Why I love Utah...

I once read this quote:

“We can only appreciate the miracle of a sunrise if we have waited in the darkness”

Before I thought of this quote figuratively, since I am positive that is the way it was intended to be perceived. However, lately I feel as though this can be taken somewhat to a literal level. During English winters it gets dark around 4:00pm and I would say the sun then reveals itself once again at 8:00am, however, I am uncertain of this because the sun doesn't shine in England. I can only base this theory of sunrise on assumption. My sense of night and day is contingent on whether or not I can see the dark overcast skies vs. seeing a pitch-black sky.

However, I have found a new appreciation for spring. Although the flowers, the blossoms and the birds singing (I would add new found warmth, but we have yet to receive that aspect of spring) are just a few of the beauties of spring. I have learned that waking up to the sun penetrating through the windows is also a sign that spring is here in the UK.


I must admit as I feel the sun on my face (only feeling it through the window, for if it was from outside my face at this point would be frozen), I naturally think of home. After having lived in many places where the sun shines; my sentiments this time are of home. At each place we have resided, whenever the sun beams down I think of Utah.

For those of you, who haven't been to Utah; let me enlighten you. Ohhh, Utah, where the sun shines, regardless of the time of year. If it be winter, there is nothing more beautiful than seeing the snow sparkle like diamonds as the sun infiltrates the sky. In Utah it is a rarity if the sun isn't shining. If it be summer, appeasement can be found in the beautiful mountains and canyons that surround you.

With Utah, being in fact, a desert state; summer can be hot and the sun may be overwhelming at times; yet you can bury yourself amongst the trees high in the Wasatch mountains. I usually forget how majestic and beautiful the mountains are until I fly into Utah and have a perfect view from overhead. Although I have learned from having lived in Virginia and having lived near the jungles of Japan; that Utah is lacking in trees. But there is nothing that can match the granite rock of Mount Timpanogos with the Rocky Mountain Juniper, the Bristlecone Pine, and the Blue Spruce intermingled. The best thing of all is that it is so accessible. A few minutes drive and you are in such beauty.

I am perfectly aware that England is a beautiful place, however, exploring it can be difficult unless you are willing to get rained on, muddy, and willing to be spontaneous. You should here my cry as I spot the sun emerging from behind the clouds. "Quick kids, grab your coats, the sun is out, time for a big dose of vitamin D kids! Run! Hurry!"

I have accepted the fact that Utah may never again be a place I will reside. However, it will always be my home. Home is where your thoughts turn to as you experience a happy moment. And without a doubt over the last few days of sun that we have had here, I have often found myself thinking of Utah's warmth and topography and longing to once again be exploring the great outdoors.

Please don't think I have given up on England. I do find it hard at times to have hope in summer perspiration, yet I will remain faithful to my dear British friends promises that the sun will shine again and powerful enough to shed some warmth. And when it does, there will be no doubt I will once again find my thoughts turning to Utah; my home!