December 2004 Ensign - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day ...

She left the disciplining of the children
to me or my husband. Instead,
she always encouraged them or
helped them with their homework.
She would ask them about their day
and listen intently as they talked. She
was a peacemaker and could help our
young boys change the subject and
forget their quarrels.
I loved the talks we had when she
and I were home alone during the
day. And she knew just when to insist
on buying pizza for dinner! Because
of her gracious and loving ways, it
was a joy to have her in our home.
Debra Thiemann, Pocatello Eighth Branch,
Pocatello Idaho West Stake
I am living with my oldest daughter
and her husband. When she asked
me to live with them, the first thing I
decided was that in no way would I
come between them. For example,
they’ve always sat by each other in
their car. When I go somewhere with
them, they want me to sit in the front
seat. Though it would be easier to get
into the front, I stubbornly say, “No,
I’d rather sit in the back,” and I’m in
before they know it. They’re both
together in the front.
I know they need time together
for private conversations. They both
work full-time and have various activities,
so they come and go at different
times. When they’re both home, I
make myself scarce for the next 30 or
40 minutes.
Many times they go out to dinner
or a show and invite me to go with
them. Occasionally I do, but more
often I excuse myself so they can
have a real date together. All married
couples need private time together.
They have managed to live without
my help for years; hence I
learned early on to never question
PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTINA SMITH
Home teachers and visiting teachers
can help elderly ward members feel
loved and valued.
their decisions or give suggestions
unless the subject involves me or
they request my help. I was given
a mouth that closes and ears that
don’t. So I just listen and observe.
It’s surprising what I can learn.
Helen L. Baird, Mount Vernon Ward, Mount
Vernon Virginia Stake
When my husband’s parents
moved into our home, several factors
made the transition easier for us,
including the following:
1. His parents never acted as
though we owed them anything.
They received even the smallest
favors with gratitude, despite the
awkwardness they may have felt in
accepting them. Their gratitude
made it much easier for us to give.
2. Our ward leaders gave our family
Through participation in Church
callings, many elderly members become
a positive influence in others’ lives.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN LUKE
ENSIGN DECEMBER 2004 43