Op Zending

O.K.  already, enough tears

This has been a very emotional week for me for some reason, I can start crying at the drop of a hat (or should I say tear?)  It's been really funny how everyday things can just set me off into being a total wreck.  I can hear a song that reminds me of a special moment in my life, see something in our home or neighborhood, smell a flower or a spice while I am cooking and it immediately reminds me of something in the past.   I have had a beautiful life and I have so many wonderful memories of spending time with Ben and the kids.  My greatest joys have been watching my children as they were growing up and learning new things or just plain being themselves and teasing each other.  Why couldn't those moment last longer?   When Ben's parents came over on Monday nights for family home evening they would just sit and watch as our "little ones"  played and performed or sometimes just danced around to the music Ben had playing on the stereo.  I wondered how in the world grandma and grandpa could possibly be so entertained by just everyday activities.  Now that we are grandparents ourselves I can totally understand the trill of watching all of that going on.   We have done the same thing.  Watching our grandchildren with all those different personalities and talents is a real joy.  I can only imagine how Heavenly Father must feel watching us interact with each other and I don't think he is always pleased with our actions but he loves us regardless of what we do in this life .  He sent us down here to learn and to make choices.  Hopefully those choices will be good but sometimes we just plain goof up.  We can still return to him and he will hold us in his arms and welcome us home.  What a great reunion that will be.  

O.K.  I will try to stop crying now because we have way too much to do to get ready to go. We only have this week to get our act together and heal.  We also have to get our thoughts together because we are speaking in church Sunday.  I reminded the Bishop that we spoke when we left on our last mission and would that not be enough?  Well you know what the answer was.  (They are always scrambling for speakers) By the way, if you want to come and warm the benches Sunday, our meeting starts at 9:00. 

 We are definitely planning on heading for the MTC on the 29th come Satan or high water.
 

Welcome back Brent

Our Fantastic grandson Brent will be reporting on his mission tomorrow.  He served a successful mission in the Mexico City West area.  He was the first of our grandchildren to go on a mission but definitely not the last.  While he was gone his brother Scott left to serve his mission in Argentine.  They are both such good examples for the rest of the family.  It is a huge sacrifice for a young man or woman to leave family and friends to preach the gospel in some other part of the world.  Many of their friends are going on with their lives here at home and getting a head start in school but all the experiences and learning received out in the mission field will teach a young person more than they could have learned in that time staying home.   They will not have missed anything.   We are so proud of Brent and Scott for wanting to serve the Lord.  They will look back on their missions as a marvelous learning experience and one that will bless them the rest of their lives.   Love You Brent.

Lookin' good so far

Everything is looking like we will leave on time.  Ben has gotten rid of his "pillow" sling and now has just a small sling that is not such a nuisance any more. We will be going in to see his physical therapist (Pierre) on Monday to get some instructions on what he will have to do to keep the shoulder working.  Dr. Bourne thinks he is doing well and will probably be ready to go by the time we head for the MTC.  I think we are really being watched over and we both recognize and appreciate all the miracles we have received to get us out there on time.

Good ol' Doc

I had my last visit with my oncologist yesterday.  I will not be seeing him again until we get back.  Dr. Morgan has been a real life saver, and I am not exaggerating.  He has walked me through my Chemo treatments and done it with the best care he could possibly give me.  There were times when I felt that I just could not go for another treatment and he was there to encourage me along.  Without him and his marvelous nurse my angel Kathy I think I might have thrown in the towel a few times.  They kept telling me  that I only had a few more to go even when I knew I was going to be coming in for fifteen months. Every time I walked into their humble clinic it was like walking into a room of sunshine.  Everyone there is always so upbeat and they made Ben and I both feel like family.  Never could I have imagined that I would actually look forward to coming in and seeing the bunch. I may not have enjoyed the treatments but the visit was always fantastic and fun.   I will miss that crazy bunch but I know they will be there when I return.

He is not going to win this one !!!

Satan can do whatever he wants but he will not win.  Ben went in for rotator cuff surgery and we are going to get him back to his normal self as quick as we can.  We really want to leave on time.

The surgeon who replaced his knee also did the procedure on his shoulder.  He has been such a blessing.  Thank heaven for Dr. Bourne.  The radiologist who viewed the MRI said that there was not that much damage but Dr. Bourne felt there really was.  He had another radiologist check it.(always get a second opinion if you can)   Well....he was right. More than they thought.  The muscles on the top of the cuff were torn and even underneath has damage.   The surgery took longer than expected but everything turned out just fine.  He now has some screw holes and screws to keep the stitches in place while the muscles and tendons heal.  All went well and now we just have to keep the pain meds down and keep from moving the shoulder for at least 6 weeks.  He will have to sleep in the recliner for a while but I'm a great nurse and I don't mind taking care of him.   How long did he take care of me?  this will be a piece of cake.  I know what you are thinking.  He will go into the MTC with a sling and a funny pillow under his arm but hey, there will be plenty of young Elders there to open doors and carry our luggage.  Thanks to all of you for the prayers.   They worked. of course.

Don't you just love the flowers the Dentist sent because we had to cancel Ben's appointment.