below is directly from him, typed one finger at a time, from his hospital bed:

"As I lay here in my hospital I'm reflecting again and again on all the wonderful people who continue to bless Heather's and my life.

In case you haven't heard the news, I was involved in a severe mountain biking accident Saturday night at Trailside park near Park City Utah.  I was on my own on a part of the skills course when I decided I wouldn't make it through and tried to bail off the obstacle.  I was high enough off the ground that my front tire stuck, and I slowly but surely went over my handle  bars squarely on to my head.  I was wearing my helmet, but felt that on impact I would lose consciousness.  My next thought was that I would be permanently paralyzed from the neck down.  For several moments my panic was realized when I couldn't feel any part of my body.  Much to my relief and horror I began feeling unbelievable shots of pain shoot out from my neck to other parts of my body.  My new neighbor and new friend immediately called his brothers-in-law to administer a priesthood blessing while we waited for the paramedics to arrive.  I'm convinced that this blessing not only saved my ability to eventually walk again, but continues to be a protection for me during this process.

I can only say that I am completely overwhelmed by the love showed to Heather and me during this time.  As many of you know we've been required before to rely on the good deeds and graces of others with the loss of our precious twins.

By the grace of God I will walk again.  The Dr. said I shouldn't be, but I will.  I'd love to give many details but I'm typing this one finger at a time."

I suppose only a parent reading this will comprehend the tender feelings of our hearts as we read it.  Not only for the incredible preservation of Dave's life, but perhaps even more importantly for the expressions of faith and gratitude that he has shared.  What more could we ask for?  We pondered about the possibility of returning home from our mission to offer Dave and Heather whatever assistance we could, to which he firmly said, "No. You stay on your missions.  I need the blessings."
We know with certainty our family has been blessed because of our small efforts to serve the Lord here in Spain.  In comparison to the blessings received, this effort seems truly insignificant.  We also know there are many, many people who have or are experiencing tragedies far greater than this in their lives who are in every way just as deserving as we and our family are, but who, for reasons known only to God, seem to be called upon to suffer to a much greater degree and who are not granted such a positive immediate outcome.  To them I can only say that my faith and conviction is eventually every good desire and blessing will be granted to each of Heavenly Father's children, either now or in the life to come.  No other conclusion makes any sense.  No other explanation justifies the seeming inequities of this life and any other conclusion would make God a being who plays favorites.  He does not; this I know. 
Following are a few pictures of this event.  The doctors are universal in the opinion that Dave is the luckiest guy alive.  One of them asked Dave to buy him a lotto ticket; he was positive Dave would win with the luck he has.  We know it's more than "luck".

Dave, Heather, Charlotte (in arms), Isaac (r), Drew (c) and Eli (l) last summer.  I would have cropped a shot of Claire and Lily but they haven't sent me any new pictures from Heaven, so you just have to imagine 2 little angels next to Heather

 

At Intermountain Medical Center in Murray prior to surgery in traction with 40 lbs of tension screwed to his head to realign the crushed vertebrae.  Thankfully it worked, which facilitated a successful outcome.