2011 No burn blaze

I was on stage rehearsing when my phone rang. It generally never rings at either theater because there are dead zones. I don't bother to turn off the ringer since it never gets a signal but in Farmington we had moved up stairs. It was Scott he said "Don't worry about the fire I am headed home". Well- that is a little unnerving. Where is the fire? I had not heard of any fire. I thought of Anthonys wild fires last year. First I thought at least Aunt Sue is dead so she can't burn. Next I thought good thing our out of town guests left today and the next set arrives tomorrow who will need hotels. Then I thought Oh no! Bella is home. All my photos and crafts and books. Next my mom called to say my cousins had received a evacuation call to be ready to move out. I wanted to be home and make sure all was well and Bella was safe along with a few dozen albums. But we are very lucky to have good weather conditions, great firefighters and experts who had the blaze 100 % contained within 24 hours of out break. The view once I hit the freeway home was impressive. There was a huge oval burning on all sides miles long. It got with in 100s of yards of homes but not one was damaged. No life was lost nor any photos or kitties:) I am really grateful to public servants who are true heroes like firemen and teachers- very unsung underpaid adn much appreciated by me:)

Some days are Good and others are better

Yesterday we attended the funeral of one of our friends moms. It was a very nice service focused on the Savior and this amazing woman who gave her whole life to loving others. She had a masters in special education, she took being a mom very seriously and has these awesome kids. 3 of them are under the age 15 and have downs, 2 are also autistic. I am in awe of her. On several occasions when I had the blessing of being around her I was stunned at her grace, compassion, and intelligence. She was so forgiving and never had a hard time expressing herself. I never knew her healthy. She had been suffering from brain tumors and had outlived any dreaded dates the doctors had given her. Her daughter in law loved her, her friends admired her and she was simple woman with an amazing faith and a great sense of hope. I pray for her hubby who is faced with raising these children who will never leave home, all by himself. I was thinking about how I know she is OK, I know she will live again, I know she will one day be with her family again, but I cry because of the loneliness of the ones left behind for now. That is the part of death I don't like, the miss them for now part. Our friend Karson gave a beautiful talk testifying about how death is part of the plan of life and I know it was true what he said yet I still feel sad about the loss. One of her new friends said she loved learning from her that somedays are good and others are better. What an awesome lady she was, I got to be with her a few years back on my birthday and it was inspiring to see all that is possible with the human heart when you turn yourself over to God.

Would love to see more like this

My friend Hope sent this article from the Boston Herald, I enjoyed it.
Faith, flight plan guide JetBlue boss: Other CEOs need his humility
By Jeff Benedict
Monday, March 5, 2007
JetBlue Airways recently made headlines after the worst operations breakdown in its seven-year history led to more than 1,000 canceled flights. There’s been just as much good news about the way chief executive David Neeleman responded to the crisis - by bending over backward to admit failure, accept responsibility, apologize and compensate customers for their inconvenience.
Everyone from public relations experts to aviation analysts is praising Neeleman for doing things that are largely unheard of in corporate America.
While many chief executives would have ducked for cover or dispatched a spokesman, Neeleman appeared on David Letterman’s show and said, “I’m not making excuses. We made a mistake. We put our crew members and our customers through hell, and we have solutions for this.”
The next morning he appeared on national news shows, apologized profusely and unveiled a Customer Bill of Rights guaranteeing compensation to passengers whose flights were canceled. He admitted being “mortified and humiliated.”
Humility doesn’t come easy to chief executives, as we know from recent corporate scandals. This is where Neeleman’s Mormon faith comes into play.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expects its members to serve in lay ministry positions typically held by paid clergy. There’s no exception for chief executives. Neeleman spends 10 to 15 hours per week working directly with individuals who have made mistakes and are seeking redemption. That experience gives him a feel for what it’s like to be on the wrong side of trouble.
The result is a chief executive who doesn’t let pride prevent him from publicly admitting mistakes and asking forgiveness. It also explains his habit of frequently serving as a flight attendant or a baggage handler for his company’s flights.
Neeleman is one of a handful of Mormons who have reached the pinnacle of the business world, and all behave much differently from the average chief executive. Two years ago I began interviewing him and several others who share his faith for a book about how their religion influences their approach to business.
Like the others, Neeleman has benefited from good parents, a strong work ethic, honesty, smarts and timing. But those qualities aren’t unique to Mormons. What is unique, besides lay ministry, is that Mormon men are expected at age 19 to spend two years in a full-time unpaid service mission.
Neeleman spent his mission in the slums of Brazil, where he learned to speak Portuguese. He also learned what it feels like to serve people who are less fortunate. This was a key influence on Neeleman’s decision to create JetBlue [JBLU] on the premise of making customers king.
Another important aspect of Mormonism is tithing, a commandment that requires church members to give up 10 percent of gross earnings. This is a great insulator against greed, which has been the downfall of executives at Tyco, Enron, WorldCom and other companies.
Tithing also conditions people to be driven by things besides wealth. So it was a simple reflex for Neeleman to make his Customer Bill of Rights retroactive to cover all passengers inconvenienced in last month’s storm - a decision that cost his company approximately $30 million.
JetBlue [JBLU] is led by a guy, conditioned by Mormonism, who isn’t driven by money. Just look at his salary: He earns $200,000 annually. It gets more unusual. Neeleman donates his entire salary to a catastrophic fund that’s been set up for JetBlue workers who fall on hard times. Not every board chairman can afford this level of charity, but giving up any income to fund an employee benefit is virtually unheard of in a world where most chief executives make many times Neeleman’s salary.
It may be unreasonable to expect a chief executive who isn’t spending many hours a week ministering to act this selflessly. But anyone can ask the question that Neeleman asked himself when this crisis struck: What is the right thing to do?

Heroes- Kermit

Marlene just recommended a funny book she is reading. http://www.amazon.com/Before-You-Leap-Greatest-Lessons/dp/0696232324

It made me think about how much I loved Jim Henson. I was in the hospital when he died. I was very sad. I love Fraggle Rock, The Muppets, Sesame Street and I even liked the Dark Crystal. But at the top of the list is Kermit, with Piggy a close second. Kermit is a frog for all men. Everyone can relate to his down to earth, friendly, optimistic nature. He is featured on one of the Pass It On Billboards. http://www.forbetterlife.org/ One of things I admire is his ability to dream with his feet or flippers firmly on the ground. He doesn't listen to convention or buy into things having to look a certain way. He is resourceful and good old fashioned family oriented, and his "family" is mostly friends. Kermit is a leader that others love to follow. He really cares and finds the silver lining through songs like "It's not Easy Being Green". I'm excited to find this book and read it.

The Yellow Shirt- Heroes

I love to be happy and cheerful. That doesn't mean I am always happy and cheerful. But I do believe that it is a choice. Have you ever had a bad day and smiled? Try it out, it is amazing how it can change your whole day. I know God intends for all of us to be happy. The thing I would really love is to feel that wave of joy not only at times of contrast. I mean when I hear of someone suffering I always immediately pray for them and also thank the Lord it is not me. I think that seems very little of me. I do have spontaneous bouts of pure joy and thanksgiving without hearing of a misfortune. But I'm also very often grateful after hearing what might have been. The whole contrast in life if vital. I would love it if it were not so and we could still progress. I love to surround myself with examples of the glass half fullers. One of my favorites is Marlene or Marilyn or Charlene- and the most recent example I can give you is the Yellow Shirt.

Marlene- will now be wearing a yellow shirt, with a neck tie and several badges. She has accepted the calling of cub scout leader. The boys will be very lucky to have her. I would be terrified, I know nothing about scouting except that Scott and Anth did not like it. Marlene just has an amazing attitude. She is genuinely excited. Even if she was for a brief time scared or sad (to lose her last calling) she didn't give into it. She proudly wears her shirt. In fact she is not the first to wear the badged shirt. It was first her mothers from many years ago. Her mom keep it safe for over 15 years. Who know perhaps Marlene will pass the yellow on to one of her daughters one day (it will still be the same style the problem will be that she always throws everything away- ahe keeps a very clean house). Think of the difference she can make with these boys. It is a wonderful program shaping our future leaders. She is really a hero to me because she loves motherhood and being a wife too. She is really amazing and although I chuckle as I type this I really do admire her and love her example of faith. My laughter comes from the shirt. But i am pround fo my best friend and her Yellow Shirt.

To fly or not to fly... thats the big question

I use to fly several times each month. I racked up ff miles. Then I just quit. It terrified me. I think I am doing better now. I think I will be flying again soon. It has had a huge impact on my life, marriage, business and family... my fear of flying. Scott has been so sad to not have me with him. He still goes all over but he says he is unhappy when I am not with him. I miss him too. My idea to just stay home does not sit well with him. He is a go out and about often type of person. Many of the place we need to be are far away. Not very practical to drive. I have got to conqure this. Many of my heros fly often... Mister Rogers, Pres. Hinckley, Sheri Dew. I used to get on a plane and think nothing of it. I heard something interesting at LaNea baby shower. She was telling me how when she flew in the person sitting next to her had BO. The other person smelled like baby spit up and stale food. I had never thought about how yucky it must be to be stuck on a plane with no clean air to sniff. The odors must be awful. Plus no wonder you get sick with no clean air to sniff. For hours you are stuck in a smelly germ trap. My cousin the pilot was bragging about going his personal fastest speed 725 miles per hour. They had 125 mile tail winds pushing them. That is like a tornado. It would rip your socks off. I have been working very hard on my fears of death. I think that and the trapped no control factors are my biggies. Well I also do not love heights. DO you know how high a plane gets? 35,000 feet. I try to remind myself that I am currently on the earth hurling through space at enormous speeds while turning ad I seem fine with that. It really comes down to trust. and Faith. If I know who God is and who I am and that he is aware of me... what is there to fear? Well it is not the being dead, it is the becoming dead. Will it hurt to die? Will it be a blackness and then I wake up in light and beauty? I am tending to go with this theory. My soul is eternal it will never die- that was a free gift from Christ. SO only my body will be temporarily dead and my spirit will keep going. There won't be a pause it will be seamless. I won't be disoriented like after me car crash. I will simply be separated for a time from my body. So the falling from the sky crashing should not alarm me. Especially if I am with Scott, who better to die with? The only concern I'd have then is who will care for my babies? Aunt Sue and Mungo? They are both helpless and that will never change. It is not like one day Aunt Sue will be all better and able to care for herself, or Mungo will learn English ad go get a real job. They will both need to have constant caring until they die and join us. SO which of you want to take them?

Won't you be my neighbor?

I grew up in the neighborhood of make believe. I loved Mister Rogers. Several years ago Scott asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I knew exactly what I wanted. I wanted to send a letter to the real Mister Rogers and I wanted him to hold it in his hands and read it personally. Scott tried to say but don't you want something else? Nope that is what I wanted. So he told me to write it and he promised Mister Rogers would get my letter. I trusted Scott. He spent a long time tracking down where to send it and even talked to Mister Rogers assistant by telephone. She assured Scott that she would personally make sure my birthday request was granted and Mister Rogers would get my letter. She wanted to know if I would like a signed photo from him or anything like that... Nope he told her all I wanted was for Mister Rogers to hold and read the letter.

December 2, 2002

Dear Mister Rogers,

When my husband asked me what I would like for my birthday, I asked if I could write a letter to you. I just turned 28. I always think back to my childhood and reflect on my many blessing this time of year.

You are at the top of the list. I am sure that you must feel the love and admiration of thousands of people. My Mom said I never missed your show. I felt I was the only one in the whole world the show was for. I would talk to you and I knew you were talking directly to me.

Sometimes I will break into one of your songs. Can you believe I remember every word? What a gift you give to children and adults showing them their importance and addressing fears. Your work on death made a huge difference in my life. It would be hard to pinpoint my favorite Neighborhood memory. I loved every visit.

Thank you for living up to the light inside you. I am sure there were hard times and I am glad you never gave up on your dreams so that others had hope. During my challenges in my youth, I was very fortunate to have your love and support.

Thank you for being my special television neighbor and I promise I attempt to follow your lead and share the wonder of life with people I meet. I am happy your family was willing to share your gentle spirit with the world.

May the light of the Savior warm your season. I pray you are able to spend time with loved ones making memories to last forever. THANKS FOR BEING YOU!!!

Lovies,

Missy Riffle

I had a happy birthday just thinking that it was possible he would get my letter. We went to Disneyworld for our annual trip the first two weeks of December. We had a wonderful time. Except for the fact my mom fell off the train in the Magic Kingdom, this cut the trip short. So we went back again in Feb. 2003. When we got home, and Scott brought in the mail I could hardly believe my eyes!!! There was an envelop with a little trolley on it. It was addressed to me. It was a letter from Mister Rogers.

December, 2002


Missy Riffle
737 West Jefferson Lane
Sandy, UT 84070

Dear Missy,

It meant a great deal to me that our Neighborhood was in
your thoughts at the time of your birthday and that you
wanted to be in touch. It was a pleasure to hear from you
and to get to know you from all that you shared with me in
your lovely letter.

Thank you for your kind words about the special meaning our
Neighborhood program had for you when you were growing up.
I’m pleased that you enjoyed our television visits, and I’m
grateful that you continue to feel such a warm connection
with our messages and our music. At the same time, I hope
you can appreciate all the inner strengths you’ve brought to
our program over the years -- strengths that helped you hear
our positive messages and use them in such healthy ways in
your own life.

Missy, I wondered if you knew that I am an ordained
Presbyterian minister with a special charge of serving
children and families through television? While we decided
not to consider specifically religious material on our
program because we value the varying beliefs of all our
viewers, it’s especially heartwarming to hear from neighbors
like you who tell us they hear God’s love and peace in our
work.

Your caring blessings and your warm holiday wishes for me
and my family were greatly appreciated. Please give your
husband my kindest regards. I hope the holidays will be a
good time for you and Scott, and I wish you deep peace and
joy -- given and received -- at Christmastime and in the
coming new year.

Sincerely,
Fred Rogers

That letter warmed my heart I was soooo happy to have it with his handwritten personal response. A few months later because our Dec. trip was cut short from the fall we headed back to Disenyworld. While we were walking around MGM we saw a large crowd gathered. They were mainly adults and they were all crying. There is a garden there where they have tributes to people who have made a difference in the lifes of children. It has Walt Disney, Jim Henson, Mister Rogers, and Captian Kangaroo. The one of Fred Rogers was all covered in flowers and notes. You see he had died that day after a battle with stomach cancer. I was unbelievably sad. I went back to our room and just cried my little eyes out. Anth and Scott tried to cheer me up, I was beyond cheering up. Anth reminded me about the letter and that he had gat it weks before passing away and what a nice comfort it must have been for hima dn his family to be reminded of the difference he had made. I'm grateful for husbands who grant our requests, and brothers who lift us up, and a man who lived iwth integrity and shared Gods love!

Lynda fund raising

My mom in law Lynda is a Christlike woman. She is always giving to charity and everyone else. She has a huge giving compassionate heart. This year she raised money for March of Dimes, among other causes. She not only gives money but the most precious gift... time. The gift of herself. I'm proud to be a part of her life. She is hope and joy. Lynda is always happy and optimistic. Lynda always looks polished and is graceful. She is smart as a whip and down to earth. I wish she lived closer. We talk all the time by phone but it is not the same. She is also humble, yet I sometime wonder if she sees her greatness. Maybe that is part of what makes her so great. People always speak so highly of her, I'm always proud to say I'm her daughter-in-law. She is admired and respected and truly loved my hundreds. She is a champion.