First Cousins Once Removed!

A couple of months ago I got an email asking me if I was "so-and-so." I was a little concerned it might be a scam trying to get personal information. I replied, but didn't tell too much more than what I had been asked. Come to find out Anne is my first cousin's daughter on the Gent (my dad) side of the family. She lives in Georgia, but was planning on visiting her dad in Phoenix along with her younger sister, Janelle, and is extremely interested in family history.

I had written a family history book a few years ago about my parents and their ancestors called "Legacy of Love." It is filled with handed down stories documenting the history of the Gents, the Yeagers, the Warnocks, and the Whitmores as well as the Longs, the Baines, the Shields, and the Basims. I wanted to share the book with her and of course to meet her again. The last time I met them was at a family reunion in 1978! We have a picture of Anne holding baby Nick Jr.!

What lovely, fun girls they are, and believe me they got some of their gorgeous dark hair, blue eyed good looks from the Gent side of the family. I have the blue eyes, but not the dark hair (even before I turned "silver"). Their granddad, who was a very good looking man, is my Dad's brother.

Anne and Janelle and I became fast friends sharing family stories with each other. Hmm, found out some interesting stuff I did not know! I hope we keep in touch even though one lives in Atlanta and the other in Seattle. But thanks to modern technology (we are facebook friends!) and love of family there's no reason why we shouldn't!

My Parents

My mom and dad have been gone from this earth life for a long time, Mom nearly 20 years and Dad over 10. I remember as a child and even into my midlife years I never, ever thought they would die. I could not imagine being without them and their influence. You know, I was always their "little girl, their baby." I grieved for nearly a year after each death, probably feeling sorry for myself: "Why am I left all alone; it's not fair, etc. etc." Well, time does have a way of healing wounds and pain. I know they are busy doing whatever one does in the next existence, and I'm busy trying to do those things here that would make them happy.

Occasionally something happens, like seeing a picture of them, reading something either Mom or Dad have written, or whatever to remind me of the great legacy they left their family. Today, Father's Day, I thought about my Dad. I adored him when I was young; he was such a good looking guy, big, strong and could do anything! In his retirement years he spent quite a bit of time here in Arizona with us. I cherish those years. He softened a great deal after his sweetheart, my Mom, died. It was really hard on him, but that loss was a humbling and growing experience. I'm so grateful for my father and his example of loving nature, loving the Lord, and following the prophet. I love you Dad.

Summertime in El Paso

I went to El Paso this past weekend to watch Gens graduate from his intern status at the Beaumont Army Medical Center. It might not be as big a deal as his graduation from medical school (which I wasn't able to go to) last year, but it is a huge accomplishment for Gens and means hours of sacrifice for the family. I had a very fun time with the three "wild and crazy" grandsons, Dailan (5), Magnus (3), and Soren (15 months).

Watching the military graduation ceremony brought back so many memories of our time in the United States Navy. It was formal, dignified, and very specific. I love how my daughter-in-law, Nicci, makes sure she and her children are part of everything Gens does. It was suggested that the young children go to the child care provided for families. She said, "no, these kids need to be a part of their dad's experience." Go Nicci!

We took time for a little family walk around the block. I always thought El Paso was the armpit of Texas, but it's actually quite lovely. The weather was beautiful, cool and comfortable in the evenings. I am impressed with it and the good lives Gens and Nicci are providing for their children.

Funny story: there was a gentle breeze on Saturday evening when I was watching the boys while mom and dad were out to dinner and dancing with the other medical residents. The boys and I decided to fly a kite. To make a long story short--the frog kite flew higher and higher. It was magnificent! Until the string holder jumped out of my hand, over the wall, into the Rio Grande River and was lost forever! I am now looking for a replacement kite!

Keira's Blessing, and Thoughts

I wasn't able to attend Keira's blessing, but Jorgen and Amy posted after blessing pictures. She looks so cute in her little white dress and headband. Sure wish I could have been there for such a sweet occasion.

Amy, Keira, and Jorgen Goodman
June 6, 2010
Provo, Utah

I do want to share some stuff I've learned this week. When the kids were little I was running here and there with them, lessons, practices, meets, games, etc. I thought how can I get any busier? In fact I even used the rationale, "if I could just get in a little accident, then I would have to slow down." The kids are grown up and gone, but life isn't any slower. I've just filled it with "my stuff." This past week and the rest of the month is no exception. Last Sunday I was feeling a little overwhelmed with all that's on the agenda, and when this happens I begin to shut down.

Our Sunday School lesson that day was on Gideon and how he was told by the Lord to take only 300 of the thousand or so men into battle against thousands, because the Lord wanted both sides to know that Gideon and his men weren't doing this alone, they had His help. I thought of this remarkable feat as I wanted to scream and run away. What if I were to pray for strength and courage to face all I had to, would I get help? He did more than just help me with the busyness, He helped me find strength in my weaknesses. And this morning as I was filled with self-doubt, He blessed me with experiences to wash the doubt away. My calendar is still full, but I know I can go forward with cheerful faith!!