Salem Levi

When Dad went to West Elementary to tell our kids their baby brother had arrived, Rachel cried because she was happy.  It's a sweet thing to me in a family that each new arrival is welcomed not just by the parents, but is claimed by all the siblings immediately.

Salem rounded out the family, along with Jordan, the last two little ones.  They must have been nearly six and seven when we had to persuade the older children to stop referring to them as "the babies."  I suppose it was natural in a big family, but the older ones were a HUGE help and everyone knew it.  If one of the little ones got in trouble with me, they would call out for Sara or Rachel or Josh for sympathy.

Grandpa Pack suggested the name Salem and we liked it.

Salem came with a good heart.  Sometimes in his boyish enthusiasm he would be loud and even a little annoying with other kids, but he was always surprised and sad if he actually hurt anyone.

He loved playing with neighborhood friends.  He especially loved sports--and winning.  And he was a good athlete in every sport he tried.  Early on, football emerged as the favorite.

Coming at the tail end of the family he had a different role to play.  He was good to me and to Dad.  During Dad's last years he 

constantly asked Salem for help with everything from reading fine print to fixing a broken appliance.  After Dad was gone and Jared and Jordan were busy with their lives, Salem was stuck with me--and he was good about it.  He was a kind friend, a huge help, and he brightened my world.

Once while we were driving in a sort of "race" with someone else, he rode shotgun and kept me posted.  "Faster, Mom!  They're closer than they appear!"

In high school he found a place in student government,  music and sports, but he did it without a bunch of family to coach him or to show up and support him.  Still, he succeeded.

Friday Night Lights, after the 95 yd. run back TD

Conscientious and more, he had an understanding and acceptance of things beyond his years. He could figure out money, and he's been wise about relationships and finding solutions. Sometimes a tad stubborn, I've nevertheless learned to trust his judgment.

When we anticipated his return home from his mission Roger asked me what to expect.  I said, "Well, he'll have a job by the time he's been home a week."  OK, it turned out to be eight days.

I suppose Salem will never escape the stigma of being the youngest, but he can handle it.

Solomon's words made me think of Salem, who came in our family when I would need him:   "...and thou hast kept for [her] this great kindness, that thou hast given [her] a son..." 

I love you, Salem.