September 11

Wow, that date stirs up a lot of emotion. 10 years ago today, terrorists attacked America….flying two airplanes into the World Trade Center in New York City, flying another airplane into the Pentagon, highjacking another plane that was taken down by the brave passengers that decided to fight back.

The day before the attack, Joe and I found out we were expecting our second child. We tried for a long time to get Emma, in fact, we had a fertility consultation scheduled for September 11. After I took a home pregnancy test on the tenth, I joyfully called to reschedule our fertility consultation to an 8-week check-up. I was ecstatic!!

The morning of the 11th, I woke up when Joe called me on his way to work and told me to turn on the t.v. I sat horrified in front of the t.v. as I watched the smoke billow out of the first tower that had been hit. I gasped as I saw the second plane hit the second tower, and I sobbed as I saw the two buildings crumble to the earth. I couldn’t get off the couch all day, I was worried about Joe and told him to please come home because what if they were attacking all the major cities in the U.S.? For months, I cringed as I heard an airplane fly over our home, which was frequently as we lived in the flight path to the airport. I knew our country had changed forever.

10 years later, we are still feeling the effects. We were violated by a faceless enemy who cowardly killed thousands of people on our own soil. We have killed a few of those enemies, but there will always be someone to take their place. The only preparation that will really count is our preparation to meet God. What are we doing with our life now to prepare to meet Him? How will be able to report our time on earth?

I took the kids to the Healing Field in Sandy today. It was a reverent and solemn experience. Thousands of flags blowing in the breeze, each one labeled with a card naming one of the victims of these attacks.

“In Memory of Manuel Patrocino, age: 34, Location: World Trade Center. About Manuel: Manuel Patrocino was in charge of uniforms for Windows on the World Trade Center. He lived in Manhattan with his wife, Sandra, and their two children, Keyla and Alex. He normally reported to work early, and would be home in the afternoon, when he would head to the kitchen to cook a meal before the children arrived from school.”

Servicemen and women stood by letting the kids climb into the tanks and other service vehicles that were there. We saw the newly unveiled statue memorializing the three firemen who flew the American flag in the midst of all the debris.

There were many heroes that day, a lot of them died. I am touched by the selfless acts of those who ran into the face of danger while helping others escape from it. We live in a great country indeed.

I pray that we continue to unite as a country…not just against the faceless enemy, but against anyone who would destroy us. We are one nation under God, now and forever.

Grandma Heugly Article

Far from ordinary: Sharing talents keeps her young

Yvonne Heugly inspires others through her zest for life

By Caresa Alexander
Church News staff writer

Published: Saturday, July 23, 2011

"I'm just another ordinary lady," said Yvonne Heugly of the East Mill Creek 4th Ward, Salt Lake East Mill Creek Stake.

Sister Heugly's life is far from ordinary. She served four missions and is currently a service missionary at the Conference Center. Since 1969 she has created plays with music and stories. She enjoys giving people the opportunity to share their talents through performing in her arrangements that are presented throughout the community.

"It is very spiritual and uplifting," said Ren?Bowen, a member of the same ward. "I know that it has helped spread the gospel to other people. She has been a real example in missionary labor."

Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Yvonne Heugly addresses patrons of the Highland Cove Retirement Community during a patriotic program she arranged. At 83, her concern is for others.

Sister Heugly confirmed the shows have helped in the missionary work. She recalled her mission in New Zealand. She and her missionary companion were teaching a young man who was dying. He attended Sister Heugly's play "The Touch of the Master's Hand" at the New Zealand Temple Visitors Center.

After the performance, the man found the sisters and told them he felt the message was especially for him and that he felt comfort from the message and an understanding of the purpose of life. He was later baptized.

Sister Bowen noted that Sister Heugly's plays have helped the neighborhood feel connected and friendly. Her husband, Bruce Bowen, agrees. When he served as bishop, he could count on Sister Heugly to take care of the "senior community." She would prepare family home evening events for the single adults in the ward.

"It was very much appreciated," said Brother Bowen. "She was very genuine in helping others."

Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Elaine Maxwell, Mindy Maxwell and Brent Maxwell sing during a patriotic program arranged by Yvonne Heugly.

Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

At 90-years-old, Eileen Thompson still plays the piano and was invited to participate in the patriotic program.

In addition to writing plays, Sister Heugly is a ventriloquist. One year she put on a Christmas show for her family. She said her Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus had gone the way of the world and she needed new puppets. That is when she first saw Cornelius.

"I was standing at the counter, I looked up and there was this dummy," she reminisced. "I looked up and saw this little smile looking at me."

Sister Heugly couldn't resist the cute little boy and his size 4 clothes. She was able to take him with her to New Zealand. Sister Heugly said Cornelius was invited everywhere.

"He is a real ham," she said with a laugh.

Like Cornelius, Sister Heugly admits she was a ham as a kid. "Ever since I was born I was performing."

She has done puppetry for many years and continues to write new scripts and purchase puppets for future performances.

Sister Heugly said her grandchildren tell her she will never grow old. She recently turned 83 and is the grandmother of 26 and the great-grandmother to 46.

Serving and encouraging others to share their talents keep her young, she said.

"The important thing is that you are serving and that you are forgetting yourself in the service of others," Sister Heugly said.

Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The Reunion Band performs during a patriotic program at the Highland Cove Retirement Community.

Linda Marshall, the family home evening coordinator at the Highland Cove Branch, looks for programs that are centered on Christ and the gospel.

She said many residents enjoy events with music. Sister Heugly's arrangements provide that entertainment.

"She is very inspired," said Sister Marshall of the Winder 15th (Retirement) Branch, Salt Lake Winder Stake. "She feels such a desire to serve."

In addition to serving a mission to New Zealand, Sister Heugly also served in Pennsylvania with her husband, Shirl, and Mongolia and Tennessee. Recently, she received an International Women's Day Outstanding Service Award from The Women's Information Network.

"The Lord doesn't give us talents to just keep," said Sister Heugly. "It's in the process of doing these programs that our talents keep alive and that we feel the Spirit guiding us in the things that we are doing."