Dian Saderup

Family Presentation

On fast Sundays in my home ward we have what’s called a “family presentation” during the opening exercises of Sunday School. Usually, the bishop chooses a couple with relatively young children to present a program…

The Grace of the Court

The night before, I had felt a sudden need to read the scriptures, something I hadn’t done in nearly three months. I stayed up until 2:30 and was asleep when Lynn called from Oakland at…

Turning

In July 1984, I attended testimony meeting in my home ward in Salt Lake City. As the previous month’s crop of infants were blessed, I thought that after the sacrament I would go home. It was a Fourth of July weekend and I was sunburned, sleepy, and not much in the mood for testimonies about the star-spangled banner. Besides that, I was hungry. But when the sacrament was over, I stayed. I thought my motivation was guilt, but now I know it was grace. 

For Brother de Mik

Cupped in your papery palm the rose 
was like a wound, flowering. 
Your wife nodded when we brought it. 
Yes, Papa, yes is pretty. Then 
she put it in a bowl to float 
and wilt on water. 

Pilgrims in Time

Four carved bishops keep vigil above the threshold to Canterbury Cathedral. The filigree of sculpture surrounding them is as airy as lace, though crafted of stone. It looks as if it could rise upon wind…

Obviously Arthur

Living Histories: Selected Biographies from the Manhattan First Ward