Thursday, December 13, 2007

Getting to Know Elder Wood

Taylor Wood - "Woodrow:

Elder Taylor A. Wood is the fourth of six children born to Dean and Allyson Wood, including one older sister, two older brothers and two little sisters. He was born and raised in Delta, but has spent the past 6 months living in Morenci, Arizona with his sister's family where he worked for Phelps-Dodge, a mining company.

When Taylor was little we nicknamed him "Captain Distructo". He loved to play and have fun and the consequences never seemed to enter his mind. He never wanted to hurt anyone's feelings, (that was the last thing on his mind), he just wanted to have fun. Our family quickly learned that "things are just things and Taylor is definitely one of a kind.

Taylor has had a chance to be a leader and has served as President in his various quorums. While working on his eagle project, most of the boys took off to go and play. This was Mom's third eagle project and she didn't even flinch when this happened. Boys will be boys. But not Taylor, he rounded those kids back up and got them back to work.

Taylor's fun-loving personality quickly won him wide acclaim. Raised in a small community he is well-known and lo
ved. He never listened to "labels" other people put on each other, but rather seemed to find good in everyone he met. He has a real talent for not judging, welcoming and loving all.

In high school, Taylor played the clarinet. He loves working with computers and networking them. He enjoys playing games on the internet, and is really, really good at it. In fact, he has been ranked in the top 5 in the world on a couple of his games. His parents were excited to hear that he often reminds those he plays with to watch their language while playing. He sets a good example, and doesn't mind standing up for what is right.

He seldom goes anywhere without his laser pointer. When things get a little slow, or when children are around, he discreetly pulls out his laser and within minutes has children running around chasing the little point of red light, laughing and giggling and
wondering where this little magic is coming from. Children love it, teachers hate it.

Taylor knows how to play, but he also knows how to work. When ask to go the extra mile, and do more than his fair share he will. He has a strong testimony and lives his life to show it. He is excited to be able to serve the Lord. (his MSN signature is "Woodrow - called to serve!"

Taylor seldom goes unnoticed. He is who he is - there is no facade. Underneath he is pretty tender but seldom voices his hurts or disappointments. He will turn inward for a while, and then reemerge his usual happy self.

Taylor has decorated his room entirely (meaning every square inch of wall space) with hot wheel cars. He and his dad have been collecting for years.

He is good to govern himself. He has been raised with a lot of freedom because of the wise choices he has made. He is very open wi
th his parents and they have a great relationship. He is "the favorite uncle" and will be missed terribly by his nephew and two nieces.

Although Taylor has done well in school, I think his strength is actually his ability to love people and to focus on the good in everyone.