If I were to write you a letter...

Journaling, "The Word", letters, a card and today's social media are all kinds of ways to communicate with others.  Who doesn't love to get a letter?

the family at HOME a long time ago

 My Mom had a wire Cat that held important bills receipts documents and a letter all so that if anything happened to her we would know how to proceed.  Every time she left town to visit family, (because those are the only vacations she ever took) she would update the "letter" and remind me of it's existence.  That letter haunted me.  I didn't want to know that it was there, but I wanted to know what it said. A conundrum!  What would Mother write that if she never were to see or talk to me again... what did she think was so important that each time she left it needed to be updated replaced and re mentioned??

One time we were out in Westport and one of my kids ask me what would I want him to do with his life when I'm gone.  It seems to be on my mind an awful lot these last few weeks Both the letter of moms and the question asked innocently at a ball park on a wonderful evening in Westport.  This week especially it has been on my mind.  I don't know if its the baby grands being here, graduations happening all around, birthdays coming up, my cholesterol being double what it should, my thyroid being out of whack, moving and moving again or a compilation of it all.  

1994 when we could walk her to the gate!

1994 Bye Mom!

My Mother was very good to come visit me - well us.  Every time I took her to the airport to go back to Arizona I would wonder if I would see her again.  I would go home and write her a letter. 

 It's all got me to thinking just this ... If I were to write you a letter this is what I'd say....

1. Happy Birthday.  I am so grateful to have been involved in your life.  Even more grateful to have learned, laughed and loved YOU.  You have taught me so much.  Love is a Verb.
 Don't YOU be the Weak Link.

2. Live each Day -- choose to be Happy -- Keep in contact with those you love.  Thank them for being part of your life. SHOW that you are Grateful.  Do your Best.  Don't over think everything.  Meet people greet them with a hand shake and smile, and then WASH YOUR HANDS!!!!  Actions Speak louder than words.  Remember be True to the Faith that you already have.

3.  Remember that people aren't perfect. Be courteous. Be Forgiving.  Do service for others.   Even writing a letter can be a kindness, a good work, take a moment and write a letter.  Don't Judge it will ALWAYS Kick You in the Butt!  Remember "the Lord sees weaknesses different than He sees rebellion".

4.  Always look after and protect those more vulnerable than you.  Protect the children and the elderly.  See their humility and their courage award them for it, and strive to be humble and courageous yourself. Life is about Learning...Wisdom is Knowledge rightly applied.

5.  Say Your Prayers Everyday.  Read your Scriptures at least one verse a day. Look Up.  Remember who you are. Ask God to help you. Ask Him anything!  Be still and listen.  Bare your testimony to someone once a week.  Tell someone that ONE thing that you BELIEVE.


My "one thing" is the Atonement.  I believe in this crazy Plan of Happiness.  I know that when I'm not striving to do these things, I'm not happy.  I agree it's a conundrum at times!  But I promise things will be ok IF you do the previously mentioned things.  I know that I felt the love of the Savior and the weight of my sins be lifted off of my shoulders.  It is my grounding point. A foundation. My one thing I come back too, if that day wasn't real.  If the feelings I feel for the scriptures when I read them aren't real then I'm not happy and when I'm not happy I over think, get depressed, and stop making the choice to do the previously mentioned items 1-5.  I could write 20 more things to make it an even 25, but I won't.  I mostly just wanted to write you a letter telling you I love you and asking you to be HAPPY HONEST AND HOME.   Because at HOME I know YOU REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE.

                                                 a letter written with love,
                                                        ksmsthemom!