Wednesday, January 11, 2012

"The Songs They Could Not Sing"

While I spent a wonderful two weeks with Lindsay, Morgan, Maximus, London, and William Mathie in Gainesville, Florida, I was practicing my usual habit of reading The Ensign while I blow dry my hair. I am a little behind and still reading the Conference Issue. I came across Elder Cook's talk and thought, "Oh great, this one is going to make me cry". But I was wrong. This is the talk about problems and adversities, and a lot of talk about The Titanic. In the end of his talk he says, "A unique challenge for those who have lost loved ones is to avoid dwelling on the lost opportunities in this life". He says it has been described as "dying with your music still inside you". While it is very hard to know that our grandchildren will miss knowing and spending time with their "papa" and all of the wonderful things that it means to know him and spend time with him, My Guy sang all of his songs. He never missed an opportunity to live life to the fullest. He would have chased more rainbows, but he didn't miss any chance to chase the one that was in front of him. I believe that is his greatest legacy. Somehow it helps. What I learn from his example is while I can't be spot on every minute of every day, I can aspire to do most things, mostly right, most of the time.

4 comments:

patty said...

I loved that particular talk, and I love that Bill so enthusiastically sang all of his songs, and apparently with gusto. Happy memories I hope will continue to comfort you.

Liz said...

Some of the greatest memories I have are of Bill singing, espcially in D.C.

Bill: "There's a blue bird on my shoulder..."

Lindsay: "NO THERE'S NOT!"

Norton Family said...

This is my favorite post !! thanks for sharing this with us. i wholeheartedly agree.

brooke said...

Inspiring post. Thanks for sharing.