Friday May 21- Saturday May 22nd was our annual Relief Society Retreat. I had a great time surrounded by wonderful friends (who taught me some new dance moves). However, the lasting memory I will take from this last weekend will be of the lesson I learned of the miracles that surround me daily. Our retreat theme was many might miracles and for the 40 days previous we had been asked to notice miracles that occurred in our lives. Some days it was a real stretch for me (for example: "I didn't strangle any students or teachers today."). But, on the way to the retreat I was taught a powerful lesson that miracles really are in my life daily. We got almost half way up Parley's Canyon and came upon this accident. We sat in the parking lot of traffic for 45 minutes which gave us time to analyze the scene before us. After several phone calls to friends in cars further back, friends already in Midway, and my mother looking for directions to alternate routes we were informed that the accident that lay not even a mile ahead of us had been fatal for one driver. It was then that I fully processed what I had been looking at. My friends and I had missed this accident by only 10 minutes. We were scheduled to leave the church at 6:00 p.m. but we did not pull out of the parking lot until 6:10 p.m. Heavenly Father had been watching over us. Everyone in our group was safe. We could see one car from our ward ahead of us and we knew that the rest were not far behind us. We also knew that the previous groups had departed at 5:30 and we had contacted them and knew they were safe. The gratitude I felt for my Heavenly Father was overwhelming. I love my friends so dearly and I was so grateful that they were all safe. My heart ached, and still does, for the family that had to receive that most terrible phone call that evening. I was reminded that only 3 1/2 years ago I had been part of a family that received a similar phone call. I prayed silently for that family and I still pray for them each day. I believe that sometimes terrible accidents happen, and I don't know if this scene from Friday night was "meant to be," or if it was simply an accident. I suppose I never will know. But, what I do know is that Heavenly Father loves us. He knows there will be accidents while we are on Earth, nothing is perfect, not even the brakes on a truck. And while this may or may not have been planned, Heavenly Father loves each of us and will provide the comfort and strength that family needs. Heavenly Father protected me that evening, and He protected my friends and for that I am grateful.
This year I was once again invited to chaperone a group of our 9th graders to LaCaille. It's always fun to go there and it's even more fun to experience it through the eyes of 14 and 15 year olds who are doing their very best to be on their best behavior. When we arrived this peacock was ready and waiting for us. He had his tail feathers all fanned out and after a bit of begging and pleading he turned around and gave us a show.
Some of my cute students.
I seriously work with some of the most beautiful teenagers on the planet. This cute girl was planning my wedding as we walked around the grounds. I always think it's funny when students do that. I had 3 girls from my very first group of 9th graders 3 years ago who informed me at the end of the year that they were going to be my bridesmaids. The thing all these kids forget... the man.
Here is one of my students with my fellow counselor Julie. Julie is new to Valley this year and she and I have become good friends. I have enjoyed working with her and I am so very excited that she will be able to stay at Valley next year.
This peacock was perched on top of this planter and stayed put and almost completely still throughout most of our meal.
Our table. No, I did not choose to sit with the adults. I love to spend time doing positive things with my students. It was fun to watch them experience this fine dining. I also needed to help keep them somewhat calm, I would like next year's 9th graders to be invited back...
