Trip to St. George to Visit Grandpa Julian

Check out the slideshow of Hallows kiddies with Uncle Dusky at the park!!!
What a wonderful week - oh, thanks for the ride Rennie!

Grandpa Julian looks great, as you can see! I had a wonderful visit with him last week. One day he ate a burger the size of a dinner plate!
Okay, this isn't looking very good...so just read

what you can and look at the pictures and be
patient - I'm still learning how to stick stinking
pictures in a post!





See the nice decorations in Grandpa's house?

He loves the "fake" fireplace...just ask Carter about that - he KNOWS it's fake! Here the kids are, getting a demonstration by Ila Mae and Aunt Virginia - Uncle Ron was somewhere in the room too! They drove down from SLC to visit.


I told Carter Grandpa used to fly planes when he was a young man - that really caught his attention...so Grandpa gave Carter some aviation advice. He told him to remember that he could fly low, or he could fly slow...but not low AND slow at the same time...you should have seen Carter's wide eyes at the mere mention of an airplane!









See the Hallows children huddle in the corner - they can't wait to get back outside in the cold wind of St. George!

Snow Canyon Snow Canyon National Park...






Rennie and the kiddies hiked the mounds of red rock in the background while I held down a picnic table.



Bret and some of the family (and a random friend of Jarem's) showed Steele, Amy & Cute Cakes around their almost-finished monster house!

Dallyn did the driving, and it was scary!

This place is HUGE!

Think we could all live there and never even SEE each other? Lisa is going to have to do some serious shopping to fill this place up with furniture!

Four Generation Photo Op!
Abi just can't believe it! Her Great Grandpa Julian looks so good!


He sure loves visits and chances to catch up with everybody - don't miss an opportunity to call and talk with him...he's FULL of information, memories and stories!

One day Rennie and I and all the little Hallows met Steele, Amy and Abi at the park. The kids played tag with Uncle Steele and Abi loved smelling (and picking) the lovely flowers. There's movies of that day, but I can't figure out how to add them just yet...please stand by!

Okay, here we are at Charlie's eating yummy ice cream - what a fun day that was! But first we ripped off Blue Bunny by bailing without ordering anything. All we did was play...what sneaky cheapskates we were!

Well, that's all I can do right now... hope you liked the trip as much as I did! It's sure great to be home thought! XOXOMimi

Another of My Favorites

Click on each to read

YAGOTTAWANNA

"PAPER ROUTES"

It all started with Michael and Jeremy. As parents, we thought if the boys had a "paper route", they could learn about earning money and learn about responsibility. I am sure the results had some value, but that is debatable to this day. I am a little fuzzy on the details, so if I am wrong on any accounts, I reserve the right to correct when I am told that I am getting too old. I am thinking they were 10 and 12, or close to those ages. They got a Phoenix Gazette route, which was the afternoon edition of the AZ Republic. It is no longer around. So, six days a week they would go over to the neighborhood to the south of where we lived to pick up their 40 or so papers and deliver the "daily news". They delivered the same area and south to Southern Ave.
Then there was Sunday. The Sunday paper was the Republic. Thus a little bigger and heavier. So guess who helped them on Sunday mornings--- meeeeeeeeee. I don't remember if I picked up the inserts and heads, or if they were brought to the house, but we inserted at the house, and then delivered. We had the Impala stationwagon, so the boys sat on the tailgate and ran the papers to each house and the apartments. For more learning of responsibility and how to earn money, they got to collect from their customers. They did okay until it came to the "apartment" people. It seemed like the "Apt" people always had an excuse why they couldn't pay, and would push it to the point of being cancelled, and then would pay. The earnings weren't big, but the learning was "huge" (ha, ha). I am not sure how many months these great learing experiences went on.........but the event that brought the fun to a halt was---
one day the boys went to Tom's house (a boy they knew from school and his house was the designated paper drop) to do the route. They talked with him as usual, and prepared their papers, and then did the route. But the next day, we were informed that Tom had "accidently" shot and killed his friend, in Tom's bedroom, and then tried to stuff the body in a garbage bag and in the garbage can to cover the whole thing up. So, the boys had to go down to Mesa PD and give a statement. Apparently Tom had made reference about having access to the gun to them. The whole incident was too real, and we were very forunate no harm had come to them. Shortly thereafter, the routes were ended. I also remember a girl getting killed (Tempe) while collecting, and so eventually the paper began direct billing to all customers, where was that when we needed it.

And so, not learning from the boys paper route days, a few years later, as I am starting another job (Wang from Kerr's, see my work for details, if you need to review) and I am taking a pay cut, I get some advice from Clarence Martin. He says he has thrown an adult paper route for year's and makes good money (I don't remember how much). So I give it a try. The money was always needed, but what happened those next 8 or 9 years was crazy.

My route consisted of the apartments/condo's just to the north of Fiesta Mall (north of Southern) and from Alma School to Longmore, 200 plus or minus papers. It was an auto route, but I didn't get to drive and throw. I had to go to each apartment complex, and then go inside each group of apartments with an armload of papers. Daily wasn't too bad, but Sunday's were a killer. I could only take about 10 at a time. My first week, I am driving our grey Nissan Sentra (2 door, stick shift). I pull up to the curb of one of the apartments, and hop out with my papers, and leave the door open. As I start dropping the papers at the doors, the sprinklers come on. No big whup, except when I get back to the car, the sprinkler head is off the sprinkler next to the car, and the front seat is totally soaked. But, all is well, the papers didn't get wet because they are in the back seat. I just had to sit in the wet seat the rest of the night, and I must have taken the other car to work, while the Sentra dried out.
Another time, as I was going up the stairs of one of the condo units, a guy is outside on his front area, and points a revolver at me. And says someone is on his roof, and he was going to shoot the guy. Well, I said it wasn't me, I was just delivering the paper. And then, I got out of there. One night in the same complex, I am driving in the parking lot, and there are fire trucks and police cars there. There was a fire in one of the garages (nicer condo's), and smoke big time. No threat to me, but just a crazy thing.
One night, during the summer, I notice a guy in the parking lot of Indian Springs. He is wearing a trench coat, and walking in and out of the parked cars. Trench coat, and it's like 90 degrees??? So, I had noticed some patrol cars back somewhere, so I track them down, and say there is this strange guy back at I.S. apts. Later, as I am done, I see the patrol cars in Fiesta Mall lot, and I stop and find out the guy got busted for breaking into cars and had stuff inside his "trench coat". No reward........
I generally started on 1 or 2 AM (weekdays), mainly because the Republic required you to pick up by 2. And if you waited until 2 to show up, and the papers were late you might be in line until 3 or 4 picking up the "heads". I could usually finish by 5, and then get another hour of sleep, before heading off to work. After a while I got use to the limited amout of sleep, but I do remember falling asleep at my "Wang cubby hole" on some days.
Sunday was a different schedule. There were inserts to be picked up, and then "heads" in a separate line. If one started at midnight, you could get the inserts and then get in line for the heads, work on combining the 2 inserts into one, as you waited for the heads to show up. If they were on time, everything was fine. But sometimes they would be late (press broke down, late breaking news, or a late finish in a ballgame). This meant not finishing the route until 7AM. With early Church, it was a killer. Especially when I was in the bishopric and sitting on the stand. I did the "head bober thing" alot.
The pick up spot was moved several times. I started at the lot at 8th and Alma School. That was the best, I could pick up Sunday big bundles, take them home, have Michael and Jeremy work on them (because of their expertise) and take what the Sentra would hold, and come back for the rest. But that was short lived, I think next was Mervyn's (Elliot and Alma School), then to the R&G office on Baseline between CC and Mesa Dr. I recall spending 1 to 2 hours just sitting each night. I did get to know some people that would later be in my wards' -- Bill and Kathlene Kellis, The Hathcock's, and several other LDS "idiots" like myself. It seems this was a good way to make some extra money, and not have to be away from your family, you just had to go without sleep.
I did the "apt thing" for about 2 years (???). Then we moved to Gilbert (my idea). I got a route in the Gilbert area. It was Guadalupe to Williams Field Rd.and Gilbert Rd. to Val Vista, still 200 + papers. It was all driving, and just tossing the papers onto driveways. Much easier than running through apartment complexes, but put more miles on the ole Sentra. Except, I didn't play B-Ball any more because of the sleep thing, so the running did take the place of exercise.
I used the "paper route" expertise of Michael and Jeremy again on Sundays in Gilbert. I would bring home the inserts and heads, and they would insert while I started the route. I would then come back for the rest of the papers and finish the route. This was really a help on times we had to bag.
"Bagging" - days we were required by R&G to put the papers in a plastic bag to keep it from getting wet, so they would get a "zillion" complaints. I didn't bag alot in the apartments, all the apts and condo's were covered, just the townhomes (the ones that are west of Alma School and just south of Chuckie Cheese) required bagging. Anyway, one August morning. We were told to bag, but there wasn't a cloud in the sky. So, not wanting to waste bags that I had to pay for, or time in bagging. I delivered my route. As I am about done, it is starting to cloud up (where did they come from???) and a Summer thunderstorm hits. I got a number of complaints, but because of my "sparkling" record I got to keep my job. WHAT A BREAK!!!
I did take pride in making sure the papers hit the center of the driveway and up the driveway to the garage, or landed where a customer had specified. I always made sure it didn't go under the car or in the grass (sprinklers!!!). This would be a factor in whether or not you got "tips" from customers. A tip from a customer also meant "special care" for his paper in the future. Maybe this is why I am so generous with tips..(???)
While in Gilbert, I am unexpectedly done with Wang, but find another job, and start at Eyeco at 32nd St. and Shea, in PHOENIX (with no freeway). I drive 45 plus minutes to get there. I recall some mornings not remembering how I got to work, I was so sleepy. I would go to DQ for a "shake lunch" (beginning of HT, not Home Teaching) and then to a Church parking lot for an hour "power nap".
One morning, I am taking Jeremy to school (post divorce), and we get rear ended by a kid from Gilbert High. The Sentra is totalled, booo. But, yea!!!!! I get a new vehicle. A new, bright, shiny red S-10, x-tended cab. Great truck for delivering papers (but not for more than 2 passengers, but it worked), but not for rainy days. Sundays, I could get every paper in the bed, it was a little over the top but worked. On "bag days" I would go to the banks at Guadalupe and Gilbert Rd. (BofA, Bank One or Wells Fargo), get everthing ready, and tarp the load, put a bunch in the cab, and refill as needed. The joys and memorys of the paper route.
Mignon and I are married on May 5, 1989. And we do the paper route on our honeymoon. I wasn't able to get a sub. So, on Saturday morning, we over sleep and start delivering papers at 7 ish. We finish is record time, and with not too many complaints. I am now at BHN, and hoping I can quit the route. But, not just yet. So we start splitting the route, Mignon delivers part, and I deliver part. That allows us to finish quicker, and get longer sleep time. At some point we get a Voyager van, which holds all the papers in an enclosed area, allows one person to drive while the other inserts and folds.
One time, I don't remember if it was when we split or not, but I am by myself and in the area North of Elliot, east of Beck, and I turn a corner in the neighborhood and must have dosed off, as I hit a parked car on my right side. I hit the car on it's bumper, and the bumper went down my right side. I left a note (4AM ish), and finished the route. I never heard from the people. The next night, the car was still there, and the note inside. I determined the car must not be running or used, and it wasn't hurt. So I picked up the note. The car was there for the longest time, and eventually was gone.....
On one split morning. I get finished, and Mignon didn't make it home soon after. She has gotten stuck in a dirt road that leads to one guys' house in the middle of a big field (now where Gilbert Town hall is). The road got flooded when the field got over-irrigated. Luckily, an SRP irrigation guy saw her, and got her unstuck (no cell phones back then)
On another occasion, I am riding with Mignon, and we are going to the house in the middle of the farm acres. We circle the house via the driveway, and a dog starts after us, barking away.....the next thing we know, he starts yelping, and limps off. It's like 4AM, so we get home, I call my DA (district assistant) and tell him what has happened. He says he will call and check on the dog with the customer. Later that morning after telling the DA to have the guy call me, I get a call from the customer who says his dog was hurt bad, they had to take him in for surgery, and it's going to cost (I think) $700 or $1100. I don't remember just how unless by my name, but this guy knows who I am, he is the guy that Linda and Alan worked for out of his garage doing mail sales advertising stuff??? He knows I am a member of the Church, I've been playing Christ in the EP, and I don't even know what else. So, I tell him we will take care of everything thru our insurance. I learned to not be so willing. I call our insurance 800 number, and the guy says that they won't cover the incident because Gilbert has a lease law, and the dog was not on a lease, thus not subject to coverage under our policy. Great, now I call this guy back and tell him, and he calls me a "liar", etc. So, we aren't exactly rolling in money, and he wasn't within the law, didn't have his dog locked up, and chose to spend the money to get the dog fixed......so I tell him sorry, but we are not liable according to our insurance people. He called me 2 or 3 times later that week. I didn't hear from him again. But, in later years, Don Carpenter knew him, they were in the same ward, the Ray Ward. Don said he was a "strange" guy. Then sometime later, we read about him in the paper being arrested by the FBI because of mail fraud. Too crazy. But I didn't feel so bad after that.
I am sure there is more, but this is already tooooo long. To wrap it up----
I think everyone got a chance to help with the Sunday paper in the 1989-1991 years. The garage was the work area and it was a production process. Luke started working at the movie theater. He would get off at Midnight or so. He was designated as the pick up guy for the inserts (saving me an early trip out). One Sunday around 1 or 2 a.m., he is not home as yet, and we get a call from a person who says our son Luke is in their house, and that he had fallen asleep and hit their parked car head on. Fortunately, he was okay, but shook up over the fact that he had dozed off and hit a car. We were just glad that all he got was a bump on his head from hitting the windshield. What if it had happened on the rode with a moving vehicle!! The van was pretty messed up, but the route was completed that morning with the S-10. My Atlanta Braves license plate was salavaged (or was that when Mel almost ran into a bank building with the van?) and the van was repaired. And sometime later, The Paper Route days ended. We gave up the route, and started the Dance Studio.........a whole nother blog.......

Coming Posts !!!

"Famous" People
The Dance Studio
Early AM Basketball and Workouts
My "Indiana Jones" childhood stories
Raising Michael, Jeremy, and Melanie
The Adventures of the "Smith-Hallows" Gang
and more about me, me, me, I, I , I...

Pictures added to "Softball" below >>>>>

EASTER PAGEANT EXPERIENCES

As this year's Easter Pageant performance comes closer, memories of past productions and our family are brought to mind. I should have recorded the experiences and feelings immediately after each year as "age" dulls the mind. I reserve the right to add or change as time goes on, or my memory improves.

This year our family is represented by Melanie, Erik, Kylie, and Jadyn. They carry on the "Easter Pageant tradition".

The Pageant has evolved over the years from an early sunrise service to the production it is today. Linda and Amy were in the "Book of Mormon" scene in the late 60's. Thus they were well acquainted with Sister Roberta Layton as members of the Mesa West Stake.
My first introduction to the Pageant was in 1977, when Roberta Layton asked if we wanted to be in the Pageant. I am sure I was somewhat hesitant, not thrilled with the idea of being in a "play" and having to be in front of people. But I "caved in" and said yes. I didn't want to make the same "mistake" as the Pres. Kimball experience in passing up a chance for a "spiritual expericence". The production was made up of people from Maricopa and Mesa West Stakes, and many others that I didn't wasn't aware of. It was performed on the west side of the Temple grounds, same spot as today's. But the stage consisted of the City of Mesa's show trailer. It was 30 or so feet wide and 20 or so feet deep, with a curtain, sides and a back, and on wheels. Two "cotton" trailers were used as additonal stage on each side of the main stage. Plants and additonal back drops (drapes and scenery) were used to enhance the stage look.
I don't remember many details of the "early" years and what scenes we were in.....but here is what I can remember..............

Auditions consisted of filling out an info form, and then going into a room as a group of 20 or so. We would do our best moves to the music, moving left, then right, raising our left arm, them right, and twirling, etc. From this the "talent scouts" (directors) would make their best choices for our parts. The number of people auditioning was pretty small compared to today's numbers (800+).
I remember being on the stage for the "Lord's Prayer" scene, and having to kneel for the length of the scene as the song was sung (supposedly in a freeze position). We would give Michael and Jeremy candy to keep them somewhat in character as the scene went on, and we were in the back of the scene so to be able to keep them somewhat out of view of the crowd. Always a challenge each night. Later years, as Melanie was old enough to be in the scene, she was the little girl the Savior picked up and held.
Irwin Phelps was the director along with Sister Layton. He was the theater arts teacher at MCC (???). We would start rehearsals as early as 8 weeks before the first night, and we held those early practices at the Inter-Stake Center. Then we would move to the Temple grounds when the trailers (stages) and temp lighting was set up, and re-block the scenes because the stage distances were way smaller.
One night, it was really late (after mid-night???) and drizzling rain, Irwin was trying to "perfect" a scene. The lights came from Salt Lake on a truck that traveled to other Pageants. So they arrived just a short time before actual performaces began. All of a sudden one of the light poles fell over with a big crash. No one was hurt, and I guess the lights survived as well. The poles were just stuck in the ground back then. With that we were all sent home. (Today everything is cement achored, bolted, etc.) One night, Matt Sanchez, a Roman soldier (200lbs plus) fell through the stage floor, where plywood was laid for flooring. He was okay, but was always cautious after that on where to step.
One year, I was the "Appearance Angel". I was dressed in a shining white robe. With no high rise stage (just as well), I would take a huge piece of black material, and climb on a pre-positioned 3 step box next to a palm tree north of the stages, close to where the shepherds would be. I did this as the opening prayer was given to be somewhat inconspicuous. I stood there for the first 5/10 minutes with the cloth outstretched over my head until my part. I then dropped the cloth and mouthed my line to the shepherds, "fear not for behold I bring you........". Years later, Jeremy did this part from the high rise stage.....(???)
Over the years, I was Adam, a shepherd, Joseph (Linda was Mary, and did Mary's Lullabye), an unnamed Apostle, and John the Apostle.

Once you were in the Pageant, you were pretty well "hooked". Practices were always long and challenging, but the performances were the real reason we kept coming back. The Spirit was always strong (how could it not be??). We were part of the Pageant "family", only seeing most of the "family" at Pageant time. Every year as we began we would always say, "I can't beleive it's been a year already", and then when the performances were done, "I can't believe it's over". It is very difficult to put into words the feelings for the Pageant and it's effects on my life. Trying to write those feelings is just about impossible for me.

Brother Phelps and Sister Layton (and others I am sure) over the years wrote the script for the Pageant and improved it each year to make it more meaningful to all who saw it. At some point the Mesa Easter Pageant became a Church Pageant. This also meant a bigger budget for costumes and scenery. I can't even begin to tell what all happened and when......but it meant a new stage, enhanced scenery, curtains, and much more........changes with those involved.
Chip Boynton (a theatrical major at BYU and in the advertising profession) became involved with directing. Lund Johnson (also a theatrical man with experience at Hill Cumorah Pageant, and a seminary teacher) a year or later became a director. At some point Irwin and Roberta were "released" from their "callings". In 1983 (???) Chip became the director, and also played the part of the Savior!!!! Robert Layton (Sister Layton's son) had played the part for 10 yrs, and Robert Larson for 10 years. He was the Savior when we started. So change was difficult for most of us. There were also changes in the music. Song changes, and re-recordings with new performers. We made it through even with all the changes, the story was always the same, no matter how it was presented.

In 1984, after having auditioned as usual. We awaited our parts in the mail. I don't remeber if I opened the mail, or it was read to me over the phone. But it read "you have been chosen to play the part of the Savior". As I try to recall how I felt 20 plus years ago, I am sorry to say I can't remember my true feelings. I am sure I was totally "scared to death" with the idea of being in front of thousands of people and being the center of attention. I am sure I felt humbled to even have been considered for the part, let alone be chosen. I like to think someone prayed about it, and the Lord answered those prayers!!!! I was somewhat comforted knowing I didn't have to speak, so I couldn't mess up too bad. I am sure I was re-assured by Brother Boynton that I could do it. I knew in my heart I could do it, the Lord was in charge, and would not allow His Pageant to be a "flop". So here I was, totally afraid of being in front of people and performing, soon to be in front of thousands. I was able to get away with it in previous years because I was never the focus of the attention. I can only say, as I look back over those 10 years, the Lord guided and directed me, and it was never about me anyway......
In President Hinckley's father's words, "forget about yourself, and go to work".

The first practices were difficult. I had to break out of my shy "introverted" shell. I felt the love and kindness of others as they congratulated me and gave me encouragement, that helped tremendously. It began to hit me that this was how the Gospel works, it is how the Church works, each of us helping each other, through what we perceive as difficult challenges.
I had to learn where to be and when to be there, to know "my lines" to be able to look like I was actually talking, and to give big actions to portray even the smallest emotion. After 10 years, I almost figured it all out, but not completely.
There was a new scene added that year (or last year??). It was Jesus and the Children. The Savior and 10+ children (ranging from 11 down to 5 ish). I first thought how in the world is this scene going to work with this many kids. I was a really nervous and uncomfortable. But once again, I didn't have a clue what the Pageant was really all about. The scene turned out to be one of the most powerful scenes to touch the audience hearts, and contiunes to do so today. A scene that was trully inspired.
There were plenty of "funny" and unique experiences (the Spiritual ones are harder to tell about, so they will follow).
As the practices went on that first year, it came time to go thru the finale with the "CHERRY PICKER". I went back of the stage to take my first ride. I had to climb a ladder about 25ft and then get inside the "bucket" attached to the end of the ladder. Then the lift went up another 50 feet and I was above the palm trees. This was during daylight hours and in street clothes. After getting down, my "flesh" side kicked in; how could I do this in a costume, and at night, and rush off the stage to get there in time, all this hiding my real fear --- "heights". So, I went to Chip, and presented my story. He probably sensed my fears, because he and Robert Larson had done it before with no problems. So he said another way would be figured out. And so, Frank Morgan, who had played the Savior on the cross for years, stood in for me as the Savior appearing at the end of the Pageant. I was a big chicken, but it allowed Frank to have a great experience. A few years later, after the last performance was unusally windy, and Frank was swaying back and forth, the scene was changed to the top of the stage. I don't know if it was a safety move or what. A lift was mounted ontop the stage and that raised the Savior to an "ascending" height (10 15 ft. above the top of the state). I was able to handle that, knowing I was only 15 feet high????????
The ride on the donkey was somewhat uneventful for even a "city slicker" like me. Having never riden a horse or donkey (that's what I said), I managed the first few years without any complications. But one year, our old experienced donkey died. So a new one was enlisted. It didn't like the enlistment. We had problems with each practice. One time I was bucked off, and hit the side 2 x 4 frame and cut my wrist. Not a bad cut, but I still have the scar. The Apostles tried their best to help control "Peanut", and did a pretty good job. One night, we didn't make it on with me riding, and had to go with all of us walking on the stage. Over the years the donkey entrance included walking on the grass with the Savior dismounting and walking up the steps, walking up a ramp in front of the center stage, and walking up the north end rounding the corner and going across the full stage. For years a new animal was needed to be found each year, and thus a fun and exciting experience every year.......
One year, during the Cleansing the Temple scene, I flipped over the bird cages, and caught a nail snag on my right hand. I knew it pieced my skin, but didn't think it was too bad considering all that was going on, crowd yelling and the excitement of the scene. ("Think" being the key word, I found years later if I don't see the injury I am okay). The next scene, as I am appearing/calling the Apostles. I am facing the audience, and they are facing me (backs to audience). And they are staring at my hand, and saying "you are bleeding". Wrong word to say to me. Somehow I made it thru the scene and got backstage. The paramedics had been called, and were waiting for me. The cut was not that bad. It was bleeding, but didn't require stitches; a bandaid did the job, and I was able to continue. But, I still have the scar for the "life threatening injury".
For years we didn't have any real technical difficulties (at least from our perspective). We always worked around any little things that happened. One year, as Judas was approaching the Savior for the kiss and betrayal.......the sound track tape broke. What seemed like "forever", was only 10 or so seconds, before the backup tape was clicked on. We all froze for those "few" seconds, and when the tape started the dialogue again we contiuned our actions. Afterwards, we talked about how we "together" without spoken word had made a "right choice" by not continuing our actions. That by just freezing, when the tape started we were in sync. One of many times the Lord's hand was involved in the Pageant.

For the past 2 years and in 1989, as I exited the stage at the end of the "Old Jerusalem" scene and went into the "Last Supper" scene, a "stage crew member" grabbed my arm and ushered me to my position. It was pitch black, and the bright stage lights made it impossible to focus quick enough to be in position as the scene began. And so for those years, I never knew who that person was. So in 1989 as I found myself in a single setting, I was introduced to Mignon Hallows (that "stage person" also in a single setting). We were hooked up by the "Apostles". We went out on a date right after the Pageant ended, and 4 weeks later we were married. Nineteen years ago. I am so thankful for that introduction and the events that led to our meeting. I love that "stage person".

From the first rehearsal to the last performance, I was totally out of my comfort zone. The support of the cast members, the directors, my friends and those I worked with in Church callings, and especially my Family was the help I needed to give me a an idea of how I should portray the Savior. We, no, I, cannot comprehend what the Savior went through while He was on this earth. What pain He suffered at the hands of those who could not understand what they were doing. Gethsamane, betrayal by Judas, scourging by the Roman soldiers, and the Crucifixion could not even begun to be felt by a mortal being. And yet the joy of the Resurrection felt by those who witnessed it was somehow a "real" physical experience that we all felt. As I reflect back, how could one ask for a greater earthly learning experience, for 4 plus weeks, for 10 years to "walk and talk" with the Savior, to get a small glimpse of what it will be like someday.......I only wish I could be more like Him. I do know, if we try our very best, He will make up the shortage that we cannot fulfill. And someday, we can be like Him and will be with Him. This I testify in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.