RS Fall Social

I was in charge of our Relief Society Fall Social

which came together beautifully, with the perfect amount of food,

a fantastic turnout (almost 90!) and a wonderful speaker.

I always leave events I'm in charge of with a full heart

so appreciative of all the hands that work together to make a big job, simple.

My committee who divied up responsibilities and are so dependable,

the ladies who signed-up to bring food, 

and the presidency that helped set-up and clean-up.

And of course all the ladies and young women who showed up to enjoy the evening.

Our guest speaker was Sy Snarr, whose son was murdered by an unknown (to them)

assailant in 1996 when he was only 19 years old. His girlfriend was also shot, but she lived.

Sy shared her very real and inspirational story of heartache, grief and hatred for over 20 years,

and then realizing she'd become bitter, sad and angry, set on a long journey to forgive.

When she was finally able to forgive the attacker, she was finally able to heal.

Later she started communicating with him through letters, then in visits and

also met his siblings and mother.

Now, 28 years after the crime, she loves them with all her heart and considers them family.

All of them, including the attacker.

She was so honest and real -- it really was a long, hard road and 

she held no expectations for those who still aren't there yet.

She was lovely and non-judgmental

She's also received a lot of criticism because she forgave him.

We humans sure have a lot of opinions about other people's opinions, don't we?