Category Archives: My Family

Mothers: The Ultimate Influencers

Ah, March. Good days to celebrate. St. Patrick’s Day. Women’s Day. Anniversary of the organization of the Relief Society, the largest women’s organization in the world. Birthdays.

Plenty of reasons to celebrate the third month. I have to say in the last couple years, though, March has become a tough month for me. Especially last year.

I felt under attack by a really bad guy. A friend was under attack; I suspect due to the strength of my friend’s mother, whom the really bad guy was afraid. I turned to God to deliver me out of the heck I was experiencing. The matter eventually was resolved. It came after many prayers and tears–and most likely a certain mother stepping in. She made a few calls, and soon I was delivered.

A couple months later, I was suddenly sick. I hadn’t realized I had vomited, but the sound of a text message from my mom woke me up. The whole mother’s intuition thing is real, no doubt. Her text saved me.

The role of mothers is divine. They come to the rescue all the time. And all sorts of people know it. Both good guys and bad guys.

Nuclear families are being attacked; the attackers know strong mothers and fathers hold a great influence. The attackers a lot of times hide in groups that are anti-family. The anti-family groups’ standout strategy is to take out and take power away from parents.

Solid parents are so cool–even if they seem embarrassing at the time! I think how my mom brought lunch to me in second grade a few times after I forgot it, or stood up to the worker at the airport to let her help me repack my bags so we didn’t have to pay a fine. Or my parents paying and driving me to extracurricular activities, constantly helping with homework–which really ticks off the anti-family groups. And I’m just giving less than 1% of the things my folks have done for me! My parents are superheroes!

Look around this site of super heroes. The last post about Zipporah gives some insight on such a super woman from the Bible. Click here to read Exodus 4 :24-26 and be sure to read the side notes that clears up a confusing story where she has to step in for her husband so the family can be safe. (Moses is still super. They made a good team and definitely were both deliverers! And click here to read Brenda’s post about Moses’ mom–his first deliverer!)

The women whom didn’t biologically become mothers that are featured on this website, show that they’re the most intimidating when they too displayed mother bear protection. I’ve seen it in real life too! It’s awesome!

It’s well known mothers and maternal figures are key to raising up leaders. But man, this last year was tough, and when I saw these average moms kick butt to save me, I realized these women are actually extremely extraordinary! They can work behind the scenes quietly, and make a huge impact without making a public display.

I can’t get over it! Thank you to all moms out there who are doing their best. Seriously, how do you do it?

Featured photo from pixabay.com.

Why My Grandma Liked Dolls

A neighbor interviewed my grandma and recorded it. The recording is super valuable to my family. You can hear little kids in the background, but the focus was on Grandma. She died before Toy Story, but she had her own storyline.

In the interview, Grandma explains how she and her family managed to get by through hard work, sacrifice, and faith. The family wasn’t able to go on a toy shopping spree. There were, however, miracles that provided treasure for her and her siblings.

Here’s a transcript of an insightful clip:

“My father used to move furniture, and a lot of times, the people say, ‘Oh, take this. I don’t want it. It just makes more stuff here.’ And he used to bring home toys. [“Aw” from interviewer.] And I always remember that big doll I had. You know, those big…the Germans used to make those nice, nice dolls. That’s why to this day, I like dolls.”

And boy, did we all know that! She had a glass cupboard with a collection of dolls. She mentioned it in the video, and how the “girls” (me and my sister) liked to open it. She planned to give us the collection after she passed away. There were moves and remodeling, but I managed to find one of the dolls. It’s the most adorable out of the “pretty dolls” (aka porcelain dolls). A little one that wears a yellow dress and cap. I’m looking at it right now. Some might look at it and feel nothing, but I feel really blessed. It has a story behind it. It’s a reminder of Grandma’s love. 

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Images:

Featured image: Girl With Doll by an unknown German artist. Found on Wikipedia commons.

Other painting found on pixabay.com

Peters, Pattens, and Preparing by Caring for Family

In my last post, I compared my parents to Aquila and Priscilla, and now I wish to compare my parents to Simon Peter and his wife. I believe that Mrs. Peter went with her husband on his missions—just like my mom and dad have gone together. Long before their missions, though, both couples took care of the wives’ mothers. This act is brave and selfless as well as good preparation to share the loving teachings of Jesus Christ. Perhaps it’s one of the best preparations. One memory that left a lasting impression on me was my dad driving Grandma to early morning appointments.

Because of such memories, I feel a connection to the story of Jesus healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law.

And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.

And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them” (Matthew 8:14-15).

I’m in awe when I read this passage. I feel a warmth and inspiration that I can’t really explain.

Further reading:
Alice
Matthew 8; Mark 1; Luke 4

Featured Image from painting Christ Healing the Mother of Simon Peter’s Wife by John Bridges.

 

My Aquila and Priscilla

Lately, I’ve been thinking of the missionary couples, Priscilla and Aquila, found in the New Testament. Like my parents, they used their personal home for missionary opportunities as well as made journeys to other places.

Before my parents took off, I went along with them to visit a couple (the wife is my mom’s cousin) who had served two missions and are presently involved in helping people near their home to come unto Christ. This couple welcomed me and my parents into their home, offered words of encouragement, and gave us chocolate pudding cake with ice cream. Their hospitality is reminiscent of my parents. Priscilla and Aquila too would be proud!

 

Sharing Both Bad and Good News

Christian cathedrals and churches have been destroyed this last week. Will these tragic events be investigated and discussed or will some try to conceal the information? I suppose it depends on certain media outlets…

In my professional experience in education, I notice that some can go to great lengths to conceal information.  Keeping bad news from children in many cases is a transgression. I’m not saying that you go to your kid and start spouting off sorrowful occurrences. I’m saying that you need to be honest and build on details as the child matures. This is actually something that protects them.

For example, I’m still shocked that when I was subbing six years ago, there was no trace of United States patriotism at the school on 9/11. However, I  must add, I have regained hope that adults will share. Three years ago, at another school, sixth-graders were introduced to  the sad events that occurred on 9/11. They were appalled but were strong. Gradually, they will gain more knowledge as they get older.

While life isn’t all candy and ice cream, there is hope. Hope is found though Jesus Christ. There are those who are trying to wipe away His name from the public as well. I believe that by installing Judeo-Christian values in our children, there is more freedom and safety.

One experience that comes to mind happened when I was a small child. I was watching The Ten Commandments with my family. I was terrified at the destroying angel part.

“Dad, what if that happens again?”

He said something like, “If we listen to the prophets, we’ll be okay. They’ll let us know what to do.”

It was a short response, but I was satisfied. I have never forgotten that counsel.

It’s bad to conceal bad news, but it is a deep sin to also conceal the good news–the good news being Jesus Christ.

Coco and My Own Grandmas

It’s the Day of the Dead, and I want to watch Coco!

In my humble opinion, Coco, is one of the finest films ever made. It brings out emotions, memories, and its soundtrack has helped me through some hard times this last year.

One of my favorite parts is when Coco joins Miguel in singing “Remember Me.” Coco’s look of recognition is powerful, and it’s made me aware of how the senses can bring out memories. For instance, I’ve smelled the lovely scent of Grandma Lund from time to time. My mom’s mom passed away over two decades ago. There are certain times, though, when I smell roses and think, “Is that you, Grandma?” It’s almost like I’m traveling back in time and watching her water her plants.

In Grandma's lapc

The veil between this life and the other is so thin sometimes! During summer vacation I went home where I had unexpected news. Before I left home again, I looked through one of my boxes in the garage. I found a card my dad’s mom had written to me upon my high school graduation which said:

Isn’t it all wonderful–the ups and downs and the twists and turns we have to take to get where we are going? If you put the Lord first, Sarah, you will come out, or, things will work out for the better.

Grandma Patten died almost ten years ago, but it felt like she was standing by me speaking that advice.Grandma Lund Since then I’ve recognized that she has been on adventures with me sort of like how Miguel went on a journey with his grandpa.

I tend to think that my ancestors  laugh at me a lot, but I also think they laugh with me as well as  cry with me.

Above all, I hope we’re enjoying each other’s company!

Alice

Note: The following narrative is from an assignment I did a couple years ago for a family history class. The family pictures with my commentary were added afterwards. 

A Life Sketch Mary Alice Villiborghi Lund
Written by Sarah Patten from an Interview with the Alice’s daughter, Martha Jane Lund Patten

Mary “Alice” Villiborghi was born February 13, 1909 to Italian immigrants Maria Domenica Alberti and Virginio Lorenzo Villiborghi in San Francisco, California. She was the second of fourteen children. One could say that she could be seen as the oldest since she had a brother that was born the year before her and only had lived for two months.

Alice’s family lived in an Italian neighborhood. She had cousins who lived there too as well as grandparents next door. The family knew the value of hard work and the necessity of prayer to get by. Always industrious, Alice’s leisure time included her gardening, sewing, and canning— even in the last years of her life. She grew up during the Great Depression, and there were plenty of mouths to feed and children to dress. She and her family were into “recycle chic” (a fashion style that would be shared by her granddaughter). Flour sacks were used to make her brothers’ shirts. When those shirts wore out, the remains were put together in a yoyo quilt.

Alice was interested in secretarial work and even took a shorthand writing class in school. She made it to the eleventh grade but had to leave school to support her family. She went to work for a pants factory called Ben Davis where she sewed jeans with an industrial sewing machine. Her arms would ache from the labor. She worked there for sixteen years. An aunt suggested she apply for a job at the post office. Alice secured a job and formed strong friendships. She met Reuben Lund through a mutual friend.

Reuben was one of the most influential people in her life. He introduced her to a whole new world. He took her to concerts and operas which was a new experience for her. They enjoyed hiking together. They married June 26, 1945 at a courthouse in Santa Rosa, California. He continued to help build her confidence and believe in herself.

It was somewhat of scary experience when she discovered she was pregnant because she was nearing forty; she was on the older side, and there were greater health risks. Reuben made sure she got the best medical care. On February 24, 1949, Alice gave birth to a baby girl, whom they named Martha Jane.

Martha recalls her mother being “generous to a fault”. Alice would find people to help. She saved money and even bought Martha a petit grand piano. Alice’s gift is still being used today by her daughter, grandchildren, great grandchildren, piano students, and those who desire to touch the piano keys.

I'm honored my favorite pianist happens to my mom. She could have made bucks but continues to share her expertise and expression music with others. Here she is teaching a grandchild.

Here my mom is with a grandchild playing at the piano my grandma gave her. Grandma would have loved this picture!

Alice found life difficult in the 1980s when her husband died and her health declined. She moved in with her daughter and her family. But there were positive highlights—like the births of her five grandchildren. She brought laughter into the home, kept up with gardening, and planted roses around the house.

In the early 1990s, she spread her wings by doing what she had dreamed of doing for so long. Traveling. She took Martha and her family to Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Grandma Lund, with her grandchildren and my dad.Grandma conquered her fear of flying, but she was also brave by putting up with five kids all under ten!

Grandma Lund, with her grandchildren and my dad.Grandma conquered her fear of flying, but she was also brave by putting up with five kids all under ten!

It was nerve-racking because she was anxious to fly, but things worked out.

My brother helping Grandma Lund.

My brother helping Grandma Lund.

In fact, she was so much in awe, the family made the trip again six months later.

My very patient grandma helping me!  These worthwhile trips could tucker us grandkids out, but she was always there to lend a hand!

My very patient grandma helping me! These worthwhile trips could tucker us grandkids out, but she was always there to lend a hand!

Alice died June 28, 1991 and is buried next to her husband, Reuben, in Parkview Cemetery, French Camp, California.  She left a legacy of faith, resourcefulness, and humor for her posterity.

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Additional Notes:
Featured image is of my mom with Grandma Lund. 

Special thanks to my mom for the interview and for supplying Grandma Lund’s autobiography. 

All photos courtesy of my family. 

Baby Jesus and My Dog, Angel

Beliefs and Speculations

I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that he came to earth to save it. He was born of a virgin in humble circumstances. That’s the most important thing in this post.

Now the speculations…

It is interesting when people present theories concerning the Savior’s birth and early childhood. Like—were there actually “three” wise men? Was Jesus really born in a stable?  Was it a cave? Maybe it was a barn. A more reasonable or scholarly interpretation is that Mary and Joseph stayed at crowded relative’s house in a left over room. Were there animals around? Perhaps. But I don’t know.

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Was Jesus actually born in a place with animals?

The Bible does say Jesus was born in a manger, and so I definitely believe that.

But could animals have truly been nearby? The animal concept has got to me this year.  My best friend, my dog Angel, passed away in November. This day—Christmas Eve day—twelve years ago, my family and I got baby Angel. She was the best Christmas present ever.

baby-angel

Christmas Eve Day ’04 in front of Save Mart.

This season I was introduced to a sweet song.–Alison Krauss and Alan Jackson’s “When the Angels Cried.” The most memorable lyrics: “And the creatures gathered round and didn’t make a sound. And the angels cried.” Now, I don’t know if the animals were hovering over a newborn (don’t want to scare him for life!), but I know what Angel would have done had she been close enough to see Jesus. She would get as close as she could. A certain story relating to Angel and babies sticks out in my mind.

Angel and Baby

One of my favorite memories of Angel occurred this last summer. Just in the backyard. I had a blanket on the lawn and was enjoying my relaxation under the shade. The dogs had already greeted me when I came out and then went to different areas of the yard. That all changed, though, when my brother came outside carrying his baby girl.

He sat down on the blanket with the baby on his lap. Just in a matter of seconds, I noticed Angel, who was chilling on the patio, get up immediately when she saw the little one. Her eyes seemed to say, “Baby!” She rushed over to see the baby and beat the younger dog. Both gave kisses. Angel then rested on an empty spot on the blanket. My mom came outside and sat by Angel. It was a tender moment and one of the best breaks for a keep going summer.

Really, I can’t convey the peace and enjoyment when I saw the two dogs racing to see a baby.

So now I don’t want to jump to any conclusions, but Mary and Joseph had to have some contact with animals sometime in Bethlehem, and I bet the animals were as in awe of the newborn as the shepherds and angels! (And remember I once asked—who said that an angel has to be a human?)

It might sound so ridiculous, but I know had Angel been an animal who saw the baby Jesus, she would have passed up humans and animals alike to see Him

It feels weird without my Angel this Christmas season. She’s never far from my mind.

cimg5024-palsShe feels really close as I look at babies and see paintings of the manger scenes.

Images:
The Nativity by Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale
Photographs courtesy of Douglas Patten

The Pretty New Girl

Some of the “obstacles” Grandma—or Geri—faced growing up was constantly moving and her younger sister. Geri was more proper, and her little sister was more laid back. A memorable experience was when Geri was called to the school office once. It turned out it was because her little sister was going by the name, “Honey.” Was that actually true? The school officials wanted to know. “No, her name’s not ‘Honey,” said Geri. Her sister said Honey was her name because, “That’s what everyone at home calls me.” Little sister hadn’t meant to embarrass Geri.

It would have been tough switching schools so often. Grandma was involved with school activities. One icebreaker seemed to be band.

A member of the band

A member of the band

She was a clarinet player. I call her the “pretty new girl.”I could picture students saying, “Have you met the new girl?” “Her name’s Geri Evans.”

The prettiest girl at every school

The prettiest girl at every school

This was backed up by Grandma herself when I told her how pretty she is in her pictures. She smiled and said people often told her that when she was growing up. She then told me she went to the movies with a boy in fourth grade. My jaw dropped. According to her and my mom, the church didn’t have strict rules about dating. But still, I was in shock. “Grandma!”

My Angel

Who said angels have to be people?

This post is dedicated to Angel on her birthday.

 An Unexpected Gift

Christmas Eve day in 2004 was a very special day. I was slow getting ready, and I believe I was staring at the Christmas tree when the phone rang. My older brother answered it and then quickly hung up.

“There’s a lab at Save Mart who needs a new home!”

With that, my family and I went from lazy to rushing to meet up with my mom.

When my family met up with Mom, she was with a mother and two little girls holding a black puppy.

A puppy?

I wanted a young adult dog. But my expectations changed as we took turns holding her.

baby-angel

My family outside of Save Mart with our new “edition.”

We quickly found out she was named after her mother Angel. She was most likely part Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd. She had been born September 22. My family had fallen in love. Mom paid the previous owners, and we carried a very scared puppy home.

Angel hardly moved, wouldn’t eat, and ignored us when we got home. We had her rest in my  brothers’ room. I was in the hall trying to get her out. I gently talked to her. She would start approaching me and then go back in the room. Then she finally came and curled up in my lap.

Best Friend

Angel’s eyes show compassion when she knows you’re sad, and so she sits with you. She use to jump around when she could tell you were happy. She prefers sitting down now and wagging her tail. My dogs have always tried to make people happy.

As I mentioned before, Angel was very shy when we were brought her home. Her shyness was one of the probable reasons why she was the last pup of the litter to find a home. I had just returned from school and taking the winter off. Most of my friends were out of town going to college, and my family had their busy lives. I worked some, but I was basically alone. I think that’s why Angel and I became so close.

Angel’s Other Friends

Though socially awkward, Angel had a chance friendship with two dogs behind our yard. People love to see her. She’s come out of her shell. One person who broke through to her was a five-year-old girl. She’s thirteen now and is kind of like a second owner to Angel and my other dog. Angels also loves the girl’s little sister. Angel opens up more quickly to people she senses have gentle souls. She especially adores little children and babies.

Angel has aged quite a bit now. I don’t know how long she has to live. But she has had a good life. One individual that kept Angel going and probably preserved her life is our very energetic Australian Shepherd, Zane. He makes sure she gets plenty of exercise!

And of course, my parents. Angel has a harder time being around men, but she loves my dad. Angel really loves my mom.

I’m not there to take care of Angel, but I can rely on my mom to take care of the dogs.

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My mom shows so much love to the dogs.

And that is not always easy. The dogs are mischievous and have a new—and delicious— diet because of Angel’s special needs.

Angel easily makes me happy. I don’t want to sound cheesy, but I believe Angel was sent from above.

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Happy birthday, Angel!