From Deseret News archives:

Generations come together to celebrate family

Published: Saturday, March 17, 2007 12:00 a.m. MDT
PRINT | FONT + - 
OREM — Generations of experience and family-minded wisdom were resources Amy Krzymowski wanted to tap into when she became a new mother.

So, in a family room, Krzymowski spent the day with her mother and aunts, sharing experiences and swapping stories about dealing with children, family crises and societal problems.

"There's a lot of strength that comes from getting together," Krzymowski said. "It's obvious other people have needed the same help I did."

Since that first gathering in 1999, the small group of women has blossomed to more than 120 women who gather annually in Orem to share ideas about how to strengthen marriages, families and homes.

"It began as a desire to have a forum where these young mothers ... could be given ideas and inspiration — kind of a vision of what they were doing and the importance of what they were doing," said LaDawn Jacob, Krzymowski's mother.

It's also a chance for the women to remember their heritage. Most who attend are descendants of Hans and Mynoa Andersen, who had 10 children and 83 grandchildren.

Black-and-white photos of the patriarch and matriarch were placed at the podium in the LDS chapel where the women gathered.

The two-day Andersen Legacy Conference includes talks, musical numbers, chances to chat and potluck meals.

A talk Friday morning, titled "The Rock of Honor and Virtue — Keeping Children Clean in a Dirty World," focused on the importance of teaching children with love.

The conference is based on teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This year's theme was based on an LDS hymn: "Firm As the Mountains Around Us."

"We are people striving to make a difference in our children's lives," said Carol Soelberg, who traveled from Mesa, Ariz., to attend her fourth conference. "What a wonderful thing to be reminded about how important women are in establishing stable relationships in home and society."

Soelberg said she hopes other women see the value and strength in gathering and perhaps form their own groups, based on their needs.

And, the women say, anyone who comes benefits, whether it's a young mother rocking a fussy baby or a white-haired matriarch thinking back on decades of parenting.

"You feel a part of something that's big," Krzymowski said. "You don't feel so alone."


E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com

About this ad

View Comments

DeseretNews.com encourages a civil dialogue among its readers. We welcome your thoughtful comments.

– About Comments

rss icon

Recommended in Utah

Story

Three people were hospitalized Friday after a propane gas leak sparked an explosion on Old Bingham Highway.

Story

A public funeral for Charlie and Braden Powell will be held Saturday, at 11 a.m. (PST), in Tacoma, Wash.

Story

Officials confirmed Friday that a man and a woman were killed in a plane crash near the Morgan County Airport.

No. Utah sees a major earthquake every 350 years. Last one? 350 years ago.