Sunrise, Sunset

The other night Charles and I watched the movie Fiddler on the Roof. I have seen it many times before, I am sure. This time it was different. I finally understood the power of the movie. I cried and cried during the song, Sunrise, Sunset. I first thought of my parents. I thought of how much they love me, and how they must have felt as they turned me over to "cleave" unto Charles.

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We were so young (I was nineteen, Charles was twenty-two). We were so headstrong, and invincible (in our minds). We had nothing, we were both at the beginning of college and we had no real direction in which we were aiming, no ultimate goal beyond living "happily ever after." As I look back on that time, I have to smile. They were strange days, learning and growing days. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father had mercy on us. Our intentions were good, though our immaturity could have lead us down strange paths. Over time we made it a goal to "choose the better part" to take the road less traveled by.

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We have tried to keep the commandments over the years and we have been protected from decisions in the past that would have changed and limited our future. We were determined to have children -- when it was difficult, and seemingly unwise to the world (we had no money and were in school.) We have learned so much in our short time together.

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I hope my parents have been able to put aside their fear for our future and find joy in our family now. I am certain that they had their doubts in the beginning for our future and our choices, I was too young for doubts. :-) My choice, in particular, to marry Charles may have appeared strange to some. I knew that we were meant to be together. With each year that passes, I "know" even more. I would not change the things we have learned and gone through for anything. We have had to grow together, to mature together, to truly become as "one" together.

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Though we may have appeared foolish then, I feel quite the opposite now. As I look back I have so much gratitude. I feel so grateful for being spared, for being guided, for the trials we have had, and for opportunities to grow closer to the Savior and the Spirit. We have learned to keep the commandments, not with the intention of being "blessed" for our efforts -- but because we love God and want to do what He asks of us, rain or shine. Sometimes it rains a lot, but how sweet is that first ray of sunshine!

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After thinking of my parents during the song, I then turned my thoughts to my children. I love them so much. I have visions of them as youth, as adults and growing and leaving me. It brings a sense of sorrow and a sense of great joy. They are each so precious to me. I watch them as individual spirits, with individual personalities, expressing their own ideas and opinions. It amazes me. I wish I could pause this time of life forever. I know if I blink -- it will be over. I cherish this time. The children will never be this small ever again, this is all I have, all I get of their young lives on this earth. I am so grateful to be able to be with them so often. I am so grateful to spend my time and energy with them. I would not want to spend it any other way. I just love them. They are my children, God's children -- forever. For that, I am so grateful! I know this life is so temporary and as I grow older, I feel it. The sun rises and the sun sets so quickly. I hope to cherish the beauty of the day. I hope to cherish the time I have to love and raise such beautiful gifts from God. . . .

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-------William Turner-------

------ Daniel Evan-------

------------- Samantha-----------







Sunrise, Sunset

(from Fiddler on the Roof)

Is this the little girl I carried?

Is this the little boy at play?

I don't remember growing older

When did they?

When did she get to be a beauty?

When did he get to be so tall?

Wasn't it yesterday

When they were small?

Sunrise, sunset

Sunrise, sunset

Swiftly flow the days

Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers

Blossoming even as we gaze

Sunrise, sunset

Sunrise, sunset

Swiftly fly the years

One season following another

Laden with happiness and tears

What words of wisdom can I give them?

How can I help to ease their way?

Now they must learn from one another

Day by day

Sunrise, sunset

Sunrise, sunset

Swiftly flow the days

Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers

Blossoming even as we gaze

Sunrise, sunset

Sunrise, sunset

Swiftly fly the years
One season following another

Laden with happiness and tears