Sunday, May 24, 2009

Happy Birthday Grandma



Today we celebrate my mother's 82nd birthday. How fortunate we are to have her in our lives. She is a pillar of strength and faith. This journey we are on is made so much easier because of her great love and guiding influence in all of our lives. We are so thankful for her this day.

Mike slept so much better last night - nearly 5 hours. He was up and ready to go to church this morning. I thought we might only be able to be there for the first hour, but of course we were there for all of the meetings. It was so joyous for Mike and I to see some of our friends who have blessed us with so much service.

Mike is again enjoying sleeping on the patio with the sound of flowing water. We were able to get our fountain up and running yesterday. Our back yard is so beautiful with the new tree growth, the beautiful flowers and the green, green grass. I believe that this is a time for us to enjoy many of God's creations and understand the "awakening" of nature.

The phone just rang and our dear, dear, friend and leader, Elder Marlin K. Jensen was on the other end of the phone. Seems Nan, who is in Illinois at the Mormon Historical Society meetings talked to him and told him about Mike's illness. Elder Jensen has always been one of our favorite people on earth. He was such a strength and support to Mike when Mike lead our stake. His words of encouragement and hope gave both of us a little extra comfort today. He told us that Mike's name would be placed in the Salt Lake Temple on Thursday when the First Presidency and the Apostles meet. We are so humbled by this kind, kind gesture. Again, we know of God's great love for us. We know there is a plan and this struggle is part of it. Through our continued faith and prayers this too will pass.

Hannah made an interesting point a few days ago when she said: In the scriptures it says ..."and it came to pass," not "and it came to stay."

7 comments:

  1. It was nice to see you both today at church! I was studying Elder Teixeira's talk and this line stood out to me:
    "In our life's journey to return to and become more like our Father, we are not left alone. God has given us the necessary gifts to help us in our mortal experience."
    It strikes me that each of us has been given spiritual gifts unique to us that will help us to navigate through the still waters of life, as well as the storms. It's comforting to know that we are equipped to handle all things life brings with the help of our Heavenly Father and the gifts he has graciously given us.
    Anyway, I thought of you. :) Our prayers continue to be with you and your family.
    Love,
    Kimberlie and all

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  2. I'm so glad that you are sharing this experience with us all. Our lesson today was on prayer and I thought of you...

    Pippin (Horvath) Arthur

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  3. Mike & Nancy -
    Thought maybe enough time has passed since Mike was under the knife for you to enjoy this list...

    Things you never want to hear your doctor say during your surgery…
    1. Don't worry. I think it is sharp enough.
    2. Nurse, did this patient sign the organs donation card?
    3. Is this the guy that stiffed me on the co-pay on his last office visit?
    4. Everybody stand back! I lost a contact lens!
    5. Hand me that...uh...that uh.....thingie
    6. Better save that. We'll need it for the autopsy.
    7. "Accept this sacrifice, O Great Lord of Darkness"
    8. Whoa, wait a minute, if this is his spleen, then what's that?
    9. "Ya know, there's big money in kidneys. And, he's got two of them.
    10. We’ll have to open him back up; I’ve misplaced my CTR ring.

    (I customized that last one just for you Mikey Boy!)
    With apologies to any of your doctor pals,
    TWW

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  4. Janet and I went to the Los Angeles temple yesterday. Janet put Mike's name on the prayer roll.

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  5. Dear Mike & Nancy,
    "I Stand all Amazed at the Love Jesus Offers Me." Thanks Mike & Nancy for your incredible faith, strength and example you are to so many! The two of you have blessed my life for 32 years and always will be part of our lives. The Morgan Family loves you and will be supportive in everyway! You blessed my life today as we spoke on the phone, you said what I needed to hear and I felt what I needed to feel- I will get through my cancer with greater faith and hope because of the example the two are demonstrating. Karen and I and the kids love you and will be there for you! We will come to Muncie as soon as we can! Thanks for being there for me, and calming my fears and answering my prayers!
    We love you, Tyler, Karen, Abby, Mike & Katie!

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  6. Dear Nancy, Mike, Tyler,& Will,
    We are so glad that you had a good day Monday.
    Hopefully you found all of the organic things you wanted and also that you enjoyed the day shopping together and getting to be with Ty, Kim and the kiddies. They are so special!!
    You are REALLY blessed---God is good. Thank you for spending a good part of yesterday with us. An 82nd birthday is, well, OLD!! But we are so glad we've made it this far together and have had 3 great kids, a wonderful son-in-law, 3 fantastic grandkids,and now 2 wee ones to love. All of this makes us feel very special indeed. Thank you for the birthday message. I feel so humble. We continue to send our love and prayers, and a special prayer for tomorrow. J & B.

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  7. I LOVE Hannah's thought. So perfect.

    Love you guys!

    Baby A

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