A day of mixed emotions...

Today has been another roller coaster of a day. I was going to post what I thought would be my last update on my Mom. Mom has had it rough. When they finally got all of the internal bleeding under control, she developed a massive amount of fluid in her lungs, over a pint. This has to be removed through a very painful procedure. A nurse friend explained it to me in that they basically go in and puncture the lung and then drain the fluid from there. When all was said and done, she received either 5 or 6 blood transfusions. I have seriously lost count. Through it all she has still been recovering. She finally came home from the hospital this past Thursday. Dad says she is reaching all of her daily goals. I know this is hard on her, however, I am very proud of the hard work she is putting into her recovery.

Then, today I received a phone call that Mom is being readmitted to the hospital. Dad can not get her fever to break. It has been very high for far too long. I guess they got in contact with her doctor and he readmitted her tonight. They do not know the cause so it will be another round of tests to determine what is going on. In addition to my mom I am also very worried about my Dad. He hasn't had much sleep since the whole thing started. Yet, every day he diligently gets up and goes to work because he can not get any more time off. It is just sad to me that he is bound to that. I am afraid he will soon start to get sick as well. Dad doesn't get sick often, but when he does it is bad.

On the flip side, I have had some great things happening. I have reconnected with several of my cousins who live a great distance away (yes, it is through their blogs). Honestly I spent a couple of hours this morning reading their blogs catching up on what they are doing. I enjoyed this so much. I grew up with these individuals. Some were like brothers and sisters to me. As we have all gotten married and moved away we have lost touch over the years. I am thankful my sister convinced me that I needed to Blog. Even though it is addicting, it has helped me to develop several relationships and redevelop others.

Then, my friend Ester is getting baptized this Saturday. I was assigned to be Ester's Visiting Teacher almost 1 year ago. She has had a great deal of trial and struggle she has had to overcome. I haven't been her visiting teacher since May, but I have remained in contact with her to support her and to let her know that I am truly her friend. I knew she never questioned that, however, I didn't want her to ever forget the love our Divine Father in Heaven has for her. I have been there with her, counseling, encouraging, and loving her through it all. I can not explain the joy I feel for her and this decision to be baptized. I have been asked to give the talk on Baptism. I am so honored that she has asked me to do this.
On Sunday morning I stopped by her house as I was leaving another VT appointment. I sat in awe as we talked for a little bit. The room was filled with such a sweet spirit and I was witness to the full transformation she and her husband have made. He is now active again in the church and she is getting baptized. It has been my absolute pleasure to work with her so far. She still has a long road ahead of her, but she is taking the first step. They now have a goal to be sealed in the temple. When they got married a few months ago I gave them a picture of the temple as a gift to help them keep this goal in front of them. They told me that they look at it often. When they do they remember the words of counsel I have given them over our many visits.
Josh and I went to the temple on Friday night and we were asked to assist with sealings. A family was in working to get over 100 children sealed to their parents. They needed another male in there so we helped. As I knelt at the alter and served in this capacity I thought of Mario and Ester. I thought of the time that they will be able to kneel at the alter to make their own sacred covenants and then have their baby brought in. At that moment I poured out my heart in prayer asking Heavenly Father to help them reach this goal. I know they will make it! What a wonderful start as they begin this journey together!!!!!