Emily Jones Children Fund

I know this news story has come and gone, but my heart still mourns for Emily Jones and her family. Most of you probably heard about how John Jones died in the Nutty Putty caves this past Thanksgiving. If not, please read/view this news story.

The day before Thanksgiving, Pat and I heard about how John Jones was stuck in part of the Nutty Putty Caves. Even though you hear horrible stories on the news all the time, for some reason this story really stuck with us and we were constantly checking for updates on his status. We followed his story up until the night before Thanksgiving, when we heard they had moved him 16 feet. Our hopes were high for his rescue, then breaking news hit explaining how some equipment had failed and he had slipped back into his original situation, however, this time he was upside down. Our hearts were aching for him and his wife.

How could a family outing turn so tragic. However, we still had high hopes of him making it out of the cave. Pat and I both felt guilty going to bed that night as John Jones was stuck; we prayed for him and his family.

The next morning we woke up to the tragic news of his death. I couldn't believe it. I really thought he was going to make it. I felt such sorrow for his pregnant wife and their child.

I don't know why this story affected me so much; we did not know them. We hear tragic stories on the news all the time and barely blink and eye. It might have to do with the fact that Pat and I have both been in the Nutty Putty Caves. Or that we are the same age as John Jones. Or that I am a wife to someone I love dearly and couldn't image losing him. Or that his wife is now a widow with a child and another one on the way. Whatever the reason, Pat and I couldn't stop thinking about him and his family.

The following Sunday someone in at our church talked about how they were able to attend John Jones' funeral. They spoke of the peace and comfort they felt while there. What a great blessing to we have knowing that this is not the end; that there is another life after this life and that we will be reunited with our families for eternity. I can only imagine how this knowledge gets John Jones' wife through the day.

It has been a little under a month since the tragic event. Yet, I still find myself thinking of John Jones' wife and children. I wonder how she is coping how she gets up in the morning. I still pray for her daily. I pray that Heavenly Father will take away her pain and replace it with peace and joy—I hope it is working. Often when I am with Pat, I think about how grateful I am to have him here with me. When I think times are hard, I think about how blessed I am to experience the hard time with my husband who I love so dearly.

So what is one to do? Just sit and think "How sad." I felt like I needed to do something. But what? It seemed that there was nothing I could do that would make much of a difference. However, that is where I was wrong. Two funds had been set up for the memorial they are going to build and also for Emily Jones and her children, I decided to donate. Even though I could not give much, I felt that I needed to give enough that it was a sacrifice for our family. His family went through and continues to go through such difficult times. I am so richly blessed and felt like I needed to show my gratitude for all my blessing by giving what I could.

This Christmas season we all have so many blessings; show your gratitude by giving back to those in need. Even if you can't give very much, every little bit counts.

To donate the "Emily Jones Children Fund" simply send a check to:

Zions Bank
1060 University Ave
Provo, UT 84604