"Something Unimaginable"

 My subject today (Nov. 20, 2022) is from Elder Uchtdorf’s conference talk:

“God Will Do Something Unimaginable”

Let’s look back at the early Saints, who endured many trials and heartaches:

Saints crossing the frozen Mississippi River. (1)

They built a city along the Mississippi River in a mosquito-infested swamp

They suffered the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith

They sacrificed to build the Nauvoo temple and then had to leave it behind

They abandoned Nauvoo the Beautiful and fled across the frozen Mississippi

They trudged more than a thousand miles across the wilderness via wagon, handcart and by foot to reach an isolated valley next to a great salty lake.

Crossing Sweetwater River pulling handcarts. (2)

More than 4,000 of them died, including several of my ancestors, before the Intercontinental railroad was completed in 1868.

Then they had to struggle to survive in the desolate Salt Lake Valley, including an invasion of crickets, which resulted in the miracle of the seagulls.

Even still, they imagined a prosperous kingdom in the tops of the mountains.

 Workers cut slabs of granite in Little
Cottonwood Canyon south of Salt Lake. (3)

When Brigham Young and the first group of Pioneers arrived in 1847, he picked a temple site, but construction didn’t start until six years later.

“Church craftsmen painstakingly chiseled out of the canyon walls huge granite blocks that weighed from 2,500 to 5,600 pounds each and carefully transported them to Temple Square, first by ox-drawn wagon and later by railroad. There, expert stone cutters carved the blocks to fit perfectly into place.”

In the spring of 1858, while the Saints were still laying the foundation of the Salt Lake Temple, the U.S. government was dispatching Johnston’s Army to put down the “Mormon rebellion.” In response, Pres. Young had the Saints evacuate their homes and covered over the temple foundation in anticipation of the arrival of the army.

Painting of Johnston's Army marching through
the deserted Salt Lake City, Utah Territory. (4)

However, a resolution to the crisis was found, and the Saints returned to their homes and uncovered the temple foundation. But to their dismay, many of the sandstone blocks were cracked and would need to be replaced.

Another obstacle in building the House of the Lord.

The temple construction took 40 years.

Why were the early Saints so tested in their efforts to build Zion?

Despite all the challenges, the Saints eventually began to flourish, building the crossroads of the west.

Back when the church was organized in 1830, who of the first members could imagine the growth of the church in later decades.

Berlin Wall dividing Communist East Berlin
from free West Berlin from 1961 to 1989. (5)

When I was a young teenager in the 1960s, the church was still pretty small – less than 2 million members. I wondered then how the church could possibly grow enough to reach into all parts of the world – especially in places like Eastern Europe, Russia, Africa and even China and India.

And now there’s a temple in India! Wow!

When I was a missionary in Costa Rica in 1970, there were two branches in the country. Now there are more than 78 congregations, 51,000 members, and even a temple in San Jose.

Hard to imagine!

When the Covid Pandemic slammed the world, the Lord through his church leadership had already given us a way to weather the storm – the Come Follow Me program.

Church President Russell M. Nelson

Who could have imagined such great timing!

The church has faced many challenges and obstacles, but through our Father in Heaven, we have come out stronger than ever.

What’s lies ahead for the church? Many trials and tribulations!

But Pres. Nelson said in the last conference: “In the coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen!”

Can you imagine that?!

In all this, the Lord’s work is to bring to pass the Immortality and Eternal Life of Man!

What about on a personal level?

Every one of us has or will face hardship, challenges and obstacles!

But the important thing is to see how we handle them! Will we give up and turn away from our Heavenly Father and our Savior?

It isn’t how many times we get knocked down, it’s how we respond, how quickly we get back up – and what we learn from them all – whether they be physical, mental or financial challenges?

How we handle these things and what we learn from them makes us more prepared for what comes next – and in the next life.

I asked a friend about his challenge in life – a financial one.

He said: “I realized that I needed to make a change in my life because I was growing further away from the lord. The more stuff you have and the more absolute your authority is, it seems the further away from God you get. I really needed to be humbled and by changing jobs, the Lord blessed me. First with humility, which gradually led to a greater focus on what is really important. It has been a journey of close to two decades and counting, but the rewards are amazing. I have learned to recognize his hand in all that we do. I have prayed to know more, and he has put me in callings and responsibilities that have made learning and understanding necessary. I have experienced that when I ask for blessings, I better be prepared to be challenged. I have learned that the plan of salvation is real and unbelievably wonderful. I have learned to love the scriptures and that we are all God's children and that the lessons given to one generation can and do apply to all. I have learned without a doubt that this gospel is true and the Lord really loves me and us.”

Another friend told me of his challenge: “When I was about 13 years old, life was pretty hard.  I was living in a new town and had very few friends...  Kids treated me like a freak because of my limp ...  and inability to run. My balance was so bad that I would trip and fall all the time. I remember feeling really sorry for myself for not being like all the other kids and not doing what they could do.  I was praying and complaining to Heavenly Father when a sweet peaceful feeling came over me, telling me that even though I was different, I was still his son and as such was special...  I was told not to worry about what others thought or how they acted towards me -- but to just be the best person I could and I would be okay. From that day on, life was much better.  Still hard – but way easier to be happy.”

My older brother, Merrill, playing
basketball at Granger High School.

Let me tell you my “short” story. And if you’ve heard this, it may be a good time for a nap!

My older brother was an athlete! I always wanted to be like him! But I suffered too many illnesses, back issues, cracked wrists, shoulder separations, and too many surgeries.

I was the runt of the litter.

However, in the 8^th and 9^th grade, I had a growth spurt – all the way up to 5’ 4”—and I loved playing basketball. In attrition I had good health during my high school years.

Elder Hunt on crutches and in
full leg cast on way home
from mission in Costa Rica.

I was even able to go on a mission to Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Good times!

However, over halfway through my mission, I started having problems with my left knee. After a couple of months hobbling around, I underwent surgery and had a broken cartilage removed in my knee. Then after a month or so of reading the scriptures in recovery, we found out I had bone cancer. I was quickly flown home and ended up in LDS Hospital.

That first night after finding out that I faced a leg amputation, I started praying out loud to my Father in Heaven, wondering if I was going to survive and pleading for His help. I prayed that I could be OK with a wooden leg, that I would live to find an eternal companion and have a family of my own.

Standing behind me is Mission President Milton E. Smith
and Apostle Delbert L. Stapley in Costa Rica.

After a long evening of praying, I felt a warm reassurance that all was going to be OK -- that Heavenly Father would help me through this ordeal and that I would be able to continue on with my dreams – despite the loss of my leg.

A few days after the surgery, Elder Delbert L. Stapley of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited me and gave me a blessing. I’ll never forget how he started his blessing by talking with Heavenly Father as if He were in the room, telling Him about my situation. Then he paused and proceeded to bless me. The two main parts I remember to this day is that he commanded that if any cancer remained in my body that it should depart and then commanding that it should never return.

I’ve never really worried about the cancer after that.

Here I am now, 72 years old and praising my Father In Heaven for keeping His promises to me.

It’s hard to imagine!

Nancy and I have been married now for 47 years, we have five children and 15 grandchildren.

Life has been amazing – but also hard!

Lehi’s Dream (and the Iron Rod),
by Jerry Thompson. Courtesy
of the LDS Church, © 2015

The truth is, I’ve had many things to repent of! Every day I give thanks for Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice.

From all my mistakes and ordeals, I have learned many things – including determination, faith, the truth of the gospel and Plan of Salvation, the Love that my Father in Heaven and my Savior have for me – despite all my past sins and weaknesses.

Now, I need to Hold Tight to the Rod – despite my brittle bones and arthritis in my shoulders and joints.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the first presidency said in the last conference that adversity is temporary. What is permanent is what we become by the way we react to them.”

So remember, God Will Help Us Do Something Unimaginable in our lives – in this life and in the next!

(1) https://www.legendsofamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Handcart-Company-across-the-Sweetwater-River.jp

(2)  Christensen, C. C. A. (Carl Christian Anton), 1831-1912

(3)  (c. 1872)  Photographer: C.W. Carter

(4) Joseph  Smith Foundation

(5) the  Jakarta Post

Having Hope In Adversity

Talk presented March 7, 2020, in Joplin Stake Conference:

Life is beautiful … Life is amazing … Life is hard … Life is Challenging …

Life can be a really tough row to hoe!

Priesthood leaders on the Stake sugar beet farm
in Granger posing with their work hoes, including
Bro. Peterson, second from left; Dwayne Johnson;
and Gordon Evans, second from right.  

There’s adversity of numerous kinds – including genetical, physical and emotional ones. There are ones caused by the actions or decisions made by others -- or even those brought upon ourselves by our own choices.

When I was in my early teens, we were often called to work on our stake welfare farms, including planting tomatoes, harvesting tomatoes and picking corn. The hardest assignment was weeding the sugar beets.

How many have had that great opportunity?

How many have ever seen a sugar beet?

John Havlicek of
the Boston Celtics
from 1962 to 1978.

I could do about three rows, each about 100 yards long, before my back and arm were aching, and I was drenched in sweat. Those types of activities made me realize I shouldn’t make a career out of manual labor.

When I was in 8^th grade, my father had a personal chat with me about my future career plans. I told him I was going to be a professional basketball player. I pictured myself as the next John Havlicek of the Boston Celtics.

Mario Lanza,
1921-1959

He then asked what I would do if I couldn’t be a pro player. What was my backup plan? I quickly said I’d be a professional singer, maybe like Mario Lanza. 

The same year I was
on West Lake Junior
High basketball team,
I was named the
"Most Fit" in
Coach Newton's
gym classes.

Then he asked: What then, if that doesn’t work out? I wrestled with my thoughts for a bit, then suggested I would become a writer or journalist – despite the fact my spelling and grammar were terrible. I figured I’d have an editor to fix those things.

After a lot of practice and overcoming many injuries, my basketball career reached all the way up to – the last spot on the bench of our junior high basketball team. 

And the pinnacle of my singing career was – high school madrigals and Concert Choir. I had a great time in both

Granger High School Madrigals
1967-68. I'm on the 2nd row, far right.

pursuits, but those career dreams were dashed. Still, I was confident my Father in Heaven would help me find something else.

That something else was a career in writing and journalism, starting with our high school newspaper, then as church mission public relations director, and then as an editor of the BYU newspaper, which led to a 35-year career as an editor at the daily newspaper, The Deseret News.

Sounds simple enough, but actually that path was filled with challenges and adversity!

Elder Neal A. Maxwell once said: “One’s life . . . cannot be both faith-filled and stress-free. . . . Therefore, how can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, ”Lord, give me experience – but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy!” (end quote)

The Lord knows we need to experience the bad and the good in life as we climb that figurative ladder back to him.

Growing up, I had real trouble with my shoulders – which led to surgeries on both. But those setbacks didn’t stop me from playing basketball as much as time would permit.

The large rock nicked my left-leg calf muscle, which
put my leg into spasms and I was helped down!

And at a Scout camp, I was almost killed when a large boulder came crashing down the mountainside, and I stood there frozen. In a split second, my brother pushed me out of the way. I was nicked in the left-leg calf muscle, but was alive! The rock, however, plummeted down the mountainside and killed a member of our troop. We were devastated.

Elder Adhemar Damiani of the Seventy has said: “As part of our mortal probation, we pass through affliction, pain, and disappointment. Only in Jesus Christ can we find peace. … His gospel gives us the strength and the eternal perspective to face what is coming with good cheer.” (end quote)

Elder Hunt on crutches and
left leg in full cast at San
Jose, Costa Rica, airport set
to fly home to Granger.

The words, eternal perspective, played a critical part in the challenge I faced when I was 20 years old, more than half a century ago, and serving a mission in Costa Rica. After several months of pain in my left leg and two surgeries, the doctors discovered I had bone cancer. One day later, I was on my way back home to Utah where I was told that the only way to maybe beat the cancer was to have my left leg amputated. Remember, this was before chemo and radiation therapy.

Two things happened to turn my hope into faith. The night before the surgery, I prayed long and hard about my future. Was I going to survive? And if I survived, could I make it without basketball and as an amputee?  Finally, I received a spiritual assurance that I had a good life ahead, even that I would eventually marry and have a family.

Elder Hunt standing in front of Pres. Milton E. Smith,
left, and Elder Delbert L. Stapley of the Quorum of
Twelve, and other missionaries in the San Jose area. 

Then, a couple of days following the surgery, I received a blessing from Elder Delbert L. Stapley, who I had previously met when he visited our mission in Costa Rica. His blessing was amazing: He first spoke with God and explained to Him my situation. Then, after a pause, he proceeded to bless me. Part of that blessing was a command that if there was any cancer left in my body that it would leave and never return.

Five years later, the doctor who had performed the surgery, said he really hadn’t expected me to survive. He credited Elder Stapley’s blessing for the miracle.

I soon was back in school at BYU and receiving assistance from the Utah Division of Rehabilitation, which made it possible for me to go on and earn my college diploma.

I was blessed in many ways, but those college years and the ensuing couple of years were really tough, emotionally. My self-esteem suffered, and I started my career at Deseret News emotionally and spiritually low. What saved me was realizing that I could actually change and repent. That I could break the chains Satan had wrapped around me.

That spiritual reawakening came while reading Pres. Kimball’s book “The Miracle of Foregiveness” – that, along with getting involved in Young Adults, which is where I met Nancy. She was the one who helped me through the repentance process. Finally I had hope again – I had regained my eternal perspective.

The Lord makes no secret that He will test our faith and our obedience. “We will prove them herewith,” He said, “to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks has said: “Most of us experience some measure of what the scriptures call ‘the furnace of affliction.’ Some are submerged in service to a disadvantaged family member. Others suffer the death of a loved one or the loss or postponement of a righteous goal like marriage or childbearing. Still others struggle with personal impairments or with feelings of rejection, inadequacy, or depression.

Pres. Dallin H. Oaks

[But] Through the justice and mercy of a loving Father in Heaven, the refinement and sanctification possible through such experiences can help us achieve what God desires us to become....

Father Lehi promised his son Jacob that God would ‘consecrate [his] afflictions for [his] gain.’

The Prophet Joseph was promised that ‘thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high.’ (end quote)

Joseph Smith Jr.

Enduring well means living faithfully despite our trials and misfortune. It means learning from these trials and experiences and thus becoming more like our Father in Heaven.

Eternal perspective allows us to understand that if we endure well these things and learn from them, then we can look forward to living with our Father in Heaven – and even eventually living the kind of life that God lives! That’s a pretty awesome promise!

Lee & Nancy Hunt

Now, more than 60 years since that blessing from Elder Stapley, I’m still hanging on – married to my sweet Nancy for nearly 45 years, and treasuring my five children and 17 grandchildren. But I still have daily afflictions and challenges.

So, I pray that we will hold on through our trials, become closer to our Father in Heaven as we do so, and hold tight to our eternal perspective, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

These quotes I wasn’t able to use due to time constraints, but well worth review on the subject:

Pres. Russell M. Nelson

Pres. Russell M. Nelson has said: “True repentance is not an event. It is a never-ending privilege. It is fundamental to progression….” (end quote)

Why does our Father in Heaven allow these burdens?

Wouldn’t it be nice to not have any? Life would be so easy – but would we learn anything if life was all bliss?

Is there a reason for life’s adversities?

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Elder Quentin L. Cook has said: “Adversity should not be viewed as either disfavor from the Lord or a withdrawal of His blessings. Opposition in all things is part of the refiner’s fire to prepare us for an eternal celestial destiny.” (end quote)

And many of these adversities and afflictions require us to turn away from sin and despair and take hold of Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice through repentance.

Elder Bruce C. Hafen

Elder Bruce C. Hafen has said: “The great Mediator asks for our repentance not because we must ‘repay’ him in exchange for his paying our debt to justice, but because repentance initiates a developmental process that, with the Savior’s help, leads us along the path to a saintly character.” (end quote)

Pres. Russell M. Nelson has said: “True repentance is not an event. It is a never-ending privilege. It is fundamental to progression….” (end quote)

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf testified: “… that when we

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

embark upon or continue the incredible journey that leads to God, our lives will be better. This does not mean that our lives will be free from sorrow. We all know of faithful followers of Christ who suffer tragedy and injustice–Jesus Christ Himself suffered more than anyone.... In fact, sometimes it seems that our lives are more difficult because we are trying to live our faith. Following the Savior will not remove all of your trials. However, it will remove the barriers between you and the help your Heavenly Father wants to give you.” (end quote)

Elder M. Russell Ballard

Elder M. Russell Ballard has said: “No matter how difficult the trail, and regardless of how heavy our load, we can take comfort in knowing that others before us have borne life’s most grievous trials and tragedies by looking to heaven for peace, comfort, and hopeful assurance. We can know as they knew that God is our Father, that He cares about us individually and collectively, and that as long as we continue to exercise our faith and trust in Him, there is nothing to fear in the journey.” (end quote)

I’ve always loved the Book of Mormon story of Alma and his people who fled into the wilderness and were eventually captured by the Lamanites and forced to labor for them. But the Lord, instead of immediately rescuing them from the Lamanites, he first helped them handle their burdens:

 In Mosiah, Chapter 12, verse 15: And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.”

Elder D. Todd
Christofferson

Elder D. Todd Christofferson has said: “Exercising agency in a setting that sometimes includes opposition and hardship is what makes life more than a simple multiple-choice test. God is interested in what we are becoming as a result of our choices. He is not satisfied if our exercise of moral agency is simply a robotic effort at keeping some rules. Our Savior wants us to become something, not just do some things. He is endeavoring to make us independently strong …” (end quote)

Thankful for 1970 Priesthood Blessing

Facebook post Nov. 20, 2020

Elder Delbert L. Stapley,
holding a Costa Rica cart.

While listening to President Nelson, the prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, present his social media message on Gratitude, I considered all my blessings and felt the desire to share one that was bestowed upon me more than half a century ago.

I was diagnosed with bone cancer when I was twenty years old while serving a church mission in Costa Rica. I was quickly sent home to Salt Lake City where surgeons amputated my left leg high above the knee. Life expectancy for this type of cancer back in 1970 was very limited: There was no radiation treatments or chemotherapy -- just amputation and a prayer.

The night before the surgery, I prayed – again -- to my Father in Heaven about my situation and my life’s dreams. I prayed for strength to get through this painful, life-changing challenge. I prayed that with that strength I could be positive in my outlook and go on to college and, God willing, find a woman who could put up with me and be my companion and share our lives together. And, with that, I hoped to one day we would have children who we would love, cherish and teach life’s lessons.

After what I felt was a lot of soul-searching and pleading in that dark hospital room, a feeling of peace overcame me. I know the Lord was aware of me and that he was going to help me through this terrible ordeal. I felt I could go forward and have a life – though it would be far different from what I had expected just a few months before.

The post-surgery recovery was the absolute worst: The phantom pains were horrible. Slowly I started to improve – though the phantom pains have never completely left. And sometimes I get terrible flareups.

A few days after that surgery in September of 1970, I received a visit from Church President Joseph Fielding Smith, who was the father of my mission president, Milton E. Smith. President Smith and his wife buoyed my confidence. Then a day or two later, I received another special visit, this time Church Apostle Delbert L. Stapley, who I had met in Costa Rica while serving as the mission’s public relations elder.

He gave me an amazing blessing. As he laid his hands on my head, he spoke to Heavenly Father as one person speaks to another, explaining my situation to our Heavenly Father. Then he paused, and through the power of the priesthood which he held, he pronounced a blessing on my head. The part I remember most vividly was his command that if there was any of the cancer still in my body that it would leave and would never come back. The feeling during that blessing was powerful.

I knew then that his blessing was a confirmation of my peace of mind following my prayer before the surgery. I’ve held on to that over all the decades that followed. I’ve stumbled, fallen, sinned and repented and sinned way too many times. But still I know that the prayer that night and the subsequent blessing were real and everlasting.

Today, as Pres. Nelson has encouraged us to do, I offer my profound thanks to my Father in Heaven and to Elder Stapley for his blessing, which promised a miracle. In fact, five years after the amputation and at the point when the doctors say you’re finally through the woods, my surgeon admitted that as far as he was concerned, I was still alive because of that priesthood blessing. He said he didn’t honestly think I had a chance.

Looking back at my life, I’m eternally thankful for:

· These extra decades here on earth.

· Being able to graduate from BYU and get a job at Deseret News, which lasted for 35 years.

· My wife, Nancy, who I met in Young Adults after graduating from BYU. She has had to do so much extra being my wife. I love her eternally!

· My amazing children, Heather, Lena, Jason, Jared, Nathan -- and Justin, who we lost at birth and is in Heaven already.

I witness that our Father in Heaven keeps all his promises, and I’m so grateful that he does.

Post responses:

Carol Linton Lavigne Such a great story, and what a blessing sweet Nancy is! You’ve always been a wonderful friend and I’m so happy you’ve had a happy ending! 💕

Sharron James Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful story of Gratitude 😊❣️ Jeremy Swarnes Thanks for being YOU Lee!! Jeanette Waite Bennett I had never heard "the whole story" about your leg. Wow! That priesthood blessing was remarkable. What an amazing life you've had! I'm so glad I got to cross paths with you at the Deseret News. You were the best boss. Carlyn Jarvis Crockett What an amazing story!

Heather Wentz Thank you so much for sharing this! You are so amazing! I'm so grateful to be your daughter! Charles Taylor Thank You for sharing your story. Thankful you are still with us to share this wonderful testimony. Bruce Taggart Lee, thanks for sharing this tender experience. Larry Anderton Lee, thanks for sharing your story. i never knew the whole story, especially that it occurred during your mission. You are an inspiration to many and I'm glad to have known you for so long. Gary Beckstead This is a wonderful story of faith and the power of the Priesthood. Thanks for sharing this. Carolyn Dugdale You definitely one cool dude, proud to have you as a friend 😁 Trena Hunt I am glad that your my brother! Shirl Busick Thank you so much for sharing. You have helped me to renew my faith. Miss you guys. Debra Adams What a great testimony. I remember when you came home and you lost your leg. You have triumphed over such adversary conditions. May Heavenly Father continue to bless you!🎄 Sandra Argyle Westwood I've never heard this before, thank you for sharing. Grateful for your family. Whitney Bennion Thank you for sharing Lee! Hope you and your family are doing well! Tell them hi! Rhonda Hunt Johnson I love that you shared this! I knew it happened while you were in your mission, but I didn’t know you were in Costa Rica. This strengthens my testimony of the priesthood and know it’s real! I’ve been able to grow right along with this and I’ve always been amazed at your sense of humor and positive attitude. 💕

Kevin Westwood Thanks for sharing you're experiences! I have never heard this before! Very inspiring! William Kay Blackwell Amazing! Thanks Lee. You have always been exceptional.

Truth and Faith in Cancer Ordeal

This paper was an assignment for Professor Bradford's Sociology class, which was much like a religion class with a sociology basis.

Sociology Class Assignment, 1970

   On Sept. 1, 1970, I was laying in a hospital bed in Salt Lake City and thinking about life and the many things I had learned and experienced in my 20 years on Earth. On the next day, I was to go through an experience that would change my life in every way.

   As the staff wheeled me back into my room after a very  serious operation,  I  realized  that  if I could  see below my waist, I would find only one leg where there had been two only hours earlier.

What does a person think about when he knows he has cancer, when he knows he must lose one of his legs, when he knows there is a possibility that he will die?

   Only a week earlier, I was a patient in a different hospital in the little country of Costa Rica when the doctor and my mission president, Milton E. Smith, explained, through the sad silence, that I would be going home the next morning by  jet airline so the doctors back state-side could work on me.

   At that time, neither really explained the seriousness of the situation. But after I had arrived in Utah and the doctor who had been retained by the church had examined the X-ray, my knee and some tissue samples, he said – quite frankly – "You know we'll have to amputate your leg.” He also said that if the operation was success­ful, it would stop any cancer from spreading to other parts of my body by eliminating the part of the body in which it was growing.

   Three days elapsed before the operation while I, mentally and spiritually, sought the strength I would need.

   In prayer that first night, I called on God to please give me strength and understanding – and to help me through this challenging situation. To give me the faith I needed. This strength and help did come, while all those around me were happily surprised by my attitude and happy spirit.

   Following the operation, I realized that without the help of God, without the realization that God lives,   without the assurance that I will resurrect in a more perfect state, I think I would have cursed, life and   damned the Heavens, while sinking into a bottomless despair.

   This is the most important goal in our mortal life: "To know God and his Son Jesus Christ. I know that they live and that they love us and will help us if we will have faith in them. What a glorious thing it is to know that life does not end here on earth and that at the time of resurrection, I will once again be able to run and jump on two firm legs.

   During this trial, when the thoughts of a future death did come into my mind, I  felt that, though I had lived only 20 years, I had accomplished things  and  done things that made me feel as though 1 had had a complete life. (I was probably very wrong, but that is how I felt.)

   Don't think I felt I had conquered all evil, because I hadn't nor have I yet. But I did feel calm. The one thing I knew I lacked was to be married in the Temple of the Lord.

   I also felt happy that I didn’t wait until I was older to become active in everything but that I had been   constantly active in doing things, what I felt were worthwhile.

   Also, I had been on a mission and had felt that joy that comes to a person when he sees one, to whom he has brought the message of the restored gospel, excel in his life.

   If I were to name the most important values in life, I would point to God and to a Christ-like life to be the goal in one’s life while always doing those things that are good and helping others try to reach that same goal.