May 16, 2024

 I have learned in the past two years that the most overwhelming PAIN can live in the same house with the most overwhelming PEACE. The Lord in His marvellous mercy blesses us, sustains us and offers us both compassion and grace as we pass through the greatest sorrows of our life. I believe understanding the Eternal nature of our Father’s Plan opens the door for that PEACE to rush in. I have been surprised and extremely grateful for this unanticipated gift and expression of His LOVE and I marvel at my feelings almost daily and what I am able to accomplish and what I have been able to accomplish. I do not feel alone. I feel the Lord’s spirit and I feel angels very near - especially Tom. Our relationship has expanded in new ways and his support and influence are always with me. I miss Tom with every cell of my being but I also feel the security of his love constantly and strive to live worthy to be with him forever. Oh, how great the Lord’s Plan, His Love and His miracles which surround us.

I felt I needed to express and record those feelings and insights along with my day to day activities.

Brendon had what seemed to a heart attack on May 3rd while driving. He pulled over feeling dizzy and experiencing rapid heart beat which did not subside. Liza went to pick him up and drove him to the hospital emergency. They kept him overnight and have done numerous tests on him but have been unable to determine exactly what happened. As of now, he is carrying on as normal. JayLynn was diagnosed with blood clots and put on blood thinners so we have been praying for both of them.

I have been working on my yard getting new flowers and plants in place. I painted the back patio and walkway with sealer to help maintain the color of the bricks and the patio itself. I had to put two coats on. I got my covid spring vaccination. Myrna brought me a flower for Mother’s Day. Cindy took me out for dinner last Saturday and had me for breakfast Sunday morning for Mother’s Day and my children have ordered me fresh flowers from a local grower for five months. How special! Ryan, my landscaper, will be replacing my burnt turf next week but I will have to pay cost of the turf. It has been a difficult experience. 

I completed teaching my YSA students the Temple Prep classes on May 5 and they are ready to receive their endowments. Two have already booked at the Temple. I had also been thinking about Jadyn going to the Temple so messaged Tammie to see what she thought. Tammie asked if I had talked to Trevor as Jadyn had been discussing the possibility of doing so with them as well and had told them she felt Grampa had been encouraging her. I was so thrilled and realized that Tom and I were still involved in our family’s lives together. We will begin, with her Bishop’s permission, Jadyn’s Temple Prep lessons today via FaceTime.

Clark, my neighbor Marie’s dog, had to be put down after experiencing cancer. That is sad for Marie but Clark was very attached to Marie’s husband Gene, who died of cancer a year before Tom, so the puppy and her (yes Clark is a girl) master are together again. Marie is feeling comfort in that and she still has her dog Finn.