3 May 2026

 

Writer has had some news to post for two weeks. It was on the down-low for several reasons, nevertheless The Hermitage has been abuzz with this new episode in Disciples life. 

 

Over the years EVERYONE in The Hermitage has learned things in a variety of ways starting at very young ages. Athlete learned to swim at two years of age having walked to the beach by herself (A kind policeman returned her to her home), and learned to ride a bike at four. Maybe a quicker way to the beach?! She also learned to play golf, baseball, and football before the age of 8. Miss Ladylike learned to sit down and sit properly VERY young. She also learned to walk and stand properly. And then there were the etiquette lessons of tableware and table manners, etc. Chambermaid and Scullery Maid learned their skills VERY early on. Gardener learned a love of plants and growing things. Correspondent learned to write letters and thank you notes at a young age. Seamstress learned to sew when she was 9. Quilter learned to quilt at 12. Chef and Baker started cooking and baking classes at 12 as well. Chauffeur learned to drive. Banker and Financier learned about budgeting and the like. Everything was learned early. As a teenager Mechanic and Builder wanted to take shop classes, but that wasn’t available to girls. So, Queen met someone who would teach her these skills. Mechanic would come home with black grease from her fingertips to her neck. Many times it was smeared across her cheeks as she would try to get the hair off of her face. Queen’s mother would say, “You were raised to be a LADY! This is FAR from Lady-like.” Queen’s dad would say, “You know you can be replaced by a girl…” And then he would smile. 

 

Queen married and they moved a little over 1,300 miles away from anyone they knew. She was thankful for ALL of the skills, abilities and knowledge all of those in The Hermitage had learned over the years. Everything helped her survive in many ways. 

 

Then they moved to Las Vegas in 1976. He left the Air Force and worked for the LVFD. Children came along. When he wasn’t at the fire station, he was working on cars. Frequently he would come in and request help from one of those in The Hermitage. Usually it was Mechanic. Not always, but frequently. Requests such as, “I’m putting in this transmission and trying to line up the flywheel, pressure plate and 

clutch plate. I need you on the creeper to help me.” Sobeit. And off she would go, under yet another vehicle. This was NOT unusual for any of us in The Hermitage.

 

In June of 2024, as Camper was going to celebrate her last birthday in her 60's, she went to girl’s camp near Kolob, Utah. It was BEAUTIFUL. While there, the Stake President and a Bishop asked if she would accompany them on “a hike?” “Why not?” she thought. Why not indeed!!! This “hike” became known as the “Death Hike” from then on. While up there, there was also rappelling. Queen’s “boys” had suggested she do that… The suggestion came with much firmness. So, Camper prepared, learned, and, her Bishop coaxed her over the edge of the 40’ cliff. She survived, obviously, saying that was a done one and never again. 

 

Those in The Hermitage have been challenged/dared MANY times over the years. They have been through a myriad of trials and life experiences. So, on the 19^th of April when Disciple was asked to be the new Relief Society President the world stopped. Not really, BUT in her mind it did. Her first thought was, “Hmmm… The second coming must be a LOT closer than we think!” Then she cried. Then she prayed and cried. AND prayed some more. Then she gathered herself up, dusted herself off and tried her best to put on her finest Lady-like attitude. Obviously she needed to get her act together. OBVIOUSLY!!!  

 

Several people have told her she will be wonderful, great, etc. That she will receive SO many blessings. Those of us in The Hermitage have felt SO blessed now, that we don’t feel lacking. Nevertheless, time will tell.

 

For those of you who have read this far, and don’t know what Relief Society is, Historian will give you a short, sum up, maybe with some help.

 

“Founded in 1842, the Relief Society is one of the world’s oldest and largest women’s organizations, with nearly seven million members in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It provides spiritual and temporal relief to women and their families worldwide, focused on increasing faith, strengthening families, and providing compassionate service under the motto "Charity Never Faileth."  

 

Heavenly Father has guided our lives to this point. He has in many ways made sure we were challenged and tested. We have been prepared. He knows us. He has watched over us. He knows what we’ve been through and has helped us EVERY STEP of the way. He knows Disciple VERY well. He knows how hard she has tried. He knows where she has failed, gotten up, and kept going. He loves her. She KNOWS He does. She is counting on Him, as well as her counselors, committee, and everyone else, to do this calling. 

 

There have been many times during the day that she looks up and says, “OH Father… and then sighs heavily. She has thought of the Savior as He sat on the hill overlooking Jerusalem and said, “Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem” with a hen’s desire to gather and protect her chicks. Disciple has this desire. She has this love. She is thankful she knows that Heavenly Father KNOWS her. Her weaknesses and strengths. 

 

Onward and upward we go. We don’t know what the future holds, but we have survived the past. We can do this. ALL of us in The Hermitage are as prepared as we can be. We are watchful. We’ve been challenged and dared before. 

 

Meet your challenges. Go for it. Push forward with a steadfast faith in Christ. He is there, watching and pulling for you. Disciple KNOWS this!!! We love you all!