April 12, 2022

 Roger’s burial and funeral service were last Tuesday and it was all lovely. His three children Leonard, Richard and Kristina prepared and did everything. They invited us to go to the graveside service at the Fort Langley cemetery. He had been cremated and they buried him in a beautiful spot under a tree. It was all very simple with just family, us and Jesse Leavitt there. It was a sunny day but a little chilly. The funeral service was held later at the chapel and again was done nicely with John, Richard and Leonard speaking and granddaughters singing. We are going to miss our dear friend Roger but we are grateful that he is able to move on now without pain and illness. We love him.

Tom has had a difficult week with significant pain in his left leg and for awhile in his chest. It seems to come and go in different spots. The pain is draining on him and does not respond well to painkillers. We have managed to attend the Temple and also work our Saturday afternoon shift. He seems to rally for the Temple and in the Temple. We are hoping for and praying for some kind of pain relief and direction for further treatment. I am trying to up his nutrients in an attempt to improve his blood platelet level. His nose is bleeding a little and that is an indication of low platelet counts. Some cancer treatments are unavailable when those counts are low so we are eager to talk to the oncologist Dr. Suo on Thursday to get some insight and understanding on how to move forward. We are hoping some radiation can be done on his leg as that can help with pain and strengthen bone and we would really like to to get his platelet counts up and return to Germany. We had a bad day on Monday and he couldn’t keep food down but he insisted on doing his Tuesday morning Temple shift as sealer. He did it, weary though he was, and I stayed with him the whole time. His nose started to bleed under his mask toward the end but he is stoic and determined to be of benefit in the Lord’s work. We took him on Thursday to receive his 4th covid shot. I wish I had asked that they do mine as well.

Life is challenging but we move forward with faith and a deep love for the Lord and for each other and for His plan. People are so kind with prayers, messages, phone calls and love.