Living Legend

Mom's bishop has decided that one way to honor the older members of the ward is to share stories from their lives with others, so that all can benefit. He's calling it the Living Legends. A week or so ago, a sister in the ward came and visited with Mom for awhile. Mom thoroughly enjoyed the visit. When I walked up to the house today I found the Living Legends newsletter on the door.  It is being handed out to all the families in the ward. Here are two experiences, written by this sister, Mom shared with her from her life.

Favorite holiday memory:
When Janis was a Junior in High School, her family moved from Utah to Southern California. Her father had moved the family there to start a new job. The job fell through and the family struggled as he sought alternate employment. Since they moved in October money was still a problem as Christmas neared. Janis had two sisters near her age and one sister who is much younger. The parents decided and the three older sisters agreed to severely curtail their Christmas so that the youngest girl could have a nicer one. Each of the older girls go one piece of material, one record album, and a lipstick {these three things so typify my mom, and her family}. The parents got no gift.

It was a little grim with no snow and no friends, but the family gathered as it was their tradition to sing Christmas songs and carols around the piano. They were singing "White Christmas," when the doorbell rang and someone shouted "Merry Christmas, Carters." When they opened the door there were sacks of food on their porch. All the makings of a grand Christmas Feast and much more to fill the pantry for some time. It completely surprised and humbled them as they had never before been on the receiving end of such loving service.

It remains today, Janis' favorite holiday memory. Her father was soon employed and the family comfortable again. But from that day to this, her family has gathered around the piano to sing "White Christmas" and give thanks for their blessings and to reaffirm their intention to be totally generous to others at Christmas time. {This is a well known story among our family.  There has never been a family Christmas party where this song has not been sung, ususally through a flood of tears. Consequently, some of MY most favorite Christmas memories involve buying Christmas gifts for families in need and leaving in the front porch and running away as quick as we could after ringing the doorbell.  My Mom has continued to live the intention to be totally generous to others at Christmas time.}

This video is dark and old... 1992.  And it is great to watch! Mom is on the piano, and the "little" sister from the story is the one holding the baby in the video

A difficult challenge:

Mom's School Board Picture

One difficult challenge Janis faced was when she ran for public office and won. The loyal opposition quickly started a campaign of misinformation and intimidation to force Janis to vote for their agenda. When she did not do so, the attacks intensified. She was frequently questioned, even harassed in public. It became difficult to leave the house. She spent a lot of time reviewing her beliefs and motives; she shed tears; then she decided to continue to act with integrity. One Sunday as she sat in church singing the song "Reverently and Meekly Now," she was profoundly drawn to the words in the beginning of verse three. They resonated with her and she knew moving forward was possible.
     
       "Bid thine heart all strife to cease,
         With they brethren be at peace.
         Oh forgive as thou wouldst be
         E'en forgiven now by me."  - Joseph Townsend

Mom shared this story with me for the first time this fall as the presidential election was going strong. I am continually blessed by the stories and lessons from her life my Mom shares with me. She is definitely a Living Legend!

Update on Mom: Mom's pain was through the roof early this past week. We think in part because of the permanent tube in her lung moved unexpectedly.  Her lung cells continue to leak fluid and fill the pleura cavity with increased frequency.  We are still draining twice a week, but the amount of fluid has increased with each drain. We never know how each day will be as far as pain, discomfort and breathing ability.  As many of you have commented... Mom always looks good in the pictures we post.  She is a brave, strong women who has dealt with pain her entire life and is very good at hiding the pain and discomfort. She reads the blog and comments you all make, so if you feel inclined, leave her some encouragement and love.
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