Walk Tall, You're A Daughter of God

There are ups and downs in everyone's life. This week I had many more "ups" than "downs." It was needed, and I feel spiritually recharged. I feel motivated to read my scriptures. I feel enthusiastic about my mission in life. I'm determined to be a good wife, mother and attorney.

We raced through Nevada on Saturday to make Stake Conference on time. While the adult session was good, I particularly enjoyed the general session where the Young Women sang the familiar song, "Walk Tall, You're a Daughter of God." In the same session one speaker mentioned how his daughter had a congenital heart defect that caused a brush with death. She dropped to the floor quite quickly. She received a priesthood blessing on the spot (from a member vice principal), and lives on today.

She's very lucky. It was nearly 13 years ago when a good friend of mine, April Thomas, died from the same congenital heart defect.

We had just returned from a Youth Conference trip to Kirtland, Ohio. April and I wandered into the orchard and read the dedicatory prayer to the Kirtland temple. It was sacred and special. That fall she went off to college. It was only a few days into the school year when we were pulled together after seminary and told that she had died suddenly (she dropped to the ground after a round of B-ball. She always was a rather violent B-ball player -- fun times -- but it wasn't the b-ball that killed her. It was her defective heart). I remember singing this song at her funeral, feeling so close to my friends, to April and to God. It was an awakening, of sorts, to my own mortality, and the first of many conversion moments.

Walk Tall, You're A Daughter of God
By: Jamie Glenn
Right now I have a prayer deep within my heart,
A prayer for each of you there is a special part.
That you remember who you are and him who lives above.
Please seek for him and live his way; You'll feel his love.

(chorus) Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God.
Be strong and remember who you are.
Try to understand, you're part of his great plan.
He's closer than you know, Reach up; he'll take your hand.

Long before the time you can remember, Our Father held you in his arms so tender.
Those loving arms released you as he sent you down to earth.
He said, "My child, I love you. Don't forget your great worth."

(chorus) Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God.
Be strong and remember who you are.
Try to understand, you're part of his great plan.
He's closer than you know, Reach up; he'll take your hand.

So, hmm. O.k.

So apparently my immigration correspondence made a link on Times and Seasons. I was wondering why I started seeing comments from complete strangers. Not that I mind. Not in the least. But the whole thing makes me a little self-conscious, to be truthful. I thought about going back and sanitizing my rant. Taking out the word idiot. But that would take away from the authenticity, don't you think? So I'll leave it. I wrote it knowing it was open to public. My .15 seconds of slight LDS fame will be quickly over, regardless.

So while clicking around I found this WONDERFUL editorial from the Deseret News exploring the complexities of the immigration issue.

Also, check out this link Ben Reed sent me from the LA Times. Theirs is a touching story and, unfortunately, more common than you'd think.

Growing Up is Hard for Mom

School starts in 12 days and can we get something out on the table: I'm thrilled. Being an only child has to be so boring. Lola does her worksheets, watches programs on PBS, plays on PBS.org, watches movies about the human body (her current obsession), throws barbies, swims in the pool -- all by her self. She asks me every night when she goes to bed, "what are we doing tomorrow?" and no matter what I plan for the next day, it is never (and will never) be enough. I know. I was (and some stay I am) just like that - thus my dad's phrase, "Life is not a carnival." I did, however, have 4 siblings with whom to fight, I mean play.

Kindergarten? Well, that should rock. We've discussed that she's academically there. Not worried about that. Socially? She's slightly awkward/bossy/cliquish. Being around other kids will be good for her. I'm excited for her to break free of this boring, very adult household for 4 hours a day.

Getting dressed for kindergarten, well, that's the problem here. I suppose I envisioned her wearing something along the lines of Gymboree or Janie & Jack. The truth is, however, that we cannot afford to buy Gymboree, let alone Janie & Jack. That leaves me with Children's Place, Penney's, Target. "Not so bad," I think to myself. And then we go school clothes shopping.

The stores in our budget range also happen to have a rocker, 1980s theme going on, and I'm not too happy. Preppy 1980s I can deal with - albeit without the tight white jeans. But black lace tights and t-shirt dresses with elastic belts? I'm horrified. Lola is in love.

Confused, I ask, "what do you like?" she responds, "I want to look fashionable. Like a rock star." Crushed are my dreams of pleated skirts and knee-high socks. My girl wants to look like Hannah Montana (whom she says is a great rock star, but hasn't seen very often given the lack of cable in our household).

So, we compromise.

We get the plaid, pleated skirt. And the matching "Girls Rock," hoodie jacket complete with metal studs. I did get the knee-highs. We buy plain jeans with a little leopard-print pink shirt (oy). She expresses her individuality, I bring it all together into an outfit that doesn't make me cringe.

I have a feeling it's not going to get any better.

When Common Sense Prevails

Tina Writes:

I would like to ask for your forgiveness for my outburst. I am outraged at what is happening to America and I overreacted. Please forgive me and I apologize for my behavior.

It's Gonna Snow

2 blog posts in one day? Seriously. That's crazy business. Speaking of business, mine is going well. I love what I do. Love my clients. Don't love the stress, but I manage. Another thing I don't love: being stood-up, attorney style. That's right - no call, no show clients. Is it me? Is it them? I didn't want that case anyway! Ugh!

It's a good thing I don't drink, because I might totally pull a Liz Lemon drunk dial. See this: too funny.

I'm Destroying America, Apparently.

So I put an e-mail out there to the informal Relief Society listserv asking for a Spanish translator. I figured it would be perfect for an LDS returned missionary mom. I offered pay. Said I had a few documents for victims of violent crimes. I received several good offers, and I will be employing a number of women in my ward to translate for me.

I thought the idea was great: I get docs translated, women in my ward get a little extra pocket money translating documents. They don't even have leave the comfort of their pajamas. Keep in mind, I said nothing about the legal status of my clients, nor did I advocate immigration reform. I just put a job out there. Period.

Well, I wasn't ready for this. Let's call this woman....Tina. Totally fictionalized name.

Tina:

Hopefully your getting them ready for deportation instead of getting them ready to spend our taxpayer money.

My initial reaction: shock and hurt. I know what she's implying, but it's untrue. I have wonderful clients who were grossly abused and qualify for visas because they were truly helpful to the police. Not trying to start a fight on immigration, but feeling that I can't stand idly by and take her nastiness, I reply:

Please don't contact me unless you have something constructive to say. If you have issue with immigration laws, I suggest you speak with your congress person. Your judgment of me and my clients (who are hard working victims of violent crimes) is hurtful and untrue. I would never do that to you.

Are you ready? Here comes the real nastiness (mind you, this is a fellow ward member).

Tina:

It's people like you destroying what's left of America...if you don't want to be criticized quit displaying your unethical and morally wrong profession in an email to everyone...I don't support and will everything I can to rid this great nation of those type of people...and those supposed ill trained lawyers who help them.. Why aren't you helping Americans that have been victims of violent crimes from illegals?? You'd find many more ambulances to chase.

Don't bother answering back...

Now I'm starting to get really ticked. All I asked for was a translator! I wasn't calling the ward sisters to picket San Francisco for immigration reform. But to call me unethical? Call me an ambulance chaser? Call me ill-trained? What? Tell me I'm destroying America? I'm tempted to puck this girl in the face. Ok, now I'm thinking more charitable thoughts. How do I respond politely? I can't just let this go, can I?

I'm the wrong woman to slander if you didn't want a response back. Personally, your view of immigration is immaterial; your treatment of a sister in the gospel is reprehensible.

I wish you the best in life, even if you wish I died underneath one of those ambulances I chase.

Love, Sarah

And the third dose of nasty:

I found your initial email reprehensible...Why do I have to have emails sent to me from someone in the church that is actually helping illegals take bread out of the mouths of real Americans, or living on welfare supplied by Americans for nothing in return?? Why do you feel justified as a "sister" to have sent to my email something I'm on the other side fighting to stop. Next time...make sure your emails are STRICTLY church oriented and don't have any political implications...not everyone in the church is as bleeding liberal as you.

Let me reiterate. I merely asked the sisters in the ward for translators. THAT'S IT! I don't think that's a big deal. Not only that, but my money will undoubtedly put food in REAL AMERICANS' mouths - Real American LDS families. I advertised it to the ward intentionally. I'm sharing the wealth with friends who might need a little extra cash.

Since when does this make me un-American? Also, I wonder if the people who advertise their strollers for sale get nasty-grams from her. WHAT DO STROLLERS have to do with church e-mail? Why don't you let the leaders tell me this is inappropriate? Who are you, the Relief Society e-mail nazi? Seriously. And what is she fighting, exactly? Is she trying to get every Hispanic deported? They call that straight-up racism where I come from. Exhausted from arguing with an idiot, I declare myself done.

I tell her, "God Bless," and she replies likewise.

You would think I'd be tough enough to take it, but I was shaken. I know there are people who disagree with immigration policies. Frankly, who doesn't disagree with them in one way or another? But to call me unethical. To treat me like a lying, scumbag traitor is going too far. I especially didn't expect this from a "sister." And despite it all, I forgive her. I have to. I couldn't fathom being that angry at life. I feel sorry for her. It must be exhausting trying to chase every Hispanic from America for the sake of "real Americans."

Update: I can tell I wrote this in a fury. Sorry for all of the initial misspellings.
Update 2: I got an apology!