The Dead Among Us

Jeff Westover Family History 0 Comment
The Dead Among Us

The other night I was visiting in my living room with a neighbor, a man I have only come to know in the past year or so. As we were chatting he suddenly looked slightly to the right towards a window on the south wall of the room and his eyes got suddenly very large. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I don’t mean to be rude but there’s a spirit over there by the window — a very good one.” I kind of wish I had video of my reaction to this comment. I was surprised not at all. I askedClick to continue…

Our Trek

Jeff Westover Family History, Journey of Discovery 0 Comment
Our Trek

I noticed on Facebook that members of the Stake we used to live in are once again headed to Wyoming for Trek. Trek is a re-enactment of the Mormon Pioneer trail. For a period of three to five days large groups of mostly youth and the adult leaders head to Martin’s Cove, Wyoming to camp and walk the trail. The place is sacred to Latter-day Saints. It was at Martin’s Cove where the Martin Handcart Company spent their critical hours. I have to admit that I felt a bit envious of those I see this week dressed in pioneer clothingClick to continue…

The Treasure Room

Jeff Westover Family History, Journey of Discovery , 0 Comment
The Treasure Room

Years ago my mother made a gift of our baby books and photos of each of us growing up. These were given in small, lockable treasure chests. And as she expected we each reviewed the contents of our treasure chests with a mixture of wonder and delight. This weekend I have set up what I am calling the Treasure Room. It is actually the abandoned bedroom of one of my adult children who has recently moved out. What I have moved into it are the remnant treasures my parents collected over their years and that they inherited, in part, fromClick to continue…

My Daughter’s Eyes

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My Daughter’s Eyes

A few weeks ago a young co-worker took a day off while his wife delivered their first child. Hearing this was going to happen I congratulated him and told him, “The world changes for you on that day.” He said, “What do you mean?” and I just told him, “Wait, you’ll see.” When he returned with news that all was well, passing around pictures of a robust and healthy little boy, I enquired after his wife and asked how he was feeling. He smiled and said, “You were right – the world is a new place.” I felt that wayClick to continue…

Family By the Numbers

Jeff Westover Family History, Journey of Discovery 0 Comment
Family By the Numbers

An online friend asked me the other day where I have gone. He noticed that my activity on social media was much less than what it has been in the past. “All you talk about are your kids or family history”, he said. These days I take that as a high compliment. Among the many things I hope to accomplish this year was less time invested in things that just are not important. Social media and complaining about politics, careers, and daily living are a distraction from things that are more important. But the pendulum can swing both ways. SometimesClick to continue…