We met James in our Houston ward "back in 98' " as he likes to say. Brett was assigned to be his home teacher and thus a lifelong relationship began. James was born with various physical challenges and because of this he was constantly picked on by his peers and brothers. While his mom took care of him the best she could, he was constantly told he would never amount to much and developed phobias that he's had to work very hard to overcome. He spent most of his life a loner. While I don't recall exactly how it was that he found the church I do know that the church literally saved his life. While in Houston James spent many holidays and Sunday evenings with us. He was always the first one to ask if there was anything he could do to help. He took out many bags of garbage and helped wash loads of dishes. We had some good times playing games with the kids and singing in the choir with Brett. On moving day to Utah he came to help load our giant U-Haul. He was the first one there and the last one to leave. A year or two later he called us and asked if Brett wouldn't mind flying out to Houston to help him drive his own U-Haul out west. They have some funny stories about their adventures out to the promised land. We helped get James set up and once again enjoyed many 4th of July's and Christmas Eve's together. On one occasion when James was at another low point. He asked Brett if he could come and give him a blessing. When Brett returned home I asked him how it went and he replied, "the Lord loves him and promised him a companion." "Wow" is all I could say. More years passed and we watched James continue to go through his share of ups and downs. He has had amazing friends and bishops in his singles ward help him along the way. It was there that he met Lisa. It has been so thrilling to watch his transformation. He is so happy and in love. I can't wait to go to the temple to witness their sealing. As I look at their engagement picture I can't help but smile and am reminded of the infinite love our Heavenly Father has for his children, each and every one.
2 comments:
That is such a sweet story. Thank you for sharing it and for being such wonderful friends to this man.
I think you both were the major instruments in the hand of the Lord for James. It is a joy to see him and his sweetheart so much in love. The Lord puts people together doesn't He? First you guys then his bishops then Lisa.
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