I have sat down at the computer a number of times to introduce Joanie and have stopped because I don't know how to describe Joanie to everyone. It's a challenge to describe a child who is so special in so many ways. My goal today is to actually be able to introduce Joanie in a way that everyone who gets to know her understands how special she is.
Joanie is 13 years old. Not only is she named after an incredible lady, Joanie Rich, she is a lot like Joanie #1 and has many of the same attributes. We couldn't have named her after a better lady.
Joanie is in 7th grade at Excelsior Academy where she excels in all her subjects. She plays the flute in band, and has picked up Spanish at an alarmingly quick rate. After being in Utah History for a couple of weeks, she found out that her teacher, Mr. Maher, is related to her through Ryan's family. This has made history much more interesting for her. Although math and science are her challenging classes she still pulls off an A every term.
Joanie has a testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that is stronger than my testimony. She has a unique bond with her Heavenly Father and older brother Jesus Christ. She knows where and whom to turn to in times of need. She loves attending church and is actively involved in the Young Woman program. She has an inner-light that glows for everyone to see. She loves watching General Conference. When she listens to conference she is enlightened with thoughts of friends and family who need to read/hear such topics. Seeing how she has the Holy Ghost with her at all times brings a fresh start to our family.
Joanie enjoys children and babysits around the neighborhood. She has been referred to as a child-whisperer and baby-whisperer in the past. Children love her and she loves them. She is patient and kind to all children.
Joanie is much like me. She has a few close friends, but lots of friends. She has a personality that draws others to her.
When she entered our life, she came as a gift from God. As I look back over the past years I know she was sent to us at a time when she would be able to help at the best possible time.
I don't know if this does any justice introducing Joanie, but she is an amazing and incredible young woman who I'm thankful to call my daughter.
I know all the introductions to our story haven't been made. However, with Christmas just behind us, I want to share a "Christmas Miracle" with you. This story I share involves many individuals who love me. I have three primary reasons for sharing this story.
#1-The story is an answer to many prayers, therefore, showing me that Heavenly Father DOES answer prayers. The last few months it has been difficult for me to pray, but I now know the Lord answers prayers in his own time and way. Sometimes it's fast and easy, and other times it's slow and difficult.
#2-This story shows how family and friends around the world can help those they don't know.
#3-Miracles still happen.
So, without further ado, let me start my story.
This Christmas will always be remembered as the Miracle Christmas
Christmas Eve afternoon my dad, Eldon Bohman, was supposed to meet my nephew Zeph Bohman
at LAX and fly to SLC. Zeph had flown from Australia to LA to come and
spend Christmas and New Year's with my parents. My dad arrived at LAX
and went to meet Zeph at Customs. Somehow, Zeph was able
to get past my dad and get to where he needed to board the plane to
SLC. My dad went everywhere at LAX trying to find information about
where Zeph was. Dad was given the go around everywhere he went and asked
questions. My dad looked for Zeph everywhere for hours without anyone
at LAX helping him.
My mom called me about 5:30 and told me what she knew was going on. When I got off the phone I told Ryan, Joanie,
and Hunter what I I had been told. We stopped what we were doing and
Ryan prayed for Zeph's safety and for us to be able to know where Zeph was.
During the prayer I had a distinct impression to go across the street and talk to our neighbors, Anne M Stephenson and James Mitchel Stephenson.
Unknown as to how they would be able to help. I explained the situation
to them, and without questions they made phone calls that we, as a
family, would not have known to call. Thanks to these wonderful friends
we learned where Zeph was and finding out he was enroute to SLC.
I made calls
to my parents letting them know what we found out. Being the closest to
the airport we got in the car and headed to Salt Lake. When we arrived
at the airport Ryan was going to just drop me off at the terminal. I
wanted to go in myself but Ryan said the kids needed to go in with me. I was worried because I didn't want to worry about the kids while I was so worried about my nephew.
Once the kids and I were in the airport I placed them at baggage claim with their phone, and went to a ticket agent. The ticket agent
was able to get me up to the gate. However, I somehow missed him coming off the
plane. Because I listened to Ryan, and he listened to the
Spirit, Joanie and Hunter were in the place to see Zeph at the baggage
claim.
I was able to reconnect with the Zeph and the kids and Ryan picked us up outside the airport. We were able to drive to my parents' and back to Tooele safely. (The sad part of the story is my dad spent Christmas Day in L.A. with no family. He arrived home Christmas night.)
This experience has helped my testimony of prayer expand
10-fold. I know the Lord kept Zeph safe and guided the rest of us to
know where he was. I know the Lord put the Stephenson's (who only
recently moved in) home so they could help our family. It has taught me that I need to look for the miracles, even small ones; realizing that although I do suffer from mental illness the Lord will put miracles in my path, just to help me grow. The Lord knows
each of us and what we are capable of.
So, this Christmas is my
"Christmas Miracle" and Zeph is my Miracle.
Zeph and Abby
Christmas 2015
