Saturday, March 5, 2011

New Beginnings

The last two weeks have seen both culminations and beginnings. A week after I stepped down as chief of the department of Urology, I was called to a new position in church. I now serve as a high councilor, one of twelve men that support the Presidency of the newly formed Lincoln, California Stake. I haven't served in a calling requiring a significant time commitment in years and did not suspect I would as people often worry that my illness might prevent me from fulfilling my duties. Barbie and I both see this as confirmation that God still needs me around for a while. To make it even sweeter, President Perez has assigned me to work with the Spanish Branch. I left the branch 2 and 1/2 years ago when I got sick. It feels as if all that I had lost has now been returned. I feel complete again.
Barbie works so hard to succeed in dental hygiene school. She is doing well despite the impossible pace with which they teach and test her. She is committed to finish school and start a new career.
Rebecca and Jason are ridiculously in love and Rebecca is really establishing herself in her advertising career as junior faculty at BYU
Last week, Caitlin was accepted to BYU in Provo, Utah to begin in August. Yesterday she graduated from Lincoln High School at the top of her class, two months ahead of schedule. Despite being officially done, she will continue to attend AP chemistry to prepare herself for the exam.
Samuel called today to inform us that he was accepted to Penn State to complete a masters of engineering in acoustics. He and Michele now are face with the decision to move east or stay at BYU for the graduate program there. He has done some major work on his Senior Capstone project with John Deere and may have a research grant with Caterpillar.
And finally, Jeremy called on Thursday to inform us that his dream of becoming a doctor will be realized. He was accepted to be a medical student at Midwestern School of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, AZ.  It will be exciting to see Jeremy and Alexandria embark on this new phase of their lives. They have waited so long for this day. We are so proud of all of them.
I know this may sound like a Christmas letter, sounding off on all of the accomplishments of our children, but it feels like much more for us. In a two week period, we have witnessed the fulfilment of our childrens' dreams. They will each get to pursue their passions. What more could any parent ask for. One more item to check off on the old 'bucket list'.
President Perez once told me that a parent is only as happy as their saddest child. Just because they are no longer at home, we are still concerned about them.
Barbie and I are very happy right now.

Kevin

7 comments:

Wendy said...

What a nice post! You guys seem to get good things in bundles! Kudos all around!
(P.S. I thought you might appreciate this, Kevin. Alan's little brother was asked to fellowship at the Mayo. He was over the moon! I don't understand all the terminology but I think 'fellowship' is what I heard. He's finishing his residency at Rochester, NY and then on to the Mayo this summer! That's a big deal in the Doctor world, right? We are so proud.)

Scott, Tauna and Camille said...

Such incredible news!! You're family is so amazing. We are so blessed to count you among our friends. Give the family our love!

Tauna

Scott, Tauna and Camille said...

What exciting news all the way around! Your family is so amazing. We consider ourselves very blessed to count you among our friends! Give our love to the family!

Aloha,
Tauna

Emma and Dan said...

This is my favorite kind of blog entry! It's so fantastic to get an update on everyone! Congrats to all!!!

Tell Sam and Michelle to come join us out East! :) We can have them over for Thanksgiving. (No matter where exactly we are living...)

Brian Ciccotelli said...

This is so exciting! I really enjoyed the update on all the kids (not that I don't love your stories, but you know). I'm so happy for you and Barbie. You have such a great family and I love that your children's dreams are becoming realities.

Way to go, Andersons!

John Brailsford said...

It was so great to get the update on everyone. I am so glad that blessed days are ahead for all of you. We think of you often.

Christine said...

Just catching up on your lives! Congrats on all the graduations and exciting events in your family's lives. We miss you and think of you often! Les' brother, Layne went to same school in Glendale if Jeremy wants to talk to him. He is a urologist in Chicago area now. Love and hugs to all!!!!!!!!