The Gift I Received

Long after receiving a high school graduation gift in 1981, I still have the feeling of thankfulness, love and gratitude. Receiving only a few gifts for my High School Graduation, I always remembered the one card and the gift of perfume.  The giver was not a family member, but she still took the time to think about me.  My heart felt warm and loved many more times during the random greetings with the same lady from 1981.  Her thoughtfulness has stretched long after her life.

Today, 39 years later I was able to pay it forward and share the same gift experience with two graduating seniors of the class of 2020.

I choose McKenzie Loveridge because of her last name.  She lives in North, North, North Salt Lake City at the top of a hill in a large, large home.  McKenzie and her mom met me at the door with excitement and gratitude standing behind elaborate winding staircases.  While speaking to the family, I let them know why I choose McKenzie, as she shares the last name of my favorite boss EVER, Gene Loveridge.  Just then, McKenzie's Dad enters the room and let us know Gene's Dad and his Dad were cousins.  I was also able to share that Gene helped in my conversion and baptized me.  I shared the experience with my own graduation gift.

When I left the Loveridges, I felt as if connections in my world  had come full circle.

Rilee Wendorf lives in West Bountiful in a half of a house. She lives with her sister and her sister's brother.  Her Mom and Dad are no longer with us and she has no parents to depend on.  She has many dreams and abilities to take her to abroad to speak Chineese, Mandrin, Japanese and become an English Teacher.  The gift basket filled with things Rilee enjoys was well received and visibly appreciated as I viewed her over video recording.

The High School Graduates of 2020 have missed out on the last quarter of school, their prom, senior dances, bon fires, yearbook signing, class parties, skipping school, school plays, spring baseball, basketball and so many other activities.  While there is no comparison to the class of 1969 or the class of 1942, it is a great disappointment for them to feel, manage and overcome.

It has been a great pleasure for me to adopt two High School Seniors and share in their lives, joy and current struggle. Thank you Monica Kennedy for putting together the Facebook Page, "Adopt a Utah Senior".