Those who have gone before

Hi,

This week started with a Memorial Day celebration at a ward picnic at the park. I sang in a quartet of men singing America the Beautiful. I love this country and the beauties that surround us. Even with all of the problems in our government currently, this is still the greatest country and a land blessed above any other land.

Actually the week started with a walk in the cemetery across the street from our condo complex. We walked for an hour, noticing all the pretty flowers and huge monuments build in remembrance of those who have gone on before us. We were amazed at how many huge mosaleums  and grave markers there were. We paused to look at and read several headstones but mostly just enjoyed a peaceful walk hand in hand.

The picnic, music and walk in the cemetery caused me to reflect on the many who have gone before me and who have sacrificed so much so that I could enjoy the life I love. I am grateful for the thousands upon thousands who have served and who are serving today so that I can enjoy the freedoms and blessings of living in the United States. I have reflected on parents, grandparents, in-laws and posterity for generations who sacrificed much so that I could live here and be able to enjoy the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I love my life and realize that I am so blessed.

We decided to take advantage of having a swimming pool right outside our sliding door. Three nights this week we have been jogging and swimming laps in the pool. We do 40 laps jogging and using our arms to help propel us. There have been some sore muscles but we are determined to get into better shape. The aerobic exercise is easier on old joints in the pool.

We also walked through two nature preserves this past week enjoying nature and trying to find places family might enjoy during visits this summer. I miss the tall Douglas Fir of the Northwest but have grown to appreciate the mighty oaks we have here. The wonders of nature have always intrigued me.

I stood in line for over an hour at the city clerk's office this week to secure City of Chicago parking stickers for some cars. I am amazed that this city is on the verge of bankruptcy since they nickel and dime you constantly with fees and taxes. Most freeways here are actually toll roads and every city or village requires their own parking sticker if your vehicle is housed there. But the blessing of standing in line was being able to talk to a guy about the church for about 45 minutes. He saw my name tag and asked, "are you a Mormon missionary?" That lead to a discussion about what we do and what we believe. He is a musician and loves the Tabernacle Choir. He saw them perform in SLC many years ago and couldn't say enough about how much he loves hearing them.

My week ended with the other two senior office Elders rear-ending someone on the freeway as they were coming back from moving some furniture between apartments. They were driving the pick-up truck we are using while we wait for our new one to arrive. The trailer they were pulling was still filled with furniture. I am guessing the damage to the truck will be 4-5 thousand dollars. But no one was seriously hurt. I guess it doesn't matter whether you are 18 or 67, you can still cause an accident creating job security for Elder Taggart. This accident came after 3 hit & runs in parking lots and another rear-ender this week.

Make time this week to pause and enjoy the beauties and wonders of nature wherever you are and reflect on just blessed you are to live where you do and be able to enjoy all that you are blessed with. I love this land I live in and I love the gospel of Jesus Christ that directs and defines my life. May your week be blessed in many ways.

Elder Taggart