Hi, I'm Kristi

I'm a Mom. I was paralysed in a car accident when I was 17. I was never supposed to walk again. I DO. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

When I was 17 I was in a terrible car accident. I was not expected to live as I was air evac'd from our local hospital in Northern AZ to Barrows Neuroligical in Phoenix. I had 8 broken ribs, 2 collapsed lungs, broken collarbone and ankle, lacerated liver, kidney and spleen. I also had a massive stroke on the right side of my brian from my head being thrown back so far and severing the coratid artery which then clotted off. I was told I would never walk again or regain any strength on that side. This was an injury that hadn't happened before so I was a "test case". Through a series of many miracles and many incredible priesthood blessings I relearned to walk, graduated from High School, served a mission and married in the temple. I also have 4 beautiful children (something I was originally told I would never be able to do). I know that part of the reason I am still here and that my life was spared was so that I could share the message that our Savior lives. He still loves us and is mindful of our lives. Miracles still happen - the Priesthood of God is here on the earth! I know my life is a miracle and I am so grateful for that! My life is not perfect - I have a lot of pain and a lot of health issues, but it is good. So very good! I am thankful to be able to be here and helping in any small way with the work of the Lord!

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because I know that my Savior lives. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I know he helped restore the church to the earth as well as the Priesthood of God. My heart and my soul rejoice in my God and in my Savior. I would do anything to show my gratitude for them and for all the many blessing in my and my families lives. For a while after my accident I was sure that no man could love me enough to marry me with all my halth problems and the chance that I may never be able to have children. I was blessed to find a wonderul man who can see past the here and now and into eternity. We know that someday I will have a perfect and pain free body. I look forward to that day! Meanwhile we are so thankful for the precious children we have been blessed with! I am so thankful for the blessings of an eternal family!!! I know that no matter what happens, as long as we live the best lives we can we will be together forever!

Personal Stories

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

I joke with my family that the only things I do well are cooking and singing - preferably at the same time. I know that by sharing my talents I am able to lighten the hearts of others and bring the Spirit into their lives. Music has a way of touching those parts of our hearts and souls that nothing else can reach. Good food brings memories and comfort when we need it most. I love any oppurtunity I get to share these two things with others.
There was a time when I was self concious about my singing and my voice. I felt like I really didn't sing as well as I would like to so I stopped. I let my fears of what others might think because of the changes in my voice stop me from singing in front of people. I can testify that it is true - when you don't use your talents they are taken away. When I decided to try again and get over my fears it took a lot of faith and a few not great performances before the blessings and talents came back to me. Now I sing any chance I get!
There was also a time when I was asked (in Stroke rehab) what my main goals were. Walk and cook. I learned how to crack eggs with 1 hand, how to cut things with 1 hand and was given many tools and advice on how to do this thing that I loved in a different way. It is now a blessing to my family and to those I take meals to. It is not as easy to cook with 1 hand as it was with two (not much is easier with 1 hand...) but it is a joy and I feel blessed that I am able to do it!

How I live my faith

Right now I work with the Young Women in my ward. It is an incredible and beautiful experience. I learn so much from them! It is sometimes hard to leave my own precious children for activities - but I know when I do I am able to bless the lives of others, as they bless mine. I love the oppurtunity to visit sisters in my ward and help them in any way that I am able. I am especially grateful in an increasingly selfish world to be able to teach my children how to serve and help others. Also, by helping others they learn how truly blessed we are as a family.

Why is family so important to Mormons?

Kristi answered...

For me I know my family helps and strengthens me in ways that no one else could. As I lay in the hospital for months my Mom was by my side nearly every waking moment. My Father and younger brother were there often as were so many other family members. I drew from their strength and leaned on them heavily for support and comfort. My Mother had to help her 17 year old daughter shower, learn to crawl, learn to dress, learn to feed herself etc... I cannot imagine how hard that was for her, yet I never saw her cry. She was so strong for me and I know now she was relying wholy on our Savior to hold her up.
My father was in the Stake presidency when my accident happened and he tooka lot of time away from his business and his important calling to be with me at a hospital 3 hours from our home. He lifted me spiritually and literally. He pushed me to work hard and to do the things the Dr's said I couldn't do. He seems to have a view of the "big picture" in life that helps him to see what others can't. My Dad is one of my greatest hero's.
My younger brother is the reason I decided to live. I knew I needed to be here for him. I couldn't imagine the pain my not living might cause him and so even though I knew it meant pain and hard times I chose to live.
I married an incredible man who truly embodies all the best aspects of my Father, younger brother, and Mom. I cannot imagine life without him and our precious children. My family is my greatest source of happiness!
Matt answered...

We believe that family relationships are the sources of life's greatest joys. We also believe that families can be together forever.

How can we increase our faith in Jesus Christ?

Brian answered...

Faith in Jesus Christ doesn't just happen. You have to work for it. I discovered my faith increasing when I decided to study the scriptures for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Doing so has allowed me to understand the doctrines of the gospel on a deeper level. Scripture study coupled with daily personal prayer where I really try to converse with my Father in heaven, and seek to know His will concerning me, rather than give him a list of my wants and needs and ask him to grant them as if he was my personal butler. The best way I have found is to seek to do as Jesus did. Be friendly with everyone I meet. Go the extra mile and help people beyond what is expected. Avoid judging people and try to find the good in people, rather than dwell on their weaknesses. I've found that seeking to do God's will and striving to live like Jesus Christ taught us to live, has not deprived me of anything, rather by doing things Heavenly Father's way has freed me and brought me more happiness than trying to do it my own way.