Gratitude and Service

This post is part of the Joyful Family Life's 2014 Gratitude Challenge (follow along with #joyfulthanksgiving), and I knew I needed to write about these two pictures, not simply post them to Instagram or Facebook.

They describe a story that has meant a lot to me over the years.

During my second year of college, my brother and I wrecked his car in a traffic accident. We got banged up in the middle of an intersection. Both cars were declared totaled, but no one was hurt, except me. My ankle was broken, and I had surgery two days later. 

This was a difficult trial in my life. 

My days on the university dance team were over. My job offer to work as a performer in Walt Disney World was over. I cried a lot those first few nights, dealing with a broken bone and a broken heart.

After the surgery, I was cleared to return to school. My first day back on BYU-Idaho campus was difficult. It was snowy outside; crutches and snow are a tricky combination. Metal crutches also get frigidly cold very quickly outside. My morning English class was located on the third floor of the Smith building, and I was already late to class when I slowly lugged myself into the building lobby. 

Unfortunately, the elevators were down for maintenance. (That day of all days!)

I crutched back to the grand staircase.

I stood in front of those stairs. All alone. 

So many stairs. Wondering how I could possibly crutch up all three floors, 

but determined to do so because I needed to attend class.

All of a sudden, a dear friend walked into the empty lobby. I think he immediately understood how I felt, and he offered to carry me up the stairs. In my hour of need, he appeared!

Dave carried me and my crutches to the third floor of the building and helped me to my classroom.

What a great friend!

But to my surprise, his service did not end there.

He returned a few minutes before class would have ended, and then he carried me down three flights of stairs. This way we avoided the rush of hundreds of students exiting the building at the bell.

It's been 10 years since that day, and I'll always remember his selfless act of service (and strength).

Dave's kind service is today's post for the #joyfulthanksgiving Gratitude Challenge.

I am so grateful for kind, strong men who honor women though loving acts of service.

Spencer W. Kimball said: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 82.)