Laughing At My Own Funeral

On Sunday I had a bit of luck. I have often thought what a bummer it is that we can't be at our own funerals to hear all the wonderful words of kindness people were thinking while we were alive. Now I know what it feels like and it really made me laugh!

I was asked to give a talk in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday about the power and blessings of Primary (the Children's Program at Church). I was serving in that area until recently, so I guess it was time to share my "words of wisdom" of what I've learned. What I really learned is in the sidebar if you want to check it out, but it didn't seem too appropriate for church, so I came up with something else to share over the pulpit.

I introduced my talk by saying that I never liked babysitting, that I was pleasantly surprised to find maternal feelings when I gave birth, that I'm not patient, and no one's ever mistaken me for being "sweet", hence my surprise at being asked to serve in Primary. Well I don't think anyone got past that point of my talk. I didn't realize that when I said "sweet" (meaning, syrupy sticky, cutesy with children), other people heard "sweet" (meaning a nice person).

I first recognized my gaffe when an older couple came up to T & I and said, "You are two of the sweetest parents I've ever seen. We just love watching you with your kids." I kept waching Avandra, just waiting for her to jump in and clarify THAT misconception. She must not have been listening because she didn't say anything. A little embarrassed, I walked my kids to their classes. Then a young mother came up to me with tears in her eyes and a big hug, "I can't believe you don't think you are sweet! I think you are one of the sweetest people I know!" Now I was really embarrassed --completely cognizant that most of my fellow church-goers were convinced I have no self-esteem whatsoever!

Although two people made comments that showed they understood my meaning of "sweet", I also got accused (in a friendly sort of way) of lying over the pulpit. And remember I said that no one had ever mistaken me for being sweet? (T told me later that people must have taken that on as a personal challenge.) I think the funniest response was when a kind-hearted man said, "H, I just want you to know that you are often mistaken for being sweet." And then realizing his statement had come out completely wrong, he added, "You are a favorite among our family."

So thank you all for your kind thoughts. I feel very, very loved. And to clear the misunderstanding, I feel pretty fine about myself so don't you worry. I just don't want to hear at my funeral, "She was such a sweet girl, and she never even knew it."

P.S. And if you actually want a hint at what my talk was really on? The power is in the personal experience each child has as they come to Jesus (see 3 Nephi 11:14-15) and the blessing of primary is found in Isaiah 54:13-- "All they children shall be taught of the Lord and great shall be the PEACE of thy children."

Nominations Requested Please!

Hi Friends--

As some of you know, we are getting to the point in our lives where (finally) we need to make a decision about where we want to plant our family permanently. But where? T & I have talked about this for last 9 1/2 years of our marriage, and since we didn't know, we just shoved it off to the back burner for later. Now is later! YIKES! And since we still don't know where to be, I am requesting nominations of the best place you've ever lived or experienced.

Here is my very optimistic wish-list, in order of importance, but please feel free to nominate a place that doesn't meet all my criteria, since I know it's impossible anyway.

1. A great place to raise a family. If I could have a guarantee that wherever we went would be the best chance for my children to grow up safely and make good choices, I would move there in a heartbeat, regardless of the situation.

2. We want to live somewhat near family. Since we have family pretty much across the nation, that shouldn't be too hard.

3. Weather needs to be decent. Since it's below zero right now for me and everyone at playgroup today was talking about Seasonally Affective Disorder (winter depression) and what treatments work for them, I would like to put in a request for "sunny, but not too hot or humid". Is there a place where it is comfortable to be outside 8 or 9 months a year? Terms such as "wind chill" and "heat index" are not my friends.

4. Good community. I would love to live where people are good, solid, down-to-earth, faithful people, though not necessarily of my same faith. I think my current community fits that description well. I would like to be around people who think but aren't intellectually proud. I also really hope to avoid the consumerist competitive "keep up with the Jones'" attitude so prevalent in our society.

5. City/Country accessibility. T has been thinking more about living out in the boonies, which is funny since he's never lived there himself. As he says, "I keep meeting all these people who were raised away from cities and are still normal." I personally like the cultural aspect of cities, with the space and perspective of countryside. Is it possible to have both?

6. Not too much traffic or in a high-development zone.

What do you say? Where's the best place to be? Or only slightly less helpful, where do we want to avoid? I really appreciate your help!