Candy and Fresh Snow

My name is Clint and I'm Abby's husband and Clay's, Lydia's, and Henry's dad. Abby has a beautiful insightful blog titled Oh So Well that tracks our family's journey. Along the way, Abby loads up her readers for a ride where we discover her witty language and timely topics. You may want to start with "Confessions of a Candyholic," "Dear Clay," "Determination," and "Open Letter to the Past Year." You will not be disappointed! I can only hope that this blog simply approaches the worthwhileness of hers. Here's her blog: candyandfreshsnow.blogspot.com

Language and Memory

Is language adequate to accurately articulate to another the pulsing knowledge learned from your heart? Why does memory abandon you or trick you into altering the past? Don't you sometimes, to necessitate communication, replace language with music, laughter, or crying out?

These questions were inspired by my reading of Leif Enger's fictional novel Peace Like a River, particularly the chapters titled, "Be Jubilant, My Feet" and "The Curious Music that I Hear." The narrator, Reuben Land, vividly paints his fascinating short visit to heaven with his dad. Despite the amazing description and recollection, Reuben falls short and laments, "What mortal creations are language and memory!"

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Priceless

I wish I could remember where I read it. It was just a short blurb in the middle of a larger article. Here is the part that crosses my mind often: a POW in Vietnam was allowed by his captors to send a letter to his family with a limited number of words.  Some of those words were spent on the importance of getting a family picture at least every year. This took me aback and made an impression.  Here's me with my 3 kids.
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4 comments:

  1. Salisbury FamilyMay 12, 2009 at 9:53 PM

    I believe what you are referring to is this quote by President Monson in October 2008 General Conference, Finding Joy in the Journey

    In the 1960s, during the Vietnam War, Church member Jay Hess, an airman, was shot down over North Vietnam. For two years his family had no idea whether he was dead or alive. His captors in Hanoi eventually allowed him to write home but limited his message to less than 25 words. What would you and I say to our families if we were in the same situation—not having seen them for over two years and not knowing if we would ever see them again? Wanting to provide something his family could recognize as having come from him and also wanting to give them valuable counsel, Brother Hess wrote—and I quote: “These things are important: temple marriage, mission, college. Press on, set goals, write history, take pictures twice a year.”

    Love you tons!!! Thanks again for a great celebration week last week!!! Love Abby

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gear GangMay 13, 2009 at 7:08 AM

    That is Priceless!!!

    You have such a beautiful and neat family.
    I love each and everyone of you so so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hardy PartyMay 21, 2009 at 11:28 AM

    The pictures are magnificent! We love you all so much, and it's great to have these. The kids grow up SO fast and the pictures will be there to remind you. Your family is so beautiful and we enjoy being around you all so much.

    Love Dad & Sondi

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  4. TammraMay 26, 2009 at 1:07 PM

    Oh my, what I would give for my own copy of that picture!!

    You have the best ideas.

    I love you.

    ReplyDelete

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