Meet the Waymans
Some people just don’t know how much good they dobecause they are too busy serving others to notice themselves.
Meet the Waymans.
The Waymans are a senior couple in the CaliforniaOakland San Francisco Mission. Before coming on a mission, Sister Wayman was anelementary school librarian who regularly brought whimsy and delight tocountless young children. She became the characters in the books she read aloudand dressed up in a different costume for every holiday of the year. As an educator, Elder Wayman saw thepotential of each student he worked with and inspired them to see their worthand aim for the stars. Hundreds of young people have had their lives profoundlychanged by the care and attention this couple has given them.
Their greatest career, they will tell you, is beingthe mom and dad of eight beautiful and remarkable children and now many grandchildren.The Wayman’s home was filled with love and fun.
When asked how she finds the energy to serve so manypeople, Sister Wayman simply answers, “I received so much anonymous service inmy life as my husband faced major health challenges, I just want to pay itforward.”
Elder Wayman is on his third kidney transplant and hasto take a handful of pills every day. They have faced the possibility of deathtogether numerous times. Perhaps that is why they are often seen holding hands.
“We have had so many miracles in our lives,” SisterWayman says. “Finding three people willing and able to donate a kidney to save myhusband’s life is perhaps the biggest.”
One of those donors was the Wayman’s daughterdemonstrating the deep love in their family. Recently all their children pooledtheir money and surprised Elder and Sister Wayman with a beautiful home remodelwhile they were away serving in California.
The Waymans are called as a Pathways coordinator.Pathways is an educational program with certificates and degrees for those whohave not had an opportunity to continue their learning for a variety of reasons,including the inability to pay for higher education. This program, offered byThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is remarkably inexpensive andmostly on-line except for a weekly in- person class with all the students intheir group.
If there is a need in the mission, the Waymans alwaysstep in to help. They recently filled-in at the mission office when they wereshort staffed and now they are filling in the visitor’s center as well.
Perhaps one of the most endearing qualities of thiscouple is the way they love to feed people . . . both their bodies and theirsouls.
Sister Wayman is a ball of sunshine holding a cookiesheet with her latest culinary delight. Her husband is always helping out inthe background to support a wife with boundless energy and the desire to feedand nurture everyone around her. In the wee hours of the night when others aresleeping, Sister Wayman is dreaming up ways to celebrate others by creatingdelicious meals and scrumptious treats. She invites neighbors and friends overfor dinner and creates magical birthday celebrations so everyone feels noticedand appreciated.
Sister Wayman creates celebrations. She takes thetime to know when those around her have a birthday or anniversary and then shecome up with a surprise party complete with balloons, streamers and the mostdelicious treats.
Elder Wayman is right there at her side helping to cook,carry, set up and take down the magic they create together. Having faced the possibility of death many times together, they don’ttake each other for granted.
Elder Wayman was diagnosed with kidney failure at ayoung age and is now on his third kidney transplant. They both know life isunpredictable and presents challenges. But they both choose to see the miraclesinstead of the tragedy.
“So many people have helped my family anonymouslywhile we’ve experienced enormous health expenses,” Sister Wayman said. “I justwant to pay it forward.”
The Waxmans always seem to notice when someone needsa ride to church, a warm hug or a little cheering up. Their love creates thesparkle in other’s lives.
“When nothing is expected and everything isappreciated, life is magical.” Sabin ConferenceTalk Oct 2023
The Waymans expect nothing from life or those aroundthem. They appreciate everything. Because of the lens they choose to look through,their life is truly magical. Those around them find the Wayman’s sparkle has rubbedoff on them making their life magical as well.
