Always, Forever and ... No Matter What!

As my signoff on every birthday and Christmas card, letter and email to any and all of my family members – and even in communications with a few close friends – I leave with the same message, “I love you always, forever and no matter what!” Most days, I honestly mean it.  But, there are those days when I’m not being absolutely honest because of those times when I am disappointed and can’t understand an action or a choice made by those I profess to love unconditionally.

My promise to love “always and forever” isn’t hard because “always” and “forever” are pretty ambiguous terms; and, gosh isn’t “always” and “forever” eons from now anyway?  It’s the “no matter what” over which I sometimes struggle.  For instance, would I still love them if they came home with all F’s on their report card?  Totaled my cute little convertible Lexus? Robbed a bank?  Voted Democrat? Abandoned their family?  Pimped or dealt drugs.  Murdered someone in a fit of rage resulting in life imprisonment?  

 

Thankfully, none of these scenarios apply – well, I guess its fair to say at least one of them does – but it makes me wonder if, in some of these more heinous examples I could – and would - still love them “always, forever and no matter what.”

 

But, as one of my beautiful daughters has pointed out more than once, I’m not perfect either.  I have flaws, shortcomings, and have made more than a few really dumb decisions in my lifetime, some which have brought pain to friends and family members. Yet there is Someone who knows I’m imperfect, but continues to pour out blessings on me as proof I am still His beloved daughter - even when He and I both know, I don’t deserve it!  And, He has never hesitated or stumbled on the “no matter what!” though I’m pretty sure He has been disappointed in me, more than a time or two.

 

So, my precious family, I want you to know I am committed to following my Savior’s example and while it sometimes might take a minute or two to sort out my feelings in an effort to understand your choices, I will love all of you always, forever … and unconditionally “no matter what!”

Simeon and Stephanie welcome Sydney Grace Lovell

Sydney Grace Lovell, firstborn child of Simeon and Stephanie Lovell, came into the world at 9:19 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2020 weighing in at 8 lbs. 7 oz.  She went home to a basement apartment at 865 E. 1400 North in Mapleton, UT.

Stephanie had hoped to have natural childbirth but the duration of her labor made it necessary for her to have an epidural.  Sydney's grandmother Shipley came from Oregon for two weeks so her mommy and daddy could take an occasional nap.

Sydney joins her cousin 9-month-old Ayah Fay Lovell, daughter of Simeon's twin brother Selwin and his wife Brianna.

Welcome to the family, Sydney - newly arrived from heaven.

Call me Governor Mom!

You can now call me Governor Mom!

On June 26, 2020, Linda Sappington - aka Mom or Best Grandma Ever (BGE) was inducted / installed / “crowned” Governor of Utah Rotary District 5420.  My biggest concern, during my year as Governor-nominee as well as in my year as Governor-elect, was whether I had anything to offer the 45 Rotary clubs in my district. 

 

But when the moment came, I felt the mantle fall on my shoulders and in my first two weeks as DG, there has already been some really magical moments, including how quickly this year is going by.  As of this writing I am nearly two months into my year.

In this 1-year assignment during RY2020-21, I will meet (by Zoom or in-person) with 45 clubs around the district, develop some “bigger, better, bolder service projects which change lives”; answer hundreds of “what’s Rotary” questions from those outside of our amazing organization as well as some of our longtime members; and, do a fair amount of problem solving on the district level and for struggling clubs.  

In short, it is shaping up to be a fulltime job until June 30, 2021 - but certainly it will be the most unique year ever due to the COVID pandemic!  At the end of my year, I will write my DG history and post it to my blog.  I hope it will be a rich history – despite the coronavirus – filled with amazing and fun experiences.  I could not understand how I had ended up in this position … but since I’m here now I am excited to see what difference I can make in my district and the world!

Some (unedited) comments by friends and fellow Rotarians:

*    I left last night feeling real pride in being a Rotarian and what Rotary means.  I was also awed by how you stepped up to and into the role of District Governor last night.  You are going to have a great year!   (Art Haines)

*    Governor Sappington, I very much enjoyed your presentation last night and the goals you have set for us.  In the past, you have set high standards for us and have been an example of what a good Rotarian should be.  That now continues.  Thank you!  And, congratulations!  (Tom Powell)

*    Linda, My Dear Long Time Friend,  We worry not! And to you I say, “Fret not.” We could not be better off for our incoming Gov. Your tremendous talents and abilities are proven and solid. Your dedication and commitment are unsurpassed. Your long list of Governors you have served and the years of District service you have given places you at the top of the list and will hold you in good stead. You know how to navigate the waters of public and human relations and your love of and for Rotary are well established. You will not fail. Moreover, you will handle everything that requires your time and talents with utmost respect and dignity, and you will show the rest of us how to adapt to new and different ways to lead and to serve. We are behind you all the way.  Welcome, fellow leader!   (Jim Coleman)

*    Linda, this is the BEST DG presentation I have ever seen in my 14 years as a Rotarian. I like that you personalized it. Excited about the District projects.


*    Thank you, DG Linda.  Your presentation was perfect. You are an awesome person and a godsend as Utah's District Governor.  Thank you for all you do!   (Eugene Hotinger, CCRC)

*    You were fantastic, thanks!     (Pearl Wright, District PI Chair)

*    You have trained us with more Rotary information than ever before in the history of our district."  (Kristi Guest, Area 7 Assistant Governor)

*    Yeah!!!! About time the district made this change! We have grappled with this for years and are so frustrated with those few who made it hard for the rest of us!  Way to go, Madam DG!   (Tere Moore, Brigham City Rotary Past President

Kris Starts Over in Ohio

Kris Sappington Schnabel has made a bold move.  

In order to cut Erin's tuition at Ohio State University from $40,000 to something a little more reasonable, our 3rd daughter sorted, tossed, sold and finally packed up all her earthly belongings and drove - all by herself - from Sonoma, CA where she has lived for at least 18 years to Columbus, OH where she doesn't know a soul. But in the age of COVID, Kris had a 5-minute conversation with her boss - where she works as a mortgage underwriter, telling her of her plans to relocate to which the boss said, "OK, as long as you're not telling me you're quitting!"  It seems there are now options for working at home - certainly due to the coronavirus - like never before.

Our adventuresome daughter tells us the drive through 5 states was wonderful and beautiful.  It is much more humid - probably due in part to those pesky Great Lakes - but she is impressed with Columbus, a town she describes as a lovely place.

Will she stay there forever or return to CA or UT?  Its anyone's guess at this point.  When Erin graduates - in about 4 years - our Kris-e-ola will likely make a decision, but it could go either way or anyway.

It's hard to think of her so far away but if anyone can make it in a brand new community, its our beautiful Kris!!!  

Denver Sappington's Return Home to St. George

It has been 25 years since our oldest son David and Jan’L Jones Sappington were married in the St. George Temple ( Jan'L is the youngest daughter of former B7 Ward members Ron and Clarelynn Jones and our nextdoor neighbors for several years).  

Soon after their wedding day, they set off on their life journey, eventually settling in Denver, CO.  David, who has spent his working career in retail, has been skeptical about getting into manufacturing, but he brings an amazing management skill set to his new job as Chief Operating Officer and if allowed to do so, will take Wild Coyote Foods beyond the dream of family members – including his father-in-law - who have operated the business since it first began in Aunt June’s Santa Clara kitchen.

We are so excited to have our son, his beautiful bride and their three boys Kaler Sappington (21), Kole (18) and Kyle (15) as our new neighbors and ward members. 

The family will be living in Jan'L's childhood home at 2947 Jacob Hamblin Drive across from Frasers, for a couple of years to see if David is a fit with Wild Coyote Foods ... and if WCF is a fit for David.  

Kaler and Kole have both been accepted to BYU-Idaho but due to the current coronavirus situation, don’t know if they will be able to attend in-person for the immediate future.  Kyle is the one most impacted by this move.  He just graduated from middle school in Denver, and thought he was going to start high school in August.  Turns out he will be attending one more year at Dixie Middle School (or whatever it will be called after all is said and done), the school his mother and father attended at his same age.

I have prayed for this day for several years and am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for this wonderful blessing in our lives. 

Seven graduates ... no graduations! Erin Jade Schnabel

Pictures on the left (top and bottom) are of Erin's high school!

Perhaps no one in the Sappington family has ever had the high school experience Erin Jade Schnabel, youngest of Kris Sappington Schnabel's three children, has had.  She calls the last few year's "a crazy ride, uphill both ways, never boring and never dull."  

Nevertheless, she was scheduled to end her secondary schooling at Cardinal Newman High School, a Catholic school in Santa Rosa, CA, in commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 30, 2020.  However, since the world was in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, it didn't happen for EJ or millions of other seniors around the country, robbed of this final high school experience by a microscopic virus.

Still, her years as a Cardinal at CNHS and the degree she has earned were filled with favorite - and a few not-so-happy - memories beginning in her sophomore year. In mid-October 2017, her school along with just about all of central California burned to the ground. Over a few days and weeks more than 56,556 acres burned.  Approximately 12,000 structures were damaged or completely destroyed, including 5130 homes, and 4000 commercial buildings.  Also part of these grim statistics were the loss of 3200 cars, 111 boats and the death of 23 residents.  Total expense for what is being called “the costliest fire in California history" (to date), is $2.79 billion.  

Erin attended her first homecoming dance on the Saturday night before the fire began, but on Monday morning woke to find her high school, as well as her elementary school, in a pile of ashes. 

As a junior she attended a new school where she didn't know many of her classmates and where she - for the 1st time in her school life - was expected to wear a uniform.  Also as a junior, she set records for home runs and runs-batted-in (RBI) on the softball field, a skill she hopes will translate into a way to pay for her college education.  As a senior she was able to attend a class retreat where - like camping out - she was able to enjoy her new classmates who had now become her friends and team mates.

Erin's future plans have a laser-focus on earning a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University where she hopes to study business economics then go to graduate school for a law degree with a goal to become a corporate lawyer and eventually have a family.

This darling and talented California blond has a bright future ahead of her.  We are more than proud of her for achieving this milestone.

As your grandmother, I pray you will always believe in yourself as much as I believe in you.  I can't promise to be here for the rest of your life, but I can promise to love you for my time on earth and through all eternity!

Seven graduates ... no graduations! Kole Sappington

Kole Sappington, 18-year-old middle son of David and Jan'L Jones Sappington's three handsome young men, had fully expected to don his black, gold and white school colors to participate in graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 23, 2020.  However, the Class of 2020 did not get to walk the stage at Prairie View High School - or at any other school around the world - due to government-mandated lockdowns associated with the fear of spreading the novel coronavirus which has now killed nearly 50,000 people in the U. S. and more than 203,000 in the world.

Still, Kole has many fun and happy memories of his time as a Colorado Thunderhawk.  As a freshman he enjoyed being in his school's marching band where he played bass guitar alongside his big brother, Kaler who played trumpet.  In his sophomore year, he earned a spot on the swim team where he participated in numerous events in the pool.  As a junior, he remembers the fun of attending what he and his friends refer to as "Mormon prom," a spring formal event put on by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his part of Colorado.  His favorite memory of his senior year was the selection of his marching band - where he played vibraphone - to go to state competition, for the first time in the school's history - but of course, the coronavirus reared its ugly head and "we didn't get to go!"

Currently on the "hobo plan" taking a semester off, Kole's future plans - if this unprecedented health crisis can be brought under control - include attending either BYU-Idaho or Dixie State University to study towards an engineering degree ... and perhaps serving a mission for his church.

Kole is another handsome and amazing young Sappington family member of whom we are very proud.  Congratulations for your success, Kole, and we look forward to being a witness to your next chapters.

As your grandmother, I pray you will always believe in yourself as much as I believe in you.  I can't promise to be here for the rest of your life, but I can promise to love you for the rest of mine!

Seven graduates ... no graduations! Kaler Sappington

Kaler Sappington, 21-year-old oldest son of David and Jan'L Jones Sappington's three boys, didn't plan to walk on May 13 anyway, but feels bad for those who had hoped to accept their diploma from Front Range Community College in Denver in person.  His Associate of Science degree will be in the mail soon, but he's already planning - and has been accepted - to attend BYU-Idaho, if the coronavirus - its name derived from the Spanish corona meaning "crown" or "wreath" will allow - where he hopes to study computer programming.  He is also considering a service mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the future.

Kaler's favorite things during his first two college years have been spending time in the school's game room hanging out with friends; participating in the activities of the Tabletop Gaming Club; being elected Vice-president of FRCC's Tech Club; and finishing his last semester's classwork online due to COVID-19 which he calls, "not nearly as much fun as being in the same room together with my friends."

Kaler and his younger brother Kole, will be among almost 20,000 campus-enrolled students, with another nearly 5,000 campus-based students taking online courses or serving internships away from campus compared to a student population of about 2,500 when his grandparents were newlyweds and students there.  

We are so proud of Kaler for all his hard work and determination to succeed and can't wait to see where his life's journey takes him!

As your grandmother, I pray you will always believe in yourself as much as I believe in you.  I can't promise to be here for the rest of your life, but I can promise to love you for the rest of mine on earth and through eternity!


PS: Kaler was surprised to hear Grandpa Ed and Grandma Linda Henion Sappington both attended Ricks College - forerunner of BYU-I - founded in Rexburg, ID in 1888.  Ed, who graduated from Ricks in 1964 went to school full time and worked at Keith's, the Men's Store and Linda went to school and worked two jobs.  In the morning (at 6 a.m) she walked three blocks from their downtown apartment, to open the switchboard (google it) at then-Ricks College and closed it at 8 p.m. everyday.  During the day she went to class and worked at Porter Printing, the first company to offer temple-designed wedding invitations.  The company - now called ArtCo - is still alive and well in Rexburg.

Stacy makes the (IHC) news!

You're sure to enjoy this lovely story from the Intermountain Health Care News about our own Stacy Sappington Welch:

From: Katie Erbe at Katie.Erbe@imail.org;
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2020 11:19 AM
To: DX Team Leads at DXTeamLeads@imail.org
Subject: May 15th - huddle 'Recognition Highlights' - We Invite you to Share with Your Teams!

In follow up to huddle this morning, below are the ‘Recognition Highlights’ to share with your teams! Inspiring and heartwarming recognitions captured today! A BIG thank you to everyone who shared! 😊

 *   “See Mom. . . They Really Are Heroes” – Amber Gubler, PCT; Mark Dewey, RN; Jordan Bozarth, RN, Peggy Wardle, Tele Tech;  and Stacy Welch, Tele Tech - On Wednesday evening, a patient was admitted to our hospital on W2.  The next morning, Amber Gubler the patients PCT, learned the patient's son was having his 12th birthday.  The patient related to Amber how difficult it was to be in the hospital instead of home with her son and her family on his 12th birthday.  Amber offered an idea, recommending “you do have a nice view outside the window.  Maybe we can put up a sign in the window and have your family drive by, or ... we could take you outside for a walk and if it just so happens your family is outside ... you could say happy birthday to your son in person.” Amber discussed her idea with the nurses Mark Dewey and Jordan Bozarth who contacted the physician and requested an order for some sunshine therapy.  With the plan in place a phone call was made to the patient's family with instructions on where and when to meet outside on the walkway.  When her son saw his mom, he ran to her for a big hug and started to cry.  He was elated to see his mom on his 12th birthday!

That's not the end of the story ... Amber still felt she needed more and made arrangements with two of our Tele Techs, Peggy Wardle and Stacy Welch to create a sign to be put in the window while the patient was outside with her family.  As the sunshine therapy visit was coming to a close, Amber told the patient's son, “It’s too bad your mom can’t be home with you so we all want to wish you a happy birthday and hope you have a great day.”  Amber directed him to look up from the sidewalk towards the outside window of his mom's room where he saw the sign Stacy and Peggy had created and taped to the window ... 20 sheets of paper with the letters HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRESTON! He turned towards his mom and said, “See mom, they really are heroes!”

What an inspiring story of creative compassion from these fantastic caregivers.  This simple act of human kindness will have a lasting effect on the patient, her son and their family members.  Thank you Amber, Mark, Jordan, Peggy and Stacy for making such a memorable experience!

Seven graduates ... no graduations! Stephanie Shipley Lovell and Simeon Richard Lovell

On April 23, 2020 Stephanie Shipley Lovell thought she would have been taking part in her long-awaited graduation day, except social distancing due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic made this event an impossibility.  Still, this amazing young woman - although she won't get to "walk the walk" as a member of BYU's Class of 2020 - has earned both a bachelor and master degree from the Marriott School of Accountancy while working nearly full-time in the accounting department at DOMO, the international cloud software company based in American Fork, Utah.  

Her favorite memories of college life, including a year at Dixie State University and another at Utah Valley University before she donned BYU Cougar's blue and white, are of everyday random moments walking around campus (especially on sunny spring days); working and laughing together with fellow students on group projects; and listening to nuggets of memorable advice from wise and caring professors.

The immediate future for our beautiful Stephanie includes studying and testing for her CPA certification, continuing her work with DOMO and on or about September 26, delivering a healthy baby girl.

On May 1, Simeon Richard Lovell was scheduled to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Informational Technology from Utah Valley University. But there will be no formal graduation ceremony.  Instead, May 1, 2020 will likely be remembered as the day the United States began a slow but steady return to some semblance of normalcy after months of sheltering-in-place against the coronavirus. This novel virus, 1000x's smaller than a grain of sand brought the world to a screeching halt including plans for large gatherings of any kind, such as weddings, funerals, church and graduations. 

Simeon's takeaways from his years at Dixie State and Utah Valley Universities include "finishing school only to realize I have more to do;" enjoying great learning experiences with good professors (especially those at DSU who, he says, pushed him reach his goals); having the "backing of my family who continually reminded me, 'you've got this, Sim'."  

He also remembers several life-changing special events ... most importantly, marrying Stephanie Shipley in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple and becoming a naturalized U. S. citizen with Selwin, his identical twin brother!

What's in Sim's future?  He'll be continuing his education to earn a Master in Business from BYU and completing his IT certification.  He also looks forward with eager anticipation to becoming a father ... and perhaps starting a business with Selwin!

Congratulations to Stephanie and Simeon for their hard work, accomplishments and the next phase in their lives.  We're proud of you both!

Seven graduates ... no graduations! Kendi Hansen Dunkley

On May 1, 2020 Kendi Hansen Dunkley, Stacy's 23-year-old middle daughter, was to graduate from Dixie State University with an Associate of Science degree, except for the invasion of a highly-contagious virus with no known cure. 

Glad to be done with school, she would still enjoy donning her Trailblazer red for a graduation ceremony now tentatively planned for December 11 ... unless, of course, COVID-19 comes roaring back in the fall!!!

The high points in Kendi's time at Dixie State University include her 2019 summer wedding to Taylor Dunkley; being hired as a technician at Richens Eye Center in downtown St. George; working in the Emergency Room at Dixie Regional Medical Center for a year and a half; and traveling to Costa Rica for the destination wedding of her close friend JaiCee Porter-Lundeen.

Our beautiful Kendi (like Wendy but with a K and an i, she tells people) does not plan to go on to school because she has a good job and a happy marriage, but admits she's open to the idea down the road, in the same way she is open to the idea of babies in her future (but there's no time frame for motherhood either).  For now, she hopes her future is all about working at Richens Eye Center.

We are proud of our delightful young graduate - who has never taken a bad picture in her life - and who is a great blessing to us  and our family.  We look forward to cheering her on as we watch her life continue to unfold.

As your grandmother, I pray you will always believe in yourself as much as I believe in you.  I can't promise to be here for the rest of your life, but I can promise to love you for the rest of mine!

Seven graduates ... no graduations! Taisley Welch

Taisley Welch, second-to-the-youngest of Rick and Stacy Sappington Welch's 6 daughters, was set to finish her education as a Dixie High School Flyer on May 20, 2020. But like millions of other high school students, she will not cross the stage to receive her diploma due to the deadly coronavirus which has now killed more than 50,000 in the United States and at least 205,000 people to date around the world.

Taisley's describes her high school days as a combination of interesting, exciting, happy and sad.  Among her favorite memories and most memorable moments, she lists being selected to serve on her school's Hope Squad, a school-based peer-to-peer, suicide prevention program through which she provided many acts of service making her classmates feel valued.  Hope Squad members are students nominated as trustworthy classmates who are then trained to identify at-risk students, provide friendship and seek help from an adult.  

Taisley also "mostly" enjoyed being selected for her high school Cheer Squad on her first tryout.  She cheered for only one year because, while she loved cheering for Flyers football and basketball games (she still does), she quickly grew weary of her squad mates' behind-the-scenes drama.

It was during her junior year, a friend and classmate committed suicide.  "She had a difficult life - bounced around the county by feuding family members. I don't think she really intended to go through with it," says Taisley, "but it was painful to all of us who knew her.  We wish we could have done more."

Our beautiful granddaughter also regrets missing many high school activities because of a longtime relationship with a young man with whom she eventually broke up.  "He is a very nice guy but we are just so different.  I love high school games, dances and other events ... he doesn't," she remembers.

Finally, how can she - and every other graduate in the Class of 2020 - forget the year of the coronavirus, social distancing from family and classmates, missing all the fun of proms, senior sneak days, the excitement of graduation and everything else, all which was replaced by online classwork and cancellation of everything important?

Still, she has a bright future ahead.  In the fall, she will trade her blue and white Flyer uniform to become a red and white Trailblazer at Dixie State University which she will attend on a partial scholarship.  After completing her Associate degree, she plans to attend Southern Utah University to earn a Bachelor degree, although she is not certain yet what she plans to study.

Love this girl ... another wonderful family member who is making us proud with her good decisions and hard work!

As your grandmother, I pray you will always believe in yourself as much as I believe in you.  I can't promise to be here for the rest of your life, but I can promise to love you for the rest of mine, then into always and forever!

FAMILY STORY: Mom's Priesthood Calling

I served as the public relations specialist in the St. George East LDS Stake at the time when we lived in our Morningside neighborhood and for a short while after we moved to Bloomington.  I loved the opportunity to work with President Tad Derrick helping him get information out to the members of the stake and the community about what was happening under his stewardship.  

After about six months, President Derrick called to say he was going to need to release me because he had just been informed mine was a priesthood calling. During Stake Conference a couple of weeks later, this amazing Church leader called me to the stand (which is not the way a release generally happens), asked for a vote of thanks for my work as the Stake PR specialist … then immediately called for a sustaining vote for my call to be the Assistant Stake PR specialist to some quiet laughter in the congregation! I served another couple of years in this calling – until the organization of the Bloomington Stake – and he never did call a priesthood leader to my original assignment.

And, while I stood next to him, he told the large congregation, "if the Lord ever sees fit to give the priesthood to women, I would be the first to sustain Sister Sappington!"

PS:  Several years later, as a long time member of the Bloomington 7th Ward, we were all eagerly awaiting the announcement of a new bishop.  Bishop Mike Bair had served five years and 53 days when it was announced he would be released at our upcoming ward conference.  As is always the case, ward members were speculating as to who our new priesthood leader might be.  The subject came up at dinner at Olive Garden with friends Frank Knowles and Bruce Christensen.  Brother Knowles said he knew who it would be and the candidate of his choice was sitting at our table.  Br. Christensen said, "Ed?"  "Nope," replied Brother Knowles.  "I think it's going to be Sister Sappington!"

FAMILY STORY: Missing my Nana today

It was 20 years ago today when, on April 5, 2000, Verda Carol Godwin Bradford left this world wanting to “make it home in time for His birthday party” she told me the day before her passing.

My maternal grandmother – known to all of her family as Nana - was singularly the most significant influence in my life. She was my mother, teacher, friend and confidante especially through my teenage years when she lived next door to our family in Huntington Park, CA. She loved to cook – especially the best lemon meringue pies, refrigerator cookies, apple crisp and chicken and dumplings which I have never been able to duplicate - but didn’t leave any recipes behind. She loved to travel but didn’t learn to drive until she was in her 50’s. She was a savvy and successful businesswoman in the 1950-60’s when the world was still trying to define women in the workplace.

She loved teenagers and her calling to teach them in Sunday School where she was always prepared with wonderful lessons and her love and constant reaching out brought many inactive teens back to church. She had a wonderful sense of humor despite difficult personal and family heartaches. One of her closest friends was Nellie Hunter, mother of LDS Church President Howard Hunter. Whenever they were together, there would always be gales of laughter. Their bishop once told them he was going to have to separate them if they couldn’t behave.

She loved every member of her family unconditionally and with all her heart and soul. Born to pioneer parents, she had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and treasured her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints always seeking ways to “lengthen her stride.”

She wrote poetic gems for every occasion and for every family member or friend. When inspiration hit her, she would pen her simple masterpieces on the backs of envelopes or napkins until she could get them typed up.

She also loved General Conference … and immediately after the final “amen” my phone would ring. For the next hour or so, Nana and I would catch up while also sharing our favorite talks and experiences.

Twenty years have passed since my last conversation with my Nana … and I still miss her, especially at the close of conference weekend.

Nope, it's Cancelled ... not Coronavirus

If there is one word which best describes what has happened worldwide in the first 90 days of 2020 ... it is "cancelled!"

Since December 31, 2019, when Wuhan, China announced they had a crisis on their hands in the form of a virus they called COVID-19 the world has been struggling to cope with a pandemic like never before. Nationwide, schools, restaurants, gyms and bars are closed … non-essential employees are encouraged (ordered) to work from home … curtains are down on Broadway’s Great White Way … major sporting events, including the 2020 Summer Olympics are postponed … production of movies and TV shows has stopped until further notice … the stock market has tanked … guards are stationed at the front door of businesses to prevent more than a few customers at a time from entering … weddings and funerals (Jay Ence and Elsie Barney) are limited to no more than 5 ... and all of us are asked to avoid shaking hands and hugging and encouraged by government leaders and healthcare professionals to practice “social distancing” which means staying at least 6 feet apart in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Churchwide, all of our 168 temples are closed all around the world and we are attending church at home, thanks to the vision of President Russell M. Nelson who, in April 2018, introduced the “family-centered, church-supported” Come Follow Me Sunday School program for living, learning and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

And on the weekend of April 4-5, 2020, we celebrated the 200th anniversary of Joseph Smith’s First Vision at the 190th Annual General Conference, which for the first time in church history, will be presented without an audience in the 21,000 seat Conference Center. But President Nelson gave us a hint of things to come when he said in his closing remarks in October 2019, “General conference next April will be different from any previous conference” after he had aleady encouraged us to "Wait till next year, and then the next year. Eat your vitamin pills. Get some rest. It's going to be exciting."

Travel-wise, borders between countries are closed, leaving vacationing tourists self-isolating in hotels far from home and on cruise ships for at least two weeks. Planes are flying virtually empty and hospitals in nearly every country are running out of common medical supplies, such as ventilators and face masks while thousands around the world are being hospitalized ... or buried.

In Rotary, the Pan America Rotaract Conference in Puerto Penasco, MX was cancelled in the first week of March, along with several Global Grant projects around the world. Last week, the cancellation of the RI Convention in Honolulu was announced, and District Conference in Park City became a casualty of the coronavirus. All 36,000 clubs have decided not to meet until there is an end to this difficult situation even as I am preparing to be Rotary District 5420's first ever "virtual" District Governor.

In the marketplace, Walmart and CostCo seem to have been the only winners in this healthcare war, but both are struggling to stay ahead of empty shelves and mobs of people fighting over a single role of toilet paper, bottled water and fresh vegetables while looking for nearly 50,000 employees.

Family-wise, we started the year with plans to attend high school or college graduations for 7 family members (Kendi, Kaler, Taisley, Erin, Kole, Stephanie and Simeon). Today it appears these important milestones have been cancelled for all seven of our kids and grands.

And just when we were certain things couldn't get any worse, on March 18, 2020 there was a magnitude 5.7 earthquake centered in Magna where our granddaughter Whitney lives. And, two weeks later on March 31, there was a 6.5 quake a few miles outside of Boise, ID which Kaytee and her family felt in Anaconda, MT. A 5.7 isn't a serious trembler, though there was some damage, but coupled with the possibility of harm to our precious family members, its a good reminder of how fragile we all are.

Through it all, we have stayed calm because we have been obedient in heeding the counsel of church leaders who have encouraged us to prepare, because “If ye are prepared, ye have no need to fear.”

I am so grateful to know we have a living prophet on the earth and a Heavenly Father who loves us.

I'll Always Have Denver

We completed our trip home to St. George – by car and loaded to the rooftop – but for most of the trip and for several days afterwards,  my thoughts remained in Denver.  I am even still a little emotional about the amazing success of High Country PETS (Rotary Presidents-elect Training Seminar).  

When I think back to last year and the pushback I got from district leaders about my idea of taking our PEs/Presidents-elect Nominees and Assistant Governors to Denver for some excellent training on how to lead their clubs, I realize what happened this weekend was nothing short of a MIRACLE!!! (one district leader even asked, “why would you want to start your District Governor year with a certain failure? We can’t even get our incoming officers to Salt Lake for PETS”).

When district leaders began discussing PETS in Denver, I was the only one who had – until this weekend - had the HCP experience.  Then and now, only a few of our clubs or our district had a budget for an additional and unexpected $1000+ expense for each of their presidents, so there was a “financial issue”… and many of our club leaders didn’t know Linda Sappington enough – or at all - to trust me on this huge change to the way we have done things for decades (though many have said the level of training club leaders had in the past has fallen short for years).  

Still, they came (though one admitted he had come to Denver “under duress”) to join the more than 450 club leaders from Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska and Idaho.  The feedback I have received so far has been absolutely and completely positive as demonstrated by these great reviews:

                      ·      “Why haven’t we done this before?” 

·      “I really enjoyed PETS. After attending last year in SLC and again in Denver I’d describe the difference between the two in one word … ‘Energy’.”

·      “HCP was elevated training” 

·      “I enjoyed this wonderful training … and I am excited to pump new life into our club!”

·      “I feel energized and better prepared to take on my year as president.”

·      “Why has it taken us so long to realize how much we needed this?”  

·      “I had a great time and learned much about Rotary.”

·      “Was a wonderful weekend, thank you all.”

·      “THANK YOU ALL for an amazing experience. This PETS was 100X better than anything our standalone PETS has ever delivered. Our PEs, PENs and AGs were energized, inspired, informed, connected – a bit overwhelmed – but in a good way. They are excited to start their leadership role and move their clubs in new and meaningful directions for service and fellowship.”

No matter what the rest of my DG year looks like, I’ll always have Denver!!! 

Sappington Family Top Ten List for 2019

2019 has been a particularly crazy, busy year for our family.  Here is my Top Ten list of Sappington family stories ranked from #1 to #10:

1.     Two granddaughters were married – Kendi Hansen married Taylor Dunkley and Danielle Welch married Kale Porter – both in hot, but beautiful outdoor ceremonies.

2.     Ed and I spent the month of June in Europe, traveling with Bob and Katie Beecher, who took our place as missionaries in Guyana, South America.  While seeing amazing and wonderful sights in Germany, Italy, France and Spain, we walked 110 miles, and climbed 217 flights of stairs.

3.     We welcomed a new family member on Monday, December 23 when Selwin and Brianna brought Ayah Fay Lovell into the world.  Ayah (pronounced A-ah) means "miracle" in Hebrew. 

4.     Selwin graduated magna cum laude from Dixie State University with a degree in Communications Studies.  He is now working on a Master’s degree.

5.     Selwin and Simeon – identical twins from Guyana, South America – completed the process and were sworn in as naturalized citizens of the USA.

6.     Kaytee and Josh have started a concrete business in their hometown of Anaconda, MT while he continues to work at Montana State Prison where, as a fulltime employee, he has health insurance in anticipation of a kidney transplant due to kidney failure. He asked for a kidney from Santa but hopes to be the recipient sometime in early 2020.

7.     8-year-old Skylar Postma was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

8.     Rick Welch was named fire chief in a small Southern Utah community of Gunlock.  He and Stacy have purchased property in this tiny southern Utah community and hope to begin construction on a new house soon, but the Gunlock community couldn’t wait to recruit him.

9.     I am gearing up for my year as District Governor of Rotary District 5420 (the state of Utah) which will begin on July 1, 2020.  I’m both terrified and excited to take on this monumental role.

10.  We got snow in St. George in February and in November we broke a longstanding record for no rain for 155 days – 34 days longer than the previous record set in 1893.

Other news:  

Kelly, Kris and David changed jobs this year.  Kelly had worked for the Utah Office of Education for about 18 months, but after a particularly difficult week (long story) she resigned and has been rehired by the US Air Force.  Kris accepted a new position as an underwriter for the company for which she has currently worked as a loan processor. David left Cabela’s and is now managing a new Black Diamond store in downtown Denver. 

Ed and I traveled to Pasadena, CA to help decorate the Rotary International float for the Rose Parade on New Year's Day.  What fun!!!

Many Sappington family members met again at Yellowstone for a week of fun, games and sightseeing.  Ed and I also traveled to Branson, MO, this time with our friends Bob and Katie Beecher and Jim and Mary Andrus.

Decorating Rotary for the Pasadena Rose Parade

What a trip! For a couple of years Jose, Martha and Stephanie Velasco (who have now volunteered for this project for 8 years) have been telling us how much fun it is to help decorate the RI float for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade (held annually on New Year’s Day – except if it falls on Sunday - since 1890). They weren’t wrong! Nothing you see on TV can compare with the real thing. Every inch of every float must be covered with flowers or other natural materials, such as leaves, seeds or bark. Each is mind-blowingly stunning, made particularly so up close!

The 2020 parade theme was “The Power of Hope” and RI’s float (our 40th entry) featured a penguin with dreams of seeing the world from high above the ground … even though we all know penguins can’t fly!

This year’s float – at a cost of $150,000 with an additional $30,000 budgeted for marketing – was one of 40 in the parade and created by hundreds of Rotary friends and family and paid for through donations from individuals, businesses, clubs and such other organizations as Optimists International. It will be seen by more than 700,000 people along the parade route, another 45 million TV viewers in the U.S. and 28 million more in 200 countries around the rest of the world.

And our float – entitled “Hope Connects the World” – was awarded the Tournament Volunteer Trophy for “most outstanding floral presentation of parade theme (under 35 feet).”

Wanna be part of the nearly 1000-volunteers who will make up the decorating committee during the next holiday season (and, why wouldn’t you want to be)? Watch for more information about when and how you can sign up at www.rotaryfloat.org or contact Randy Pote at rotaryrandy5@gmail.com.

Also part of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses festivities is a 3-day band competition featuring those musical groups scheduled to march in the parade … an equestrian competition, a dinner hosted by the Glendale Sunrise Rotary club and of course, an amazing parade along the 5 ½ miles of Colorado Blvd. There’s lots to see and do!

It’s a great way to end the old year and kick off the new one. Come join us.