Introducing...Kim

Kim Teichert Parker is my cousin. She's the kind of cousin that is older than you (when you're kids that's something to look up to), prettier than you, more talented than you, smarter than you and just about perfect. We both played violin, both played piano, and both danced - she just did them all better. Seriously, she's amazing. Fast forward to being adults...Now she's still gorgeous, with five kids, a great husband, a beautiful house (I've only seen pictures, but seriously, it's beautiful). She manages the chaotic life of a mother, with everything that brings with such grace and sophistication. I still look up to her, and I have so much respect for her.

Her dad, Conrad, is my Mom's brother. He passed away ten years ago. I have so many fond memories of Conrad. Like my other maternal uncles, he filled the role of surrogate Dad to me whenever he could. When I graduated from high school he promised me a day filled with horse back riding in the mountains. It was a perfect day, full of beauty and love. Kim, thanks for sharing your Dad!

Here is a post from Kim, it's perfect for this season, and all year. I hope that you enjoy!

As many of you know, my Dad wrote a short Christmas story called "The Knife," a personal Christmas memory from his childhood. He wrote the story just one year prior to his death eight years ago. In those eight years, the story has evolved thanks to the sacrifices of many -- my Dad's brother Fred, who helped photograph scenes for the illustrations; the children from the Alpine 5th Ward who posed as the characters in the story, some of whom had a very tender place in my Dad's heart; Roger, Melanie and Matt Hoffman, who wrote and graciously consented for the music to be used in the background audio; Nathan Hoffman, who mixed the audio recording, formatted the DVD, and created the website. All had very important parts in helping Dad complete his story.

The underlying message of “The Knife” focuses on our Savior, Jesus Christ. At the time of Dad’s death, one particular painting of my great-grandmother’s became particularly poignant and important to me. It was a painting entitled “Christ in the Red Robe” depicting the Savior at his second coming clothed in a red robe, a symbol of His Atoning Sacrifice. The painting hung next to my parents bed and was a constant reminder during Dad's terminal illness of the promises enabled by the Father’s Gift of His Son — redemption, resurrection, understanding, compassion, mercy, and our neccessity to trust Him. As we put the DVD together, it seemed fitting to set my Dad’s closing words — his testimony of the Savior — to his grandmother’s painting of Him who has made eternal life possible.

“The Knife” is a message of hope. Hope that we will be accepting of our Savior and His Gift to us; that our actions might be consistent with our knowledge and acceptance of Him. Since Dad wrote “The Knife” in 1999, literally hundreds of people have either heard it or have heard of it, and it’s influence has been profound. Each year we receive inquiries as to its possible publication. Technology has evolved to enable us to share “The Knife” with a wide audience via the internet, and it is our desire to allow “The Knife” to be heard, that it’s influence for hope will continue.

Nate Hoffman has shared his talents once again with us and created the website called http://www.theknifestory.com/ where those interested can enjoy the story. It's 27 minutes long, so snuggle up with you family, drink some hot chocolate, and enjoy a Christmas story together! Feel free to share the link with anyone who might enjoy the story too.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!