Let's talk about our relationship

Saturday we started out by emptying the attic. We're going to try to sell most of our old stuff at our big garage sale and give the rest to Goodwill. It's a commitment to moving light this time. Rachelle got rid of about 30 shirts that she hasn't worn for 10 years. We can't believe we moved some of this stuff from Utah to Arizona to Texas, and we're NOT moving it back to Utah.

One problem with this new resolve is that it isn't shared by the girls. They rediscovered lots of old toys and books and they are committed to hoarding their personal possessions. Megan had the time of her life climbing in boxes and playing with all those rediscovered toys.

Our reward for the hard work we did all day was the annual Mckinley party that night. Brita and Leah had a blast playing in the woods with their friends, throwing rocks in the creek, riding the rope swing and playing in the big hammock. The fireworks scared Megan but were a hit with everyone else. The bi-ward party at Bishop Mckinley's farm is one of the things we'll miss most about springtime in Temple.

I recently finished reading David Copperfield. The most interesting thing was the nature of relationships. Rachelle knows I love to talk about relationships. There was the domineering Mr. Murdstone trying to force his wife to conform to his standards. There was Mrs. Micawber who always believed in her husband when even close friends had no faith in him. Also Li'l Emily, who felt pressured into a marriage she didn't want only to run away to a relationship that nearly destroyed her. Betsy Trotwood kept her marriage to a failed drunk a secret although she remained devoted to him until his death. Miss Dartle allowed her unrequited love to turn her into a bitter old spinster. Mr. Wickfield allowed his grief after his wife's untimely death to ruin his life. And Copperfield himself married a silly little immature girl who all his friends and family knew was not a good match.

It was interesting to observe all the dysfunctional relationships, and a relief to see several of them work out in the end. As I look at other people, and myself, I see elements of many of those dysfunctional relationships. But I feel fortunate that my marriage often resembles the ideal relationships that appear at the end of the book. Everyone should have the fortune of finding a spouse with whom they can be "equally yoked".