Recall
those received in December — in the good old days we sometimes make fun of — now
few and “far between” (meaning: not often, like “my inspired moments are few
and far between"). This big one is
not like traditional Christmas newsletters that we are blessed (in my view) to
receive by mail in December, which I see as rare “treasures on earth” to keep and
digitize with iPhone. My wife’s family
resists the holiday urge, waiting until the year is over to capture a complete
picture through New Year’s Eve (and sometimes beyond). Then in early January, the pressure is on ...
like doing your family history.
Occasionally,
with pressure off during the remainder of the new year, we remember to pick up
the phone and take a group picture, likely a fun pic, and maybe another unforgettable pic, and make a few notes in our journal.
Take
the time ... as it flies by. Family
newsletters — a thing of the past ... and so precious.
In our Hinckley Family newsletter
published 1/30/2011, I read its history:
The
first issue … was printed in April of 1983. We have on occasion debated, as the
family evolves and expands, if the newsletter should be discontinued. But those
of us who have saved past issues know what a wonderful history it has become
...
Mother
Hinckley’s counsel in that very first issue:
“How
wonderful it would be if each member of the family felt a sincere
responsibility for every other member ... in our family circle ... [feeling
that] ‘I came into this particular family circle because my Heavenly Father
knew that I could be a blessing, a guide, and a help to this particular group
of people. And maybe I was assigned to this family to receive the special
blessings and helps that they, and only they, can give to me.’ ... making it
possible to continue as an Eternal Family. We love each of you, forever. – Mother and Father Hinckley”
In
subsequent issues Mother Hinckley wrote often of the need to strengthen our
family ties.
“In honor of Father Hinckley’s
100th birthday, the Senior[s] ... met at Cove Fort on June 24th for lunch and a
tour of the Fort. Every turn brought
renewed esteem not only for our pioneer ancestors, but for father’s vision and
will to restore that edifice. ...
On what would have been Father’s
100th Birthday, Saturday the 26th, we drove to his birthplace – Hinckley, Utah. Kay remembered his love of giant Hershey bars
[and] his addressing Mother as “Mommy Dear” …
She recalled the days when he and Mother remodeled … [Cannons’] home and
how the children never avoided Dad’s work assignments because they felt it was
a privilege to work for him. She says
she has a rolling pin that is dented and gouged. It’s hardly useable but she keeps it because
it reminds her of the time that Dad needed to move something heavy during their
remodel and asked her for her rolling pin. He used that tool to move a large slab of
cement … which subsequently marred the rolling pin. It is a sweet memory for her.”
What
will next January’s (2020) newsletter look like?
Memories
... with love.
Hinckley home, 26 June 2010
(for sale years later, which got Kay excited)
