Our Town

Kipp and I went to see Theatre Calgary's "Our Town" last night. It is a wonderful play. I was touched by its message, and know I could learn from it. Life, in all its ups and downs, happy times and sad times, and even mundane times is truly a gift. Following are a couple of my favorite lines from the play:

Mrs. Soames makes the remark, "My, wasn't life awful--and wonderful," a line that somewhat summarizes the whole play, showing that life has both its upsides and downsides and that we never really notice the importance of our lives while we live them.

"Doesn't anyone ever realize life while they live it? Every, every minute?" The Stage Manager responds. "No. Saints and poets, maybe; they do some." Wilder emphasizes that we, while we live, seldom appreciate the precious details in our lives.

If you have a chance, go to see it...

Grandad

My Grandfather passed away on January 8. He was 96 years old. He lost his sight and the use of his legs two years ago, and resided in Continuing Care in Drumheller. His later years were difficult, because he was always a "Doer" it was hard to be confined and living in the dark and relying on others for everything. As I pondered this, and the fact that he had lived 17 1/2 years since my Grandma passed away, I wondered why he had to linger so long. The answer came. There is a great refinement that comes when we suffer. There were tender times, when I came to visit and he held my hand tightly as we visited. He also was able to have a most wonderful experience a few years ago, in meeting a half sister he had never known about. Meeting her was a highlight of his twilight years. He would talk of his visit to her home in England and her visit to see him every time I came to see him. I am glad he was able to have those years, even though they weren't easy. I am also glad he can be now enjoying "happy reunions" on the other side.

A White Christmas...

I am posting some pictures from Christmas. We traveled to Drumheller a few days before Christmas so Elizabeth could see her Great Great Grandparents. We spent four days in Golden at the ski resort with Barbara and Lockey's family, and had a wonderful time. The skiing was fabulous, and the company was excellent. The gingerbread houses were second to none, and we had a rousing game of Apples to Apples. We ate "on top of the world" (Eagle's Eye Restaurant) on Boxing Day. A highlight of Christmas Day was being able to visit with Elder Craig. He is currently serving in Vancouver, Washington. Upon arriving home, we hosted my siblings and parents for a day, and then saw Kipp's Mom on Sunday and his Dad on New Years. Ashley and Trevor arrived back home safely from their trip to Wyoming for Christmas