Celebrating a Saint

There are moments in life when we pause and think about the life of another.  In my crazy busy life, I try to make room for reflection about the influence of others whether it be for good or bad.  Preferrably good, and in this case, it is for good,

So, Bro. Poloa is dying and is receiving hospice care until his last day on earth.  When I learned that his days were numbered, these images of his life crossing mine became vivid.  When my boys were playing high school football, I met his son who was about the same age.  In my prideful moment as a mother, I couldn't accept that Poloa's son, Orlando could possibly be better than my boys.  But what this man taught me was how possible it was to celebrate my sons in their football all the while still experiencing his own celebration of his beloved son.  So when I met Bro. Poloa at a football game, my first impression was how nice this man was to me.  His voice was very soft and you could see that he was a humble man.  And then I went on my merry way.  My sons and his became friends and my husband had the utmost respect for this young man's talents and always had great things to say about him, all the while, I was learning lessons from him about humility and graciousness.  Indeed, I experienced his Christlike influence that for him was a way of life.  This was evident in his very actions and words he spoke every so quietly.

Enter Mycal, my youngest who was blessed with the talent to sing. While he was on his mission, my husband said, there was a store in Sandy or Midvale somewhere that Bro. Poloa and his wife owned.  He wanted to go to the store and buy something in support of his business.  When we drove, up to the store, I was really happy to see the success of his store.  When we entered the building, Bro. Poloa had a big smile on his face and was very cordial to us.  He showed us around the store and we chatted. Then he introduced us to his daughter, Crystal, who he was obviously very proud of and we had a chance to visit with both of them.  Crystal was so kind in singing Mycal's praises and was very happy to consider working with him.  She had such a great music resume and yet she saw my son has someone who had potential.  As we were talking, I just saw the love Bro. Poloa had for his daughter and you could see that he was so very proud of her accomplishments.  Yet, even he was eager to have his daughter share her talent with our son.  I walked away thinking was a great man he is and that I hope his business would be successful.

There was much to say about the blessings this man had by way of his ability to start businesses and his desire to do well in order to  provide for his family.  He was in the military and after retiring, he used his finances to fulfil his dreams of service through building up his business. My husband and were always so impressed by him.  Then, we had the blessing going to the same LDS ward with this gentle man.

It never failed, Bro Poloa, in our ward was the best example of Christlike love for his fellow man.  Each time I saw him, he made a point to greet and my family with a huge smile and the best handshake that communicated his love for us. Yet, again and again, he always asked about my children and worried about their well-being and their success in life.  He was always willing to give all that he had and the talents of his family was always made available to us. There was a time when together we worked on the "Do You Know My Name Fireside" in January 2013.

He was so excited to do this fireside because of his temple work.  His love for genealogy was evident when he gave me his family histories that we were blessed to add this this memorable fireside.  I think what I loved the most was his desire to serve the Lord in all things.  We were so used to seeing him in the temple whenever we took in a session.  But now that he is sick and preparing to return to his Father in Heaven, we do not see him any longer.  So it is with a bittersweet memories that we have of his essence in the temple, knowing that we will no longer see him in the flesh.

So our family says goodbye to a righteous man.  Thank you for all your wonderful examples we have seen.  My family's life has been greatly blessed.  Althought the touches have been small, they have been greatly received, and mightily remembered by us.  Both my husband and I we say farewell to a gentle giant in the gospel.  We say farewell to a man who spoke mightly of his testimony on Fast Sundays.  We say farewell to a spiritual giant who left his mark on an entire ward and entire generation. So until we meet again. Love the Alo family.