I wrote this on Sunday, May 11, 1997

Sunday May 11, 1997

Today I begin anew my goal of writing a journal for me and my posterity. I will not attempt to go back in time to relive past events, though this may occur as I freely write this journal. Instead I will dwell on the present. Of particular importance to me is to produce a journal that will give additional insight to myself, and also to provide information to others about who I am. This is not because I am particularly important. Instead, it is because I feel there is a definite benefit in having this information when determining what someone is like. I want you to know me, and I want to better understand myself.

I hope this is a successful endeavor.

Today is Mothers day 1997. Maija has been visiting us this week and today we celebrated her birthday and Mothers day with her. We had an interesting adventure that is worth noting. We went up into the mountains, through Provo canyon to a spot called Squaw point. Just as we arrived at the top there was this man para-gliding. He through his chute out to catch the wind and took off right in front of our eyes. Unfortunately, the wind pushed him back and slammed him into this solid rock wall. I swear I thought he was dead, or at least seriously paralyzed. It was such a tragedy. Luckily he was fine, and was talking and doing well. It was exciting and scary, and was a definite adventure.

In conclusion, as it is Mothers day I want to say something about my mother. Never in the history of the world has there been a better mother. Mom has always been so sweet and caring and has always sacrificed herself for the good and benefit of us children. I think what touches me most is that through all of the sacrifices, trials, and weaknesses she has had to face she has always kept us close. She has never pushed us away but has gathered us in under her wing to teach and uplift. Any weakness that she has had, any failure she may feel is hers, any opportunity she has given up, she has done so for her children. Gracious, kind, sacrificing, humble, faithful, honest, trustworthy—these are virtues that honestly and accurately describe my angel mother.