Love One Another

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2014

Love One Another

I've been in Ohio for 5 weeks, and next Thursday, I will be going under the knife again. I realized how much I needed the Lord to bless and watch over me. I go to Him in silent prayer most days now, I don't have a lot of privacy, and I think it's been good for me to be here with Diana. She's been a significant source for me; as my nurse, she needed to come to give me infusions every 12 hours. We were under the impression I would have to get lab work done and see another doctor for clearance. We did all that last week, and I should have just come home to see Eric and the kids. For some reason, I was not thinking straight; Diana suggested we stay with her family, who lives one hour and one-half away. This would save us some money and get me out of the hospital environment. It indeed was a great distraction. Her sister and brother-in-law are empty nesters; it was a beautiful quiet home where I could rest, read, and have some quiet time. Although it was initially awkward, I soon found out Angela and John are down-to-earth people and a very Christian Catholic family. This relieved me, knowing I would be able to read my scriptures every morning, especially in preparation for my surgery on Thursday.

Diana and her sister Angela come from an Italian family; they love deeply and laugh loudly. I will miss that the most when we part from each other once I am home, but I hope we can stay connected through texting and calls. These people didn't know me, they didn't have to take me in for a week, and they had choices, but they chose to show Christ-like Attributes by opening their home to me. I'm sad I didn't get a picture of John before I left. He and Angela were going to see their son, daughter-in-law, and new twin grandchildren in Columbus; John did not get home before we left. They are wonderful people; I felt at home and did not have one panic attack.

My new friend Angela--Thank you, XOXO.

Today we drove back to Cleveland to be closer to the Cleveland Clinic, we are within walking distance, and it is a lot less money and a better hotel. Tomorrow, I plan to go to a Cleveland ward; there is one within one mile of here. Then we may drive to see Kirkland Temple. I can't risk catching the flu or getting a cold, so wearing a mask is mandatory when going to church or crowded areas. I have had a great week--mentally, trying to get prepared for surgery is always a quiet time of processing for me...I've decided that no matter what this surgery's outcome, I choose to be happy; I will not let this define who I am. I have a great family who loves me, and been blessed with amazing friends who will not be embarrassed to be with me--I've tried to keep it light and not get too carried away with the facial paralysis because the doctors are going to do the best they can, I have faith in them, and they are very confident I will have great results.

  I never thought I would feel this way, but I'm looking forward to getting this over with and going home to my family. I miss them more than I ever thought I could. My grandchildren are growing through Face time. Ezra looks so big and tall, and Recker, too; he came up to the phone and kissed me today...I cried...then Ezra wanted to kiss me too...I cried more. Kayla was so sweet to follow them around the house with the phone so I could see what they were doing. Ezra is getting so bright; his daddy has been teaching him all sorts of things. He knows where his toes are, his eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. He also growls loudly when you ask him, "what does the Lion say?" He blows kisses and knows how to throw away his diaper all on his own. I sang Recker a song; it's one I've sung to him since he was a newborn; he was intrigued and stood motionless as I sang it.
 I have so much to thank the Lord for; my life will go on, and my circumstances may not change, but I am determined to learn something from this. I will do all the doctor asks me to do and hope and pray the surgery goes well, the doctor's hands will be still, and we will have a great outcome. Tonight, my thoughts and prayers as I lie down to sleep help me get a good night's rest, and I ask the spirit to be with me all week as I prepare for surgery. I have been trying to practice what I preach and put to practice some Christlike Attributes by doing something kind every day for someone else, even if it's hold a door open, or give a half smile to a person walking by (usually that scares people so I try not to use that one) yesterday I did something very simple, I bought lunch for the lady behind me at Chipotle. She was so happy, surprised, and elated. She decided to pay it forward too. The world would be better if we all could give a little more; it doesn't need to be a financial service.