Remembering on Memorial Day

Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, those who fought in World War II, those who served in Vietnam, each of them and many more contributed to what we in America enjoy today. Our holiday this weekend is in their honor, and their memory.

A smile

There are few things more sublime than the smile of a baby. Maybe they don't understand a whole lot just yet, about talking or walking or all that other stuff that will come soon enough. Maybe they can't express the hows and whys of what they're feeling. But that smile tells you that right then anyway, things are all right with the world. And when you win one of those smiles, you just have the feeling that everything's all right with you too.

Nature in NYC

He told me that the sign at the entry to the park said don't feed the birds so he stayed outside the fence that framed the park and did just that. He was especially enthralled by the white pigeon that came to enjoy his crumpled up Ritz crackers.

He told me he was a Leo. I watched him share more than he ate.

He found nature in urbanity. And he fed it.

Staying young

Sweetest story of the week: The couple that went dancing on their first date in 1947. He told her he'd rather dance than eat and she fell for him. I met them at a big-band dance show at a local high school and heard the rest of their story. She told me about all the dances they'd go to every week in the early days. They told me they always closed the place. I asked if there were places now, besides this annual show, where they could dance. She told me they sometimes go to a dance studio in town. He said they sometimes dance in the kitchen.

Hooray for dancing in the kitchen.

New life

Light

'Twas light proclaimed the Savior's birth
At death the dark earth mourned
And those who lived across the earth
Knew signs by prophets warned.

A star new to the heavenly skies
Told saints He walked and healed
Then days of darkness, fear and cries
His death to them revealed.

Tho' distant now I find my life
From days He blessed and taught
I know He lives from signs and light
I know He's there when sought.

'Tis light that fills my soul with peace
To kneel alone in prayer
The worries, cares and fears release
When I, through Him, can share.

'Tis light that fills my days again
When I to scriptures turn
To read His words to women, men
And of His kindness learn.

The world is dark when daily tasks
Distract me from my aim
And thoughts regress to things long past
Regrets or doubts or blame.

But when I turn to Him and seek
For answers, mercy, more
My world is bright, my hope complete
A calm and joy's restored.

'Twas light that tolled the Savior's birth
'Tis light will bless each day
And while we learn and grow on earth
That light will show the way.

- Louise R. Shaw

Are you cuter than a fifth grader?

My favorite shot of the week was of these fifth graders writing answers as they played a local version of "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?" with leaders from counties throughout Utah. They answered quickly and confidently most every question posed, from "What is the system that keeps the three branches of government in line?" to "What is two squared times 11?" to "What is a homonym?" County officials deferred to their answers every time. And wisely so.