My Family - A blessing in my life!

Family photo, taken before my birth.  Since I was born after
the death of my brother, we do not have a complete photo

It's been a little while since I last penned something on this blog, and I thought with Thanksgiving today, it would be appropriate to express thanks for my family.

My Mother Verda Mae Christensen.  She was my cornerstone for much of my life.  Helped me through some of my most difficult challenges and reminded me that I should always be looking to help another.  She was my neighbor, my friend and my teacher.

My Father - Robert Christensen.  He taught me to love the simple things in life.  I idolized him and he taught me to love and serve in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I still shed a tear or two from his death when I was 10 years old but he continues to teach me by memory and in some case, sweet and tender moments that remind me that life is eternal.

Elliott who became the Patriarch of our family.  He has been there at every turn of life, including how I met my wife.  He covered my student insurance when I didn't have a job, was a witness for my marriage and ordained me a High Priest when I was called into our Bishopric at age 25.  I am always grateful for his constant guidance in life.

Clayton who while world famous and well known by many notable people, has been a mainstay for me in many ways.  His generosity is endless and during a period of college while doing an internship in Boston, he gave up his car to me for 10 weeks while I put 5000 miles on it for work.  While his health challenges have been overwhelming by most of our standards, he continues to get through it and continue the work he was put here to do.

Milton is the brother I truly never met.  He passed away at age 11, six months before I was born, but I have been touched by stories of him and how much his life effected our family.  A year ago, I walked in our youth trek for him and while we never have been able to have a son, we contemplated naming that son after him.  I know my parents are grateful to once again be with him as they continue to do the work for our family.

Maribeth has blessed my life on many occasions and is a survivalist and has amazing optimism.  She made Cathy's wedding dress, working all night one weekend even though she had a heavy teaching load at Rick's College.  Maribeth was always one for adventure and it's been hard to watch her struggle with health and it's toll but she continues to skirt death and do what she can.  She is a loved teacher who put the student first and despite some institutional issues that made that difficult, she pushed forward and has never given up.

Spencer is a favorite in our household.  Well loved by our girls and we always look forward to having him stay with us.  He is often helping others around him in his Houston home, whether in natural disasters or just being a friend.  He works hard to provide for his family and loves his sons and new granddaughter.  I can always depend on Spencer for a good joke and interest in my latest project and I often take advantage of his generous nature to get his help.

Bradley was my best man at my wedding and has been by my side in nearly all my growing up years.  He works really hard to make things beautiful in this world with his nursery.  Brad often looks to the good in people and errors on the side of giving them the benefit of the doubt.  Frequently does quiet and generous acts to help others and while not perfect, knows God and strives to do what he can to follow him.  If I want the real truth to life and politics, just spend 15 minutes on the phone talking to him!

Nancy has been my constant through my whole life.  She loves her kindergarten students, her grandchildren and of course her family.  She has been an accomplice in my life to crazy projects like the sewing of my kangaroo costume and numerous art projects including graduation announcements for my children.  She was my neighbor for many years and has not been timid in using photo shop to place me in many historic events.  When you're doing a honk-n-wave for your campaign, make sure Nancy is there.

Everyone of my family have different traits and strengths and have blessed my life in so many ways.  My heart if full of gratitude of being born in a family as wonderful as mine.