Bishop Plume and C.J.

Fist of all, I believe Bishop Plume is one good man. He is the Bishop of the Jefferson 1sr Ward. He has 11 children, yes 11. His son got home from a mission about 2 months ago, his daughter got off her mission about 3 months ago. I believe his youngest son is around 10. In October, he had a heart attack, they put stints in his heart on a Wed. and that next Sunday, he was again at church, serving the people of the ward. He and his wife go to every baptism. He welcomes the new member and always says, "Congratulations, it is your birthday, you know, you were just reborn today." His wife is always there playing the piano. They are one amazing, humble family. Today, their son, who is a deacon, just did something that made me more amazed at the Plume family.

Three weeks ago, C.J. was baptized. CJ is 13 years old. He has, as his mother said, the mentality of a four year old. Last week CJ was ordained a deacon and today, he was able to pass the sacrament. That is, with the help of, I'll call him, Little Plume., who is a deacon.  Little Plume was dressed in his suit, and CJ, a white shirt and tie. Together, they stood shoulder to shoulder as Little Plume quietly whispered and pointed where CJ was to walk to and how to pass the sacrament. The first row they came to, CJ proudly passed to the person on the end of the row, then took the tray back and moved to the next row. Little Plume moved alongside him and whispered in his ear that he needed to move back to the first row and let everyone on the row partake of the bread,  not just the end person. Quietly, CJ moved back to the first row. Row by row, Little Plume whispered directions to CJ. Two rows away from me, recognizing me from attending his baptism, CJ smiled, and waved at me, then turned to continue passing the sacrament. After CJ passed to me, I said quietly "Thank you" and CJ smiled, said "You're welcome" and then turned to stand in line.

Now all of this may not mean anything to you, but there was such a sweet compassionate spirit there that attended CJ and Little Plume, that I couldn't help but be touched. His mother, just sat and quietly cried as she realized that CJ was really passing the sacrament.

I have learned so much about love and compassion from the Jefferson 1st Ward. i was so touched with the love Little Plume offered and shared with CJ. I couldn't help but notice Bishop Plume's face as he watched his son instruct, kindly, lovingly, how to pass the sacrament. You know that as a parent he felt some gratitude for how his son was growing up. For me, I felt gratitude that I had witnessed that special kind of love today. I am sure that the Savior could not have worked with CJ any better than did Little Plume.

On another note, I had the opportunity of instructing the investigator class today. We had two couples, less active, who came, and six other investigators. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have of sharing my testimony with them and of testifying to the truthfulness of the Gospel. The lesson was on the Holy Ghost and how it can help us find truth. I felt good about the lesson and felt the spirit of the Holy Ghost in the class.

I know that I am really going to miss these opportunities once we are released.