Back to Health

With all of the constant change, travel and upheaval, I have struggled to keep my pursuit of good health and well-being since December 2007. That which matters most to me is the well-being of my spirit. How would we survive challenging times without the precious word of God and the possibilities of prayer? As I look back on my life and consider the times that were most difficult, time and time again the love of my Heavenly Father, my faith in my Savior, and the power of the Holy Ghost have brought me through. Instead of beaten down, I find my self strengthened. The study of the Old Testament and Book of Mormon for the past year have been a mainstay as I have "kept on keeping on." I marvel at the power available to each of God's children. I pray that my children and grandchildren choose to dwell in the full blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As for the physical, I have really allowed myself to take a downhill trend these past months. I found myself too tired or too distracted to maintain my yoga and exercise programs. It was more of a challenge to eat well on the road also and with the added business of preparing a house for sale and making a major move I found that which was quick and/or prepared in restaurants more handy. As I ate more sweets, my desire for the things that are not so good for me increased along with the stress of the days.

Reading President Monson's remarks in the August Ensign has inspired me to get back on track. It is good to be home and ready to settle in to preparing our meals once again. This morning I started my yoga program. YIKES! It is amazing how much you loose when you neglect your physical health for so long - especially at my age. Oh well, I will pay the price and move forward. I hope for many years ahead to enjoy my dear family and I pray that I will be able to do so in good health. I love teaching. I enjoy the association of so many good souls who I am blessed to call friends and I have more friends to make. Life is a gift!

From President Monson:
"How fragile life, how certain death. We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence. And so I ask, 'What are we doing with today?' If we live only for tomorrow, we’ll eventually have a lot of empty yesterdays. Have we been guilty of declaring, 'I’ve been thinking about making some course corrections in my life. I plan to take the first step—tomorrow'? With such thinking, tomorrow is forever. Such tomorrows rarely come unless we do something about them today. . .

"Let us ask ourselves the questions: "Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?” What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace—to have inspired gratitude in another human being.

"Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved."

For President Monson's complete remarks:
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=8669dd48c4a6b110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=true

Happy Birthday Carey

That's right folks
Carey is 35 years old today!
She is a dear.
Check her family blog for 35 thoughts from those who love her.

This picture was taken in July here in Idaho Falls.
The handsome young man is her oldest son Jacob who has just started Junior High. Whew - Is it possible?

Carey is one of our best blessings!

We're back home . . .

I didn't know it was possible to be so completely exhausted but we are back home from California and on our way to feeling rested and energetic again.

It was good to gather with friends and family although the occasion was a sad one. One of life's great challenges is to be separated from one we love by death. Robert will be missed.

In spite of their own fatigue and sense of loss, Chris, Cindy and Rakiah graciously opened their home to us. (Sara drove in from Arizona bringing Carey, Jennie and Brig as well.) How good to be with family instead of in a hotel! Sean and his children, Shanon and young Chris, and Henri spent time at the house during the two days we were there.

Lou planned a lovely service. Robert was buried in Rose Hills Cemetary, Whittier, California, Saturday, August 9, 2008. The day was warm and beautifully clear. The flowers lovely. The little chapel was full to overflowing.

An overview of thoughts expressed at the funeral as I remember them:

Henri shared how Robert was always there when he needed him. "He was my big brother." When Henri was young, he cut his foot badly and Robert was quick to his side to take care of him. In Henri's young eyes, Robert had saved his life. Henri also shared how Robert would hold him to a task until it was done. He remembered a time when they were doing dishes. When it got to be 8:00 p.m. Henri turned to leave to go to his homework. Robert called him back to task as the job wasn't done yet. Robert had the ability to see things through and Henri admired that ability. Henri also expressed thanks from the family for all who had come to share in our celebration of Robert.

Claigh spoke of two qualities of Robert that were also qualities of the Savior, meekness and loving kindness. He defined meekness as "the ability to endure injury with patience and without resentment." This was a quality Claigh had admired in Robert. He told of how Robert was patient and kind with those who were trying to help him even though he was suffering with great pain. Claigh also remembered Christ on the cross providing for his mother Mary. Robert was mindful of his mother throughout her life and saw to her care. He was grateful for her efforts in his behalf. Robert's concern for others extended to each of us. When he was asked how he was doing he would turn it around with "How are you doing?" Claigh bore his testimony of the power of the Savior to make our suffering turn to our good and also his power to redeem us from the grave.

Due to one of those real life experiences, a flat tire, Chris arrived late but mercifully in time to share his thoughts. Chris had chosen Psalm 121 for the program:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Chris had participated in Robert's care during those most difficult last days. He expressed his gratitude for that privilege. (It was a comfort to us that he was able to be there for Robert. It had to be tough for him to see Robert suffering.) Chris told of Robert's loyalty and devotion to those he loved. He also thanked Lou for his care for Robert during the past months as Robert's health deteriorated. The love Chris expressed perfectly concluded the remarks of the brothers.

Shanon remembered Robert's great sense of humor and the welcoming spirit she always felt in his home. She shared how she always felt accepted and loved even though she had some very different views than Robert.

Some of Robert's fellow workers spoke of his infectious laugh. One remarked that she would hear his laugh from across the office and before she knew it she would be laughing even though she did not know what the laughter was about. Marlene spoke again of Robert's caring for others and his goodness towards them. She remarked that Robert had been like a father to her. Andrew read the resurrection story from the scriptures. Darius shared a poem.

At the grave side, Pastor Richard spoke of Robert's acceptance and kindness towards others. He told of how Robert would look at someone with those big blue eyes and really see them. He noted Robert's love for his family.

The service concluded as Rakiah testified of the miracle of Jesus through the hymn "Amazing Grace." This was a sweet comfort.

Following the services, we enjoyed a sandwich luncheon. It was wonderful to see Dolly and Darin, Dick and Cheryl whom we had not seen for so long. It was a joy to meet so many of Robert's friends as well. In spite of equipment difficulties and the challenges of the day, Chris was able to present a slide show of Robert's family and friends that he had thoughtfully prepared. I especially loved the picture of Robert and Shanon sitting together on a sofa, heads thrown back in laughter. The delight of the moment is captured for each one of us who have enjoyed such times with Robert.

Thanks to our Father in Heaven for such a good brother. Thanks to each of you for your prayers and expressions of love at this time of loss. We are grateful for life, family and friends. We are grateful for our Savior.