MRS. UTAH...WHERE IS YOUR CROWN?

I met Emily Palmer while I was at Utah State University. She was 'randomly' chosen to be roommates with my sister, Kristen at Davis Hall. They became friends instantly and it was easy to see why...both of them are such great people. That year, Emily and Kristen joined the LDS Sorority I was an officer for. Emily and I got to know each other a lot better as we worked and played together. She always made me smile.

I left on my mission and then she went on one of her own. Kristen has remained best friends with Emily throughout the years, so I still get to see her every once in awhile. I have been in her home and I have seen her with her boys (right now ages 5, 4 and 3) and I have admired her positive attitude and constant smile for all of these years. I just love being around her.

Well, a lot has happened in her life. She married into a family who needed her more than she knew. With three young boys of her own, she agreed to help out her sister-in-law and took in her three children as well. For awhile, she cared for six kids ages 11-1. Life was not easy. But this experience gave her some purpose and direction in her life...beyond what she ever dreamed.

Right now, she is the reigning Mrs. Utah! Her platform is "Accepting and Overcoming Adversity." She is able to share her message of hope with people all over the state of Utah. I hadn't officially heard her speak until today and I am still thinking about it. My mom invited her to come speak in her ward. She gave a wonderful talk about how sometimes life gives you lemons, but it is how you deal with those lemons that makes all the difference. She speaks from experience--that it is all in your attitude! I wish someone would record her sometime, because I would listen to it in my car over and over again.

Thank you, Mrs Utah! I sure love you and I really appreciate your example in my life.


(Oh, there it is!)