October 1, 2023
Dear Family:
Writing to you after an inspiring General Conference is a
little daunting. I was happy to see
Kenlee’s post about enjoying Conference. I was
also happy to receive Brad’s text/photo of their watching conference. Every
time I watch President Nelson I am struck with his ability to draw me in to his
messages of direction, admonitions, inspiration. “Think Celestial.”
While listening to conference yesterday, I remembered a
General Conference session that I watched in Granite Bay, CA at my Aunt
Margaret’s home. I was helping her scan
photos and text for her big personal history/family history books project. I had been
considering how to keep my family connected.
College, missions, and busy families had pulled us into all kinds of
different directions as happens in every family. I really did feel that as the matriarch of my
family I had a duty to find a way to keep us connected. It was while watching conference that I got
inspiration to start writing an emailed letter to my family every week. It would keep them connected to me and in
turn maybe they would feel like connecting with me or at least they would
understand how much I loved them. It has now turned into a blog, but it's the same in theory.
I’m approaching
80. My health has become something I
think about every day. Glennda and I commiserate occasionally about our new physical
limitations that we don’t like – because of natural aging. The loss of my sister Judy is still fresh
with me and her sudden passing has probably contributed to this mind set. I’ve also been ministering to a dear sister
in my ward, Norma. Two or 3 years ago I requested to have her assigned to
me. I really liked her and we shared a
Vale, Oregon connection. A year ago I
started taking her to doctor appointments and on and on. She recently suffered a serious fall and is
now in her second stint at an “acute care” facility in Newberg. In one year she has given up her home, lost
her 4th of 5 children to death, has become unable to walk, and is in
constant pain. She has one living child remaining. She has become very dear to me. I not only
appreciate my health, but I appreciate my children and their active role in my
life.
In the past few weeks we have been very concerned about Amy
and her recovery since her dangerous fall.
I remember like it was yesterday all the anxiety, concern and care
involved in my two little boys’ surgeries.
Of course all three had ear infections, colds, fevers, tummy aches and
childhood illnesses, etc. Our heath is so important.
I do feel truly blessed because I have been in good general
health most of my life. I have guilt that I don’t eat properly. I’ve mentioned
many times that cooking for one isn’t fun or easy. I guess what I’m saying is
that I’m going to pay more attention to my general health and I’ll try to
remember:
·
“It is
health that is real wealth, and not pieces of silver and gold.” Gandhi
·
"Good
health is a crown on the head of a well person that only a sick person can
see." – Rohit Sharma
·
"So many spend their
health gaining wealth, and then have to spend their wealth to regain their
health." – A.J. Materi.
·
"Health is like
money; we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it." – Josh
Billings.
·
"I believe that the
greatest gift that you can give your family and the world is a healthy
you." '– Joyce Meyer
·
To keep the body in good
health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and
clear." – Buddha
In addition, I was reminded of something today. President Eyring said that he hoped he had
taught all his posterity what they would need to know to endure trials that
would be to come. He said his remarks would be a letter to his family. I can certainly identify with his concern for
his family. That is one of the reasons
that I started these weekly letters.
I thought I’d share a couple sentences that spoke to me
yesterday from the afternoon session of conference.
·
I believe it was Elder Neil Anderson who said, “……you are doing better than you think.” I think we are all harder on ourselves than
we need to be. I really liked that. My sister tells me I’m doing good. Maybe I am doing better than I think.
·
I don’t remember who said this, “A gift alone
does not a master make.”
That is true in every endeavor; piano lessons, painting, crafts, sewing,
knitting, crocheting, quilting, or a chosen field in college. I do thank Heavenly Father daily for the
gifts and talents that were bestowed on me. After this many years, it’s easy to
look back and see how I worked on things to become better. (As a piano teacher – I try to remind my
students that it takes practice. One
lesson doesn’t make allow you to play like an advanced student. It takes years
of practice.) Yesterday Mike sent me a
photo of Amy sewing away on her Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine that I had
given her as a girl. She looked intense
and happy. Mike thanked me for teaching
her skills that would benefit her family. Wasn’t that a nice gesture!! Thank
you Mike! I’m grateful for my gifts and
talents and I’m sure each of you are grateful for your gifts and talents. I’ve watched each of my children work hard on
their careers. I’ve watched Taylor work
hard to become a dentist. (By the way he starts his work in a new area
tomorrow.) I’ve watched Michael put aside
his passion for photography for a time while he provides for his family. I’ve watched all my children and grandchildren work hard. Bless you!
I
mentioned to Glennda yesterday that General Conference comes along just when I
need my foundation worked on. I am truly grateful for General Conference and
all those leaders who work to keep us informed, inspired, motivated and
instructed. It was announced today that a
temple in Vancouver, WA will be built.
Wonderful!!
As a total afterthought, and this means nothing for eternity
or to anyone else: The Mariners will not be going to the playoffs. They have been a nice entertainment for me
for the past 6 or 7 months. Now I’ll
find something else. I don’t know if I
can continue being a Blazer fan. Josef
Nurkichek has been traded away. Damian Lillard is now a Milwaukee Buck. Maybe Damian and Giannis can win the
2023/2024 championship for Milwaukee. I hope so for Damian’s sake.
It looks like Haley and Steve are in Arizona or Southern
Utah. I’m jealous and happy like crazy
for them.
In my mind fall begins today; October 1. I do enjoy not having to worry about watering
my yard.
I love you all. Have
a wonderful week.
Love Mom, Grandma, Great Grandmother, Sister and Aunt Suzanne
