Lonely Gratitude

*** I had these thoughts and wrote this poem when Dad and Mom were on one of their missions. Them serving each of their missions was hard for all of us, but their willingness to serve and their faithful service brought many blessings to us as their family and to the many people they grew to love in their mission areas.

Lonely Gratitude

This year I felt lonely on Thanksgiving Day.

My Mom and my Dad were so far away.

Instead of the usual Thanksgiving morning bustle

with all the girls in Mom's kitchen trying to hustle,

I spent it alone, just me and the flies

making my assigned potatoes and pies.

Dinner was good and it was pleasant to be there,

but I missed Mom's famous dressing and Dad's Thanksgiving prayer.

But then came this feeling that helped me to see

that this was the best Thanksgiving there could be.

The very word "Thanks" brought new meaning that day

as I thought of my parents, so far away.

Their earnest desire to do what is right -

to honor the Savior and serve with their might.

Maybe they were lonely on that Thanksgiving too,

but they spent it doing what they knew they should do.

Even though my folks were very far away,

They still could put sweet meaning into my Thanksgiving day.

Then came December with its sparkle and glow,

and again I was missing my parents so.

Instead of family parties and trimming their tree;

and helping Mom wrap presents for all the family,

our Christmas was different with few things to buy.

I felt something missing no matter how hard I tried.

The season was busy and we really had fun,

but I missed Dad's housetop star and Mom's love for everyone.

But then came this feeling that helped me to see

that it was the best Christmas there ever could be.

The value of the Christ Child brought new meaning that day

as I thought of my parents so far away.

Their witness of the Newborn Babe was spreading near and far

They honored the Son of God by following His Star.

Maybe they were lonely on that Christmas too,

but they spent it doing what they knew they should do

Even though my folks are very far away

They still could put the meaning into my Christmas day.

Stargazer

***  Mom always loved Lillies.  Her casket was covered with a large, beautiful bouquet of stargazer lillies.  Knowing Mom, I was struck with the comparison.  I dried some of the stargazer lillies and wrote this poem. 

Stargazer

In Memory of my Mom, Erma F. Andersen    (1923-1997)

     From your birth you seemed to  gaze upward to the stars, knowing where you came from and  your purpose here below.

    And you, following after heaven's light, generously shared your sparkle with all within the reach of your glow.

     With your love for life you made our lives brighter

     With great faith in eternity, we cling to hope tighter

      Your gentle touch warmed us as stars from above

      Yes, you were a vessel that carried God's love

   Now we gaze upward to the stars, knowing that your view from above is complete, and your gaze is now resting on us.

   And we, following after your beautiful light, must generously share heaven's brightness of hope.

Testimony - March 9, 1998

***  This is my testimony that I wrote for our Andersen Family Newsletter on March 9, 1998.  These words still describe my feelings today (2020)

Dear Family,

My testimony of the Savior stems from the deep gratitude I feel for His influence in my life - Gratitude that He supported Heavenly Fathers plan; gratitude for His exemplary life on earth; gratitude for His suffering for our sins; gratitude for Him giving His life, even when He had the power to live on so that He could rise and give each of us the ability to be ressurected; and gratitude that He has left with us His Peace.  I love the scripture in John 14:27 that says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you".  Jesus knew that He wouldn't be able to be with His disciples for a long time.  He wanted to leave with them something that would comfort them in His absence, so He left for them His peace.  I know that the Savior loves each of us and that He offers us this same peace to comfort us and inspire us.  Many times in my life I've felt peace through the Savior.  There is no experience that the world offers that can match it.  It only comes through Him.  This is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

GREAT Grandma - For Grandma Gecoza Krauss Jarvis

***  This was written for Tom's Grandma, Gecoza Jarvis, which is our children's Great Grandma.  With the poem, we gave her a card with the kids handprints on it.

To Our GREAT Grandma
We love you because our Dad and Mom do,
And Grandpa and Grandma sure love you too.
You're such a GREAT GRANDMA in more ways than one
We love you Great Grandma, for all that you've done.

So here are our hands; quite small still you see,
But as we grow up the more like yours they'll be.
For you taught our Grandma the best things you knew,
And she taught our Daddy as she saw you do.

Now our Dad teaches us to do the right thing.
Just think -- all of this because of your Mothering.
You've set the example; you've done what you should
Great Grandma, we thank you for being so good.

School Year's End

***  Written when I was Young Women's Pres. and attached to a gift bag for each of the girls. 

School Year's End
Hip, Hip Hooray - the school year is through,
And we want to say congratulations to you.
We're so proud of all the things that you've done.
The projects you've worked on, the awards that you've won.
The papers you've written, the grades that you've earned.
The ballgames you've played in, the music you've learned.
But most of all, we're so grateful to say,
That you've been an example on each school day.
And just like a lighthouse that spreads it's light,
Your standards are high and shining real bright.
So way to go girls, for a job well done.
We love you so much.  Hope your summer is fun!

                                              Your Young Women's Leaders