Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Post Mother's Day 2014

Last Week==May 2014 (before Mother's Day.

Something sweet. I am reading "From Mission to Madness" the biography of David Hyrum Smith, born after the Prophet's Death and raised by Lewis Bidamon and sweet Emma. I had a lot of questions about the way Joseph treated Emma (according to this book). I questioned how the Prophet could treat his wife so. Randy reminded me that we do not know exactly what Joseph was commanded to do and we cannot judge. Randy bore his testimony to me about my questions and it gave me great comfort that although I do not understand everything, I can have faith that I will -- someday. The Gospel is still true even though I have Primary-based understanding in some areas =O)
Also, last night was pooky. I paced a lot even after two Lortabs. Randy stayed up with me until I was finally able to fall asleep. Even though he really can't do anything about the pain, and I know he is tired, I appreciate and love him for his compassion and just wanting me to not suffer alone. He is a truly remarkable man and has taught me a lot about forgiveness, patience, and trust. I am so blessed.
Mother's Day. My Trial! (This from FB messaging) Sometimes I message the Bishop. Don't ask me why, I have a perfectly good husband who listens to me every day....this was my note

  • You know I usually HATE Mother's Days. I'm either bummed because I don't have a mom who cares, pooky. Or I am the WORST mother on the planet. So on this Mother's Day, I did things differently. I got up, expressing gratitude that I got out of the orphanage, that I survived the foster care system, that I met a wonderful man, even have children, and I have Nola. I am no longer an orphan. The whole day, the more gratitude I expressed the more I found to be grateful for. It turned the whole day around. It seems that the Gospel can change me, if I let it. After the blessing on the food, I thanked everyone who came that day, for being part of my family and saving me from a solitary state. I am filled all the way up at the goodness of Heavenly Father. (I know you just needed to know this =O)
  • Dawn Bradbury
    Dawn Bradbury


    Bella is putting crayons down the vacuum attachments and watching them drop out the other end. Over and over. At least she is not coloring on the walls, so I will leave her be, the dear. She will be 2 in September, she still speaks angel.
  • Roger Ellis
    Roger Ellis


    Dawn, have you ever considered starting a blog. The things you share are pretty inspiring. I don't know who else you share these thoughts with...but I hope others can learn from your testimony and experience. Mother's Day has been tough for me in the past also, but I'm now very lucky to honor my wife and wonderful sisters in the ward. Your awesome. Bishop
On Saturday - May 11, I went shopping with my lovely daughter-in-law Alyson. I had been thinking about her all week and KNEW she needed some TLC, hugs, chocolate? We went down to Layton and worked our way north trying to find something that would fit her expanding baby tummy and also lift her spirits. I love that young woman. I am so blessed by her cheerfulness, gratitude, and testimony. At 4:00 I had a performance in Brigham City. I was not going to make it. Alyson was worried for me. I looked at her and said, "Nothing is as important right this minute as you are to me." I had a small heart hiccup later, but the time had passed and the group performed without me. Next time I will manage my time better, ---- hopefully =O).

Sunday, I slept until 2:00 p.m.!!!!! Graydon and Alyson organized a dinner. Phil and Garnet came, PJ and Angie and little Ira, Julie, Randy, and Bella. It was not a stress. My family is so good to me. I need to remember that. Wait, this is why I post, to help me remember!
I missed Kellye and Ayden, Kayla, and Taylor. Poor Kayla has hardware to help her teeth. I will be glad to see them in June.

Losing Reed Walker and Doyle Maddox in the same week was a worry for me that time is flying by. Nola reminded me that in Perry ---death usually comes in threes. I called Grant and told him that he and Nola cannot go anywhere. I still need them. I am not grown up yet, and my heart hurts if I think about it. Grant assured me that he and Nola were not planning any extended trips and would be here for me. Bless that man.

Am working today.
Oh - and practicing mandolin. Without expectations this time, just playing and trying to get the sound out of the strings. I figured out that pick stroke placement is just as important as a drop of my hand on a single piano key. I play for the same reason I pray...it fills me, lifts me, and changes me. Music helps bring out my best self.

A woman from Alaska had been referred to me to teach her two children. They are moving to Brigham City in late August. I explained that I use the AIM syllabus (Achievement in Music) and its 10-year program to select theory, technique and pieces, but my goal is not performing, but hopefully encouraging young musicians to play in family home evening, at church, nursing homes, wherever they can give service to others. The joy of playing need not be performance-based but service based. That is more soul-filling too.

I'd better get cracking at the last of my reports....I've got piano students coming today as well.





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