Miracles

Yesterday was a neat day.  I experienced a few different things that just reassured that my Heavenly Father loves me.  We have a sister in our ward that has been in the hospital for 3 weeks in and out of a medically induced coma with just about anything that can go wrong.  Our Bishop asked the ward if we could have a ward fast for her.  This lady has a special place in my heart, as I was her visiting teacher for a couple years.  I gladly accepted the challenge to fast for her.  With a prayerful heart (we have been praying for her for weeks, but this was more intent), I fasted all day.  It was hard.  Being at home all day with the kids and not snacking.  I was truly dedicated.  That evening, the ward closed the fast together with a ward prayer.  It was neat to see our ward family come together and kneel to pray for this sweet sister.  I hope that she felt the love from her ward family.  The Spirit in that room was so strong.  We really do live in a neat neighborhood, and our leaders are truly inspired.  

That same day, we learned that Josh's Grandpa Hayes' health was failing, and that this would be one of his last days on Earth.  He has been in failing health for a while, but the nurses were saying that this was really it.  We included him in our fast as well, and prayed that, if it be the Lord's will, that He would take Grandpa Hayes back home.  Those prayers were answered, and Grandpa Hayes passed away that evening.  We are very sad that his earthly life is done, but look forward to seeing him happy and healthy again soon.  We were lucky enough to have been sealed by Grandpa Hayes on our wedding day.  So he holds a very special place in our heart.  This is a picture of Grandma and Grandpa Hayes holding baby Thomas.  

Here is his obituary: 

Lloyd Nelson Hayes died peacefully of natural causes at home in Bountiful, Utah on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, surrounded by his family.  He was born November 10, 1925, in Farmington, Utah, the son of Leland Norman Hayes and Olena Jane Nelson Hayes Devereaux. After the death of his father, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Leslie W. Devereaux, whom he loves.  He married his high school sweetheart, Jessie Dawna Holt, August 18, 1948, in the Salt Lake Temple.  Dad served in the Navy during World War Two and remained deeply patriotic throughout his life. He attended Utah State University, receiving Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He also played football there and was named an all-conference guard in football.  He began his career in education in Firth, Idaho. He was later instrumental in helping tp open Bountiful High School, Millcreek Junior High School, and Woods Cross High School. He was coach, teacher, and administrator during his career.  Dad later became a businessman and land developer.  He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his sweetheart served in many Church callings, including elders quorum president, bishop, and stake high councilor. He was set apart as a sealer by President Spencer W. Kimball and served in that capacity in the Salt Lake, New Zealand, and Bountiful temples. He was also a counselor in the presidencies of the New Zealand and Bountiful temples. They served together in the Church Temple Department for four years in other capacities and at the University of Utah Institute of Religion. He last served as a greeter in the Bountiful 54th Ward.  Dad was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters, as well as two grandchildren.  He is survived by a very grateful and large posterity, including children--Roger and Suzanne Fluhman, Nelson and Shirleen Hayes, Craig and Cauleen Tueller, Gary and Carolee Cox, Wayne and Kathy Metcalfe, Randy and Laura Hayes, Scott and Dawna Lou Hirschi, Tod and Denise Jones, Alan and Robyn Mortensen, and Ron and Cindy Wood. Dad and Mom have sixty-three grandchildren and one hundred twenty three great grandchildren to date.  Lloyd Nelson Hayes loved life and people. His sense of humor and contagious laugh make us anxious to be with him again. Everyone who knows him can attest to his generous heart, fierce loyalty, and deep affection. His unfailing confidence in us and his faith in the Lord empower all who are known to and love him.  The family is grateful for all who helped care for our husband and father during his illness. Special thanks go to the staff of the George Wahlen Veteran’s Administration Home in Ogden, Utah.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the Bountiful 54th Ward, 540 North 1200 East. Friends and family may call Friday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main and Saturday, morning 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Lakeview Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com. This is the other neat thing that happened yesterday.  Kaley had a baseball game.  Her coach doesn't make them wear the helmets when they are up to bat, which scares me.  Kaley and I have been going the rounds about her wearing a helmet.  I felt really strongly last night that she needed to wear one.  So I stuck with it, and "won that battle."  Little did I know why it would be so important that night.  Kaley was the only girl that wore a helmet on her team that night, but she was also the only one that was hit in the head with a ball.  It was her second at bat.  Here's the video.  The "thank you" that you hear from me was just me giving myself a "good job" mom for sticking it out on this one.  Then when I got home, and had time to process, I just sobbed.  I was grateful that I was prepared to listen to the Spirit that day.  I had fasted and prayed all day.  I am so grateful that my Heavenly Father prompted me to make Kaley wear that helmet.  She may have been knocked out, or may not have.  But it still would have been a hard ball to her head.  I feel so blessed.