Welcome friends! This space is for recognizing the loving acts that people share with one another. It is my hope that by sharing these stories, others will be inspired to give of themselves.

These gifts take many forms, and not all of them are recognized or even appreciated. But it’s the thought that counts, as we sometimes say at Christmas time.

Speaking of Christ, it was the example set by him, that inspires me most to dedicate my efforts to loving my neighbor. When we do this “unto one of the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me.”

His words on the cross, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”, have special meaning for me. I truly believe that if we understood love the way we could, negativity could not exist. The perfection of all that is…a concept that is understood by the great philosophers, prophets, and angels of history…can be internalized by the human soul. It is my hope that through this transformation, we can lead more peaceful, powerful, loving lives.

VELORA EVA GOUGH STUART WELLS

Her example of selfless giving reminds me constantly of my true purpose. I am honored to have been close to her and to have assisted her in her final act of forgiveness. Her life was full of repentance and forgiveness. It was fitting, even triumphant, to be presented with the opportunity to bless the life of Dr. Jason Wills with her final act.

In July or August of 2007, Velora experienced an intense bout of intestinal pain. She called Gordon and Sharon Allred to help her to the hospital, fearing the return of her cancer. They called me, and I met them at the hospital in Ogden to help her through this. We spent the night telling stories and passing time. Eventually, after a few days in the hospital, she got better, and went home.

A cat scan had shown a polyp on her intestine that the doctor suspected may be the cause. They scheduled an endoscopy to look at it and take a sample. On the morning of September 12th, I drove her down to St. Mark’s hospital in Salt Lake to be with her through this procedure. We signed in, accepting the risk. We walked over to the ward where we were scheduled to be, and the nurses prepped her for the “operation”.

As the time grew nearer for her to be anesthetized, she began to realize that at her age, the risk was substantial. Swallow a camera? At 88? That sounds like a sorority gag! We had a tearful goodbye, and she went under.

I waited in the room for ninety minutes or so, reading a kayak magazine that was luckily in there, and then they wheeled her back in. She was sleeping peacefully, it seemed. In a few minutes, the doctor, Jason Wills, came in and said that all had gone according to plan, and she’d be sleeping for another hour or so. He suggested I go get some lunch.

I walked over to see my friend Robbie Powel who has a practice there, and was aware that we were having this polyp looked at. We had a fun lunch there in the back room at his office, and then I went back to see about Velora.

When I walked into the endoscopy unit, a nurse grabbed me and hurried me into her room, saying “When your mom woke up, she couldn’t breathe very well. I think we punctured her esophagus with the endoscope on the way in. She’s in a lot of pain. She wants you!”

The poor gal, she couldn’t get enough air to speak well, and she was scared. I held her and caressed her hair and tried to get her to relax so she could get by on less oxygen. Her sense of humor didn’t fail her, even now. “Here I come to the hospital to get better, and they try to kill me! I don’t think I can make it.”

The nurses gave her morphine, and tried to get an oxygen tube down her nose, but it wouldn’t go. We wheeled her upstairs to intensive care where the surgeons could look at her, and try to decide what to do.

There was confusion and turmoil and I tried to keep her relaxed and ready to meet her maker. The surgeons asked me to come out into the hall. I reluctantly stepped away. They said that they could go in and try to suture up the hole in her esophagus, but she probably wouldn’t live through the operation. They were willing to try, if I wanted. I said that I couldn’t watch them hurt her anymore, just let her go in peace. They shrugged and left us alone.

Jason Wills came in and apologized. I said, “Dr., she would want to forgive you. So why don’t you hold her other hand, and we’ll just be with her and love her as she goes. There’s so much love in that little soul.” He walked around the bed and held her other hand. She was barely conscious, but held his hand and mine and waited for the mercy of release. I know that she would’ve wanted me to do this, and I feel so lucky to have been there to help it happen. He began to cry and left us alone. As she left to go to her reward, she gave me the sweetest goodbye with her eyes, struggling to overcome the drugs to connect with me one last time. I am forever grateful for this.

As a sense of peace filled the room, I stroked her hair and kissed her goodbye. “I love you, Mom.” I covered her face with her blanket and sat down and waited for the tears to come. A nurse came in and asked me if she could call someone to help me. I said sure, and asked her to call Robbie. Someone from the church came in, and passed a few minutes with me as well. Robbie showed up, and I uncovered her face and let him say good bye. He loved her as well.

So it was by the grace of God that my mother had the opportunity to forgive the man who “killed” her with her last act of kindness. I will always be grateful for this example and for the opportunity to share in this profound farewell.

Dr. Wills gave me his number and asked me to call him. I hope that this supreme act of kindness on her part, helps him deal with the feelings of pain and risk and sorrow that he might feel. Perhaps he too will pass this story on to others, and we can all be inspired to act with kindness under pressure as she did. “I love you, Ma!”

HOLLY STUART JOHNSON

The strength of character that Holly has shown is an inspiration to me. Her passage through adolescence has not been easy. She has emerged triumphant as a young adult who recognizes the importance of love. She has dedicated her substantial energies and talents to helping other young people understand the lessons that she has struggled with herself. Pursuing an education in social science, and working in the field of teen crisis intervention, her sacrifices in this journey are understood and appreciated by those who know her well. She is supported and encouraged by her loved ones, and most of all, her husband Tommy. His support, and the sincerity with which he offers it, is testament to his understanding. He is such a fine soul. Together, they will inspire many lucky people to work together to overcome misunderstandings, and find the love that underlies everything.

As her father, I can remember the purity of love which she showed to her sisters as they arrived. She has within her such a giving, nurturing soul. She was a joy to behold as she grew up being the big sister that I had never witnessed, being from a family of two boys. I hope her sisters thank and appreciate and return her love often. I think Velora was an inspiration to her, being so close to her sisters Delsa, Vespa, and Zola. I hope Holly grows to cherish her sisters as Velora did. I surely try to encourage her to do so.

As we all struggle to live up to our divine potential, it is a comfort to know that Holly is so strong, smart, intuitive, sensitive and forgiving in her quest to “love thy neighbor”. “I love you so much, Holly!”

KENDRA LUND NANI

Oh, where do I begin? This little girl had so much love given to her; I don’t know how she does it. I barely know her now, as an adult, but when she was little, she was so charming that it was impossible not to be head over heels in love with her. Of course, this is her dad talking, and I’m sure that my opinion is biased. Whatever. How can anyone miss the obvious beauty that sparkles within her and around her?

I see her once in a while nowadays, trying with all her being to be the finest parent imaginable. What a lucky little girl this Kristin. And what about Kendall? Well, obviously, he’s such a fine young man that he certainly deserves all the luck and beauty that surrounds him. He and Kendra will be fine parents I’m sure, and probably nurture children that will save the world. As they work with the youth groups that are involved with their church, they are helping to nurture other people’s children as well. I am so proud of them.

How can two such parents be so lucky? It’s hard to know the inner struggles and hardships that Kendall and Kendra have endured. I have an inkling, but if they’d like to share them someday, I’d be happy to listen. As a soul wrestles with all the uncertainty that pervades our society today, strength is built. Will they use that strength to win the battles that await them? Surely the spiritual battles that have been fought within their souls have prepared them for the road ahead, which is sure to test their mettle.

Their understanding and strength individually, is so substantial. When they wed, that strength and intelligence combined, has every advantage. One and one, in their case, make at least three! Kristin perhaps senses, but doesn’t know, the love that awaits her, ready to guide her down the road ahead. She is being given the most incredible opportunity to grow into a wonderful family whose love knows no bounds.

It is this gift of love, that Kendra has given, that makes me most proud. This is the magical gift that gives of itself, and then multiplies and winds up giving back to itself. It’s the miracle of life that we all can share, and I’m so proud of the Nani’s for their faith and dedication in service of their fellow man. “I love you, sweetheart!”

JEWELL LUND

Oh, I feel so lucky. When I remember Jewell’s birth, I feel like the luckiest Dad on earth. Celeste had just given her a most wonderful birth, and suggested that I hold her while mother was washed and rested. Jewell fell asleep in my arms, and I slept soundly as well. For the first hours of her life, she slept in my arms. I am so grateful for this natural relaxing bond that I still feel strongly today.

Our futures are so bright! From the red hair and freckles that were passed on from Velora, through me, to you…to the easy smile, the confidence, the direct and honest gaze…how can we not win? Our destiny is to bless the lives of others while blessing ourselves with health and strength. You did that, did you know? In Scotland, Italy, Peru and Alaska…not to mention here…daily.

You can’t give from an empty cup. It has been my good fortune to learn how to fill my own cup…freely…so that I can give freely to those who seek this wisdom. Our ancestors proved themselves easily capable of enduring supreme hardship, while laughingly filling their own cups. Scottish know how, good humor and strength is legendary.

Let the north wind send us what it may
We will enjoy the beauty in each passing day
In the foggy, boggy isles whose shores have seen
Blokes whose heroic stand has been
Equal to the test with strength to spare

Why not laugh, and with every victory dare
To give of the joy that we somehow feel
Despite the odds, we somehow will
Share the wealth that inside does grow

With all, why not, for its nature shows
That no matter what storm may whip the shore
Brave hearts will fill with courage in store
To give our brothers with laughing glee
A fine contest that brings out the best in thee

So Jewell, when the dawn stirs your heart each morning, know that your strength, love, and will, can help to bring joy and laughter and victory to all within your reach. It is your good blessing to be so inclined, and I pledge to stand behind you with that smiling urge to do good to all. And I am so proud to know that you’ve dedicated a part of your life to helping those less fortunate. The troubled teens that it’s been your good fortune to meet are helping you as much as you are helping them. The teacher learns from the students.

Peace, Love, Hope
Daddio

KEVIN REILLY

When I first moved to Alta, Utah in 1977 I had the good fortune to meet two brothers from the Bronx. Kevin and Pat Reilly were working and living at the Goldminer’s Daughter ski lodge during the summer, while doing a little moonlighting at the Keyhole, a restaurant at Snowbird just a snowball’s throw down the canyon. I met them there.

Kevin and Pat were not your average New Yorkers. I felt this from the beginning, and watched to learn what it was that made them so unlike what I’d thought New Yorkers would be like. Stereotypes and generalizations just do not reflect the unique and spontaneous nature of the real world. Growing up in Utah, I had much to learn.

As I became friends with Kevin, working and skiing and partying together, I learned a little of what it was that grounded Pat and him. They’d had to deal with health issues inflicting their family. True dedication and courage and effort were called for in order to deal with these, and Kevin and Pat rose to the occasion. These qualities were apparent as we broke trail through the backcountry powder while enjoying the life of ski bums in Mecca.

Many years later, we both found ourselves in Park City, Kevin and I. Our girlfriends hit it off, and we again enjoyed an extended friendship while Kevin kept his job at the U of U and I worked at Deer Valley.

He married a lovely lady named Karlene, whose daughter Niven, was eventually diagnosed with bone marrow cancer. The community rallied around their family, and helped with donations that offset the cost of treatment. Most importantly, the love that showed itself in this dire situation inspired her back to health. Kevin was a big part of that. I know that he understands the sacrifices that inspire the growth of the human soul, and it is for this reason that I asked him to be a part of QUIET ACTS OF LOVE .NET.

I am grateful that he accepted, and look forward to many more years of friendship and joyous contemplation of humanity.

ROBERT S. POWEL

Oh what luck! Somehow, the Powel’s have endured life in the high mountains, and our little community is all the better for it.

In the late nineties, I went to California, to help my mom deal with the death of her husband. Then her sister died, and before I got back, two years had gone by. During those two years, the Powel family moved to the high Wasatch between Deer Valley and Brighton, close to where I lived. The neighbors had told them to be on the lookout for the “mysterious yurt guy”.

When I got back to the neighborhood, Brad Lewis was the first neighbor I ran into. We were having a beer on his deck, when Brad yelled up to Sean Brown…”HEY SEAN, TODD’S BACK”. Sean came crashing down through the forest, and we had a fine reunion. They suggested that I should meet the new guy in town, and again used the backcountry phone system. “HEY ROBBIE! COME ON DOWN! THERE’S SOMEONE HERE YOU’VE GOT TO MEET!”

“So you’re the mysterious yurt guy?”
“I guess so.”

We hit it off, and the rest is history. I’ve helped to remodel his house, fix his vehicles, dig him out of being stuck, carry his mother, and snake his toilet. I’ve seen their family at their best and at their worst. Through it all, I’ve been pleased to show and be shown kindness and honesty and friendship in its truest form; across class barriers that are fences of nothing, to use a phrase from my book.

When Holly and I decided to invite my mother to move to Utah, he consented to be her physician. His expertise in the field of geriatrics was a huge blessing to my mother, and his generosity will always be appreciated. His sons, wife and extended family accepted my mother into their home with a grace and kindness that she felt so warmly.

Because our families are now intertwined by loving history, I’ve invited Robbie to be involved with sharing the quiet acts of love.net. I hope that our continued relationship in this exercise will bless both our families throughout our lives.

TODD STUART

If you’ve found this website through exposure to my story, you may already know this, but for those who don’t know this little saga, read on.

I was married in June of 1981, and in May of 1982, suffered through a case of viral encephalitis. I was in a coma for several days, and then “miraculously” awoke. I struggled to recover while working to support my young family.

Eventually, the marriage fell apart, and I moved into a backcountry hut that I built so that I could pay child support on ski patroller wages. I didn’t dare give much voice to my hope that it would work out this well, but it did.

I’ve lived at 9600 feet in the Wasatch mountains of Utah, in this little hut, off and on, since the summer of 1990, while trying to heal up from the devastating loss that I felt when I “lost” my little family.

I didn’t really realize it at the time, but I was giving myself fifteen years of wilderness therapy, while trusting in the fact that real love will endure.

The struggles I’ve worked through, and the beauty that I’ve experienced, have made for an interesting story, I’m told. I am so grateful for the family, friends, and the storms that I’ve weathered…for guiding me up the path to enlightenment.

It is now my pleasure and obligation to share some of the joy that I’ve earned. That’s why I’m sharing this story, so that others will know that it’s possible to heal up from such a loss, and that there’s hope. Our world, spiritual and natural, is truly and joyfully abundant. We can all add our voices to those who’ve known this throughout history.

The proceeds from the sale of my first book…NOBODY OWES YOU TOMORROW…go toward funding this website, and endowing a trust that will be used for sponsoring quiet acts of love. My sincere thanks are extended to you, reader.

Peace, Love, Hope,
Todd