Sweden

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

Whoever loves his own life will lose it. John 11:25

I, at first, thinking of myself rather than my father, said “No” to his request. He kept mentioning the request that he would like to visit Sweden. His forefathers had come from there and he wished to see where they lived. He did not have information about them but did have a name or two.

Finally, I realized he was in his late 80s, and I was the only opportunity he had to help him travel across the ocean to see Sweden. Many opportunities had taken me to Europe so it would be easiest for me, his oldest daughter, to help him travel. We had lost my mother to brittle diabetes (she had been one of the first diabetics in Nebraska to have an insulin pump); so, I agreed and started planning the trip.

Our connection to Sweden came from Sixten Loftgren. My father, LaVern H. Johnson, had met Sixten when he was in Phelps County Nebraska at the Court House looking for his deceased brother’s farm. The worker who was helping Sixten saw my father in the room and said this man knows Phelps County very well and can show you where your land is located. LaVern and Sixten became very good friends and continued to communicate. When we told Sixten we were coming to Sweden he invited us to his home first and made us reindeer stew which was delicious.

Bryce Hastings and I were dating long distance because he was still running his Hastings and Chivetta architectural firm in St. Louis. When he heard I was taking my father to Sweden, he decided to take a vacation and join us. This was a blessing to me. Another addition came when I thought I wanted to take my oldest granddaughter, Allison, with us. Her parents were agreeable, so we became a foursome. It was easy for me to share a bedroom with Allison, but more of a struggle for the two men. Bryce was wonderful as he cared for my father.

Sixten took us to the archives of Swedish people and helped us find our relatives in Sweden. It was unbelievable that when he called them, speaking in Swedish, they wanted us to come visit right away. We drove in rain for a few hours and then the sun began to shine. As we pulled close to the relatives’ home, we saw a dozen people and cars in the road blocking it so we wouldn’t miss the relatives. It was awesome.

We have since had several of the families visit Nebraska and stay with us. My brothers and sister have had the opportunity to meet these Swedish family members and helped us show them LaVern and Pauline’s farm home.

For thou art my rock and my fortress: therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3. I am so happy I quit thinking of myself and did what my father asked of me.

Sandra Hilsabeck