If I only had a heart, a brain, some courage !!

Hi friends and family, I know this sounds like the Wizard of Oz. but it actually is what I was feeling last evening after the Young Women's General Conference in Salt Lake City. President Monson's talk was about Courage. It was amazing. We women need the courage to stand alone, to stand strong, to stand steadfast and immovable. Even when faced on the outside, fingers pointing and snide remarks made. We need to firmly believe the truths and " Be thou an example of the Believers" . Which is the theme of the Young Women's this year. Sat. I was feeling pretty sick, but could not pass up a chance to be close to the Prophet and leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To see him, to hear him, and boy... oh... boy..., I almost ran down the aisle, flung myself over the balcony, past the security, just to be able to touch him. I knew I would be cured. While the other Leaders spoke, I was planning my dramatic race. Could I do it? Lolo would have been impressed, my parents would have been embarrassed but impressed. My group of Young Women leaders would probably have died. But later thought it twas a good story. As I keep plotting, I saw security guards every 4 people all around the Prophet. I would have made the evening news, and put in a psycho ward for evaluation. But the temptation was strongly there. Someday, but not today. Darn... One of my favorite things President Monson said was a quote from Ted Koppel, news anchor man. He said " slogans lie", just start reading them, " its okay to do this" its okay to do that", etc. But when Moses came down from Mt. Sinai, he brought with him the 10 Commandments..... not the 10 Suggestions" I loved it ! I feel extremely grateful to live to close to the conference center and Salt Lake Temple. My spirits are raised and I feel a great amount of hope and love in the church buildings. They say.... if you go to the Temple often, you automatically become more Christ like, and an eye single to the glory of God. I have been able to go and serve many times at the Temple and come away feeling so happy, as President "Hinks" would say " Onederful, Onederful" So all of us need to work on COURAGE... to be stronger, hopefully we all have a brain and a heart: ) tomorrow, I get to chat with the Lolo, and see how her new area is. Monday's are the best. Make your decisions before the temptations appears, the great counterfeiter/ adversary will do anything to make it sound appealing. For he can't have a family, so he wants yours. We must rise above all worldly and material things and keep an eye single to the glory of God... and have Courage. Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side! love to you all. Lolo new address is 120-4 Kittleberger Park, Webster NY.14580. Thank you again for all the sacrifices you make in Laura's behalf, we appreciate you all so much. A Missionary Mom, Kathy

Ghetto Fabulous

Hi gang. This week for Laura was "ghetto fabulous". The parties were all weekend long. It seems like every investigator they were teaching had a birthday party. I hear they ate fish with scales, African peanut soup, Lolo says" thanks goodness for the fresh fruit and cantaloupe. Laura learned how to do the "spankey leg dance" with 16 year olds, held and danced with little babies, she didn't even care if there was a little baby barf on her jacket. I was lucky to receive 7 pages of activities, and about 25 pictures. I guess the Sisters dress all like some days, now the Elders call early in the morning and ask, what color are we wearing today" How cute is that. I love when I get happy letters, when all is working, when the Lord is leading them to the pure in heart. This week an investigator went to Paris, while in Paris.... Zina (investigator) ran into 6 American missionary's. She had her picture taken with them and told the Paris Sisters, she was being taught the lessons by Sister Laura Burns in Rochester New York. International credibility for sure. I received pictures of the Elders and Sisters exploring the abandoned Rochester Subway. They had a makeshift ladder, out of a bike turned sideways, and they climbed down it I loved to hear she is expanding her fear of heights and dangerous things. I think it is because she is with these sweet little Elders who can give a Priesthood blessing is someone gets hurts. She feels safe. Laura will be transfered this week to either Buffalo or Webster, she is sad to leave the investigators and friends of Greece, but excited to leave the rickety town of Greece. Then there is Ariel, a 16 year young lady so excited about the Gospel. Ariel had the Sisters go through her closet looking for appropriate dresses for church. They finally found a pink Ann Taylor dress at the goodwill for $3.50. Laura then went to Young Women's with her, and Ariel answered all the questions like she'd been learning about the Gospel all her life. It was awesone, Lolo was proud as her own mama. They will be having a few baptisms soon, Ariel, and her grandmother Mary. Oh how I wish you could see her in action, she is bringing light and eternal happiness into the lives of God's children, and she is glowing. Her pictures are so wonderful. Our Lolo looks beyond happy. It is a glow that knows what she is doing is the right thing and we are all being blessed. Laura is down to 7 months, now is the time to kick it in and really shake and move to bring more people into the Gospel. I know with out a shadow of a doubt she is working hard and already missing her peeps. We are so privileged to have Laura serving 110% for the Lord. Laura will not be forgotten when she comes home. Laura loves participating in the work of God. It is amazing to see the light in people's eyes as they learn the gospel. This is the work of God and he leads it. It is a gift and privilege to be able to serve on a mission and help Him do his work and to help His children find the truth. I am so proud of Laura and her strength and courage to go out in the world . Walk up to total strangers and ask if they want to learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is amazing. Thank-you for all your letters of support and encouragement for our Laura. Remember to stay on the Light side of the Right side, or is it Right Side of the Light Side? I get mixed up myself. But it all means the same thing. Stay away from darkness and always look for the glow in the true light. Love you all, A missionary Mom, Kathy

The Claw !!

Hi everyone, how it shaking? As Norm on " Cheers" would say " all 4 cheeks and a couple of chins" I always loved that line. Well.... a brief catch up. I am sorry I haven't keep everyone updated on Lolo. My hands are still in tet-ney, and its horrible. I try to type and they cramp up and I am use-less. They say this could go on for 6 months to a year. But without a thyroid and now my para thyroids are in shock, who knows. I find out Thursday if I have to have any chemo or radiation. Bummer. I have my wigs picked out... haha. Thick... blond ...and long. and a spiky bob for spunky days.
Lolo is doing good with her trio, Sisters Park and Hanson. They have alot of fun, in between their hard schedules. She will be sad to leave them, but thrilled to leave Greece. Lolo said not one missionary has really enjoyed the Greece area. The ward isn't as warm and willing to help in finding investigators, or just being friendly. Next time you're in church, look around and be grateful for the loving members you do know. Lolo will always find a bright spot in any situation, She might be transferred next Monday. Don't know yet. They have 2 baptisms set up. way to go LOLO. I know her bright and accepting smile and unconditional love for all prompts people to open their doors. I have recently sent three Prom dresses to her for an investigator to go to the Prom. Lolo said the family was ever so grateful for her letting them borrow them. That must be why we were so prompted to always buy prom dresses when they were on sale. Why did we need prom dresses? to share with those who couldn't afford one. It's a grand feeling. Our work was not in vain. I need to stop typing, I am already down to one finger. Hugs and kisses to you all. HAPPY ST. PADDY'S DAY ! "Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side" General Conference is just around the corner, prepare yourselves for divine wisdom. I get to go to Draper temple dedication. All is well. Love from a missionary mommy, Kathy.PS Thank-you for the letters of encouragement you send our girl.OXOXOXOXOX

***The Cancer Desert***

**** These are my thoughts from the Huntsman Cancer Center, its not about LoLo's mission this time, I am being selfish and wanting to write my memories down, before I lose the feeling. Thanks for your understanding.
Dear Family and Friends, loved ones, flight attendants, nurses, doctors, Costco employees, police men, Air Med studly handsome men and little children pulling red wagons. I am now home. Praise the Lord !!
Finally.....there are so many emotions in my heart and mind right now, it's hard to know where to begin and where to end. The joys, the sorrows, the fear and tears in the patients roaming the cancer desert with be with me forever. A simple procedure, much like the surgery I had in Dec. took a turn for the worst and became a complication hell for me. Could it be that I was practically curled into a fetal position for 4 days due to lack of calcium in my blood. I couldn't hold a spoon or cup to my mouth. The sweets aids had to feed me as my hands were so curled inward they would not work. Maybe the fact that I was on the critical condition list for 5 days with residents, doctors and blood specialists not knowing how to " fix" me. Bless their tired souls. Before my para-thyroid quit working I had the opportunity to walk the halls of Huntsman Cancer level 5..I chose to use my laundry basket as an walking aid, as those thin tin walkers made to much noise. The only thing separating me from housekeeping was the blood down the front of my gown and a tube draining out of my neck I got a few smiles and laughs and that made it worth it.For all of you who know me, I have a tendency to talk to everyone. As I watched other cancer victims stroll towards me, I had a chance to study their faces Pale, drawn, deep sadness, eyes brimming with fear and pushing their life on a 5 legged cart hoping not to stumble or accidentally unplug their transit life support. I made the point of talking to each and everyone. I wanted to learn their name, to let them know they are someone and will be remembered with love. No one wants to die thinking they will not be remembered . My Angel at Huntsman was a handsome man named Bill. My second day I spotted him in the corner by the window overlooking the mountains covered in fresh snow. He looked at me and motioned me over. Bill stood up and took my hand. Bill had such a sweet gentle countenance. he told me I was "radiant", like a light beaming and glowing. He asked me how do you stay so radiant/Well, at the time I was pretty wiped out with a migraine, so where he saw light, I don't know. Bill proceeded to tell me of his dear wife off 60 plus years who is struggling after surgery. The surgeons got her tumor but her complications were very severe and the Doctors once again were puzzled. Bills voice was ever so soft, like a whispering angel. My Mr. Bill told me stories about the Father and his love for all his children and we must help the Father's children and buoy up their spirits and keep our eternal perspective insight. Bill spoke to me as if he knew every question spinning in my head. I just knew he was an angel or messenger sent to help me through this horrific time in my life. with Laura 3,000 miles away and not knowing what was happening to me. The Lord send one of his angels to me so I wouldn't be alone. Bill just kept telling me stories that had the answers I needed to hear. With no prodding along, just letting him talk,he one by one answered some of my most deepest questions. I was mesmerized by his ability to "read" me, and then give me such simple advice, I knew he was a very powerful man of God. When he said he had been friends with" Hinks" for 50 years, it validated all my thoughts of him. Even though he knew some answers, Bill was scared for his sweetie and her pain and suffering. He shared very tender moments with me and he always made me cry. Bill relayed a story to me about a conversation with President Hickley many years ago. Bill asked President Hinckly " do you know all the answers". President Hinckly lightly tapped his cane a couple times, grinned that elfin smile and said 'NO" no I don't know all the answers, we need to have faith. I am sure there was more to the conversation than that. But it was what I needed to hear. To have faith. On Valentines day I woke up to my laundry basket missing and a tin walker in its place, but at least they decorated it with Bows and red and pink hearts. I thought the day was going to be okay. Then it happened.... my face went numb, I lost all muscle strength and my hands started too curl in. I was near the Residents and they immediately started tapping on my temples. locating the nerve that shows calcium levels dropping. I could barely stand up. The Resident doctors needed to converse among themselves. They sent the IV gals to my room to start an IV for liquid calcium to get into my body fast, as I was going into tet-ney shock. No vein could be found that wouldn't blow out after inserting the IV. So they called in the Air Med guys, who can always find a vein, even with one leg hanging out a helicopter. Jeff was his name and Hot was his game. He too couldn't do it. He was so frustrated , he would look for a different spot start over and blow, my arms looked like black and blue clouds. I was getting really scared,What will you do to get a vein? I asked. We have to call in a special vascular team that does this mini operation in the room. The right arm already so fragile and tender was once again the target. I had a tourniquet on for 20 minutes, the specialist tried 3 times and said "I quit, I'm not going to beat her up any more" The pain was excurating.
They said they were going to get me a relaxer to help the veins open up. I asked for a Priestood blessing.
As I had a medicine under my tounge to get in my veins faster, the team prepared for the other arm. The loud speaker which is rarely used called for worthey LDS Elders to room 5523. I hobbled into the bathroom to pray.

1. I came out calmly climbed back on my bed and prepared my self for another mini operation. In walks but who..... My Mr. Bill, prepared to give me.. his new friend a Priesthood blessing. The doors were gently closed, there were 4 in the room, each with great respect for what this valiant man of God was preparing to do. When I saw him I immediately relaxed and felt the comforter's arms around me. His sweet blessing brought me strength, faith and courage to endure the trials of mortality. As soon as he finished, the doors flew open and the vascular team came in with their rolling carts of magic. The young nurse who performed the next central line, she found a big ole fat vein and marked it. With in 5 minutes the line was inserted, taped and ready to go. No pain, or marks. One of the nurses said" thank goodness for drugs" and the sweet technician said " a Priesthood blessing didn't hurt either. I looked at her and asked" are you LDS" she said yes. and I said thank-you, she hugged me and left. If that wasn't a faith a promoting experience, I don't know what is. Everyone was in awe at how fast she did her specialty with God's help guiding her trained hands. It was now 3 pm in the afternoon, this had taken 5 hours start to finish. I had time to reflect on the Savior in his Garden of Gethsemane and the pain He went thru for each and everyone of us. How grateful I am for his atoning sacrifice for me. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. I now had a small wire/tube, able to access blood and feed calcium at the same time. With in minutes I was walking up and down the halls in my beautiful tin red and pink walker. I felt on such a spiritual high. I wanted to help everyone else. So on Sunday, when they were about to start Sacrament in the Chapel I sat down at the piano and played the prelude music. Then the Sacrament song. I sat there with my heart full of joy and gratitude for my experiences at the Huntsman. I could write a book of what happened and where I saw the hand of God. My sister Mary called a few days later and said crying" you were all alone, " I said "Mary, I needed to be alone so I could depend upon the Father and Faith". It was nothing short of a miracle. and I had lived through many scary things, and God was right here beside me. It was amazing. I know this blog post is long and you might not want to read it at all. and that's okay, I guess I wrote it for my records. I am still struggling with my calcium and it is a day to day challenge. I was one of the lucky ones I met many wonderful people, doctors, nurses, my experience in the Cancer desert will be with me forever. " Stay on the right side of the light side" I love you all, and thank you for your encouragement to our missionary Laura. she is back in Greece, and working on the investigators she left. Pray for her to have the desire and strength to continue on and change people's lives. Laura is awesome and I am so proud of her. Thanks you again for everything in our behalf. love a missionary mommy