Friday, March 14, 2008

A "Re-Awakening". Once again...Thank You Grandma

So my Aunt Jacque brought over a part of my Grandma's Journal from the year Phil and I got married because I wanted to see what her feelings were on our wedding day. Unfortunately, that date wasn't in there, it's in another one which I'll get from her later. Anyway, so I was just reading through it last night and realized a lot of things. First of all, how important it is to keep a journal. I used to be so good at keeping one in college, but have slacked off lately big time. I am so grateful for my Grandma being so dilligent in this because now all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren can read about her life and get to know her through her writings!

Second of all, I realized what an amazing woman my Grandma was. Of course I already knew that, but seriously though, no matter what people did to her, or how badly they treated her and took advantage of her, she was always there for them and helped them out when they needed it no matter what. My Grandma lived Charity everyday of her life! And the more I read, the more I wanted to improve my life and the more I wanted to possess that wonderful gift!

Another thing that my eyes were opened up to as I was reading her journal was how selfish and unthoughtful I used to be of other people. I was awful to my parents, especially my Mom, which after I came back from collge pleaded for her forgiveness. Thank goodness she's such a forgiving woman! Anyway, reading the entries she wrote about me saying how selfish I was, was definitely a humbling but yet uplifting experience. Now don't get me wrong, it's not that I had no idea that I was selfish, I knew I was, but I didn't know how my family, especially my Grandma who I look up to so much, felt about that part of me. It's hard to explain. But it really helped me see things from a different perspective and I am sooo grateful to her for that.

Anyway, this was a great experience for me that I wanted to share because I believe that through other people sharing their experiences, we can really learn and grow a lot ourselves by hearing them.

5 comments:

THE POTTLES said...

Thats awesome that someone told you and you actually listen. JK I love you and was there anything about me in those journals. Probably not because I was her favorite! JK well let me know love ya!

Mimi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mimi said...

Dearest AshLee, through this enlightening experience I see a young woman who has transitioned into a matured/reflective mother, wife and beautiful daughter of our Heavenly Father. You now know what your divine nature encompasses and have learned from your grandma Peggy some of the qualities that will help you progress toward excellence. I love & honor you and commend you for giving tribute to her diligence and devotion in keeping a journal (she was indeed an example of one working toward exaltation). She shared so much with you and is still doing so while in paradise. Much love to a very dear daughter-in-law, Mama Graham

Erin said...

That is so cool AshLee! I'm glad that you get to have that experience. I know she meant so much to you. Reading that made me want to do better at my journal writing.

Lyman Family said...

Oh Ashley you are such a good example to me and so many others. I have always thought you were so awesome.