Bishop Darin Swainston will be released this Sunday after four and a half years as the bishop of the Redrock Single Adult Ward. I am thankful for his profound effect on our sons before and during his tenure as bishop. He has been a kind and faithful stewart, filled with light and hope. One of his most important spiritual gifts is that of optimism. Through that gift, he has blessed me and my family in abundance. Bishop Swainston, I thank you and your dear wife for your dedicated service and for your love.

My appreciation for color increases. I have some patients with so little vision that they can not discern color very well. In the face of cataract or glaucoma, colors are often muted or desaturated. May those of us who can see bright and beautiful color, have a grateful heart for this gift.

Alan recently graduated with honors from Law School. He served on Law Review for 2 years and performed very well in his classes. When it comes to right and left brainedness (can we make that a word?), Alan is one of the most balanced individuals that I have known. His interests and abilities span across many disciplines. I am grateful to be Alan’s father. 

The holiday weekend allowed us to gather as family and friends. I am grateful our boys would travel to be with us. We had a wonderful weekend, including a day of fun on Lake Mead. We were blessed with many other sweet memories as well. Attached is a fun shot of Michael, trying to hang on for dear life.

Memorial Day has a new feeling this year for our family. I did not initially make the connection between this holiday and the passing of our son until Michelle helped me “connect the dots.” At our family gathering yesterday, we shared a few tender thoughts about David. He always understated his talents and abilities. I have been thankful that now, in his current spiritual sphere, he will be free from mortal strife and able to use and develop his gifts more freely. Attached is a copy of one of David’s sketches, this one of Mozart.