Important Things

My sister Lucille died unexpectedly May 27. It was exactly 2 years to the day after her husband Keith died. Since she lived in Utah and the funeral was a week later, it was a great opportunity for me to go on a car trip with Justin. Bob was not able to travel by any method since he had total knee replacement surgery May 11; both he and I were disappointed and sad. But the drive gave me some time to catch up on Justin's life and to buffer the transition from home to the funeral and time with Lucille's family.

I've been listing--in my mind--important realizations this experience has brought to my attention. These are things that are always important, only now I'm more aware. And I pray for the good sense and guidance of the Spirit to help me remember as time goes by.

1. If you can in any way manage to see your distant family members more often than you have, do it.
2. Hugs mean the world to us, even if we don't admit it. Hug those you love.
3. Say, "Love ya!" at the end of every conversation or visit. It only takes a second, and we can never say or hear it too much.
4. When you are feeling blue, get up, get dressed, and find a way to serve someone.
5. When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts, end your pity party by insisting on writing down at least 2 positives.
6. Read more, especially the scriptures.
7. Watch TV less, or not at all on days you are feeling strong.
8. Listen to music that makes you happy, or calm, or wild. Sing along. Make up words if there are none or if you don't know the words.
9. If you are LDS, go to the temple more often.
10. Contact at least one family member not living with you once a day. (Optional for those with children living in their home.)
11. Be generous with back rubs and scratches
12. Never be too busy to talk with family or friends.
13. Ask what you are to learn from a particular day or a particular incident, and listen for the answer.
14. Take pictures.
15. Journal.
16. Send "Thinking About You" cards or e cards.
17. Sing in the shower.
18. Sing while driving your car.
19. Pray while driving your car. (Those are some of the best prayers!)
20. Be patient.
21. Be aware. Really look at the world and those around you.
22. Listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and FOLLOW them. How often have we heard and not done? I'm guilty!
23. Do genealogy and go with family to do temple work for your ancestors.
24. Decorate your home nicely because it is your daily temple.
25. Make your home a refuge of peace for all who enter.
26. If anyone needs an "adopted" grandma, mother, sister, aunt, or whatever, be that.
27. Drop whatever you are doing when a friend calls and listen--or talk, if that what is needed.

I could go on. But enough for now. Just remember "IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER." It's at the top of my blog and on a plaque I bought 2 years ago and still haven't put up on the wall! Decorating our house is something I will be working on the rest of the week, and the plaque will be one of the first things I'll take care of.