Happiness

My daughter, who always makes me smile, just called to tell me that she bought tickets to go see "Rent" at the Pantages Theater! She's wanted to go for so long. So happy for them.

A young teacher friend of mine is getting married soon. I thanked her for inviting us because I try to look for little bits of happiness.

My husband is home this week and that makes me happy, too. To be held in his arms is the ultimate. I'm safe.

My dear friend, Maria (it's ok to use her name since so many of us are named "Maria" :-),
is always here for me to encourage and give hope. I thank her so much. I would be so lost without you.

I visited with my sister this last weekend. I hugged her and told her I wanted to give her some of my strength. I wish I could.

Happiness can be elusive.

Good Morning!

Mornings are beautiful from our home. I'm always amazed by what I see when I look out.

The rainbow(s) after this last big rain. Can you see the second rainbow? We were so excited to see it all. It was amazing!

Today I stayed home from work because I wasn't feeling well, plus the doctor told me I should. I don't like missing work because there is so much to do, plus it disrupts my students' pace of learning. But I am glad I stayed home. I cleaned my stove :-).

I called my sister to tell her I was sick, but getting better so I can go see her this weekend. We were laughing so much -- it was like the old days when she would kid me about not taking care of myself. "Wash your hands!" "I know, I know..." but I still get sick. I miss her laughter, I miss her getting after me for little things.

Good news though, she is not as nauseas and she's feeling better -- stronger. God bless her.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! My "Honey" surprised with a really nice gift. He gave me the first season of "Big Love." You might wonder why I like this show. Well, let me tell you. The first year we went to digital tv with our cable co. was last year. We were able to get HBO for free. I got hooked on this show. It is so interesting to see how people from this religion live. Somehow, I am not convinced that these women are not jealous of each other. Who are they trying to fool? Anyway, I watched the second season, but always wondered how it all started. I had searched the stores for the DVDs -- nothing. But my husband found it for me at a store in Fullerton. I was so excited. Now I'll have to do a "Big Love" marathon. :-)

I wasn't as creative, but I did give him a card. My husband is my best friend and my love. He is always here for me. Takes care of me and protects me. Many times during these last few weeks, he has held me quietly to comfort me. God has truly blessed me with him. I thank Him so much for my husband.

Today we went to see my sister. She looks healthier, but I know she hurts. My heart breaks. I try to hold on to her as long as I can. I want to give her my strength. Days are passing -- I want them to slow down. Give her time.

We came home. I was emotionally tired, but thankful to have spend some time with her and with my husband. :-)

She is Home . . .

My sister went home yesterday. We were so happy. I want to say she looks like she is on the road to recovery, and who knows, perhaps the doctors are wrong and she will heal completely. I hope that, I really do.

When I look at reality, however, I recall the doctor's talk with us and with her. With this in mind, we live in constant sadness -- a sadness that will be with us forever.

Thank you friends for being there for us -- I know that sometimes I depend on you too much for questions, comments, and a shoulder to lean on -- but you have helped us so much already.

All we want is to be happy with our sister -- again.

Sister

Just a few minutes. She is doing better, but the nausea is still there. They need to keep her in the hospital until it goes away. Every day we have hope that tomorrow will be the day. I am so sad for her, but we talk of good times, we talk about family, and then we just watch t.v. while I hold her hand and she holds mine. Please keep her in your prayers, please keep our family in your prayers. Lord . . .

Prayers

It's interesting how life continues in normal patterns. It's late, but I needed to revise the Valentine's letter for my parents. The children were excited about another art project, especially for Valentine's Day. I like them to write the other children's names on the envelopes for more practice. Some of the Valentine "mailboxes" they do are so elaborate thanks to mommy and daddy. And it's all good. :-)

After work today, I went to see my sister. She looks better every day and she continues to get stronger, but the chemo leaves her so nauseas. I want her to eat a little more, but she can't.

She tells me to go home and spend time with my son. I ask her if she would like me to stay the night, but she says, "Oh no, you need to go home." My heart is sad as I walk down the hallway. What else can I do for her?

I'm so tired. Please pray for her.

Remembering . . .

Do you remember when we used to run over the grassy hills outside that little two room house we lived in when we were kids? We'd run and run, playing and laughing till we were tired. Sometimes the wind would blow us along helping us to run faster. Do you remember?

Do you remember when we used to slide down that curving "fire escape" slide at that old Minidoka school?

Do you remember that I learned how to ride a two wheeler using the Luis' bike? Boy, did I get hurt when I fell straight down -- darn boy's bike!

Do you remember the dog named "Poochie?" and his owner, that little girl with the cowboy boots? We thought she called her dog "Fuchi!" Oh, we would laugh - do you remember?

I remember.

Today you had your second surgery in less than six weeks. I'm so sorry you're going through so much pain. But your gratefulness showed through and helped us to also see the good in all this. We love you.