Conceal and Carry

For anyone who has undertaken a course in conceal and carry, I pose a question: Have you ever looked around the room and thought, "These people will all be legally armed?!" If CCW classes are held frequently, how many people are walking the streets, shopping at the mall, going to places of employment, or sitting at Church with a 9mm strapped to their hip? Just think about the most recent sporting event you attended (especially Little League)--what happens when someone becomes irritated at a player, an umpire, or a spectator? Imagine a temper tantrum coupled with a concealed weapon.

I believe we should have the right to possess and carry firearms. It is a basic right of self-protection. But I think it might save lives if the instruction course were more comprehensive.

Our instructors were two Afro-American males set up in Independence, Missouri, working out of a drafty little room frequently subjected to the noise of passing trains. The were quite knowledgeable about the subject, and obviously enjoyed their jobs. One was large and burley, keeping his concealed weapon on his hip until retiring to bed at night. The other was long and lankey, someone who would be a fun friend to hang with.

The class participants came from a wide range of backgrounds. One was East Indian, driving up in his deep-red 2009 Hummer, blasting rap music, then stepping out in his pricey wool overcoat. He had never before fired a gun. Sitting next to me was a small thin man, displaying an array of tattoos, who seemed to know much more about firearms than the instructors. He was quiet, but ready to offer information on any Glock, Ruger, or Smith & Weston. At Lorenzo's right was what appeared to be a native Missourian, sporting his baseball cap and a "Mizurah" accent. He proudly displayed his gun, purchased from a police officer, and attemped conversation a few times without much reciprocity. Sitting kitty-corner in front of us was what appeared to be a woman, clad in a red coat, and boasting poofy, longish hair. Much to our surprise, it was a male, who seemed to be friends with two other men in the class. One more student to mention: a elderly man who was always smiling at everyone with his nicely-whitened dentures, and his encouraging comments. He was overly friendly, to the annoyance of some, and the pleasure of others.

After a few hours of classroom instruction, we met up at the Crossfire Shooting Range, where we were tested on our ability to hit the image of a man's upper body a few yard away. I could EASILY have put 15 out of 20 shots in the black with both eyes shut. Lorenzo and I both put 20 out of 20 in the two center circles.

Back at the classroom we were subjected to a few hours of instruction by video from a Missouri lawyer regarding our rights and responsibilities. He wore a sparse comb-over, a vested suit (concealing his weapons), and a full beard. He is a collector of many types of weapons, including but not limited to knives and guns. A unique and eccentric man, he could have been picked up and dropped at the turn of the 19th to 20th century without missing a beat. His knowledge of law regarding conceal and carry was extensive, and his is the author of books on the subject.

After completing our course, we went to the sheriff's office to apply for a license. We were walking past some of the cells, and I thought about how boring it must be to have to sit in a small room all day with nothing to do. I asked, "Can they have a book?" and was relieved to hear they could. I would go positively insane sitting in a cell with not even a book. We were fingerprinted, then placed in front of the heights measurement wall for a mugshot. I looked over at Lorenzo, and said, "Should I smile?" After all, it WAS a mugshot.

Now we just have to wait about 45 days until we can receive our CCW license. Then we can join the army of those who walk the streets, shop at the mall, go to places of employment, and sit at Church with a 9mm strapped to our hips.

Common Friends

We acquire many friends throughout life, for a variety of reasons.



Common Interests


I felt an immediate affinity toward Sabrina--we share a wealth of common interests. We are both avid Jane Austen fans. We love antique and/or traditional furniture and both collect antique dishes. Visiting her home, built at the turn of the 20th century, is like stepping back into a world of beauty, quality, and grace. She graduated with a History major, specializing in Medieval Studies. If you look at my reading list, you will see I am obsessed with history. She is a registered genealogist; I am also drawn to the history of ancestors. We share the same passion for quality food and cooking--it must be butter! No margarine. The recipe should be followed exactly, or the result falls far from perfection (unless your creativity breaks loose). Finding a friend with so many common interests is rare; finding such a friend in Marshall, Missouri, is next to impossible. Sadly, Sabrina is moving possibly in January.



Common Experiences

Terry and I enjoyed living as roommates at BYU-Idaho many years ago. She was the life of the apartment, always coming up with fun things to do, and decorating for holidays. She was from rural Shelley, Idaho, and I was reared in Los Angeles, California. Our backgrounds and cultures were very different, but we had a great time doing things together. In this photo, she is wearing my dress (with her apron over it), and I her's. I was a city girl from southern California, and did not remember ever seeing snow falling. Terry introduced me to my first real snow blizzard--a fantastic experience of wonder and delight. The only time I saw Terry get mad was on a Sunday morning when she was sewing the ruffle at the hem of her dress before Church meetings. We teased her, another roommate telling her she would have to unpick all those stitches with her nose when she got to heaven.

In 2006 we moved to Roosevelt, Utah, to be closer to our family. On our first day at Church, when I sat down in the Relief Society meeting, someone sat next to me and gently said, "Excuse me, but I think you were my roommate." I looked at her (she now had short, curly hair, and wore glasses), threw my arm around her, and said, "Terry!!!" I enjoyed immensely my short stay in Roosevelt, serving as Relief Society secretary with Terry as the President. We renewed our friendship, and had many long, heart-felt talks. Her life is devoted to service to family, Church, and community, and I feel great satisfaction is witnessing the success of her life.

Common Friendships

Many times we meet and enjoy friendships with friends of our friends. This can happen through friends of roommates, playing on sports teams, and through associates at a place of employment, as well as a wealth of other situations.










Common Childhood

Some of the deepest friendships are developed by growing up together and sharing experiences from different ages and phases of life. I still maintain contact with the three friends I enjoyed as a child -- Patty, Debi, and Lorraine. When I am around them, parts of my personality, long suppressed, resurface. There is something about a friend from your childhood that helps you remember you were somebody before you were Mrs. So-and-So, and mother of many. Someone liked you just because you are you.



Common Bloodlines and Family Relations

Very often the most enduring friendships are those with family members. Family times are the most fun and rewarding. Sitting around the table after a meal is much more entertaining than any TV show or movie. Because we know we can be together throughout the eternities, it seems a small task to forgive and love one another in spite of our many short comings. My husband, children, parents, and siblings are my greatest friends.



















The very best friendship should be that of spouse. My best friend is Lorenzo.

Reasons People Acquire Friends

• Companionship - to not be lonely.


• Likability - enjoyment of someone's company and spending time with them.


• Comfort - feeling at ease and relaxed with a certain person.


• Entertainment - to be amused.


• Security - it is easier to go places and do things when accompanied by a friend. People feel comfortable having someone to talk to, so they don't feel awkward standing around alone.


• Charity - possessing genuine love, and wanting to make someone else happy by being a good friend.


• Protection - there is safety in numbers.


• To Get Gain - some use so-called friendship to benefit financially, or through popularity.


• To Meet Other Friends - friendships lead to more friends.


• To Please Friends - associating with a friend's friend will usually bring happiness to said friend.