"The fondest memories are made when gathered around the table"

For Thanksgiving this year my family came up to my Grandma Parker’s house in Brigham City. I love coming up here. I always know there are Creamies in the freezer, sprite in the fridge, and fun things to do. But I think the thing I love most about Grandma Parker’s house is all her stuff, she has got a lot of knick-knacks. In almost every room there is a special collectors Barbie doll and tea set. It is always a surprise to see the set up of her house because it is always changing.

Today, after going to Walmart with my mom and grandma and eating at Maddox, I felt like it was time for a nap. I walked up into my favorite room to sleep and sprawled out on the blue bed. I looked around the room and noticed that since my last visit a plaque of some kind had been put up on the wall. I looked closer and realized it was a poem or quote of some kind. I started reading.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the tress and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

-Max Ehrmann

  

During a season where the things we are grateful for and so blessed with receive a lot of recognition, I feel like I need to say how incredibly grateful I am for my Grandma Parker.

Thank you for your love and your support grandma. Thank you for recognizing the significance of this poem and its meaningful message. I love you and your knick-knacks, Barbie dolls, and tea sets with all of my heart.

Love, Sarah

Grandma and Grandpa Parker at my high school graduation