Vaccines

Before this year we were allowed, here in New Mexico, to have a personal exemption regarding vaccinations.  Last month the law changed and now you must have either a medical exemption or religious exemption - where you don't use medical care, just prayers for healing. 

So I have decided it's time to vaccinate my kids so they can attend public school.  I knew this day would come - when the government would take away my personal choice. 

Today was the day when I decided to take them in for a nurse's visit for their first round.  I told the girls they could have a krispy kreme doughnut and chocolate milk if they didn't cry.  I thought that would be rewarding enough but I was wrong...way wrong.  Kendra began to cry even before the nurse was in the room.  She clung to Mark and screamed hysterically.  And she didn't even get the shots yet.  This is all before.  During the shots she was worse and she sobbed for some time after.  Really?  Really?  I wish I could've taken a video of her because her behavior was just so unreal.  I don't even know how to describe it.  Then it was Megan's turn.  She was fine, just cried a little after it was done.  Perhaps it was seeing Kendra in her hysterical state that set her off.  But a few tears and she was done.  I am taking them in each month for shots and so help me she better not act like that again!

Let It Go

Sometimes I have dreams about playing sports in high school.  Last night I dreamt I was playing volleyball and I kept yelling at a girl, "why'd you do it?"  That is what sparked this post.

In an Indiana Jones movie, I think the Last Crusade, he goes to a temple on the side of a cliff and has to find Christ's goblet.  The temple then crumbles.  As Indiana hangs on for life with his father holding on to one hand he reaches for the goblet with the other.  His father says something like, "Indiana, let it go."  He chose to grab onto his father with both hands and was lifted to safety.  Had he continued to reach for the goblet he would've fallen to his death.

Years ago I was wronged and had every right to hate someone.  It's a beautiful story, but I won't share it here.  I chose to let go of the hate, anger, and pain I felt.  It was actually the Atonement that allowed me to let go.  I didn't realize how something so simple as forgiveness could impact someone's life down the road.  Years later I did something that was lifting to this person.  I realized I could have ruined her life, but instead she was lifted.  All because of a simple decision to forgive.  I'm glad I let go.  I felt so light and happy after I did.  Hate and anger are very enticing emotions, very strong and intense.  I choose happiness.

Now fast forward to today.  I think this person has a lot of pain and anger inside of her.  She can't forgive the people who have hurt her.  I wish I could say to her, "let it go."