I have recently tried to record these little moments on my personal blog, http://princessflip.blogspot.com/
I want to include the things that happen every day. I want to truly record my life, not just events of my life.
Lehi searches through the brass plates which were brought back by his sons. In them, he discovers a whole lot that he didn't know before. He learns where his family comes from and that they are a descendant of Joseph. He discovers how precious they are and how important it was that they get them into their hands, to cherish them and protect their great value.
"And now when my father saw all these things, he was filled with the Spirit, and began to prophesy concerning his seed—
That these plates of brass should go forth unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people who were of his seed.
Wherefore, he said that these plates of brass should never perish; neither should they be dimmed any more by time. And he prophesied many things concerning his seed.
And it came to pass that thus far I and my father had kept the commandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us.
And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children.
Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us, as we journeyed in the wilderness towards the land of promise." (1Ne 5:17-22)
"It can be a great thrill to discover a diary or journal written by a grandparent or loved one. For example, the record of a great-grandmother’s experiences as a bride and young mother can touch the heart of a granddaughter and cause deep love, even though the two are generations apart. Just as we are strengthened as we read the words of early prophets, we can greatly benefit from the testimonies of our own ancestors as they recount for us their trials and sacrifices." (Ensign July 1986: Hidden Benefits of Keeping a History By Gawain and Gayle J. Wells)
I think it is important to keep some type of a record for family after us. Not only that, but to learn and grow and to look back to see how far we have come in this life. I came across my great grandma's journal a couple of months back and it was pretty cool. Reading about her life, I was attached to the words on the page, and didn't really know her personally. I mean I did, but I wasn't super close. But because she was family, I was interested and wanted to read more - despite her messy handwriting... I have multiple scrapbooks, journals, and blogs that keep my records from the time I was born. It makes me happy and feel successful having completed so much history. I love to look back and discover past experiences, remembering and learning, and knowing I am going somewhere in this life.
I recently asked my mom if she had written anything about the day I was born. She went to her room, and grabbed 2 journals, one was hers and the other my dads. In them, she flipped to the entries about my birth; this was the first time I have ever read their thoughts and feelings about the day I came into this world.
A piece of what my dad wrote:
July 19, 1986
"One week ago today, I had a daughter come into my life. Kathy and I named her Sarah. She is so special to the both of us.
The whole process of having Sarah started Friday July 11, when Kathy had contractions for 3 hours, then they stopped. She was just teasing us. Then Saturday morning, July 12 at 5am the contractions started again and at 9:30am we went to the hospital. The whole process of her coming into the world was different then we had anticipated, which made it all the more special....
...When we entered the birthing room to have the baby, we invited Mom Inkley & Sandy to stay and watch the baby be born. This made it all the more special.
At about 11:30am, Dr. Clark came in to check things out. He looked at Kathy and said she was dilated to 8 cm. Then he said he was going to plant some trees and left. He was not gone 5 minutes when Kathy cried 'it's coming! The baby is coming!'...
...Dr. Clark came rushing back in and everything was ready and in the process. the baby's head was just now beginning to appear and things were really beginning to get intense. Kathy was really using her breathing technique well and we were going all the way with no medication, it was going so perfect....
...Kathy kept asking 'what is it?''...she [came] out and tears of joy filled the room as we realized we had our baby girl. Kathy said over and over,
'I got my baby Girl!'
"We then brought in Tyler to see his new baby sister and I don't think she was quite what he had expected. He looked at her and back up about 5 steps. He looked like he had just seen a ghost.
Sarah weighed in at 5lbs 2oz. Dr. Clark said she was 3 weeks premature, Dr. Sharon claimed 4 weeks. Whatever she was, her nickname in the hospital became PEANUT. Kathy's nickname was speedy.
Everyone who came to visited commented on how tiny she was and how pretty she looked. I could not agree more.
Since Sarah has been with us for a week she has become more special and precious then ever! I am very proud of the way Kathy handled the delivery and very happy my baby girl has arrived!"
July 13, 1986
"I am really not sure I can express how I truly feel. I am so excited and overjoyed that it is hard to put it down on paper. Yesterday at 11:53am I gave birth to a beautiful baby daughter. She is so perfect. Looks just like Tyler. She's very small however, 5lbs 2oz, 17 1/2" long. She was 3 weeks premature but she seems very healthy. The feelings I felt when she was born are overwhelming. I already love her so much!...
...Mom and Sandi watched the delivery, which was quite an experience for Sandi - being that she never say any of her children born. As for mom, she never gets tired of watching the beautiful event. Tyler is not quite sure how to react to such a small person. I think he though she would be old enough to play with. It was really funny because when he first saw her, he just backed away. I'm glad it's over with and that everything is fine. Life couldn't be better - I have a husband who I love with all my heart and soul; an especially beautiful boy and then my daughter. What a family. Oh, by the way, during my beautiful blessing which I received from my husband, the spirit told 'daddy' that it was a girl. I love life and everything in it.
note: When Sarah was born, the doctor called her Peanut and it stuck in the hospital {and has continued to be my nickname throughout my life}....
July 19, 1986
"Well, today my little girl is a week old and she is even more precious than the day we brought her home...Tyler is really enjoying Sarah - he likes to stand on his stool and peek into the bassinet. He loves to hold her and pat her back. It's been so nice to have Allen home all week. He's been such a big help, I never could've done it without him."
Reading them was so touching. Knowing I came into this world to a wonderful, caring mother and father, who have done a great job raising me.
I love reading of the Book of Mormon. There is so much we can learn from its words, and I know they are the words of God. I know them to be true and I have found so many answers and great inspirations in its pages. So, get to work, reading past experiences as well as working on your own!
PS, one day, my goal is to pick up on the genealogy my Grandma has left behind. She was always going to teach me, and then her time came much quicker than anybody expected. This was one of her true-to-the-heart hobbies. She loved the work and she accomplished so much, yet, there is MUCH more to be completed...
-Sarah M.
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