It is nice to have Cindy and Paul back from Australia and, though they loved spending time with new baby Astrid, there have been some difficulties that have been part of their trip experience. One, here at home, Sam was having a flare with his stomach problems, to the point that we had to take him to the MapleRidge hospital one evening for a hydrating IV. I was trying to stay in touch with him daily and help him out without being overbearing and annoying. He is twenty and needs his independence but I was worried about him. Secondly, Cindy and Paul both got colds during their stay and had to keep a distance from the baby for a few days which was heartbreaking. And lastly, dear Buddy, the dog, has been going downhill for awhile but developed a lump by his mouth that was growing (perhaps an abscess) while they were gone and they had to make the sad decision to put him down last Saturday. This was needful but painful for all, especially for Sam. They are now settling back into work, school and life.
We had our Ministering Conference entitled “Love One Another” last week and it seemed to be a success. Sharon Hara, our activity chairman, worked hard with the decorating, and food which was quiche, salad and then a huge pavlova made by Melanie. Alice put together a chorus which sang a lovely version of “Love One Another”. Melanie gave a presentation, followed by talks given by Karin and myself. Tina helped Sharon with the food. It was a very nice evening and our only desire would be to have had more in attendance.
I have had the Sister Missionaries for dinner, attended book club at Cheryl Leavitt’s, filled my callings, taken care of the yard with the warmer weather arriving, paid taxes (a lot of taxes), paid Larissa for the Reunion and worked with Rissa to make decisions regarding the Reunion. The Burgess family came down one weekend to attend the Temple and Keaton’s rugby tournament. I always love my family around. I went to get more large rocks to fill in gaps in the front yard that resulted when adjustments were made during the installation of my neighbor’s artificial turf.
I went to Tom’s grave alone after my Temple shift on June 6. I will grieve him until we are together again because he has always had and still has my heart and, at this point in my journey, it hurts. I missed him at the Temple Workers’ devotional, I think because people ask me how I am doing and I know they are really asking how I am doing without him. The answer is - I am blessed but I am not whole, however, that is not what I say.
Liza and Sayde are in Florida for Sayde to have two weeks of intensive strengthening treatments. Unfortunately, as they went to pick up their rental car, Liza discovered that her license had expired. They are walking to the clinic, for groceries, etc. Luckily they are by the beach. Bryson is coming this weekend and they are hoping to get a rental car for him to drive. That may be a problem too as you are suppose to be 25 to get a rental car and he is 22. Hoping for the best and praying for them.
