These are some of my thoughts I shared on a news story about Paul Cardall's recent heart transplant. Someone made a comment about how we can be grateful for trials the Lord gives us with a diseased heart and other such trials. These were the thoughts I shared, to hopefully make a difference in that person's life.
___________________________________________________________________
I am one who is grateful for my health. I had surgery when I was 5 years old to repair a VSD. I now am the proud mother of seven and grandmother of seven. I am listed as a donor and one of our daughters, who passed away 7 years ago was able to be a tissue donor. I know what I felt after Hanna's death, when I was asked if we wanted her to be a donor. My response was an immediate "Yes!". I knew that during her short life, living with her disabilities, her favorite thing to do was to help others, so she would have chosen this, no doubts at all!
Sometimes in life we have to wonder why we were given these trials. Sometimes it is for our growth, and other times it is for the growth and blessings received when someone shows their unselfishness through organ donation! I am thankful for my life, and the doctors who made it possible for me to be a mother and to realize how important our sacrifices are.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Give Away
Want a great new book to read. Check this out!
http://annebradshaw.blogspot.com/2009/09/give-away-author-shirley-bahlmanns.html
http://annebradshaw.blogspot.com/2009/09/give-away-author-shirley-bahlmanns.html
Monday, September 21, 2009
Some thoughts...
Yesterday we had Stake Conference and it was so good. One thing that impressed me was when we had a Young Man speak who is the President of the Seminary Council. He shared such a beautiful and heartfelt testimony!
Anyway, he shared his feelings about a special assembly they did for Seminary and he called it the Iron Rod Assembly. I think it was arranged by the teachers. He said on the day of the assembly, they were only letting the students in one or two at a time about every 30 seconds or so. When he got his turn, he walked into a totally pitch black building, except for a glow stick by the end of a rod (made out of PVC pipe). Once he started following the rod, with his hand on it, there was no light. He followed the rod for a while, and after a while he came to someone who said to come in and play the Wii. He chose to go on. Then another person wanted him to go see a movie. There were other temptations along the way as well. He held on and kept wanting to tell his friends who strayed to hold on, but some wouldn't listen. When he finally got to the end, he came to a room filled with light. He was welcomed there by the Seminary Principal. He was very affected by this whole experience, I could tell in his remarks.
They had rooms along the way where the temptations were set up, like the Wii and a movie, and other things. It sounds like the rod led all around the Seminary building.
This sounds a lot like something I did on a ropes course several years ago, but outside, and we had to put on blindfolds. We were told it was a silent event and to hold onto a rope. That rope led all over and wrapped around trees and through bushes. We were given an egg to carry, early on our trek, and told to pick something important to us for it to represent and keep it safe. We followed the rope for a while, when someone asked if he could hold our egg for us, or said come with me, and I'll take you to the end.. I remember feeling that my egg represented my family and how I couldn't let anything happen to them. I fiercely held onto that egg and wouldn't listen to the tempters. I struggled to follow the rope, even through knots and wrappings on tree trunks. At one time, I allowed someone to put my hand on the next line, when it got really confusing, but it was hard for me to let go of the rope. They were true to their word, and helped me. When I finally got to the end of the rope, we had been told to hold out our arms and someone would be there. I did and was immediately given a huge hug and told "Welcome home!". I equated this with returning to our Father in Heaven and was overcome with emotion. I was led to a circle of logs and helped to sit down. There was soft music playing and when I felt someone else who had finished and placed next to me, we hugged and held on to each other tightly and did the same as others were placed by us. Still no speaking allowed. We sat there until our group members were all done, at which time we were allowed to take off our blindfolds and share our feelings. Tears are coming to me now as I relive this experience from 15 years ago!
Anyway, he shared his feelings about a special assembly they did for Seminary and he called it the Iron Rod Assembly. I think it was arranged by the teachers. He said on the day of the assembly, they were only letting the students in one or two at a time about every 30 seconds or so. When he got his turn, he walked into a totally pitch black building, except for a glow stick by the end of a rod (made out of PVC pipe). Once he started following the rod, with his hand on it, there was no light. He followed the rod for a while, and after a while he came to someone who said to come in and play the Wii. He chose to go on. Then another person wanted him to go see a movie. There were other temptations along the way as well. He held on and kept wanting to tell his friends who strayed to hold on, but some wouldn't listen. When he finally got to the end, he came to a room filled with light. He was welcomed there by the Seminary Principal. He was very affected by this whole experience, I could tell in his remarks.
They had rooms along the way where the temptations were set up, like the Wii and a movie, and other things. It sounds like the rod led all around the Seminary building.
This sounds a lot like something I did on a ropes course several years ago, but outside, and we had to put on blindfolds. We were told it was a silent event and to hold onto a rope. That rope led all over and wrapped around trees and through bushes. We were given an egg to carry, early on our trek, and told to pick something important to us for it to represent and keep it safe. We followed the rope for a while, when someone asked if he could hold our egg for us, or said come with me, and I'll take you to the end.. I remember feeling that my egg represented my family and how I couldn't let anything happen to them. I fiercely held onto that egg and wouldn't listen to the tempters. I struggled to follow the rope, even through knots and wrappings on tree trunks. At one time, I allowed someone to put my hand on the next line, when it got really confusing, but it was hard for me to let go of the rope. They were true to their word, and helped me. When I finally got to the end of the rope, we had been told to hold out our arms and someone would be there. I did and was immediately given a huge hug and told "Welcome home!". I equated this with returning to our Father in Heaven and was overcome with emotion. I was led to a circle of logs and helped to sit down. There was soft music playing and when I felt someone else who had finished and placed next to me, we hugged and held on to each other tightly and did the same as others were placed by us. Still no speaking allowed. We sat there until our group members were all done, at which time we were allowed to take off our blindfolds and share our feelings. Tears are coming to me now as I relive this experience from 15 years ago!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
What a day!
We decided before coming to Las Vegas, that we wanted to go to the Las Vegas Temple, so that's what we did this morning. We got there and got ready, but we just missed the 8:30 am session, so we waited for the next at 9am. We were quietly sitting there, and one of the brethren came up to us and asked us to be the witness couple. This is the first time we have ever had this honor, and all because we missed the other session. There weren't a lot of people in the session, and very few couples. That may be why we got picked. It was a very spiritual time and I spent a lot of time praying for the sister who's work I was doing. Her name was Molly Legan, born in Kansas in, I think 1841. I may go to family search to see if I can find out more about her. Peter's name was Gustave Gaston, with no further info on the slip. I read an article by Susan Corpany Curtis on Meridian earlier that showed how important family stories are in helping you to know an ancestor better. I have written some in a journal over the years, but I know I need to write more. Blogging is a good way to do that. Families are forever!
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
I won something today!
I just found out that I won a beautiful painting by author and artist, Joanne Arnold. I am so excited! I think it's the coolest thing I've ever won. If you want to see what the painting looks like, go to her blog.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
We had a great day on Saturday at the Dinosaur Park in Ogden, UT. We went for Taylor's 3rd b'day. I think the funnest time was when we went into the room with the animatronic dinos and saw the reactions of the Grandkids! Jaiden and Cohen were first, and they were a bit frightened at first, but we were able to convince Jaiden they were not real. He was really getting into watching them, and Cohen just followed suit. Then Madi, Lani, and JJ came in, and Madi was very intrigued. Lani took a bit, JJ was all "Fine by me" about them. I was very surprised by Taylor's reaction, because he loves dinosaurs. He was terrified and wanted nothing to do with them. He was not going to stay in that room! So, Justin took him out and walked him around other areas to calm him down and let him know it was all pretend and not real. Justin took Taylor back up about 15 minutes later and Taylor did fine. He was very into the dinos after that all through the park, even pretending to be a dinosaur. It was so cute!
On, Sunday following this trip, our Bishop was talking to a combined Priesthood and Relief Society Meeting and was talking about keeping journals. He mentioned one entry kept by his Grandfather on something the Bishop's father did as a child and it reminded me of something Cohen did at the museum, and I felt I should probably write it down.
We were done with the upstairs in the museum, and needed to take the elevator down, since I was pushing Stephanie's stroller for her. Madi, Lani, Jaiden, Cohen, and I got in with the stroller, which took up most of the space and we started going down when suddenly the alarm went off, and when I looked down,Cohen had pushed the button! It was only for a second, and it didn't cause any problems, but it sure got our attention!!! I think the staff there kind of expect that button to get pushed at least once a day, because they didn't even look up when we got off the elevator! It was kind of funny, and when I think back on it, it really makes me wonder why, in a place intended for children, they would ever put a button like that within a 1 year old's reach?? Someone didn't plan very well! We have the same problem at the Library with a fire alarm that can be reached by young children! Most of the time, it's unintentional, but it sure shocks the kid who did it!!!! Anyway, I just needed to record this incident for posterity's sake! I love my Grandkids and enjoyed spending time with all of them on Saturday, no matter what!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Temple Dedication
I just got home from the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Dedication and I just wanted to jot dwon some of my impressions.
It was such a spiritual experience and I really felt overwhelmed towards the end when we were singing The Spirit of God. I felt we were joined by the angels in heaven very strongly. I was not able to sing during the second verse because of my emotions. Over the years I have found I cannot cry and sing at the same time. Still True!
When I wrote the words "Temple Dedication" for the title of this blog, I was impressed with the way those words can mean two things. One about the actual dedication ceremony and the other about our dedication to Temple service. I want to go serve in the temple more often than we have been. I feel the need to. It is such a wonderful place to be. You can forget the cares of the world for a few hours. We really need to go at least once a month! I mean, we now have about 8 temples within an hour's drive!!! Five in a half hour, so we have NO excuse! Our bishop or Stake President once said to make your date a trip to the temple, instead of always going to a movie or dinner, or whatever else you choose to do. It's probably the cheapest date around!
I will do all I can to make this happen! I love being a Savior on Mount Zion for those who've gone on before, and my reward is getting to be in those hallowed halls!
It was such a spiritual experience and I really felt overwhelmed towards the end when we were singing The Spirit of God. I felt we were joined by the angels in heaven very strongly. I was not able to sing during the second verse because of my emotions. Over the years I have found I cannot cry and sing at the same time. Still True!
When I wrote the words "Temple Dedication" for the title of this blog, I was impressed with the way those words can mean two things. One about the actual dedication ceremony and the other about our dedication to Temple service. I want to go serve in the temple more often than we have been. I feel the need to. It is such a wonderful place to be. You can forget the cares of the world for a few hours. We really need to go at least once a month! I mean, we now have about 8 temples within an hour's drive!!! Five in a half hour, so we have NO excuse! Our bishop or Stake President once said to make your date a trip to the temple, instead of always going to a movie or dinner, or whatever else you choose to do. It's probably the cheapest date around!
I will do all I can to make this happen! I love being a Savior on Mount Zion for those who've gone on before, and my reward is getting to be in those hallowed halls!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
It is fun having a fast computer!
I'm not really sure what I want to say, but I am sooo happy this 'puter is feeling so much better! It's been fun being able to do things and go plces it just wouldn't go for sooo long! Thank you Mark for your expertise! Anyway, I have tried to update my blog's look, although I'm not completely happy with it yet. How do I get rid of the pink around the banner? Anyone know? I ahve tried a couple of things, which didn't work. Well, I'll keep trying.
Right now I am reading the book, Star Wars: Clone Wars, which is based on the Animated movie that came out to intoduce the series. I find it interesting because you get a lot of what was going on in Anakin's head as he works on his demons from his past and present before he descends to the dark side. You don't get that in the movie. It helps to understand what caused him to fall. Very interesting.
Right now I am reading the book, Star Wars: Clone Wars, which is based on the Animated movie that came out to intoduce the series. I find it interesting because you get a lot of what was going on in Anakin's head as he works on his demons from his past and present before he descends to the dark side. You don't get that in the movie. It helps to understand what caused him to fall. Very interesting.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
I'm baaack!!!
I'm Back!!!! It's taken a while, but we now have an updated, cleaned up 'puter that allows me to use my blog again! I plan on making some changes when I can figure out how and adding some pictures and whatever else more I can do to make this a fun place to visit. I will do an occasional book review, and let you know what's going on in my life and my family's. I am excited that I will be able to do this now! So, someone give me ideas of where to go to find fun things to do with my blog!!!!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Time flies by!
I am amazed at how fast time seems to be going! I want to add to my blog more often, but the time just seems to get away from me.
This month has been fun. We got the chance to see Beauty and the Beast at Cyprus High School, and fell completely back in love with this show! I had seen it before, at the Shubert in LA several years ago, and then at Capital Theater in SL a few years after that. It was huge at the Shubert and about half that size in SL. This High School production was even smaller, but still great! I was able to take Madi and see it again at the Saturday Matinee. She totally loved it! We had a good time together.
The year is fast winding down, it's almost Christmas already! I hope we can get done what needs to get done before then, like the lights on the outside of the house. I love this season!
This month has been fun. We got the chance to see Beauty and the Beast at Cyprus High School, and fell completely back in love with this show! I had seen it before, at the Shubert in LA several years ago, and then at Capital Theater in SL a few years after that. It was huge at the Shubert and about half that size in SL. This High School production was even smaller, but still great! I was able to take Madi and see it again at the Saturday Matinee. She totally loved it! We had a good time together.
The year is fast winding down, it's almost Christmas already! I hope we can get done what needs to get done before then, like the lights on the outside of the house. I love this season!
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Things go on
A lot has happened since my last blog, but most special of all was the birth of my newest grandchild, Taylor David Behling on August 30th, 2006. It was sooo amazing to be there assisting Stephanie as she was in labor and pushing. After all, she's my first daughter to give birth! I have 3 previous grandchildren, who I love just as dearly, but this was kind of special. I am so thankful she was okay about us being in the room with her. It wa a long labor, because she was induced and a lot of work, but when little Taylor came, it was very emotional for all of us. I was able to help by holding Stephanie's shoulders up for each push. Afterwards, I felt like I'd been doing pushups and my arms were sore for days, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. I am so thankful all went well and that the baby was fine. He weighed in at 8lbs, 12 oz, and 21 inches long. Heavenly Father is so kind and provides us with many opportunites to feel his presence, if we are in tune. I felt his presence throughout the whole miraculous event. Childbirth can definitely open the Heavens...Live, love and have joy everyday.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Life in the the 2000's
I haven't been keeping up with this very well, so here I am trying to write something.
We were in Klamath Falls and Medford during July to be part of my family reunion and 80th birthday for my Dad. It was quite an event and all went well. We worked hard on the food, and discovered we will do things differently next time. We want to do it again in 2 years.
Found out my Dad has an abdominal Aortic Aneurysm that is about 3 cm in size. Operations are not performed until they are 5 cms. Even then, he is opting NOT to have the surgery, because he does NOT want to die on the table, which is the most likely scenario with his COPD and age. I don't blame him and I want to support him in this decision. But I found info on a much less invasive prcedure that has just been developed, where a material is placed inside the aneurysm by means of a catherization, which expands and blocks off the aneurysm. The doctor said he could live up to eight years, just think of the advances of medicine in that amount of time. Maybe this procedure would be just the thing for him. I hope he looks into it. I sent him a link for a story from a TV station here in UT. I guess I've done all I can for now.
My former BIL, Joe, had to have a quadruple bypass done last week after suffering a massive heart attack last Monday. He's doing well and really dodged a bullet. He was in the right place at the right time with the right person. A friend Matt performed CPR and kept him alive until the paramedics arrived. He was in the airport in San Diego, having just gotten off a flight there. He really is lucky it didn't happen while in flight, although they do have defibulators and such on board, but it would have meant a longer time until he got to the hospital. He's doing very well, and they expect a complete recovery. Thank goodness. Even though he and Dolly are divorced, he is the father of their children and a friend to us.
I guess that's all for now.
We were in Klamath Falls and Medford during July to be part of my family reunion and 80th birthday for my Dad. It was quite an event and all went well. We worked hard on the food, and discovered we will do things differently next time. We want to do it again in 2 years.
Found out my Dad has an abdominal Aortic Aneurysm that is about 3 cm in size. Operations are not performed until they are 5 cms. Even then, he is opting NOT to have the surgery, because he does NOT want to die on the table, which is the most likely scenario with his COPD and age. I don't blame him and I want to support him in this decision. But I found info on a much less invasive prcedure that has just been developed, where a material is placed inside the aneurysm by means of a catherization, which expands and blocks off the aneurysm. The doctor said he could live up to eight years, just think of the advances of medicine in that amount of time. Maybe this procedure would be just the thing for him. I hope he looks into it. I sent him a link for a story from a TV station here in UT. I guess I've done all I can for now.
My former BIL, Joe, had to have a quadruple bypass done last week after suffering a massive heart attack last Monday. He's doing well and really dodged a bullet. He was in the right place at the right time with the right person. A friend Matt performed CPR and kept him alive until the paramedics arrived. He was in the airport in San Diego, having just gotten off a flight there. He really is lucky it didn't happen while in flight, although they do have defibulators and such on board, but it would have meant a longer time until he got to the hospital. He's doing very well, and they expect a complete recovery. Thank goodness. Even though he and Dolly are divorced, he is the father of their children and a friend to us.
I guess that's all for now.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Life in the Library
There's so much to learn. I keep forgetting how to do another blog. I hope this is right.
A little more about Hanna. She was our 6th child and was born 10 weeks early, weighing just 3 lbs. 9 oz and was 15 inches long. Kind of small next to our other children. She spent her first 7 weeks in LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT where she was born. She had many ups and downs while there. She struggled so hard to gain weight and to breathe on her own. She was a fighter through it all. I kind of knew she'd make it at that point, but I was also living in a bubble, believing things would be normal for her someday. Little did I know how wrong I was. I think most parents of very ill children want to believe their child will eventually be normal, it's one way of dealing with the actual grief you go through when you don't have the "perfect" child you had been counting on and dreaming of. I read somewhere, that parents of special needs children have to go through the same steps people do who have lost someone. Well, I guess I could say that it is so true, being in both situations with Hanna. Not only did we grieve for our "perfect" child, but we also had to do it when she died. I can honestly say, I was probably in the grieving state her whole life! There were so many times we almost lost her over her 19 years, and so many disappointments from her health questions, I was always having to rethink her capabilities and abilities to survive independently some day. Life was a constant struggle for her. This is all a concept I have never considered before, but I believe it is the Lord's way of preparing us for the possiblity of her death at an early age. Lots of things to think about.
A little more about Hanna. She was our 6th child and was born 10 weeks early, weighing just 3 lbs. 9 oz and was 15 inches long. Kind of small next to our other children. She spent her first 7 weeks in LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT where she was born. She had many ups and downs while there. She struggled so hard to gain weight and to breathe on her own. She was a fighter through it all. I kind of knew she'd make it at that point, but I was also living in a bubble, believing things would be normal for her someday. Little did I know how wrong I was. I think most parents of very ill children want to believe their child will eventually be normal, it's one way of dealing with the actual grief you go through when you don't have the "perfect" child you had been counting on and dreaming of. I read somewhere, that parents of special needs children have to go through the same steps people do who have lost someone. Well, I guess I could say that it is so true, being in both situations with Hanna. Not only did we grieve for our "perfect" child, but we also had to do it when she died. I can honestly say, I was probably in the grieving state her whole life! There were so many times we almost lost her over her 19 years, and so many disappointments from her health questions, I was always having to rethink her capabilities and abilities to survive independently some day. Life was a constant struggle for her. This is all a concept I have never considered before, but I believe it is the Lord's way of preparing us for the possiblity of her death at an early age. Lots of things to think about.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Another Day
I decided to try a color today for my blog. I am still learning how to do this and then I would like to try some of the fun things, like adding pictures and more. It's going to take me some time to learn it all.
I have only told my husband, Peter, about my blog, so far, and maybe that's because I just want it to be private for now. I am not sure of all I want to share in my blog. I was told years ago by the spirit that I need to write about things I know, so I guess that's a good place to start.
My experiences in life, and what I've learned over the years, like dealing with a child who has special needs... Hanna, our daughter who was born 10 weeks prematurely and had many health problems, including Autism. She taught us many things during her life of almost 19 years. I am so grateful she was a part of our lives, and I miss her dearly. I am thankful for my testimony of where she is. I know she's happier now without all the handicaps she had in life. She's gone on to bigger and better things.
Well, I think this will have to do for now, I've got to get ready for work.
I have only told my husband, Peter, about my blog, so far, and maybe that's because I just want it to be private for now. I am not sure of all I want to share in my blog. I was told years ago by the spirit that I need to write about things I know, so I guess that's a good place to start.
My experiences in life, and what I've learned over the years, like dealing with a child who has special needs... Hanna, our daughter who was born 10 weeks prematurely and had many health problems, including Autism. She taught us many things during her life of almost 19 years. I am so grateful she was a part of our lives, and I miss her dearly. I am thankful for my testimony of where she is. I know she's happier now without all the handicaps she had in life. She's gone on to bigger and better things.
Well, I think this will have to do for now, I've got to get ready for work.
Monday, July 10, 2006
First Time Blogger
Well, I guess it's time to start. I think this may be a fun way to make comments about life and what's going on. I want to make it a journal that someone may read that will help them in some way. Besides, yesterday in church we had a lesson on Journals and I am more determined than ever to write down feelings and thoughts and events as I feel I should be.
I have a journal that I have been rocording events in over the last 30 or more years, having to do with my family. I plan to use this forum to do the same, maybe I'll be able to record events and feelings immediately this way.
The most recent event is the birth of our newest grandchild, Marlena HVN Firth. She was born on June 29th at 11:11pm at Pioneer Valley Hospital in West Valley City, UT to our son, B.J. and his wife, Melinda. She weighed 7 lbs 14 oz and was 20 inches long. We are soo excited to welcome her into our family. This is our 3rd grandchild and she is the new little sister to our 1st grandchild, Madison Rae Firth, who is 6 yrs old. Our only other grandchild at this time, is Jaiden Daniel Firth, born in December to our other son, Justin and his wife, Shadea. Later this summer, we are expecting our 4th grandchild, a boy, to our daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, Justin Behling. They haven't picked a name yet.
Well, I think I'll finish this now, so I can post it for the my first blog ever!!!
I have a journal that I have been rocording events in over the last 30 or more years, having to do with my family. I plan to use this forum to do the same, maybe I'll be able to record events and feelings immediately this way.
The most recent event is the birth of our newest grandchild, Marlena HVN Firth. She was born on June 29th at 11:11pm at Pioneer Valley Hospital in West Valley City, UT to our son, B.J. and his wife, Melinda. She weighed 7 lbs 14 oz and was 20 inches long. We are soo excited to welcome her into our family. This is our 3rd grandchild and she is the new little sister to our 1st grandchild, Madison Rae Firth, who is 6 yrs old. Our only other grandchild at this time, is Jaiden Daniel Firth, born in December to our other son, Justin and his wife, Shadea. Later this summer, we are expecting our 4th grandchild, a boy, to our daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, Justin Behling. They haven't picked a name yet.
Well, I think I'll finish this now, so I can post it for the my first blog ever!!!
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