I can't believe I did that

Shortly after my dad passed away, my roommate, Jan and her friend invited me to go rafting on the Snake River just outside Jackson, Wyoming. I'm not sure why I went, I am terrified of water. Heck, I even flunked swimming lessons when I was child because of my fear of drowning. I put on a brave face the whole trip, even as I got into the raft. As I sat down, I thought to myself "If I can survive an almost rollover on the freeway*,I can go down these rapids." During the whole ride down the river, my hands were firmly planted to the raft. I don't think I lifted a finger when the raft went around the bend for picture taking. When the raft turned toward the river bank, I was more than happy to see it. There is nothing like feeling solid ground under my feet.
About a year later, I had a different roommate. June had also been rafting down the Snake River. Instead of uneventful trip like I had, she was actually thrown off the raft. After hearing her story, I was glad I had heard it after I made my trip. Because there would have been no way that I would gone rafting in any rapids after hearing that story. Going down the rapids isn't for wimps, especially one who has a fear of drowning. I can't believe I did that.

*a month after my dad passed, I was driving to Idaho for the weekend, when I noticed my car had drifted out of the left lane, I over corrected and left the right lane facing oncoming traffic (which was hardly any). A fence stopped my car from rolling over.

Reflections on Facebook's Birthday

Facebook is 10 years old. I'm not even sure that I knew the term "social media" in 2004. Sure I emailed and surf the internet and I maybe heard of MySpace. As I reflect back on 10 years since Facebook was around, I realize the changes that I have made.
In 2004, I was already going thru a big change. The division I worked for at Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Utah was down-sizing and I was apart of the down-sizing. It was year from hell, but when I think of 2004, what I remember the most is a Jackson family reunion. I traveled to southern Colorado with my brothers for a family reunion with some of my cousins, which was actually a Jackson brothers reunion. I saw kindness. Tyler, Emmalee's son was hung out with my nephews, Spencer and Brennan, who were younger than him. Coach Jackson got quite a few to run in the Manassa 5k. Pioneer Day was being celebrated in Manassa, almost like it was in Utah. William took us on Jackson Family history tour. I got to see the places my great grandparents and grandparents lived and worked. That Saturday night, we watched the Manassa fireworks from my aunt's backyard. And before I left that weekend, I discovered that my dad wasn't all English-American. Like his siblings, he passed on a French heritage and I found out why my Grandpa Jackson was Lafayette. Although Lafayette's mother was born in England, she was still proud of her French heritage. And I am too.
Since 2004, I have experienced joys and sorrows. Shortly after the new year (2005) started, I walked out of Blue Cross one final time as an employee. Just before April's Fools day, I entered full time employment at the University of Utah. I had worked as an usher at the football games since 2002. I felt as if I come full circle. Not because I had been a student, but because thru the University of Utah's career center, I found my job at Blue Cross in 1985. And because Blue Cross asked for volunteers for the Utes' Fan Fest, I was invited by Ray, a usher for the football games to come work at University of Utah as a seasonal employee. Funny how things work out.
I joined Facebook in 2008, thanks to an invite from my Janette, a former co-worker of mine at Blue Cross. My nephew, Brian was among my first four Facebook friends. Another was my co-worker, Penny. Soon I found myself connecting to roommates from college and my young adult days. Former and current co-workers became Facebook friends. I rediscovered high school classmates. And even found more cousins on Facebook. Mostly Jackson's, but some Boices too. And when my Mom passed away in 2012, I found support from my Facebook friends. Your kind words got me thru a difficult time. And I can't forget the prayers that my Facebook friends said in my behalf during the years. We really do need each other.
As I watched the "Look back" videos on Facebook, I was touched. I posted "I look at the Facebook movies that were made by my friends. I see the joys, the sorrows. And I realize how much we have all been blessed." Friends got married, had children, shared their struggles, got jobs, went and came home on LDS missions and posted pictures. Some made me laugh, some made me cried, some just made me smile. And I realized, I've been blessed and my friends too. Thank you, Facebook for being there 10 years.

Cupid's Heart Attacks

A few years ago, Jay and I were watching TV in the evening. Jay heard someone outside the door. He opened the door, but no one was there. But I did see some familiar looking valentines on the door. Cupid aka Crystal, Whitney and/or Brittany had decorated Crystal’s grandma’s bedroom wall with homemade valentines. Grandma had no clue who did, even though she saw them wander in and out of her room as the posted the heart attacks (valentines) on the wall. I knew it was the three amigos because I recognized Mom’s car. Crystal and her friends weren’t old enough to drive then, so Mom was recruited in the heart attacks on my door. And I was at the house while they gave Grandma heart attacks.

When I asked Crystal, she flat out denied it; claiming she had no clue who did or what heart attacks (or cupids as I called the heart attacks then). I guess she forgot that I had witnessed her cupid her Grandma’s bedroom wall.

A few months later, those heart attacks saved my life. I was down on myself because of problems at work. I felt as if I didn’t have the ability to get along with co-workers and I was having a tough time thinking well of myself. I happen to notice one of the heart on my bedroom door and then another. One of the Cupids had wrote “U always think of others”, “the most amazing kind person”, “U brighten lives around you” and others. Looking at those heart attacks made me realize that I mattered to someone. A young woman still in her teens, who thought a lot of me. Crystal helped me pick up myself from ground and lifted me up in my time of need. Crystal and the Cupid team saved my life.

It is true that you never know what a kind word will do or when it is needed. Marjorie Pay Hinckley once quoted “There is no such thing as a small act of kindness.”

Thank you, Crystal, Whitney, Brittany and Jewel.

Robin Cook, Jewel & Me

8/18 @ 9:51pm Susan to Jewel: I bought Crystal a Robin Cook novel. Bit of a long story.  I need her address.
8/19 @ 8:29am Jewel to Susan: Well we delivered Crystal to her apartment at Snow yesterday. Such a busy day. But she is settled and having a blast. I don't have her mailing address yet but I'll see if she knows what it is. What novel did you get? I have read a lot of Robin Cook. Like his stuff.
8/18 @ 8:31am Susan to Jewel: Death Benefits. You got me hooked on Robin Cook so I thought I would get Crystal hooked.
8/18 @ 8:32am Jewel to Susan: Good idea
When I attending the University of Utah back in the 1980's, Jewel gave me "Blind" by Robin Cook to read. I looked at the book and thought there was no way that I would find the time to read it. I working full-time and going to school four nights a week. I had heard of Robin Cook's "Coma"; it had been made into a movie that I never saw. So when I got home, I opened the book and started reading. I gave it my shot. Despite working and studying, I finished the book. Before I graduated from the U, I read a few more Robin Cook novel. And after college, I walked to the library and read more Robin Cook novels. I even found other authors to read. I got into Tom Clancy for awhile, but then one of his characters weirded me out and I gave up on his books. Even though Robin Cook has slowed down and seems to be semi-retired, I still catch his books now and then. Jewel has introduced me to a few other authors like Mauve Binchy and John Grisham. But I won't get Crystal addicted to those authors, just Robin Cook. He was the first and being a nursing student, Crystal may identify with the settings his books take place - the hospital. But then she may decide she needs a break and will read Richard Paul Evans or Jodi Picoult. But when it gets right down to it, I hope that Crystal will be able to find time in her busy college life to read a good book or two while she is cramming for midterms and writing thesis.  
"What isn't tried won't work." Claude McDonald

For the love of chocolate I finally got Crystal's address. She texted it to me (and then I texted it to Jewel). I included Godiva chocolates with the Robin Cook book and a few other things. I mailed it off at the Campus Store post office. And then I checked everyday to see where the package was at. It took forever getting out of Salt Lake County, spent some time in Provo. On Monday I checked the status and it said it was out to delivery in Manti. I panicked and sent Crystal a text telling her I was so sorry that she would not get her chocolates that day. Just as I stepped into the Trax station at the stadium, I saw Crystal's text. She had just gotten the package and was so grateful. I think I am learning how the mail system works in a small town. Funny I grew up in a rural area. Things have changed since I've lived in the city, especially the postal service.

Crystal & Race for the Cure

In 2004, Crystal walked her first Race For The Cure. She walked for her Grandma Bee, who was a survivor.  When I told her brother, David that she was walking her 1^st 5K at the tender age of nine (she was actually two shy of being ten), he told me that I would have to carry her across the finish, if not most of the race. I picked up the t-shirts and bibs before the race. Crystal spent the night before the race at my condo and early the next morning we rode Trax. When we got to the Gateway, Crystal filled out her “I race in celebration of” and then had me pin her bib and card on the back of her t-shirt. She was walking for her Grandma Bee. I wore my bib in front and my cards in the back.  I was walking for Crystal’s Grandma too and my cousin’s neighbor who had been recently diagnosed with cancer. I was also walking in memory of Dixie Crystal, who was the reason I started walking the Race for the Cure years before.  About the time Dixie died of breast cancer, I got a pamphlet in the mail inviting to race in the Susan G. Komen (probably because I done the Salt Lake Classic).  Even though I didn’t wear a card at that time, I walked in her memory. Dixie was a teacher aid in high school and we grew up in the same ward. During the race I had Crystal call Grandma Bee on my cellphone and when we crossed the finish line, I had Crystal call David to tell him of her accomplishment.  Even when we got home, Mark, another brother, couldn’t believe she walked the whole 3.1 miles in less than an hour. I like to think that Grandma Bee got Crystal to the finish line, but then Crystal is no quitter. Besides, she had to prove all of her brothers wrong.

Crystal and I walked again the next year, but we didn’t walk together again until two years after that.  In 2007, Crystal not walked for Grandma Bee, but her Mom also. I walked for my sister, who just either finishing or just finished cancer treatments. When Crystal found her Mom was a survivor, she was bent and determined to run the Race for the Cure, but since Mom and most of her sisters were walking, Crystal had to walk the whole 5K. 

Due to a busy life, that was Crystal’s last Race for the Cure. She has since ran a few Salt Lake Half-Marathons and a few other races. But if she ever decides to do the Salt Lake Race for the Cure, I doubt her brothers will question her ability to run the whole 3.1 miles. After all she endured 13 miles.

GRADITUDE LIST FROM 2007-10

A few years, okay four years after teaching some Sunbeams (3-4 years olds at church), I decided to keep a running list of graditude and not wait until Thanksgiving to do it. As you tell by the list, I kept up with the list quite well, but as time went on - well, I got distracted by life. But since it is November and Thanksgiving is this week, I thought I would share the list that I have forgotten. (Its been over a year since I last updated the list.)

June 3, 2007
I am thankful for my ears. I can hear the car when it has problems with the battery. My ears also hold up my glasses so I can see.
I am thankful for my nose. I can smell things when something is wrong.
I am thankful for my eyes. I can see to read, drive and enjoy the beauty around me.
I am grateful for vans. They provide shade for my car on a hot day.
I am glad there are bus stops by my home; I can still get to work.
I am thankful for my feet, I can go places when I can’t or don’t want to use the car.
I am grateful for my free bus pass from the University. It saves me money, plus wear and tear on my car.
I am grateful for small pleasures. Chocolate cookies and other small pleasures help me seize the moment.

June 17, 2007
I am glad that my Dad still loves and cares for me. I sense his presence when I need him the most.
I am grateful for shelter, especially when it is extreme weather. Protection from the hot in the summer and protection from the cold in the winter.
I am thankful for my family. They are the best support system a person could ask for.
I am thankful for my friends, the Pughs. They are also the best support system a person could ask for.
I am glad that prayers get answered, even when it isn’t what I expected.

June 18, 2007
I am glad for service projects. It gives me that warm fuzzy feeling and it is helping someone out who needs it.

June 30, 2007
I am grateful for those who listen to the spirit. Tracina listened and she and the baby are alive.

July 8, 2007
I am grateful for my pioneer ancestors who never gave up, especially those in the Willie and Martin Handcart companies. Who would I be today?

October 26, 2007
I am glad for weekends. It is nice to have breaks from the mundane work week and the rat race. I am glad for five o’clock. It signals a change of scenery during the week.

November 11, 2007
I am grateful for water. It quenches my thirst, it is cleans me, it helps conquer drought conditions, it soothes me, it helps me cook, it puts out fires, it comforts me when sick, it refreshes me after a rainstorm, it washes my car.
I am glad for newspaper. They keep me informed and enlightened.
I am grateful for books. I can visit the world without leaving my home. I can learn to cope through other people struggles.
I am glad for photos that my family sends to me. I can keep up on the changes that happen to family members.
I am thankful for the friendships I enjoy; those at church, work, school, the neighborhood, the bus, family, relatives, where I do business and chance meetings.
I am grateful for examples. Those who set examples guide me in the right direction and are a good support system.

November 18, 2007
I am grateful for the University of Utah. Not only has it provided me an education, but thru the services available, I have found housing and jobs. I met people who have touched my life. It also provides me with opportunities to serve. There are payroll deducts to Road Home and there’s the Holy War.

September 30, 2008
I am glad that I was let go from Blue Cross when I was. If I was leaving with the rest of my department in December, I would be facing a worse economy. I have a job at the University of Utah and while it doesn’t pay what Blue Cross, I am working.

November 23, 2008
I am thankful for my family and friends. They are my support group. They love me regardless.
I am glad I have a job. The economy has gone south and I get quite a few calls from borrowers who need an unemployment deferment on their Perkins loans.
I am grateful for text messaging, Facebook and instant messaging. They are about the only ways to keep in contact with a teenager or young adult.

November 27, 2008
I am grateful for the things I have. I have what I need.
I am grateful for the simple pleasure of life. Smiles, a piece of dark chocolate, a text message are just a few of the simple pleasures I enjoy.
I am grateful for the kindness of others. A free computer, a roof over my head, etc.
I am glad that Crystal cheers for BYU. It has made the rivalry fun for me again.

July 25, 2009
I am glad for TV. I got to watch the parade on TV instead of getting sunburn watching it.
I am glad for UTA, it gets me around.
I am grateful for reusable grocery bags. They are so kinder to the fingers than plastic bags.

Aug 8, 2009
I am so glad for family. I enjoy their visits.

November 29, 2009
I am grateful for kindness.
I am grateful for my sight and for being able to see sunlight with impaired vision.

December 23, 2009
I am glad for friends who invite us into their homes and for former sunbeams who remember me.

February 8, 2010
I am grateful for those who have passed thru my life.

March 14, 2010
I am glad that the world is small. It is nice to go somewhere and someone you know, knows the same person.
I am grateful for friends and family.

August 15, 2010
I am grateful for those who give me a lift when I need to go somewhere.
I am glad I had the opportunity to drive last week.

Halloween Memories

Part I
Trick or Treat. But I probably said something like “Trickrtreat” and my brother, Steven and I may added “smell my feet; give me something nice to eat.” I am not sure our older brother, John dared us or if he bragged that was what he was going to say. If anyone of us did, I would not be surprised if the neighbor who answered the door rolled their eyes. I don’t remember going to many houses, so I usually came home with small loot. Living out in the country, we drove to the other farmers’ houses for our trick or treating. I never remember going into Paul or even Rupert or the big city of Burley, Idaho.
And I don’t remember my mom buying us store bought costumes, (hey, farming is risky business) so I had to use my imagination or my mom’s. I am sure she came with my first few costumes, but later I had to come up with my own. I may have dressed up as a hippie once since it was the sixties when I did most of trick or treating. Once, probably 4th or 5th grade, I dressed up as a bride. I don’t remember if I wore a white dress or not, but I used a fancy lacy double layered white half-slip as the veil. (Now, my niece, Tracina, knows why her toddler wore undies on her head once. Bella got the idea from me.). I vaguely remember some smart aleck male classmate making a comment about wearing a slip on your head. At the time I was mortified by the comment, but now I have to laugh. Hopefully, my young nieces have more class than I did. But at least I was creative and thought outside the box. Do I regret not ever having a store bought costume? No. I doubt I would have much, if any memories of my childhood Halloween adventures.

Part II
It wasn’t until after attending Ricks College and moving back to Salt Lake that I started to get in the spirit of Halloween again. I probably walked down to 4th South and 9th East to Safeway’s and bought a bag of candy. I probably had to buy a second bag because I ate the first bag before Halloween night. There were a few knocks on the door, which was a surprise because I lived in a 20 plus unit apartment building and went to a singles student ward at the Institute of Religion. The neighbors along 6th South did not know me. Even when I moved to the Avenues, I would get one or two groups of trick or treaters. After I finished at Utah, I moved south and lived at the Cherry Hill Apartments, a four building complex. Since I would take my adopted nephews trick or treating, I would leave a small or medium sized basket outside my door. When I came back, the empty basket would be waiting for me. I don’t how many trick or treaters came to my door or if it was just the neighbor children at the end of my building. When my brothers and I lived at Woodside, some neighbor children would always managed to knock on the door. One year Jay left the porch light off and no one came. I gave him grief. Since moving to our condo, no one, not even ward members with children, knock on the door. Most people now Trunk or Treat in the ward parking lot or take their little ones to neighbors who live in single unit housing. Apartments and condo complexes have the reputation of being occupied with strangers. I quit buying multiple bags of candy (except for maybe the office). Last year, Jay walked to FreshMarket and bought a bag of Tootsie Pops and Rolls. No one came, but we enjoyed the leftovers.

Part III
In my last semester at Utah, I began the tradition of taking my adopted nephews, the Pugh Brothers, trick or treating in their neighborhood. My first time included Steven, Kevin and two year old Darren. Steven took me on a whirlwind tour of the neighborhood. I swear he took us down one street twice, those neighbors looked mighty familiar. In fact one of them said something about seeing us before. Needless to say, I was worn out when we got back to the house. I was convinced Steven tried to break a world record. Kevin was able to keep with Steven, but I was challenged. I was carrying Darren, a heavy toddler. While Darren was silent most of the night, Kevin knew to say “Trick or Treat” when a neighbor presented a bowl of candy. But Darren wasn’t clueless when he got home. He had a look of pure delight while enjoying the fruits (candy) of his first loot. Steven probably stashed his loot in his room after enjoying a good share of his loot. Kevin probably did the same. I can’t remember if this was the only year that Steven went trick or treating with me. Mark joined Kevin and Darren after a year or two. And Jared and Crystal were probably 15 months old when they went Trick or Treating their first times. Not sure if either made it to the Jensen’s or not. I think Val was disappointed that she did not get to see Baby Batboy or the small scarecrow girl. Both only lasted 2 or 3 houses before they wanted their mom. Val would always give me a treat when I brought the Pugh children around. After awhile it was just Crystal and her best friend forever, Whitney that would go with me. When I moved to the condo, Crystal was providing her own Halloween entertainment. She like her brothers outgrew me. (When Johnny Jensen, the Pugh neighbor saw Whitney and Crystal in the above costumes, he kept telling them that he was going to eat them. By the end of the the everning I was calling them Chicken Soup and Rabbit Stew.) But I still have fond memories of trick or treating with the Pugh children. One year, Darren was sick, so I took a plastic sack and got him some treats. When we got home, David came home with another bag of candy for Darren. Between the two of us, Darren hit the mother lode. One year, Mark and Jared, (and maybe Darren) went to Fashion Place Mall after we went thru the neighborhood. I wasn’t too impressed with the penny candy we got and the long lines, so that tradition ended. We may have tried a different mall next year or tried it at an earlier time. As the years went by, there was less children trick or treating in the Pugh’s and my neighborhoods. Most likely, the neighborhoods were growing up and maybe it’s the annual Trunk and Treat that gets more popular as times goes by.

Partners in Crime

I wrote this at the end of August. My friend, Jared had just returned from his mission and I was at his home after his homecoming. When Jared's brother, Mark stuck his camera into thier sister's, Crystal's room, I was reminded of my younger brother and sister, Jay and Laura, who were partners in crime growing up. So here is what I wrote over a month ago.

In my book, Partners in Crime are siblings and the youngest two of a family. They are proclaim innocence to outside world, but older family members know not to completely trust them, because they are usually up to something together.
The first Partners in Crime I knew were my younger siblings, Jay and Laura. Growing up on a farm, we had to provide our own entertainment and this was before computer, internet and digital were words. During the evening Sacrament Meeting, both would make a fuss to earn a trip to the local drive-in next door. Eventually Mom caught on and made them sit tight in the foyer. I remember banging on the wall outside my bedroom during an early Saturday morning. Those two did NOT allow me to sleep in. Once, Jay and Laura kidnapped the camera and took pictures. My mother was not happy when the pictures were developed and she found pictures of the barnyard and Postal, the cat walking the fence of a corral. Jay and Laura got caught on camera snitching punch from the kitchen during our grandparents 50th anniversary celebration, which was at the church in Manassa, Colorado. While Jay finished high school and served his mission in Mississippi, Laura attended BYU. She went summers and graduated just before Jay started there in the fall of 1987. It probably helped that Laura moved with her husband to Connecticut right after her marriage. I think the State of Utah was relieved.

I have known Crystal and Jared since their births. Growing up, the two youngest Pughs had a typical sibling relationship. They got each other in trouble, but were also there for each other, even though they are four years apart. Jared would give Crystal rabbit ears in some pictures and Crystal made Jared wish he had a little brother instead of a little sister. It wasn’t until Jared’s homecoming that realized these two might be partners in crime when Mark put his smart phone just inside Crystal’s door. Jared was lying on Crystal’s bed getting a pedicure. Made me wonder what those two did to each other again.

Morning in Park City

Jay woke me up just before 4:30am. I took my thyroid pill, brushed my teeth and got dressed. John came by at 4:35am to drive us to Park City. Jay was running his 3rd half-marathon. We got there about 5:00am and after Jay picked up his race packet, we headed back to the Newpark Hotel and waited. The starting line was outside the hotel. While we waiting, we saw an old neighbor from the Valley View 3rd ward. Diane was there with two of her running friends, one who was running her 100th marathon. Diane has run over 70 marathons herself. Before long we found Tina, one of Jay’s classmates from Minico. We all missed Stacy, who has run the previous two half-marathons with Jay and Tina. It was good to see Tina’s mom again. She is Tina’s biggest race fan.

After Tina and Jay took off, the three of us watched the second wave of runners start and then I realized we needed to catch Jay and Tina leave Newpark for the road. John yelled out Jay’s name and I saw the back of him as he flashed thru the park. We both caught Tina, but when I took the picture, another runner came between the camera and Tina.

John and I left Newpark grounds and walked to McDonalds, where we had breakfast. I enjoyed my August hot chocolate while he ate his burrito and hash brown. Then we headed back to the starting/finish line at the Newpark Hotel. While we waited I got on Facebook and John slept in the lobby. At 8:30am, I went to the finish line. I called John to remind him that it was time. He was still napping when Jay rolled in at 8:45am. But he was there to see Tina come in, less than an hour later.




We took a few pictures, and then we left. Tina and her mom were heading back to a Salt Lake City and we were headed back to McDonald’s (before heading back to a hot Salt Lake). Jay needed his breakfast.

Something about Crystal

I was looking thru some files on my flash drive and I came across this. Crystal and her mom, Jewel recently came back from a two week stay in Ecuador. They had been doing volunteer work in the orphanages there. This reminds me of one of the ways Crystal got her start in founding one of her life's callings. Service often starts with thinking of others.

January 10, 2004 - I woke up in philosophy-kind of mood this morning. Maybe this is a good thing, because it caused me to think and if I share my thoughts, it might cause someone to think or have “oh” or even “a-ha” moment.
Last night, I was out at Crystal’s house again. The young woman (nine and half) had just come back from Hawaii after being there for almost two weeks. She had another time of her life. Crystal brought goodies back for almost everyone (and some for herself.) Postcards and bracelet for friends, t-shirts for the brothers and Dad, candles for Mom and Mom’s friend down the street. (Mom’s friend also spoils Crystal.) Crystal even bought me the chocolate macadamia nuts, I wanted from Hawaii. (Tell me who the spoiled one is here). And she knew her brothers would go nuts over the chocolates. (They were gone before I got there last night.)
On the way home, I thought of the compliment that I got on Christmas and five years ago.* And I realized that is what Crystal did in Hawaii. Crystal may be spoiled, but she does think of others quite regularly. I wonder if her brothers think of others like she does. Maybe Crystal thinks of others, because others think of her. It is that ripple affect.
Everyone knows of a selfish person who thinks of her/him and seldom think of others. I have noticed that selfish people can be bitter and what is sad, those around him/her are miserable. The selfish person blames others for her/his misery. So to rid yourself of misery, think of others. I am not the only one who is having problems. My co-workers have their difficulties, members of my family too. When I think of them, I know that I am not alone. When I do something for someone else, it lifts my spirits as well as theirs. And there comes the ripple effect. Maybe my thoughtfulness will cause them to think of others. And because others think of me, I am more likely to think of others. But when I surround by selfish people or associate with a selfish person, I tend to be more self-centered myself.
And so, Crystal made me think. She may be spoiled, but she does think of others. And in this selfish world, that is a good quality to have. Thanks to others who have shown her an example of thinking of others, she can have a rich life.

February 2, 2011 *can’t think of what the compliment was, but it probably something along the lines of thinking of others. Crystal cupided my door 2 years ago and one of the hearts read “u always think of others."

Bee

May 13th - On Sunday, I ended my last blog with one of my Facebook friend's post. She wrote that she had spent the afternoon and would stay overnight with her mother. She ended her Facebook post feeling as if she was in the presence of an angel. On Thursday just before I left for lunch, I dug out my Nook from my bag and logged onto Facebook. My friend's daughter (who is also a Facebook friend) wrote that she already missed Grandma Bee. After greeted with voicemails, I texted Crystal and Darren about the Facebook posting. Darren confirmed that indeed Grandma Bee had passed on when he texted back "Thanks".

May 14th - I could call Crystal and Darren's grandma "Aunt Bee", but that sounds so Andy Taylor. And like Nellie, I heard her often being called "Grandma Bee"; I was adopted by nine of her grandchildren, some of them from their birth. In some ways, Grandma Bee was like "Aunt Bea" on the Andy Griffin Show. TV's Aunt Bea cared and looked after the welfare of her nephew and his motherless son. Grandma Bee cared not only for her family; she also took those she knew under her wings. I once had the honor of taking her to one of Crystal's performances. While I wasn't family, I felt of her love and her care. I spent some time in her home and a favorite gathering place was the kitchen. It didn't matter how many children, grandchildren or guests came, there was room for all. And kindness was always spoken. Although her five children had established homes of their own, I always felt it was still home to them. When I called Jewel on Friday, she informed that her mom had saved money aside so that all her grandchildren could fly home for her funeral. 28 of 30 away from home are benefiting from this act of kindness. The two who can't are on LDS missions and will come home when their two years of service are completed. But I am sure, Elder Pugh and Elder Morris will be there in spirit.

May 18th - Abraham Lincoln's quote about his mother can apply to all moms, but I have to admit it does remind me of Grandma Bee. "All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." And if I had to pick a scripture to describe her, it would be Proverbs 31:10-28. Verse 28 sums it up quite well, "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." Her children, grandchildren and I hope great-grandchildren are carrying on her legacy of kindness. When I attended Scott and Kristina's wedding reception, I rode with Joy, Jewel's sister and Grandma Bee. When we enter the reception hall, Crystal who was helping out, saw us and made a beeline right for Grandma. As much as Crystal loves her aunts, Grandma Bee is her world. When I sent the Pughs flowers this week, I had written on the tag "Now I know why I called Crystal an angel; she, along with others, was taking lessons from Grandma Bee."

Crystal walked in celebration of Grandma Bee three times at the Salt Lake Race for the Cure. She now runs annually in the Salt Lake Half-marathon with family members. Those who run this event are known to race for a cause or two, just like the Race for the Cure.

Jared, his Sister’s Keeper

Last month, I wrote about Jared in “Walking Around the Block”. When I wrote about the lecture he gave me, I realized that Jared had been looking out for his sister all her life. Ever since, Jared’s toddlerhood, I’ve been telling him to take care of his mom. Little did I realize that he took that stewardship to include his younger sister, Crystal.
Once at the cabin, when Crystal was about six and Jared was ten, the three of us decided to walk down to Bear River Station, a convenience store and restaurant, which is (or was) along Highway 150. It meant a two mile hike along a gravel road. Quite a few light trucks heading to the highway passed us. Every time Jared heard a truck, he would walk over to Crystal and put his arm around her. Jared would walk on the outside so that Crystal would be safely on the inside. If one of those “honkin’ big” trucks was going to strike his little sister, they would have to hit him first. It was sweet to watch this as we walked down the road. Later that day, while on a family hike, Jared picked up a tired Crystal and carried her across some rocky terrain. When he carried her, I was reminded of a 70's song, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s my Brother”. There wasn’t much of weight difference between Jared and Crystal; through out grade school, Jared was always one of the shorter students in his class.
Jared and Crystal are typical siblings, they don’t always get along. Crystal once introduced Jared to my friend, Sarah as “the meanest brother in the world”. They had their fights, but they were friends also. Crystal has often turned to Jared for advice in her teenage years. Now that Jared is on a mission in California, she misses the talks they shared. When Jared called home on Skype this Christmas, Crystal asked everyone to leave the room, while she and Jared talked. Although, Jared may have been “the meanest brother in the world”, he is a favored brother. Jared takes his stewardship as a big brother seriously, giving his sister an example to follow. He guides Crystal gently along and with loving kindness. Jared is his sister's keeper.

It's the OJ

Most stories that I share come from the past, but I thought I would share this one because I laugh when I remember what my dentist said to me today.
Every Saturday morning about 9 a.m., I drink a tall glass of orange juice and eat a bowl of cereal with almond milk. (I am lactose intolerant, so I have to get my calcium in other ways.) I had a ten a.m. appointment. After a half hour from my house to his office, I had to visit the ladies room. Chuck (his family has adopted me.) worked on the finishing touches on my new crown, so the visit didn't take as long as the one before. And it was a less painful procedure, even without the usual drugs. While I waiting for the x-ray, I realized I had to pay another visit. So after the x-ray was done, I asked for permission again. He said that I had drank too much coffee. I had to laugh because Chuck is devout LDS like me. After I closed the door for the second time, I realized it was that tall glass of orange juice that was urging all the visits. So if you going to the doctor or dentist, don't drink a big cup of coffee or a tall glass of orange juice an hour before. Take my word for it.

Walking Around the Block

As Chuck & Jewel's children were growing up, I would often find myself at their house on the weekends. Invariably there would be a trip to Hardee's or McDonald's* and/or a walk around the block. I remember the walks the most, especially with Crystal. She had to do more than just walking.
Most of the walks that I remember were after Jared was born. One time, it was Jason and either baby Crystal or Jared walking the block with me. One of the neighbors offered Jason a can of Pepsi if she could hold the baby. And when Jason got home, he showed his Mom the Pepsi he got. It's a good thing that it wasn't a diet coke; he would have lost his reward. (Diet Coke & chocolate can be a woman's best friend.)
When Jared was still a toddler, he would ride in the stroller while we walked around the block. Sometimes I wanted to walk along the side instead of pushing the stroller and sometimes Darren or Mark would want to push. If Jared noticed me walking along side of him, he would turn around. If he saw Darren, he was content. But if he saw Mark, I had to go back to my duty of pushing the stroller. Mark was his best friend, so he didn't have a problem with Mark pushing the stroller, but Darren, I'm not sure why there was problem. I'm not even sure if Jared remembers why.
Shortly after Crystal was born, Jewel got a new stroller. (Jared & I must worn out the old stroller or Jared would not let Crystal use his stroller.) Being a avid fan of walking the neighborhood block, I took Crystal for a walk. And 4 year old Jared came along to instruct me. It came time to cross the street and I wanted to cross at the corner. (this is 1994 & not all street corner slopped down as they do now.) Jared told me to cross the street when we got to the driveway. But having pushing a stroller before (with him in the seat) I didn't want to wait and Jared finally gave up and told me to go ahead and cross then. Just as the wheels of the stroller landed on the street, baby Crystal let a loud wail. And Jared broke out the lecture. "That is why I told you not to cross at the corner." He said a few more words about my lack of judgement. Having been an experienced stroller rider, he knew how painful the bumps were that a corner crossing caused. The wise aren't always older.
Today, when I saw McKenna and Riley, Crystal's former neighbors, I remembered visiting teaching*** while walking with Crystal. Once she graduated from the stroller and started Primary, the walks around the block were often interrupted. It seemed as if Crystal wanted to visit teach one of her friends along the way. One time, we stopped at McKenna and Riley's house. I also remember Crystal once getting a phone call at Kylee's house. Mom was looking for her wandering daughter. When Crystal did her visiting teaching, I would often make a prediction that she would one day be a Relief Society president.

I will always cherish the time spent walking around the block. Those walks created wonderful memories of Crystal, Jared and their brothers. I hope they take walks with their nephews, nieces and/or children .

Maybe this why Jared never let Darren push him in the stroller

*Jason or one of his brothers always knew when I was hungry
**Deseret Industries - would be like Goodwell outside Utah.
***Once a month, a pair of women are assigned to visit and teach another woman or two in the neighborhood.