Random Thoughts

This blog started with thoughts that came after the death of my good friend JoyLyn. Today I went to another funeral for another good friend and family member, Connie Ware. Connie worked at our school as a resource aide for about 25 years. She really loved the children and had a special place in her heart for all those who struggled to learn. She was very compassionate and loved to be love by them. I remember us laughing with her when she told the story of one little boy who looked at her so seriouslyand said when she sang she sounded like a horse. She laughed at that comment and never let us forget that she couldn't sing. She was very talented in art and loved to teach the students how to draw. She and I laughed together when one of our family did something really crazy, was was being stubborn. She would laugh and say "It's the Ware in them." I am going to truly miss Connie. But I know that she is feeling so much better now. She was in constant, terrible pain the past two years and is finally free from that painfilled body and her polio crippled leg. She was my son's second mother and a very good wife to my cousin. He stood by her side continually for the past 8 months. I am so glad I went to visit her on her birthday just two weeks before she passed away. I am so happy she is finally pain free again.

One of the family members who attended the funeral was Connie's cousin, Mack Wilberg, who has just yesterday been announced as the new conductor of the Tabernacle Choir. In a previous post I offered him my congratulations, but now it is official. Mack and I had a good visit while at the cemetary. He is still one of the most humble men I know. He very politely thanked everyone who came to shake his hand and give their congratulations. I am so honored to be able to call him my friend. As I said before, I can walk up to him and start a conversation just like we were talking yesterday. And I noticed he still laughs with a jiggle in his shoulders.

I have just been doing some serious thinking about life in general and what I want to work on in my own life. I know there are those out there who would be happy to tell me what I need to do to better myself, but I have plenty I am thinking about myself. I just need to remember one thing, no one is perfect and everyone can find fault if that is what they are looking for. I know I am far from perfect and have lots to work on to get better. And that is one of the reasons I am so thankful for repentance and the atonement of Jesus Christ.

I am reading another book about repentance and the atonement, knowing that I will never fully understand how it all works, but so grateful for the principle of repentence and the knowledge that I can work to become better. It doesn't matter if others don't want to allow me the chance to repent, and continue to think I am unacceptable. What matters most is that Christ is willing to help me overcome any obstacle, condition, or trait where I am lacking. He allows me to have my faults and helps me overcome them. I rely on His help daily and He is always there. Sometimes I struggle with knowing that He is near, but I am working on that as well. I am just thankful that He is not giving up on me yet.

Reflecting

I have had so many things on my mind the past few days and I hope I have time to write them down. So I may write several posts the next few days.

The news last night brought so many memories to me when I heard that Craig Jessop announced his retirement as conductor of the Tabernacle Choir. I am sure that Mack is weighted down with the awesome responsibility of his job right now. But there could be no one better to fill the position.

I was just thinking of all the days and evening we spent together in play practices, small group and solo practices. Some might think it would be hard to always follow in his shadow, but it was really a pleasure. I never felt that I didn't measure up because he was so far over and above everything any of the rest of us were able to do. But he was so humble about it. He always called on me to be his accompanist for his singing and clarinet solos. We played countless duets together (He always had the toughest part.) We played four hand-two piano solos. He really made me stretch to try to get anywhere near his level. We did a pretty good job together.

Mack is one of those friends who you don't see for a few years and then pick up where you left off when you get together again. I feel I must apologize to him for all the teasing we did about him leading the Tab Choir when he became an old man. No one ever doubted his future.

I have probably his first album ever. If I remember right, he won the National PTA Reflection contest for music when he was in 8th grade. Our Junior High band made a record the next year and he played his composition on the record: The Emery County Suite. You can hear the farmyard with fun music, coal mines with dark, mysterious sounds, desert and mountain movements. It is great when you consider his age at the time. I am sure he would laugh if he knew I still play that song when I teach suites to my third graders. It is as good as the Grand Canyon Suite and the kids can certainly connect with it.


Mack is just a great guy and I value his friendship so much. I loved the times spent at his home, and the times he was at mine. Our group of friends were wonderful, filling our time together with music and laughter. These times create great memories.

I send my love, best wishes and good luck to you, my friend.