Truman G. Madsen

1926-2009

Most of us, if we are lucky, will have pivotal moments or experiences in our lives that, when we look back, play a defining moment in the process of becoming "us". One such experience occurred to me as a young missionary in Northern California. A friend, Brandon, let me borrow a series of lectures on tape concerning the Prophet Joseph Smith. In so doing he introduced me to a man who would, and still does, inspire me in his unique and genuine way. Amber just likes the sound of his voice. {;-) His name is Truman G. Madsen.

In a lecture he shares an old German proverb that deals with a swine herdsman and his family who took a piglet in to their home as a pet. For days they relived the same experience: the pig is washed, and clothed and fed at the table, but as soon as they turn their backs it is out the door and right back into the wallow. In frustration a family council is called where different ideas are presented, but none seem appropriate. Finally the father has an idea, the pig is brought in, an operation is performed and the pigs heart is replaced with a human heart. Now, not only does the pig stay in the home, but it loves being in the home with the family.

This week Truman passed away and I feel it timely to express my love for the man and his life's work. He helped perform a similar transformation in my heart as I sat at his feet and listened to his testimony. I appreciated his lectures on the Prophet, but it wasn't until I studied his "The Presidents of the Church" lectures that I became completely smitten, I am in deep smit. His lectures went to my core.

This man seems to have had an almost open door to every church president since his grandfather Heber J. Grant. Being a historian, philosopher, and a professor at BYU his life work has carried him all over the world, and even lead to his becoming the director of the BYU Jerusalem Center for New Eastern Studies which gave him many personal experiences with Church leaders and Presidents, and even the then mayor of Jerusalem, Teddy Kollek.

His biography on his website mentions that we may never know how many lives his work touched and I just wanted to acknowledge him and the way he opened my eyes and mind to the men we revere as prophets. I would not have gotten to know these men with out Truman, and for that I am grateful. Thanks to Brandon for turning me on to him and his mastery of our language. "Pseudologia Fantastica"!

Thanks to my family and friends.

Just wanted to take a moment, in reflection, and thank everyone who has played a role in my life and in our little family (i.e. Jayrod, Ambo and the Cherub). Eight years ago Ambo and I, for reasons unknown to us, decided to get married. (I think she felt sorry for the sappy kid who stumbled his way through a courtship and proposal, and decided the only responsible thing she could do was keep as close an eye on me as possible so as to prevent me from getting out of control!) I can honestly say that marrying her was the best decision I have made, and couldn't be more pleased with who Ambo is becoming and also who she is helping me to become.

But our story began long ago. We were blessed with the best sets of parents imaginable. Individuals who were parents. Companionship's who actively looked out for our best interests regardless of the fads, trends, and tides of the day. And who have each slipped seamlessly into the role of grandparent.

The other night I found myself walking down a dirt road, Sam asleep in my arms, after dark, with my Dad. As we walked he shared with me his feelings and some counsel concerning being a father and a dad. He spoke of his belief that the relationship between a child and his father is beyond measure in both value and importance. How many people have that kind of experience? Once we reached camp, our conversation continued as we looked at the stars. I have had this experience with my Dad many times over the years, and it never gets old.

I have had many similar conversations with my Mom as well, but these were usually held in our kitchen, front room, or her bedroom. One pivotal conversation occurred on pages lane as I accompanied her on a morning walk about nine years ago. Another occurred over the phone from a very unsure and frightened twenty year old, living away from home as he sat hunched over a computer at work. I will always remember her voice as she said, "Nobody messes with my kids, you are coming home!" Needless to say, shortly afterward I did pack up and come home. Not because she told me so, but because, as usual, she was right. The time had come for me to return home.

I have heard Ambo speak of her love for her parents, and many, many, similar experiences with her parents. As her husband I offer my deepest thanks to both of them for raising her, for protecting her, and for loving her. She is everything a man could ever want for a wife, and everything a child could ever want for a mom. And as such, she is perfect in my mind. I myself have had opportunity to listen to Clair and Patti, in similar experiences as my own parents, their words have only strengthened what I was taught growing up. I can only say Thank you.

As for the siblings: Clint and Tob have always set the example for me, even when they didn't think they were. I have followed in both of their tracks throughout the years in an effort to mimic their strengths and have grown accordingly. Being the elder bro/sis is hard and thankless work and so I thank you for your fearless tackling of age appropriate challenges thereby making the way clear when I reached them. Thank you for your examples.

Tim, Amy, and Angie are also among my closest friends. As being an elder sibling is hard work; it is also tremendously motivating to see those following behind you, and know of the challenges they face, you yourself having just battled them. Thank you for your good lives, your good desires, and the good choices you have made. Thank you for your examples, your support, and your love. We make a pretty good team, that is when we can all meet at the same place and at the same time. Anj, Ryan, Liz all fit in their perfect ways and I enjoy each of them as they are. Anj thanks for keeping Clint in line, even if you did introduce him to yoga (sickie). We look forward to Tob and Angie adding theirs to the pot in time.

All of my life I have been blessed to have close friends. From Ben and Steve, to Brandon and Curt, to Jon and Derek, to the Postma's and the Sadorus', well the entire neighborhood really, and on and on. I have never been alone or lonely, I don't think I have ever experienced either emotion or state. I apologies to everyone for not listing you name by name, but I couldn't do it justice. But know that I appreciate your influence and friendship more than I can express. We have had some very good times, and in the words of Percy Blackeney "More to come, more to come".

Well enough of that. Is there any question as to what kind of drunk I would be? (You're in my eyes, you're in my dreams...) I am sitting at work, and I think the vials of Dilaudid and Ativan I am carrying in my pocket have begun to seep into my skin, so I will sign off before I really get carried away. Thank you all for a wonderful life, and thank you all for the years to come.

SWINE FLU UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can stay silent no longer.... We are all being stalked by a dastardly nemesis, the deadly SWINE FLU!!!!! Which is following closely in the footsteps of it forefathers (i.e. Avian Flu, West Nile Virus, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Salmonilla, acid rain, global cooling, global warming, alien invasions, and Hilary Clinton) and all other media dubbed "crisis".

In case you haven't heard, Utah suffered its first fatality, Marcos Sanchez. To his family we offer our deepest condolences, this is not ment to make light of your situation. However, in regards to this "epidemic", "Pandemic", and all out panic I wish to comment.

What is it about the media and us as people that lends us to the sensational in life? If the news were to report the life story of an elderly lady who wore out her life in service and goodwill, most of us would either change the channel or fall asleep before the headlines had even faded from the screen. However, tell the story of a little old lady caught shoplifting and we are all wide eyed with attention, memorizing the details so that we can share them with our co-workers first thing in the morning. And if you happen to know the old lady, or any of her distant relatives, this would of course elevate you to the level of "expert" and many would rely on you for up-to-the-minute updates.

Enough of the Pig flu already! Egyptians put down your rusty rebar, baseball bats, and other pig impaling weapons! It is just another of thousands of virus' to which we have no cure, but can manage with anti-virals. Which can almost entirely be prevented with a ground breaking habit, WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY! When you sneeze, aim it into the crook of your arm, or a kleenex! If you are otherwise healthy, and you do catch this little devil, do not panic! It will pass over you like a typical flu, and you will get over it! If you are immuno-compromised you are just as likely to catch it as you are any other bug out there, and you will be likewise in danger. Not because of the nature of the bug you catch, but from the fact that you are immuno-compromised. Such as was the case with Marcos.

IHC reports in a newsletter that seasonal (regular) flu causes upwards of 200,000 hospitalizations a year in the U.S. and is responsible for 36,000 deaths. At last count Oink Rot has a death toll of 9. I think falling rocks have more notches on their belts.

One comment on KSL's reporting of Marcos' death. They report that Marcos had chronic respiratory and other illnesses, his sister Rae just had bronchitis and pneumonia, her daughter has come down with something, and Marcos' mother has bacterial pneumonia. This is not the most healthy of situations...Open the windows people and let some fresh air into that little petri dish you call a home.

In completely unrealated news, I am going private, so anyone interested should send me your email so I can grant you rights...etc.

Thanks.