Challenges are what makes us grow and change!

Life has so many challenges and trials that we must all pass through.  After all we did choose to come to this earth and we knew that it would not be easy.  But we were still so excited to come and we jumped at the opportunity when it was finally our turn to be here.

In going through some of my things from childhood this last week.  I realize that I must have been a very hard teenager to live with.  Sorry Mom and Dad.  I always have thought of my teenage life as a hard time where I wanted to be alone and away from my family.  I felt as though I did not fit in with my family.  There was a lot of chaous and craziness.  It was very hard for me to function in this enviorment.  I was either in my room with the door shut or out doing sports and exercising or at sports events.  I also spent a great deal of time with my good friends that I had.  So you ask why did this seem so hard to me, everyone goes through a stage like this.  Well I guess it was pretty hard for me because I have blocked out pretty much all the memories of that time period.  My brothers will comment or reminise and I will remember none of what they shared.  I get frustrated that I have no memories of this time.  I have lost what could have been some valuable teaching moments to share with my own kids.  I found a poem that my Mother wrote to me and I would like to share it with you all:

My Daughter
By Susan Pouliot

We met before--before our time here.  We sat and talked and planned and waited.
Then my time came and I had to leave.  You said, "Don't Forget!"
I grew and learned and you watched and waited.  Then it happened, it was your turn.
I looked at you, my newborn daughter, your beautiful little face was so fullof the promises to come.
I planned and talked and watched you grow.
You grew and as you did we talked and planned and waited.
Now once again someone has to leave, so I say good bye for now my daughter.  Live and love as I have, but remember--.

Presented to my daughter, Sallyann  April 11, 1997


As I read this I gained a greater insight of the testimony that my mother had and how much we are alike in our thoughts of the eternal scheme of things!  I love the gospel, it gives each of us so much in common and helps us all to understand life in ways we never thought to otherwise.  I am grateful to a mother that found it important to share her testimony of the Savior with us not only through her words but also with her actions and the way she lived!