D. Edwin Walker
Original Circa 1980

My journey has ended for a time and I feel many things. Physically, I am well but tired. Mentally, I feel depressed at the end of experiences. Spiritually, I am exuberant. I have gained much strength on my travels. Prayers have been offered and answered. Many things have passed before my eyes that were a joy to see. What is more important, many things have passed before my heart and were accepted and used for the benefit of myself and family. The joys of growing are only now becoming recognizable to me from watching my son's growth and learning through new experiences, people, and ideas. His mind is maturing so rapidly it is hard to comprehend. Could this feeling be similar to the feeling our Heavenly Father receives from watching His children grow? The sheer pleasure I receive from teaching my son, and having him react to me must be on the scale of Heavenly Father's joy. But think of the anger and sorrow felt by me when my son does something wrong with no regard for my teachings. How great the displeasure of our creator when His children disobey and enjoin the follies of mortal life by putting aside His teachings. How great the sorrow. How great the pain.

We must always remember who we are, where we come from, and where we are striving to go. Let us grow as a nation, as a people, as a family, always on the proper path. May we ever be mindful of the iron rod, with our hearts firmly implanted in the soil of the gospel of our Lord and Savior. This is my hope, my dream, my prayer.