More on Mary

I have heard it said that our children are a blessing to us. It is an not uncommon sentiment I had never taken literally, but my daughter Mary has given me a literal example many times over. The verychild I gave birth to and actually devoted my being to ends up goving ME sage advice quite often.

Here is a tiny little example:

Last night I was preoccupied/worried about the looming threat of snow as I fiddled with my hair in the mirror. I said I cannot make up my mind. I was thinking about what exactly I ought to plan to do about my minivan which could NOT stay parked on the street, but thinking this was a personal matter I quickly switched my comment's aim to my hair. I really did worry about letting my bangs grow out and now would be a time that I would cut them, and then lament having done so.
So, Mary said, "well, it seems to me like someone (meaning me)needs to go directly to bed. I really mean it, mom. Leave your hair alone and you will not need to wake up regretting you cut your hair. You would probably just pull it back anyhow to look like you didn't cut your bangs."
Then, I truly slept better and longer than I ever have and woke up glad I did not cut my hair.

Thoughts on Mary

Mary Anne is a very special child. Foremost is a child and like most her age she hatesto brush her hair and teeth, promises to keep her room clean everytime I clean it. This time she really will! She also procrastinates homework and after drilling it she always "forgets" to turn it in. Sometime there will be a consequence she cannot talkher way out of, until then.... She will play her sweet innocent girl card or something. She reacts well to prizes and loves toys and candy (maybe a bit more than is typical). But, what my mind dwells on right now is her strongest talent. She loves entirely!

As I thought about this natural inclination as most who know her at all have commented about her. I thought about her teacher at church in nursery. She is sooo incredibly sweet and kind. One time it was late at night and she had to work, but after work she stopped by to give Mary a gift! It was soooo thoughtful znd kind.

I learned something important. At training for my part-time work in head start we are often reminded the significance of a good start. This is accomplished by giving each child the love and attention as well as a quality education and nourishment they need. I see how it worked with Mary. It eas a natural trait as is true for all mankind. But, it was encouraged and magnified by her environment and teachers. She was and is a sponge just soaking up anything she is taught and so care must be given to present her with true and loving principles so that her person can magnify and be an example to help all others!

I recall a thing once said about the elasticity of the brain and it rang true by the statistics taught recently in a training session. Most of what a person learns they learn before the age of 8. From aboout 8 to 80 very little is taught. Hence they claim not tobe able to teach an old dog new tricks, or that is a child is trained a particular way they will return to it.

I believe The loving nature exhibited by Mary is directly resulted from such a trait being cultivated and encouraged at a young/formative age.

2stories come to mind.

1 was the first time we went to the Bountiful food pantry. She was sitting in the cart as I pushed it. And she said, " Mom, I really like the way you are so nice to all of my friends." Confused I asked who her friends were. She said allthe workers and soon they would be my friends, too. Then, a kind lady came and gave me something and as she left Mary said, " See? It pays to make friend with everyone." Also, another time we were sitting outside waiting in the cold and she saw a lady sitting on the steps doing paperwork. I put Mary down and instantly she ran to the lady, gave her ahug andsaid, "Please, do not be sad there are so many beautiful things around us." Then she came back and reported to methat I did not need to take care of that woman cause she already did. Plus, she wasn't actually sad or lonely she was just sitting by herself for a few moments to do paperwork.

Then, although many story need to be shared I am only going to tell this one. It was time for Mary to start Kindergarten and both she and her brother asked for priesthood blessings. So, we went to their grandfather's house. And it was noticable as the blessings were given that there was something notable about her grandfather's countenance as he prepared to bestow her blessing. I never asked about it, but it made a lasting impression on me. What? What was it about.He always seemed to dote more on Joseph. But, it was undeniable that Heavenly Father was pleased with Mary's desires, and she has always been  extremely blessed in her studies and friend making persuits.