Life Up Close
One of the advantages of being "home" is being able to attend important events like family weddings and funerals. We've lived away for so many years that we've missed most of these key family events. While it sounds morbid, I've been reminded of how much I love a funeral. I'm not talking about the heartbreakingly sad funerals for people who suffer from tragic, untimely deaths, I'm talking about funerals for people who have lived long, full lives and are ready for the next step … [Read more...]
On the cover of the recent Conde Nast magazine Traveler, there was this: We Live for Summer That caught my eye because it is so true. Winter is finally over. The snow is gone. The temperatures are hot and delightfully dry; and in Utah, evenings are refreshingly cool and comfortable. Oh, there are the occasional temperature extremes, some rain, and wind. But, still, it's summer, and it's time to plan some fun. Many years ago, we gathered with some friends and brainstormed what we wanted to do … [Read more...]
I'm not sure whether this blog is about the power of perspective or the need for remembering. Maybe it's both. I stumbled upon a blog entry I wrote May 28, 2007 that reminded me of some lessons I thought I'd never forget. The result is a refreshed attitude with a heavy dose of gratitude. 2007 was the year I was recovering from cancer -- the year I swore I'd never forget what I learned. Among some of my lessons: Don't complain about bad hair days because, HELLO, I have hair. Don't … [Read more...]
This is going to be an usual blog post for me. It's a plea for help with a family puzzle. Here's the thing... I have spent a good chunk of my adult life trying to solve a vexing family mystery. This beautiful woman is my Grandma Snow, my dad's mom. We thought we knew her well until her death in 1991 when we found out she was adopted. My aunts found a family history document in the lining of her dresser drawer that had the word "adopted" scrawled next to her name. Adopted? Why didn't we … [Read more...]
In one of our women's meetings at church, our teacher brought in a suitcase and rolled it around the room. She asked, "How many of you have unpacked your bags?" She confessed that she has lived here for years and never mentally or emotionally unpacked her bags. She said when we don't unpack our bags, we live with one foot out the door. I wasn't the only woman in the room thinking,"This lesson is for me." I heard women whispering, "This is for me." And saw others nodding their heads as if it … [Read more...]
