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.
