. . . . . . . This is the Place

Today, the 24th of July, marks Pioneer Day in Utah, the anniversary of when Brigham Young entered the valley for the first time and declared this was the place they were going to settle.

Now the valley is full of life, unlike the desert scene of 170 years ago. And, today I declare that this IS the place for my family to be. I have thought numerous times about the "coincidences" of having one of the world's best neurosurgeons here, one of the only people able to remove a tumor such as mine. In addition, the surgeon who pioneered the procedure that sealed my spinal fluid leak, the only man in the country who has successfully performed this operation, is also right here. There are only 5 locations in the country where there are therapists for facial paralysis. Yes, Salt Lake City is one.

Here we are surrounded by wonderful friends and neighbors, who truly care for each other and serve one another. They have taken care of our family during the worst of times, and celebrated with us during the best of times. Here, in this place, family is still important and love matters above all else.

Again and again, I have realized that the Lord blesses our lives, and this is just one more way. Tolan and I have long desired to travel and live in different places in the world, but we have always felt compelled to stay right here. For us, this truly is the right place.