Couldn't Have Said it Better Myself

Tonight mom shared this letter she and dad received from Jay and Jane Monson regarding dad's declining health and subsequent resignation from the board of  the Cache Valley Center for the Arts (CVCA).   I think all of the family would enjoy reading it.  I know there are many, many, many in this community that feel the same about mom and dad:
___________________________

September 10, 2010

Dear John and Norda,

I was sad last night at the CVCA Board meeting to hear of your resignation.  You are an icon, John, a role model, and exemplar of so much that is good, wholesome, and wonderful here in our community and valley.  You and Norda have long been 'our ideals' for Jane and I and we say that most sincerely and from our hearts.

Life is full of changes and filled with much joy, considerable sadness, and major challenges.  We've long ago stopped wondering "why" trials and tribulations come, or even "when" they come, but come they do.  We just know that the best way for us, and most everyone we know, is to meet life in general with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and doing our best to keep His commandments.  When we choose to follow the Savior, we can expect some suffering, some loneliness and some injustice.  Perhaps you already know this quote, but it seems appropriate, and timely and for us it has oft been comforting to remember the words of Elder Orson F. Whitney; "No pain we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility.  All that we suffer and all we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our character, purifies our heart, expands our soul, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God.  It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation that we gain the education that we came here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father in Heaven."

You are a very special person, John, one who has given so much to others, particularly the hundreds of patients you've helped through the years, and countless others avenues of public and church service.  What a great example you are of making lives better for others.  Heavenly Father is aware of all this and much more.  He loves you and through His gospel, I wish you peace and assurance.

We know that through faith in God and the teachings of Jesus Christ, there is light at the end of the tunnel, hope where hope has ceased to exist, and Eternal Rewards, which we cannot fathom.  Heavenly Father loves you John and your Eternal companion, Norda.  We can't think of one without the other.

With love and great admiration,

Jay and Jane