Day 50 - Halfway Point - April 28th

As the days get closer to my age, it seems like the time is passing even more quickly. Not that I am 50, but what's a couple of years (or quite a few more) at this point in my life! Looking back at some of my original posts, they are becoming distant memories. For some that is good, for others, I am quite happy to leave them in the past. None the less I am forever grateful for the love I felt from so many during this journey.

Days once spent at the Huntsman are now becoming days spent with family, friends and catching up on shopping. Just don't tell Robert I have traded my naps for trips to the store. 

I feel so blessed that I have not faced any infections or sickness during this 50 days. I know that I can blame my wonderful caretaker for keeping such good care of me for that! My life has changed drastically since those first weeks up at the patient care facility, and even since those first few weeks at home. Being able to get out and be with those I care for so much, makes all the difference in the world!  

For those going through these same circumstances, I still need to relate, at this point, even though things have improved drastically, at 50 days in, I'm still not at 100%. There are days, that when overdone, can bring pretty uncomfortable nights. Even days that aren't overdone, usually bring some pain in the evening (but I am sure those 50 + years contribute to that!)  There are also still days that call for a good old cat nap to make it through.  (not complaining about that, by the way)

I never dreamed this time would go so fast, but it does, as we all know. Both the good and the bad, create the memories that are woven into the stories of our lives. It's those stories that can be passed on from generation to generation, either to inspire for the better or for the worse.  We however, get to choose the fabric of our stories!

Day 49 - Do the Right Thing to Do! - April 27th

On the way home from my strength training class today, I heardthis news story. It is definitely worth sharing, everywhere with everyone!  The entire scene was captured on a home security camera as it unfolded.  Seems like two young brothers found some money in the front of this house, and I guess they are debating on what to do with it. 

Then the older brother, asks his younger brother, "Do you kinda want to keep it?"  Or would you - would you,  Do you want to do the right thing to do? Or keep it? 

Without hesitation the younger brother responds in the happiest voice,  "Do the right thing to do!"

The Older brother then says as they knock on the door,  "It's always best to ask someone."  

Hooray for those kids!  Hooray for those parents! Hooray this little video went viral!

In a world where we need security camera's to protect our homes and our safety, isn't it great it captured a moment like this!

And isn't wonderful we still have heroes  that "Do the right thing to do!!!!"

I'm so glad that this seems to be the theme of all those I've come in contact with at the Huntsman. They all seem committed to doing the right thing, and in many cases the better thing.  Today I called Dr. Sborov, my cancer doctor with a question about my daughter, he listened carefully, even though I know his schedule is jam packed from before dawn till evening.  He gave his advise and actually some solutions that were much needed.

Did he need to spend his time, with me this day, probably not.  My questions today had nothing to do with treating my cancer, but this incredible doctor, took all the time needed to respectfully resolve concerns that were on my mind.  I'm so glad that even some very important, busy people make their life about doing the right thing to do,  and yes, he's my hero too!

Day 48 - A Little 'Peace' of Heaven - April 26th

I was able to experience another beautiful milestone today. This is the first time I have been able to go back to the temple since my stem cell transplant, and oh what a joyful experience it was! 

Certainly there is no place on this earth, where you can feel closer to heaven than in the temple. There is a primary song that explains; it is a place of love and beauty, a place to feel the Holy Spirit, a place to listen and to pray.  It's a place where covenants are made between God and man, and it's a place where families can be sealed together forever. But even more, it's a place of peace, that transcends this earthly chaos and chatter.  

Day 47 - More Acts of Kindness! - April 25th

Again, my heart's been touched with more kindness from incredible people.  Last night my daughter called and said she had something for me that a friend of hers had made.  We met today and she gave me an amazing wood flower arrangement. It was so beautiful!  I thought that my daughter had ordered it, but she assured me that her friend had made it for me totally out of the goodness of her heart. What another incredible lesson.  It is so humbling to me, that there are those out there so willing to share of their time, talents and assets with people that they don't even know personally.  Now I know that there must be incredible love between my daughters and their friends, but to be a recipient of that love totally overwhelms me.  Such people are true examples of Christ-like love as are all of you who have been so very, very sweet to me.

I hope that these kind lessons will multiply, as I hope to be able to pay back and pay it forward, like has been done for me!

Day 46- Fun with Grandpa - April 24th

This video is also on facebook, I just love how my multi-talented caregiver not only takes time out of his day to keep me safe, but he also has a way with the dog and grandkids too!

Day 45 - Another Sunday Feast - April 23rd

I am again humbled and grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! It's very hard to comprehend how beautiful it's teachings are, and how much I glean every Sunday from being there. Each message that I hear makes me want to be more like my Savior, more loving to my fellowmen and more dedicated to my family! How could a church that teaches these kind of principles be false? I know that it is true, with all my heart! Even though my days are full of short comings, mistakes and sins, I know that my Savior loves me and paid the price so that I have a chance to be forgiven and the power to overcome those struggles that keep me from being the person He knows I can become.  

I also know, that the closer we come to Christ, the more we will want to treat others as He did. I was talking to another daughter the other day, and we were discussing the unfortunate happening on the United Airlines flight that ended up being overbooked at the last minute. I am sure that so many of us were horrified as we watched that 69 year old man being drug off the plane.  Without condemning either side, my daughter simply said, "At that point, (speaking of when they physically started to force the man from the plane) why didn't any one on that plane offer their seat, so the man would not have had to have gone through that." she then added, " I couldn't have just sat there, I would have just told them to take my seat to stop all the craziness!"

Her comment actually made me really think, if I were there, would I have watched in horror as they dragged him from the plane or would I have been compassionate enough to have stepped in without judgement?  I know there are many sides to this situation, and wrongs on both sides, but I was touched by her care for this man, that she'd be willing to give of her comfort to save him from having to go through what he did.  I certainly know what our Savior would have done.  I am so thankful this daughter helped me to remember how it important it is to live the life that exemplifies the person I profess to be.  I am also grateful for a church that centers it's teachings around our Savior Jesus Christ, His Atonement, and His and our Heavenly Father's love and plan for us.  

Day 44 - Each day a little closer - April 22nd

How wonderful it is to say, each day brings us a little closer to the way life was before this journey began.  Today brought shopping, (my visa is still in prime condition), unloading, then shopping again!(while Robert weed trimmed) Later I was able to attend a swimming meet for a couple of incredible granddaughters, (while Robert mowed) then we were off to a wedding reception! After that we drove to the car wash and finished the evening with a stop at the local super market.  On the way home Robert mentioned how sore he was from working so hard,  I could totally relate, it was really hard carrying that purse around all day.  Luckily, Visa cards do not weigh much!