Grandma & Grandpa Hayes

Back in May we got a call from my parents while we were on vacation in Florida.  They set up a family conference call and I couldn't imagine what it was for.  My dad had just retired the previous December and they had been serving as weekly temple workers since then.  The news was not what we were expecting, but it sounded like the perfect calling for them.  They had been called as the Houston temple President and Matron.  They obviously were shocked and overwhelmed but happy to serve.  Their 3 year calling was supposed to start in November 2015, but in all the check ups they had to do (as you would to prepare for a mission), a test showed cancer in my dad's prostate.  I'm emotional just thinking about it again because I am so grateful they were required to have these physicals done in preparation for the calling.  I know that my dad wouldn't have gone to the doctor otherwise because there weren't any problematic signs or anything.  So anyway, the doctors and my parents decided surgery was the best option, so they got him in as soon as they could, which pushed back their start date a month.  In between all of this were many prayers, a priesthood blessing, fasting, etc., and we were blessed enough to have everything go as smoothly as it could have.  I know my dad was watched over and blessed because of faith and prayers.  They called a great temple presidency, one of the couples being old friends, and I'm excited to hear about all the experiences they're going to have.  I couldn't be more grateful for this calling for several reasons, but one of them is selfish - they're only 4 hours away for their mission.  I'll take it!