reading and writing

Already overloaded with books, I bought more this month and thoroughly enjoyed reading them.  Call it OCR — obsessive-compulsive reading (not optical character recognition, as some readers may think).  Especially worthwhile: scripture and history.  What good did it do me?  I could write a book about that!

Journal writing in three forms also occupied my time.  Most, if not all, will never catch our posterity’s attention.  Nevertheless, it helped me navigate life this month.  Is writing a lost art?  My favorite English teacher, Kay, worked hard to help it inspire her students, including me.  Her influence never ends, thank heaven!

Indefatigably Independent

Does an uncommon word ever pop into your head, like coming from nowhere?  An adverb did to me: indefatigably.  Naturally, iPhone confirmed my aging, vague memory:

“indefatigable — (of a person or their efforts) persisting tirelessly: an indefatigable defender of human rights.”

If I were a writer of book reviews, my next pick would be one I’m reading: Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus — Life, Lessons, and Leadership, c. 2022 by H. H. Leonards.  The author shares firsthand experiences about her indefatigable friend and mentor, Mrs. Rosa Parks.  If you like true stories, you know where to find this gem as I did.

The book relates to independent living in difficult circumstances.  In 2005, the persistent defender died in Detroit at age 92.  Can’t say I’m tirelessly independent as she and my wife Kay are ... beyond the veil.  I like to think my defender of the faith has met the amazing, loving woman, Rosa Parks. 

Recalling Easter

Having enjoyed a peaceful celebration last Sunday, I recall my writing since starting this blog.  (As a “Tuesday with Kay” today.)

Easter 2011, my post quoted George Q. Cannon (11 Jan 1827 – 12 Apr 1901) about resurrection: “... the word of the Lord is very clear and definite. It leaves no room to doubt ...”  I concluded with my own testimony: “Yes, there is life after death, and families can be forever.  I know that Jesus Christ lives, and is the Savior of the world.  I will be eternally grateful for His sacrifice.”

My favorite post on Easter was in 2013, quoting my mother’s description of “a quiet garden scene” in 1972.  In a sacred meeting at “The Garden Tomb ... President Lee said again that he felt impressed this was indeed the place where Christ was laid after his crucifixion and where he rose from the dead.”

Sharing my joy on that special Sunday in 2015: “We celebrate Easter because Jesus Christ lives."  In 2016, I recalled a 2007 Easter message by Gordon B. Hinckley, then President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “Mortality is but a stepping-stone to a more glorious existence in the future. The sorrow of death is softened with the promise of the Resurrection."

My “Easter Impressions” in 2017: “Burdened with details of preparing for major changes in our life ... [Kay & I ] are so ready to pause and ponder what should be everyday remembrance ... of our Savior’s sacrifice and eternal love ...”

In April 2019, “My Hope” looked forward to “a joyful reunion with my eternal companion [Kay] and other loved ones who have passed on.  Life is good – here and in the hereafter.  I hope you will feel true joy during this Easter season and in years to come.”