The Old Fisherman

This morning I took the opportunity to turn on some Christmas music and then re-type a story that I had received as a girl. The words of the story were badly faded and I wanted to capture them before they were lost forever. With the Christmas music reverently playing in the background, I thought as I typed the story, "This would make a perfect Christmas story! It portrays all of the elements of what Christ tried to teach us while he walked upon the earth: to love one another, to give our best, to have gratitude for the good and the bad, have compassion, and endure to the end." At first I thought I would save the story for "next year as a gift to loved ones and friends." But then the thought came, "No, share it now." So, here it is. Turn on some lovely, reverent Christmas music and bask in the true spirit of Christmas Charity:

The Old Fisherman

Our house was directly across the street from the clinic entrance of John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. We lived downstairs and rented the upstairs rooms to outpatients at the clinic.

One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door, I opened it to see a truly awful looking old man.

“Why, he’s hardly taller than my eight-year old,” I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body. But, the appalling thing was his face—lopsided from swelling; red and raw.

Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, “Good evening, I’ve come to see if you’ve a room for just one night. I came for a treatment this morning from the Eastern shore, and there’s no bus ‘till morning.”

He told me he’d been hunting for a room since noon but with no success. “I guess it’s my face. I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says with a few more treatments….”

For a moment I hesitated but his next words convinced me, “I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning.”

I told him we would find him a bed, but to rest on the porch and talk for a few minutes. It didn’t take long to see that this old man had an oversized heart crowded into that tiny body.

He told me that he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five children, and her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from back injuries. He didn’t tell it by way of complaint; every other sentence was prefaced with a thanks to God for a blessing. He was grateful that no pain accompanied his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked God for giving him the strength to keep going.

At bedtime, we put a camp cot in the children’s room for him. When I got up in the morning, the bed linens were neatly folded and the little man was out on the porch. He refused breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if asking for a great favor, he said, “Could I please come back and stay the next time I have to have a treatment? I won’t put you out a bit...I can sleep fine in a chair.” He paused a moment and then added, “Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are bothered by my face, but children don’t seem to mind.”

I told him he was welcome to come again. And on his next trip he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish and a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen. He said he had shucked them that morning before he left so they would be nice and fresh. I know his bus left at four a.m. and wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this.

In the years he came to stay overnight with us, there was never a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables from his garden.

Other times we received packages in the mail, always by special delivery; fish and oysters packed in a box of fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing that he must walk three miles to mail these, and how little money he had, made the gifts doubly precious.

When I received these little remembrances, I often thought of a comment our next door neighbor made after he left that first morning, “Did you keep that awful looking man last night? I turned him away. You can lose roomers by putting up such people.”

And maybe we did, once or twice, but oh! If they only could have know him perhaps their illnesses would have been easier to bear. I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him we learned what it was to accept the bad without complaint and the good with gratitude to God.

Recently I was visiting a friend who has a greenhouse. As she showed me her flowers we came to the most beautiful of all; a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. But to my great surprise it was growing in an old, dented, rusty bucket. I thought to myself, if this were my plant I’d put it in the loveliest container I had. My friend changed my mind.

“I ran short on pots,” she explained, “And knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn’t mind starting in this old pail. It’s just for a little while, ‘till I can put it out in the garden.”

She must have wondered why I laughed so delightedly, but I was imagining just such a scene in heaven. “Here’s an especially beautiful one,” God might have said when he came to the soul of the fisherman. “He won’t mind starting in the small body.”

But that’s behind now, long ago, and in God’s garden how tall this lovely soul must stand.

Author Unknown

In spite of the sadness (very deep) of losing my dad this past month, and in spite of my mother having an accident just 9 days after dad's death, may I just say that this has been a beautiful Fall. I am learning so much. I have felt the influence of a loving Father in Heaven as he has allowed me to learn more about my Dad and his goodness. I have been reassured that I am blessed to be the one to spend so much time with my mother as she recovers and tries to settle Dad's affairs. Of course, by myself I would not have chosen to have my schedule changed every day, but I realize that I am experiencing things that I will never have the opportunity to learn from again. In quiet moments I have felt sweet assurances that all is well and that if I move forward in faith, everything (absolutely everything) will work out if I will just trust in the Lord and pray for His will to be done. I am content to wait upon the Lord and in my waiting I am enjoying glorious views of orange and red Alpine mountains with low clouds and snow capped vistas. I don't remember apples being juicier and crisper, nor do I remember greener tomato vines with big, luscious tomatoes.

I am blessed to be a new Grandma for the 12th time. Little Jaxton arrived on Sept. 24 and I think he's as cute as any baby ever born. He brings peace, too. I ask, "Why am I so blessed?"

When the children gather here with their little ones and show love and affection to "Gampa" or "new gammaw" (my mother) I feel as if my heart will burst with joy because of the love that is felt. Alas, isn't that what it's all about? Love? Love of God; Love of our neighbors; Love one another! Conference conveyed this message--Just love one another. It's easy for me to understand and do right now. It is good--it is the best!!!! God bless us--everyone!!!

Obituray of my father...

Bruce Richard Nelson

1929 ~ 2009

Bruce Richard Nelson, 80, died peacefully while surrounded by loved ones on Monday, September 14, 2009 in Provo, Utah. Bruce was born May 22, 1929, the only child of Allen Richard and Ruby Johnson Nelson. Bruce is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Earlene R Van Wagoner, 4 children, Allen Tommy, Salt Lake; Lyle Richard (Sherrie) American Fork; Lori (Jeffrey) Bennett, Alpine; Kari (Kurt) Schwendiman, Moscow, Idaho; 20 grandchildren. Bruce had a special relationship with each of his grandchildren. Each can tell of special times with Bruce and Earlene.

Bruce was an active member of the LDS Church, and served a mission with his wife in Omaha, Nebraska. He retired from Geneva Steel after 38 years of service.

The family wishes to express their love and gratitude to all who have shown love and compassion to Bruce during his years of battling illnesses. He loved you all and he felt his life was rich because you were "his friends."

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 18, 2009 at 11 am in the Anderson & Sons Mortuary Chapel, 49 E 100 N, American Fork. Visitations will be Thursday evening from 6 to 8 pm and Friday 9:30 to 10:45 am at the mortuary. Burial, Alpine City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at andersonmortuary.com

A Week of Education?

Surprise, I'm making another attempt at blogging. I don't spend time blogging because I spend too much of my computer time enjoying the blogs of others. There's some real talent and fun experiences out there in cyberspace.

The best thing I have done for myself lately is spending a week at Education Week. I even stayed in the dorms. I spent almost all of my time listening to inspiring teachers, studying my notes, my scriptures and reading. I came home with every intention for "change" Or would a better word be "improvement?" Alas, the minute I drove in our driveway I knew I was in trouble because it seemed as if an intentional maze was created to thwart any attempt to get in my house or to "leave the world behind." Scrap metal lay strewn on the driveway, a dumpster came next, this was followed by a dump truck in the middle of the driveway and rose bushes blocking the only way to drive around the truck. The motor home was still taking up a big portion of the driveway and because it was there, Zak and Rachael's cars were parked further out in the lane. "We have a used-car lot," the devil mimicked. Continuing on I found I had to drive on the grass to get around Jeff's Toyota. I opened the garage and there sat our red truck--smack-dab in the middle of the garage. Thus, I was unable to pull in the garage. I started to cry as the words came to my mind, "Welcome home, Lori." I should have gone in the house and secluded myself until I gained my composure, but because Michelle had called me just as I found the maze, I was on the phone with her and didn't think about the consequences of finding Jeff and crying. I will say no more on this subject other than I ruined his day. I am still so sorry!!! On the ride home from Provo all I really wanted to do when I got home was run to Jeff, throw my arms around him and thank him for allowing me to spend this wonderful week filling my cup to overflowing. So, my question is, "How do you leave the world behind you?" I am sorely lacking in my ability to figure this great "need" out. If anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to advise.

What's So funny?

I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged. I guess I fail to see too much that would interest anyone. I guess I don't think about my life too much from day to day-I just try to keep busy and get things done along with trying to learn something new each day.

At any rate, this week I have the privilege of sorting fruit for S & R Fruit. I think it's great fun. Yesterday was my first day and when I was through, I was talkative (Jeff, Rachael and Zak thought it was pretty funny). But what started my talkativeness was a text message I received from Devan in Texas. He asked me "If you could have anything for Christmas, with no exceptions, what would you want?" I didn't know how to text him back so I called. He was at work but Heather wanted to know what I would answer.

I told her I would have their family move back to Utah. I then asked if that was the answer they expected. She replied, "Devan will call you back tomorrow." I then told Heather that Devan would have to call me back earlier than 1:30 because "I have to go to work." It was at this point that Rachael (who was listening) about busted a gut laughing. I didn't realize that I had said anything funny. Heather questioned, "You have to go to work? You have a job somewhere else besides Ben-Crete?" Rachael quickly said through her laughter, "That hit me so funny. I've never heard you say you 'have to go to work!'"

I think all of us must be bonkers to have something so trivial make everyone laugh so hard. Jeff got home about this time and asked what was going on. I told him about my conversation with Heather and how I had told her to have Devan call me before I had to go to work and Jeff started laughing, too. I guess the only thing funnier would be if I had to dress up and announced that I was going to work and the work away from home was permanent and not just a four day job.

I don't know who needs to get a life more--me or the ones that had a good laugh over something so non-funny.

Never hike alone.

Rachael has been pestering me to share this experience I had while at the Bennett Family Reunion. A group of us (woman and children) hiked up Timp's trail about 2 miles. We were going to see some impressively glorious waterfalls. We had arrived and enjoyed the falls and rested while eating granola bars and drinking some water. It was at this point I realized I would soon need a restroom. I told Jillene that I thought I had better start back for a bathroom after inquiring whether everyone was ready to start back and she told me "no." I said that I must go then and jokingly said, "If you see me laying along the trail, pick me up and drag me back to camp." As I turned to go, the thought came, "You shouldn't go alone." So I turned back to Jillene and asked, "Do you think there is anyone else that needs to go now, too?" She responded, "No, go ahead."

I then had the dismissing thought, "Jillene is always alone. She would not think twice about going alone." So with that thought, I turned and went on my way with a quick prayer in my heart that I would be okay. I found myself analyzing how I was walking and what could happen to me while going down this good trail alone. I told myself to take my time and to step carefully.

Along the trail there are several waterfalls that cross it. Coming up the trail I was able to cross each watery area by stepping on stones. This was my plan for going down the trail too. As I came to one such waterway I saw a large boulder to step on. I thought, "This crossing will be easy enough. Just one step on the boulder and I will be across." As I stepped, however, the boulder teetered and as quick as a flash, I was toppled over the side of the mountain. It happened so fast I had no time to grasp for anything. Just...down I went. My little back pack purse cushioned my fall and caused me to stop--with my head down hill and my legs and feet uphill! I was in a predicament for sure for the mountain was very steep and each time I tried to right myself I started sliding down the mountain more. Remember, too, that I was laying in a waterfall's path. (It's pretty comical to me now but at the time I was scared and shaking and had to use the bathroom badly.)

I gradually maneuvered myself around so that my head was upright (I quickly realized that I had to move slowly or I slid further down the mountain), and then I was able to get footing on the side away from the waterfall's trail and climb up and onto the trail. Wet, shaking, thankful that I was not 200 feet down the side of the mountain and alive and relatively well for such a fall, I started back down the trail--needing to use the restroom worse. (Many people have asked me why I didn't go in the trees. Know this dear reader, the next time I would!!!)

Starting down the trail again, I saw moose tracks and remembered that Dale Chadwick had seen a baby moose and its mother 2 days before and then I remembered that moose are very threatening--especially with their young.

On top of this thought, I remembered that it was in this area last year that a little boy had been dragged from his tent and killed by a bear.

My thoughts were now to get down the trail as quickly and safely as I could. I wanted to run but I couldn't because I knew it wouldn't be safe and because I had an elbow that was throbbing and an ankle that hurt if I stepped on it at a wrong angle.

I decided to sing right out loud because I had remembered hearing that animals don't like to be startled. I figured if they heard my singing they would know to leave. And, for me, singing brings peace and comfort. So, for probably 2 miles I sang and raced down the mountain as fast as I dared with my aching body.

I made it to the bathroom with great relief (No pun intended). Can you believe there was no toilet paper? My back pack came to my rescue again. I had a couple of packages of tissue in it. Before finishing my hike to our campground, I washed my face, combed my hair and drank some water.

By this point I could hardly wait to get to my motor home, eat lunch and take a nap.

On the short distance back, I took one wrong path and had to retrace my steps in the Timpanoke campground. Then when I was a short distance from our camp, I saw a leather-clad, long-haired motorcycle man come up and out of the area I was headed for. I just about turned and went another way but then the man saw me. So I went straight toward him. He crossed the road and leaned on his motorcycle and watched me. So I turned toward him and said, "hello." He smiled and greeted me back. I then went down from the road onto the trail and hurried to camp. I didn't look back until I was far from motorcycle man. He still leaned on his bike watching me.

May I just say that I was grateful to get back to my motor home! I went in, locked the door, ate a sandwich and lay on my bed. This was at 12:30 and at 4:00 Rachael knocked on the door and I woke from a deep sleep.

I have thought about this experience and realize how blessed I was to make it back safely. No one should ever go off alone on a mountain trail. I could have fallen a couple of hundred feet and no one would have found me very easily. No one came back from the hike to our campground and checked to see if I made it back safely. (This should be something for me to remember.) The simplest, unsuspecting thing can happen (a boulder rocks beneath your weight & topples you over the side of the mountain even when you are being very cautious) and your life can change forever. I realize I was not alone, however, because I had prayed as I started the walk down the trail and asked Heavenly Father to protect me. He allowed a lesson but he did protect me. I am still amazed that I wasn't hurt worse.

Catching up while at the hospital

Michelle and I are sitting in the family resource center at Primary's blogging. I haven't been on my computer in days. Rachael helps me out once in a while by posting a birthday wish or something because I am running here and there it seems. We never realized how much she would be needed for other things besides office work. She does so much for us all. We have the best "Aunt Nannie" in the world. I wish a big vacation on her--some time to call her own. I know she wonders sometimes if she has time for herself because she is always being asked to step up to the plate to tend or run an errand or feed the farm animals. I don't think she realizes that I know she must feel like she is on call 24/7--always at work and asked to do any or all that Jeff and I can't get to. And then, siblings ask for help and her routine is interrupted by change with their kids and holidays, and summer vacations. So, Rachael, I wish you a wonderful trip to India or Africa. And may it be for at least a month. No, wait, I would miss you too much.

At any rate, we have been to the University hospital this morning for Joe's kidney test. There is such a drastic difference in the atmospheres of both Primary's and University. Michelle giggles and laughs a lot at all of the differences. Smells are different, dress is different, eating and drinking styles are different. But, wherever you go, people are usually so very kind and helpful.

Someone just asked where the Urology Dept. is here at the hospital and Michelle (a walking hospital directory and nursing advisor now) was able to tell them where to go. The Staff worker (saying she has worked here 15 years) didn't even know where it was. Michelle thought that was pretty sad that she knows so much about this hospital by now. I think it's great that she has such a good memory.

A Lovely Morning

I've been under the weather the past few days and couldn't find the energy to do much. This morning I decided I could at least read some of my favorite blog spots. They were so enjoyable to read. Thank you to everyone--sharing some of your heart-felt feelings and ideas helps me to feel like I can hang on. Don't get me wrong. I just have a bug of some sort==sore throat, tightness in my chest, dizzy when I get up, achy, and very, very tired. When I feel this way and see Jeff working from the time he gets up until he goes to bed, I feel really useless. Thank goodness we're not sick at the same time.

Anyway, thanks for GREAT blogs. The time you put into them is appreciated. I see great writing talent being shared. All the blogs could be compiled into a lovely book.

The good and the not so good

Yesterday we got up at 3:30 a.m. and made the 2 hour drive to LaMar Valley. Our efforts were rewarded! We saw a moose, a grizzly bear, a black bear, a big horn sheep, and at least 14 wolves. It was so exciting to see the wolves taunt the buffalo and elk. After leaving the first 3 wolves, we saw others and then returned to the first ones. They had taken down a buffalo. Wow!!!

We got a book on the Yellowstone and we have decided that we have seen a large majority the different types of animals in Yellowstone with the exception of the very small critters.

We watched a coyote dive in the snow head-first and catch a rodent and eat it. We loved see the heavy bison meander down a trail to the river's edge and drink to its heart's content. We went to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and looked for mountain lions that we were told lay in the sun on the cliffs in the afternoons. We didn't find them but we were amazed to spot a huge stick nest on the point of a cliff with an osprey in it.

Jeffrey and Macee get up in the morning and chorus: "Let's go find animals!!!" And off we go. The days have flown by. I thought by now I would be ready to head for home but we are still talking about getting up at 3:00 a.m. and going back to the LaMar Valley on one of remaining 2 days. My thoughts are with Joey and Michelle and dear Little Joe today. It's hard to feel good about having fun when I think about him at the hospital having his heavy chemo today thru Saturday. Thank goodness for Rachael being willing to step in for me since I got the days of this vacation mixed up with next week. Rachael is our right-hand person that is always so willing and capable of taking care of things while we are away. I am always amazed that the cows get out when she's in charge of things. Thanks to good neighbors and dear grandpa and grandma B for helping her get them back in. And again, thank you, Rachael, for all you do and all that you are.

3rd Time is the charm in West Yellowstone

It's like deshavue (spelling?), or maybe a dream repeating itself--I'm back for the third time in a month at our West Yellowstone Resort. The only differences are the snow has melted a lot and it's much warmer. It's surprising what two weeks of sun can do to change the appearance of the land.

Jeff, Shaun and his family and I are having a wonderful time here. Yesterday, we went into the North part of Yellowstone. Much of the snow has melted causing the grasslands to be flooded. Animals abound at almost every turn indicating that they are rejoicing that a long, hard winter has passed. Baby bison tag behind their mothers, anxiously waiting for a chance to nurse. Wolves are helping the animal populace with their killings--especially golden eagles, ravens, ospray, coyotes, and smaller preditors. Wolves take their prey down (elk) along riverbanks. Three wolves had done this yesterday and we were able to watch the small preditors feast. Also, at a different location we were told that a bear and a wolf had a squirmish over the recent elk kill by another pack of wolves.

The wildlife we have seen are (I hope I can remember all of them): a black bear, 3 grizzles, antelope, herds and herds of buffalo, elk, wolf, coyote, bald eagles, golden eagle, ospray. I'm still looking for a moose and Shaun wants to see a beaver. We think we saw a beaver in the lake but it was so far away we could not confirm it.

Jeffrey and Macee are regular little travelers. They have the routine down. We stop, get out and enjoy the site and then back to the car, buckle up and "watch for animals!" We sing, I tell stories. They beg me over and over to repeat "One day when I came home from school my mother met me at the gate..." They giggle and giggle and squeal, "Again!" My throat gets so sore. But I'll do anything I can for little children or is it for me so that I can hear their joyous laughter? When I am in the presence of children I feel "true joy."

The 3rd time here is really the charm. We are having a wonderful time and I wish everyone could experience the wonder of it all.

Friends

I have been thinking about my friends. Why have I been so blessed to have the wonderful people I know--in my life? I don't believe it's because I am a good friend. I want to be a good friend but that's a whole other issue. Sometimes I wonder if Heavenly Father is going to say, "I gave you the very best, Lori. You know that. You have nothing to complain about."

May I just say "thank you" to all my friends. You know who you are. Thank you for special walks, special talks in my living room, long talks with listening ears over the phone, homemade cards in the mail with very special sentiments, surprise visits, big hugs, shedding tears of joy or sadness because I am shedding tears, too. Dear friends, thank you for special e-mails, temple outings, visits over FOOD, visits at the hospital, teaching moments, for all that you share with me. And may I just say, because of the teachings of Jesus Christ, I am thankful that I have friends that I can talk to about Him, whom I love. Whether you are my friend in my family circle or my friend because we have developed bonds, I am forever grateful to know you and love you.

"A Glorious Day!"

I don't believe I shall ever get over the beauties of a Spring Day after a long, hard winter. I love every single miracle of Spring--from baby cows and sheep in the pastures, to extremely fragrant lilacs that sneak out of existence as the heat increases. I even like the feel of squinting my eyes because of the brightness from the sun. In spite of all that's wrong in the world, Springtime is a reminder that there is much right and good, too. I choose to dwell on this.

Today, Rachael and I went to Fountain Green to see my parents. My Dad is not feeling well at all. He has no energy to get out in the sunshine. He insists that all the blinds stay closed. He seems to be pretty smiley as one talks to him, but there is not the confidence that he used to convey. I keep asking myself what I can do for him. He is still of sound mind and with Mom's help they both do okay. When does the adult child step in and say to the adult parent, "I think it's time some changes are made."? Mom does well but her stroke took a toll on her confidence, too. I know that know one knows what she has been through with the stroke and then trying to take care of Dad. I would welcome any advice. Someday, I will look back at see all of these experiences as opportunities for learning and understanding.

I meant to stick with my title. In spite of my worries, it has been a glorious day. The fact that I can even see my parents (both of them) is a glorious miracle. The fact that they are independent is amazing. The fact that they live in very favorable circumstances at their ages is a blessing. Yes, in spite of challenges, it is a glorious day and I know there will be many more to come no matter what life hands out. Now, go outside and have a glorious evening!!!

Where does the time go?

Many years ago, today, I gave birth to my first child, Rachael. Little did I know the joy I was in for. Now, I am not saying that joy was all I experienced but I am saying that because of the opportunity of teaching, urging, exercising faith, trusting, exercising more faith, patience, etc., I now look at Rachael with joy in my heart because she is a loving and caring daughter, granddaughter, mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend. She devotes "all" of her time to the building and lifting of others. In fact, she is not happy if she thinks anyone else is not happy. (And I believe this includes those she sees as "people that do not like her.") Rachael came as a "Ray of Sunshine" (her 1st Bishop dubbed her as this) and when the clouds cover her smile, all in her world are sad.

It seems like just yesterday I held her in my arms as I sat on our family room floor. I was brushing her downny-soft hair and talking to her. She was just barely a month old. She looked at me with her trusting, big blue eyes and I felt like she was trying to tell me something important. She smiled a great big smile and then, over the radio I heard that all worthy male members of the church could now hold the Priesthood. I said to Rachael, "Did you know that? You are alive on this special day!" Rachael smiled all the bigger and I held her close and knew that life would be special with her.

I don't know where all the time has gone since that special day. I do know that I would not trade it! I have learned much from Rachael and my 3 other very wonderful children. Almost, I can understand what love our Father in Heaven has for His children when I think about how much He must love me to send me here to this earthly school and to have allowed me to be the mother of such wonderful "individuals." I know that not everyone gets the opportunity to be a mother but I trust that there is a Divine Reason for this and that someday we will all understand that life is much more than just here on earth. My experience tells me that those who do not bear children on earth are usually more nurturing and caring than those of us who must learn through the bearing and rearing of children. I have the highest regard for those who have not bourne children but continue to bear the burdens of others. May you be blessed because you bless our lives.

It's green in Moscow

After a lovely, l-o-n-g ride, we are finally in Moscow. It is greener than last week. In Montana, it's whiter--meaning there is a lot more snow. This time through we saw the huge elk herds that my Dad said we would see last week. We saw moose, fox, geese, deer, buffalo, antelope, big blue skies, cloud-framed, pine dotted mountains, overflowing rivers, budded trees, freshly plowed & rolling hills. Ahh, the beauties of Spring!

Last night we had fun with Kari, Kurt and their family. We went to a baseball practice, came home and ate snacks at 7:30 p.m. and then had grilled pork loin and fried potatoes at 10:30 p.m. Kari commented that she had tried to allow her day to be spontaneous and that she enjoyed it. I enjoyed it too. How long has it been since I was this spontaneous?

This morning after listening to my Book of Mormon on the i-pod, I lay in bed and listened to my Bobby Goldsboro music. It was most relaxing and a nice start to the day. I found myself composing my own songs in my head and I think I will try to get some of them down on paper. There must be something to spontenaiety.

We'll leave for the Spokane Temple this afternoon. I just know it's going to be a nice day.

On the Road Again....

I just got back from Moscow, Idaho with my parents. Now, I will be going again for something very special. My sister, Kari and her husband, Kurt, will be sealed in the Spokane Temple on Friday. So, off I go again. Oh, my aching derriere!!! I am excited to spend time with Jeff, however. I wish other members of my family could go, but they will be keeping an eye on the old home front.

Jeff and I didn't get our winter trip this year so this will be nice to get off alone with him for a few days. The more I think about it, the more excited I get--just me and him alone. Jeff is so fun when I can get him to relax.

Oh, wait a minute, we did go to Disneyland this winter. (But we did not get off alone by ourselves--it was a family vacation.) We had a great time but I love my alone time. I've already said that haven't I? Well, you get the picture I'm sure...I love Jeff.

The Resort in West Yellowstone

My, we thought our resort in Hamilton, Montana was nice but our condo in West Yellowstone is awesome. Of course, anyone that has been to a WorldMark Resort knows how the condos are. I can't wait to come again in May with Jeff, Shaun and Brooke. There is a lot of snow today and it is only 22 degrees. Mom and Dad were glad to get in our room at noon instead of the usual 4:00 check-in time. They are napping and watching old-time movies while I check out the accomodations. There is an indoor pool, game room, owner's lounge, hot tubs, etc.,etc.

Our ride to here was beautiful. We saw great herds elk all along the way and some Bison. Tomorrow we will go through Yellowstone to Afton unless the snow stops us. There is an 80% chance.

Well, not much more to tell. I have enjoyed being with my parents. The traveling is really hard on them and they just keep saying that this is the last time they are going to go. I almost believe them unless they do something to improve their health.

On the road again...

I surely did have a wonderful day with my parents yesterday. We made it all the way to Hamilton, Montana. The roads were quiet and the scenery was invigorating. Every valley and vista testified that Spring is trying to dominate. Hurray!!! Today we will follow the Salmon River over to Kari's and Mom and Dad are excited to see it again. They claim the scenery will be better than yesterday's. I will be driving again. I think my Dad figures this is the last time he'll travel this way again and he wants to see everything that he can. I am happy that I can help make their trip a little more pleasureable. The wildlife we have seen so far are: turkey, mountain sheep or goats, elk, deer, geese, ducks, and moles. I hope to see a moose and bear since dad wants to go through Yellowstone on our way home. Yippee, skippy!!!! Well, I don't need to bore you with any more details, but I must say that time goes too quickly and my parents are aging quickly and I am thankful for this chance to be with them. Not everyone gets opportunies such as I, but if you dear readers can, spend as much time with your loved ones as possible for you never know when they may be called home.

What a Difference a Day Makes...or a Night?

April 17, 2009--I want to thank everyone for your prayers in Joe's behalf. They were most certainly heard and answered because he got to come home from the hospital this afternoon. I still can't believe it since he was throwing up all through the night and had a nose bleed that scared the nurse and me. In less than 10 seconds after she had walked out of the room this morning, he and his bed were covered with blood. We were both amazed. These 2 problems alone would have kept him in the hospital but Michelle came and told the Dr. that she could handle the throwing up if that was all that was keeping him in the hospital. She has the doctors' trust and they know she is skilled at handling Joe's needs so I guess they decided he could go home.

Also, part of the miracle is how he improved from 5 a.m. until noon. I think part of it came as a result of his spirit being perked up by his love for music. Jeff got me an i pod for an early Mother's Day present because I had expressed over and over that I wanted a way to have music with me whenever I was with Joe. He loves to listen to and dance with music. I had an attachment for my i pod that is an external speaker for the i pod. I turned the music on to my Disney songs (156 of them) and laid it by Joe's pillow. Joe has wonderful hearing and rhythm and he began listening intently to every song. He first began smiling a lot. Then he started clapping to the music. Between each song he would calm, listen intently, and then...when the next song began he would laugh right out loud, clap his hands together and wiggle his legs up and down while his feet dragged across the bed. After several songs he started swinging his arms up and down and moving his legs in bicycle motions along the mattress. It was the same with every song. If there was a funny part in the song he would laugh right on cue. It was the funnest, most joyful thing to see this dear little boy being made happy by something so wonderful as music. I wish we were all so simple in our needs and in our enjoyment. I wish everyone could see what I have seen today. I know I am in such a hurry all of the time. I want to be efficient and get the most out of my day and I fail to see that simple is better--no, the very best and I love Joe for he has helped me to begin to see this.

Again, thank you for your prayers. Joe and his family are really doing pretty good and I am thankful for your love. Have a wonderful weekend. I think I am going to go and listen to my i pod and review my experience with Joe in my mind. I don't want to ever forget!!!

The phone really did ring early...

I awoke to the phone ringing and thinking it was morning. The phone had it's familiar ring of "When Irish Eyes are Smiling." I knew it was Michelle. I was not alarmed because I thought it was probably 6:00 a.m. and it was Joe's birthday.(Instead it was 11:53 p.m.-not quite Joe's birthday.) Michelle said, "Guess where Joe is?" I didn't know. She told me he was in the emergency room. "No! Not for his birthday." Joe really scarred us this time. He was hypothermic with a temp of 95 degrees. Michelle had a feeling to check him because he had thrown up earlier. She found him non-responsive and his hands blue. Joey called 911 and Joe had his first ambulance ride. Yeah! Of course, the American Fork hospital would not keep him because of their inexperience with his many conditions, so a team was sent from Primary Children's Hospital and he was taken there. He was stable when they took him there but I guess he now has a temperature so he'll be there for a few days. So far, no tests reveal anything.

I went to Michelle's so that she could go to Joe before he left for Primary's and to get Joey so that he could go to the hospital. The roads at 12:30 a.m. were terrible. The snow was blowing northerly and horizontally so it was almost like a white-out. There were cars that had slid off. Fortunately police were assisting or I might have felt the need to stop. About 1 1/2 hours after I got to Michelle's she went to the A.F. Hospital (after they had decided what they were going to do with Joe). Michelle returned about 4:30 a.m. and got a few hours of sleep before the baby woke for a feeding. Earlier in the morning I had to feed him his second bottle feeding of his life. Wow! Can Gus guzzle. He drank 2 (2 oz) bottles in less than a minute (I swear and no exaggeration). At least after that he slept until about 6:30 a.m.--so about 4 hours. Now, Michelle has Gus and up at the hospital and we have Sophie here. Tonight I will stay with Joe so that Joey and Michelle can get a good night's rest. I can hardly wait to see little Joe. We have some singing and dancing to do together--our favorite activity for sure. Instead of birthday party today, we'll have to have a "Coming Home Party" like Michelle suggested.

Imagine yourself in a Dark Room, Unable to See...

I have a dear friend whose mother died when she was just tiny. Now she is a mother and has expressed her wish that her mother were near by to talk to when she has discipline questions. I shared the following with her and thought that perhaps others would benefit too. So here is what I told her:

Picture yourself in the middle of dark, windowless, doorless room. You are sitting on a chair--confused and alone and you're wondering what the room is like. You crawl on the floor very slowly, feeling with your hands--hoping there are no sudden drops or hard things that you might bump into. Afterall you do not want to be hurt. You crawl until you reach the wall. Then you stand and feel around the walls and you go around the square of the walls. You become confident that you are safe with the boundary of the walls--there are no drops or bumps, but because it is dark, you are never sure you have covered all of the area between the walls and your chair. So, you keep testing to make sure the boundaries are safe. This applies to a young child's life. They will crawl and feel their way until they know their boundaries (the walls). Then they will will keep testing to make sure the boundaries haven't changed. As long as the boundaries do not change, they feel very secure and will behave better. If consistency changes, however, they will test to see if their boundaries have broadened. Once the child is older and can be reasoned with, of course the boundaries are made larger--but only after the child has proven to himself and you that they can handle the smaller boundaries. I hope this makes sense to you. It really helped me to make sure I stayed consistent at all costs. My child's future well-being depended upon it.

Feathers in the Wind

I am not sorry for my April Fools story yesterday. But I am sad that Rachael has felt so badly that there were so many that became alarmed when she said I had been taken by the CIA. She has been ill ever since. I just returned from a bridal shower and Sisters from my Relief Society expressed they were glad to see me because they had not gotten the rest of the story or only parts of some of the story and so there was much confusion. It is amazing how words, like feathers scattered in the wind, really are hard to re-gather. I hope if someone comes up to me and asks me how things went with the CIA, that I will remember the story and be able to clear things up. Rachael doesn't think it's a story we will forget any time soon, but I fear with my memory of late, that I will forget the details. I guess that's the blessing of getting a wee bit older; forgetfulness helps ease the worries and anxieties that were forever on the forefront of my mind when I was younger. One thing's for sure, I am still not too old to learn or be reminded of some of life's lessons.

Gottcha!!

I guess between my blog and Rachael's follow-up we are getting international calls. My blog is partially true (I did go onto the CIA site and my mother taught me to be honest)but I was not called at 6 a.m. and I am still home, enjoying the cold weather while I sit snuggly in my home. HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY. I think Rachael and I had more fun and laughs and we are sorry if we gottcha too good. Have a wonderful day and know that we are still fond of all of you that fell for my little story that grew when Rachael read it.

A Phone Call at 6:00 a.m.

I couldn't believe it when I received a phone call at 6:00 this morning. Caller ID said Washington, D.C. Who could be calling me from DC I wondered? The man on the other end asked me if I was the Lori Bennett that had been on the CIA website the day before yesterday. I was about to say, "no" even though I really had been. I asked myself, "Why would he want to know?" Thankfully my mother's teachings held true that honesty is the best policy so I didn't have to think too long about my answer, "Yes????" Now, here I must explain that I had found the site in one of those composition books on the front inside cover. I had searched "satellite," "United States," and "Uruguay" on the CIA site. I guess that was what got me in trouble. It was just a coincidence that I checked these 3 words ("satellite" was an example on the search list). I checked Uruguay because my brother went on a mission there and its name came to me. But apparently there is a major controversy going on between the U.S and Uruguay and Satellite useage. Uruguay (we think) is this quiet little country that just has conflict within its borders, but if I understand correctly, there is more going on. At any rate, the man asked me for all of this really pertinent information and I refused to give it to him because you never give information over the phone. He said quite crossly, "Lori, we will be in touch." Can I just say, my stomach barrometer is really stepped up a notch!!! Stay tuned for details. I must say, I feel really sick!!!

Something important to me

As I reflected upon my scripture study this morning, I was once again reminded that there has been great sacrifices made so that we can have our scriptures. There have been sacrifices of time, fasting and prayer. There has been fear for one's life to preserve the records. Lives have been freely given and lives taken for the truths of the things contained in the scriptures. Children have suffered the loss of fathers and/or mothers who defended the sacred records. Individuals have gone without sleep, and food and comfort so that we could have the Book of Mormon today. In order to have our scriptures people have had to hide in caves, have had to feel inadequate in their ability to write or have sought worthiness to receive revelation. Individuals have left home, been spit upon, stoned, imprisoned for trying to bring the JOY of the gospel of Jesus Christ into the lives of those "who did not understand." I wonder if there are many of us today "who do not understand." In all of known history Satan has tried to keep sacred records from coming forth. Just read the Book of Mormon with the intent of understanding how important the records were and how hard Satan tried to thwart the keeping of the records, and you will soon see that we will never know all that has been done to give us our scriptures. Today, scriptures are miraculously available to us all; and yet, we are distracted from them by all of the entertainment that is available to us and by our "busy"ness with life. We have been given a precious gift from our Father in Heaven, and I pray that we are using it and showing Him that we are thankful for it. I think we can all do a little bit better.

Yum!

May I just suggest that anyone that can, should go to Aunt Karla's Blog. She has given her recipes of chicken soup and chicken pot pie. If you want something good, this is it. Of course, I am not sure if it's the recipe or the cook that has the touch, but I'm excited to get her recipe.

I can safely guess that if the Bennett/Call blood flows in your veins, then you will be able to make this recipe just fine. That's my blog for today. It's a good one!!!

Fun morning

The morning was wonderful except for one thing that I will tell now--before I tell the fun. Devan called and said he wanted me to know before I heard from someone else. Yesterday, at work, while training to hold prisoners in an arm lock, Devan moved his arm at a wrong angle and tore his rotter cuff. (sp?) At any rate, after many steps forward, this is a step backward and I can't help wondering what he and Heather are supposed to learn from this. I feel helpless from Utah, but he is in my prayers.

The fun began with a beautiful, sunshinny day. I just love the brightness and warmth after this past winter. I had a lovely talk with my parents while driving to Michelle's. I was going to give Michelle a surprise visit but she called and asked what we were doing today since she gave me the "day off" yesterday. I told Michelle this was a normal day off and since she took away my surprise of seeing her spontaneously I wasn't sure if I would come. She convinced me to come, however, because she needed milk and Joe is not allowed in public since is close to "0" in his important blood counts for fighting off infections. I think Michelle uses the word "nutriphenic". So, I drove to Michelle's. The instant I walked in the door, Miss Sophie said in her adult tone, "Hi Mamaw!!!" And then laughed with delight. She, Joe, and I played and laughed and giggled and tickled and crawled, and played "Ashes, ashes," for some time. I watched Michelle as she watched us and her face was alight with joy for her children. Now, anyone reading, I tell you, this is payback time. To see joy in your daughter's eyes as she experiences joy for her children has got to be as close to getting a glimpse of heaven while on earth that anyone can get. They are indeed, "Precious Moments."

Michelle and I ran errands mostly so we could get her and the kids out of the house for a moment. We ran to Joey's work to take him his phone, to the bank and then I sat in the car with Joe and Gus while Michelle took Miss Sophie in Target to get some size 1 diapers. Back at Joey's work we parted for the day but I felt so happy and blessed to know that Michelle and Joey are doing so well in spite of life's challenges.

Grandma's Magic Touch!

When it comes to getting Joe to take a nap, no one is better at it than Grandma! With Michelle he plays too much. By himself he worries and pouts that he's not in with everyone else, but with Grandma he falls right to sleep! It was so cute yesterday when Mom and I were watching the kids, while Michelle took Gus to his 2 week check up, to walk in and find the two of them asleep. I don't know what Joe would do without his Grandma sometimes. He's just one more of us that would be lost without her!

Just keeping it real...

In honor of Mom blogging I thought I would share a funny about her from the other day. She was warned that I might do this...I have resisted since Saturday! Saturday, I went upstairs and Mom was watching the movie Minority Report...I had forgotten the movie so I sat down to watch with her since Zak was still asleep and since it was nearly noon I just couldn't sleep any more. It got to the part where the gross doctor guy changes his eyes and leaves him alone in the filthy apartment. Do you all remember the part where he goes to eat the sandwich, but grabs a disgustingly moldy who-knows-what instead and spits it out? Well I did so I turned my head towards Mom who was totally engrossed in the show, which is NOT normal, she typically is playing a little hand held game or doing some Sudoku or reading or sleeping...NOT watching the movie. After watching her instead of the movie for a minute I understood why!!! She was so into the movie that when he spit out the yucky food she suddenly started to spit out saliva until I burst out laughing and she realized what she had done. We laughed so hard that we woke Zak up downstairs and have been laughing about it ever since...even if Mom is completely embarrassed! Mom...I love you!!! Thanks for telling me that I could share your embarrasing moment with the world even when I know you would have prefered it staying between us!

Fear of Disappointing

Rachael has been at me for days to start blogging. I do not see the sense and told her so. I have thought that blogging would be just another time-waster. Rachael knows that one of my weaknesses is "journals." Or at least I think she does. At any rate she told me that blogging is like keeping a journal. To prove it she had me go to my niece's(Nicole) blog spot. I had a good time laughing and feeling what Nicole goes through as a mother and even made the comment that these articles and pictures are priceless. I said to Rachael as we read some of Nicole's stories, that Nicole will treasure these in years to come. So, perhaps I will try to do some blogging. I am not sure I can do the site justice for visiting it; but I will try my hand at it. I will still keep a hand-written journal, however, because I just do not trust that computers will always be available and I would hate to loose anything as precious as what Rachael, Nicole, Michelle, Kim, or all the other have put on their blogs spots that I look forward to reading. Wish me faith. I need it.

My Woes

I have many, many things I am concerned about at this time. But I have read that the more we talk about our troubles, the more the Lord and Satan are convinced that we like them well enough to talk about them so why not give us more to talk about. Therefore, I am not going to say any more about my woes. Instead I will just say, I have many things to be thankful for and I am going to dwell on them and refuse to dwell on things I can't change anyway. God bless all of you who have many woes too, for I believe we all have them.