Blog 02/18/08

February 18, 2008

A Valentine Day Tale: Eric, a dour, somewhat quiet, highly academic young student, showed up at our office on Valentine's Day PM. After pacing about in the hall for several minutes he approached Sister Cottle and, somewhat hesitatingly, ask if she could help him with a Valentine treasure hunt (think of Jodi's treasure hunts about Columbia Falls), organized by Eric for the benefit of one Krista, another student and the objective of his affection. He explained that shortly Krista would arrive and Jean was to give her the two roses (roses, I'm sure he had purchased with his meager funds) he left behind and a valentine card that gave her the next clue. In about an hour, Krista, her bubbly self, arrived at the office. Sister Cottle delivered the roses (she had placed them in a bottle of water to freshen them up a bit) and the note. Eric hovered nearby anxiously watching and wondering how things would go. In fact he was so anxious he didn’t even let her have a chance to open the note by herself. He was right there urging her to tear open the envelope and then pointing out where she should go for the next clue. As I watched this little tableau play out I realized this is what Valentine’s Day is all about. Anxious, nervous men watching and hoping that their Valentine gift will be “just right.” It was fun to watch young love blossoming.

Also on Valentine’s Day, several single girls came to my class wearing T shirts with home made lettering on the front and back. It said “SAD” or Singles Awareness Day on the front and on the back “Sponsored by the women against PDA or Public Displays of Affection.” At least they could have a good laugh at their own love life on Valentine’s Day.

We also had a fun Friday night with Randy and Theresa. It started with good food and a most interesting discussion on the current state of United States Politics (don’t ask) and then on to the University of Virginia musical production of “Songs for a New World.” The entire program consisted of 7 students singing one song after another about the “New World.” These original songs ranged from the upbeat “World, you don’t Know Me Yet” about a young basketball player about to burst upon the league; to the poignant, “The Flag Maker” about Betsy Ross sewing away on the flag as she worries (“I worry and then I sew one more stripe and the worry and then sew one more star”) for the safety of her husband and son, both fighting in the war; and the ridiculous – Sayonara Santa, in which Mrs. Claus prepares to leave Santa for good because he is always leaving her alone on Christmas Eve. Sound weird? It was unusual, but the talent was amazing and the total experience mind boggling.

And last, but not least. We had a 42 stake conference on Sunday with satellite messages from the general authorities. Elder Nelson offered the following advice to men wanting to be good husbands. He called it the eight “ates!” 1. Anticipate. 2. Appreciate (for example how clean and orderly the house is each day). 3. Celebrate (date at least once a week). 4. Cooperate. 5. Elevate. 6. Motivate. 7. Radiate (more light than heat). 8. Supplicate (make your home be a house of prayer and a house of order). Great advice! Love to all.

Elder/Grandpa/Dad Cottle