Fond Farewells

Each Life That Touches Ours For Good
"Each life that touches ours for good

Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above

Thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow, What greater goodness can we know

Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs, We hold forever in our hearts A sweet and hallowed memory, Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim Devotion to the Savior’s name, Who bless our days with peace and love, We praise thy goodness, Lord, above."

-Karen Lynn Davidson-

I am so fortunate to have my life filled with good, wonderful people. People whom I love and am loved by in return. Whenever I feel to complain about one thing or another, all I have to do is count the friends I have and realize that I am very blessed, and that my life is indeed rich. On occasion, we must say farewell to people in our lives for one reason or another. This is the case this week for Mrs. Claus and me as we bid a fond adieu on Thursday to some of our favorite elves. These elves have touched our lives deeply. Our feelings for them are far reaching and familial. Their leaving will definitely leave a hole and an ache in our hearts.

First of all the Derbidge Family who have all been a big part of things here at the North Pole for some seven years, are moving to Utah to pursue opportunities that have opened up for them. There are few folks who walk the Earth more generous and big-hearted than they. Whenever I needed help with anything they were always there lightening my work and making it a pleasure to see the projects through. They were always there with emotional and spiritual support as well. Frankly I don't know what we'll do without them. Our hearts definitely go with the Derbidge's as they depart these environs, and pray that God go with Jeffrey, Julie, Brandon, Darren, and Stephen. We wish you all good gifts.

We are also having to bid farewell to one of the finest young elves to have ever touched our lives. Nathaniel Kevin Watts (Nathan) has lived in our home the last several months and been a part of our family as he pursued the last leg of his two-year stint as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We referred to him as "Elder Watts." It was a true joy to watch him pursue his work day by day with positive energy, dedication, and good humor. His wonderful influence will be felt here for a long time to come. We reluctantly return him now to his friends and family with our love, best wishes, and a flood of fond, fond memories. After meeting and visiting with his parents, Kevin and Wendy Watts,

we definitely understand how Nathan came to be such an extraordinary human being.

So, farewell for now dear, dear friends. Our lives are richer for our association with you and the memories we have created together. While our hearts are heavy because you are leaving, we are happy for you in your new pursuits, and wish you Godspeed.

Anyhow that's how Santa sees it!