The 25 Year Miracle

Or should I say the 25 year old Miracle? No because the miracle continues and will continue not only through our earthly lives but into the eternities. I thought that this story may best be reserved for a Grandpa Story, but then again, maybe not. It is a story of faith, dedication and knowing that one's life is in the hands of a greater power. You may ask the significance of this picture of what appears to be just some carpet covered shelves. It is most significant in the lives of every member of our family, even the spouses of our children and our grandchildren.

Do I have your attention yet?

On Sunday September 29, 1985 I was clearing hay on #7. It was a Sunday and we should not have been hauling hay but the family had to go play at Lake Powell and rain was forecast. That was the day that I fell off the hay wagon and also the day I was scheduled to go to Chicago for my second interview with United Airlines. My entire body hurt and I was virtually unable to walk. Yet, I had to get on a plane. I received a blessing and all of these years later I do not remember exactly what I was told, but that is not important, I was administered to. I sat on a bag of ice all the way to Chicago and endeavored to sleep through the anxiety and pain. I remember a wonderful breakfast that I almost threw up because I hurt so bad and also not having collar stays for my fancy new shirt. I was a mess.

We road a bus, yes a school bus, from the Westin Hotel to the United Airlines Training Center. I sat in the back. That was stupid, every bump and pothole shot pain through my entire body. I was sick to my stomach, could barely move, let alone walk and could not think straight and was headed into an intense all day role playing interview.

I walked into the entry and we were instructed to put our luggage onto the shelves you see above. I gingerly bent, squatted, crouched, leaned to place my luggage without anyone noticing my pain, as I went to straighten up, the pain was gone. I could tell I was hurt but my stomach settled down, I could move, my head cleared and I remember feeling strong as I was in the role play scenarios.

The day went well, I was happy, the flight home pleasant and I was met by my wonderful family at the gate. As I bent down to hug James, Heather and Michelle, the pain returned in full force and I nearly could not get up. Mom and the kids had to take my luggage and it was not until Deon returned home that I was able to truly function again. It only took a few adjustments to be back to 100% for which I am grateful.

So, the 25 year miracle, well, it is October 2010 and 25 years have passed since that experience that changed our family's lives forever. That experience that has taken us to new homes and new lands. Made it possible for our children to meet their spouses. Helped us all understand the love our our Heavenly Father and his guiding power in our lives. I never enter that building but what I remember the blessings I received that day and understand that I am, we are, have been, where the Lord intended, expected us to be. I just decided last Friday that I needed to take a picture of those shelves and share this story with my wonderful family because in less than six months, I most likely will not be entering those doors ever again due to the move to new offices and want the picture to help me remember. Love Dad