Writing class

I have joined a memoir writing class! I found it difficult at first to write a memory and then read it to the class. I felt exposed and embarrassed, so I left out my feelings about what had happened. It was 'just the facts'. However, with encouragement from the class and the class leader/teacher I have begun to include how I felt or now feel in my writing. This is a class for retired people and the leader is a retired inspirational speaker, writer and editor - Judith Knight. I feel fortunate to have her guidance. It is interesting that we have several friends in common, but we haven't met until now. Hearing other's experiences is also very entertaining. Some are very funny, though not alway intentionally. Some bring tears and all are interesting.

Christmas

John and I are home for Christmas this year and no one is visiting and no one is sick. We planned to go to Florida to be with our son and his family but they were having some difficulty with the girls so we together decided we would go there in February instead. Of course our daughters invited us to go to them and several other friends invited us when the word got out. However, we decided to just enjoy the time together and we have.

I have lots of memories of Christmases past. When a child I went with my parents and siblings to Grandma's where there were cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Usually twenty-five people were seated at the table for dinner. We had turkey, ham and goose, potatoes, sweet potatoes, red cabbage that cooked for hours (it was a German recepe) a Christmas pudding, mince, pumpkin and apple pies, cookies, etc. etc. There were candles on the table; the adults drank wine. There was lots of laughter, and happiness. When WWII came, an uncle, a cousin and an aunt went away to war. During that time Grandpa would start the dinner with a toast "to the absent ones". Happily, they all came home at the end of the war. The last was Roland, my cousin. We were all happy that my Aunt Winnie had come back from Burma where she was an Army nurse, and My uncle George had come back from the Navy in the Pacific but were sorry and sad that Roland wasn't there. On Christmas eve we young people were playing a game in the front parlor as usual when we heard someone come in. Then the sliding doors to the front entrance flew open and there he was, still in uniform, back from the war. Christmas was very happy and I don't remember what anyone got for gifts. Our greatest gift was having everyone home and safe and together again.

Thanksgiving

The theme at Church today was - surprise - Thankfulness. They were preaching to the choir as far as I was concerned because I am always thankful. At my age I am thankful for good health and a strong body, mind and spirit. I try to keep my mind active by doing puzzels, writing and reading and drawing. I do walking, swimming and exercise using the WII to keep my body strong. My spirit is fed by scripture, prayer and attending Church services, as well as doing service to the Church, community and individuals within them.

I am thankful for my family and try to see them as much as I can, although they are all very far away. Tomorrow John and I are driving to Indiana to see the Washburn family (our daughter Candace's family) We usually go there for Thanksgiving. We have visited often enough that we know many of the people in their Ward and they are all very welcoming.

We went to see our son Bill in Vermont last week. He is 56 and has autism. He is happy, healthy and very tall and handsome. He is intelligent but does not communicate well. Had he been born later he would have had early intervention, but it took seven years after he became 'strange' at age 3 before he had any kind of help. Even then they did not have a name for his problem. I am grateful that he is living with a college trained caretaker. Bill was his first client and lives with the family although there are other clients.

Phyllis' Birthday

Today is the birthday of our daughter, Phyllis. She is the oldest and is a grandmother. Somehow that doesn't make me feel old, just proud. She is still beautiful, keeps fit and works hard. She shows her love in many ways and we are happy when we are able to be with her. That's not often enough as she lives in Utah and we are in eastern Pennsylvania.

It's a beautiful sunny, yet cool day. I have fall/halloween decorations out and the weather is seasonal. From where I am sitting I can see out over the pond area. White tassels on the Pampus grass growing just outside the deck are waving in a light breeze.

Especially on a day like this I thank God for my blessings. We have five children, including Virginia who was killed twenty years ago; twenty-five grandchildren and twenty three great grandchildren. Two are coming at the end of this year.

I feel fortunate that I have been able to know all these progeny during my life and think of my ancesters who (perhaps) don't know them or me. I do geneology and last week spent time in the local LDS geneology library. I was able to get permission to do Temple work for my Aunt, who was the only member of her immediate family who has not had her's done. I remember, Virginia spoke with her sister two days before she died and told of having done a great deal of geneology work in the last months of her life. She told her sister she would know many of her ancesters when she saw them after she passed through the veil. I certainly don't want them to be disappointed that I didn't do more.

I am very thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am thankful for the atonement of Christ, and for our Prophet.