JUNE 8, 2012 -- FEELING LOVED

OUR NEW FAMILY POET -- DAD!

Vernon with his parents Lavona (left) and Jay (right)  -- May 2010

Over the past year, Dad, Vernon, has tapped into a new talent that I am admiring so much!! Dad has this great gift of poetry writing!!  Dad's father, Grandpa Jay Richardson, has always been known for his great poetry and has express great amounts of love and testimony through his poetry.  It has been neat to watch Dad develop this talent in memory of his father whom I know he misses deeply since his passing in May 2011.

Jay & Lavona Richardson on mission in Nauvoo, IL

Dad has written a poem to go with most of the lessons that he teaches the priests as the Young Men's President.  In his recent trip to Ghana, he has written several poems that he presented at banquets to the group of UofArkansas students and faculty that are on the service trip.
This past week, Vernon surprised me with a poem to me -- his wife.  With us being apart for most of this past month and with our running and crazy schedules, it was such a special gift and it made me feel very loved!!!    I know that Grandpa Jay Richardson is smiling as he watches his son developing a love of poetry that he also had here on earth.  \

Here is the poem dad wrote to me:

To Connie!

I’m often asked how I manage

many kids and a busy life.

My immediate response is:

“You really ought to meet my wife.”

Connie’s the miracle worker

That makes our busy house a home.

With twelve active achievers she’s

Glue holding together our dome.

Some might consider caring for

a baby half their life heaven

But Connie, she’s had seven kids

Under the young age of seven!

There are also many who have asked

“Does Connie ever sleep at night?”

Maybe not since she’s often

Writing music ‘til wee morning light!

She’s been known to stay a few nights

With moms who might be feeling blue

Not just saying, “Call me if needed”

But shows up, “Been thinking ‘bout you!”

She knows why she’s here on the earth

To bless the lives of all others

This same spirit shines through to her

Children who’ll in turn, bless others!

She doesn’t just file her own nails!

She’ll deftly use a saw or drill!

Watch out! If I leave town she’ll start

a huge outside project at will!

She shines each week with the lesson

Wants each child to be spiritually strong

To prepare for the joys and trials ahead

Til we all return to God’s throng.

But I’d say most important, she knows

she’s here to love her children

She takes time to really know them,

Comforting, exhorting each one

I’ve never known someone like you

You’re a true joy and my best friend

Thank you for taking me along

This fun journey as your husband.

Vernon Richardson (while in Ghana)

June 8, 2012