Old Man

With the passing of Richard "Old Man" Harrison on June 25th, my bucket list will never be
complete.

In previous blog entries, you can see that I was able to meet Rick, Corey, Chum, Antoine, and even "The Beard Of Knowledge". I'd always hoped to meet the Old Man on a future Las Vegas visit, but I'll at least have memories of all the times he made me laugh while watching Pawn Stars. His interactions with Chumlee were classic. When I visited with Chumlee last October, he was late for the event and someone called him on it. His response? "Old Man ain't here, so I can't be late."
Even with all the animosity between them on TV, even Cum has an empty space in his heart right now. Rest In Peace, Old Man!

Did He Really Say Layton, Utah?

During the Sunday Afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced the construction of the Layton, Utah Temple. Being it is April Fools Day, and the way he smiled, I thought he was kidding. But it is no joke, Layton Utah is getting a Temple!

Fly Eagles Fly!

After so may years of disappointment and heartache, I only wish my grandfather had lived long enough to see this! The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions!

I watched in 1981 when Ron Jaworksi, Harold Carmichael, and Wilbert Montgomery came close. Randall Cunningham couldn't get over the hump. Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens broke our hearts in 2005. Year after year, one heartbreak after another. Then along comes Carson Wentz, and us always hopeful Eagles fans have something to cheer about. But as always seems to be the case, good fortune didn't appear to be on our side when he tore his ACL, and the 11-2 Eagles turned to Nick Foles. Nick had complied a 15-9 record with the Eagles previously, but had lost his only playoff game in 2013. Taking over for the injured Wentz, he finished the season with a 2-1 record, giving the 13-3 Eagles home field advantage in the playoffs and a first round bye. On January 13, 2018, the Eagles defeated the Atlanta Falcons 15–10, in the NFC Divisional playoff game, with Foles completing 23 of 30 passes for 246 yards. This was the Eagles' first playoff victory in nine seasons. On January 21, 2018, the Eagles defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 38–7, in the NFC Championship, with Foles going 26 of 33 for 352 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Vikings were 3-point favorites with the league's top-ranked defense entering the game. 

In Super Bowl LII, Foles completed 28 of 43 passes for 373 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 1 receiving touchdown and 1 interception, and was named the MVP of the game.

I alternated between emotions throughout the game, laughing at Tom Brady's mistakes, anger at missed calls, excitement when Nick Foles became a receiver and caught a touchdown pass! Then as the final seconds ticked away, I was jumping up and down and bawling my eyes out. Literally so happy I cried... and cried. Finally, I knew what it felt like for my team to win the big one. Super Bowl Champions!  

 

Thomas S. Monson 1928-2008

Much has been said about the New York Times obituary for Thomas S. Monson, and the negative spin the author put on his life. Many thousands have signed a petition to have the obituary changed. But my humble opinion is, why should I care what the New York Times has to say?  His passing last week was very sad, and although we knew this day would come, I don't feel he would think it appropriate to bring more attention to one negative review of his life.

16 Million members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints knew and loved President Thomas S. Monson as their dear prophet for the past 10 years, and as an Apostle for close to 44 additional years. Nothing the New York Times has to say can take away from the testimony of those who prayed for President Monson daily. Nothing they say can discount his years of service to his fellow men and to the Lord. His life speaks for itself. He is now reunited with his dear wife Frances, and their work continues on the other side of the veil.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I believe the picture below is worth a million words. Taken on the occasion of President Monson's 90th Birthday, the gentle, kind, loving manner and spirit in his eyes says more than any obituary ever could.

We Thank Thee O God, For A Prophet... God Be With You Til We Meet Again!