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Show Volume II , Issue IV Page 11 The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS January 2000 One Voice On The Family By Janet Hoffmann This Christmas during the hustle and bustle of the season our family became very moody. Everyone seemed angry with each other and some of us cried more than usual. I came up with many reasons for my anger. One day I was telling a dear friend of all my complaints and she said, “You are in pain.” I knew this, but what could I do about it.” She simply said, “You need to feel your pain.” I laughed and said I don’t know how to feel my pain.” As time went on nothing changed. The children were making mountains out of molehills dealing with their individual problems and the fighting and crying continued. Soon we were forced to face our pain because we were getting depressed. One morning while I was telling my husband how depressed I was I discovered that our son, Cody’s death was a bigger part of our pain than any of us had realized. As soon as I realized this I decided to do some grieving work—feeling sorry for myself. Then I bought an ornament for the tree we have on his grave. I finally knew what my friend had meant when she said, “Feel the pain.” It was as if a dam had broken loose, I was happy once again. As I told the rest of the family of this discovery, they acknowledged that they were feeling even worse about Cody’s death than they had the previous Christmas. We decided that last year we were still in shock, and that this year the reality was unavoidably before us. After we discovered where the pain was coming from, everyone did whatever made them feel good. We each dealt with the pain of Cody’s death so differently, but each of us started doing things to help our own pain. Only then were we able to be kinder to each other, to stop crying and begin feeling the Christmas spirit. Our pain could have ruined Christmas for us and, even worse, it could have hurt our relationships. I’m so grateful for my friend who said, “Feel the Pain.” There is so much pain in the world and the pain that affects us as individuals needs to be felt by us as individuals in order for us to get rid of it. We need to allow our loved ones to feel their pain also. We don’t need to mope around all the time, but when we feel sad, angry or any negative emotions, it’s all right to take the time to ask why. Then cry, feel sorry for yourself, or do something to feel your pain. Unfelt pain holds us captive. When we are held captive, we can’t carry out our part of a relationship, which causes more pain. Many people around us are dealing with pain. As hurtful as it is, it may also help us to grow. I hope this New Year will bring with it a knowledge, for each of us, of how we can endure pain by feeling it, then letting it go, thereby helping ourselves and our families. Ice Fishing Tips By Jim Poulter Ice fishing has become a popular Northern Utah winter sport. We’re seeing its popularity increase with all age groups. It’s becoming a fun family activity as well. It is important to remember that while enjoying a day on the ice, never forget to consistently follow the precautions that go along with the sport. The following tips will help you to have a safe and enjoyable day of ice fishing. 1. Take enough food and water to last the day. Cold weather zaps your strength. A well-fed fisherman will be able to fish longer, and be more alert. 2. Take a pair of sunglasses and a bottle of sunscreen. The sun reflecting off of snow and ice can cause snow blindness and a nasty sunburn. 3. Warm, dry clothes are a necessity. Wet skin loses heat ten times faster than dry skin. And remember, a nice sunny day can turn cold in minutes. 4. Emergency gear to have on hand consists of a 50-foot rope, Canned Heat, Chemical Heat Paks, Ice picks, (a must) and a first-aid kit. 5. Cover your ice auger after you are through drilling the holes. The blades are extremely sharp and dangerous to fingers, dogs, and kids. 6. Take a folding chair or bucket. Sitting on the ice will only get you wet and cold! 7. Always check ice conditions before going out on the ice. · 3 inches can handle one person · 4 to 5 inches can handle a small group of fishermen · 6 to 8 inches can handle a snowmobile, 4 wheeler or a larger group Avoid any ice that looks different—if there are: air holes, slush holes, large cracks, darker or lighter spots, channel inlets or any moving water. Watch the edge of the ice, this is the thinnest area, and it melts the quickest. Note: This information is provided courtesy of Ace Hardware. Subscriptions available for out of area residents at $15.00 annually. Send payment with mailing address to: THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS P O BOX 130 EDEN UT 84310 January Specials Lawn Boy Snow Thrower 3 hp Huntsville, Utah Ice Fishing American Supplies! Eagle H.P. Eskimo 8” Hand Auger $29.95 (thru 2/29/00) Wax & Mill Worms $1.59 / dozen $339.94 Ace Windshield Wiper Fluid & .89 / Gallon CCI Blazar 22 Shells Heartland Wood Pellets .89 / Box (thru 2/29/00) $4.29 / 40lb Bag All Woolrich & Selected Carhartt 15 - 50 % OFF while supplies last South Fork Village M - F 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. 540 South Hwy. 39 Huntsville, Utah 745-4200 GET READY FOR WINTER NOW. South Fork Chevron 745-4100 |