I heard a talk yesterday in sacrament meeting in my home ward. So many good points were touched upon. i am so apologetic for not keeping up my journal (here) and not blogging on my blogspot account. Shame on me. so many good things have occurred and I am most regretful for not acknowledging it ). Time passes so quickly and I make choices that are a total waste of time. i e. Facebook and stupid websites that eat up my time AND energy.
Nothing to me is more important than my family and friendships. I love them all SO much and need to be less interested in other distractions than my family and circle of friends.
My focus needs to be redirected. That is for sure.
This last month and a half have been consumed a lot by our and my concern for two of my children with health and medical challenges. Michael and Tana. It is so hard to get the phone calls telling me they each have had serious medical problems, as Michael's stroke and Tana's mini-stroke too. My first impression when Aaron called me to tell me at almost 10:30m at night was "Oh no!" Please GOD, help my boy be made well and whole. It is NOT his time to go!" And for Tana, we didn't know the seriousness of her condition for almost a week, but they acted quickly and did all the tests and she saw the right Cardiologist (Dr. Scott Hacking).
We have been bless one day at a time and each day a miracle took place in our eyes. Michael lie in a hospital not knowing if he would live or die. That has to be shattering being faced with that kind of scare. I know God is watching over all of us and strenghtening our faith and hope in both their healing. Michael was transferred tothe Cleveland Clinic again and the doctors there are miracle workers.
I am so grateful for Dr. Roselli who was his surgeon last time and his medical knowledge and insight to make the right choices regarding how to correct the brain and heart problems. He had a special team of doctors no doubt and everything else came into place.
I recognize the power of the priesthood blessings administered to Michael and Tana that gave us the assurance they would be made whole and well again. Some things take time and these "tender mercies'" kept us going. Thousands have been prayering for them both. Their names were entered on many Temple Prayer Rolls. At least 20 that I know of. Friends and relatives have been united in prayers in their behalf. God is good, and wonderful! My joy is increased knowing it is their time to be HERE on earth at this time. Both have families and many good years left here to fulfill their earthly missions. I am strengthened with the faith in My Savior Jesus Christ. How I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
I am blessed to have been able to go back to Ohio to take care of my grandsons in Cincinnati while Joanna and her mother, DeNel went to Cleveland to be with Michael. Joanna has endured much and stood by Michael and been there for him through his darkest hours of fear and doubt which leaped into Hope and Faith. Remarkably.
We endured much while caring for the boys. The second day there the power went out at several places in Cincinnati. We were without it inconveniently for over 24 hours. No way to cook food, no gas to heat the house. No electricity to cook, not much warm water. The boys had to take a group shower for 5 minutes to have warm water in the water heater. Our rooms for cold and needed extra blankets to survive the cold night. Joanna left for Cleveland and we fended for ourselves the best we could. we had lit candles to keep light in the dark.
Lluckily we were invited to watch General Conference at the bishop's house. He and his wife have eight children ages 19 to 7 years. Seven of the children were there, one away at BYU to study. Sister Nolan kept things going smoothly and made sure the younger ones had quiet activities during the session. She occupied Tanner with puzzles and quite games so the rest of us could watch and listen to the messages. She made some homemade cheesy wheat rolls which hit the hunger spot during a choir song break. we ate those rolls so fast, and she made about three dozen or more! We left in between the morning and afternoon sessions to go back to the house. Someone brought our dinner meal which made it nice without electricity. We played card games and enjoyed coloring in color books. A new pastime that kept us occupied in the daylight hours.
The electricity came on about 11:15 pm. We woke up to a warm house and it was nice to sleep too with the furnace going strong. Max the dog was able to survive the ordeal too. He only had a few accidents when we were unable to hear his barks with the "drama" and noise that goes with it. The dog perhaps tried to get our attention but were not watchful for what his needs were at those times. He was a good doggie all in all considering he must be mission Michael and Joanne. He calmed down once Joanna got back. His mama was back and he liked that!! He did bond with me and sat by me or followed me around the house. He is a big furry ball of energy with a sweet personality.
These photos are from ones I found that I want to paint or use color pencils to draw sometime.
