A Testimony by F.W. Ericksen Written November 1974
As I look back on my life, I realize how the Lord has poured out his blessings upon me and my family. For this I am humbly grateful. There have been many answers to my prayers, nothing spectacular, but in quiet ways the Lord has blessed us.
One outstanding and direct answer to the prayers of my wife and I, came to us after years of fasting and prayer. We had only one child and were disappointed that we could not have more. One summer, while I was still in dental school, we came to Snowflake to help at home while Bess’s mother was in the hospital. It was conference time and Elder Mark E. Peterson was the visitor. President Jesse M. Smith asked Bess to entertain Elder Peterson and his wife at our home. Of course we had an opportunity to discuss our problem with Elder Peterson, and he offered to give Bess a blessing. In the beautiful blessing that ensued, he made no direct promise that we would have more children but prayed that we would be patient and content, and at the proper time our desires would be fulfilled.
We returned to Portland, Oregon to finish my senior year at dental school. The following year we were invited back to Snowflake again by Bess’s parents to take care of their property while they filled a mission in the New England States. About a year later the Snowflake ward was divided and I was called to be bishop of the Snowflake 2 nd Ward. While being ordained and set apart to this office by Elder Delbert L. Stapley, and with no prior knowledge of our desire for a family, he promised me and my wife more children. It was a touching experience for us. A year and half later MaryAnn was born and Christine followed 15 months later. What a glorious blessing to our family these two daughters have been.
I would like to relate one more incident which was a direct answer to our prayers. About 25 years ago it was discovered that I had glaucoma, a serious eye condition. I was able to control it through the years with medication. About three years ago, a complication with a cataract necessitated an operation. This was very discouraging to me, because my profession was in jeopardy.
Again it was Stake Conference time. Bishop Robert L. Simpson was the visitor. President Taylor arranged for a private interview with him early Sunday morning. After visiting quietly for a while he administered to me and gave me a blessing. In the blessing he promised that my sight would be restored and that I would be able to see as long as I remained upon the earth, and until my mission was completed. What a blessing of hope this was to me.
It would take too long to tell of the operations and anxieties before this blessing was fulfilled, but the Lord has given me 20/20 vision which is far more than I ever hoped for. My heart is full to over-flowing with thanksgiving for his goodness to me.