Recently two friends, both in their nineties, died. In reading their obituaries I noted one had 79 great-grandchildren. The other left posterity of 99 great-grandchildren.
As I pondered my own situation, I realized that such numbers could well be mine some day. We currently have 12 great-grand children and the eldest one is only three-years old. There are two more on the way. If I live another 10 years or so and with the potential of 36 grandchildren producing, there could be dozens more.
As I thought about all those spirits coming to earth through our lineage, I suddenly experienced a profound feeling of love for each one wash over me, and I sensed a pang of sadness as I realized I will never see most of them grow up. How will they know of my love for them and of my greatest of all desires-to be a forever family?
What could I leave them so they will know of my feelings? They will have my life story, but is there anything else I could pass on to them to let them know how important each one of them is to me, how much their temporal and spiritual well-being matters.
I could write a letter to each one. Yes, that I would definitely do. Then I thought of several items I could pass on as keepsakes. At this point I realized that such things needed to be packaged in some way if they were to meaning and lasting value.
I knew what to do-I would put together Love and Legacy packets for each one.
I searched the Internet as well as several stores and ended up purchasing 30 plastic 3″ pocket expanding files in assorted colors (red, yellow, blue, and green) for about $3.50 each from a large paper supply store in Salt Lake City. That was a good start; I can order more later on.
It is a lot of fun and immensely satisfying to collect items and fill the packets. In Elder Dallin H. Oaks October 2009 General Conference message, he stated that raising our children and governing our family is the “work of eternity.” I am grateful to be so engaged.
Here is a list of the contents plus a photo for illustration:
Letter (bordered by Dutch motifs, representing their legacy and part of their heritage)
Photos with caption: “Oma, Opa and me”
Video of 50 years of our family history
CD of life stories of Hank and me
Handkerchief for the temple (available for both women and men at a Church Distribution Center or wherever temple clothing is sold)
Now Available
The Ultimate Career in Digital Format
With updated content and an additional 155 pages of new information including photos illustrations and charts
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The very best from Daryl’s writing and speaking over the past 50 years, now in PDF format, is available due to popular demand. This amazing ebook includes updated chapters from her latest book, The Ultimate Career, and favorite articles from her “At Home” column published monthly on Meridian Magazine from 2006-12.
This one-of-a-kind handbook consists of 255 pages (47 chapters) and contains something of value for every homemaker who is interested in establishing a clean, organized home where family members are cooperative and happy and who are learning life lessons such as self-reliance and spiritual strength. You’ll discover practical help in getting teenagers to carry out their responsibilities in the home; tried and tested tips for mothers of multiples (twins and triplets), chapters on how to work out mutually successful arrangements with adult children living at home; and how to have positive relations with in-laws; how to manage the household during times of illness or when there are special needs and much more. Visit us at www.theartofhomemaking.com
