24 January, 2010

Oh the Places You'll Go.

Since "Tami from Montana"
got me thinking about Dr Seuss,
I just thought y'all should know that THIS one
is my favorite book by the Doc.

If you're following me on twitter
(if not, you can find me here)
you saw the awesome Seuss quote Tami sent:

"Don't cry because it's over,
smile because it happened."

I.love.it.

Now I just need to convince my heart. . .

_____________________________________________



Here are some lovely thoughts from the Doc:
(He brought his A game for this one,
read the full text here)

I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true
that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.

You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on. You’ll be left in a Lurch.

You’ll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then, that you’ll be in a Slump.

And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.

You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted. But mostly they’re darked.
A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose?
How much can you win?

And if you go in, should you turn left or right…
or right-and-three-quarters?
Or, maybe, not quite?
Or go around back and sneak in from behind?
Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.

. . . .

On you will go though the weather be foul.
On you will go though your enemies prowl.
On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl.
Onward up many a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak.
On and on you will hike.
And I know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are.

. . . .

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)


14 comments:

Lara said...

Natalie,

I hadn't read that book in a while. I am sure that your heart hurts right now and mine hurts for you. I can't relate to the exact pain that you feel as I have never lost a child in that way but your experiences make me be ever so grateful to have the savior in my life and hug my children both a little tighter. After having my daughter we suffered a miscarriage and years of trying to have another little one and thankfully our son was born in January of 2009 and all I can say is to echo your words "God is good!" I am sure that you have plenty of family and friends that you can talk to but if you need one more you can reach me at lara_cheney@yahoo.com or on facebook. Your family is still in my prayers.

Love,
Lara Cheney

renae said...

dr seuss is really where it's at. what a great book and a great source of encouragement.

Stephanie said...

bravo! we're cheering for you nat!

good things ahead- beautiful and bright <3

Chelsea said...

I was reading a talk, and there were so many things from it that made me think of your family! Here are just a few thoughts...
“The same Everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either he will shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.”
“My son{DAUGHTER}, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes” (D&C 121:7–8).
Elder Orson F. Whitney (1855–1931) wrote: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God.”
Aren't we so lucky that we know these things to be true? Keep being strong!
-Chelsea Scanlan

The.Marcellus.Family said...

I LOVED this post. Isn't it weird that someone who writes children's books can apply to grownups also.

Hope your doing well.

Love from Utah

Donna M.

Marci said...

I hadn't read that book in awhile, but it's always amazing to me how we can get what we need, and truly different meanings, from things we have read many times before. Thanks for sharing!

Snapshotsofhappiness said...

wow! Who knew old Doctor Seuss was so smart?! Oh, the Places you'll find encouragement. :-)

Heather said...

You are so positive. I find it truly inspirational. I am still praying for you and your precious family.

Brandi said...

I stole your post! But gave you credit...I needed something positive today and that was just to good to not pass along!

shari berry bo-berry said...

Natalie,

This is my favorite Dr. Seuss book as well...love it!

And it is true, "unslumping yourself is not easily done..." so take your time...and remember we are all out here still praying for you and sending good vibes your way!

xoxo, shari in HB

Emily said...

I received this book when I graduated from high school and it's one of my favorites. So many words of wisdom inside!

Camille said...

One of my favorites from school as well - but it definitely takes on a new meaning reading it with a new perspective! Thank you for sharing!

Amelia Kate said...

The more I read Dr. Suess, the more I realize what genius he was.

I hope these words have brought encouragement to your soul.

I hope today you laugh, a lot.

Megan said...

I don't know you but I thank you for your testimony. This is an old post and I don't know if you will ever see this but I thank you. My heart is so full reading your words of inspiration. This is my favorite Dr. S. I read it to my kids and it touches my heart. The first time I saw this story was a graduation gift for my older brother. He had traveled down many different paths but eventually he choose a righteous path, a mission, and there the lord saw fit to bring him home. It's funny how this book has always reminded me of him. It is a sweet reminder to me that as hard as it gets, you CAN succeed! Your words have helped build my testimony tonight. My prayers go to you and your family tonight.