The Plane

The year Laura was born had some real highs and lows. The highest, of course, was the coming of Laura. This was a miracle. 14 1/2 years since Mary and 16 years of marriage. The story of Hannah and Samuel has special meaning to me. We had prayed many times for a child but had given up. It was left it in the Lords’ hands.

Before we knew she was coming, and a year before that, I had been called as a bishop. A new ward, every calling had to be filled. This was with the Tithing Hill Ward; I was first bishop of that ward, and 19 months later I was asked to organize the new Quail Ridge Ward. I was busy. On top of this I was the production manager for Laarhoven Design.

Robert Laarhoven of Atlanta, Georgia, had bought this company here in Salt Lake and was planning to move it back to Georgia. I was offered the job there. I had made a couple trips to Atlanta, a very nice place, nice people, and even a nice pay raise. Cheryl, Mary and I even went to look at house there. They did not like it much, but would go if I insisted. Even with lots of prayer, I was left to make this decision myself. No beams of light, no little voices, just what do I do? Of course I prayed. If we stayed I would need to find a new job. If we went I would serve somewhere else and would be thousands of miles from any family.

I decided to stay. A few months later Cheryl was pregnant. I needed to find work, the church calling was taking more time and I was a little more than lost. I worked as a nurseryman, a sign maker, a purchasing agent, an electrician’s helper, and a part time postal carrier. For almost three years I did not know what to do or if I had made one big mistake. This state of confusion, trials, and unrest was not without blessings: Laura (5lb 2 oz), good health, lots of friends and sense that God was mindful of me. Looking back now, 13 years plus, this was a dark period.


One night, late and somewhere in winter, I needed to get out of the house and go for a walk. Walking, hiking and driving have all been therapeutic for me. My head was down; I remember the place on the sidewalk but not the day or the trouble. “Look up”. It was as clear as if my father were standing right next to me. “Look up!”. Alone, I stopped and stared up. Nothing, not even stars. I stood staring straight up until a plane came into view below the clouds. I live under the flight path to the airport. I can’t remember if I’ve ever looked up and not seen a plane. I could not tell what airline it was in the dark, so I contacted them all. I even contacted the airport, nothing.

It wasn't the plane it was heaven. It wasn't the altitude it was the attitude. It was like the spires on a church or stars in the sky, something to get your directions from.

Thing are a lot better now. I still see that spot on the side walk and think of the voice. Mary is off and having kids of her own. Cheryl and I will be married 30 years next spring. Laura is 13 and acting her age. And I have a dog to walk with.

Things are looking up.