The Mighty Oak

Elder Ballard shared a poem about the Mighty Oak. This sounds like the one I heard in conference. The only name I could find to associate with it was Oxy. He read it as a tribute to his friend Elder Wirthlin

A thunderous storm got up one night with pouring rain and forks of light,
gale force winds rushed through the wood, to where the mighty oak tree stood.
But the old Oak tree it stood its ground when younger trees fell all around,
ripping branches, tearing bark,the wind raged on into the park.
The howling tempest raged and spoke"How are you still standing mighty oak."
The tree replied, I know that you,could break a branch of mine in two,
shake my limbs, make me sway,carry all my leaves away.
But my roots are strong and sound,buried deep into the ground.
blow and blow with all your might,strike my bough with forks of light.
You'll never beat me for you see,roots are the deepest part of me,
and I've found out, all thanks to you,I'm stronger than I ever knew.

He spoke on the importance of having friends that truly care about you. He mentioned how rare it is to have people who would do just about anything for your "real" well being. I had not thought about it. I have always had good friends. I have been extremely Luck. In High School I did not have one of these friends. I had 3. Brian Ruben, Heath Westonskow and Dave Siebert. They were guys who would drop anything to help me. They cared about me and my welfare. I too cared about them. I wish for my kids to have this same type of friend to help them through the teenage years.

My wife thinks I'm weird because I rarely correspond with these individuals. However, the friendship was enough that I know I could call on them at any time, even now, and they would help me. I too, would for them.

Since High school I have had more of those friends. I have a couple at work that I trust completely. I share my life with them. I hope they feel the same way about me.

I have also had some in church associations, one friendship formed from serving in an elders quorum presidency. I found out his wife thinks the same of him as Karen does of me. It is just understood that we love each other and can call each other at anytime, in any place. He is a great man and I totally trust him. Another one of these friends recently moved to Texas. The hardest part of him moving was realizing the confidant I would speak with freely would not be as available. But time and distance can not take away the love, respect and trust we have developed.

How Blessed am I? Elder Ballard said they were rare. I have been overwhelmed with Great people around me. I wish my children the same blessing of great friends to help them through their lives.