In my adapted needs institute class yesterday, We were asked to make a list inside of a journal or on a piece of paper to write down the names of our personal heroes. We could also put a star next to their name if we wanted to and how they have influenced our lives in one way or another. I would like to share a few of them with you at this time:
*Hero One: My Savior, Jesus Christ
I cannot describe into words what an absolute blessing my Savior, Jesus Christ has been throughout my life. He has given me strength when I didn't think I had it in myself to keep going or wanted to just give him the reins to take over what was going on at the time. I know he is always there for me when I need him to talk to about anything that is weighing on my mind or just simply giving me hope for whatever comes up next in my future.
In late November of last year, I went through a very difficult time in my life when I was not sure if the Lord was hearing my prayers or if I just needed to simply take him by the hand to get through my situation. I know with all of my heart that he was there to give me peace of mind while I tried to pretend like there was not anything more I could do than just wish to get completely healed. I know that he helped me through this time of uncertainty and knowing with just a little bit of patience--I was going to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I truly love him with all of my heart and have no doubt in my mind that he is going to carry me through whatever difficulties that lie on the covenant path.
*Hero Two: Kylie Webster
I met this amazing young woman a few short years ago while going into watch a BYUWBB game in the Marriott Center. I immediately didn't hesitate to happily say her name and give her a nice big hug while we visited for a minute. I loved being in her presence so much in that moment and even though we don't know each other personally... I genuinely felt like the Lord put her into my life when I needed it literally more than anything in this world. I did keep in contact with her over social media off and on where I did introduce myself to her which if you ask me was a delight in more ways than one. I truly cannot express my gratitude nearly enough times for the way she has blessed my life and walking into a number of the BYUWBB games last season only to see her smiling back at me, I could not help myself but want to do the same thing back to her. I am truly hoping to get back to some of the home games this next season or let alone if I see her around somewhere in the community to have our picture taken together... which I'm hoping will occur at some point in the distant future. I really love her sweet spirit that she has wherever she goes and the incredible friends that I have seen her interact with. It touches my heart in many ways and knowing she strives each day to be like our Savior, Jesus Christ strengthens my testimony to want to do better in all that I set my heart on.
*Hero Three: Josh Taylor
This remarkable friend of mine has been on my mind for the last while and cannot imagine how life has continued on without him. I truly miss being around him on a daily basis for activities or classes at our independent living center every single week. He literally didn't mind spending time with the girls if we had to break up into groups whether to cook something or do a craft together. I am grateful for the many ways he blessed my life through his example of seeing the positive in every situation and knowing that I can do the same on this side of the veil is such a comfort to me. I greatly miss his smiling face as well as his presence when he would roll into any room that he entered in on his electric wheelchair. I genuinely hope that he is being treated like royalty in his heavenly home and watching all of the incredible things happening while he is serving others. He is truly one of my heroes that never failed to make me smile or let alone give me a thumbs up when I needed it at any given moment. I greatly miss his positive attitude that he would bring into every situation life threw in his path and handling it with a perspective that all would be well because of our Savior, Jesus Christ's atonement. I look forward to the day when both of us reunite in our heavenly home and take to heart all of the incredible things we were able to do on our earthly journey.
*Hero Four: Paisley Johnson-Harding
Back in February of 2024---I finally had the opportunity to meet this fantastic young woman shortly after watching a very heartfelt BYU women's basketball game. I didn't hesitate to say that I wanted to meet her for so long only to leave the entire conversation feeling socially awkward. I was literally more starstruck to have finally been in her presence and hopefully the next time we have a chance to see one another again--I will make it an effort to politely reintroduce myself. I would like to tell her face to face what an absolute blessing her example has been in my life the past four years and letting her know that she is continuously in my prayers every single night. I am grateful for the maturity and respect she gives to so many people that she works alongside with in the world of BYUWBB--which if you must know is something I am trying to work on getting better with too. I sincerely have no clue when our paths could end up crossing again in the distant future that I can be as socially appropriate as possible without being too energetic if you know what I mean?? I genuinely aspire to be the kind of young woman that she is in my life everyday and even more importantly like our Savior, Jesus Christ in anything I set my heart on-- let alone want to draw as close to him as I can. I have such admiration for her unshaken courage & faith to keep chasing her dreams while going until she gets them---no matter the obstacles that unexpectedly show up in her path.
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(To Be Continued)
