A Few of the Great Men in My Life...

For anyone who has spent any time in St. Johns, you probably recall with fondness the holidays. For some reason, the Holidays become a great time for reflection on our own lives, on the lives of our families, and on the lives of those who have influenced us greatly. It seems like St. Johns is full of people who have influenced me in ways I’m not sure I can ever repay.

From the time I was a kid, Rob Roy Patterson played a significant role in my life.  Rob and His wife Diane are among my parents' very best friends. Their friendship parlayed into work opportunities on the ranch for me and my brothers and my three boys.  Rob Roy single-handedly managed a big cattle ranch and was involved in every intricacy. Maybe because I was a little more mechanically inclined, I was passed over for the fun jobs, like driving cows and working with young horses, and was picked instead to work on equipment and be involved directly with Rob working on mechanical things. Anybody who knows him knows he was not always a man of many words, and that the lunches he prepared off the back of his truck would never have passed any health department standards. I always thought that Rob Roy liked me, but when he would get after us, it was enough to put the fear of heaven and earth into the depths of our souls! However, after a long day of hunger and thirst and plenty of work, the ride home was usually filled with funny stories, a lot of laughter, and the redemptive confirmation that he really did like me and appreciated my efforts.  My love of machinery and taking care of it, my love of livestock and working with it all have their roots in what I learned from Rob Roy Patterson.

Another beacon in my life, and in the community, is Matt Montoya. I was a grown man before reason led me to realize that it was indeed possible for Matt not to smile. I don’t know if I have ever seen Matt without his big contagious smile. I have had the great blessing of knowing Matt all of my life and have had the privilege of working with him. Matt is one of the most successful businessmen ever in St. Johns. His success is the direct result of a great family, especially his wife Betty, who has contributed not only from the home, as a mother and wife, but also to the community in her work for Apache County. Because of the people that Matt and Betty have surrounded themselves with, they have been a great influence to many.

Matt’s influence has blessed my children’s lives, too. I will never forget attending a college football game in Flagstaff, Arizona. It was particularly sweet, because Afton Lambson was playing for NAU, and my youngest son, Josh, was playing for Southern Utah. They played together in high school and had a lot of success. At halftime, the crowd in the dome settled into a lull as the teams took the field to warm up for the second half. The lull was shattered with a loud “buh-yah” that anyone from St. Johns would immediately recognize as Matt’s rallying cry for the St. Johns High School football team. On this particular day, however, there were two college teams playing. Still, there were two responsive “buh-yah” yells from the field. What was special is that one came from the NAU sidelines and the other from the Southern Utah sidelines. Josh and Afton could not refrain from the familiar yell that is uniquely Matt Montoya’s - but that represents all of St. Johns.

The last person I have been reflecting upon is my Dad, Ted Raban. All of the men I have mentioned are great influences in my life. There are many more, too!  None, however, has been as great an influence on me as my Dad. My Dad was born and raised in St. Johns.  When he was courting my Mom, he brought her here to meet his family and visit his town.  She responded that it would be a great place to visit! Now, over 50 years, and six children later, their visit continues. My father has always been a steadying influence in mine and my siblings lives. He always respected us. Even in his discipline, there was an incredible amount of respect and love. I’m not sure that we ever went without monetary things, although I know that times were tough for his young family. We always felt like we had everything, and on top of that we were taught to love our community, and our faith, and our family. With my dad, there were no lines drawn around religion, or race, or status.  We were taught to love our neighbors, and in St. Johns, everyone was our neighbor. I am grateful for that.

Written by Jeff Raban
November 2013

A Change of Heart

I love St. Johns!

But it didn't begin that way.

Ted and I met at BYU, and, a short time later, he wanted to take me home to meet his parents. What delightful people. What a very nice visit.

On the way back to school, I said to Ted, "nice little town, but don't ever take me there to live." Well, we have lived here 53 years of our 58 married years, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

What a great town in which to raise your children. What a great place to love your relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Years ago, before SRP came in and saved our town that was too small and about to die, we could stop our vehicles in the middle of Main Street and have a conversation, for however long we wanted, and it wouldn't disrupt traffic at all. Those were the days!

And the friends and neighbors, they were like second parents. One of our children was across the street playing with friends and cut his hand quite badly. We weren't home at the moment, so the neighbors took him to the doctor who took care of him, stitches and all.

At one time, we needed to go to Phoenix and our older children said, "Mom, Dad, we are old enough to take care do ourselves. You can trust us." Well, we got a call in the wee hours from one of them saying, "We were out very late, got caught, and thought we had better call you and tell you about it before the neighbors do." Isn't that a great true story? I am telling you, this is a wonderful town.

Neighbors will pat you on the back at the slightest little good you do and actually let you help them when you can see help is needed. I can't even tell you how very many people in the big city have told us that they DON'T EVEN KNOW THEIR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS.

What a huge attitude change this writer has had from "Don't ever take me there to live" to "I wouldn't trade it for any other place in the whole USA."

I love St. Johns.

~Julie Raban
November 2013

The best TREAT of all.....

This year we had the opportunity to spend Halloween with my parents, they were passing through town on their way to a funeral in Ramah, New Mexico.  This Halloween turned out to be extra special because my dad had brought a very special “treat” with him. He told me that years ago he had found some old 8 mm film at his mom’s house and his thought at the time was “ I better grab these before something happens to them and they get ruined or lost”. Well in my parents recent move to St. George, Utah the film was rediscovered. My dad had taken the film to Costco and had it transferred onto DVDs. My dad had brought the DVDs with him and we were able to sit and watch them together.

 Let me just give you a little bit of background on my family, my Great Great Great Grandfather Andrew Smith Gibbons was one of the first pioneer natives of St. Johns and my Grandfather John Elwood Gibbons was born and raised here in St. Johns.  As we watched the DVDs I got to see my grandfather who I have never met. He passed away when my dad the oldest of 4 children was only seven.  I have seen pictures of my grandfather but to see actual live footage of his life filmed right here in St. Johns was amazing. The film is from the late 1940’s and the 1950’s and contains footage of my grandfather and several other people from the community.

  My husband Ty and I were so intrigued by these old films we wanted to obtain more information about who the other individuals in the films were.  Last night we took the films over to Ted and Julie Raban’s house where we all watched them together. Ted Raban knew my grandfather and was one of his roommates at BYU so he was the first one I thought of when I was trying to figure out who could help me find out more information about these films. Ted and Julie Raban were able to identify Lee Waters, Ken Pulsipher, and Lavon Thurber in the videos. We have several other individuals that we think we may have identified but we are not positive. The footage on the videos contained old downtown Saint Johns, Main Street, and what is now the Pulispher house where my grandfather was born and raised.  It was so fun to sit there with Ted and Julie and see their faces as they watched these old films and hear some of the stories and memories that came rushing back.

  As I sat there with them, I was so thankful that I was able to experience these moments and hear some of these old time stories. It gave me a better understanding of my grandfather and the type of man that he was.  Before this experience, I never gave much thought to Family History, now it seems to be something that I can’t stop thinking about. It is so exciting to learn more about my family and my ties to the wonderful town of Saint Johns.  I am so thankful for people in our Community like, Ted and Julie Raban, who are willing to help me in my endeavors to do family history.  Without people like them, a lot of our family history and some of those precious stories would be lost.  Elder Boyd K. Packer said “No work is more of a protection to [us] than...genealogical research. ... No work is more spiritually refining. No work we do gives us more power. No work requires a higher standard of righteousness. Our labors...cover us with a shield and a protection.”  I am so thankful for the recent opportunity I was given to learn more about my grandfather and what a wonderful example he was to me.  I am looking forward to learning more about him and his life in the wonderful small town of Saint Johns Arizona.
Candice Gibbons Bond

My St. Johns' Connection

          I moved to St. Johns, AZ in 1993.  I was fresh out of college with a wife and a young daughter.  I moved here from Colorado not ever hearing of St. Johns or ever dreaming I would live outside of Colorado let alone in Arizona.  All I knew when I came here was they needed a history teacher and an assistant football coach. The only reason I knew of an open position was my supervising teacher in Colorado met Coach Morgan at a football camp the previous summer.  So that was my first St. Johns connection.  Before I moved here I found out my uncle had two brothers that lived in Springerville, AZ.  He told me from what he understood Elks and Redskins don’t get along too well on game day.  Living here, I am amazed how many people I know from all walks of life who know someone from St. Johns or have even heard of St. Johns, AZ.

          Over the last twenty years, I have been asked many times why St. Johns?  Why did you choose to stay in St. Johns and do you really like it?  The basketball teams I took to Mesa St. Camp in Grand Junction would always ask that after we traveled through the beautiful mountains between Dolores and Montrose, CO.  We would stay at my parents' house in Hotchkiss the night before the camp began and be treated to my mom’s warm hospitality and good cooking.  And again the question would be, “Why coach?"  This place is awesome.  I do have to admit that I get homesick for family, the farm, the mountains, and rivers that run up to your waist.  But it always feels good to be back home in St. Johns. 

          The main reason I feel at home is because of the people.  There is a connection here among the people that have made St. Johns their home that is unique and special.  I have seen that and felt it with people who have been here for generations and for those who have just moved into our little town.

          This connection was evident last Friday night.  Along with the Moultons, our neighbors across the street, we hosted a block party.  We invited people along our block and around the neighborhood.  It was great!  Where else can you have a fire in the middle of a dead end street?  We gathered together and broke bread and shared a part of an evening together.  The broken bread consisted of BBQ pork, homemade salsa and chips, and dutch-oven cobbler.  We visited, laughed and enjoyed the great food everybody brought.  Old acquaintances were renewed and new friends were made.  Our group came from different age groups, religions, and ethnic backgrounds.  Some have lived here their whole lives and others have just moved here.  My kids enjoyed the evening until the first firework went off and then it was time to go to the football game.

          After our evening, I reflected on some thoughts that came to me later that night.  We are all a child of God.  And He loves us.  One of our purposes here on Earth is to make and build relationships with others.  Just like any parent He is pleased when His children get along and serve one another and help in times of need.  When we gather together and find common ground and enjoy each other’s company and good will, it pleases Him.  Friday night was just another example of why I have stayed in and love living in St. Johns.  The other reason is what my son Coulson told me as we went to the football game.  He said, “Dad, you know why a small town is better than a big city?” I said “Lots of things, what do you think?”  And he replied “Because it doesn’t take long to get to a game.”  Amen.

Written By Brian Hollembeak
October 27, 2013

Parents...Progress...Prayer

This month is always busy for me as a teacher in the public schools.  Parent-Teacher conferences, or meetings with my students’ parents are scheduled for this week in October following the end of the first quarter of school.  Sometimes I am meeting parents or guardians for the first time, and Report Cards are printed and given to them in an attempt to sum up this kid’s educational performance.   It is a difficult meeting in that we have to squeeze a quarter’s worth of information into just a few minutes of time.  In an attempt to aid this process, I sent home a paper that could be filled out in advance and returned to me before the meeting, so that I could be better prepared and informed. The paper had questions listed on it like:  “How does your child feel about school?”  “What do you feel are your child’s strengths and weaknesses?”  “What questions do you have in particular about his/her progress?”etc.  I was hoping to receive them back with a few notes jotted down, but the result went beyond that.  It was fascinating and inspiring to see how parents approached these questions and how definitely positive they were in sharing their kids’ strengths. Many of the comments mentioned math or reading, but not all of the comments were strictly academic related.  Several took the time to write down how nice the child was, or what a good example they were at home.   Some expressed anxiety about friendships and social interactions.  One in particular expressed a wish to have their child realize how important all the choices they make in life are, and how they will add up in the future to become their character.  I was amazed at the adoration and admiration these parents have for their children.  I loved seeing the look of pride in their eyes as we visited about the accomplishments and goals for their futures. 

Today being Saturday, I finally felt like I had the chance to catch my breath as well as catch up on many other things at home.  As I was scrubbing my shower, I started thinking about being on my knees, which eventually got me thinking about praying…and ultimately pondering my current relationship with my Heavenly Father.  Crazy as it sounds, I was struck with the thought of, “what if Heavenly Father was scheduled for a “conference” about my progress here on Earth?  Suppose He had to fill out one on those question sheets about my strengths and weaknesses… or explain to a teacher my attitudes and beliefs about my lessons…What questions might He have about me…Have I checked in with him lately to ask for his help with my goals?” 

  Three years ago, this very week, my husband Spence was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor next to his brain.  Within that week’s time, he was scheduled and sent to surgery to have it removed.  I can’t even begin to explain the fear, humility, and shock we went through in those few days, but on the flipside I also can’t begin to express the power of prayer, peace and miracles that were sent our way either.  It was a rollercoaster of emotions to say the least, and all has worked out for us thus far.  My point in bringing it up, however, is that during those days in the hospital, while waiting and preparing for the surgery, my heart and soul were praying and pleading with God for his strength and healing power.  Most every minute, and hour I was praying to Him and seeking his guidance and comfort.  It just seemed that I needed the peace and assurance that only a Father can give. By the end of the week, we got to bring Spence home, and our prayers continued faithfully.  Our hearts and lives were filled with gratitude for the gift of life that had been restored.  I firmly resolved that not a day would go by that I would not eagerly and mindfully thank my Father in Heaven for my family and for each day I have with them…

Well here I am 3 years later, and although my prayer habit is not as frequent as it was that dreary week in October, my resolve and gratitude are still as strong.  I do know that I am a daughter of God and that he hears and answers prayers!  I know that He gave me life, and the power to direct my life.  I believe that He knows and understands my strengths and weaknesses, and that I am stronger when I struggle through trials. I know he rejoices with me in the good times and grieves with me during the bad.  I know he loves me and He is there for any of his children, and will be there as soon as He is invited in from the prayer in a heart.

 It is my hope that my report card/progress is always pleasing to my Father in Heaven.  I know he wants to be included in all of his children’s lives.   So if you haven’t conferenced with him lately, He is as close as a prayer…

Kirstin Udall

A Promise Kept

In our small community it is not unusual to see underage drivers helping out with trucks or equipment on the farm.My family is no exception. So when my husband Gerald asked my 11-year-old son Joey to go get the small tractor and drive it up from the field he got right to it. A few minutes later the poor boy came running to me with tears streaming down his face sobbing, “I hit Ina’s car!” While her car was still drivable, the damage was significant. Gerald was furious with Joey, I was angry at Gerald, and characteristically, Ina was not mad at anyone (only concerned about her nephew).

We called the insurance company right away. Our agent said there was no way our insurance would cover it. Ina’s agent said they could cover it but that the policy rates would increase 30%. We could not get them to work with us. The repairs, which we were determined to pay for, were going to cost us over $4,000. We had worked hard over the last few years to get out of debt, and we had succeeded. But we hadn’t saved anywhere near enough to pay the bill. It was going to have to go on the credit card.

We were so discouraged. We did not want to acquire more debt, but we had no other option. Then the scripture in Malachi came into my mind. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse…and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shallnot be room enough to receive it.” We pay a full tithe, and we have “proven” the Lord before. I felt it was time to ask for a miracle. I prayed to Heavenly Father and said that we wanted to stay out of debt, that we paid our tithing, and that we needed a miracle. I told Him that I didn’t care how it came…if it meant lots of overtime for Gerald or lots of subbing jobs (LOTS of subbing jobs) for me, just that it came. I also told Gerald, “Just so you know, I’m praying for a miracle.”

The next day Gerald called me from work and said, “well you prayed for a miracle.” I expected him to say that he would be working the weekend and miss the trip we had planned, but he said, “I called our former insurance agent (who had relocated to Texas) and told him what was going on. He said ‘no, that’s not right’ and told me what we need to do and say so that Ina’s insurance will cover her car.” I was overcome with gratitude as we received the answer to prayer and our own little miracle. I know that some may argue that it was just coincidence, that we could have thought of this on our own, but I know better. I know that onceagain we have proven the Lord and the windows of Heaven have been opened.

Tawnya O. Wood

Who's Gonna Hero Up?

His first love was Nemo, then came Mater and Lightning McQueen, Buzz Lightyear and Woody. I can measure the years of my five-year-old's life by the characters he embraced at each age. He still holds a special place in his heart for the short-finned clown fish, and he sometimes plays with the Toy Story characters and the Cars' vehicles he has, but he is now, and I suspect forever, an avid superhero junkie.

As the lucky mom of a boy, I have learned more in the last year and a half about superheroes than I had ever learned in all my previous years. Let me share with you my top three lessons.

1) There is nothing complicated about a superhero's name and personality.
Spider-Man crawls around and can move like a spider, webs and all. The Hulk is hulky and smashes things. Superman is, well, super, with basically all powers to do anything and everything. The Green Lantern has a power ring and green lantern. Batman... okay, Batman is the exception here. You would think he could fly, but he can't. He is just a human with really neat toys that help him to defeat the bad guys.

I am a wife, a mom, a friend, a sister, an aunt, a neighbor. This is not complicated. Neither is the fact that I know how to be a wonder wife, a mega mom, a fantastic friend, a super sister, an amazing aunt, and a nifty neighbor. Now my challenge is to hero up (the Super Hero Squad theme song) and be what I know I can be. If Ironman can live up to his name and role, so can I.

2) Avengers Assemble! Superheroes accomplish much more when they work together.
Although they each have unique powers that you would think would sustain them individually, almost all of the characters have joined with a group to make them more powerful and indestructible.

When crisis, death, and sickness befall our community, I see heroes in the faces of the people of St. Johns. Heroes who are joining together to clean out a flooded basement, attend a funeral of a long-time resident, and bringing meals and hugs to families. Yet, we also band together in celebration. Weddings, births, fairs, parades, state championships... We laugh together. We cry together. We join together. It is when we see the best in each other and come together in common purpose that we become powerful and indestructible.

"Assembled we are strong, forever fight as one."

 

3) Superheroes have normal secret identities.
This is my favorite one. Who among us wouldn't love to change from just simple ol' me to a flying, golden lasso-wielding, laser-visioned alter ego with a simple costume change? Sign me up! My son puts on his Spider-Man costume and proceeds to climb walls. Really. It is something about seeing himself as something more. Peter Parker is a science nerd; Spider-Man is swinging around and conquering evil. Nobody knows that Superman is Clark Kent or that Wasp is Janet Van Dyne. It is magical to see a transformation from ordinary to extraordinary.

Let me break it to you. We are all something more. We all have secret identities. We all have an inner light that is inherent in us. We are sons and daughters of God. It isn't such a secret, but it does sometimes get hidden as we go about the busy, day-to-day lives we lead.

When we see in ourselves something more, something of divinity, we, too, can transform. I want to be the superhero my son thinks I am and that my husband tells me I am. I want to be like my Wonder-Woman mom, who was a wheelchair-bound human with powers to love, to serve, and to uplift everyone around her. She may have looked ordinary, perhaps even less to some, yet she embraced the light within her and let it shine to blinding proportions.

Who is going to hero up? I know I am going to try.

Right now, I will start by playing Avengers with my son.