A Place to Write

"I'm finally a first grader," you say as if you've been waiting for this time to come forever. You're not actually a first grader but you did graduate from kindergarten so I guess it depends on perspective. You've said this to anyone and everyone who strikes up a conversation with you over the past few weeks and you've said it to me more than once. I think you're finally feeling like a big girl and this is proof--you're finally a first grader. I'm convinced the only reason kindergarten graduation is held is to give parents a chance to cry. Me and Dad were both there as you sang "Here comes the Sun" and walked across the stage to grab your "diploma." You were so excited. Each student drew self portraits which were printed on t-shirts for the ceremony. I think yours is the best in your class. Definitely the most personality! And your teacher, Mrs. Hunsaker, says you are the sweetest student she has ever had. A few days af...

We traveled to Salt Lake this week to participate in Brendon's orientation for his new job as a full time seminary teacher and as I look back over the past two days I feel like the best way to describe it is uplifting. No other job compares to this one. No other company will tell you you will change lives and you will prepare a generation for achieving eternal happiness. No other company will tell you exactly how to be worthy of that charge. There is a lot of pressure with this new position. We, as a couple, are encouraged to be ambassadors of the Lord. We are encouraged to be examples of an exemplary marriage and a Christ-centered home. We are encouraged to be lifelong learners and to respectfully accept criticism. We are asked to love the unlovable. For the next two years Brendon will teach full time while also completing some projects, meeting regularly with a mentor, and continually being observed. At the end of the two years he'll be encouraged to get a Masters degre...

I'm crying in my work parking lot. And the image I have in my head is of you laughing at me. Laughing for caring. Laughing at my sensitivity. Laughing at my beliefs. Because I believe in kindness. I believe in treating others the way I would like to be treated. Always. I don't steal. I don't use words that are offensive to others. I don't put myself in any situation that could possibly cause harm to another human. I've never been in a situation where I felt like in order to survive, I had to hurt someone else. You have. And so now your mind is tainted. The urge to steal is always present. Doing whatever you need to do to be comfortable is what is most important. And that breaks my heart. Because I believe you are good and it feels like through that conversation you are doing all you can to convince me otherwise. You cannot see the good in the world. While on the surface I'm hurt because you LITERALLY laughed and said "don't put your beliefs on me...