What a Woman!

This is a photo of Marsha, my absolutely favorite daughter-in-law. She is energetic, wise, accomplishes her goals, is spiritual, kind and generous. I love the way she mothers our grandchildren with a balance between being strong and firm and also nurturing and understanding. Marrying her was the best gift Chris could have given us. Happy Birthday, Marsha. You have so many good qualities I admire. I am remembering many special times we have had together and all the laughs and shared tears. Thanks for once in a while letting me be a small part of your school papers. Love you lots! Maybe you would like to listen to the song "Miracle" on my playlist. I think it was written about Celine Dion's little baby. On Mothers Day I listened to it and cried. Happy tears.

Mother and Daughter

This photo was taken in the mid 40's. My mother was adjusting either the scarf, my hair or the sweater I was wearing on what must have been a somewhat cold day in Big Cottonwood Canyon. My father's sister, Lucille, had a cabin there and we had been invited. I don't remember if it was for a family activity or an overnight stay. My father must have taken the picture. I had an ambivalent relationship with both my parents. I like this picture because it shows the tender, loving side of my mother. She was basically a good person. I hope that I have carried on many of her positive qualities. At her best, she was spiritual and insightful. She must have been burdened by a lot of unspoken pain. She was probably clinically depressed as well as having asthma. I find that now I can't judge in the same way I have done in the past. I know too much of the circumstances which make people choose as they do. I am painfully aware of my own deficits. My plan is to continue on with life, moving toward healthier choices for myself. And I hope others will "cut me a lot of slack" as I muddle along. I like the scriptures which tell us that when we judge (as we must) the judgments need to be righteous ones. Clear-eyed and truthful. Full of truth.