3-26-06
Hello Friends,
I’m in Deerfield, Florida at the Hilton Hotel. I just finished a pizza and watched a silly movie with my brothers Jimmy and Wayne. We are really ready to get back home to our families. This tour that we’re on right now is very different from the one in the U.K. These are private shows for older people in communities that are more like elite clubs. Anyway, our show had to be tamed down for sure! Some of these people really seem sad. I don’t quite know how to say it, but you can tell the ones that are struggling, and those who are enjoying themselves. I don’t mean about our show, I mean about the stage of life they are in.
My father told me there are different stages of life that we all go through. He said that he is in the “refinement stage,” (some people call it the retirement stage). He points out that many people feel as though they’re “put out to pasture.” He warned me that once this feeling sets in, a person begins to fall apart, loses purpose, and quickly dies inside. I believe it! There is a big difference in a person who glows with understanding, and someone who is in the dark. The scriptures refer to this as “light” or “intelligence.” Those who know my father can truly say that he glows! This is because, I believe, he knows why he is on the earth. Again, it’s clearly understanding first, that everyone is a child of God. We all have those traits and qualities that motivate us to want to be better than we are now (see Psalms 82). The next thing to remember is that we are here for a reason (see Abraham 3 in the Pearl of Great Price). When we have a strong sense of identity and purpose, we have strength and power to deal with life’s challenges. As we go through the particular stages of life, we develop, grow, and overcome. Our goal is to be like our Savior Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 4).
As I mentioned, my father is in what he calls the “refinement stage.” He looks at this as a great opportunity and a time to make all the wrongs – right; to share with his posterity and friends, his wisdom, life experiences, and mistakes. I had lunch with my father about a week ago. I reminded him of the situation a few years ago, where he and I were walking together, and he stopped and said, “Jay, I hope I’ve been a good example to you, but more importantly, I hope that you can look at the things I’ve done wrong, and learn from them.” Now that is humility! I strongly believe that humility is the key to spirituality.
Well, I just had a good chat with my family back home. It was so nice to hear their voices. We have to leave tomorrow for a three hour drive towards Orlando, so I better get some sleep!
Jay
3-19-06
Dear friends:
I just got home from the U.K., and wanted to write and thank everyone who came to the concerts. I also want to thank all of those who wrote letters, wanting to come, but couldn’t because of various reasons.
It was like a big “high school” reunion! The friendships made over the years and the memories shared by so many people, was overwhelming. The Osmonds are just a part of the experience. This was not just about us, it was about “YOU.” Many times during this past month, the brothers and I talked about stories from the past, and read notes from several people, that made us both laugh and cry. This was an intense tour! It was also fun! But a little sad in way, because this may have been the last time the five of us perform together. Who knows? The main thing I loved about the tour is, that so many people were involved. The love felt was amazing! I’m glad they shot it on camera, but I hope the magic and the spirit that we all witnessed will come through on the DVD. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I appreciated those moments, and they will be forever printed on my mind.
P.S. This is the first entry of my weekly journal, which will be posted on my site every week by my good friend, and assistant Terri Shoemaker. I want to do this, so I can keep you posted on activities and upcoming events. But more importantly, I want to do this for me, and for those who are interested in the thoughts and feelings about my life as they unfold.
Sincerely, Jay Osmond
