Caroling at the Hospital

Our Ward members: The Benatzes, Elias and The Littles
Elias has recently received his mission call to serve in Honduras

When I was asked to come caroling with other ward members to Whittier Presbyterian hospital on Sunday night, I was happy to go.  My good friends Gerald and his beautiful wife, Gwen Lee, were both in this facility; Gerald on the 3rd floor, Gwen Lee on the first.

Gerald with Tony singing

There was a good group that showed up.  Gerald turned 92 in November.  He's still as sharp as can be, although his body is wearing out.  He is very frail and has been bed-ridden for most of the past year.  He was so happy that we were there to sing to him.  

After the Christmas Carols from the hymnbook, we asked him if he had any requests?

"Sing Jingle Bells!" he replied brightly.

We did.  I noticed Gerald joined in.  It was a lot of fun.

Our Bishop and his wife

Gerald was thrilled when he heard we were going to sing to his wife as well.  He expressed his love and concern for her and her well-being.  She has recently suffered a fall, but is mending in a room a few floors below Gerald's.

We didn't sound too bad, if I do say so myself!

Gwen Lee was equally touched by our visit.  She expressed her concern for her husband and was happy to hear we had just been to see him.  I was touched to hear them each express their love for each other..

Gwen Lee is several years younger than Gerald, but she announced she wanted to pass first.  "So I won't have to live without him," she said sweetly.

As we sang, Gwen Lee began to cry.  I think we all sniffled along with her.  I'm a sympathetic crier, as, apparently, are most of the rest of our ward family.

Gerald and Gwen Lee are such kind, generous and loving people  They have done much good to the people of our ward, and others who have needed their help, through many years of service in church and the community.

It was a small thing to go caroling on Sunday night, but it will be a lasting, good memory of this Christmas.

This is a little blurry, but I wanted to include a photo of Morgan (far right).
She recently received her call to serve as a missionary to the country of Ecuador.

Take some time to visit the sick and the elderly this Christmas.  You will brighten the holidays for others and bring a light into your own life.

Merry Christmas to all!