Just want everyone to know I'm really not going apostate on you. The first time I heard Avenue Q was going to be on the Broadway tour this year, I was really disgusted. And then I started listening to the music and I was even more disgusted. Until I got to the end of the show and heard "It's a Fine, Fine Line."
That one song was a downfall for me. Kind of like "Memory" in Cats. And then I watched some of the clips from the show posted on U-tube, and bad words sung by puppets didn't seem so bad ... Plus there was the fun of going out with Brent. We both really enjoy going to shows ...
So it was a combination of everything. And yet I was still feeling bad about making a choice I knew to be the right choice. And that felt weird ....
But last night Brent and I went to the temple. It's been a long time since we've gone. Too long a time. And as I sat there and listened and felt and understood so many things ... well, I am so grateful I made the choice I made and I do not feel one ounce of bad about it. I just feel bad it took me so long to figure it out.
Last night I felt a strength in temple attendance I'm not sure I've ever really recognized before. It was like a cleansing of everything goofed up inside of me, a recommittment to my Savior, a freedom. It's something people who haven't had that experience could not begin to understand. And I am so grateful we live close enough to just make it part of "Date Night."
Anyway, just wanted everyone to know.
And now another subject: I was just thinking this morning: Sunday meals, Primary Sacrament Meeting Programs, the Zoo, Thanksgiving Point, Birthday parties, reading stories to a grandchild snuggled on my lap - or bouncing off the walls - doesn't matter. I love being part of Kamryn and Karsyn's life those ways. I really miss all those things with the other grandchildren so far away.
Just thinking about it this morning, and I am super, super excited to begin enjoying those things with the Idaho-now-Utah kids as well!
But I'm looking for ideas about how to share experiences with our Texas-soon-to-be-England grandkids. I'd love all your ideas. Of course, I know I can't share the same experiences, but there has to be some alternatives that could help a little ...
4 comments:
I am glad you resolved the feelings you were having. All of us have our weaknesses and times when making the better choice is really tough. So many things are packaged up in a way that is so enticing, and it is hard not to become part of the world when it is thrust in our faces all the time. Your words and deep thoughts always inspire me. I appreciate you digging deep, and then sharing your findings. At least you knew where to go to re-focus.
As for those grandbabies moving home...SO AWESOME! I am sure it is really hard to have the others so far away. My mom and Ann both do a really good job making my kids feel just as special as the ones in their backyards. What has meant the most to me is that if they do it for one, they do it for all. If Easter baskets get made for the local kids, they get shipped to my kids. Or if my mom goes to the zoo with my nephew we get a souvenir too. Stuff like that. It may not be the same as being face to face, but it means so much. And of course, phone calls and e-mails always make my kids feel special too. And when the grandparents do come out and visit, my kids get SO spoiled...just look at where Ann is with Sarah's kids right now. As Ann always tells us, the local kids nickel and dime her, a small gift here and a dinner out there...etc., so when she sees us we get all our nickels and dimes at once. I wish my kids had their grandparents close by, but they still feel very close to them, even from way out here.
That was a mouthful, but you touched a subject close to my heart.
I am so happy that you made the right decision. Thanks for that inspiration!
I am also excited about the Idaho kids moving home. Yeah, and just think...you can always make special trips to England to see your English grandkids. Plus they will have cool accents!!
I always worry about responding here to comments, because I want the people who left the comments to also get my response, and I know going back to a blog after commenting is not always a very reasonable thing to do. But in case you do see this, Julie and Emily, thanks for your input, support, and suggestions.
Same to everyone else who takes time to leave a comment. I am touched by those comments.
Great ideas and great examples, Julie, on keeping in touch. And Emily, we are saving up for an England trip and excited about that opportunity. But I'm thinking we'll end up spending everything we save just on shipping packages over there. I need to come up with some creative ideas for keeping in touch across the ocean without breaking our bank, too. Still open to additional suggestions everyone!
I'm still trying to figure that out. Skype is a great way to talk to and see each other that's free. I try to periodically send a little something to them--nothing expensive or big--just to let them know that we are thinking about them. The post office has some flat rate boxes for shipping internationally that you can stuff them full with items without having to worry about the weight. I think personal cards and letters are always special to a grandchild. And, congrats on giving up those tickets. It's nice you received some peace and perspective on it after you exhibited faith. Reminds me of Ether 12:6!
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