Today we pay respect to Mary Valdez, a woman of Christ like faith, love and devotion.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of accompanying the earthly remains of Mary Valdez to the final resting place in the picturesque area of Grand Mesa, Colorado. At age 97, she was transferred to the heavenly arms of those she cared so much for on earth. While riding shotgun, I received the distinct impression she was granted angelic wings so she was right there with us. The service to her family and the Catholic Church she served was deserving of the stretched Cadillac her casket was transported in. She was born in Mack, Colorado, and we waved to that rural farming hamlet as we drove by. Her Ora seemed to say she had the same dry humor of this writer, as when her nephew graduated from high school, she gave him a suitcase, as a hint he would be traveling far in the future. She was remembered as one you had spiritual strength; a zest for life and a witty sense of humor. Mass of the Christian Funeral was held in Salt Lake on January 22, 2018 and buried yesterday. We arrived an hour early, and the funeral director sat in the Hearst conducting other business. I sat in one of the many empty seats and tried to grasp the life of Mary Valdez. It was as though I could feel countless spiritual beings gathering about and felt the presence of others who had gone before her. She had no children of her own, but well served 12 siblings; numerous nieces, nephews and Catholic Fathers. It appeared she had prepared for this day, as she already put her tombstone in some fifty years before. God made tears and laughter and both for kind purposes. Yesterday, I shed no tears nor did I laugh, but had continual smiles of happiness for Mary-as mortal death was not a foe for her, but an inevitable adventure. Mary, it was a pleasure to get to know you and feel your Christ like devotion and love for all. Well done, you did and will do well!

Today is the birthday of Jaynette Jones Grimard of Nephi, Utah

She was born Lana Jaynette Jones, as her parents liked Lana Turner. But this young lady was more of a Jaynette, so she went by that name and spelled it a little different. Of all the photos we have of her, the radiant smile is always there, except one, and today we finally figured out why. At Christmas, she always got dolls, and she wasn't a doll girl. She wanted to do the things her four older brothers did, such as play Cowboys and Indians, so it wasn't long before she rode a horse fast, and got in to competitive barrel racing. She is proud of her family, being born of goodly parents and there may not be a family that has traveled and served throughout the world like this Nephi Jones family, including Jaynette, who got lost in India for a time. Her sons and grandsons are athletic studs and her daughters and granddaughters are pretty; athletic and happily smart. The evidence of her not liking dolls is shown in the 1960's Christmas photo of Jaynette, Blake Garrett, Laura, Merrill Sanders, Gary Jones; Santa, Ann Sparks, Jenny, Paula Garrett. Santa just announced that Jaynette was getting another doll for Christmas, and she wasn't happy. Jaynette is a devoted wife, and now caring for her husband-JP Grimard who is on a slow recovery from a construction accident. Happy Birthday little sister.

Happy Birthday Justin Jones. In earth time, he would have been 39 years old today.

While on earth, the time since the birth of Justin Jones has gone by fast, but the last four months since his passing has gone by slow, for his Mother, Brother, Father, and for his many two and four legged friends. Most folks would never believe he suffered from depression, as he was always happy and helping others. So in that light, we wanted to keep a happy family tradition going. As soon as I can put some photos here, I will go up to the cemetery and cut the "Justin Money Tree" loose. This time we won't attach a note to ask for the letter to be returned, but just let the money fall from above. Our calculations show the adhesives will loose its strength at ten thousand feet to permit the two dollar bills to float down over the Nephi area. So prepare ye, prepare ye, money really does grow on trees and it does rain money. Justin now has control.

Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

First comes the foundational history lesson, then the real story! The United States Marine Corps(USMC) began in 1775. Our country was battling to be an independent America, and organized two battalions of the best in the military. Their purpose was to conduct ship to ship fighting; provide shipboard security and assist in a landing force. They adopted a Latin phrase of "Semper Fidelis" but the Marines shortened it to Semper Fi. For those of you that missed the Latin class, it means "always faithful" or "always loyal". From the get go, a Marine followed any and all legal orders, and unafraid to march in to the heat of battle, as they knew they were doing what was right and loyal. During the end of World War II, many remember our flag being raised at Iwo Jima, but the Marine spirit remained in those guys long after they have completed their military duties. Such may be the case of JP Grimard of Nephi, Utah. He is a Marine that still carries enemy shrapnel in his back from a war years ago. Two weeks ago today, he showed up for work early to warm up the construction crane he was operating in the Sugarhouse area of Salt Lake. When the other crew showed up they had forgot the key to the tool shed, so JP walked out on the platform to give the keys to the worker. That was when he accidently fell the eight feet to the hard ground, breaking eight ribs; femur, shoulder and fractured skull. Some of the best brain surgeons were on hand to sustain his life with support. All the Trauma heads worked together to help this Marine, but they gave little hope he would ever survive and so informed the wife of JP Grimard-Jaynette Jones Grimard. Although the medical staff had little hope for any type of regular life, they apparently didn't know the strength of a Marine, nor did they know the internal and eternal strength of Jaynette. She sought help from family, faith, God and prayers-another source of power that medical staff were reluctant to talk about. Although JP remains in a Coma type state, he is beginning to move his leg and hand. Yesterday, it felt like he could hear us, but didn't have the ability to acknowledge it. As his brother in law, I had no other choice........but give the appearance of his commanding officer; stood at his bedside in ICU and ordered him to give me a thumbs up! That Marine followed the verbal command and we got the photo. On behalf of the Jones family of Nephi, we acknowledge and appreciate the prayers for JP Grimard. They work, now keep praying; Keep Calm, and Semper Fi.

A gal from Mona and a guy from Nephi-a match that was made and remains in heaven.

Donna Newton was from Mona while Mike Anderson was born and raised 7 miles away in Nephi, Utah. They didn't meet until both attended Utah State University. Indications would show this was a match made forever. After 44 years of earthly bliss, Donna unexpectedly passed through the veil following a massive blood clot in her lungs. Through the years, Mike runs the decades long tradition of operating the family Anderson Funeral Home in Nephi, while Donna was the Matriarch raising their three sons in Draper, Utah. Mike has always been professional but personal in the business, but when the process involves one of your own, it takes on a very personal sense of loss. So it is with Mike, and now requires all of us to assist him and the family. At this funeral, Mike's son Chad, who is also a Funeral Director-excelled in describing grief by saying "Grief is merely love with no place to go". One received the distinct impression that Donna Anderson loved gatherings of family and friends, then had a magnetic force to make new friends everywhere. Her presence was felt at the Vine Bluff Cemetery yesterday. Following most Grave Dedications, attendees scatter, but not this one! Nobody left, but remained and mingled, even when Mike tried to excuse people so workers could seal the vault. Even in death, Donna had her way, and all stayed while grave workers finished their job. Her radiance was there and you could see it in the eyes of the grandchildren. Those of us in Juab and Salt Lake County remain in good hands. The tradition of Miles Anderson continues with Mike Anderson; Kay Anderson Carroll; her son Brace Carroll; Joe Christensen; Chad Anderson and little does four year old Miles Anderson Jr. know he has a future job in the funeral business. I reached down and shook the hand of Miles Anderson to congratulate him.

Running for a political position in Nephi is much like going on the Utah deer hunt.

In Utah, the deer hunt remains an important family sporting event, although the sports media refuses to accept or cover it. The event involves spending a considerable amount of money to purchase a license; rifle; bullets, colorful attire and a truck load of Vienna Sausages and Spam. We help the environment by planting apple cores on Jones' Knoll, but in 60 years of planting, apparently we ain't no Johnny Appleseed. We hike and hike and see lot's of fall country and beauties of nature you just can't see from I-15. But then the work comes when we see that buck that started out as a 38 pointer, but shoot an entire box of shells to hit it and when he finally drops, we find it was only a two pointer. It requires team effort to clean and drag it back to camp; then to package it. It turns out that venison steak costs twenty five times what a good beef steak would cost, but at least we contributed to the local economy.

Same story goes for running for a political position in Nephi City.  It starts out being fun, knowing that if one wins, we are giving back to the greatest town a kid could ever be raised in. To be called the Mayor of Nephi or a member of the Nephi City Council puts you on the long list of public servants that have served notably throughout our history. Since I have been away from Nephi for 40 years fighting the evil empire of politics, my entry into the political arena seemed like a lunatic, and with insurmountable odds. That became a challenge I was willing to accept, and had fun walking around my hometown and get reacquainted with folks; hike the same trails I did as a kid passing papers; observed the beauties of Salt Creek and the great homes and features of my hometown. Now that the vote is in, it would appear the fun is over and the real work begins for me and Skip Worwood. But since I liked cutting and wrapping up the venison and giving it to people like Clead Blackett and Ervin Jarrett, I think my position as a member of the City Council..........will only make it more fun, and look forward to my four years of service to Nephi citizens of today and the future.

Thanks to all those that supported me, even though it may have been blind faith. I accept the challenge, and hope I can call on volunteers to continue to run the City, not us the politicians.

A letter to my son.

Dear Justin,
It has been nearly a month since you transformed yourself out of this sphere we call earth life. Although your transition remains a shock, I am starting to adjust to your reassignment. I can feel you at various places and times, and know you are in a better place to help others, as your tender heart did here. The official documents will show you made the change on Aug. 22, 2017, but we now have substantial evidence it was at 10:31 PM on Aug. 21, 2017. On that night, your great grandparents clock had been ticking for 125 years and suddenly stopped. I tried a variety of things to get it started, but finally gave up. The other night, for no apparent reason, it started to tick again at 10:31 PM, with the chimes ringing on the hour more loudly than ever. That was my sign to not let tears control my life. I will strive to live with faith over fear, and pray you and other guardian angels will assist all in need. Growing up, I seldom told you and your brother I loved you, as it was just not my nature. I hope my actions demonstrated my love and devotion to you. Your brother and I never missed any of your concerts, basketball, soccer, baseball games or practices, and you didn't miss Troy's. I have learned to appreciate your love for all people and animals who you treated with kindness. My vow is to try to be more like you in kindness. I know of no kid, dog or grown up that didn't have an instant liking for you. I am confident your mission on earth was fulfilled and now promoted to a higher level of duties. On the other hand, I can't imagine you; Craig Siciliano and Babe Ruth playing harps, so there must be a baseball game as a break from heavenly duties. As you know, the week before your transition, I felt the presence of my mother who had passed away. It woke me up with the dark feeling of death. She was hurrying about, gathering people for the arrival of a family member. In calling the family they reported being okay, so I discounted the feeling. A week later, on Sept. 21, we now know they were preparing for you. My belief is that God was fully aware of the many years of your pain, and gave you the exit ticket, but you and only you made the final choice. Years of counseling only seem to make you more depressed and we have learned that depression may be the worst disease, with drugs and alcohol being the tools to assist in terminating the suffering. You were going down a sliding cylinder, and although there were moments of joy you grasped on to, years of damage had already been done. I went to the Fort Union baseball park the other day and re-discovered the plaque we put on the clubhouse honoring your 38 year old coach who died on the field. My CPR failed and we couldn't bring him back, and all of us felt that sense of great loss. I wrote the words in memorial to Craig Siciliano, but as I read them this time, the tears rolled down, as then and only then, did I recognize the words of 24 years ago, may have just been written for you in advance. You lived your life exactly as the words describe which I will re-write, but first, know this my son, I have always been proud of you, which will remain forever. Nothing lasts forever, except forever and my love for you. The three amigos we will ever be. "To laugh often and much; to win respect of intelligent people and affection of children. To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. We miss your inspiration and dedication."

Love, Dad