Wow, it has been a long time since my last post. I am finally a sophomore! I know that sounds crazy. Next semester we will have an OR rotation. I am dreading it. I just have this horrible picture in my mind that I will contaminate the field or slip and fall or something equally embarrassing.

We had a good Christmas here. We spent the day with just the four of us here at home. It was wonderful not having to stress out about anything at all. The kids played with their new toys all day. My daughter received a new lap top. She kept having to borrow mine to do homework so I figured it was time for her to have her own. The baby has been vacuuming the house non-stop with his new vacuum. I wish they made a toy vacuum that actually worked. My floor would remain spotless! I was able to watch the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. It was beautiful. It was from Washington D.C.. (Are there two periods there?) I like to be reminded that the Christmas season, Advent, is a celebration of the coming of Christ to this earth. Not only that but of the promise of his death and Resurrection. Hope springs eternal from the lowly birthplace in Betlechem.

Do Unto Others...

I've been thinking about the ethical theory of Utilitarianism. I vaguely touched on it for a project for school but was unable to flesh anything out. Following are some of my thoughts.
The founder of Utilitarianism is Jeremy Bentham. He lived in England in the mid to late 1700's. This was the period of the Enlightenment. His godson was a man named John Stuart Mill. Mill continued writing and defending Utilitarianism after the death of Bentham. Utilitarianism focuses on happiness. It had come under fire as a theory of 'swine', due to the focus on pleasure and satisfaction. Mill qualifies happiness as a level of pleasure above that which a beast could experience. He calls happiness utility and qualifies it, writing, "...we may refer it to the love of liberty and personal independence...but its most appropriate appellation is a sense of dignity." This seems to be an individually focused happiness, but, in fact Mills goes on to further qualify utility as that which is best for the larger whole. When it comes to conduct the standard for determining one's actions, "...is not the agent's own greatest happiness, but the greatest amount of happiness altogether..." In other words, the best and necessary action is the one that benefits the largest amount of people. I feel that Mill deconstructs his entire theory in the closing of his Utilitarianism: "As between his own happiness and that of others, utilitarianism requires him to be as strictly impartial as a disinterested and benevolent spectator. In the golden rule of Jesus of Nazareth, we read the complete spirit of the ethics of utility. To do as you would be done by, and to love your neighbour as yourself, constitute the ideal perfection of utilitarian morality." The problem is that in order to serve the greater good, oftentimes individual rights are sacrificed. For example, a person who commits an assault against another is imprisoned in order to protect society. The liberty of the offender is impinged in order to serve the greater whole. This is the theory of Utilitarianism in practice. If you are doing unto others as you would be done then you would not imprison anyone, lest you wish to be imprisoned. So, the utility of the whole is not served. It is in this way that the theory is deconstructed. Let me add one more illustration to my argument. I am relying on the writing of Bernard Williams in his, A Critique of Utilitarianism. Suppose there is a man who is traveling in the rain forest in a remote part of a South American country. He stumbles upon, quite by accident, a small tribal village where there is occurring a terrifying scene. A couple of soldiers belonging to the government of the country have twenty villagers lined up, all of them looking quite terrified. After explaining that he is merely a botanist who is off course and has mistakenly arrived there the man is advised by the soldier that he may participate in the killing of these villagers. He further informs the man that it is a honor to have a foreigner as a witness and participant in the killing of what he considers 'rebels.' In order to honor the occasion of his presence, he will allow nineteen of the twenty villagers go free if the man will shoot one. If the botanist refuses to kill one villager, however, the soldiers will kill all twenty. What is this poor lost botanist to do? Can he apply an ethical theory that can not even stand upon its own standards? It is easy to see that Utilitarianism is a non-theory because it can not be applied consistently. It is simply impossible to treat all others like you would want to be treated and serve the larger whole in all situations.

So, I've hit that part in the semester where I am just really tired. I'm enjoying school, mostly, but I am losing motivation to study. I have a test in pathophysiology Tuesday and I am avoiding it like the plague. I love clinicals weeks. I don't love the waking up at five part but other than that I think its great and am learning so much in the hospital. I need to just get started on the patho. Once I begin it is easy to finish; my problem is in ignition, the cruise works fine.

The children are doing well. My daughter is loving Art Memory! She is excited about the UIL competition. I am realizing how bright she actually is. Her memory is outstanding. She has seventy or so works of art on flashcards and she is charged with recalling the artist and the title of the piece. She had them all down over a week ago, roughly two weeks after receiving the cards. She needs no prompting at all. I am very impressed.

The baby is growing every day. I fear the winter clothes he has may not fit all winter. He is very busy. He is always trying to figure things out. He is learning through 'cause and effect', as I learned years ago in a child development course. He is a joy and I absolutely love the way his eyes light up when he smiles!

Here is an update and a small glimpse of my extremely busy life.

I'm finally getting used to the idea of becoming a nurse. School has been so hectic that I did not really have time to consider the end I am working towards. This week we had clinicals where we were actively involved in patient care. It was so stressful and so rewarding! This week has helped to solidify my intentions.

The kids are doing well. My daughter is trying out for various UIL events. Hopefully she will be chosen for at least one event. She is trying so hard.

The baby is going through a 'I want to do everything you tell me not to do' phase. Good times. Trying times, at times. He is growing, growing every day!

Further updates to follow, as time permits.

I went to a Christian bookstore today. I had some extra time to waste during lunch break and, after debating whether or not to go to the library to research respiratory drains, I headed for the bookstore, just to look. (I did make a purchase, two bibles; one for my daughter and one for my husband, and a copy of Lewis' "Mere Christianity.") Near the back of the shop there is a row of pamphlets or as they are more commonly known, tracks. I have a general negative opinion about these little pieces of literature. Today I found some that horrified me. On the front of the track was a picture of Saddam Hussein with the caption, 'Fighting a War Against Evil.' I flipped the pack over and the back of these tracks had a little check box next to an 'invitation to accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior.' Now, I want to know how they went from killing someone you don't know because another man has labeled him as 'evil', (and devastating an entire country in the process), to accepting Jesus. Too bad they were enclosed in cellophane, rendering me helpless to do anything but guess. Perhaps there is a great call to repentance within the pamphlet, illustrating that war itself is the evil. I allowed myself to imagine this momentarily before glancing at the publisher and realizing that it is probably an application of the Just War Theory, rather. How unfortunate. I'm certain that these have been handed out in churches and in public places by well meaning but misled people.
'You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.'—Mathew 5.43-48
Perfection is loving all equally and unconditionally, like our Father. If we want to fight a war against evil, we should first be able to recognize it. It is the spirit that causes man to rise up against each other. It is the spirit that brings the greatest grief to our heavenly Father, making him watch as his children slaughter each other. Evil is only conquered by love. God help us to love as you love.

I cannot believe it has already been three weeks since I started school. Hopefully the rest of the semester goes this fast. My daughter starts school Monday and she is not looking forward to it. She does not want to leave her brother "alone" during the day. He is being cared for by his grandfather and will be just fine. She is worried about him and would spend every waking moment making sure he is all right if she could. It is unbelievable how over-protective of him she is and has always been.

We drove by to check the teacher list yesterday and my daughter has a "nice" teacher this year. She is happy about that. Last year was a little trying, at times. We finally finished school clothes/supplies shopping this afternoon. We, my husband and I, bought her three more shirts and some erasers at Target. The shirts are blue, which is the color she has chosen for nearly her entire wardrobe this year.

I spent an hour and a half today assembling a 'Little Tykes Cozy Coupe.' The baby is enjoying it. He is climbing in and out and wanting to be pushed around. Hopefully we can spend some time outside this last weekend of my daughter's summer.

Well, I start school in ten days! I am feeling nervous, excited and a little stressed out. Time is my main concern. This is my first time being a student and the mother of two children. The baby, although he is a year and a half, is still very much a "momma's baby." He freaks out when he is not the center of my attention! Just now I had to take a break from typing this to feed him and I really don't think he was hungry. My summer and my extended break from school is winding down quickly. I have really enjoyed my time at home just being mommy.

This summer we took a small trip to my parent's. We spent some time there with the family. While we were there my brother, sister and I had our portrait taken for my mom. She does not have a portrait of all three of us together. This was my sister's idea and I think its wonderful. We also went boating with my dad. Dad pulled my daughter and my husband in the inter-tube and we all swam in the lake. It was nice. The baby really enjoyed the water. He was so amazed at the vastness of the lake. We went to the Zoo in Tyler, as well. It was nice. It was very well shaded and we were able to see all of the animals. I was amazed at how the entire zoo was uphill! It was a nice little vacation and a nice end to my break.

Believe it or not I let my children play in muddy water this last weekend. I was cleaning out the car and the kids were playing with the water hose. There is a place in the sidewalk that gathers water where the baby discovered he could splash with his hands and his shoes. They had so much fun! I am impressed with myself for allowing them to enjoy themselves. Small steps make big progress...

I have been thinking lately about Christianity. Let me be more specific. I have been thinking about Christianity and exclusivity. I have been mulling over some questions in my mind. Just how exclusive is God? Is Christianity the only way to salvation?
I remember growing up in the church and being taught to "witness." I was told about the importance of telling other people about Jesus, lest they end up in Hell. I was about my daughter's age when all of this teaching began. I seriously question the ethics of telling a young child about this horrible place of eternal suffering that people will go to if they do not subscribe to a certain methodology. I would pull my own child out of such a class. I remember feeling guilty for not witnessing during the week. Saving people from Hell seemed to be the main focus of the children ministry and youth ministry in my childhood church. God seemed to be quite exclusive. Club Heaven was the group to join and the password was 'A, B, C.’ (The Baptist path to salvation is Admit, Believe, Confess.) Christianity was the only way to receive deliverance from Hell, which was what I understood salvation to be. I am well beyond defining salvation as a “get out of hell free card.” I feel it is a deliverance from the powers of sin and death and a realignment of allegiance with the Kingdom of God.
I memorized quite a bit of the Gospel of John in my formative years. In my university study I took a class; I can't remember which one, in which the professor taught that the picture of Jesus in the Gospel of John is the one who replaces and supersedes various aspects of Jewish worship. (In writing that I remembered which professor it was because I could hear him saying this.) The author adopts a negative tone towards "the Jews" within the book; however this is probably referring to a group of leaders within the religious hierarchy. It is likely that the community that produced at least the core concepts of the work was being evicted from the synagogue community. (All of this is a matter for historical critics.) The author relies on well known images of God to portray Jesus. Jesus is identified as the word. The beginning of John echoes the beginning of Genesis. God as the word was well understood by Jews. The word contained the creative power as well as wisdom. John portrays Jesus to the Jews as the incarnation of these things. Even the Greeks of the time understood the concept of the word being the part of the universe that was cohesive or better, rational, as the Stoics taught. Essentially, John presents Jesus as a relatable presence of God.
The question still remains for me, however, is Jesus the exclusive path to God? (My hands are a little shaky writing this last sentence. What if I feel there may be other ways to salvation? Would I still be a Christian? Am I ok with the implications of my query?) One statement keeps troubling me: "No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14.6b) (How ironic that the beginning of the discourse is, "Do not let your hearts be troubled.") Is this a statement of exclusivity? I was always taught in church that it is. Perhaps it is and if so then Jesus is the only way to know God. Perhaps it is not and there are other paths. Even if Jesus is the only way is he always known by that name?
All of these questions have come to the forefront of my mind recently because I am reading a history of the Arabic world. (To be specific, I am reading "The Great Arab Conquests, How the Spread of Islam Changed the World we Live in" by H. Kennedy.) Muhammad was known as a reluctant prophet. He was not looking to start a new religion. He would periodically visit caves for the in search of solitude. It was upon one of these visits that he becomes enthralled by a presence that is only later attributed to the angel Gabriel. Muhammad is frightened by the experience and only through the convincing of his wife, Kadijah, does he share the revelation, "Recite. Recite in the name of your Lord who created, created man from clots of blood. Recite! Your Lord is the most Bountiful One, who by the pen taught man what he did not know." He continues to receive more revelations and develops a small following that through time results in the Islamic religion. Muhammad was a citizen of Mecca, in modern-day Saudi Arabia. At the time of Muhammad, (early 600's), Mecca was a hub of trade and religious worship. There was a shrine, the Kabah, said to be built by Abraham where pilgrims came to worship. It was quite the commercial venture, with the Quraysh tribe controlling the shrine and collecting fees from worshippers and profits from idol sales. It was within this environment that Muhammad receives a message from a god claiming to be singular. In a sea of gods and idols in the Kabah, this ‘One God’ is a relatable presence.
The voice that Muhammad continues to hear claims to be the voice of the same God who had previously revealed himself to the Jews and the Christians. The messages received by this reluctant prophet hold many similarities to the messages previously given by God to Jews and Christians. The words of the prophet are now compiled into the holy book, the Koran. Much of the writings rely on well known images of God. Mecca and the surrounding area were populated with Jews and Christians and many of the images from these traditions are incorporated in the Muslim faith. The beginning of the revelations is an allusion to the beginning of Genesis. The voice speaking to Muhammad is attributed to the creative creating God. Interestingly the concept of word is even present. Here it is "pen" because much emphasis is placed on the miracle of the writing of the Holy Scripture in the beautiful Arabic language.
The ideas are so similar that I can not easily dismiss the possibility that Muhammad encountered the same God in the cave that Abraham encountered in Haran. God chose Abraham and his descendants as keepers of his promise and word. He did this in order that they may be a blessing to all nations and peoples. God revealed himself as flesh through Christ to the oppressed of the Roman Empire. Perhaps he also revealed himself to the Arabic peoples through the words of "the lone voice in the wilderness," Muhammad.
I wish not to think that God is exclusive but I can not know all the outworkings of his sometimes mysterious ways. “Whereupon he spoke and said: ‘I am the servant of God. He has given me the Book and ordained me a prophet. His blessing is upon me wherever I go, and He has exhorted me to be steadfast in prayer and to give alms as long as I shall live. He has exhorted me to honor my mother and has purged me of vanity and wickedness. Blessed was I on the day I was born, and blessed shall I be on the day of my death and on the day I shall be raised to life.’ Such was Jesus son of Mary.” (Surah Mary 19.30-35)

We spent the Fourth of July weekend in Odessa at a family reunion. The family was my husband's father's family. Two thirds of the people attending were from my town. There were probably sixty or so from here. I had never been to a family reunion. It was not quite what I was expecting. First of all, I was expecting it to be held at a park or large facility. It was in the backyard of some distant uncle. They had an average size yard with a small pool. There were about thirty kids swimming in this small, maybe eight to ten thousand gallon, pool. (At that moment I was thankful that we no longer have a pool! I would have been so stressed out with all those kids in my pool.) We were all crammed into this backyard.
Another thing that I found interesting was this: We all stayed fairly isolated. There were only a few people that went around introducing themselves. So I found that we were sitting at a table with our family that we see everyday. I thought, I could do this at home. There was no need to drive to Odessa for that! Even the kids in the pool were only socializing with their own siblings or first cousins. It was a little sad.
After the reunion we went to the motel, which was the type with the indoor rooms and an indoor pool. We had a really nice time. All of the kids, including my son spent hours in the pool. My husband was carrying the baby in the pool. He kept laughing and squealing; he was so happy to be with his daddy in the water! I wish I had taken my camera but I forgot it. (I did, however, bring my camera charger.) I sat down on one of the lounge chairs and read some of The Odyssey. It was a very relaxing evening. Later that night, we went outside and sat on our cars and watched some great fireworks. (It turns out the county park where the city was having their Fourth celebration was very close.)
All in all it was a nice weekend. The family reunion was not at all what I was expecting. The nice evening poolside and the firework show afterwards were great. My family spent some quality time together relaxing. It was worth the drive for that alone!

I have only one more day of summer school. I am so happy. I had to make an 'A' in the class in order to be exempt from the final. I think I have a 90.1 average. (Safe!) Aside from the fact that I had to completely redo a presentation the class was allright. I learned quite a bit about nutrition, which was the idea.

I am looking forward to having the month of July off. I plan to give the house a good scrub and weed the flower beds. I also want to spend time with my children, as much as I can. I know I will be very busy for the next four semesters so I really want to enjoy this last month of free time with my children.

It is my tenth wedding anniversary. Ten years feels so official. Today is a day to celebrate all the milestones we have come upon, struggled with and passed together. We are trying our best to fulfill that part in our vows about 'good times and bad.' We've had our fair share of both. I remember being a teenager and thinking that love is all I needed to have a successful marriage. I was wrong. It takes a lot more than love. It takes an unbelievable amount of hard work, patience and fortitude. It is all, however, worthless without love.
Today is also a day for reflection. I am trying to identify those things I do to better my relationship with my husband. I am also trying to identify the things I do that are not beneficial. This is a little painful, like taking a hard look in the mirror. (It is worth it, though. I cannot believe what a blessing to my marriage it was when I realized I did not have to "win" every argument.) I hope in the next ten years to strenghten my love for God and my husband.
I am so thankful for the love my husband and I have for each other and our beautiful children. May God bless us in the future as we seek him out in our relationship.

I just loathe group work. This summer class I'm taking requires that I do a power point presentation with a partner. Why do I need a partner for a power point? I'm familiar with the program. The assignment is not difficult or even time-consuming. I do not feel it is ever necessary to work in a partnership or group for this type of assignment. I know some of my feeling is directly connected to a deficiency in my personality. I have never liked group work. I enjoy listening to other people and learning from others and I understand the importance of cooperation and working together. There is, however, an appropriate time and place for shared work. A power point presentation should never qualify as said time or place.
In all fairness I have had a few good partners for assignments in the past, (really just two.) One was for a poster board presentation in and Old Testament course and the other for a power point in a Prophets class.
Well, I go forth into the abyss of shared work, with all of the awkwardness and frustration it brings.

So, I now have a new computer! Yay! (Thank you Dad.) I can post some pictures now. It's really amazing how much the baby has changed since I last posted a picture.

Tomorrow I start school, again. I am taking a nutrition class that is required by the nursing school. I am nervous about leaving the baby. My daughter will be there and I am leaving them with family. I suppose I am so nervous because I have not been separated from him previously. Its only for a few hours in the morning. I think it is a good transition period, as I will be gone all day starting in August.

Well, not much is going on here since I last posted a few days ago but I am so excited about the prospect of posting pictures I couldn't wait for something noteworthy to happen. That being said here are some recent pictures of my kids.

Forgive me for it has been nearly two whole months since my last post.
Quite a bit has changed. We are all settled in to our new home. My daughter finished up basketball season. Her team finished second, over all. She really enjoyed it and wants to play again. She is almost finished with this school year. She was chosen as 'student of the year' for third grade! She works so hard, she deserves it. She will have made the straight 'A' honor roll, as well. She also commended on her TAKS test in both reading and math. We are very proud of her.
The baby, or should I say toddler, has accomplished some great feats as well. He is now an official walker. He has even mastered walking in shoes. He loves to play catch and play with cars. He makes the 'vroom vroom' sound. It is too cute! He is also learning to brush his hair and his teeth. His favorite activity is going around the house and popping out all the outlet covers, (you know, the child-proof plastic ones.)
I wish I could post some pictures here now but, alas, I still have no computer. Hopefully that will change soon.
Forgive me for my absence. I shall strive not to falter again.

It has been a long time since I last posted. We were in the process of moving. You forget how much stuff you have until you move. I still have so much to do; its a little overwhelming, really. Does anyone know a secret method for getting wall paper off a wall? My computer also died. I took it to the repair place here in town and was told it would be better, for my money, to buy a new computer. All my pictures were there so I will not post a picture for the time being. (I also have them on usb but I'm waiting for a new computer to put them on.) Well, it is becoming impossible to keep the baby's hands off the keyboard any longer so that's all for now!

Well, the baby is less than two weeks shy of fourteen months and he is still not walking. I have talked to several people and pondered many theories. Here is my working hypothesis-Several factors are affecting the timing of my son walking. The first factor is the unknown; who knows why? The second factor is the fact that he is a boy and it is my understanding that boys are a little behind girls in developing. (My daughter walked at nine months.) The third factor is his personality. He is a momma's boy and loves to be carried. The fourth factor is the environment. It is winter and he is usually wearing socks and the majority of our home has wood floors, making it difficult to get traction. We bought him a walker and he is starting to walk around the house using it. I am a little fearful that it may be delaying him further, teaching him to rely on the aide it provides his balance. I can't be sure, however, because before he played with it he was not even trying anything but crawling. One thing is certain; I am probably making a bigger deal of this than need be. Look at this cute picture of him with his walker!

I just thought I'd write and give a little update on how things are going around here in my world. It seems to be a season of newness. My little brother-in-law and his wife just had their second baby. They now have a thirteen month old boy and a four day old boy. The baby is beautiful.

We are moving! I am very excited. We are moving to another home here in town. The house is smaller than the one we are in but it is fifty years newer. It is good for us to reduce our belongings. I believe purging is good for the soul. My main concern is 'where am I going to put my books?' I can not part with them. We might have to install some shelves.

My daughter is playing basketball. I did not realize a children's game could be so serious. I just thought soccer moms were intense. These parents are on a whole other level. Its a little comical to me. The parents of the other girls were talking about their daughter's future careers in basketball. I was just thinking my daughter might like to get out and run around with other kids her age.

Well, that's what is happening around here, in a nut shell. I'll post with more detail about the move and the basketball experience at another time.

MATH!!! I loathe math! I am studying for an entry-level exam for a school I am applying to. I have realized that I have very little math skills outside of a functioning calculator. I have never felt so stupid. I believe my nine-year old daughter could offer me some insight.
Susy has three different colors of jelly beans in her pocket, 8 red, 4 blue and 4 green. How many does she have to take out to ensure she has one of each color? WHAT!? She already has them! They're in her blasted pocket! Isn't the answer 0? No, it's 13!
Did I mention the test is in two days? So, how many hours will Susy have to study for an exam that is in two days if she starts now? Factor in x, which is the number of hours it takes to care for a baby in a day and y, which is the number of hours it takes to care for a nine-year old. Subtract z, which is everything else in my life.
Hmm...let's see: hours=2(24 hours in a day) - (x+y+z)
x=24, y=8, and z=24
So, the hours Susy has left to study are -8. Great!

We had a birthday party for my now nine-year-old daughter. I took her to Party City to pick out the "stuff" for the party a few weeks before. Out of all the fifty or more choices of birthday themed items she chose Texas Tech themed plates, napkins and streamers. I made her two red velvet cakes with white frosting. She had a friend from school and her cousins come to the party. My in-laws, my mom and my grandmother were also in attendance. My daughter had a really nice time. The kids played Twister and played outside. My daughter received board games, some crafting supplies, money and an Xbox! I'm glad she had a good time celebrating her ninth birthday.

Sunday we had a birthday party for the baby. His plates and cups were decorated with teddy bears and rocket ships. It was so cute. I made him a cake, (instead of spending sixty dollars on a tasteless one from the grocery.) I made a yellow cake with vanilla frosting colored baby blue. I also piped some lettering in yellow colored frosting. The baby really enjoyed opening his presents, especially the pulling out the tissue paper part. He received a fancy toy, dishes, soap and lotions. He had a really good time. I let him eat his cake by himself, just like I let his sister nearly nine years ago. He was a big blue mess! After that I even let him play outside in the yard. I know, those of you that know me can not believe it but it is true. I will post a picture here so you can see. He was very dirty, and very happy! We also had a lot of family there so it was extra special. It was a fun day, celebrating my baby's first birthday.

It is the baby's birthday. I can not believe this year is gone. I feel so blessed that he is happy and healthy. He's such a wonderful little boy. I can't help feeling a little sad today, as well. I really did my best to enjoy his infant days. I chose to relish every moment. That did nothing to slow the time passing. I remember telling myself those first few months when I thought I could not make it any longer because I was so exhausted, "Enjoy this. These are the best times of your life." I was right. The memories of my daughter and my son being infants will be treasured with joy. So the next time I hug my children today I will say a prayer of thanks for the precious memories of their lives thus far. Having children gives so many inexplicably wonderful memories as well as so much to look forward to. I am truly blessed.

Last weekend I read the book, The Giver, by Lois Lowry. My brother and sister read it back in grade school, but I never had. My brother gave it to my daughter as a Christmas gift. Its a bit like Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 in that it presents a futuristic society where the pursuit of knowledge has been lost.
The story is told by a third person narrator. The narrator presents the tale from the view point of the main character, a young adolescent boy named Jonas. The setting is a utopian society where pain has virtually been eliminated. The method of this "advancement" was the removal of the pursuit of knowledge. Any knowing of the past has been lost. There is only one member of the society that has any recollections of the world before the establishment of the current reality. This man is the giver.
Jonas is appointed to become the new giver for the society. He is selected because the current giver has observed that Jonas has the ability to "see" the world for what is used to be, (and what it could be.) Through his training he learns that all the things he "knew" were false. As he acquires knowledge he realizes that the world is empty. Lack of knowledge of the past has eliminated not only pain, but also love.
Jonas is able to experience love through the memories that the giver imparts to him. Once he experiences love he is unable to accept anything else. He is compelled by it. He decides he has to change, (save), the world from itself. They must experience the pain of the past in order to experience love in the present. There is only one way for this to be accomplished. Jonas must "release", (sacrifice,) himself on their behalf, allowing them to experience the memories of the past themselves. Unfortunately he is too young to comprehend the full implications of this decision.
The ending of this book is quite tragic. Jonas escapes from this utopian society with an infant who was scheduled to be "released", (killed,) because he was not developing according to the "perfect" standards of the society. He flees as far as he can. They both die from starvation and exposure. In the final scene in the story Jonas, upon his death, "sees" the world for what it is meant to be. The great pain he is in physically is contrasted by a beautiful vision of a town filled with people who love each other. He imagines himself sledding down the snowy hill he is on to be welcomed by the inhabitants of this long lost world.
Its a quick read and I enjoyed it. I would recommend this book to children who have an understanding of death and adults. If you have read this book leave a comment letting me know what you thought.