The Story Behind "The Sign"
A couple of years ago I asked Brad what our family motto should be; I wanted to get it cut out on vinyl lettering and display it in our home. He came up with something very Brad-ish and was convinced that nothing else would be better. I thought it was great also but protested, stating that it would not be appropriate to display the motto with young, impressionable kids. Besides, I had my "Perfect Mormon Mom" reputation to uphold. Brad could see right through that falsehood and persisted in trying to convince me that I should make his motto into the sign. I could see that he had his heart set on it.
A short while later I went to a vinyl lettering party and decided that I would make the motto into the sign and give it to Brad for his birthday. It would be such a fun surprise! I had Brad's dad cut the board out for me while they were here visiting, then I sanded and painted the board. I received the lettering while I was at a Relief Society meeting. I was showing it to my friends and we were all laughing about it when an elderly lady, known for being offended easily, walked up to me and asked me if she could see it. Hmmm. I was in a quandary; should I offend her by what was written or offend her by being rude? I chose to be rude and told her no. Probably the wrong decision, but oh well. I have talked many times with said woman since then and hopefully have redeemed myself.
If you have ever worked with vinyl lettering you know that phrases come on one sheet according to color, all nice and straight and lined up perfectly. I was disappointed with what I saw. Apparently someone did not like my choice of words because the last word was tilted, as if hanging off the end of the paper, with the last "s" hanging at an even more crooked angle. It took some work but I was able to fix it. So there, person who cut it out! You could not make me be holy.
I wrapped it up and gave it to Brad and he was so surprised!! We displayed the sign in both my kitchen and living room but we took it down once Jillian started to read. Before we did, though, many a missionary came and took their picture with it. It is a great missionary motto as well, isn't it?
Now it stays in our closet. Part of me wants it up again but I just can't get myself to do it yet. Maybe when my kids are older and realize how imperfect their parents are will I do it. We'll see. At any rate, it makes me smile and yes, it even inspires me! Every family needs a motto like ours!!!
