Quorum, and they had a special bond that developed between them. I believe that this was before any of them had any children. Once every summer, each of these families enjoyed a trip to Bear Lake. This was before it was condos, crowds, and speeding boats. All they had were small cabins and rowboats. The Dents had three sons: Ron, Jerry, and Ralph. The Harrops, of course, had Jerry and later Lowell. My parents had Carol and Joe. This meant that I was the only girl among all those boys. For a long time I wasn't very happy about it. But over the years I realized that I had the blessing of several special brothers. I consider all of them my brothers. My own brother, Joe, is director of bands at Iowa State University, and so consequently, I don't get to see much of him. We do get together occasionally, and Jerry and Lowell have become very close to me. President Jerry Dent is my Stake President in Fruit Heights. So at least the Lord has given me brothers whom I can see often. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior and His life upon this earth, the things of His life come to mind whenever you hear the Harrop name-love, service, and being an example to others. Feed my sheep was one of the first thoughts I hadliterally by spiritual example, and if you want to stretch a point, something wonderful that came from Madeleine's kitchen. The ultimate service was given by the family to Vern and currently the same love and compassion has been given by Jerry and Lowell to their dear Mother-truly an angel on this earth. Visits to the hospital in later years were a challenge to her mortal body. The latest challenge was at the LDS Hospital where the staff grew to love her and realized what a unique, strong person she was-always trying to get better. Jerry shared a story with me recently that one of the nurses observed about 2:00 in the morning. Madeleine was awake and moving around. When the nurse went in to question what she needed, she was able to show her that she was doing her exercises that she had a great desire to get better. One of the things that she had expressed was that she wanted to see the bulbs bloom that had been planted by her sons. Never has anyone been more positive than she was in living with serious heart problems all of her life and challenges for many years. Jerry and Lowell, let those bulbs and other beauties of nature be your comfort. Remember the beautiful picture that your Mother painted for you, loving you with all her heart, serving you. When you talked to Madeleine no matter what time it was she would always say that she was keeping dinner warm for one of her boys who came home later or for Vern if he were working late. She lived to care for her family. In this world of do your own thing, putting your own wants and