Words

 

“I have hated words, and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.” That is from The Book Thief. I have had this thought many times in my writing. I have also had this thought in life in general. Words can really be everything to someone. I’m not sure if you have seen this video going around Facebook, but I cried when I saw it.

We all have had our moments when we didn’t really believe we had worth. Where we didn’t think anyone cared, but it’s not true. As women we need to support each other and be there for each other always. I loved how that was the theme of last night’s General Women’s Conference.

I loved how Sister Oscarson, the General Young Women’s President quoted Marjory Hinckley. “Sisters, we are all in this together. We need each other. Oh, how we need each other. Thos of us who are old need you who are young. And, hopefully, you who are young need some of us who are old. It is a sociological fact that women need women. We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other. These friendships are a necessary source of sustenance. We need to renew our faith every day. We need to lock arms and help build the kingdom so that it will roll forth and fill the whole earth.”

Think of what we can do if we support each other. Think of what we can do with words. Think of what our words as writers can do for many people. We can encourage, inspire, support, make someone laugh, cry, and be able to keep moving on. I loved what Sister Wixom told of the 90 year old woman who said, “If rewriting life, I would not include some chapters. I would like to live a little longer to see how it ends.” I think it is true in all of our lives. There are definitely parts we would like to leave out, but those hard times, with the support of others is what gets us to the end.

In the movie Saving Mr. Banks, Walt Disney said, “George Banks and all he stands for will be saved. Maybe not in life, but in imagination, because that’s what we storytellers do. We instill hope again and again and again.” Writing for me is peaceful, it’s my therapy and medicine. If I can help one person with my words then I have done my part.

Be the words that saves someone. Make a difference in another woman’s life. Support each other in our failures and success. Henry B. Eyring said, “He sees the glorious potential in all of his daughters. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.”

Friday Faith- Joshua Dennis

Every year I write a blog post about my brother Josh and when he went missing 25 years ago. As a family we celebrate our Faith and that we have Josh with us.  My blog was mentioned on Mormon Channel and they talked about Josh's story. Unfortunately I deleted my old blog and started a new one. HERE is the Mormon Channel episode. Below is the post they were talking about.

Who our ancestors are and where they came from can impact our life and who we become. If they decided to get on a ship and come to a new world, we have a completely different life, because of that decision. We have that same affect on ourselves as well as our children. The things that we go through in life and experience can change things.

My family went through a life changing experience when I was only seven years old, when my older brother Josh was ten. We witnessed a miracle twenty-four years ago, it changed who I am . I have shared this experience a lot, but never really told it from my side.

First picture taken of Josh after his experience

 

It was fall of 1986. We had just moved into our new home in Kearns. I was in bed early one morning and woke my mom to me screaming. My mom ran in my room. She woke me up and told me I was having a dream and everything was okay. I was still crying and described the dream to my mom. "But Josh is stuck in a hole in the mountains. He can't get out! Angels were crying." My mom continued to comfort me and I was able to calm down.

September 22, 1989 I remember looking out the screen door as my dad and my brother were laying all their stuff out on the lawn. They were going on a Boy Scout camp out. Josh wasn't old enough, but the leaders allowed him to go since my dad was there. They had bags, sleeping bags and a tent. Josh teased me a lot, we didn't hang out together, but I was sad. Maybe it was because I wanted to do something fun, maybe I knew what lie ahead, I am not sure. They left and my mom surprised us with a sleepover at my grandma's house. I felt so much better.

The next afternoon my mom had left to go shopping and we were still at my grandma's house with my older cousins, who were babysitting. We got a phone call and my cousin answered. It was a neighbor Joan Venema. She was searching for my mom, and looked up my grandparents number. (Of course this was before the days of pagers and cell phones.) My cousin Tawnya hung up the phone and I remember her saying that was strange, that she was a little frantic on the other end.

My mom went home to put her groceries away and a neighbor came in the garage to talk to her. She learned that as the Boy Scouts were on their trip, they explored an abandoned mine. My mom was told that the night before Josh went in and never came out. They haven't found him since. I didn't see my mom for another five days.

Along with my younger sister Terra, and brother Jake we were picked up and taken to a neighbors house to stay. My grandparents had been out of town at our family cabin and weren't home yet. I don't remember exactly who told me, but I remember that my friends would talk about it and say that he probably died. I didn't cry, but I really wanted to know what was going on.

 

On Monday we were taken back to my grandparents, they were home and heard the news. My grandma was the best during that time. She wanted us to be happy and not worry about what was going on. I was still sad. I was the oldest after Josh and I knew a lot more than my sister and brother who were four, and two. My grandma and grandpa Budd wouldn't even watch the news until we were in bed at night.

I remember when we finally heard the news about my brother. It was a Wednesday afternoon on September 27, 1989. We were finished with lunch, and I asked my grandma if we could pray one more time. We were sitting in the kitchen at the counter, we prayed for Josh. I told my grandma if we could make him cards for when we saw him again. So we folded white paper and started coloring.  We drew so many pictures. Suddenly the doorbell rang several times in a row. My grandma went into the living room and there were screams, cries. I got off the stool and it was my grandma's neighbor. They were hugging and crying. She screamed, "He's alive. They found Josh!" I remember that I started to cry. I was happy, but I didn't say a word.
  

The next day we were taken to Primary Children's Medical Center to see him. He was surrounded by balloons, gifts, cards. Josh was smiling  We were a family again! I was so happy.

Joshua was with a group of boys, along with my dad. One of the boys was legally blind and was having a difficult time. My dad said he would take him out and told Josh to follow. Josh begged him to stay in the mine with the other leaders and boys. My dad and the boys turned to leave and Josh turned the other way. The lights ahead disapeared around a corner. He ran ahead to catch up, but just couldn't seem to keep up with the lights. Josh didn't have a light of his own. He decided to turn the other way to go with my dad out. He put his hand against the wall to lead him back out. It seemed to be taking a lot longer than it did coming in. It was also a lot steeper. He decided to stop where he was and wait. Surely they will come back and find him. Josh had followed a wall that lead him the wrong way. He waited and waited. Josh prayed, sang, and slept. He finally heard voices and yelled for help. They found him! He didn't recognize the three men that pulled him out. One of the men said, "It's okay Josh, we will take you to your mom and dad." Josh responded, "Just my dad is here, my mom is home." Josh was blessed with losing time. He thought he was only in the mine over night. He didn't realize he was in the mine for five days and nights. Josh had faith and was not scared. He knew that he would be found.
 “Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

 

We don't celebrate every year as a family, but separately we celebrate in our own homes. I have told my kids the story about Josh, taught them about faith, prayer and miracles. I think any experience good or bad you learn from. It can make you stronger or weaker. Luckily it has made us stronger. I learned at such a young age the principles of our church and used them in my life.

 

I asked my mom, Janeen Dennis, how she feels every year on this day. This is what she said. . .

"I always have two reactions when September 27th comes around each year---> The first thing that comes to mind is GRATITUDE! I will always be forever grateful for all the prayers, support and love that came from EVERYWHERE! So thankful to those who searched for Josh, the rescue, and that he was found A LIVE!

Next comes the memory of living through such an ordeal. Reliving those days with the concern for Josh---> Is he hurt? Is he scared? Would we ever see him again? The NOT KNOWING was the worst. I still remember the feelings of loss, heartache, yet feeling such a peace." 

There are dozens of stories and experiences that people had related to Josh, dreams, and feelings. There was even a death in a different state that we believe the man to be a guardian angel. So many things experienced in life can change a lot of lives. Just like I read about my ancestors, this will be a story that we can pass on for a long time to learn from.
 

Josh telling the kids his experience.

 

 

The family with our balloons!

 

 

I believe in miracles!

 

 

Margaret Calderwod Ruff

Looking through some of my husband's family pictures I came across this family George and Margaret Ruff. They are my husband's 2nd Great Grandparents. They struck something in me. I am not sure what, but I want to know more about them.

 

There are several pictures of their family and Margaret especially. I want to know her. I want to know what she liked, how she was as a mother. This just started last night, but so far I am not coming up with much. I will definately be making a phone call to Ryan's Grandma. I can't wait to know more.

 

 

There is something about old pictures, it is more than a name on a census record. You can see them, their eyes, their clothing, hair. It all says something about them. That is what gets me going. I can't wait to know this woman more, I know she has a story to tell. Learn from her and teach my children about their 3rd great grandmother Margaret Calderwood Ruff.

Happiness at Home

There are countless articles written about “being happy”. Is there a secret to happiness? It seems that the root of joy starts in the home. We’ve always heard that eating dinner as a family is one way to bring a family closer. In these days it is easier said than done with both parents working, soccer practice or dance. Here is a list of five other ways to make your house a happier home.

1-      Eliminate Stress by reducing clutter and noise

Stress can definitely take the peace away from your home. Keeping your house presentable with less clutter and noise can make you feel like you can enjoy your children and home more. Less worry about guests coming over can eliminate worry and bring a calm atmosphere.

2-      Rituals and Traditions

When kids and families have something to look forward to, it can make all the difference. Whether you have family traditions or want to start new ones, there are so many ideas that will make everyone excited. Here are a few ideas that you can start doing if you don’t already. Night time bowl of ice cream, morning prayer as a family, Sunday afternoon cookies-kids can even lick the bowl, Family game night or movie night, Big Saturday Breakfast, and Bedtime stories. Whatever your family enjoys—make it a tradition everyone can look forward to.

3-      Personalize your Home

Add character to your home that can be an extension of who you are. Souveniors from far-away travels always add a flare. Family pictures of you, or your children growing up are fun. Family heirlooms or ancestor pictures it can always be a great topic of conversation.

4-      Memories you Make

Color pictures together, clean up while singing a favorite song—loudly, and laugh often. Making all types of memories can make your house a fun place to be, that you can always remember.

5-      Make your Home a Sanctuary

Hold family meetings, ask about each other’s day, invite friends over to share your memories and love one another. Make your house a safe loving home that everyone enjoys being. Remember to just smile.