A simple lesson

Dear Van,

Today I learned two powerful lessons. You taught me one, and I learned the other while you slept.

You have been amazing me with your comprehension and retention lately. My favorite thing to do is to sing a song you are used to hearing and stop before the last word of each line. Song after song, you are able to finish. It makes me feel so proud and happy to see all the things you are learning.

Today, I picked up one of your favorite books and read the title but stopped before the last word.

I said, "My mama had a dancing..."

And you said, "heart."

With a big smile on your face you pulled the book from my hands and opened the pages. You opened to a picture towards the end of a woman in a leotard and skirt holding a rose and you said, "Mama." You looked up at me and I thought of how much dancing has meant to me in my life. I suddenly felt renewed determination to find time for dancing so that I could share more of that part of my heart with you.

The second lesson came later tonight.

In the past few months I've found it hard to find time to study the scriptures. Over the past several days, while I've nursed your sisters I've pulled a small copy of the Book of Mormon out and read. I've had many questions come to mind and have been surprised at how much more I've been affected by not reading than I had assumed.

After putting the book away and snuggling your sleeping sisters into their beds, I got on the computer. More out of mind-numbing habit than necessity, I began to click around and "catch up" on various things. Without thinking I logged onto our bank account. I immediately noticed something strange. Our balance was suddenly several thousand dollars smaller than it had been yesterday when I was paying bills. I looked, and there had been close to fifteen purchases of large amounts in other states. I called your dad and he called the bank and we took the necessary action.

When he had finished I said to Papa (who's here visiting you), "I don't even know why I checked."

And he said, "Yes you do. You were in there reading the scriptures weren't you? It seems simplistic, but it is so true."

Please remember Vanny, since your mama is not always a perfect example. Follow your heart, keep His commandments and you will prosper in the land.

I love you.