A Night With the Family

Three weeks ago I received a call from a member of the ward who is responsible for coordinating family home evening for the retired residents of the Silver Pines Senior Community around the corner from us. Our family had conducted family home evening for these people several years ago, and it was our turn again. I was asked if my family would do it on the 14th of December, and since school was to be out, I agreed. After hanging up the phone I didn’t write the date down, and it was soon forgotten.

Yesterday, while on the way home from campus I listened to a voice mail that was left by the ward member who had asked me to do this, reminding me of my commitment. I had no lesson planned, no activities or treats and all the kids were at dance class. After dance I rushed the older kids home and forced them to eat something quick while I skimmed the Ensign for some thoughts to share. When Bean got home from her class we ran over to the apartments and walked in 5 minutes late.

I figured that if my lesson sucked, they wouldn’t invite us back, which was fine with me. When we got there, about a dozen elderly ladies were all sitting in front of the fireplace, patiently waiting for us. They even had a plate full of chocolate chip muffins ready. I introduced myself and the family, had one of the kids say a prayer and then began talking about Christmas, asking the residents for their thoughts. The lesson was unfocused, uninformed and uninspired.

At one point I stopped and had the kids sing ‘Silent Night’, and after the closing prayer they sang “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’. I found that the old ladies didn’t care a bit about the lesson. They just wanted someone to talk to and share stories with. They wanted to know everything about me: where I was going to school, where I worked, where Kate worked, what the kids wanted for Christmas, if I still have family in Rexburg. Many of them rarely leave the facility, and enjoyed the chance to dote on the Shirley kids. A lot of them don't have families, or their familes live far away and rarely come to see them. For a night we acted as proxy children and grandchildren for them.

Even though we were only there for an hour, I feel like those that came had a good time. I think I needed the experience more than they did. Many asked me if we would please do it again. The next time I am needed for a family home evening lesson for these ladies I will gladly do it. Although next time I will write the date down…