We have been on a road trip for a week, and I have grown so used to the motion of the truck that I am a little off balance on stable ground. As usual, there is no way to capture all that Richard planned for us. I haven’t had a chance to see all the photos that were taken, but these were the general destinations.♥️
I saw this image from the upcoming release of the film about Helaman’s army and it really affected me. This story from the Book of Mormon has found new pockets of meaning throughout the years of my motherhood. Even in these final months with a child at home, this story has fed my courage and resolve to be a valiant mother.
In family life, I have needed to be creative and determined in order to teach the gospel. Even now, as the last child moves outside my orbit, I am trying new methods, hoping to reach him in more effective ways.
Over the years I have learned to be more vulnerable and brief in my teaching, distilling my words to bring the most impact. No lecturing, no ranting, just direct, clear ideas are the goal.
I want my faith to be clear to them because their battles are real.
Well, we made it to our last piano recital, and it was a big one. It was a solo recital for Mark, and he played seven pieces.
I have heard nearly every practice session of Mark’s life in our home (11 years of lessons), but Richard and I enjoyed hearing his pieces played on this magnificent piano. Knowing all it took to get to this point made us really appreciate his interpretations and his growth as a musician and a person.
We had 44 in the audience. I wasn’t expecting that many, and we are touched that people came to cheer for Mark. Piano study is usually pretty solitary, unlike sports or band. So, having family and friends fill the recital hall to give one last hurrah for our youngest pianist made this a joyful night.
Mark hopes to spend a few days a week this summer working at Spring Lake. Last week, he left on Tuesday afternoon and came back Friday evening. I heard very little from him. This was the text exchange of the week,
I am thankful to my parents who welcome Mark to come and learn new skills.
A few weeks after Mark’s Prom, I discovered a backpack he had carried that evening in a corner of our mudroom. There were a few objects still inside, and I smiled to see some of what he had collected in order to be prepared: antacids, safety pins (only one remained when the evening was over), toys for entertainment if they had a long wait at the restaurant, snacks, a toothpick, a pencil, and dental flossers for braces. He also carried an umbrella and some other things.
I took a picture to remind myself that Mark knows how to prepare for a journey and that he knows how to take care of himself and others. This is a comfort to me.
Enjoyed: an evening at Young Women’s camp with the bishopric.
Finished: 18 pages of visa application forms and instructions with Mark.
Played: a piano and violin duet on Sunday with Mark at church.
Wrote: a song for Primary Day Camp for guitar, voices, and percussion.
Struggling with: sleep while Richard has been away at Young Men’s camp.
Looking forward to: Mark’s senior piano recital.
Preparing: pepperoni rolls for dinner.
Loving: strawberry season.
Reading: The Count of Monte Cristo.
Collecting: so many screenshots of our grandson during video calls. 😍
Procrastinating: weeding the back flower bed.
A current favorite Book of Mormon phrase: “Publish peace.”
And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth.
Mosiah 27:37
In a period of two weeks, Mark received a mission call, turned 18, graduated from seminary, received his Patriarchal Blessing, and had his braces removed. High school graduation day has arrived.
Sometime I hope to detangle all of the new memories that have arrived in a heap of everythings and goodbyes, paperwork, and spiritual highs.
I have made the decision to be happy. I am sentimental, but I am not dwelling on feelings of loss. This time in Mark’s life is a triumph for him and for me as his mother. It has been a blessing to raise him!
We are thrilled about the arrival of our first grandchild and we are having all the feelings and thoughts that you might imagine.