Personal reflections on life, love, loss, and living.
I talked to eight-year-old Wyatt about Jupiter and Saturn aligning on December 21, 2020, to make a huge, beautiful Christmas star. Wyatt: “Wow! That’s so cool.” Me: “Yeah, it only happens once every 800 years.” Wyatt: “Have you ever seen it?!” Me: “I have no words.” #storieswithcharlene #christmas #writeyourstories #kidsarefunny
I am grateful for Charles and Caren Lee Paul. They accepted me into their family as a 29-year-old widow with two little boys who was going to marry their 21-year-old returned missionary son. My father-in-law was in the bishopric when my first husband was killed in a car accident a couple of years before. He […]
Two years ago today, my youngest daughter’s world was flipped upside down when her husband unexpectedly passed away from an undiagnosed heart problem. She, one of her brothers, and his wife had just returned from a day of Black Friday shopping. On their way home, they witnessed an accident on the highway and spent hours […]
I am eternally grateful that Jim and Carol Kemple, and Bill and Mary Ann Sorensen chose to move to the west part of Las Vegas in the 1970s. Little did they know then, and maybe still don’t know today, how much those decisions changed my life. Because of those two moves, I met two girls […]
In the past few weeks, I have enjoyed pictures of Christmas trees and decorations that already adorn many homes and yards. I love everything about Christmas—the lights, the smells, the music, the smiles, and, of course, the story of the Baby born in a stable two centuries ago. I am excited to put up my […]
Remembering that day three years ago when a mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip rocked the city of Las Vegas. So much fear, so much chaos, so many lost lives, and so many lives changed forever. But in that moment, politics took a backseat to humanity. Racial divide to a backseat to brotherhood and […]
I went to church today for the first time since our church leaders told us church in our meetinghouses would be canceled until further notice. Before leaving the house, I looked in the mirror to make sure I didn’t have lipstick on my teeth. Then I laughed, knowing that I had to wear a mask. […]
Nineteen years ago, our nation was forever changed. Great clouds of black smoke rose up against the bright blue sky. Screams of panic, agony, and fear pierced the chaos. Firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and thousands of other first responders rushed to do what they were trained to do. Planes were diverted to nearby airports and […]
Family history research opens doors to understanding. It bridges generation gaps. It answers questions. No wonder so many people dive into their gene pools to find out where they come from.But that research can also open cans of worms, undermine bridges, and create a whole new batch of questions. While I like to think of […]
Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 13. Traditionally, grandchildren send cards, make homemade gifts, or call to speak with Grandpa or Grandma, Papa or Nana. However, 2020 has been anything but a traditional year. So, this year, why not give your grandkids a gift? Nothing purchased. Nothing that costs a wad of cash. Nothing that requires […]