Special Lessons and a Special Day

12 years ago at this time our family was anticipating the birth (and probable passing) of Baby Kevin.

Our Spring 2012 General Conference brought us a lot of comfort and I shared THIS post about.

One of the talks that was especially comforting to our family was Special Lessons, by Elder Ronald A Rasband.

Elder Rasband talked about his grandson Paxton, who also had a genetic disorder.

He spoke of the worth of a soul and Christ's power to heal, every one.

I wrote him a thank you letter in 2019:

July 3, 2019

Dear Elder Rasband,

I’ve been meaning to write to you for several years now, to thank you for your April 2012 talk, Special Lessons.  At the time I was seven months pregnant with our son Kevin Jr., who was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 when I was 20 weeks pregnant.  The months following the diagnosis were filled with a mix of grief, hope, and an outpouring of love for our son.  Our hearts were tender as we anticipated the birth and probable death of our baby Kevin.  My husband and I, and our other seven children were gathered around the television in our family room as you shared your experiences with your grandson Paxton.  It felt as if you were speaking directly to us.  The Spirit testified that our Heavenly Father was aware of the Beck family.  We felt the love of the Savior through your message and it reinforced our knowledge of the worth of a soul, no matter how short their time may be on this earth.  Your words brought peace and comfort to us and also to our extended family and friends as our baby Kevin was loved by so many.  

Kevin Jr was born on May 10th.  He lived for just over an hour.  We heard him cry, we held him, loved him, and felt of his sweet little spirit.  Our wonderful and thoughtful Stake President, offered to ordain our oldest son Jackson, who had just turned 18 but was not yet graduated from High School, to the office of an Elder the week before the birth, so he was able to stand in the circle as my husband gave Kevin Jr. a name and a blessing.  Heaven was right there in our hospital room that day.  We all felt it.   

Kevin Jr. has continued to bless our family from heaven in so many ways.  Although he isn’t physically with us, we feel of his influence, and we are stronger and more faithful to our Savior because of our experiences with him.  Our children have been blessed with a beautiful understanding of the Plan of Salvation because of their little brother.

I learned that your little Paxton only lived a few years.  I’m sure he is greatly missed.  Isn’t it interesting how one so small can make an impact on so many?  What a wonderful reunion your family has to look forward to.

Thank you again,

Becky Beck

Taylorsville, Utah

I don't know if he ever actually got the letter.

I would imagine the apostles receive a lot of mail.

I've offered a few prayers, asking God for the opportunity to thank Elder Rasband in person.

Sunday, He delivered.

Elder Rasband, President Freeman, and Elder Huntsman spoke to us in a special stake conference.

The stake presidency and their families had a few minutes with him after the meeting.

How about that?

Emmy, who graduated from Huntsman business school, fist bumping one of the Huntsman sons.

I asked Jax and Aubrey if it would be ok to give Elder Rasband a hug.

They suggested a double hand hug might be more appropriate.

I took their advice and gave him that double hand hug as I thanked him for his message all those years ago. The Lord truly does speak through His prophets, and I'm so grateful for the messages we received that day through Elder Rasband's words.

God is good.