Seasons

Seasons

August 16, 2015

     The summer visitor season in Independence seems to be waning. The sisters walk down to the office to get the mail and tell us business is slowing down at the Visitor Center. We pass school buses on our way to work. I walked through the local Farmer's Market yesterday morning while my elder was out picking up goods with a young set of missionaries. I heard a seller tell a customer that this would be the last week of the season for his glorious watermelon. How many of these seasons have I lived through? How many more will I have?

     Since we came to Independence I have watched Winter come in with a beautiful Spring right behind it, and now, a hot Summer embraces us all as we step outside. Each season has brought with it some beautiful days. Some not so beautiful. Some downright lousy. Isn't that how our lives can be? I have watched as each of our daughters has gone through different trials and "life" experiences while we have been away. Some have been harder than others. Some just come with the territory. What can I do from this end? Not much. Encourage. Pray. Trust in God. It will all work out.

    I am thinking of my oldest this week....Mauriah. Her oldest, Kortney, is leaving for college. NAU - where I met my elder.  How could that have happened? I still remember what my Mikie was wearing when I met him at that Saturday night dance at the LDS Institute. Neither one of these darlings were even a thought back in 1972. I remember when Mauriah left our home for marriage to Jerry. I remember when Kirsten, Jessica, Lindsay, Addie, and Caitlin left us when good men came to claim them. It's such a bittersweet transition. But it must happen. It was what all of us were born to do. Live a happy childhood and live a productive life as an adult in the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. I know from experience my Mauriah will cry some hot, heartbroken tears. Kortney has always been her dearest friend. Her home dynamics will change with three men in the house now. BUT she will live. She will thrive. And so will Kortney. Besides, she will be back next week-end to visit.....

     I feel so blessed to have lived through these seasons here with my elder. I will never see another summer in Independence, thank goodness. But, I wouldn't trade it. I say to my girls.....don't squander your time with a house full of children. It will pass all too quickly. Enjoy the ride. Enjoy your life. It's can be  pretty darn interesting even in each of our own little worlds.

Embrace the season of life you are in whether it is a season

of rain or a season of sunshine. God is using it to shape you

and prepare you for the future.



 

 

I am sure whoever said this got lots of credit. They should have. MY LOVE TO ALL of you,

Sister Seaman.....Grandma...Mom

Taking Care of the Elderly

      Most of the people that will read this blog may never have heard of the Beltone man. The Beltone man, back in the seventies, was the salesman that sold hearing aids to the almost deaf.  Meaning, selling hearing aids to all the old people who couldn't hear anymore.

     As sometimes happened back in the seventies, when the phones were all hooked together in the house, it was easy to eavesdrop on another person's telephone conversation.  One day, back in the seventies, and as luck would have it, the phone in the old Cash and Carry Antique Store was picked up by Eb (Sister Seaman's father).  He was going to make a call, but as he put the phone up to his ear, he could hear a very animated conversation already taking place.  The conversation was going something like this. 

     A person on the other end of the line says, "Raleigh (an elderly employee of the store), this is so-and-so, the Beltone man." Raleigh says, "Who?" Other end, "So-and-so, the Beltone man."  "Who? Speak up!"  Louder, "The Beltone man." Almost screaming, "Who is this, I can't hear you?"

   It's a little ironic that Raleigh couldn't hear the hearing aid salesman.  Sister Seaman's father and the family had many a good laugh about that conversation.  We have called one another "Beltone" for many years when we weren't being heard properly.

     Sister Seaman and I are now officially old.  It happened one day when we weren't looking.  It is very disappointing.  Can't see, can't hear, can't walk right, feet hurt, various aches and pains, etc. Sick and almost dead. Not funny anymore.

     I am glad we have family that like us.  Maybe they will take care of us in the days ahead.  I am grateful that I got the opportunity to take care of my mom for a while.  It endeared her to me, but she should have had some girls and not just boys.  The girls seem to do better at taking care.  We have all girls and I am hoping it will be great.

    The Samoan people take care of their elderly in their homes.  They believe that they have an obligation to do it.  It is heart-warming to hear them talk about their traditions. 

     Anyway, for now, we are still operating under our own power.  The infection in my leg is retreating and I am feeling better.  We will continue to serve another day and we are loving it.

     Please stay the course, stay on track, stay on the train, and the boat, or whatever it is and hold on.  The ride is going to be crazy.  Bear your testimony often.  Read the Book of Mormon everyday.  Say your prayers.  Attend the temple. We love you and pray for you.  You too can be old someday.  Don't turn around and don't blink.

 

Sincerely,

Elder Seaman

 

*PS....Sister Seaman read this and she begs to differ on her aging process. She says she feels like a spring chicken, most days.  Maybe she will take care of me...