It could have turned out differently

The second half of my life has begun with a period of reflection. Which of my life choices were good? Which do I regret? Don't get the idea that I am older than I am, but my life has spanned two millennia, and it seems that it has been much easier to make informed decisions this millennia than last.

For example, back in the 1900's when I had just graduated from high school, I made the decision to go to University and study music. I was accepted at BYU and soon learned that despite my 12 years of piano study, I was not competitive with the other pianists at the Y. Despite my love of music, I switched to French, where surprisingly I held my own agains the army of returned French language missionaries.

It never occurred to me to stay in music, but switch my instrument to organ. The only organ related thought I recall from that time was the regret that the space allotted to my student ward did not have an organ, therefore I played the piano for sacrament (my calling). I missed playing the organ.

Little did I know, but BYU had four practice pipe organs on campus and a great organ department that was so hurting for students that they handed out scholarships to anyone with an interest in studying. (Thank you internet). Had I known, I would have stayed at BYU and graduated in a degree that, in the LDS Church Culture, offered little chance of employment (5 positions per 15 million people). But, you know, maybe that wouldn't have mattered. I could have married someone with a great career prospect and been a stay at home mom who gave organ lessons on the side.

Instead I took the road less traveled, and there has been some pain along the way. Could that one choice have avoided all the pain? Could I have had an easier life? This past month has truly erased any "could-have-beens" from my mind. I wouldn't change my choices, my life, or my situation. I have been blessed with the bestest-neatest-coolest kids in the world. They have made my life an "E" class ride!

And because of their unique cultural background, talents and gifts each week is a surprise of service mixed with unending awe of all the cool things I get to witness and participate in...from the Multicultural Celebration at Dixie State University where the Little Girls Band (my kids) sang a traditional veteran's song and Wounded Knee (my son Mason) performed his original song "Nakota Calling"..

To the Paradise (Spanish Speaking) Branch's generous offer to include us in their Multicultural Night where the Little Girls Band sang a trick song for Naji (who danced himself sick).

Not only was this enjoyable to me, but it was enjoyable to my kids who loved the representations from each Latino nation -- and the food that was cooked from each nation by hands who wanted to share their culture.

I look forward with hope and happiness for all that is to come!