A full day

Today started off wet. Yes, wet. There is a leak of some sort in our bedroom downstairs. I noticed it yesterday. I thought someone had knocked over some water and it was wet. Well, I was wrong. The wet spot has grown until it has taken up almost 1/2 of the carpet in our room. Laura and I had to move the mattresses, chest of drawers, armoire and the cedar chest from the room. It was heavy and hard work for a day of rest, especially when it would have been A LOT easier with some masculine help. It gave us, Laura and I time to reflect. Her comment was that we used to work like that together all of the time. My comment was that was 6 kids and 6 grandkids ago.... Yeah, I am getting old. What is frustrating is that my mind is young and tells my body to do things that it cannot anymore, yet tries to do. Wrong move! Anyway, we got it done and we are waiting for the insurance people, AGAIN.

Before all of the above-hub-bub, we were able to go to church. Well, it wasn't really church but a temple dedication. It was inspiring to hear the Prophet, one of his counselors, one of the 12 apostles, 2 of the seventies and a sister from the Primary Presidency speak. The over-arching message that I received was to go to the temple and listen. There is peace, tranquility and equanimity there that is found in no other place on earth. Even at church we compete with clothing and style but not in the temple. There are anwers and peace to be found by those seeking there.

I talked to one of my sons a lot today. It was James, back at Loyola in Chicago. He needed help putting a resume together. It's nice to be needed and useful to my children. I was also able to give blessings to 3 of my daughters (single) as they head back to school. 2 to the University and my baby to her first year of high school.

As I sit back and contemplate, I wonder where did the time go? I feel as is mentioned in the scriptures, "And it came to pass that I, Jacob, began to be old; wherefore, I conclude this record, declaring that I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream" That is the way my life feels now as I look back and wonder where did it all go? Was I a good father? Did I teach my kids right? (I know I married right so I know our children were well taught by their mother) Have I made a difference in someone's life? Have I been sensitive to the needs of others? Have I been a good neighbor? And, the most important questions, have I been a good husband? These are the things that keep me up at night.

I think I have been sufficiently maudlin for now. I am grateful for my family. I love my children, my son and daughter in law. I love my grandkids. I want to be good. Life is what we make of it. As for me and my family, I think it is wonderful.