Thoughts on a tree for next year.

It's been a while, but I had something happen yesterday, that I feel I need to share.
Even though I am working on the finishing touches for the tree for Festival of Trees this year, I have had in my mind that I need to find out what I want to do for next years tree, on the 10th anniversary of Hanna's death. I had also prayed about a little. Well, yesterday a friend and I went to Hancock fabrics because she needed to get some things for the Empress Theatre for costuming Scrooge and she doesn't have a car. When we walked in, who did I see but one of Hanna's former teachers at Hartvigsen, the special school for Granite District. She was there with some of the Special Needs kids for a class. I said Hi, and we talked for a minute, but she was right there at the pattern desk, so we kept talking a little more. Anyway, I decided to look through the pattern books and before I knew it, Boom, I was looking at a cute Fairy House that can be made, and I knew that's what I want to do for the tree. I had kind of been considering it, because another friend had made some beaded fairies to use sometime on a tree, but this drove it home! Then there were costumes for fairies that would be a wonderful addition to the tree. I felt Hanna's approval through the fact that her teacher was there! This was from Heavenly Father and I knew it!

My feelings

I was asked by my niece, Aileen, to write how certain things in our marriage have been crucibles that we have encountered and how we have dealt with them. This was for a class she is taking. This is my response.

"I can't do this without going into some detail, so I hope that is okay. If you need anything more, let me know. In short, this crucible lasted for almost 19 years, the life of Hanna, but we still use this experience to help others.

Our lives were forever changed when our daughter, Hanna, was born 10 weeks prematurely on Nov. 21, 1983. Little did we know what we would go through. We had hopes at first that all would be well with her and we kind of wore blinders for the first little while. She was the 6th of our children, and the first to have any problems surrounding her birth. She spent 7 weeks in the NBICU at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT and had several set-backs, but after getting a book on premature infants, we realized she didn't suffer some of the ill effects of prematurity.

As time went on, we ended up in the hospital several times for various health problems, including failure to thrive. We found she needed help at this point and got her started in early intervention because she wasn't progressing and was labeled as developmentally delayed. She continues to make some progress in some areas, but socially, she was not doing well. We had her diagnosed as Autistic when she was about 10yrs. old.

Her whole life was a trial for our entire family, because of her Autism and other health issues. We worked together, relied on our faith and just went day to day. She finally graduated from high school and was so proud and you could see it in her face.

Years before, one of her health problems was found in an ultrasound when she was 8 yrs old. She had surgery at the time to drain a syrenx in her spinal cord and then later she had to have her neck fused. In July, she had an MRI as a follow-up, and the Dr was concerned the syrenx had returned, so he wanted to get another MRI in October. ON Oct. 9, 2002, I took her in to Primary Children's Medical Center and because they had to put her under for the MRI, we had done as they requested, not letting her eat or drink for so many hours. Well, while she was under, she vomited and aspirated. They worked on her for 30 min. but because of her weak lungs and heart, she died. We were rocked when we were told of what happened.

My husband was out of town, at his parents in Santa Monica, CA and I had to call him and tell him what had happened. I wasn't able to speak, and so the doctor told him. He told me he would be home as quickly as he could. He was on the road in 20 minutes, and says he doesn't really remember much of the drive. We immediately gathered our children around us and other family members to pray together and support each other. Neighbors came to offer what ever assistance they could and our Ward of the Church rallied around us. We felt great comfort in knowing how loved she was in the community and among her friends from school and church. Since that time, we have gotten involved in various causes to help heal our hearts. We have done a tree in her honor for the Festival of Trees here in Salt Lake. We have participated in online groups to help others dealing with a child's loss, especially ones with congenital heart issues. One thing I found very helpful has been to just talk to others about Hanna and our experiences we had in her life. The hurt is still there, but we are strong in our conviction that we will see her again, and that her body is whole now, with none of the problems she endured in life. We have many "Hanna" moments between my husband and I and with our children. She is not forgotten. Our Grandchildren hear us speak of her, and know we miss her. Life goes on, but we are all changed for having her in our lives."

New Magna Library Grand Opening!

WOW! We finally opened the new Magna Library on May 21st, and it was amazing! I am so glad to finally be in the wonderful new building. I know we are all glad to finally be here! I am sure, Trish, our manager is relieved! It's been a long time coming! The amount of people who came through was staggering and it was a huge hit with everyone! All I can say, is Whew!

On Writing Poetry

This month of poetry has been,
a most remarkable thing.
I've found I have the skill
to express my thoughts at will.

I am more than you see outside
I have feelings deep inside
Our lives have a purpose, it is true.
We must help others see it too.

So make a difference to a friend in need
You'll be happy in the end indeed
You'll see our Savior and He will say,
"Well done, enter my house today!"

The Five Ws Poem

Vicki

came home early,

from work at the old Library,

at 2pm this afternoon,

because there really wasn't much else to do to get things ready for the movers on Monday!.

Clerihew Poem

I'm told my son Cory likes to play
Although he has to work all day
When he gets a chance
He puts on his basketball pants!

Lantern Poem

Light
Shining
Sure Brilliance
Fills up our souls
Christ

If you were Poem

If You Were

If you were a train
and I was a track
I'd guide you home to Father
and help you to get back.