This is the second time I sat down to write today. When I started this morning, or rather, tried to start, I had just logged into the computer when my son called me from the garage to let me know that our freezer was full of food that was no longer frozen. Needless to say,…
I grew up firmly in the grasp of my mother’s extended family. We gathered monthly at the home of her grandmother or an aunt or uncle and the adults visited while the children played. We ate a hearty meal, laughed, told stories, and learned more about ourselves in the learning about each other. If my…
All around us there are things that are completely out of our control. I cannot change the past. I cannot change my children’s minds or make them into the people I hoped they would grow to be. I cannot end the pandemic that rages on, nor can I calm the fears that plague. Because there…
What are the things that we hope most to see in our children? Of all of the lessons we try to teach, with all of the time and effort put in to raising the next generation, what really matters the most? Rebekah Pierce, one of our newest members of the Communications Committee, would propose that…
While so much is changing in the world as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, so much is still able to stay the same. We were unable to travel to the U.N. and have our workshop there, but we were able to create an online summit with help from our friends. If you missed the…
Two women faced unplanned pregnancy. Both of the fathers pressured them to abort. They both courageously chose life. Emalee was enjoying living her normal life like any 21 year old. Describing her first thoughts after finding out she was pregnant, she said, “I was scared. I didn’t know how everything would turn out. I wondered…
The journey through existence is always teaching us lessons. If we are observant, we can learn so much just from our personal experiences and those of the people around us. Interesting creatures that we are, people are often inspired by the stories of other people and their struggles and triumphs. Dramatic productions have entertained people…
The 64th Session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women will not be proceeding as planned this year because of “the current concerns regarding coronavirus disease (COVID-19).” All side events and parallel events were cancelled. We hope that the virus will be contained, and look forward to being able to be involved with…
The focus of Big Ocean Women’s discussion for February is that we are each unique and innately worthy of respect. In articles, photos, and a video, Ann, Norma, and Shelli show us great examples of the Provo Cottage working together with other organizations, churches, the community, and families “crossing borders, erasing barriers, seeing beyond differences…
With a smile that lights up a room, and a positive attitude that helps everyone around her, Michelle Meline is one of the newest Big Ocean Women board members. Michelle grew up in a large family with seven siblings with whom she “worked hard and played hard.” She related that she had been “surrounded by…