From the Holy Ghost, unspoken:  "It's 6:35."

Spoken, to Marjorie:  "Oh, my goodness, it's 6:35.  The missionaries invited me to participate in tonight's lesson with Michael Townsend.  I told them that we were probably going to the temple today, and wouldn't be back in time.  Because of the snow we didn't go.  I just have time to get there.  I don't want to go.  It's so late.  A sense of responsibility is an awful thing.  The elders appreciate me.  I'm going to leave you for a bit."  (I put on my shoes, and am out the door).

Audible prayer as I drive down the road:  "I thank thee, Father, for the gift of the Holy Ghost which is given to bring all things to my remembrance.  I was trying to forget the elders' request, but apparently my presence is needed at Michael's lesson tonight, so I'm going.

"This gift of the Holy Ghost is a pearl beyond price!

"So is my testimony.

"So is my Priesthood.

"So is the gift of being able to repent.

"So is my clear conscience and my happiness.

"So is my eternal marriage.

"So is my forever family.

"So is the Book of Mormon.

"These are all gifts more valuable than silver or gold or all that the world has to offer.  I love life, and I thank thee for the gift of mortality."

Unspoken thought as I arrive home:  "There is a car in the driveway.  Who can be here at this hour?"

As I step into the living room I see two men, one with a beard, and the other without a whisker.  The smooth-faced man leaps from his chair and embraces me tightly.  He's 13 years old, but I'm looking him in the eye, and it's a man's body that I wrap my arms around.  A thrill goes through me.

"Hi, Grampa," he says.

"Chance!  What are you doing here?"

Unspoken question:  "When did you get to be a man?"

Danny:  "We're wanting to spend the night.  We want to leave at 4 o'clock tomorrow morning to go explore Burnt River Canyon.  We have Chance's new rifle.  Maybe we can find a coyote or a bobcat or maybe even a cougar.  It's a little early, but maybe we can find some shed horns."

James:  "Chance, I'm so amazed at your dad's story about the Deacon's Quorum president!  You saved several boys with what you did.  You saved Stewart, and you saved the boy who became Deacon's Quorum president after you."

Danny:  "I need to tell you the sequel.  I thought I'd better share the story with the father of the boy who was the bully.  His dad meets with his son's teacher, and the teacher says that he's now Stewart's protector."

Unspoken question, again repeated in my mind:  "Chance, when did you become a man?"

Chance's unspoken answer:  "It was when the Holy Ghost and I worked out the plan to help Stewart be included as part of the quorum."

Danny:  "We looked at the height markings on the doorway of the old furnace room.  Chance beats me at his age, but he doesn't beat Aaron and Adam."

James:  "You're going to be 6'2."

Chance:  "Maybe.  Grampa, do you recognize this?"  (Holds out a small, flat, orange-handled pocket knife).

(James struggles to remember.  The knife looks familiar.  He finally remembers purchasing it at Bi-Mart before Christmas).

Chance:  "You gave it to me.  I carry it in my pocket all the time, except when I go to school."

James:  "I'd forgotten all about it.  I'm so glad you like it."

James, unspoken:  "I love these boys.  This is a beautiful thing that they're doing.  They're having a father and son adventure.  May this bond them.  May they be safe.  May they each be blessed with happy memories of this excursion."