Perspective

Garret Tucker. Five years old and one of the sweetest little boys I know, so without guile. He usually asks Greg and Maria (mom and dad) if I can take him home after clogging on Thursday nights, because he loves the fact that he catches a ride home with his dance teacher. Well they live about three minutes away from the studio and he is one of my most favorite little people. It is my pleasure.

I take him out to my car after I lock up the doors to the studio, and Little G is excited about how bright the moon is shining. Suddenly he explains to me, with his endearing difficulty in pronouncing his R's:

"One time I saw a really big star in the sky, and I thought it was Jesus."

My heart. Are little children inspired from time to time to say the exact thing that will warm our sorrowful souls? That was all he needed to say to me. Life is hard, at times traumatic. Like this week. And heart-wrenching things happen to good people. And sometimes, the only cure for awhile is time. Letting the time pass and the stages of grief play their difficult yet necessary roles. And still, the lasting and ever-constant cure is exactly who Garret Tucker was thinking of.

Always.

In a world saturated with dark and evil influence, we yet have the ultimate reason to rejoice. Some day that star in the sky will be our Savior returning to the earth. Oh how I anticipate that day.

Oh Daddy

You are one of my heros. I am so glad you retired last year to save your health. We'll never forget the dinner Arnold Machinery had in your honor at the Little America, and how surprised you were to have all your children there (minus the Alaskans). How touching it was to hear so many people speak about the way you have changed their lives. Many of the men who spoke were moved to tears, and even your sons were emotional that night. We were all overcome to see how many people you have reached through your actions of integrity and kindness. You are an influence for good in this world; you always have been and always will be. What an inspiration you are to continue to check off your goals on your bucket list of life! We LOVED your voice concert last week, and I know the audience appreciated your small introduction before you took the courage to sing a solo for the first time in your life. It was so endearing and you made everyone laugh (only with your intro, of course. You sang your piece better than I have ever heard your practice it!)

I wanted to be at your side while you waited for your turn to enter the spotlight, as you were so often by mine during my piano recitals as a girl. My hands would shake with fright and cold, and yours so big and soft would warm them. I only had a couple seconds with you before you went on stage, and you were trembling just like I used to. You were so nervous, Champ!

 "I retired from work about a year ago and my co-workers paid for me to have professional voice lessons. I have two goals in mind as I sing for you tonight. One is that you don't laugh, the other is that some day I can sing without scaring any animals away."

Remember how that lady recorded you because she loved your story? I am just praying she remembers to send me her recording of it.

And Daddio, you nailed it. "This is the Moment" was such a fitting song for you to sing. You looked smashing in your tux, you hit every note, and you are just one of the best men I know. I am so grateful you are recovering from your eye surgery, and a bit anxious for the other eye to be worked on next week. I am always and forever your little girl, and I want to live up every moment I have to be with you.

Thank you for what you teach me every day and for your example of living a consecrated life.

This one's for you, Dad. :-)

Love, Rach

Never a Dull Moment

Once upon a time I almost married someone. One concern was that from time to time, I would genuinely get bored with his company. Yep, genuine boredom. He was and is an exceptional person, but I was worried. Would life just be BORING, our future filled with moments were I had to exert my energies to create I don't know...anything other than a dull moment?

No. Because I married Jon instead. And never from the moment I met him has there been a single dull moment. Hilarious? Awkward? Strange? Romantic? Sleepy? Hyper? Sad? Stressed? Frustrated? All of those maybe, but I never feel bored with Jonathan.

Two nights ago I was doing Windsor Pilates, I really need to get some flexibility and core strength back into my life. I had no idea Jon was even paying attention when suddenly he explains matter-of-factly:

"See honey. What you really need to do is unleash your powerhouse."

I had to stop exercising I was laughing so hard as he continued to explain the techniques of Pilates without cracking a smile, and certainly without having any idea of what he was talking about.

Thanks for keeping life interesting, Ditto.

 Probably my favorite thing to do in a hotel room.

 Hyper? Strange? Yep, we're just a couple of weirdies.

But we're never bored.