Monday, November 19, 2012

When It Rains

Circumstances have piled up in my life requiring me to simplify a bit for awhile.  I'll be undergoing major surgery next week so I'm ending the November Wish List contest early.  Thanksgiving day is the last day to enter and I'll announce the winner as soon as possible.  There will be no contest in December, but I'll blog when and if I can.  Hopefully in January, just prior to the February release of my next book Where the River Once Flowed , I'll resume the contest.

One of my brothers-in-law is critically ill as well.  We used to sit together on the schoolbus clear back when we were in high school, before he even met my little sister.  Most of our old crowd met early deaths.  Cancer hasn't been kind to my generation of Southern Idaho kids. Chuck and I are the only ones left of our circle of friends. It breaks my heart that I can't be there for him now even though he's unconscious. It's been just two years since my little sister died  and until then, they had been inseparable all those years.

I don't mean to present a pity party, but one of my sons-in-law will be having outpatient surgery tomorrow as well.

Still I'm aware I have much for which to be grateful.  I'd hate to be facing these problems without modern medical care.  I'm thankful for my extended family who are rallying around to offer help and support to the family members who need it.  And I'm thankful for friends.  I'm grateful too for the Gospel in my life.  Yesterday our ward received a surprise visit from Elder Oaks.  He just walked in with no advance notification.  He spoke for a few minutes and impressed me with his gentle reminder of the importance of knowing the basics of the gospel.  I'm thankful for the reminder that it's the basics that get us through the most difficult times.



 

13 comments:

Austin Stevenson Owens said...

You aren't kidding!! It certainly has been pouring at your house! While surgery is miserable, it's a miracle that it's available--certainly it's better than the alternative, right! (lol!) While that's true, knowing it's a miracle doesn't always make things easier, huh--that six weeks of healing is a bear!! Especially after just having HAD surgery! Take care of yourself and get spoiled LOTS! *hugs*

Julie Coulter Bellon said...

I'm so sorry Jennie. I'll be praying for you and your family. :(

Nancy Campbell Allen said...

Jennie, prayers continue, and I'll add your brother-in-law and son-in-law to my list. Hugs, lady.

lori said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Think of you and the family often. Eat some beets that always seems to be the answer.lol take care and much love

lori said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Think of you and the family often. Eat some beets that always seems to be the answer.lol take care and much love

taylorfamily83316 said...

I am so sorry for all that you are going through! I will add your family to the prayer roll at the temple in Twin. I hope that everything goes well for all of you, and that your recovery time is quick!

Unknown said...

Jennie, my thoughts and prayers are with you. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.

Josi said...

Hang in there, Jennie. Praying for you and your family. You're far too young to have lost so many friends and family.

Kristie said...

So sorry you are facing so many difficult things. But I am grateful for modern medicine, for doctors, and for insurance. I am also grateful for religion in my life.
Hope things go well for you and your family.

Cheri J. Crane said...

Jennie, my prayers are with you and your family too. It is amazing what the medical world can do these days. I'm a bit grateful for that myself. ;) Sending a big cyber hug your way!

battraws said...

Best wishes with your surgery and a quick recovery!

Marcy said...

May you be blessed with a successful surgery and a speedy recovery, and also with many happy thoughts and memories. Remembering blessings does help me face the darker times. I'm very grateful for my parents, grandparents and other ancestors, and for their work and sacrifices so that I can enjoy all of the wonderful blessings that I now have.

Carol Stratton said...

Sorry to hear you are besieged by sad and stressful times. My husband, Jim, is just recovering from knee surgery like you recently had. I, too, am so grateful for great surgeons, and medical help available. He has his second one coming up in December. I hope you do well with your surgery and recovery. Also that the Comforter will be there for you. I really appreciate your blogs and knowing you better. My prayers will also be for you.