“I knew it was a sign.”

My dad had my full attention.

We’ve shared tender stories together since I was a little girl, but I didn’t expect this one.

My dad has Alzheimer’s.

I called him Sunday afternoon and asked if he’d had a chance to watch General Conference.

I wondered if he’d been able to find his focus.

He told me he wept.

A testimony that his spirit is very much alive and receptive even though his mortal body is quickly failing him.

And then he said the words I’ve heard hundreds of times.

“Heidi I have a story.”

“I sat down on the couch and noticed my far neighbor’s flag flapping in the breeze through a small window just as Conference started.

And I knew someone in heaven was sending me a message.”

So the minute Conference ended he walked down the dusty road toward that neighbor‘s house in the distance who left his faith years ago and recently lost his mother.

The walk was not easy for him.

But the waving flag was a sure prompting to make the visit.

Dad knocked on the door.

“I just want to tell you I love and care about you and thank you for your beautiful flag that I can appreciate from my window.”

“I’m 86 years old and cannot drive anymore, but I can enjoy your flag. Thank you for being a great neighbor.”

A handshake and a smile.

Perhaps something the Savior might have done.

A living example from teachings I’d just heard in Conference.

Dad told me the walk home was long, but his legs carried him because his heart was in it.

In a broken mind and frail body his spirit still serves and loves.

I know these tender talks are nearing an end.

And it wrecks me a little.

But I recognize that a lifetime of learning at his feet will carry me forward forever.

And that makes my heart soar.