It has been an interesting year for me, one full of ups and downs. As always, I find that there is a lot to learn from my experiences and I thought that today I would write some of them down. Perhaps there is something that you can learn vicariously through me, as a few of these experiences involve lessons I learned vicariously through others.
I had a student reach out to me earlier in the year. They were having some issues with the end of a long-time relationship and were at a crossroads of sorts. As we communicated back and forth over the next several weeks, I would offer suggestions and counsel, while they would provide me updates. I have often felt that many of my students become like my own kids in some regards, and that bond with this particular person strengthened a lot in that regard. I learned that sometimes we have people put in our lives now so that we can help them much later. We must make sure to step up whenever the need arises.
I had a year of loss as well. I attended the funerals of two former students, the young son of one of my seminary students, and a trusted and valued colleague. Each one passed at too young of an age by our standards, and each funeral brought about different emotions. I did not have the opportunity to attend the funerals of two members of my ward. One became terribly sick at the start of the year, and the other was a sweet and lovely lady who had her health in sharp decline ever since her loving husband passed away earlier. I have always been fascinated by the process surrounding a death, and how it can be so different from one situation and person to the next. I know that there is something after this life, and that those who leave us await us on the other side. I took different lessons from each one, but I think the most important lesson I learned from all of them is to live my life with happiness and fullness. I learned that at the end of one's life, whether it has been a life of 2 years or of 92 years, we can learn so much about people we thought we knew well. Their lives can teach us about who we are and how to be a better person.
I said goodbye to my being a volunteer at the Calgary Zoo. Their demands for time and the demands of other responsibilities could no longer be met without throwing myself out of balance. I was finding myself in a bad place, and when things came to a head, it wasn't good. I acted in a way that I am not proud of, but I still was able to learn. Sometimes, even with good things, we must learn to let go. It is necessary to do that before things become detrimental to one's sanity. To honest, I should have turned in the badge after the last Zoo Lights, but I thought I could still do it. I am grateful for the role volunteering their played when I first moved to Calgary, but it was time to put it behind me and move on to better things.
I was called into the Elder Quorum's presidency this spring. I must admit that with the recent changes in the church that it became a much busier calling for me. I am learning a lot about the people in my ward. I am learning how to have a different opinion than others, and that different perspectives continue to be a light instead of a hindrance. In this calling I have come to know and appreciate some people in my ward in a new light. I have been called upon to administer in ways that I never have before, and I am making and building friendships with people I never thought I would. It is challenging, but refreshing at the same time.
I had a wonderful experience with mentoring a brilliant student teacher, who before the school year was out had secured herself a probationary contract at the Calgary Arts charter school. In being her mentor I rediscovered my passion for the teaching. I came alive within my profession again, and the relationship I had towards my students grew. I was asked to co-emcee the grad banquet, and it was an honor and a blessing. A lot of the kids that graduated this year are among the best I ever had the opportunity to teach. I also was given the opportunity recently to be in the school's musical this year. I played Monsieur D'Arc, the villainous soul in charge of the insane asylum. It was so much fun! The kids I performed with were brilliant, and I grew as a performer. It was a challenge, but a wonderful challenge. I am grateful to those I worked with and that gave me an opportunity to have fun on the stage.
So many memories, so much to reflect on. I know I do a Top 10 list at the end of or beginning of the year, and I may still do that, but I have one last adventure before the year is through. Heather and I are taking the girls to Orlando for a Walt Disney World Christmas! The girls are currently playing in the airport Fun Zone as we wait for our flight. I am looking forward to the wonder of Disney through the eyes of my children. Barbara has a little bit of a sore throat and cold, but she is being a real trooper. So, until next time, I will see you as we set off "To Infinity, and beyond!"
