I listened to John’s “Mormon Stories #118” today and immediately arranged to listen again with my youngest TBM son this evening. I can’t believe how much I link to John’s experience. I recently wrote (before hearing #118) my wishes concerning my funeral (I’m healthy, but three score & ten has arrived). I didn’t want the “Plan” presented at my memorial, so asked for a Unitarian/Universalist service. To listen to John identify himself as a “Unitarian/Universalist Mormon,” how sweet! I’ve also studied with several tiny BoM churches for half a century. To listen to John identify them as part of our combined Mormon experience, astonishing… it made my day.
There are those who seem to think John’s path is rarely traveled. I don’t know. But for this old Native American codger, my moccasins do tread the same path. I can enjoy Mormon culture and support my children and grandchildren in the church. I won’t see their weddings, because I have set aside temple Mormonism. But the goodness of LDS people, and especially my love of Christ Jesus can remain intact. It is enough. “I add no more” (JS – King Follett address – 1844).