In a society where families are often scattered in diverse places, having a network of local support can be crucial especially during challenging times.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have access to an extensive Church family that is able and willing to help when trials arise. The combination of Mormon doctrine emphasizing love, charity and service, coupled with the Church's highly organized structure, provides the framework for a large church family that blankets the globe.
Falling down the stairs and breaking my foot three weeks ago reminded me how fortunate I am to have this extended Mormon family. News of my accident traveled quickly to members of my local ward (congregation) and I received offers of help even before I left the emergency room. One woman whose three young children were scheduled to take naps, didn't hesitate to pile her kids in the minivan to drive me home from the hospital. Later that day, she delivered a meal for my hungry family. That evening another ward member called to organize meals to be brought in for the next few weeks, since I would be unable to put weight on my foot. In addition to the meals, I have also been the recipient of numerous acts of service; one woman drove me to a doctor's appointment, another brought bottles of water and snacks to keep near my bed so I would have something to eat and drink during the day when no one was home. Another woman came over to help me finish a sewing project. Two women came to vacuum and dust my house. Another woman brought me treats for an urgent sugar craving and also brought me lunch. Many others have offered to run errands, do laundry, clean bathrooms or take care of any other needs.
This is not the first time I have been embraced by my Mormon family during a time of need. Fifteen years ago, my two young boys and I were in a serious head-on collision which left me with a broken pelvis. I was living in southeast Louisiana at the time and had not attended church for many years. Despite not knowing anyone in my ward, word of my accident travelled quickly and two church elders came to the hospital that evening to give me a blessing of healing. The following morning a woman I had never met offered to care for my 3-year-old and 15-month-old sons until I was discharged from the hospital. Several people brought me magazines and personal hygiene items. When I returned home, meals were delivered and child care provided until I could resume my normal activities.
These examples of loving service are not unusual or extraordinary in LDS circles. Each family in the ward is assigned two male "home teachers" who visit monthly to deliver a short message and assess any needs the family might have. The home teachers can then coordinate any assistance needed for the family. Additionally, each woman in the ward is assigned two female "visiting teachers" who visit monthly with an uplifting message, provide fellowship and uncover needs. The home and visiting teaching programs are invaluable in keeping the bishop informed of members needs.
While my family is being cared for by our ward family in Kansas, it's comforting to know that my father and siblings have access to the same Mormon family in the various places they live. My 75-year-old father, who lives in New York, was widowed almost eight years ago. Although Dad still works full time and is active and capable,he has many people in his ward who watch over him. When Dad does not have any kids home for the holidays, he receives invitations to join other families in his ward. Last spring one family offered to spruce up his landscaping and help maintain the yard through the summer. During severe winter weather, ward members check to make sure Dad has power and can can get out of his driveway.
My brother's family also benefits by the extended Mormon family. When Nate drove a moving truck from Phoenix to a Washington DC suburb with his wife, four young children and a dog, there was a group of ward members ready to unload the truck and help his family get settled. Now that my sister-in-law is ready to give birth to their fifth child, their ward family will help with childcare and provide meals when needed.
The Mormon family web extends far beyond US borders. My older sister, Kym, and her husband moved to Tokyo, Japan last January and have been welcomed by their ward members in their new home. They travel frequently throughout Asia and always have access to local ward members if help is needed.
My younger sister, Heather, and her family have lived abroad in Mexico, Canada, Hungary and recently moved to Shanghai, China. In each location, Heather's family has had a network of ward members who have welcomed them and provided an instant support network.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have access to an extensive Church family that is able and willing to help when trials arise. The combination of Mormon doctrine emphasizing love, charity and service, coupled with the Church's highly organized structure, provides the framework for a large church family that blankets the globe.
Falling down the stairs and breaking my foot three weeks ago reminded me how fortunate I am to have this extended Mormon family. News of my accident traveled quickly to members of my local ward (congregation) and I received offers of help even before I left the emergency room. One woman whose three young children were scheduled to take naps, didn't hesitate to pile her kids in the minivan to drive me home from the hospital. Later that day, she delivered a meal for my hungry family. That evening another ward member called to organize meals to be brought in for the next few weeks, since I would be unable to put weight on my foot. In addition to the meals, I have also been the recipient of numerous acts of service; one woman drove me to a doctor's appointment, another brought bottles of water and snacks to keep near my bed so I would have something to eat and drink during the day when no one was home. Another woman came over to help me finish a sewing project. Two women came to vacuum and dust my house. Another woman brought me treats for an urgent sugar craving and also brought me lunch. Many others have offered to run errands, do laundry, clean bathrooms or take care of any other needs.
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| Recovered from the accident |
This is not the first time I have been embraced by my Mormon family during a time of need. Fifteen years ago, my two young boys and I were in a serious head-on collision which left me with a broken pelvis. I was living in southeast Louisiana at the time and had not attended church for many years. Despite not knowing anyone in my ward, word of my accident travelled quickly and two church elders came to the hospital that evening to give me a blessing of healing. The following morning a woman I had never met offered to care for my 3-year-old and 15-month-old sons until I was discharged from the hospital. Several people brought me magazines and personal hygiene items. When I returned home, meals were delivered and child care provided until I could resume my normal activities.
These examples of loving service are not unusual or extraordinary in LDS circles. Each family in the ward is assigned two male "home teachers" who visit monthly to deliver a short message and assess any needs the family might have. The home teachers can then coordinate any assistance needed for the family. Additionally, each woman in the ward is assigned two female "visiting teachers" who visit monthly with an uplifting message, provide fellowship and uncover needs. The home and visiting teaching programs are invaluable in keeping the bishop informed of members needs.
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| Me, Dad, Kym and Heather |
While my family is being cared for by our ward family in Kansas, it's comforting to know that my father and siblings have access to the same Mormon family in the various places they live. My 75-year-old father, who lives in New York, was widowed almost eight years ago. Although Dad still works full time and is active and capable,he has many people in his ward who watch over him. When Dad does not have any kids home for the holidays, he receives invitations to join other families in his ward. Last spring one family offered to spruce up his landscaping and help maintain the yard through the summer. During severe winter weather, ward members check to make sure Dad has power and can can get out of his driveway.
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| Nate's family |
My brother's family also benefits by the extended Mormon family. When Nate drove a moving truck from Phoenix to a Washington DC suburb with his wife, four young children and a dog, there was a group of ward members ready to unload the truck and help his family get settled. Now that my sister-in-law is ready to give birth to their fifth child, their ward family will help with childcare and provide meals when needed.
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| Kym hiking Mt Fiji |
The Mormon family web extends far beyond US borders. My older sister, Kym, and her husband moved to Tokyo, Japan last January and have been welcomed by their ward members in their new home. They travel frequently throughout Asia and always have access to local ward members if help is needed.
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| Heather and her family in Shanghai |
My younger sister, Heather, and her family have lived abroad in Mexico, Canada, Hungary and recently moved to Shanghai, China. In each location, Heather's family has had a network of ward members who have welcomed them and provided an instant support network.
In a world where distance separates many families, it's comforting to have an extensive Mormon family regardless of where our travels may take us. 
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