November 20, 2023

 Ready for my trip to Tennessee and waiting for Cindy to come pick Kona up. Paul is going to drive me early in the morning. It will be a quick trip and I have packed all their Christmas gifts. I am taking very few clothes to save space. I will have an empty bag coming back.

Bryson and his friends came to stay the day after Rissa and her friends left. They were on a road trip to Seattle. A very bad wind and rain storm was starting when they arrived and blew thru much of the night. Power went out in some areas but thankfully our power remained on. It left a lot of leaves in the yard. 

Saturday the 11th I did my shift at the Temple and then went to visit Tom at the cemetery as it was Remembrance Day. Cindy and family went to my parents graves and then to Tom’s. It was getting dark and rainy when I arrived at Fort Langley but glad I as there.

Cindy and family came over on Monday as it was a holiday and helped me get my Christmas lights up outside. I have started back to the PT for my neck and shoulders and I think it is helping. I didn’t help myself though by doing all my Christmas shopping - at Roots in Guilford - on one day. I looked at all the bags and said, “I cannot carry all of those.” I did carry them but in instalments. I have also been working an my Will and have that complete and just need Cindy and Liza to sign the executors and power of attorney. I spoke at a Stake Primary event this past Sunday evening to the children advancing to YMYW and preparing for to enter the Temple. I love to see the Temple and love to talk about the Temple. I have started on my Christmas cards as well and put all my decorations up on Friday, November 17. It has been a busy time on every level. Mary Harvey invited me to luncheon to celebrate Virginia Tower’s birthday and that was nice to be part of too.

Now on to Tennessee and the rest of the holidays.

November 10, 2023

Larissa, her friend Courtney and Courtney’s Nana have been with me here this week. They were celebrating Nana’s birthday with a visit to Canada and an opportunity to visit with Nana’s good friend Jean. They are both from England and have been friends for years. It has been a busy four days with their arrival on Monday, a meal out with Cindy’s family that evening, then a visit with Jean in Surrey on Tuesday while I attended the Temple and we had a meal here that evening. I made soup. On Tuesday we went to Fort Langley and had High Tea at the Little White House, did some shopping then visited the cemetery. Jean came and picked Nana up for further time together and Rissa and Courtney went downtown to meet an old friend for dinner. I drove them back to the airport Thursday morning and spent the rest of the day catching up and cleaning up. I received a call from Bryson last night asking if he and some friends could stay over tonight on their way to Seattle, so more company on the way. I am blessed that I can accommodate everyone.

Life is challenging for all with wars raging around the world and wars raging in individual’s lives. I received word that Judi Johnson’s husband Ron died suddenly on Sunday and that Karen Shirley is in the hospital with some serious health concerns and heart surgery scheduled imminently. Everyone has personal trials. JayLynn’s health took a dip again and both she and Justin are discouraged and feeling down. Zach is taking awhile to get over his hockey concussion. I wish I could put my arms around all of them and assure that the angels are circling them and the Savior is walking right by them. 

I worked to have the Bull family Christmas ready for Rissa to take when she came and I must get things organized for the Walkers and the Burgesses before I go the Tennessee in just over a week and Kelowna as soon as I get home. I need to get the house ready for Christmas before I leave too. A busy week ahead.

Our Stake YW Presidency was released last Sunday as Cathy had been in for over four years and she has also been struggling with heart problems recently. It was a privilege to serve and it made me feel needed. It pushed me along when I needed a push. I still have my two Temple callings and teaching Temple Prep.

It is Remembrance Day tomorrow and we remember all the BRAVE and in our personal lives  it will be Remembering Mom and Dad. Their bravery and example has blessed our lives and continues to do so. I will also be REMEMBERING my brave boy.❤️❤️❤️

November 3, 2023

The fall or change of weather has really affected me and what appears to be arthritis pain. My hands, arms and back are really hurting and I have booked an appointment with the physio, hoping to at least help my back and neck. Now having said all this, I have been doing extra yard cleanup, moving deck furnishings and using the hand trimmer to cut all my plants back. I no longer have the grass to care for but I do have leaves, gardens and plants. It is annoying as you age because you used to be able to do all these things, plus more, with energy and stamina.

I am trying hard to be independent and not have to call on others for assistance. Early last Monday morning my fire alarm began to beep and realizing that I had no fire concerns, I tried to ignore it, however the dog could not. She was distressed and I finally got up and took her for a walk in the dark and returned home to work on the problem. I got the ladder and thanks to Tom’s foresight in always having necessary batteries in the freezer for every need, I managed to make the battery change by MYSELF! I have to cheer for myself whenever I accomplish something that was normally not in my realm. I miss Tom in every way and am grateful everyday that he has put so many things in order for me and continues to bless me in ways I did not think enough about when he was here.

We celebrated Halloween on Tuesday and Kona handled it quite well. I held her when the doorbell rang and we handed out treats together. She got used to the fireworks that continued far too late. We had mobs of children and their parents on the street and well over 100 that received treats. I ran out of treats and turned my lights out but they still tried to ring the bell. 

We were asked as Stake YW presidency to come to see the Stake Presidency on Wednesday evening. We knew it was for release due to Cathy’s health concerns. President Officer had already released me a couple of weeks ago and failed to let them know before the invitation went out so I drove out to the Stake Center and Paul released me for the second time. The calling has been hard for me but it did bless me this past year when I needed to feel needed and I hope I did some good. It was fun being with grandchildren at activities.

I got all the washed and borrowed tablecloths back to their homes. Paul kindly took the Stake Center cloths when he went there for meetings. I have run thrift errands, changed my fall mums for pansies by the front door and got an array of pumpkins for the Halloween decor by the front door as well. I attended tithing settlement on Sunday, paid a chunk of tithing (always in advance) and took my material to the lawyer to redo my will. I have been talking to him and to Phil about some changes to be made. I have asked Cindy and Liza to act as my personal executors and Ross to act as executor for my two numbered companies. Cindy and I went to visit Melodie Richards  before her move to the Sunshine Coast. She worked for the funeral home when Tom passed and blessed us in great ways. I am so sorry to see her go but we are praying for her. I have also been getting ready for Lara Lyn’s visit next week.

I carry on but miss my precious, beautiful boy so much❤️❤️. Kona is with the groomer Gabriela.

October 26, 2023

 It has definitely been a busy week with church responsibilities. We have been trying to give Cathy a break  so that she can get her heart concerns under control. I think we have managed to do that. Marcy and I did Leadership on Wednesday evening and we had a pretty good turnout. We gave our presentation and then broke into two groups and allowed the ward leaders to discuss suggestions for activities and using FSY. Junki was there supporting us as he always does. I picked up tablecloths for the Senior Youth Conference. I had to gather tablecloths from Willoughby and Brookswood wards as well and we needed pretty well everyone of them.  The youth began to gather at Crash Crawly’s in Coquitlam Thursday evening. Rosa Harper drove Breya and three other girls down from Kelowna and went directly to the activity. They were tired and happy to get here afterward. We were up early and got to Temple View Chapel for breakfast. They got the kids fed and organized. My responsibility was to be with the FSY workshop where the missionaries, Gabby Burnham and President Engen participated. I introduced each of the four workshops with a brief talk and and explanation. We did two workshops in the morning and two in the afternoon. They youth had Temple options and other workshops throughout the day too. We worked with youth and got our dinner tables set and decorated. We had over 200 youth registered so it was hard work to get ready. Our dinner crew had a lovely roast beef dinner prepared and we all helped serve it after I gave a brief etiquette presentation before they ate. After cleanup I took the tablecloths and went home to my puppy. Others washed the dishes. I had in been home during lunch to take her for a walk as well. Rosa helped us with the dinner and then came home too and we visited at until the dance was over, at which time we both drove back to pick the girls up. I drove the girls back in the morning and Rosa had a break and slept in. I got ready and set off for my Temple shift and Rosa got ready and picked the girls up and set out for home. I think they had a good time and the conference went well. Surrey Stake had headed the multiStake event. My grandchildren - Breya and Sam - are so kind having their grandmother at their youth events. I started washing the 25 tablecloths Saturday evening. Oh boy!

I had a Stake speaking assignment on Sunday at Maple Ridge and dear Myrna Olson came with me as my companion. I had prepared my talk in advance. We had a good time and Myrna did well. We had expected to be released on Sunday but were not so I assume the new presidency has not been fully called. Carry on.

Monday was exhausting. I finished washing all the tablecloths, did my cleaning, laundry and got my deck furniture ready for winter. I have been trimming plants outside for fall and raking leaves this week too. There are definitely more leaves to fall so it will be an ongoing project. I am teaching Temple Prep this evening at the church for Cherly and Tina. I have also been getting tablecloths back to their homes. 

I have booked flights to Trevor’s for American Thanksgiving and Elton’s Lake house for a week in the summer. Trying to take care of my business affairs and my callings and my family. Started shopping for Christmas. 

Blessed but busy!

October 19, 2023

Somehow I have missed updating my blog for nearly a month and was shocked when I saw the last date I had entered. Sooooo here goes with an overview of the last month in a nutshell.

The beginning of October we experienced General Conference. Kona and I listened to every session as we usually do in the household and it was wonderful. President Nelson had, had a fall just after his 99th birthday and was still recovering so watched from home and delivered his recorded talk at the end of conference and admonished all of us to “Think Celestial!” and follow God’s Fabulous Plan. The whole conference was outstanding as they always are. 

Thanksgiving was celebrated the second weekend of October and the Burgess family came down to be with us. We decided to have the dinner on Saturday. I got the turkey and the stuffing ready and bought a pumpkin pie then went to serve in the Temple. Liza and Brendon’s Ward did baptisms at the Temple in the morning and then the girls worked on the rest of dinner and I helped out more when I got home. We invited to sister missionaries too. Jean flew to Toronto to be with Cheyenne and Bryson is in Montreal working on the Temple for pre - mission work. After church on Sunday, Sayde stayed with me and the rest of her family drove up to the Cultus lake area to go for a hike. I had leftovers ready when they got home. On Monday morning Brendon went for a swim, Liza a run, Breya shopping and Keaton to the school to play basketball. Missy and I were home getting breakfast ready. We went for a Derby Reach walk with the Hardy family and then to the Hardy’s for pizza. I came home and the Burgess family headed for home and the Hardy family went as far as Chilliwack with them to have ice cream at their favourite ice cream spot. I was tired and needed to take care of the puppy too.

Cathy Combs, our Stake YW president, has experienced some heart problems and ended up in emergency twice. She has so much on her plate and is under a great deal of stress. We have a lots going on this month and we have been trying to keep her calm and carry on by ourselves. We had Stake training on the 18th and have the Senior Youth Conference this weekend and also Stake talks to give this month. Marcy and I did the training last night, I filled in for Cathy at a TriStake meeting regarding the conference and Marcy and I will do our parts at the conference this weekend. I will be billeting a Mom and group of girls from Liza’s ward, including Breya. I am giving my Stake talk on Sunday with Myrna Olson as my companion in Maple Ridge Ward. Prior to the TriStake meeting, as we were waiting online for it to begin, President Officer told me we would be being released this Sunday. Cathy has been in for over four years I believe and, with her health concerns, I think they are hastening things. The month has been full of preparations for leadership, the Tri Stake Conference and preparing my talk, as well as trying unsuccessfully to get together with my Temple Prep ladies for a lesson. I have made cookies and soup in advance for a supper I am to provide for a family whose new baby is to be born eminently. I have my two Temple callings as well and attend the Temple each Tueasdy morning. Cindy arranged for us to do sealings last Friday evening with Ross and Sarah and that was lovely.

The rain has been starting in earnest which the dog does not like and I have been trying to get a few things done for fall preparation outside. Brendon and Keaton trimmed the dogwood tree when they were here and I trimmed some plants in the front yard. I have got more trimming to do and furniture to winterize. 

Cindy had an upsetting week when Jack received an email from Sianne saying that she had heard that Cindy was telling everyone that she was going to get Jack and Sianne together again when he got home and that she, Sianne, had a serious boyfriend and did not want any trouble. When Cindy mentioned Jack in her YW lesson, one of the YW said she felt so badly about things as her cousin is the boy Sianne is going with. Cindy just tried to end the conversation by saying “Everything will be alright in the end.” We think the young woman misunderstood and was telling her family Cindy was going to correct the situation. Cindy wrote to Sianne to try to rectify things. Jack and Sianne’s relationship has caused him a great deal of upset on his mission and it hurts me that it is continuing to do so. He tries to put it behind him and move on and then something else comes up. We don’t want him hurt again when he comes home in a couple of months.

We have a busy weekend coming up and I hope I am prepared. That’s my update of the month. Busy but blessed!

Picture is of a stunned puppy when she knows she has to go out in the rain🙁

September 27, 2023

 I just reread the blog I posted over a year ago. It was written mainly for me and my family so we could remember all that had transpired around Tom’s passing and the sacred yet difficult experience that had been. It was and still is the most difficult experience of my life but it was also filled with miracles and a great deal of love. I have learned that great loss and pain can live side by side with peace and comfort. Life is a challenging experience but the Lord never ceases to love and support us on this bumpy path back to him.

I attended a Muir luncheon and information session last Wednesday held at the Morgan Creek golf course in the White Rock area. That was the first one I have gone to alone. I work pretty well daily on my church callings and I am getting ready to teach another Temple Prep series of lessons to two sisters in the ward. I review the Temple schedule regularly to check for upcoming live ordinances and then make the necessary LOW assignments. I attended the TriStake Youth dance held at our building on Friday evening and hosted by the Vancouver Stake. Dear Sam attends his youth dances with his grandmother there but he seems to handle it well. Fall has certainly arrived and I am trying to get my yard and outside prepared. It has been cool and raining and I have even turned the heat on. Robert Kearl referred me to a lawyer to help me rewrite my will and power of attorney. I have forms to fill in now for that to be accomplished. Kona is adjusting to the rain and cool weather and has been having some more accidents inside. Little scamp! Tammie and Trevor were out to visit Justin and JayLynn last week and JayLynn seems to be making some improvement. Max and Jacqui called as I was leaving the dance to inform me that they are expecting a BOY! They are excited and I am excited for them. Ross and Sarah have not formally announced their pregnancy yet and do not know what they are having. Zach and Monica are preparing to move to upstate New York for Zach to play hockey this year. Jack is nearing the end of his mission as Bryson prepares to leave. It has been a bit of an adjustment for Jack with his new mission president. I made muffins for Mary and Lincoln and Jean and I had the Hardy family for dinner on Sunday. We will do Thanksgiving here with the Hardy and Burgess families. This is my week in a nutshell so to speak. I attend the Temple every Tuesday morning and serve every Saturday afternoon. My days a generally full and filling.

September 20, 2023

 I talk a little about my feelings and how I am doing but today I thought I would elaborate a bit more. Tom’s passing has been and is the greatest loss and sorrow I have ever experienced in life. No one can fully explain it to one who has not gone thru it but perhaps also one has to have a Tom Walker in their life to completely understand. He is special and unique and I have never met a man who could, in my eyes, compare. I am certain there are couples who love each other as much as we do but I do not believe anyone can love each other more. I have been so blessed in this regard and I have always been fully aware of it. I still and will always feel, during this earthly life, a tremendous loss but along side it I also feel a tremendous peace and comfort knowing that even this will pass and we will be together again. As Alma and his people who were under bondage in the Book of Mormon, my burden has not been removed but my shoulders have been strengthened to carry the load. In true Tom form I am fully aware of his concern and his love and even now he is never far from me and I in turn pray for him always in the work he has been called to do. We are still a companionship and developing our relationship on another level. I am so grateful to our children who supported and loved us in great ways and literally ran to us to carry us thru this sorrowful and sacred time even when their own hearts were heavy. Tom wanted them to know of his love for them and his love for the Savior before he left and they showed Christlike love in return. We have marvellous children and grandchildren and we want to claim them for eternity. Eternity, eternity and blessed future day when we will all be together again! 

This week has been full of my callings, my family with Bryson popping in after a trip to the Temple with his friends and celebrating Ross’s birthday with dinner at Cindy’s on Sunday and full of friends with Sandra returning dishes and bringing me muffins, Mary sharing her cancer challenges and Jean sharing dessert and personal worries with me. Sharing, caring and serving one another, that is what life is all about.

I got the car washed and serviced this week and helped the Hardy family distribute bags for the BC food drive, an event which Tom helped get going first in the Vancouver Stake, then the community and finally all of BC. His influence is still being felt by many and especially by me.