"#Smile Bigger" and some "#Sweet Torture"

Many years ago when I served a mission in California, media was just beginning to be a “thing”, today there are many variations…   considering how early this version is… nearly 38 years ago, it’s amazing how touching it still is. I left for my mission in 1981 so I know this music was out before then… and I’m not sure how early this video is, but I remember seeing it!   What I do remember is that the feelings it brought then were that all those I loved SO MUCH while serving in California, I was going to miss terribly when I went home in early 1983.   I remember knowing that since they were from all parts of the US and the world… it would be almost impossible to hope that “we can be Together Forever Someday”!   I always knew that if I did not get a chance during this lifetime to see them again… I WOULD one day see them after this life is over! And here we go with perspective again… it’s now 35 years after my mission and just the other day someon...

      You might not be able to see them in the photo... but Connor had freckles on one side of his face.  At night when it was time for bed, he would be cuddled to sleep and then carried down the stairs by one of his brothers to bed.  But during the cuddle time, there were freckles to kiss!       I remember thinking that freckles on one side of his face were unusual... and it added to his cuteness!  The weren't super visible and as a mom cuddling her little baby, mostly visible to me, but I adored looking at all my boys and only Connor had these little freckles... so I'd kiss his little face and wonder why they were only on one side.       I don't have an answer... but it did bring back a "Smile Bigger" memory this morning.  Maybe that's where I got the saying for all the boys:  "Kisses for your face"!

So the story goes that Connor and his companion, Elder Trevor Kunz were tracting and came across an older gentleman.  This man was willing to give Connor a scooter if he would marry his granddaughter!!!  His companion thought this was hilarious because at the time, Connor's Mandarin skills weren't that great and he kept looking to Elder Kunz for help and Elder Kunz couldn't help him because he couldn't contain his laughter!! Connor didn't get or take the scooter, he didn't marry the granddaughter... but it makes for a great story and when I look at the quote in his planner:  "guy tried to sell me his granddaughter" I honestly "Smile Bigger"!