Monday, September 29, 2008

A Visit to School







While we were in Utah we decided to surprise Carol Lynn with a visit to her classroom. What a joy it was to see her in her "element" and meet the darling little first graders in her care. Carol Lynn teaches 1st grade at Springfield Creek Elementary School, in a new school building that replaced the old Maeser School ini Provo. We let each of the children introduce themselves, answered questions and took pictures. It was a quick visit but so fun. The question of our age arose and Carol Lynn used this as a teaching moment, getting out her 100 chart and showing where we were. They decided we weren't so old after all since we still had a ways to go to the top. They also enjoyed finding on the map where we live and how long it took us to drive to their area. Carol Lynn is so happy with her class. They are learning so much and progressing well. She's surely a teacher at heart!

A Terrible Injustice

Last week we traveled to Salt Lake to testify in a sentencing and witnessed first hand a terrible injustice. A plea deal between two men in exchange for their testimony against another has resulted in a very distorted picture and an inapproprate sentence. We had no arguement with the judge. He was as lenient as the law allowed which makes us suspect he could see through it all and perseive where truth lay. However, poor representation has lead a modest, humble loving and service-oriented man into a major trap.

It makes me realize what we may have to experience in these "Last Days" when Satan rages in the hearts of men, truths are distorted and good is made to appear bad and visa versa. I am now more aware of just what it will mean to cling to our "faith" and to trust the Lord to see us through.

It's not over and I look forward to the eventual resolve. Though it may be years or another life, I have no doubt that the Lord will direct, bless and sustain all the victims involved until it is one day made right. How that will happen is the question.

Hunter Stephen Pothier Has Arrived!

In the wee hours of the morning on Sept. 26th a new grandson entered our lives!

Stephen and Kara greeted their second child and first son, Hunter Stephen Pothier who arrived weighing 7 lbs 14 oz and measured 21 inches long. He's basically bald but has some blond hair and is reported to look long and skinny. His pictures, on the other hand, look pretty filled out. We are so very grateful to have this new baby in our family and to know that all went well with the delivery.

Stephen and Kara deserve a good baby since their first one was a "nightmare". She basically screamed for months until the doctors finally agreed to tests which indicated a part of her bowels was not working properly. Surgery and special intervention has changed that picture and they couldn't be more delighted with their beautiful little daughter, Hallie. However, the thoughts of a new baby were not exactly sweet.


So far Hunter seems to be a very peaceful little guy and they are delighted. I think its all the prayers of every family member and friend that may have made this possible. Hunter shows no signs of any bowel problems - everything coming through just fine!

Now we just have to do our best to wait until Thanksgiving to give him the hugs cuddles and necky kisses that we love so much with newborns. I'm so very grateful for all the technology which will help us enjoy this little grandson from a distance. He lives in Wisconsin where Bob and Virginia have taken up the role of favorite aunt and uncle and take such good care of them all in every way. Thanks, Bob and Gin for filling in. Hallie now says she would prefer to be with them than at home. There will be some adjustments to be made!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

A Leader Who Made a Difference

http://www.legacy.com/DeseretNews/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=117597674

Sometimes people come into your life and leave a mark that forever changes you. Gloria Poulton was one of those people in my life. She was my Mutual Teacher over 45 years ago and I still feel like some of my self image comes from her unconditional love and willingness to share her time with me. She was "My Mutual Teacher" not just during my teens but throughout my life.

Gloria Poulton passed away last week. She had been a widow for many years, on dialysis for 14 years and fought cancer the last two years. This is a happy time for Gloria. I can only imagine what a joy it is to her to join her darling husband, Daryl, once again. They were a young couple in the 31st Ward with 4 little children, a wonderfully loving relationship and a home on Princeton Avenue. That home though small was always open to young people and often filled. Their open door policy gave me a place to go when I needed someone to talk to, share with or just feel some love.

Gloria loved all the young people in her care and kept in touch with many of them through the years. When I visited her, she could catch me up on what was happening in the lives of the others. She was the one who would always say, “There never will be another Bishop like Bishop Poelman (my Dad).

I remember visiting her after I became engaged to Bob. She made the comment: “It’s fun to see you think with your heart instead of your head for a change.” She knew me pretty well! A few months ago I went through the Bountiful Temple with a student from BYU-Idaho, just a few blocks from where Gloria lived in later years. Though I had been there before, I couldn’t remember just where she lived and had not planned ahead. I wish so that I had made arrangements to see her again that day. I know, however, that Gloria would understand and love me anyway. That’s the gift she always gave.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Andrew Robert Ruden - August 17, 2008









You may have heard from Annie that Andrew is here and a very healthy and robust 8 lb 10 ounce boy! He’s darling! Dan and Anne were overjoyed to see their new son for the first time. I was able to be with them throughout the delivery and it was a sweet mix of excitement and prayerful humility as Anne faced the fact that she might have to have him cesarean but determined to do her best to see it through naturally. With much time, effort and sacrifice she was able to get him here naturally and safely. How thankful we all were for the medication that made it so manageable. All that physical fitness paid off as she pushed for about an hour and a half to make the delivery happen. She was such a trouper. The doctor was wonderful.. Andrew was posterior and her labor just wasn’t progressing, so they began preparations for a C Section. Anne really wanted to deliver normally and the doctor was willing to work with her. Through resting positions, extra time and prayer and the doctor’s assistance Andrew rotated and eventually made it through safely. There were many strenuous pushes with each contraction but then he was out and what a joy. The miracle of it all overcame everyone involved. A dramatic but rewarding delivery!

You can believe anything Dan and Anne say about how cute he is. What a darling little guy. He looks so healthy and robust, has fat cheeks, a double chin and rolls on his limbs. He has some hair – more than the doctor -and a bit of a cleft chin. The delivery was hard on his head. The long process took it’s toll on the shape but that doesn’t detract one bit from his beauty. It was such a blessing to me to be able to experience this with Dan and Anne. It was the only time I have every witnessed a birth liveexcept for my own children. It is humbling to be the mother but I knew all along that Dan and Annie had it in them and they each handled their roles like pros. The birth of a baby continues to be the highlight of life in my book. How grateful I am for each one of you children and grandchildren. They are my jewels – not easily won!

See danannieruden@blogspot.com for pictures.