Responsible?

In priesthood meeting today, the instructor quoted a general authority to the effect that the brethren are "accountable for every tear you have caused your wife to shed." He spoke for a while, then said he did not mind being accountable for his own sins, weaknesses and shortcomings, but he really did not want to be held accountable for the sins, shortcomings and weaknesses of others. My heart did flipflops. My mind spun around and I found myself whispering, "I do." Oh, how dearly I want to. I want to take on myself the sins, weaknesses and shortcomings of my wife, my children, all of my family, both descendents and ancestors, whether by genetics or by marriage and sealing. I want to take their sufferings upon myself so that they might not suffer, because I know of a certainty that One has taken my sufferings away and has overcome my sins, weaknesses and shortcomings. He has claimed me as His, and I want to claim them as mine.

Let's try this again.  We probably know now what a Bedlamite is, so how come we call this "Chronicles?" Because it tells a love story:

In the beginning....  Well, you probably know most of that. At least most of what you want to know. So we will jump forward a bit..  Here goes:

Carolyn Jensen Ferrin met Richard Allen Leavitt of Las Vegas Nevada on Friday, February 24, 2012, while attending a Las Vegas Singles Multi Regional Conference. Met at dinner, went to Polynesian Rhythms show after dinner and danced to the final few lines of "Spanish Eyes." Met for breakfast the next morning and attended the Morningside featuring Brad Wilcox together. Attended classes separately, meeting again for dinner, enjoyed a concert by Hillary Weeks, then danced one song together before departing for where she was staying for the weekend. Communicated by email on Sunday Evening, then on several occasions over the next few days, along with telephone calls. Richard sent flowers, mostly yellow, in a small yellow mug with a "smiley face" on the mug, accompanied by a Hershey Symphony with Almonds candy bar. Richard had checked the internet and found her teacher website at Hurricane Intermediate School, wherein she had stated that candy bar was her favorite. By Wednesday, they had arranged to meet for a movie, "The Vow," and dinner on Friday, March 2, and that Richard would attend a concert in which she would be playing on March 23, and that they would attend "Les Miserables" and "Titus Andronicus" at the Utah Shakespearean Festival on June 27 and 28.

March 2 did not happen. However, Spring Break for Washington County Schools was March 12-16. Carolyn was to visit her daughter Shelly and Shelly's family in Humble, Texas, during spring break. She was scheduled to fly from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Houston, Texas on Saturday, March 10, and return to Las Vegas on Friday, March 16. Carolyn stayed at her sister, Margaret Seastrand's, house on March 9 and 16. Richard and Carolyn made a date on March 9. He took her to Orchid Gardens, a Chinese restaurant in Las Vegas, and they enjoyed a walk together in Fireman's Park near Richard's home. He invited her to his home, where she met Rachel, his daughter, and Hannah, Rachel's daughter. Hannah played a violin selection for Carolyn. He then took Carolyn to Margaret's home, where Richard met Douglas, Margaret and some of their children and friends of the children. Richard had brought a small vase of yellow flowers for Carolyn, and a similar vase of flowers for Margaret. At the end of the day, he presented Douglas with a medium sized Symphony bar.

On the 16th, Richard picked up Carolyn from the airport. They went to his home where Rachel had prepared a dinner for them, her and Hannah. Richard and Carolyn then went to a Red Rock Stake Singles Dance. The music was not to either of their tastes, but they enjoyed the chance to chat in the refreshments area, and did dance together one dance. Richard returned Carolyn to Margaret's home, and had a nice conversation with Margaret. Carolyn hugged Richard goodbye.

Richard and Carolyn continued to communicate by email and phone text messages as well as phone calls. When Carolyn felt ill with a cold, Richard arranged for a local florist to bring flowers and a cup of soup to her home. It helped her feel better. Carolyn invited Richard to view general conference at her home on the weekend of March 31 and April 1. He stayed at a local motel, and they watched all general sessions together. He took her to dinner at a local restaurant in Hurricane on the evening of March 30, she fixed breakfast for them on the morning of the 31st. Between Saturday sessions, they visited Lauren, who had been living in Carolyn's home, at the hospital in St. George. On the way home, Carolyn showed Richard Sand Hollow State Park reservoir. Carolyn fixed dinner for them on Saturday, after which Richard went to general priesthood meeting in her chapel. After the meeting, he met Michael at Carolyn's home, and then Carolyn and Richard enjoyed ice cream and cookies together, and he went to the motel. On Sunday, they enjoyed a simple breakfast together, watched the morning session, enjoyed a light lunch and watched the afternoon session. During the conference, they enjoyed the opportunities to sing along with the choir together, to support each other at emotional points, and to converse extensively about things close to their hearts. After the close of the final session, Carolyn played "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" on the violin for Richard, they had prayer together, and he departed for home.

On the following weekend, Carolyn went to Santa Barbara, California, to help her daughter Liz move to a new apartment in Hollywood, California. She was taken on this trip by her daughter, Becky, and Becky's husband Adam. As they were traveling through Las Vegas, arrangements were made for Richard to meet them for dinner at a Panda Express restaurant near the Cheyenne Avenue exit on Interstate 15 in Las Vegas on Thursday evening, April 5. Richard brought along Rachel and Hannah, and Hannah's friend Emma. Everyone enjoyed each other's company over dinner, and Adam, Becky, and Carolyn continued on to California.

As Adam, Becky and Carolyn were enroute to Hurricane on Sunday, Carolyn called Richard and told him they could stop at his home enroute for a while, as they were ahead of schedule. When Richard told Rachel, she prepared a meal for the family and them. They arrived about 4:30 and enjoyed the meal together. Carolyn then suggested to Richard that she could stay in Las Vegas for the evening, stay over at Margie's home, and return to Hurricane Monday. She suggested he could then take her to the air shuttle to Hurricane. Richard responded by offering to drive her to Hurricane on Monday. She accepted, and Adam and Becky continued on to spend the night in Hurricane at her house, then continue on to their home in Ogden on Monday morning. Richard and Carolyn spent the evening by visiting Margie and Doug Seastrand and picking up a meal Margie had prepared for their father, Bill Jensen. They then went to visit Carolyn's father Bill Jensen, and Robert, her brother, and Robert's children Courtney and Zack. Richard learned that Bill clearly remembered Richard's parents as ordinance workers in the Las Vegas temple, and that he remembered Richard's grandparents as members of the Las Vegas 2d ward in the early 50's. He had served well as scoutmaster in that ward, gathering a troop of 63 boys. After sucessfully requesting Bill's approval of his continuing to date Bill's daughter Carolyn, Richard drove them to the Las Vegas temple, where they each declared their beginning love for one another. Richard explained his desire to limit physical expression of their growing affection for one another, preserving that for the potential event of being sealed together for the rest of their lives. The temple grounds were closed for the evening, so they walked up and down Temple Drive as they spoke of their love for each other and their visions and desires for the future. At the end of their walk, they stood before the temple once more as Richard's phone played the Michael McLean song "You're Not Alone." Richard tried to sing along with the refrain, and promised to forward a copy of the song to her. They then drove to Margie's house, and while talking in the car in front of the house, agreed that their dates should conclude with prayer. After sharing their prayers for their loved ones and children, they said goodbye for the evening, and arranged to meet for breakfast the next day.

The next morning, Richard picked up Carolyn at Margie’s house, and they shared a breakfast at the Ihop restaurant on Nellis Boulevard nearby. After breakfast, they began the drive to Hurricane. As they were passing an exit in Arizona, Richard noticed a sign that said, "Next Services 30 Miles." Suddenly remembering that he was supposed to have filled the gas tank prior to picking up Carolyn that morning, he wondered where the nearest fuel station might be, whereupon the "Low Fuel" light on the dashboard lit up. Fortunately, they met a few firemen at Exit 9, nine miles from Mesquite, who told them the nearest station would be back in Mesquite. To his relief, Richard learned that when the "Low Fuel" light comes on, there remains at least 10 freeway miles worth of fuel in the tank. Arriving safely back in Mesquite, and refueling, they continued on to St. George.

While traveling through the Virgin Gorge and noting the beautiful though relatively small canyon of the Virgin River, they decided to visit the Sarah Sturdevant Leavitt monument in Santa Clara, just west of St. George. As they drove through Santa Clara, Richard noted that significant changes in the community had occurred since he last visited. He noted a new, large, town hall about where he had expected to find the monument.. Continuing through town, he felt certain that the monument was on the south side of the road. Not finding it, and running out of town, they decided to return to the town hall and inquire. They also hoped that perhaps there might be some enjoyable historical exhibits in the new town hall. Parking west of the town hall, and walking toward the hall, Richard finally spotted the statue he had been seeking.

As they viewed the monument, Richard explained that his Leavitt fathers had shared a single unifying talent: they were highly skilled in the selection of spouses. Sarah was a strong woman and a wonderful influence on her descendants through all the generations. Learning of the restoration of the gospel while living in Hatley, Quebec, Canada, she and her husband led a large company of family members to join with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, USA, migrating with the church as it was driven to Nauvoo, Illinois. When the saints were further expelled from Nauvoo, they joined the migration west. When her husband Jeremiah died at Mount Pisgah, Iowa, Sarah led the assembled family west to the Salt Lake valley, settling for a while in Toelle. Just as they began again to prosper, the family was asked to assist in the settlement of Southern Utah. Sarah led her sons and daughters to the valley of Santa Clara where she remained for the rest of her life, through floods and droughts common to the area. Her sons spread throughout the west, from Cardston, Alberta, Canada, to Bunkerville, Nevada, USA. Her daughters became mothers throughout the area. In a family reunion in 2002, it was announced that Sarah Sturdevant Leavitt had more descendants who had received living endowments than any other person in this dispensation. Her family continues to grow and remain largely faithful and universally honor her fortitude and devotion. As they viewed the monument, Richard traced his ancestry for Carolyn, expressing his love for his fathers, and his gratitude for their examples.

Leaving the monument, they continued onto lunch and treats at a small frozen yogurt at an roundabout intersection in Ivins. It had been recommended as "the best place in Southern Utah" by one of Carolyn’s friends. Indeed, it had a wonderful ambiance, and they enjoyed their chili dogs and yogurt treats.

After lunch, they went on to Hurricane, traveling along the road on the ridgeline above St. George to the north. Looking down at the St. George valley, the temple there is especially striking. Arriving in Hurricane, they found all well there. Concluding this trip with a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing, they concluded that their next date would be in the Las Vegas temple on Friday, to be followed by a day of sailing, and Carolyn would attend church with Richard on Sunday, meet some of his family and they would conclude their weekend by attending a surprise party for Doug Seastrand on Sunday afternoon at Margie’s home.

As the week passed, the couple continued to speak on the phone, email, and text one another. Their love for one another continued to grow. With joy, they met at Margie’s house early on Friday evening, and went to the temple together. They began their evening with a light dinner in the temple cafeteria, especially enjoying the delicious dinner rolls. After dinner, they went to a small alcove near the stairs for conversation. Richard had felt a great desire to be open and forthright with Carolyn. He had received a recent medical evaluation. As he spoke of his fears and concerns, Carolyn’s spirit lifted his soul. As they concluded their speaking, she assured him of her love, and he confirmed his love for her.

During the endowment session, the Holy Spirit spoke to both Carolyn and Richard by giving them feelings of peace, comfort and assurance. As they joined in the Celestial room, sweet was the joy betweent them.

Richard had prepared for the evening. When Richard had been preparing to teach in China in 2006, all during the summer before final orientation in August, he had been advised to remain "Cheerful and Flexible." In response, he had distributed to each person going to China that year a small, about 3", "Gumby" toy. He had carried "Gumby" is his pocket throughout his time in China to remind him to be cheerful and flexible in adapting to conditions there, and had continued to do so on his return to his home in Nevada. He had ordered again a quantity of the little toy, and presented one as a gift to Carolyn, saying, "I am about to ask you a question. Depending on your answer, you may really need this." As she smiled, and her countenance shown, he then asked if she would marry him. As she whispered "Yes," they embraced in pure and holy affection.

As they departed the Celestial Room, they began to plan their lives together. They returned to Margie’s house and parted for the evening, after agreeing that the first open disclosure of their engagement should be to their children.

On Saturday, they met and began their day by visiting with Richard’s mother. They then went to Lake Mead Marina, where Carolyn was introduced to Richard’s sailboat. As the winds were beginning to be a bit too strong and unpredictable with an approaching storm, the spent the day mainly in the cabin talking, making plans, sharing concerns and enjoying time together. About midafternoon, they departed the boat and marina, returning to Las Vegas, running some errands together, and then returning to Margie’s home for a planned evening of watching a movie with her family. Carolyn expressed a desire for a private time with her father, so Richard waited at Margie’s for her return. She came back glowing with joy and fulness of spirit, and expressed her delight in her visit with her father, and in the blessing she received at his hand. About this time, Margie arrived at the house, and led the family in viewing "We Bought a Zoo," After the movie, and scripture and prayer with the Seastrand family, Richard returned to his home to prepare for Sabbath.

As they met at Richard’s ward for church the next day, Richard confessed to Carolyn that he had made a confidential report of his pending marriage, and his plans to move to Hurricane by the end of the summer, to the members of the bishopric. She confessed to him that she had made a similar confidential report to Margie. Richard met her at the door used by virtually all the congregation promptly on time at 8:45. However, Hannah had not arrived as planned. Normally, Richard greets Hannah at that door as Rachel, Hannah’s mom, drops her off, waving to Rachel to assure her that Hannah was with him for church. Rachel then attends the Single Adult Ward in the stake, which has no Primary for Hannah. On this day, however, Hannah and Rachel were delayed. As the time for the meetings approached, Richard remained watching for Hannah, and thus introducing Carolyn to almost every member of the ward as they arrived. Not as planned, but working out well.

It is Richard’s habit to sit on the second row in the center of the chapel to help Hannah pay attention to the meeting. Carolyn and Richard sat there together as the meeting began, Richard continuing to scan the door for the anticipated arrival of Hannah. When she had not arrived at the conclusion of the administration of the sacrament, he rose and went to the back of the room to fulfill his duty of counting the attending members. In walk Hannah and Rachel, who go to the accustomed second row to sit down. Naturally, Carolyn slides over to let them sit down. When Richard returns from counting the congregation, they all slide over again. Richard sits on the aisle, with Rachel next to him, then Hannah, then Carolyn. So much for the sweethearts holding hands during the speakers! Oh, well, they all looked just like a regular family.

After sacrament meeting, the gospel doctrine teacher forgot to ask visitors to introduce themselves, but no harm, as Carolyn had already been introduced to virtually all the ward members as Richard waited for Hannah to arrive. At the end of Sunday School, introductions resumed until Richard left for priesthood meeting.

At the end of the meeting block, Richard needed to witness several setting apart and blessing ordinances in the Bishop’s office, while Carolyn spoke with new friends in the foyer. Hannah customarily just waits on the couches outside the office. On this day, though, Richard gave Hannah the key to his house, explaining that if Carolyn finished first, they were welcome to go home in her car together, and he would follow when he was finished. They did and had a great conversation on the way home. Hannah was the first to officially learn of the couple’s pending nuptuals. Unfortunately, Richard had forgotten to advise Hannah as to the security code on the alarms, so when Hannah and Carolyn entered, the alarms began to sound. Fortunately, Richard was already on his way home, and a quick call on the cell phone and Carolyn was able to silence the alarms before the police arrived. Richard and Carolyn prepared a light lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Hannah assisted by bringing in fresh jelly from Grandpa’s Grocery, and the trio enjoyed lunch together.After Richard attempted to inform Hannah of the good news, of which she cheerfully stated she was already quite aware, Allen, Richard’s son, and his family arrived, noting that Richard had alerted them that he would be calling them after church, and knowing there was likely important news afoot, decided to visit in person. Later, as Richard and Carolyn continued to attempt to contact children with the news, Melody, Richard’s daughter arrived. Eventually, after several attempts, all of the children were duly informed. Almost all greeted the news with joy and rejoicing, though there was some concern regarding the speediness of the process. Nevertheless, each of the children expressed their love of their parent, each in their own way.

During the child notification period, the time arrived for Richard and Carolyn to go to the surprise party planned for Doug Seastrand, Margie’s husband. On their entry, Carolyn greeted family members assembled by introducing, "This is my fiancé, Richard Leavitt." Thus, the event became published. As the time for her return to Hurricane arrived, the couple parted, assuring each other of their love and commitment to each other.

To Be Continued...

First Post Ever

I do not know how to do this yet, but I will take a step into the dark. The intention of this blog is to record and make available to our family the love that Carolyn and I have for each other. At times, it will be silly, at others probably quite serious, though I suspect silly may prevail.

Intend to make it available for comments and suggestions, but don't know how. If you are a family member, you know my email address, and are a friend on facebook.

For now, Why is this "Bedlamite Chronicles?"

What is a "Bedlamite?"

A few hints:

IF ......YOU MIGHT BE A BEDLAMITE!!

If you were 18 before you found out popcorn does not come from apricot trees ....

If you think pasta comes in #10 cans ....

If seeing green jello makes you think somebody died ....

If you think breakfast cereal has to be soaked overnight ....

If your mother makes 4 dozen cookies at a time, and you only get 1 ....

If you only get to have your favorite dinner if some one is sick and Mom makes 2 ....

If you think chicken breasts come in cans ....

If milk comes in boxes and you have to add water ....

If you have a granary under your bed ....

If you have a granary under your bed ....

If you own cans of wheat older than you ....

If there is a padlock on your freezer ....

If you think having 4 kids is a small family ....

If you go to choir practice for the good food ....

If you think "half and half" means half from the store and half powdered ....

If you think 5 am is a good time for some heavy reading....

If "spiking the punch" means you add 7-UP ....

If being a "heavy drinker" means you have 3 glasses of water at one meal ....

If "whining and dining" means you are having tuna casserole the third time in a row ....

If you can’t relate to "empty nest" syndrome....

If you are afraid to date people in your ward because they are likely to be related to you....

If a wedding means you need at least 5 babysitters....

If when going on a road trip, "Crunch and Munch" is required equipment....

If you think you haven’t seen your cousins in like forever, and it has only been a week....

If "we’ll be there in a little while" means five more hours of driving....

If you think growing a foot or two means you are going on a mission....

If light reading means there are less than 10 verses in the chapter....

If you think freedom of choice means you can have either ketchup or mustard....

If traveling means moving from Alaska to New Orleans....

If you attend 3 birthday parties, a wedding and a funeral all in the same weekend....

If a few books add up to 20,000 pounds....

If "flipping a bird" means you made a turkey shape out of your hands....

If a "healthy portion" is a polite way of saying too many people and not enough food....

If you family is large enough to form a fully functioning democratic society....

If you know what a "bump-it" is....

If "new clothes" come in a big black plastic bag from a relative....

If you feel insecure meeting new people without a plate of baked goods in your hands....

If having dinner and a movie involves going to a temple....

If you invite 151 people to your small wedding luncheon...

If you ever answered the phone "Heavenly Father..."

If you have ever played Mormonopoly...

If you have ever accidentally prayed to Santa...

If you have Demille’s "Ten Commandments" totally memorixed because that is the only movie you can watch on Sunday....

If you did not find out til high school that most tacos have salsa instead of ketchup...

If the most common item in your kitchen pantry is cream of chicken soup...

If you keep a cabinet in your house full of baby shower gifts...

If family reunions cause complaints to police because of noise...

If you ever contributed to a ward cookbook...

If you ever found 6 copies of your favorite recipe under 6 names in the ward cookbook...


Carolyn and I are both totally Bedlamite, and love it.