Life is all about relationships . . .

The Martinez family is moving to San Antonio, TX, where there son and daughter-in-law and their grandchildren live. That means Sylvia, Alex, and Grandpa are moving. They were all at church this afternoon -- including their family from Texas.

Sylvia is just about the most beautiful and dearest woman I know. She works at the Salt Lake Temple office. She doesn't drive so she catches the bus. The bus stops have moved over the years from just down the street to 4 and a half blocks away. On a few occasions, I have given Sylvia a ride to the TRAX station on 21st South rather than see her wait for the bus. Her father (I call Grandpa) who is close to 90 years is also a very kind and dear. A few years back when I was the RSP, Grandpa felt like he was a burden on Sylvia and her family. He asked our Bishop if he could have a food order thinking that would take some pressure off Sylvia and her family. Grandpa came over to my house where I had my son-in-law, Ross, or Bro. Chacun help translate the food order process. Our brief little meetings always concluded with Grandpa giving me a kiss on the cheek and whispering "I love you sister," in my ear.

Well today was probably the last time for the Martinez family to be in our church meetings. They are packing up and heading to San Antonio at the end of the week. I spoke with Sylvia only briefly at the end of sacrament meeting and she gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. We left the chapel and headed down the hallway to head for home when I turned to see Grandpa coming toward me. He gave me a hug, a kiss on the cheek, and in his very broken Engligh told me that he loved me and and thanked me for helping him in my home. It felt nice and warm to feel his appreciation and the sweet spirit of his soul. It was a testimony unlike anything that can be learned through a speech or a church lesson -- it was a connection of one spirit to another. And in my opinion, that's what life is all about -- relationships -- built by service and love and caring and kindness to make something better for someone else and be appreciated in the most genuine way.

I will miss the sweet feelings I get when I see Sylvia and Grandpa -- they will always be very special to me --