Teddy Bears

Christmas is over and now the work begins to put it away. As Grandma Leishman was putting away the Teddy Bears on her tree she found this little poem given to her by her friend over twenty years ago. On it was written a path to a wonderful gift. If you followed its wisdom you would be happier than you could imagine.

Teddy Bear Wisdom

Learn to listen like a Teddy Bear

With ears open and mouth closed tight.

Learn to forgive like a Teddy Bear

With heart open, not caring who is right.

Learn to love like a Teddy Bear with arms open and imperfect eyesight.

Learn to give like a Teddy Bear: Comfort, Courage and Kindness to those who fear the night.

These gifts we could give all year round. To all those we love, including ourselves and our world would be a better place.

January is a great time to spend cross country skiing or snowshoeing. The weather has been awesome for that. The elk are roaming on the Waterton Flood Plain. The herds are truly impressive. Grandpa Leishman and Karren had a huge surprise when they ate some hot spicy chocolate. Grandma Leishman heard shouting and laughing and crying and yelping coming from the kitchen only to discover them both gulping water and milk to no avail. Grandma didn’t laugh very much at all but she is sure they won’t be experimenting with hot pepper chocolate bars very soon in the future.

JR and Brigham had lots of fun with their toys and Joanie and Alec headed back to work. Lisa managed to get back to Chicago without incident and back to work without too much stress. Karren is back in Calgary and Peter and Grant and Clark are in their new beds. AND a new little girl in the Williams family has a new bed all ready for her.

John and Amy and Lily loved hiking in St. George.

And celebration of celebrations, Grandma Leishman achieved a decided milestone and was rewarded with birthday party for turning 70. Whoowho!!!!!!!!!!

So another year, another beginning and another blessing of trying again and perhaps being a little more like a Teddy Bear.