Sometimes it is the things you like least you gain the blessings you cherish most. I got a call the other day to write a little about Jenna. Wow what a blessing. After a little reflection I realized I don't tell my kids about the blessing they are in my life. Each one really adds their unique influence on my life and I appreciate their influence. They are so good to me. I'm glad to be on this journey of life with them.
Anyway, here is the bit I wrote about Jenna.
Jenna Harris is a fun loving, conscientious young women. Her smile is delightful and her laugh is contagious. Full of conversation, she drives away the silence of solitude and fills it with fabulous friendship and fun. She has a way of taking the everyday and making it extraordinary. Her attitude of consideration for those around her shows in her conversation and sensitivity to each situation.
Deep down she faces the same challenges of uncertainty experienced by emerging high school students, but to see her interact with friends, associates and strangers you would not know it. She has a quiet confidence which seems to stem down to her very soul. This deeper strength reveals itself in a variety of settings.
Jenna's recent responsibilities as "Mary" in Davis High's presentation of The Secret Garden shows this strength. After each performance she would ask the anxious questions, "How did I do?", "What worked?", "What can I improve?". It might of appeared she was lacking in confidence; however, before each performance she would draw on her inner strength and would perform with a grace and gratitude larger than life. The balance of being an innocent little child in the part of Mary merged with the maturity required to command the spotlight as Jenna provided each audience with a richly entertaining evening. People were touched because the acting did not get in the way of the meaningful message. A wonder to watch.
Each day is another day of delight for those who know and deal with Jenna Harris. Each of us can embrace the surprise of spontaneity we will experience as we interact with this young woman and her associates.
Hope you enjoyed. Best of a great new day enjoying the pains and blessings life provides.
My friend, Steve Allen, passed away today. Every morning Steve and his family deliver newspapers. Foul weather, holidays, illness or car problems have not stopped this family from delivering the paper. Years of diligence and consistent performance. Amazing.
This morning Steve was not feeling well. He has had some unexplained pains in his legs for the last few days. Friday night he was walking with a limp. In his usual way, he discounted his discomfort and expressed hope the doctors would come to some conclusion this week.
Sunday morning Steve was delivering newspapers as always, despite the pain and discomfort. Around 6 am he began to experience pre-heart attach feelings. (He has had several of these attachs before.) He called his daughter to have her bring his medicine. Once he took his medicine without response his daughter said we are going to the hospital. Steve insisted in driving his car to a nearby church so it would be easily picked up. Then off they went.
The hospital was advised of Steve's condition en route. On arrival, Steve was telling the staff of allergies, medications, his doctor and such. Then it happened. Massive heart attach. His daughter ushered out as the hospital staff launched into life saving measures. Despite their valiant efforts, Steve Allen passed away. Today was his time to return home.
When the doctor came out to tell the family the end results, Steve's daughter was the only one there. Where was the family... they were finishing newspaper delivery. What an amazing family.
Steve Allen did as he always does, perform his duty despite personal pain and discomfort.
So today... for Steve Allen ... newspaper delivery done.
We love life, enjoy laughter and delight in the joys of the season. We marvel at the tender mercies extended through the gift our Savior. How grateful we are!
Our family continues to evolve. Each person contributes to bring joy and happiness to the lives of each other. We love our added sons and are glad to gather as occasions arrive. It is always an adventure with our ever expanding family. What a joy!
Jenna made the lead in the High School Musical, The Secret Garden. She did a great job playing Mary! We are proud of her and the hard work she put into it! She was also part of the Homecoming royalty at Davis this year! She looked very pretty! Now she is talking of internships and college. Gearing up for the next adventure while reminding her parents how glad they are she is at home with them.
Lara and Joey spent the summer in New York and South Carolina. What an adventuresome extravaganza they had! It is nice having them close by again! Lara is working as a Communications Assistant. Joey had a successful hunt even though "his" showcase buck eluded him. Both are savoring the last few weeks before jumping back into school in January.
Janeal and Terry are both working full time! Terry finished his schooling and graduated in June. He is busy exploring the slopes and started Eye First Graphic Design. Janeal continues to beautify the world one head at a time as a "Stylist". They have a good time together.
Tyler is still working for Farmington City. He works hard and fills many different positions. More recently, he got me to work with him building his RevvNRG business. It's fun to work together in a "GOOD Enterprise" as we tackle the challenges of building a business.
Lanae and Ryan are both in school again. Lanae is working on her masters degree in Nursing Instruction. Ryan is finishing his MBA in May and working full time! Their oldest, Nathan, started Kindergarten and is thriving. Ruthie is talking everyone's ears off! They sure have their hands full. Somehow they managed to remodeled their kitchen cabinets too. Really nice. We love to see the "grand" kids! (Their parents are OK too!)
Kaylene and I decided to update several rooms. We started with the bathroom, went through our bedroom, and then changed the music room! We finished it off by adding color to the living room and hall. We love our home and are happy with the results especially when our family and friends come by to enjoy it with us!
There was a time when bedtime stories were in the daily flow, Christmas stories from long ago. Now, the stories of the past become the presents they bring as we build our future festive memories.
Bregetta, our neighbor died today. She was 100 years old and called me a "Smart Alec" just 4 weeks ago. I was honored. The last few weeks have been hard on the family and on Bregetta. Life is amazing. Bregetta made you appreciate what you can do with what you are given. The last few years she lived in the chair in the living room serving the world. That is right. She knitted caps and socks for premature newborns, Leper wraps and doilies for friends and family. She was always a joy to visit with as she would share a story of service from her past.
Today at church they announced her passing. The significance of the event did not seem to register. The announcement came across as just another event. It was not intended to be disrespectful. Here is how it came out:
... We got news just before this meeting. Earlier today Bregetta died. (slight pause) There is no vollyball this week. (pause) Next week Thursday there is a skills clinic for volleyball at ....
The announcement was likely made in the context of "life goes on" even on the day a centurion dies. It left me with an empty and hollow feeling.
Life goes on for each of us. Tomorrow will again be "The first day of the rest of your life... Live it like it is your last because someday it will be." Like it was today for Bregetta.
Reading earlier this week in The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson I read some thoughts about what others think about us. How at our funeral only a few people are likely to cry. It also stated that what will determine if people come to the actual burial is the weather. If it is raining 50% are likely to be "No Shows".
So, what is it we can do today to be of good in the world like Bregetta was from her chair. Can we see our own funeral or the last day of our life? What will those we love be saying about us? Can we visualize today what those attending our funeral will say to about us. It is likely many will not be crying. What will the people in our lives today remember when they hear about us in a passing announcement someday:
"... Earlier today we got news that __________ passed away. (Slight pause) There will be no volleyball this week..."
