Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Humbling
My brother-in-law was quite excited to get a small package on Saturday. It contained some parts for his gun. He said that it was scheduled to be delivered on Tuesday. I said with glee, "A Christmas Miracle!" He got very quiet and a little awkward even as he said softly, "We should probably use our Christmas miracles for something more important."
Monday, December 27, 2010
How I got to this moment in time
I was sitting in church yesterday next to a cousin of mine that I hadn't previously known. I am quite excited to know him since he's also a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints like my mother.
As I sat there, I wondered. How did I get to this moment in time? What string of events led me to church in Wetumpka, Alabama on Sunday, December 26, 2010?
When I was eleven years old, I lived in a small northwest Florida town and went to church across the river in Blountstown. I was in an age-assigned Sunday School group called Merry Miss. My Merry Miss leader wanted us to learn a song from the Primary Songbook called "I Will Follow God's Plan for Me", but we didn't have anyone available to us in that small congregation to play the piano and help us learn that song.
I had been in band at school for almost a year by this point where I had learned about written music. Using music books I had found at our house and a keyboard my father had picked up at a yard sale, I started teaching myself to play the piano so that I could play that Primary song for my class to practice.
We moved to a slightly bigger Florida town where there were plenty of opportunities to use my developing musical talents. I enjoyed playing the keyboard but wanted to play a real piano, so I begged my parents to buy one. They found one advertised for sale for $300. That was quite a sacrifice for my parents, but they purchased the piano with the promise from myself that I would continue to teach myself to play.
I continued playing the piano for the youth meetings and set a goal to play for the congregational meeting (it helped that my grandmother had promised $100 to any grandchild who played in the congregational meeting). The first hymn I played for the entire church congregation to sing was "How Firm a Foundation".
My family moved to Southwestern Utah when I was a sophomore in high school. I continued to play for the youth meetings there.
When I was 16, I moved to a different part of town and was now attending a different ward (church congregation). A woman there, who later served as my youth leader, invited me to learn to play the organ. With her short instruction, I began playing the organ for congregational meetings.
As a young woman, I would attend the Temple regularly to perform baptisms for the dead. While I waited for my turn, I would listen to the beautiful hymns flowing quietly through the building. I assumed that the organ music was a recording. One day, while I sat in the Temple, I heard a wrong note played. It was then that I realized that the organ music was being played right then by someone in the Temple. I got really excited and wondered aloud to my friend how I could have that opportunity to play. A volunteer at the Temple came over and explained that I could volunteer as soon as I had participated in the other Temple ordinances. It is traditional for young people in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to wait until they are about to go on a mission or be married in the Temple before they participate in these other ordinances. I was close to neither at the time, but I stored that thought in my mind for when it would be applicable.
Fast forward to April 2009.
After counseling with my Bishop (my ecclesiastical leader), I decided it was a good time for me to go to the Temple and participate in the other ordinances that were available to me. As I was leaving the St. George Temple that time, I remembered that thought and my desire to play the organ in the Temple and filled out a volunteer card. I hand-wrote that I was interested most in playing the organ.
I received a phone call from a volunteer coordinator asking if I'd be willing to serve as a substitute for other organ players when they couldn't make their assigned shift. I readily took that position and prayed for an opportunity to play. I was able to play a half dozen times between April and June when I moved to Tooele.
Living in Tooele, the closest Temple was now the Salt Lake Temple. I began attending the Salt Lake Temple. After my first visit to this Temple, I filled out a volunteer card with hopes of playing the organ in the Salt Lake Temple as well.
I received a phone call from a volunteer coordinator who explained that they had more organ players than they could ever use but asked if I was willing to volunteer in other capacities. He listed a few options that were conducive to my schedule. I was intrigued by a position available at the Family File desk; however, I was hesitant, because I had little experience with Family History research. But as he described the position, it sounded like office work; I could do office work. I accepted that position and began volunteering weekly.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are charged with the responsibility to learn of our family history so that we can perform sacred ordinances in the Temple for those family members who didn't have access to these things on Earth. Temple patrons will bring information to the Family File desk so that they can perform these ordinances for their deceased family members.
I was filled with joy every time I printed these Temple ordinance cards for these patrons. I couldn't believe the overwhelming positive emotions when someone would tell me their connection to the names on the cards as I cut them. If I felt this way assisting someone else, how would I feel if I was printing my own Temple cards?
At this time, I gained access to a new church website that makes getting family names ready for the Temple so much easier. Within minutes of signing up for the website and after only one text sent to my mother, I had all the information I needed to take my maternal grandmother's name to the Temple.
I continued volunteering and began my own Family History research. Just before Christmas, my mother asked me if I was willing to go down South to visit her father during my winter break. I consented telling her I wanted to make it a Family History adventure.
While visiting, my grandfather took me to a cemetery where his parents, uncles, aunts, and grandparents were buried. I had been to that cemetery when I was younger since he was the caretaker and was there to mow the lawns, but I played on the toys by the church across the street not knowing the treasured family members that lay buried in that cemetery. I began snapping pictures of headstones and grew excited to begin processing this information.
Also on this same trip, my mother took me to Eclectic, Alabama where her mother had been born and raised. We contacted the cousin that we finally met up with yesterday. He and his wife were in Salt Lake serving a mission for the Church. He gave us contact information for another cousin of ours who we didn't know existed. Andy took us on a cemetery tour of the county and I was able to take hundreds of photos of headstones and to see the graves of my great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents, and countless other relatives.
I continued my own Family History research and continued volunteering at the Temple. During one volunteer shift, I was helping a gentleman who handed me a stack of cards. I read the submitter's name on the card and then asked the gentleman his name. I immediately recognized his name and told him, I'm your cousin. He talked with me briefly and shared that this was the first time he had ever been inside the Temple with a member of his family outside of his wife and children.
A couple months ago, I asked my mother if we were going down South again for my break. She said no since this would be the grandbabies' first Christmas. Fortunately in early December, my mother changed her mind. We tossed around possible itineraries and came up with a plan a couple days before we left town.
My mother contacted Cousin John about a possible visit. Needing to attend church, we decided to plan our trip so that we could go to church with John in Alabama.
And that is how I got to that moment in time.
As I sat there, I wondered. How did I get to this moment in time? What string of events led me to church in Wetumpka, Alabama on Sunday, December 26, 2010?
When I was eleven years old, I lived in a small northwest Florida town and went to church across the river in Blountstown. I was in an age-assigned Sunday School group called Merry Miss. My Merry Miss leader wanted us to learn a song from the Primary Songbook called "I Will Follow God's Plan for Me", but we didn't have anyone available to us in that small congregation to play the piano and help us learn that song.
I had been in band at school for almost a year by this point where I had learned about written music. Using music books I had found at our house and a keyboard my father had picked up at a yard sale, I started teaching myself to play the piano so that I could play that Primary song for my class to practice.
We moved to a slightly bigger Florida town where there were plenty of opportunities to use my developing musical talents. I enjoyed playing the keyboard but wanted to play a real piano, so I begged my parents to buy one. They found one advertised for sale for $300. That was quite a sacrifice for my parents, but they purchased the piano with the promise from myself that I would continue to teach myself to play.
I continued playing the piano for the youth meetings and set a goal to play for the congregational meeting (it helped that my grandmother had promised $100 to any grandchild who played in the congregational meeting). The first hymn I played for the entire church congregation to sing was "How Firm a Foundation".
My family moved to Southwestern Utah when I was a sophomore in high school. I continued to play for the youth meetings there.
When I was 16, I moved to a different part of town and was now attending a different ward (church congregation). A woman there, who later served as my youth leader, invited me to learn to play the organ. With her short instruction, I began playing the organ for congregational meetings.
As a young woman, I would attend the Temple regularly to perform baptisms for the dead. While I waited for my turn, I would listen to the beautiful hymns flowing quietly through the building. I assumed that the organ music was a recording. One day, while I sat in the Temple, I heard a wrong note played. It was then that I realized that the organ music was being played right then by someone in the Temple. I got really excited and wondered aloud to my friend how I could have that opportunity to play. A volunteer at the Temple came over and explained that I could volunteer as soon as I had participated in the other Temple ordinances. It is traditional for young people in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to wait until they are about to go on a mission or be married in the Temple before they participate in these other ordinances. I was close to neither at the time, but I stored that thought in my mind for when it would be applicable.
Fast forward to April 2009.
After counseling with my Bishop (my ecclesiastical leader), I decided it was a good time for me to go to the Temple and participate in the other ordinances that were available to me. As I was leaving the St. George Temple that time, I remembered that thought and my desire to play the organ in the Temple and filled out a volunteer card. I hand-wrote that I was interested most in playing the organ.
I received a phone call from a volunteer coordinator asking if I'd be willing to serve as a substitute for other organ players when they couldn't make their assigned shift. I readily took that position and prayed for an opportunity to play. I was able to play a half dozen times between April and June when I moved to Tooele.
Living in Tooele, the closest Temple was now the Salt Lake Temple. I began attending the Salt Lake Temple. After my first visit to this Temple, I filled out a volunteer card with hopes of playing the organ in the Salt Lake Temple as well.
I received a phone call from a volunteer coordinator who explained that they had more organ players than they could ever use but asked if I was willing to volunteer in other capacities. He listed a few options that were conducive to my schedule. I was intrigued by a position available at the Family File desk; however, I was hesitant, because I had little experience with Family History research. But as he described the position, it sounded like office work; I could do office work. I accepted that position and began volunteering weekly.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are charged with the responsibility to learn of our family history so that we can perform sacred ordinances in the Temple for those family members who didn't have access to these things on Earth. Temple patrons will bring information to the Family File desk so that they can perform these ordinances for their deceased family members.
I was filled with joy every time I printed these Temple ordinance cards for these patrons. I couldn't believe the overwhelming positive emotions when someone would tell me their connection to the names on the cards as I cut them. If I felt this way assisting someone else, how would I feel if I was printing my own Temple cards?
At this time, I gained access to a new church website that makes getting family names ready for the Temple so much easier. Within minutes of signing up for the website and after only one text sent to my mother, I had all the information I needed to take my maternal grandmother's name to the Temple.
I continued volunteering and began my own Family History research. Just before Christmas, my mother asked me if I was willing to go down South to visit her father during my winter break. I consented telling her I wanted to make it a Family History adventure.
While visiting, my grandfather took me to a cemetery where his parents, uncles, aunts, and grandparents were buried. I had been to that cemetery when I was younger since he was the caretaker and was there to mow the lawns, but I played on the toys by the church across the street not knowing the treasured family members that lay buried in that cemetery. I began snapping pictures of headstones and grew excited to begin processing this information.
Also on this same trip, my mother took me to Eclectic, Alabama where her mother had been born and raised. We contacted the cousin that we finally met up with yesterday. He and his wife were in Salt Lake serving a mission for the Church. He gave us contact information for another cousin of ours who we didn't know existed. Andy took us on a cemetery tour of the county and I was able to take hundreds of photos of headstones and to see the graves of my great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents, and countless other relatives.
I continued my own Family History research and continued volunteering at the Temple. During one volunteer shift, I was helping a gentleman who handed me a stack of cards. I read the submitter's name on the card and then asked the gentleman his name. I immediately recognized his name and told him, I'm your cousin. He talked with me briefly and shared that this was the first time he had ever been inside the Temple with a member of his family outside of his wife and children.
A couple months ago, I asked my mother if we were going down South again for my break. She said no since this would be the grandbabies' first Christmas. Fortunately in early December, my mother changed her mind. We tossed around possible itineraries and came up with a plan a couple days before we left town.
My mother contacted Cousin John about a possible visit. Needing to attend church, we decided to plan our trip so that we could go to church with John in Alabama.
And that is how I got to that moment in time.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Worth reviving the blog
I got an interesting surprise yesterday. I received a picture message on my phone of my older sister having her head shaved.
Wait! What?!
My sister had posted on facebook earlier in the day that there was a fundraiser at the school where she teaches, but I had no idea how committed she was to this fundraiser.
A fifth grade girl, Jenecee, was recently diagnosed with cancer. A tumor and part of her thyroid were removed, but the cancer had spread to her lungs. She has been undergoing chemotherapy these last weeks.
Wait! What?!
My sister had posted on facebook earlier in the day that there was a fundraiser at the school where she teaches, but I had no idea how committed she was to this fundraiser.
A fifth grade girl, Jenecee, was recently diagnosed with cancer. A tumor and part of her thyroid were removed, but the cancer had spread to her lungs. She has been undergoing chemotherapy these last weeks.
Mrs. Ashmore and my sister. Mrs. Ashmore paid $250 for my sister to shave her head.
My sister said this morning via text message that she wanted Jenecee to have someone to be bald with. Well, my sister has three others to be bald with as well.
Quadruplets: my sister, her husband, and their twin boys
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Welcome to the world
Dear world,
You are so lucky. You just gained two brand new citizens who are likely to make a great contribution during their lifetimes.
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They may look small an insignificant now, but they will be a force to be reckoned with in no time. They come from goodly parents and will be well taught and well cared for. You are lucky to have them in your presence, world. Be good to them.
Sincerely,
A very proud aunt
You are so lucky. You just gained two brand new citizens who are likely to make a great contribution during their lifetimes.
Meet Jasper.
Meet Russell.
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They may look small an insignificant now, but they will be a force to be reckoned with in no time. They come from goodly parents and will be well taught and well cared for. You are lucky to have them in your presence, world. Be good to them.
Sincerely,
A very proud aunt
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
E pluribus unum
Today I got a package together for my grandfather. The purpose of the package was to send him this picture.
He's cute. Isn't he?
A strange feeling came over me when I merged his 5 generation with his picture. It was so fascinating to see how many lives came together to produce the life of my grandfather.
The post I wanted to publish last week but couldn't involved me realizing how the decisions that others had made negatively affected the life I lived. I missed out on relationships, because these others had severed relationships with these people before I could form them and enjoy them.
However, when I looked at this picture, I realized that because of the decisions that all these people made, my grandfather exists. And because of his decisions, I exist.
And as painful as my realization was the other day, I can't help but also realize how so incredibly blessed I am to live now, to live in these circumstances, to have these experiences, and to create my own relationships. I have been a part of so many lives by choice and by chance.
I can only imagine how my choices will affect those I meet and those I one day mother. I wonder whose picture could be merged with me as his great-great-grandmother.
See what others did today at communal global.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
After tossing around a Frisbee for an hour or more, a couple friends and I took a seat in the luscious grass of the park to enjoy the sunset. While we basked in this everyday but never common beauty, we talked about how we had spent the last week.
And then you let her tiny hand wrap around your finger.
And then you tell her stories hoping she'll reciprocate. When you finish your story, you stop and listen. Then she starts to tell you a story. Her face lights up and her expressions change while she rattles off what sounds like nonsense to you, but you know it probably has a much deeper meaning, since she did just leave God's presence.
And you delight when she squeals.
And you gladly feed her because that is one of the greatest interactions. There is a special bond that occurs while you feed her. She stares ever so peacefully into your eyes, and in your heart you promise to always keep her safe.
And you are grateful that time seems to slow down, because you cherish every moment.
I told these two guys about going home to St. George. The highlight as always was seeing my niece, Emma. Brad asked how old she was. He then remarked with real sincerity, What do you do with a 3-month old baby?
Well, you enjoy watching her being herself.
And you revel at the fact that this tiny human has such a complex body structure. And you wonder how it happens every time. I mean, you've read about it in books, but wow! It really works.
And all the while you are thinking these things and watching her every movement, you realize that it isn't just fascination. It's love.
And you heart melts.
Then you realize you aren't just watching her. You are adoring her. And you try to soak it all in.
And you feel grateful in your heart that you get to experience this awe and unparalleled love.
And then you do eat her toes. (That was Nick's answer.) And kiss her face just to watch her eyes get bigger as you get closer.
Well, you enjoy watching her being herself.
And you revel at the fact that this tiny human has such a complex body structure. And you wonder how it happens every time. I mean, you've read about it in books, but wow! It really works.
And all the while you are thinking these things and watching her every movement, you realize that it isn't just fascination. It's love.
And you heart melts.
Then you realize you aren't just watching her. You are adoring her. And you try to soak it all in.
And you feel grateful in your heart that you get to experience this awe and unparalleled love.
And then you do eat her toes. (That was Nick's answer.) And kiss her face just to watch her eyes get bigger as you get closer.
And then you let her tiny hand wrap around your finger.
And then you tell her stories hoping she'll reciprocate. When you finish your story, you stop and listen. Then she starts to tell you a story. Her face lights up and her expressions change while she rattles off what sounds like nonsense to you, but you know it probably has a much deeper meaning, since she did just leave God's presence.
And you delight when she squeals.
And you gladly feed her because that is one of the greatest interactions. There is a special bond that occurs while you feed her. She stares ever so peacefully into your eyes, and in your heart you promise to always keep her safe.
And you are grateful that time seems to slow down, because you cherish every moment.
Monday, May 31, 2010
A change in priorities
It used to be thoughts of this that would get me to rush home to St. George.
Now it is rightfully thoughts of this sweet little 11-week old angel that makes me thrilled to go home. Emma sure is sweet.
Monday, April 26, 2010
When my sister built a house in a new neighborhood, there was nothing but adventure around us. At the tail end of a party at her place, the remaining guests, myself included, went on a walk to discover what was past her neck of the woods. About a mile or so later, we reached the park designed specifically for her neighborhood. Little did we know that it would contain the most delightsome experience.
Riding "The Green Dinosaur" is now a St. George tradition. Any time I go home, especially when I bring friends home with me, we ride The Green Dinosaur.
This trip, The Green Dinosaur was so fierce, it immediately bucked my friend, Rachael, and I right off, hence the wood chips on my back.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
We meet
I finally met her!
I drove home Sunday night with hopes of spending time with my niece during spring break. So far, it has been time well spent.
I met Emma on Sunday night and never want to leave.
I knew from the pictures that she was small, but I didn't realize that she was so tiny! She felt so fragile in my arms. Maybe fragile isn't the right word, because she is very strong like her father. I was intimidated, because she was so delicate.
I was fortunate enough to spend the entire day with her on Monday. I got to accompany my brother at the doctor's office for her two-week checkup. It was fun to watch my brother show her off to a few friends of his that worked at the hospital. His buddy's wife was holding her, doting on her remarkable beauty, when she looked up at my brother and said, "Wipe that grin off your face!" He can't help it. He is so proud of her and loves her so much.
My brother is the most adorable father ever! That morning when I was at his house watching Emma while he got ready, he walked into the room and remarked how beautiful she was. He said, "I've seen her a million times, but she still takes my breath away."
After Emma's appointment, we headed back to our parents' house. I changed and fed Emma and let her sleep in my arms for hours. I had no desire to do anything or be anywhere else.
I was glad when Emma pooped on the car ride home, because that meant I got to spend more time with her. I carried her into Will's house, changed her, and started feeding her. The hour that it took her to eat was my favorite hour of the day. By this time, I was no longer nervous to hold her tiny body and the time spent together was so peaceful and perfect.
I love Emma and can't wait to see her again today!
Monday, March 15, 2010
To my niece
Dear Emma,
I can hardly contain my joy! I am so happy you are here in this world and that I get to be a part of your life.
You are born to such a wonderful father. Your father, my brother, is one of the most loving, gentle, and dearest people in the world. He is the best older brother a girl could've ever asked for. He cared for me. He guided me. He protected me. He taught me so many wonderful things. He has been there for me when no one else has. He has blessed my life in more ways than I could ever express.
Now it is your turn to experience the greatness that he has within him. He will love you and cherish you all your days. He already does. He will teach you the things you need to know. He will guide you through life's journey. He will give of himself freely. You already hold a special place in his heart. You will get to know the tenderness that is his heart. He will love you with the deepest and most sincere love.
Although I haven't met you yet, I love you, Emma. I, too, will teach you, guide you, and cherish you. I will be there for you like my brother has been there for me. I will do as he taught me; I will protect you.
I cannot wait to hold you, my precious niece. I will shower you with all the love I have.
I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing you with health and strength. You are so beautiful. I am so blessed to have you in my life.
Love always,
Aunt Katie
From the happiest aunt in the world
She's born!
Emma Jeane Gause
Born Monday, March 15, 2010
12:06pm
St. George, UT
6 lbs 14 oz
19 inches
She's showing you that she has the strength to face this world.
Proud Grandma!
Sleeping beautifully!
Emma will be loved and protected by a father who cherishes her.
Together
Friday, December 25, 2009
Homeless
I've recently started volunteering at the Family File desk at the Salt Lake Temple which has led to an immersion in Family History.
When my mom propositioned going to Florida again for Christmas, I only agreed if I could get more information from my grandfather in Mississippi about his family. Many generations are assembled on both sides of my father's family and on my maternal grandmother's maternal side, but I didn't have much information about my maternal grandfather's family.
I had no idea the gold mine that was available to me. My grandfather took me to a small cemetery near his home where a few generations of his family was buried. I took 93 pictures of headstones. I spent the last couple days inputting information and linking my family together on new.familysearch.org. (I even input information for a family that isn't even related to me...at least that I haven't found yet...and provided the missing link needed to populate several generations. It was so exciting to serve someone I didn't even know!)
It has been a fascinating adventure.
However, as I listened to my grandfather, I realized that he had spent almost his entire life in the same area. He served in the army which took him out of Mississippi and he spent a little time in a couple towns near his hometown, but he had lived there his entire life. His parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents had also lived there their whole lives.
When I looked back at the family history that was already there for me on my father's side and my maternal grandmother's maternal side, these families were also born and raised in the same places their entire lives and for generations.
All of these families lived down South--Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina--which makes me wonder why I live in the West. I don't have any roots here.
Identifying this family history should make me feel more connected. Instead it has made me feel homeless. I don't know where my home is. I know where my parents live. I know where I graduated high school. I know where I started kindergarten. I know where I went to my first dance. I know where I learned to walk. All of these places are different. I don't know where to call home.
As the cheesey cliche goes, home is where the heart is. I believe that. Every place I've lived has been my home. Right now Tooele is my home. I have friends who treat me like family. I have people who care about me and treat me right. Tooele feels like home. However, I could easily leave after this school year in search of a new home.
That leaves me with the same feeling: homeless.
When my mom propositioned going to Florida again for Christmas, I only agreed if I could get more information from my grandfather in Mississippi about his family. Many generations are assembled on both sides of my father's family and on my maternal grandmother's maternal side, but I didn't have much information about my maternal grandfather's family.
I had no idea the gold mine that was available to me. My grandfather took me to a small cemetery near his home where a few generations of his family was buried. I took 93 pictures of headstones. I spent the last couple days inputting information and linking my family together on new.familysearch.org. (I even input information for a family that isn't even related to me...at least that I haven't found yet...and provided the missing link needed to populate several generations. It was so exciting to serve someone I didn't even know!)
It has been a fascinating adventure.
However, as I listened to my grandfather, I realized that he had spent almost his entire life in the same area. He served in the army which took him out of Mississippi and he spent a little time in a couple towns near his hometown, but he had lived there his entire life. His parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents had also lived there their whole lives.
When I looked back at the family history that was already there for me on my father's side and my maternal grandmother's maternal side, these families were also born and raised in the same places their entire lives and for generations.
All of these families lived down South--Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina--which makes me wonder why I live in the West. I don't have any roots here.
Identifying this family history should make me feel more connected. Instead it has made me feel homeless. I don't know where my home is. I know where my parents live. I know where I graduated high school. I know where I started kindergarten. I know where I went to my first dance. I know where I learned to walk. All of these places are different. I don't know where to call home.
As the cheesey cliche goes, home is where the heart is. I believe that. Every place I've lived has been my home. Right now Tooele is my home. I have friends who treat me like family. I have people who care about me and treat me right. Tooele feels like home. However, I could easily leave after this school year in search of a new home.
That leaves me with the same feeling: homeless.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
I'm a college graduate
It's official. I graduated from Dixie State College on Friday, May 1. It feels great to graduate.
(I'm no where near finished. I anticipate many more years of formal schooling and countless hours of independent study.)
Will, my older brother, finished his degree requirements in December. I loved that we were a part of the same commencement.
Will, my older brother, finished his degree requirements in December. I loved that we were a part of the same commencement.A Mother's Hands
A dear sister shared the most beautiful tribute to motherhood today at church. I will do my best to record the words she spoke.
Sister Harker said,
A few weeks ago, my youngest daughter had her first baby. My emotions were very close to the surface. I repeated over and over that I couldn't believe my baby was having a baby.
After the baby's birth, the nurse was doing what she's supposed to do: scrubbing and cleaning and pricking. Ellie was doing what a newborn is supposed to do: crying at the top of her lungs. I decided to reach out and touch Ellie's hand in hopes of making her first few minutes of life more comforting. Ellie wrapped her little hand around one of my fingers.
Holding hands is one of the greatest ways we connect with one another.
As I thought about these hands, I reflected on the hands of my mother. She used her hands to hold me and comfort me as a baby. She held my hand as I experienced the new things in life. She used her hands to clap for me at my dance recitals even though I wasn't very good; she thought I was good. She clasped her hands in prayer in my behalf. She held my hand on my wedding day and let it go so that I could take the hand of the man who would be my eternal companion.
I don't know when it happened, but one day the roles reversed. I now held her hand. I held her hand as I guided her through the grocery store. I held her hand as I took her to get her hair done. I held her hand, aged and covered in brown spots and deep blue veins, as she passed from this life. I look at my own hands and see how they are beginning to resemble hers.
I find joy now as I watch my own daughters as they use their hands to comfort, guide, cheer, and pray for their own children.
I see a mother's hands, and I feel love.
Sister Harker said,
A few weeks ago, my youngest daughter had her first baby. My emotions were very close to the surface. I repeated over and over that I couldn't believe my baby was having a baby.
After the baby's birth, the nurse was doing what she's supposed to do: scrubbing and cleaning and pricking. Ellie was doing what a newborn is supposed to do: crying at the top of her lungs. I decided to reach out and touch Ellie's hand in hopes of making her first few minutes of life more comforting. Ellie wrapped her little hand around one of my fingers.
Holding hands is one of the greatest ways we connect with one another.
As I thought about these hands, I reflected on the hands of my mother. She used her hands to hold me and comfort me as a baby. She held my hand as I experienced the new things in life. She used her hands to clap for me at my dance recitals even though I wasn't very good; she thought I was good. She clasped her hands in prayer in my behalf. She held my hand on my wedding day and let it go so that I could take the hand of the man who would be my eternal companion.
I don't know when it happened, but one day the roles reversed. I now held her hand. I held her hand as I guided her through the grocery store. I held her hand as I took her to get her hair done. I held her hand, aged and covered in brown spots and deep blue veins, as she passed from this life. I look at my own hands and see how they are beginning to resemble hers.
I find joy now as I watch my own daughters as they use their hands to comfort, guide, cheer, and pray for their own children.
I see a mother's hands, and I feel love.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Friday, December 26, 2008
Neil Diamond is amazing
My family went to the Neil Diamond concert in Salt Lake on Friday, December 19. By family, I mean all of us: my parents, my brother, my sister and her husband, and my other sister. It was our Christmas present. It seemed like we'd never get there because of all the snow. We made it with just enough time to check in our hotel and get over to the arena.
Neil Diamond delayed the start of the concert because many of his fans were late due to the weather. He's so nice. However, the delay was practically unbearable.
The concert was phenomenal! He is by far the best entertainer I've ever seen. This was my third concert. I wish I had tickets to his show in Las Vegas. I'll have to wait until next tour.
Cameras weren't allowed during the show, but we took some pictures afterward.
Their goal was cheesy. Or maybe they were hamming it up. Either way, you get a great sandwich and a totally lame joke.
Joe enjoyed the concert. A lot. I promise.
Neil Diamond delayed the start of the concert because many of his fans were late due to the weather. He's so nice. However, the delay was practically unbearable.
The concert was phenomenal! He is by far the best entertainer I've ever seen. This was my third concert. I wish I had tickets to his show in Las Vegas. I'll have to wait until next tour.
Cameras weren't allowed during the show, but we took some pictures afterward.
Their goal was cheesy. Or maybe they were hamming it up. Either way, you get a great sandwich and a totally lame joke.
Joe enjoyed the concert. A lot. I promise.
Distracted driver
My mom in her
+
+
+
thoughts of
+
talking on her
Results in my brother turning me and saying, "Mom just slid off into the median." That's right. On our way to the Neil Diamond concert in Salt Lake, we were slowed down by a snow storm. My mom called my phone. My brother answered since I was driving (a separate vehicle). While on the phone, my mother hit some black ice and slid off the freeway into the median. Needless to say, my brother gave her a hard time the rest of the weekend. Any time he answered his cell phone, he immediately answered with "Are you driving?"
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Football fills my afternoon
There's nothing better than Southern football especially during rivalry weekend.I spent the afternoon proudly cheering on my Gators with my brother, Will. Even as rain fell the majority of the game, Florida took FSU 45-15. That makes 7 games in a row where Florida has scored 42 or more points. This game was also the only time you'd find a Gator in Seminole Garnet as the paint wet from the rain covered their jerseys since they spent so much time in the end zone.
During commercials, we turned to the Alabama vs. Auburn game. Alabama started off slowly, but ended up shutting out Alabama 36-0.
I can hardly wait for next week when No. 2 Florida plays No. 1 Alabama for the SEC championship and ticket to the National Championship game in January. It'll be Southern football at its finest.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
I'm thankful for
1. My funny family. These are my favorite comments from today.
Will: "Not to put too much pressure on you, Casey, but if your rolls don't work then you will have ruined Thanksgiving."
Casey about 20 minutes later, realizing that the dough wasn't rising: "We're having unleavened turkey biscuits." (She made the best of the situation and rolled the dough and cut them with turkey shaped cookie cutter.)
As usual, we told countless funny stories from years past. Amy couldn't stop her nostrils from flaring while she laughed. Soon, tears came to her eyes. Casey was laughing so hard about a story that supposedly wasn't really that funny that we couldn't understand her.
2. My predictable family. I wrote a letter to a friend just before going to bed last night. The pages were filled with my predictions for the day. Most all have come true and I've only been here four hours. For example, my mom said she wished we would stopping telling nasty stories at the table. Amy immediately followed that were her high-frequency dinner conversation word: genitalia.
3. A warm and safe house and plenty of food to eat. I have no needs today. I'm completely taken care of. I'm grateful that I am. I know there are plenty who are without today. My heart and prays go out to them. May God provide them with protection, peace, and happiness.
1. My funny family. These are my favorite comments from today.
Will: "Not to put too much pressure on you, Casey, but if your rolls don't work then you will have ruined Thanksgiving."
Casey about 20 minutes later, realizing that the dough wasn't rising: "We're having unleavened turkey biscuits." (She made the best of the situation and rolled the dough and cut them with turkey shaped cookie cutter.)
As usual, we told countless funny stories from years past. Amy couldn't stop her nostrils from flaring while she laughed. Soon, tears came to her eyes. Casey was laughing so hard about a story that supposedly wasn't really that funny that we couldn't understand her.
2. My predictable family. I wrote a letter to a friend just before going to bed last night. The pages were filled with my predictions for the day. Most all have come true and I've only been here four hours. For example, my mom said she wished we would stopping telling nasty stories at the table. Amy immediately followed that were her high-frequency dinner conversation word: genitalia.
3. A warm and safe house and plenty of food to eat. I have no needs today. I'm completely taken care of. I'm grateful that I am. I know there are plenty who are without today. My heart and prays go out to them. May God provide them with protection, peace, and happiness.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Fifteen
I'm thankful for
1. Cortney Moore Scott. I do love my friend Cortney. I love her Moore. I got to see her for the first time since she got married this summer. She gives the best hugs!
2. My family. I've been a little negative lately in regards to my family and particularly my mother. I've come to realize that they truly are amazing. My mother, although annoying at times, has given me so much and been such a great example to me. I love my family.
3. Fallen leaves. I had about twenty minutes to kill before my lunch date with Cortney, so I played in the leaves and took some pictures. The contrast of the leaves as the color fades is so beautiful. Fall is such a wonderful time of year.
1. Cortney Moore Scott. I do love my friend Cortney. I love her Moore. I got to see her for the first time since she got married this summer. She gives the best hugs!
2. My family. I've been a little negative lately in regards to my family and particularly my mother. I've come to realize that they truly are amazing. My mother, although annoying at times, has given me so much and been such a great example to me. I love my family.
3. Fallen leaves. I had about twenty minutes to kill before my lunch date with Cortney, so I played in the leaves and took some pictures. The contrast of the leaves as the color fades is so beautiful. Fall is such a wonderful time of year.
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