Sue Andersen, Period 2

I find it interesting that as I read over the things I have written through the years, I was obviously aware, from a very young age, that my home life was unique.  I have been grateful for this blessing since I was a child, and my appreciation for it has continued to grow into my adulthood. Thank you Dad and Mom, for blessing my life with love and security.  That truly is a treasured gift. 

The following is a paper I wrote sometime during my junior high or high school years - - -

    "Characteristics and interests of different individuals are sometimes shared with others and sometimes unique to only themselves.  I have a few of each.
     I probably share the interests of music and athletics with many other kids my own age, sewing and cooking with girls all over the world, and having fun and enjoying life with people of all ages everywhere.  I like to keep busy with a variety of activities; never spending too much time on any particular project.  I like to be organized and prepared.  When I am, I am able to feel much more at ease and comfortable with situations that arise.  I love people!  I like to be with them, I like to help them, and I like them to help me.  I enjoy the many, many personalities you can find in others.  All in all, I  love to associate.
     One phase of my life is unique to very few people, that of my family and home environment.  This is my main interest.  Being with my family is almost the only activity that I never tire of.  It is in my home that I have developed my very own personality."

Sue Andersen, Period 2

I find it interesting that as I read over the things I have written through the years, I was obviously aware, from a very young age, that my home life was unique.  I have been grateful for this blessing since I was a child, and my appreciation for it has continued to grow into my adulthood. Thank you Dad and Mom, for blessing my life with love and security.  That truly is a treasured gift. 

The following is a paper I wrote sometime during my junior high or high school years - - -

    "Characteristics and interests of different individuals are sometimes shared with others and sometimes unique to only themselves.  I have a few of each.
     I probably share the interests of music and athletics with many other kids my own age, sewing and cooking with girls all over the world, and having fun and enjoying life with people of all ages everywhere.  I like to keep busy with a variety of activities; never spending too much time on any particular project.  I like to be organized and prepared.  When I am, I am able to feel much more at ease and comfortable with situations that arise.  I love people!  I like to be with them, I like to help them, and I like them to help me.  I enjoy the many, many personalities you can find in others.  All in all, I  love to associate.
     One phase of my life is unique to very few people, that of my family and home environment.  This is my main interest.  Being with my family is almost the only activity that I never tire of.  It is in my home that I have developed my very own personality."

Our Wedding Luncheon . . .

It's probably typical, but I don't remember much about our wedding luncheon that was held right after our wedding, and before our reception that same night.  I do remember that it was held at the church building on Brown Rd between Horn and Stapley in Mesa.  I also remember that I wore a navy blue dress with a sailor type collar that Mom and I had bought for me to wear specifically at that event (all insignificant details).  Today as I was going through boxes of papers and keepsakes, I came across a paper with handwritten notes on it.  I believe it was notes of a short program from our luncheon.  Here's what the paper reads -
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It's a real coincidence that Sue and Tom chose July 18 as their wedding day because it is a special day in history.

It might have been on July 18, 1492, that Columbus discovered America.  (Really the paper said 1842, but I'm pretty sure they meant 1492)

On July 18, 1847, Brigham Young said "Only six more days until we reach the valley".

On July 18, 1945, Darl said to Erma "Day after tomorrow is our wedding day".

On July 18, 1961, Erma nudged Darl and said, "It's your turn to get up with baby Sue tonight".  And had you been around, you may have heard him singing her back to sleep. - Song "End of the Rainbow"

On July 18, 1969, Sue organized a funeral.  Bishop Wright was asked to speak and Mom was asked to sing.  The funeral was in memory of the neighbos turtle killed accidentally when they were changing the water.

On July 18, 1974, Sue was listening to the family sing and dreaming of her prince charming . . . wondering who and where he was.  Song

And today, on July 18, 1981, Sue and Tom were married for time and all eternity.  Song:  Through All Eternity
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True to form, my family seems to always come up with something clever.  I'm so glad for these handwritten notes that I somehow saved for all these years!!

Unforgettable

In 1999 I was the assigned "Editor" of our Andersen Family Newsletter.  I wrote this in the August 1999 issue.

Dear Family,
     Today is August 26th, Mom's birthday, and it seems my thoughts are naturally turned to her.  This morning we had pancakes for breakfast.  The kids unashamedly announced that "Brown" pancakes would never be as good as "Grandma's" pancakes.  Cleaning up after breakfast I noticed last night's tomato sauce smeared on one part of the kitchen floor.  It's always discouraging to find things like that when Antonia just barely cleaned.  Antonia always reminds me of Mom.  She first came here shortly after Josh was born.  Mom thought I could use a little help for a while so she shared her "Antonia time" with me.  That sounds just like her, doesn't it?  Later today, I wrote the date on a check to Americopy where we were copying flyers for Jake's Eagle project, and again I remembered Mom.  she would have done her share of bragging on Jake today - for sure an extra hug, and probably a treat to remind him that she is proud of him.  Dad was over tonight.  He wanted to make sure that I remember Mom on her birthday.  Yes, Dad.  You don't have to worry about that.
     What a true pleasure it was to have the Mom and Grandma that we have.  Life with her was full of love, smiles and fun.  We still miss her spot here with us, but her influence continues to bless us.  Her remarkable life still inspires me to do more, to try harder, and to be better.  After all the years of enjoying what she had to offer, I want nothing more than to give those that I love at least a portion of what she gave to me.

                                                                                                  The Editor

Ah, A Rose

Many years ago at Thanksgiving time, I was feeling especially grateful for the kids' teachers. I wondered what I could do to thank them for so completely living up to the trust that we placed in them each day that we sent our children to school.  On that day, this poem was the result of the tender feelings in my heart.  Each Thanksgiving from then until Josh was too old, I thanked school teachers, piano teachers and church teachers with a copy of this poem and a fresh rose. 

Ah, A Rose

Ah, a rose

Our rose

Planted, watered, pruned - so carefully tended

Us looking on with  adoration, ignoring insignificant flaws

     and seeing it's overall magnificence

Then, with great concern, plucked from our garden and sent out.

Yes, a rose

Our rose in your tender keeping

More watering, more pruning - still so carefully

You patiently teaching, seeing it's beauty and unselfishly

     loving another's rose

'Til finally, touched yet unharmed, sent back to our garden.

SAB