Observations©
By Donald
S. Conkey
Date: April
9, 2009 - # 9915 - Title: A Special Message to Granddaughter Amanda (810)
Becoming a senior citizen provides one with the luxury of having lived long
enough to have created and collected thousands of memories, both pleasant and not so pleasant. And the more senior one becomes
the more time one spends recalling those memories, especially the more pleasant ones.
But senior citizens, if they are true to themselves, realize
that they are nearing the end of their own mortal life. Some refer to our mortal life as a probationary period, probationary
because it is the time given mankind, by their Creator, to prepare to return into the presence of their Eternal Father and
continue on with their eternal progression. Life’s experiences are all designed to help each of us understand that the
laws of nature are sustained by the laws of God – those ‘perfect laws of liberty’ James reminds us of in
his epistle.
When
one has lived to my age they often have seen the sting of death claim loved ones. I, like most seniors, have witnessed the
death of grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren. Those experiences help us realize that we are mortal. Nearly 41
years ago my eleven year old son Donald was killed in a car accident. It’s an experience I would not wish on anyone.
Yet, because of Donald’s death I learned with certainty that there is a God in Heaven, that He answers prayers, and
that there is purpose for mortal life. I have not lived dwelling on Donnie’s death but he is never far from my thoughts.
Some, like me, believe in guarding angels, and for me my son has been my guarding angel ever since his death. Don’s
death was followed by grandson Ryan’s death, at age 5 months. Ryan’s death also changed daughter Pam’s life
forever.
The older we become the more we realize that our more pleasant memories come from family. Our achievement successes
pale when compared to the successes of our children and grandchildren. And last week we learned our 18th grandchild
is due soon. And on Saturday Joan and I will insert another beautiful memory into our ever growing scrapbook of life memories.
Granddaughter Amanda Nicole Karski, daughter of Pamela and Philip Karski, will be married in our Atlanta Temple. And to make it even more memorable Amanda asked that her grandfather perform her special Temple marriage.
July 22, 1989 was a special date for
both Amanda and me. On her way down from Heaven on that day I passed Amanda in route to Heaven following a massive heart attack
that nearly took my life. I believe that as our spirits passed in route Amanda whispered to me, “Grampsee, you can’t
leave yet, you are to perform my marriage.” I returned and Amanda grew, matured, graduated from Etowah and enrolled
at BYU Idaho where she met Adam, now the love of her life. Grandfathers never forget caring grandchildren, especially those
who have prepared so well for the trials of life. And because Amanda has brought great joy into the lives of her grandparents
I want to close this column with a special thank you to Amanda.
Dear Amanda.
Thank you Amanda for being who and what you are: A beautiful child of God.
Your grandmother and I have watched you grow into a beautiful young woman, excelling in your school and seminary studies as
you learned who God the Father is, whom God the Son is; who God the Holy Ghost is, and who the adversary is: Satan. You enter
your marriage spiritually independent, founded in both mortal and eternal values with truths that will help you cope with
the challenges of marriage and parenthood. Be grateful for those who have taught you these truths. And thank you for being
a beacon of spiritual light in your family.
Amanda, on Saturday, as I pronounce you and Adam husband and wife you will have created a new family
unit, the foundational unit of society and of true happiness. Marriage is ordained of God Amanda. As your children come you
will feel God’s love sweep over you as never before. You will bond with each child as only a mother can. Remember God
is entrusting you with His spiritual children, trusting that you and Adam will love them as He loves you, and help them find
that pathway that leads back to Him. You have prepared well for your marriage. Now go forth with faith and create a marriage
that will reach its eternal potential. You enter your marriage in challenging times Amanda, but so did all your ancestors.
They helped create the freedoms you now enjoy; now it’s your turn to help preserve those freedoms. Be involved.
Amanda, God lives. And
I know you know, like Paul, that He lives. I can give you no greater gift than this knowledge. Live your life so His Spirit
is always with you and seek His counsel daily. Then listen.
Love, Grampsee
