Hello everyone! Here I am again--we are having beautiful spring weather in Arizona--this is why people live here, for this fabulous time of year. I have had a couple of firsts (no big deal to most people, but firsts for me in quite a while)--today I am wearing flip flops--normally, I am in slippers or slipper socks or closed shoes...so today I broke out the flip flops--no big deal, but kind of for me. Two nights ago we ate at Subway, and I ate almost ALL of a 6-inch sub. WOW--that was another big step for me! And I loved it--it was absolutely delicious. :) So, that's the latest update on my teeny tiny baby steps that I take.
I had some thoughts last night as I went to bed. I am reading a book called Making Sense of Suffering--it is very good, and easy reading. One of the experiences was about a woman who was suffering from pancreatitis. She talked about how she was just enveloped during that time with feelings of comfort and spiritual strength. Obviously, it was a very painful and difficult time for her. I thought of my experiences and the feelings I had in the hospital...and how they were different from hers. In the hospital, I felt like I was just at survival mode--that I was just trying to make it through each hurdle, and I didn't have many deep or spiritual thoughts at the time--I was just trying to get through. I know I expressed to Spence sometimes that I didn't know if I was going to make it. Some of my more spiritual moments have come SINCE that time--now the things I read or pray about seem to have a deeper impact on me. Right then I was just trying to endure--I felt the love of others, but I have felt it more deeply in ways since I am not at such a survival level. Does that make any sense? I just know that some of the kindnesses that were extended to me at that time have come to mean more to me recently. So, if I didn't express enough gratitude at that time, I am feeling it more deeply now. So, for all your thoughts, prayers, emails, blog comments, and just for being you, I hope you can feel my heartfelt thanks. Life is good, and it is better because we can share the ups and downs with each other. Much love and thanks always, Louise
I love that book as well. I know the author and his artist son, they were in our ward for a few years. They are wonderful. I loved your spiritual insights. Everyone is different in how they respond to trials. There is no one true way to do it. The point is that you are having spiritual understandings and can now process your experience now. Good for you! You are the best!
ReplyDeleteYou have been through so much and I know I would have felt pretty much the same as you did. You are a curviver and we love you for it. I know I don't know even a small amount of what you went through, but I do know that you did an amazing job because you are stronger than you thought you were. You are an inspiration to us all. We all so love you!
ReplyDeleteLouise, you know you could write a book of your own just from these
ReplyDeleteblogs. I am looking into this on E-books or johnriddle@sprintmail.com. ......also possibly "Publishers Weekly".
Thank you for sharing your feeling with everyone. Everyone gets something from it, spiritual growth as well as a special feeling of closeness to you and your family for your sharing. Additionally, gratitude, and a certain appreciation for our own personal health, life, families. It also has given us a more powerful trust and true knowledge and faith in "prayer" as well as "the power of God" by and through our priesthood holders, because so many times we were all praying just for you to live and not leave so soon, those prayers were answered.
Later my friend,
Luv Peg & Chaz too! (thank you for taking time at church to say hi to him, makes him feel more welcome being Roman Catholic) thanx gal, and you too Spence, that was very considerate of you as well when so
many people want to speak to you both. Thank you, thank you, thank you both!
thank you for sharing your feelings...everyone does benefit in so many ways, as Peggy said. love, Lea
ReplyDeleteWe all need to appreciate and love more as you have discovered. I'm so happy you are having your "firsts" and continuing terrific progress. Katie's boyfriend looks handsome and familiar somehow.
ReplyDeleteLove to you and your family.
It was soooo wonderful to see you at book club last night - you really looked great!! I like your new hair style and think you should wear it more often. It's just great to see you attending your meetings again and hearing your comments and thoughts again. Love you lots!! Lindy Lou
ReplyDeleteHow awesome to be in flip-flops and eat a whole subway sandwich! You are doing so well. Thank you for your beautiful thoughts. It is a wonderful reminder that we all are unique and the Lord knows us and speaks to us in our unique ways.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Annie
One of the most comforting thought to me is that we are all going through this earthly experience together. I love the thought that we are going to be with people that we love and admire in the next life. We are going to have such a great time.
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