russell m nelson children

The guidance also had a clear emphasis on using counseling to assist in healing from abuse. So today, we will go in reverse order from age and start with Russ and go to Laurie and end with Gloria and have each of you answer the question: What do you know now that youve learned from President Russell M. Nelson? But in a way, it was comforting, to me, to see the level of grief that he was experiencing. You get more joy from letting other people have that experience than you do from having that experience yourself. And I thought that was such a beautiful sentiment. He said, I never left them. And, and then you look back. [67] In 1995, Nelson went to Beijing, along with Neal A. Maxwell and other LDS Church leaders, on an official invitation of Li Lanqing, the Vice Premier of China.[68]. President Russell M. Nelson holds a child with his wife, Wendy, by his side in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, April 20, 2018. He would come find that baby in the crib, pick her up, nuzzle his nose in her neck, hold her and smell her and sing to her and coo to her, and put her back down, Irion said. Both parents knew how to teach their children about the why of things, their son said. And just to reinforce Glorias thought about, what a great example of someone who gets up every day and learns something new every day, and Ive quite often use that, just think, OK, this is an opportunity to learn and to grow, rather than going, Oh, I cant do it again. You know, its just an opportunity to learn more and serve more. And I think that was a blessing to have him home. A stake's high priest quorum now consists of current members of stake presidencies, high councils, bishoprics and functioning patriarchs. Music was something we love to do together, Irion said. He treated her like royalty, Russell Nelson Jr. said. [34] He was also a director of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Maryssa Dennis. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: Yeah, thats, thats well-documented in, in the books. He said it was like a womens dormitory., Gloria Irion: It was definitely like a sorority, for sure. He knew everything that could have been done was done. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: Maybe, yeah, maybe upon my first arrival it was a little chaotic and a lot of people coming and going, but you know as I aged up to a point where I can start remembering things and it actually was a more quiet home. In April 2006, he . I dont know if it happened a ton or if its just that such a fond memory that I remember that, but he was pretty hands on. Join us every week for a new episode. Another word I think of is discipline. Hes very disciplined. LDS apostles serve full-time for life, and so Nelson retired from all of his prior professional positions. And we had the privilege of having Wendy Watson as a neighbor before their marriage. [15][16] While at the University of Utah, he was a member of the Beta Epsilon chapter of Sigma Chi and Owl and Key. The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They agree she has been a marvelous companion for President Nelson. He earned an M.D. But as far as the details, my guess is, because Im the seventh, probably one of my older sisters was really making sure that I was presentable. President Russell M. Nelson with daughter Sylvia Webster and three great-grandchildren. President Russell M. Nelson and his wife Wendy Watson Nelson with family. And that always meant a lot. Sarah Jane Weaver: He committed pretty fast? Russell M. Nelson was born on September 9, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Floss Edna ( ne Anderson; 1893-1983) and Marion Clavar Nelson (1897-1990). But we never felt that it was tied to their feelings for us. As Ive watched Daddy go through those times, and they are difficult times for us, Ive been so grateful for the teachings that our parents have given us about the importance of being centered in Jesus Christ, Marsh said. Despite his own sorrow, President Nelson encouraged his children to be with their children, to love them and teach them about the gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation. As of April 2022, Nelson has announced a total of 100 new temples to be built in several countries around the world. It also adjusted previous policies forbidding adult males to teach classes of children or youth alone to apply to all adults. Laurie Marsh: I dont think so. He's curious. He had a good way of making very mundane and plain things feel like it was great to do, and great to do together, Russell Nelson Jr. said. So sometimes a couple of us would show up at his door with dinner or something. Hes very driven, very bright and catches on fast. Dantzel White Nelson and Russell M. Nelson. During his tenure the Sunday School developed a unified 8-year-cycle of covering the LDS Church's scriptures in its curriculum. Laurie Marsh: Besides having all of his sisters think that were talking to our dad when its really our brother! The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. How to Have Joy. And if Norm [Norman A. Maxfield, the husband of President Nelsons late daughter, Wendy Maxfield] needed him for anything, he would come. I feel like we were loved, because we were theirs. [36], In addition to his medical work, Nelson served frequently as a leader in the LDS Church. He noticed every little thing and taught us by example that our mother was of huge value to us, and No. And I had the chance to interview him and I said, Well, this is the first time youve been out and out among the Saints since the COVID pandemic. And he did not like that question. We are taking you on a journey of connection as we discuss news and events of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He never misses them, never. Up through August 2019, he had visited sixteen countries, addressing thousands of members of the faith. And he would go over and start to play Schindlers List, and Id be in there in the kitchen, just crying my eyes out, because its such a passionate song. President Russell M. Nelson and his wife Wendy Watson Nelson with family with family at the temple. It was probably 10 years ago that he taught Katie how to AirDrop photos. Russell M. Nelson was born on September 9, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Floss Edna (ne Anderson; 18931983) and Marion Clavar Nelson (18971990). Sarah Jane Weaver: Yeah, Ive heard him say it, too. So, thats been a neat thing for me to experience and learn over the last few years. [21] Following his military service, he did a year of work and surgical training at Massachusetts General Hospital. And so is his wife and my mother had an amazing role in that, as well. [75], In September 2018, Nelson visited the Dominican Republic, where he gave an entire talk in Spanish, which was believed to be the first time a church president had given an extended talk in a formal setting in a language other than English. But there was a deep level of grief all three times and very apparent, helped us navigate it too. And you know, he just made it fun. Sarah Jane Weaver: And I love as were talking about this as your fathers children, who was first a very prominent and renowned surgeon, then an apostle and then the prophet. I remember years back, I had the opportunity to be with some of the other members of the Quorum of the Twelve. There he built his own heart-lung bypass machine and employed it to support the first open-heart surgery in the United States west of the Mississippi River. All RUSSELL M. NELSON Quotes about "Children". If we can be obedient, and make and keep our covenants, well be able to live eternally as a family with Heavenly Father again, she said. And he did always emphasize how important education is, but as far as career choice goes, he never pushed one way or another. The call to serve in this position had been extended to Nelson by Richard L. Evans, an apostle and the lead figure over publicity efforts on Temple Square. Church President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, pose for photographs with family members after a press conference at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sarah Jane Weaver: Now I heard your father once describe your home growing up. They each had their specific roles but one couldnt operate properly without the other. Sarah Jane Weaver: Russ, you have a huge opportunity to carry your fathers name, which also sometimes may feel heavy. I mean, we were all so grateful, including him, that it wasnt a day or so before someone found her. He was ordained an apostle on April 12, 1984, by Gordon B. Hinckley. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: And so, there was a time I wanted to be a doctor and I think he was kind of proud of that. And we just loved sharing experiences with each other. He was set apart as a counselor in the bishopric by Joseph Fielding Smith, whose son-in-law was the bishop. Shes a good one, such a blessing to our family. Emily Nelson Wittwer died of cancer in 1995. So, I thought that was a good example to always be a learner, a lifelong learner. I mean, I can remember having so many fun experiences. He really didnt raise his voice. At one point, the team came close enough to the front that they received fire from enemy artillery positions, which missed them. We, we participated. They each had their specific roles, but one couldnt operate properly without the other. Sarah Jane Weaver: What are some of the other things you did I know as a family you like to ski? And I, Im not sure Ill have time for that. And he said, Well, why dont you just come to a rehearsal and see what you think and, you know, just kind of come and check it out. So he comes, and he looks on the stage at the female lead role, and it was Dansel White, and he decided he would participate. What did your parents do to create that feeling in your family? It wasnt me. But I also remember, I guess I have the perspective for being one of the older ones, but like on a Saturday morning, if we got our chores done, Daddy could take us to swim or to ice skate or the Salt Lake Country Club to swim or Salt Lake swimming and tennis club or, you know, he would take us on an outing if we got our stuff done and at least took a few mess-makers out of the house for a few hours so mom could try to catch up. And the director approached him as he was, in his sophomore year, to invite him to come back and participate. He really didnt raise his voice. [10][11] His parents were not active in the Latter-day Saint faith while he was a youth, but they did send him to Sunday School,[12] and he was baptized a member of the LDS Church at age 16. I often think of Doctrine and Covenants 6:36, Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not, and that is my dad.. [129], Media related to Russell M. Nelson at Wikimedia Commons, "Russell Nelson" redirects here. And it takes time, you know, we cant have everything, right that very minute. I kind of watched him deflect some praise that someone was directing toward him. At the same conference, Dallin H. Oaks was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve. [110] This was the first time all ordained apostles of the church had been gathered in one location outside the United States. Its been five years since President Nelson was sustained and set apart on Jan. 14, 2018, as the Churchs 17th President. Especially being at the younger end, I saw more mature father and parents than my siblings did. Nelson was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on April 7, 1984, during the church's general conference. He loves to be up on the latest technology. And even so, he was going to do what he was called on to do and I knew he loved her and was grieving. Gloria Irion: As a father, hes very loving, and, well, as the prophet to youve seen, just very loving, very, Christlike love for everyone. [50], Following the death of Boyd K. Packer[51] on July 3, 2015, Nelson became the most senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve and the quorum's president. Ray Goldrup. Hes curious. And I think shes a great sounding board for Daddy and plays a critical role. In addition to the large crowd in attendance, the devotional was broadcast across the state. EP 42 - Huge episode packed to the gills! In my remembrance, I think Daddy kind of had a routine. But he said, President Nelson, You had to stop being a surgeon to be a prophet, was that hard for you? You just, you just walked away from your medical career. We were traveling with President Nelson on his global ministry in Uruguay. Laurie Marsh: I think, to Daddy gets some credit for trying to keep everybody together. I mean, you can imagine we always had so much fun, and he would come down and try to get us to go to sleep. This team was focused on ways to improve the treatment of wounded and was sent to all five MASH units active in Korea along with two major evacuation hospitals, several field station hospitals, a prisoner of war camp and larger evacuation hospitals in Japan, Hawaii, and the mainland United States in order to implement such improvements. A family photo of President Russell M. Nelson on a swing. He loves to be up on the latest technology. [97] At the end of the month, Nelson toured five South American countries, during which he met with Peru's president, Martn Vizcarra, gave a major address in Peru in Spanish, and dedicated the Concepcin Chile Temple. Youve made such an impact in that world of open heart surgery. And he says, Quite frankly, Laurie, I havent had time to think about it. What was that like to be raised in a home, did he help with homework? A children's magazine published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We just we land and thats what time it is and we move on. So Gloria Irion: I love in Sheri Dews biography, she quoted Wendy, after they came home from one of the world tours. He knew decades before I did that there was such a thing as airdropping photos, Irion said of her 98-year-old father. Nelson began his presidency two days after his ordination with a short broadcast to church members in January 2018 before then holding a press conference. I kind of joke around that its kept me good, but I think it really has, because I dont want to do anything to take away from who he is and what hes done. And that if we can be obedient, and make and keep our covenants, well be able to live eternally as a family with Heavenly Father again. Monson. [117] Dantzel White was a native of Perry, Utah, and first met Nelson when they were the co-leads in a musical produced at the University of Utah. And hes good at it. And thats less great than his wonderful hugs, but we get to see FaceTime, Daddy gets to see FaceTime for people that are across the country, our missionaries in the world, you know, some of the family members that are missionaries every once in a while, theyll get to tune in on these calls. He and his wife, the former Dantzel White, have ten children. So the two of them working together was just a nice example of how a husband and wife and the mother and father work together.. And we try to unwind it and we try to untangle it and he kind of just stops for a second, exasperated and looks up at me goes, This reminds me of fishing with your sisters.. And so, like Laurie said, hes always been very consistent throughout his whole life. [18][19][20], Nelson served a two-year term of duty in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean War, and was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. And we, every one of us, has such a strong testimony, that hes here for such a time. They have agreed to talk to us about President Nelson in his role as a father. In that time, more than 70 changes and announcements have been made . And I think thats a sentiment that is shared by all of our listeners, as well. Twelve Smiley Stickers . [120], In June 2018, the University of Utah endowed a chair in cardiothoracic surgery named after Nelson and his first wife, Dantzel. I once saw Russs birth announcement and it had a picture of nine girls on the front and said, Boy, oh, boy. What was it like when he came home? the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, receives hugs from family members after he and his councilors President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor, and President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor held a press conference at the church office building in Salt Lake City Utah on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018. Dantzel Nelson with fourth daughter Brenda. Being as smart and skilled as he is, I kind of took some of that for granted. And so thats been a neat thing. Friend. In 2009, he, along with his wife and others, were attacked while in Mozambique. While on duty, he was assigned to a research group formed by the commandant of the graduate school at Walter Reed, Col. William S. Stone and led by Dr. Fiorindo A. Simeone, a professor of surgery at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland who had been a clinical investigator in the Mediterranean Theater during World War II. Sister Nelson passed away in February 2005. In May 1982 he was a visiting professor at the Hospital de Clinicas in Montevideo, Uruguay. He did what he needed to do, he knew. [53] The following month, Nelson dedicated the renovated Aaronic Priesthood Restoration Site in Pennsylvania, where LDS Church members believe the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods were restored. It has been four years since Russell M. Nelson became prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: One of the main things that was taught, and it wasnt so much deliberately or explicitly expressed in this way, but again, it was mostly by example of how a mother and a father work together. Nelson served in a variety of lay LDS Church leadership positions during his surgical career, beginning locally in Salt Lake City and then as the LDS Church's Sunday School General President from 1971 to 1979. But we got the outdoor lights out and we were getting ready to put them up on the outside of the house. [83][84], The first few months of Nelson's leadership of the LDS Church saw many significant changes to church policy, although many had at least been heavily discussed before he became church president, and some were continuations of policies instituted by his predecessors. Gloria Irion: You know, I just had a thought about what an important thing music was in our home. [14] He graduated from high school at age 16 and enrolled at the University of Utah, graduating in 1945 with a Bachelor of Arts and Phi Beta Kappa membership. [98], In December 2018, the church's First Presidency changed the process of youth class progression and priesthood ordination. He doesnt look for anybodys approval, but the Lords right. And we were going to be working together to see how we could get that goal accomplished. I also feel like if somebodys got a job to do, let them do it and I think hes a good cheerleader. Its a boy! And, you know, Ive also heard your father joke that, you know, you were probably three before you knew who your mother was, because there was just so much love and affection in that home. In Washington DC, he was a counselor in the bishopric of the ward Ezra Taft Benson, then an apostle, regularly attended while serving as Secretary of Agriculture to Dwight D. Eisenhower. In the general conference talk " Covenants ," President Russell M. Nelson teaches that "when we realize that we are children of the covenant, we know who we are and what God expects of us." The covenants we have made direct our lives and give us a deeper purpose. And Ive had many experiences over the last five years that confirm that, and I am eternally grateful. [86], During the church's April general conference, Nelson appointed Asian-American Gerrit W. Gong and Brazilian Ulisses Soares to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, both of whom had been serving in the Presidency of the Seventy. And so he would try to teach me how to, from simple things like change a light bulb, to shovel the walks, or do the garbage and, you know, take care of things around the house. On April 14, 2022, Nelson surpassed Gordon B. Hinckley to become the oldest president in the history of the church. And I acknowledge that we love Wendy. It is a worldwide church and it is the Church of Jesus Christ and its for everyone. President Nelsons children admire their father for his discipline, optimism and activity, among many other qualities. The couple had ten children; Marsha, Wendy, Gloria, Brenda, Sylvia, Emily, Laurie, Rosalie, and Marjorie and Russell Jr. I think shes a great sounding board for Daddy and plays a critical role.. He was happy. Laurie Marsh: I tell people all the time, I said I think we owe Wendy Nelson and the Lord for His longevity and his ability to continue to serve in his capacity right now. And to help make this goal of being an internal family happen. Hed come in the door. It was our privilege as apostles to sustain what had been revealed to President Monson. And then go to Laurie and end with Russ. [48], From 2007 to 2015, Nelson was as a member of the Church Boards of Trustees/Education, the governing body of the Church Educational System, and the chairman of its executive committee. But I think a great impact on me is what Gloria shared, I think the fact that he has honored me, every Mothers Day my whole entire life, speaks volumes of the importance of family and the importance of eternal relationships. [41] Early in his service as an apostle, Nelson was an adviser to the church's Young Women organization and was supportive of the developing of the Young Women values and Personal Progress program. [30], In 1965, the University of Chicago offered Nelson the position as head of their department of thoracic surgery. [8] [9] He had two sisters, Marjory E. (1920-2016) and Enid (1926-2019), and a brother, Robert H. (1931-2014). There was no question he was the head of the home. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: He is. Hes always had a lot of responsibilities. Wendy Nelson Maxfield, daughter of Russell M. Nelson, died Friday afternoon, January 11, 2019 at her home after "a courageous and faith-filled battle with cancer." . And I think we had as much fun after we came home from our dates as we did on the dates. Sarah Jane Weaver: And when I think about your fathers ministry as president of the Church, its sort of compartmentalized for me. He took the lens out of the fishs eye out and said, Look, this is the lens and held it up over a newspaper that was right nearby and showed how it kind of magnified the print on the newspaper. I feel like there was a high level of love in our home. Just like a heart and a brain worked together to keep your body going, thats how I felt our mom and dad ran our home, he said. [22], In 1955, Nelson returned to Salt Lake City and accepted a faculty position at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Gloria Irion: He modeled so well how we are supposed to treat her, because of the way he treated her. [108] Following the December 2018 dedication of the Barranquilla Colombia Temple by Dallin H. Oaks, Nelson presided over the three-day dedicatory services for the Rome Italy Temple from March 1012, 2019. And, Gloria, lets start with you. In the five years since then, he has embarked on a fast-paced global ministry traveling to 35 nations, extending countless invitations, leading the Church through a global pandemic and overseeing the continuing restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Laurie Marsh: OK. And so he always just took even simple moments like that, to teach and to show how things worked. They both played the piano and the organ. How do you sum up a lifetime of being taught. After further surgical training and a two-year stint in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean War, Nelson returned to Salt Lake City and accepted a professorship at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Most of the children learned to play the piano and at least one additional instrument. Sometimes, it was keeping Daddy from sleeping. I received the assignment in 2018 to write about your fathers global ministry. [37], After returning to Salt Lake City, he was called as priest quorum advisor in the Garden Park Ward, working with over 50 boys ages 16 to 18. Sarah Jane Weaver: Share a little more about what your father taught you about women and being raised in this home with so many women. But I really feel like their love for us was not tied to any kind of accomplishment at all. And then number three, we normally would wait for Daddy, to have dinner together as a family. And so really, that part is not different. [64], Nelson's only son, Russell M. Nelson Jr., served as an LDS missionary in Russia. Russell Nelson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 9, 1924. This was highlighted by shortening the length of Sunday church meetings to 2-hours from the previous 3-hours. I had a flashback of when mother had kind of gotten a baby, usually a girl, at that point in time, to sleep, finally, at night. He doesnt look for anybodys approval, but the Lords. Laurie Marsh: I just want to add to Russells comment about teaching opportunities, because Daddy was always looking for comments to say like, Oh, look how beautiful your mother is. Or always thanking her for what she was doing for our family and really noticed every little thing and taught us by example, that mother was of huge value to all of us, but number one to him. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: So much of our activities had to do with just being together, whether it was, you know, very early on, we would have monthly family parties, Christmas traditions, we could almost dictate the whole month of December by the traditions that we would do day by day and week by week. And hes more personable. [5], A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Nelson attended the University of Utah for his undergraduate and medical school education. Nothing. You must do this. Instead, he seems to invite us as members of the Lords Church to follow the commandments and then claim all the blessings that we can get from that. Haight. How did you keep close as a family? The children learned from their father about keeping an eternal perspective when dealing with the loss of their mother Dantzel Nelsondied Feb. 12, 2005 and two sisters. [80][81][82], In August 2019, Nelson visited Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina and Brazil. Laurie Marsh: I think for me, too, I just have, as weve gone through those times that are more difficult, Ive just held on the example of my parents. Gloria Irion: Its been wonderful to have. And in that letter, he committed that he wouldnt do anything to besmirch our name. And summer trips to places, whether, if we went in the car or however we got there, again, it was more about being together and strengthening those relationships with each other. While in Rome, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles took the first apostolic group photo in two decades. And you know, he was there with her. Their family includes 10 children, 56 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. An example I know a lot of us have shared with each other is doing taxes at the end of the year. and M.D. But my dads always been well-known, well-known renowned heart surgeon or stake president, or general Sunday School president. Were there other things that you did on a regular basis that you enjoyed doing together? His health and strength is due in large part to her efforts and all the things she does to support him, Russell Nelson Jr. said. Shes precious and an angel mother, he called her, Irion said. I only remember four, maybe four or five, of my sisters at home at once rather than all nine or 10 of us being together. Gloria Irion: We were so grateful for the technology thats available. Russell M. Nelson. [33], Nelson was honored nationally by being elected president of the Society for Vascular Surgery for the year 1975. My guess is he made sure we looked presentable. The Nelsons have nine daughters, and then one son so your memories of him would be a little different. But I think his outward focus was a good example to us, too. On February 12, 2005, Nelson lost his first wife unexpectedly. We always had fun. He knew decades before I did that there was such a thing as airdropping photos," Irion said of her 98-year-old father. That was always number one. I just move forward and do as Im directed. And that was a lesson for me too.

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