End of a year and an era

As 2006 closes down, I have had a reoccurring memory running around in my head, perhaps it is old age. It was 1966 or early 1967 and Opal Allen was addressing the Relief Society, or perhaps bearing her testimony in RS, but it was in the RS room. I had on a red plaid maternity dress. She was talking about how many years she had been a visiting teacher and various other jobs, etc. I was thinking that the most I could say was that I had been a visiting teacher, for not even a year, had been a YW advisor for a year or so, was currently holding a couple of jobs with the youth, had taught high school English for two years, but that was about it. I had no credibility. At that time I thought it would be forever before I could say I had been a visiting teacher for 5 years, let alone 35 or 40. Needless to say, the time has come and I wonder where the time has gone.

Another time comes to mind, I had recently had my 5th baby and someone in the ward commented that I should cancel a scheduled tennis match because it conflicted with a time they wished to have an event, and this happened more than once. I am glad I didn't give in because tennis was an outlet for me, an esteem builder, as well as good exercise. I limited the number of times I would play during the week, as some ladies played every day and sometimes twice a day. It would have been easy to follow suit if I hadn't decided where I would draw the line. Soon dad was playing and we had several years of enjoyment from tennis with our friends. Had I listened to someone who said that I could do that when my kids were raised, I would have missed a very satisfying part of my life.

Tennis has not been a big part of our life in Page because of lack off partners and facilities.
In July, we will have been in Page 20 years. What an exciting and fulfilling 20 years! We came here with four children, as we were in the downsizing phase of life. We married off five children, gained five incredible sons and daughters, and had 20 awesome grandchildren (with a little help from our children). I went back to teaching, got my ESL endorsement, received my special education endorsement, and earned a master’s degree in administration.

There is a time and a season, and it is different for everyone. For recreation we played a little tennis, took up racquetball and golf and grandparenting. Of course, we didn’t do them all at the same time and some of them not very well. It has been a good 20 years here in Page.

2006 was rougher than usual on our family, each family unit has its own crises and trials with many prayers answered. My testimony has grown through it all. We did get two beautiful new grandchildren. 2007 is looming before us with new challenges and victories.

I am grateful for my testimony of Jesus Christ and all that he does for us when we ask. I am thankful for a super marriage and a loving husband without whose support, I would not have accomplished half of what I have been able to do. I am very blessed.

I am almost ready for the next phase, leaving Page, going on a mission, etc.

I love you all,

Mom