Anyone else have those moments where you say, “things will calm down after this week”? Well, “after this week” has finally come. Back in October I was in charge of the primary program, then Halloween, then Beverly’s birthday, then hosting Thanksgiving, then going on a fun (but still had to prepare for it) vacation with Andy, then of course, Christmas, Then Great to be Baptized for the primary, then Maverick’s birthday, then Andy’s birthday, then our trip to Hawaii, then Maverick’s baptism, and so now *deep breath* here we are. It’s not to say I have nothing to do, it’s just a breath. Easter is around the corner, but I like to keep that simple so we can focus on General Conference and the true meaning of the holiday. Then we have spring break, but our family vacation was in Hawaii so we really don’t have anything specific planned for spring break, so really, this feels like a good breather. “After this week” started with a nice trip to a Georgia plantation. It was truly humbling. I have to admit, the second we walked in the slave’s quarters, a deep sadness settled in my chest. The things that these people had to endure was truly devastating. They were treated worse than animals in some cases and even after the Emancipation Proclamation, these people were still enslaved, just not labeled as such. They were limited to a very small selection of occupations: mainly maids or agricultural workers. They were allowed to own land by 1866 but with such small pay that was given to them, they were lucky if they broke even at the end of the year. It was impossible to be able to get ahead and change the path they were already on. Some did, which is truly amazing, because these southern states did all they could to prevent it. I am grateful we live in a day and age where all men (and women) are finally equal in the law. I hope I can teach my children to value this and protect it at all costs. We have a Sunday dinner tradition where we go around and share things we love about each other. Maverick said, “I love Daddy because he’s in the military… so he can get us on my favorite campground.” At first I thought he understood the great sacrifices his dad has made, but for right now, he really only comprehends the benefits of his dad’s service. Some day, when they’re old enough I’ll share more of the stories of why their dad has migraines so often, why his ankle gives him pain every day, why is can never hear what they’re saying, and why he has no cartilage in his knees or back.
