Memory Lane
Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Tender Mercies
In 1985, my sister Kris, died. We were living in St.George, and a short time later, we received word that the daughter of some dear friends of ours back in Vernal had suffered a serious illness, similar to the one that took Kris. At that time, Aspen, Vince and Annie were very young. I told them that we needed to pray for a sick little girl back in Vernal. They remembered her every night in their prayers. It was a simple petition..."Heavenly, Father, please bless Rachel Pinkham."
Soon after, I talked to a friend from Vernal who told us that the prognosis for Rachel was very bleak; that if she lived, she would be a "vegetable" for the rest of her life.
I was worried that my small children might be confused with this answer to their prayers, (for the second time) so I decided to quit reminding them to pray for Rachel. I reasoned that eventually they would forget.
But they didn't forget. Night after night, as I listened to their prayers at bedtime, they included the simple petition "...please bless Rachel Pinkham". I struggled to know what to say to them and settled on saying nothing. When we moved back to Vernal, I was grateful that we were in a different ward than the Pinkhams because the prayers were still coming.
Amazingly, Rachel did not die. But her recovery was slow and only partial; she was left with limited vision and walked with a very pronounced limp.
The illness did not, however, damage her spirit. When she walked into a room, her positive, joyful nature would create a very real light. I loved her smile.
When Rachel graduated from high school, I wrote her a letter and told her of the experience my three children had in helping to "pray her well." I was grateful that their faith had been stronger than mine.
Tonight, I was reminded of that expereince once again, in a very unexpected, wonderful way.
Ten days ago, Mike's mother was placed in the care center. Being her legal guardian, this was the hardest decision of Mike's life. Mine, too. I wasn't ready. I'm still not doing too well. Last week, I forgot my dad's birthday. Today, I realized that I had forgotten Kylie's birthday, too and had to settle for sending a card, instead of a present. I don't do things like that. Never.
Visits to the care center have been very hard. Until tonight. When we walked in, we saw Mother in a large room with several of the other residents. They were gathered together singing old time favorite songs, led by a care center staff member... who just happened to be Rachel Pinkham. She is still making rooms light up with her sparkly spirit. What touched me most was the sweet, respectful way she said, "Thank-you, Miss Venna!" as she collected music after the singing time.
I left the care center with a light heart...the first time in ten days.
And, on the drive home, an amazing thought came to me. "My children prayed Rachel well! And now Rachel is blessing us in ways that only Heavenly Father could have known would happen all those years ago!" Tender mercies.
Soon after, I talked to a friend from Vernal who told us that the prognosis for Rachel was very bleak; that if she lived, she would be a "vegetable" for the rest of her life.
I was worried that my small children might be confused with this answer to their prayers, (for the second time) so I decided to quit reminding them to pray for Rachel. I reasoned that eventually they would forget.
But they didn't forget. Night after night, as I listened to their prayers at bedtime, they included the simple petition "...please bless Rachel Pinkham". I struggled to know what to say to them and settled on saying nothing. When we moved back to Vernal, I was grateful that we were in a different ward than the Pinkhams because the prayers were still coming.
Amazingly, Rachel did not die. But her recovery was slow and only partial; she was left with limited vision and walked with a very pronounced limp.
The illness did not, however, damage her spirit. When she walked into a room, her positive, joyful nature would create a very real light. I loved her smile.
When Rachel graduated from high school, I wrote her a letter and told her of the experience my three children had in helping to "pray her well." I was grateful that their faith had been stronger than mine.
Tonight, I was reminded of that expereince once again, in a very unexpected, wonderful way.
Ten days ago, Mike's mother was placed in the care center. Being her legal guardian, this was the hardest decision of Mike's life. Mine, too. I wasn't ready. I'm still not doing too well. Last week, I forgot my dad's birthday. Today, I realized that I had forgotten Kylie's birthday, too and had to settle for sending a card, instead of a present. I don't do things like that. Never.
Visits to the care center have been very hard. Until tonight. When we walked in, we saw Mother in a large room with several of the other residents. They were gathered together singing old time favorite songs, led by a care center staff member... who just happened to be Rachel Pinkham. She is still making rooms light up with her sparkly spirit. What touched me most was the sweet, respectful way she said, "Thank-you, Miss Venna!" as she collected music after the singing time.
I left the care center with a light heart...the first time in ten days.
And, on the drive home, an amazing thought came to me. "My children prayed Rachel well! And now Rachel is blessing us in ways that only Heavenly Father could have known would happen all those years ago!" Tender mercies.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
OH MY GOODNESS! CAN IT REALLY BE TRUE?!
Today is my dad's birthday!
I was given the great honor of being chosen to be his daughter.
He married the most beautiful woman in the world. This is my favorite picture of them.
He loves each child and each grandchild and each great-grandchild unconditionally, from the day they are born...
...through the childhood years and on to adulthood.
I cannot state it enough. Dad is happiest when he is surrounded by his family. Some people pretend, but with dad it is real. 
He wishes we would come to visit them more often...
...but in a most unselfish and generous fahion, he has tirelessly made the drive to see us...
Thursday, July 3, 2008
TAYLOR NICOLE!
We finally got our baby! Taylor Nicole was born July 2 and weighed in at 6pounds 1 ounce and is 19 inches long. She has lots of fairly dark hair and she is precious and adorable. 
There to welcome her were her mommy and daddy and her big brother. This picture doesn't do TJ justice. He is absolutley thrilled and already quite smitten with his beautiful little sister.Tuesday, July 1, 2008
2009 PARK REUNION BLOG
At Aspen's suggestion, I have created a 2009 Park Family Reunion Blog! The name of it is http://parkreunion.blogspot.com/Please let me know if I did this right and you actually found the blog!
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