At the age of eight my family left the fertile Salt Lake Valley, the Wells relations and the Methodist church to travel to the dry, dusty oil field of Rangely, Colorado. Home of two grocery stores, five bars and no Methodist church! It was not long before my father frequented those bars, one in particular. It was also not long before I was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. When life got dark, mostly due to the choices of my father, I questioned the purpose of life. My world was filled with light and revelation from that still small voice of the Holy Ghost. In very simple form I knew the plan of Salvation and I knew my Savior lives!
Years later when my father came up missing in action I was filled with sorrow and anxiety for the welfare of his soul. My anxieties and fears were calmed by that same still small voice. I realized I did not have to be my father's savior he had one and I knew my Savior lives!
Exactly fifteen years ago my father lay in a bed, at our Sutherland home, passing from this mortal existence to the spirit world. His philosophy was 'ashes to ashes, dust to dust.' No belief in a God, Savior or hereafter. I sat in that room and witnessed the great love the Savior had for this man, even though this man denied His being and I knew my Savior lives!
How grateful I am for that testimony. How grateful I am for my earthly father. Some of his choices caused my roots to sink deep for spiritual water. I will forever be indebted to him and to Him. I am aware that his choices caused him a great deal of guilt. A heavy burden to live with. I forgave him long ago. I hope he is able to forgive himself. And most of all I hope he knows that His Savior lives and loves him dearly!
