In spite of nearly complete blindness, she did keep as active as she could, for as long as she possibly could (which, was nearly right up to just the last few days of her mortal sojourn).
And, she derived enjoyment and satisfaction from pushing herself to these levels of activity.
Sometimes she suggested it. Sometimes her daughters, or her sons suggested it. She was always on the lookout for some form of physical and/or mental/intellectual activity.
She loved reading and studying things on a wide variety of subjects. And, later, listening to “book recordings”, and enrolling in courses that she could be an auditory student of (she had good hearing aids).
Even if she felt a bit exhausted afterwards, she always seemed to enjoy it. Whether going to SLC to visit her massage therapist (and friend), or a store or restaurant with her eldest son, or her daughters. Or, on a trail, or to the riverside Ogden Botanical Gardens, or just around the block, or to the park with Sharon, Nancy Rachael, Stephen, her granddaughters and grandsons, or me and the boys (her two little great grandsons), or with anyone else. She loved keeping both her mind, and her body as active as she possibly could.
She made a conscious, and deliberate effort to do this to a level far beyond what the average person would. And, she really did enjoy doing so…
A couple of scriptures have settled upon my mind, from time to time, in thinking about our beautiful, dear, beloved mom. I cannot quote them exactly, word for word. I believe one is from the New Testament in The Holy Bible where the verses ask us a question to provoke our memory, and simply remind us that our bodies are “Temples of God”.
I feel that she truly believed this, and exemplified this reverence in the many ways she cared for her earthly tabernacle. She was a wonder cook. And, she was very nutritionally-minded. But, she also really enjoyed indulging in an excellent vanilla bean ice cream dunked into a “Root Beer Float”. And, she had many recipes for delicious deserts, and “goodies”, as well as for scrumptious meals.
I believe the other verses are from the LDS Doctrine and Covenants book of scriptures. It basically declares that “Whatever principle of intelligence that we strive to attain to in this life, that it will rise with us in the resurrection”. And, that there will be advantages to so applying ourselves, and appreciating this gift of life, and embracing such opportunities, not only in this life, but in the life to come, and in eternity, as well.
I believe that our mom sensed this, and felt it throughout her life. She was a scholar of many things. She loved learning. She enjoyed play, and fun activities like games and puzzles that allowed bonding time and uniting with loved ones. And, she loved teaching, and sharing things she had learned, and was striving to more fully comprehend, and master, herself (Before there was ever an assortment of search engines, or Google—there was our Mom. Being able to just casually draw upon that resource with an inquiry will be sorely missed. As will just having her, here, with us.).
However, like usual—I am sure that she has to just keep on trekking, and to be moving on to the next phase of her life…
She truly did strive her entire life to multiply her talents, and to magnify the gifts that God had blessed her with. She served others. And, she truly was, and is, a gift, herself, to this world.
We miss you, mom. However, we still feel your influence, and we carry you with us in our hearts.
she loved her walks just like me!