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

Feb. 7, 1985

Flash back 24 years ago....Please....please... let me have this baby today. HE is 2 weeks over due, the BLUE nursery is ready, the BOY names are all picked out, the BLUE BABY BOY clothes are all washed and ready to dress new Baby BOY. Let's get this show on the road. All you Mommies know that last few days before delivery there is.. pain, swelling, heartburn, and a plethora of other undesirable things happening to your once tight and toned body. At about 1 a.m. my wish is finally coming true. I know it's time. On the way to the hospital mixed fear and excitement is filling the station wagon. Breath...Breath... Check in... hospital gown... hear moaning and screaming down the hall. The screaming doesn't help my family inherited anxiety. Hmmm says the nurse , no dilating yet. Heart monitor hook up, Dr. called, Dr. arrived...no dilation still. 17 hours of hard labor pass. Still no dilating. Well, Kathy.. it's a good thing you took the C-Section class, your husband can watch the birth of your new BABY BOY . I walked into the sterile OR myself, climbed up on the table, spinal, OUCH!!!, surgery prep. Are you ready for this? Ob-gyn's are amazing, especially those High Risk Doctors. With in 5 minutes, the amazing Dr. Callahan said" a new baby GIRL !!!. WHAT??? A baby GIRL. No way... a baby GIRL, I birthed a baby GIRL !
There's no way Dr. C., you said a boy, you saw on the ultra sound... boy, the heart beat continually said...boy. Every single thing that happened in the 9 1/2 months of being preggers said BOY !! Oh..Dr. Callahan, he hold up his fingers and eye balls about 1 inch and says," I was only off by " this much" WHO CARES !! IT'S A MIRACLE, A MIRACLE FROM GOD... I HAVE A NEW BABY GIRL. Who cares if all the boy clothes are given away, I think the nursery in primary colors will work for awhile, we'll find a name. I have a precious, little..(well 9 lb.,) perfect, red-haired baby girl. I couldn't keep my eyes off her, perfect in every way, and I was chosen to be her mommy. We decided on her great-grandmothers names. Laura Morie Burns was now part of this world. And the most important miracle in my life.
This little unexpected angel baby girl, who never, ever caused me a moment's trouble, is now a servant of the Master. Laura took the vow to go and preach, teach and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How can parents ever imagine what their children will grow up to be. We have hopes and dreams. We nurture, we teach, we try to make them socially acceptable and most importantly give pure love, un-conditional love... when you love someone so much there are no words to describe the feeling. We do all in our power to protect and guide these little spirits we are trusted with. My days of asking Mary " what should I do with my hair today" and her saying" Kathy I don't give a d--- what you do with your hair". It's all starting to sink in. My free spirited life is put on hold for a while. It's all about my little one now. All the sleepless nights, emergency hospital visits at 2 in the morning. It's time to do what my Mother raised me to do. Love, protect and teach my child. When Laura and her cousin Gregory were in first grade together. It was Charlene and me who got in trouble by the school principle. We were peeking thru the windows on their first day of school, making sure they were okay. Of course we were crying, we are Cragun's and these were our babies. My sisters understood when I couldn't go to Santa Barbara shopping when I saw an ambulance in front of the school. I needed to make sure Lolo wasn't hurt or scared. We just pulled in to the school and asked it if was one of our children, and then calmly and happily drove off to spend an afternoon with sisters. I was ridiculed by many, even a psychologist about my concern or worry for my daughter. " I'm catastrophic, I told them" and Leave me alone, " my defenses came out when it came to Laura. She is my one and only and I would never forgive myself if by my neglect something were to happen.
There were many wonderful times, we are best friends. I read a poem/story she wrote about me in the 3 rd grade. She called it " My Hero", it is one of my most treasured letters. I realized she took note of everything, she didn't miss a thing. Laura said I was her inspiration, but that I was also breakable. At 8 years old, she came up with something like that. This is her birthday week, Laura my would be BABY BOY, turned miracle daughter is now going on 24 years old. I can barely believe it, the time goes by so fast, and is so precious and important. There is not enough proper or adequate words to express my joy of raising Laura. I know Heavenly Father is proud of her and her accomplishments. Her pure love of others and her service to Him. I am proud of my miracle and miss her laughter. In 8 months, she will have completed her mission, however, her service will never end. Everyday ...we start over... she tells me with a new and clean slate and it is our duty to "bear each others burdens" and help our neighbor. If... we were able to donate a million dollars one day to the needy, does that make our service done? Nope... I have been taught that no matter what we do one day, we need to start over the next. You can't stock up charity, each day we MUST give, serve, love our fellow man. It is a commandment. " As I have loved you, love one another" This is what my miracle daughter is teaching and living every day in New York. If you have a moment, tell Lolo Happy B-day, she would love to hear from you. We appreciate everyone who has given of their time, love, $$, and prayers for Laura. You will be blessed. Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side, and remember you are loved. A shout-out to all mommies who send off their little ones with faith and tears to serve. love a missionary mommie, Kathy

One on One cont......

Hi guys.... I totally screwed up. I had little Roo on my lap and she hit something and I couldn't get back to finish. So anywho. I left my meeting feeling pretty good, and his secretary and me bonded. Then for the 2 hour train ride home. I was so exhausted, when I boarded the train, I fell right into this guys lap, and he says" That's the first time I've saved a damsel in distress" so I sat by him and then he tells me I am wearing his favorite color....Red..... I say are you a Ute fan, he says No, just love red. Okay..folks I am still legally married, but I am not that behind the times on a pick up line. So we chat, names exchanged, jobs, etc. I was relieved when his stop came. Date asked...no can do hero.. married. But he was nice none the less. After transfer #1 I could hardly keep my eyes open, (a side effect of thyroid imbalance), so I find the cleanest looking person on the train and plop, I mean a hard old plop right next to guy #2. Luckily I was wearing my favorite perfume, it always turns heads. I snuggle up to him and said" I am so tired, can I just rest my head on your shoulder"? , he was more than accommodating and I got a snooze before we arrived at our last stop. Oh the things we do out of desperation. On the drive home, my phone didn't stop ringing. Everyone wanted to know what happened at Huntsman. Once I arrived home safe and sound, I fell in the bed, clothes and all, at least Roo was happy. I told Roo to wake me up on one hour. And guess what? she did. So at 6 pm, I told little Roo, mommy needs to go to work, and I got my temple gear ready and headed out for the last session. I felt I needed to give thanks to our Father for the safe drive, the strength in my conversation with Ray and for every thing I have. I left the temple at 9:30, Mom and Mary call, 2 hours later, I finally get to sleep. Oh.. I get a little call from Mission. SCARY. Lolo was in a little wreck, A snow mover stopped suddenly, because the snow shoveler in from of him stopped suddenly, and they braked, but hit black Ice, and spun 360 down the road until a guard rail pulled their bumper off and stopped them. Whew!! I was freaking, she was okay and said Mom, don't worry about stuff like that, our third companion is there protecting us. Laura is amazing, her faith, devotion, hard work is blessing us all. Sometimes I think she will be translated like the city of Zion. Oh how I love that girl, and Sister Winterton too, for remaining in control a spinning car and for being such a wonderful companion to my daughter. Sister Winterton is an angel and the stories of Lucy and Ethel will continue, I really think those two red-heads are like a movie. LOVE THEM!!. Have a great weekend, pray and have gratitude for our lives and every thing we have. Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side, and love from a missionary mom, Kathy

One on One with the big Boys

Okay.... its not about Lolo, but in your imagination picture this. Big, grand, glassy Huntsman Hospital office building. Me sitting on a wooden chair , Executive director Ray sitting on a wooden chair and about 2 feet of wood between us. Kinda cozy, you could say, but his eyes were boring through me like arrows. Yikes !!. In my mind I am thinking" remember what Jeff said, rub the mini spoon lolo sent, look into his pupils, do not flinch. But the real Kathy wanted to cry and drag myself all over his office being dramatic,occasionally stumbling and falling flat on my face, looking for sympathy. Nope.. Papa said" stiff upper lip, keep chin up and keep your back bone strong, and DONT'T cry" Easy for you to say Papa, I inherited my emotions from you. However, I dug deep, really deep and confronted Ray with my concerns, I spoke educated, calmly, and did not flinch. When he said, as he held out his hand as if to say good-bye, thanks for coming. My strength kicked in like a massive bull. Oh...Ray... I have a couple more things I would l like to discuss." Hah..caught him off guard, he sits back down. " please continue? and continue I did. Like a "bat our of Hell" (Meatloaft song from 25 years ago, but I love the saying) I continued on professionally ( thanks Dr. Hunsaker for making me do all the hard stuff, I actually did learn from those glory days of me taking care of the office wing nuts)I talked calmly and to the point. He pulled out a legal pad and took notes. But when all was said and I was drained, he pulls out the executive director power and says" I get back with you in a week."
He tries to use the insurance card, and I said" Oh.. Ray, I failed to mention I did billing medical insurance for 7 years and the contracts/co-pays can be waived, So I have an understanding of medical/insurance contracts. So who knows what will happen, nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnwwwwwww

Lucy and Ethel

Hi Friends,
Today I wanted to write about the adventures of Laura and Sister Winterton. They remind me so much of me and my oldest friend Tanya from California. We were dubbed Lucy ...(Me) and Ethel..(Tanya). After every escapade Tanya would say" LUCY.....look what you got us into" or "Lucy..... you have some splanning to do" I am beginning to see my own little Lucy performing her own escapades while in Rochester. And I love it !!! Never a dull moment when the 2 red-heads are around.
News Flash !!! Lucy and Ethel stories will have to be put on hold. I just received a Christmas box from our little missionary. Can I just cry for a moment? Can I just beam for a moment? Can I just thank all of you and your encouraging letters sent to her? Can I just bask in the work she is doing for the Gospel of Jesus Christ? As I read through her daily missionary planner. I about fell to the ground. Who is this beautiful Spirit I have been in charge of for 23 years? She is beyond amazing. I will list a typical day in their life.
MISSIONARY DAILY PLANNER
Sister Laura Burns and Sister Heidi Evans
Brighton/Spencerport, Transfer with Sister Winterton Nov. 2, 2008
Dates of planner Oct. 6, to nov 17 2008
6AM Up and pray
7:00 Prepare
8 Personal study
9 companionship study
10: Ward coordination
11 Referrals
12:30 Lunch
1 Meet with Deaf group
2 Service Food Link
4 Meeting
6 Dinner (hopefully a member's house)
7:30 Institute meeting
9 Planning and coordination

Each day is different as to who they visit or service they do. But on every page at the same time are Prayer, Study, Planning and always service for someone. I soon noticed her notes about talks, lessons, ideas, scriptures, and always, always a "heart" by the name Jesus.
Oh.. how my own heart is so touched by her words, and her growth in the Gospel. Ohh and how the girl doodles. Tree hearts as branches, eyes with heart tears, pathways with brick roads with flowers and hearts along the paths. Things to do on P-day, laundry, shop, service, thank-you's to write. By George...I think she's got it !! My little bundle of love has crossed the line to full grown adulthood, full of responsibility and caring for others. For me, reading her notes is like a secret diary. I get to read what she has done each and every day since May 14, 2008 the day, when I let her go 100% into the arms of the Lord to guide and direct her in her mission. I can see how special these little planners become to them, and after their mission is complete the words written will bring back wonderful and treasured memories. This is so delightful and grand. I feel like a spoiled kid in a candy store. Each page sweeter than the last.
I go through the rest of the box. When did she have time to crochet me a blanket, enclosed are every one's letters for me to read and archive. Sunday programs where she is speaking, singing or one of their investigators was baptized. All kinds of little notes and doo dads. One thing that brought a big ole tear to my left eye,was a Marylin Monroe calender. Silly as it sounds, it has been tradition for her to give me one each Christmas. I had told her I couldn't find one this year. Well...Ta Da.. she said" no Christmas would be complete without your Marilyn calender" Laura doesn't forget a thing, her mind is like a little computer chip, read, logged in, data saved. Her compassion for people struggling, her pure love for "cat" people ( what.. what.), and all people, her generous and kindness to all. Well lets just say, I am one proud mama. And it's my blog, so I can cry if I want to. Thank-you to all of you who take the time to write Laura, I know she looks forward to the letters from friends and family. Bryn and Linda... okay you two... you not only take the cake, but the icing too. I love you all for your support for my" baby goat". A term she named us when she was young. At 2 years old Lolo put her little kid arms around me, holding me so tender as if I were the child, "Ahh.. she says as she strokes my hot red cheeks, my little baby goat, lets spoon". She is so funny and I know that the blessed people of Rochester New York are just loving her up !! One last thing.. Mother's encourage your daughters to consider a mission, if I can let go of my only child to serve , anyone can.Period Dot.com. The blessings are plentiful and I am joyful in her decision to serve. "Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side" And as Hinks would say," IT IS WUNDERFULL", love from a missionary mommy, Kathy
PS. Hopefully the adventures of Lucy and Ethel will be continued.