Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Once in a Lifetime Opportunities



Last week we had what was most likely a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to have a whole week with our daughter, Annie and her 4 month old baby, Andrew. How often do you ever get your children to yourself again once they are married? It just doesn't happen - at least not often. It was a quiet week, snowy and cold, but Anne was content to just be together, visit, do some cooking and cleaning, play some games and just share. Andrew is the most content child I've ever known. He sleeps a lot and is always happy and smiling. It makes me think maybe my own children were sleep deprived while I tried to keep them awake through the evenings so they'd sleep at night. Annie patiently listented to all my suggestions and then gave me the well thought out reason why she did what she did and allowed me to learn. When will I finally realize that there is little left for me to teach but much for me to share through listening.


Anne has most of the pictures on her camera. I'll try to get them

Passing Through Teachnology

My father died 49 years ago today. Forty-nine years! Wow! It's hard to believe I've even been alive that long. Anything over 50 is an antique so I guess that is an indication of what I am!
I always remember two dates with the passing of my father. The first is the day he had a heart attack - January 8, 1960. The second is the day Lloyd returned home early in the morning and informed us that he had passed away. I was 15. Stuart, Lloyd and Keith were all living at home at the time. Stuart had just returned from his mission in time for Christmas and we had the whole family together on New Year's Day for pictures. The Lord is kind. He gives us such sweet experiences and memories to reflect upon even at such times of parting.

This past week Bob and I viewed the funeral of a Mesa friend, Dennis Barney. The Barney's lived in our neighborhood and ward for many years before moving to Gilbert,while raising their large family Dennis was a big man, physically and spiritually. His wife Ann was such a dear soul and my heart is aching for her daily. It was amazing to us to be able to sit in our home in Rexburg, Idaho while serving a mission, and be able to view the funeral in Mesa Arizona. I'm grateful daily for technology that makes it possible for me to have such experiences.

Sometimes I'd like to be able to show my mom and dad all the things that have come since they lived. I'm sure they already know, but it would be fun to share their reaction. I often wonder what in the world they are doing up there for so many years. I guess someday I'll find out. I'm not in a hurry.