Dear Finalist:
Congratulations! You have advanced to Finalist standing in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program, a distinction that places you in a group of more than 15,000 students representing less than one percent of U.S. High school graduating seniors...Although this nationwide academic competition is the largest of its kind, scholarship funds are limited and only about 8,300 of the Finalists will receive a Merit Scholarship award...
Congratulations, Hunter!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
Letter #81
Dear Family,
This week I hope you will excuse the absence of any pictures I took. I was banking on the pictures Sister Genaro was taking. It's either like having paparazzi follow you around or your own personal wedding photographer, but either way it's nice to just enjoy the moments that pass.
This week was both crazy and nice, as things began to return to a normal rhythm. Transfers were a hit. Nobody knew what was happening. Sometimes even I was lost. And the meeting between trainers and trainees was electric. Having released seven zone leaders, we had many to train, and having an excellent group arriving, I was afraid while they were announcing the new companionships that the chapel was going to lose its roof! Really, a marvelous spirit attended throughout. We had two groups arrive at the airport, one late, thence the two pictures. The very next day was leadership counsel with all the new zone leaders, and all the old ones of whom almost everyone was transferred. Suspense? You bet : ) This new group of leaders is fantastic and the spirit during the conference also was marvelous. Our training, planned for an hour and a half, was going so well that President let us take the whole day practically. He said that when everything that needed to be said is being said, there is no reason to get up and say it again. High compliments from our beloved leader.
Our new companions in the house are Elders Christensen and de Araújo. Elder Christensen was in college with me in chemistry and is quickly becoming a very close friend. He is, together with Elder de Araújo, an excellent missionary. We divided a little bit during the week to help them get to know the area and all that was happening.
Yes Dad, it is summer in Brasil. So hot that we've been sleeping outside on mattresses because our one fan just doesn't cut it. It's great to sleep out under the stars and it's stays a nice temperature from night until morning. We drink lots of juice during the day to stay alert, with this week's menu being homemade varieties of starfruit juice, white goiaba, lime with mint and ginger, orange (classic) and pineapple, also with mint. Nothing better than juice in the summertime. The children were out of school but return today, though here it is nothing like there. Here there are two sessions of school from 7-12 and 2-7, you choose which and where you go. The majority don't finish school. There is also no 12th grade, perhaps because of mandatory military inscription. This year with elections, carnival, the World Cup and other normal holidays it is expected that absolutely nothing will be happening in Brasilian schools from late February till the next year. And I'm serious. The country is actually going to stop. Here's to hoping the consequential number of people at home goes up, which will help missionary work : )
Our recent convert completed his forms to go to EFY and his reactivated uncle has opened his papers for the mission : )
Also, we brought a family Sunday who hadn't been to church for five years. The daughter of 24, upon seeing the ward's missionary photos in the front of the reception has also decided to serve a mission. I have two more young men that I am also working on to send to the field as well : )
Today I have taken a doctor's leave to do nothing all day and plan on writing letters and eating macaroni and cheese. It will be nice, stress free, and with lots of juice.
This last week was, perhaps because it returned to a more normal rhythm, a week to listen and learn from the whisperings of the spirit. That is the most supernal of all gifts and the juice of the soul that satisfies our thirst and hunger. It is perhaps the most important thing I have learned on my mission. Follow the spirit and you can't go wrong. To have this guide you must live worthy of it, work to have it.
This week I hope you will excuse the absence of any pictures I took. I was banking on the pictures Sister Genaro was taking. It's either like having paparazzi follow you around or your own personal wedding photographer, but either way it's nice to just enjoy the moments that pass.
This week was both crazy and nice, as things began to return to a normal rhythm. Transfers were a hit. Nobody knew what was happening. Sometimes even I was lost. And the meeting between trainers and trainees was electric. Having released seven zone leaders, we had many to train, and having an excellent group arriving, I was afraid while they were announcing the new companionships that the chapel was going to lose its roof! Really, a marvelous spirit attended throughout. We had two groups arrive at the airport, one late, thence the two pictures. The very next day was leadership counsel with all the new zone leaders, and all the old ones of whom almost everyone was transferred. Suspense? You bet : ) This new group of leaders is fantastic and the spirit during the conference also was marvelous. Our training, planned for an hour and a half, was going so well that President let us take the whole day practically. He said that when everything that needed to be said is being said, there is no reason to get up and say it again. High compliments from our beloved leader.
Our new companions in the house are Elders Christensen and de Araújo. Elder Christensen was in college with me in chemistry and is quickly becoming a very close friend. He is, together with Elder de Araújo, an excellent missionary. We divided a little bit during the week to help them get to know the area and all that was happening.
Yes Dad, it is summer in Brasil. So hot that we've been sleeping outside on mattresses because our one fan just doesn't cut it. It's great to sleep out under the stars and it's stays a nice temperature from night until morning. We drink lots of juice during the day to stay alert, with this week's menu being homemade varieties of starfruit juice, white goiaba, lime with mint and ginger, orange (classic) and pineapple, also with mint. Nothing better than juice in the summertime. The children were out of school but return today, though here it is nothing like there. Here there are two sessions of school from 7-12 and 2-7, you choose which and where you go. The majority don't finish school. There is also no 12th grade, perhaps because of mandatory military inscription. This year with elections, carnival, the World Cup and other normal holidays it is expected that absolutely nothing will be happening in Brasilian schools from late February till the next year. And I'm serious. The country is actually going to stop. Here's to hoping the consequential number of people at home goes up, which will help missionary work : )
Our recent convert completed his forms to go to EFY and his reactivated uncle has opened his papers for the mission : )
Also, we brought a family Sunday who hadn't been to church for five years. The daughter of 24, upon seeing the ward's missionary photos in the front of the reception has also decided to serve a mission. I have two more young men that I am also working on to send to the field as well : )
Today I have taken a doctor's leave to do nothing all day and plan on writing letters and eating macaroni and cheese. It will be nice, stress free, and with lots of juice.
This last week was, perhaps because it returned to a more normal rhythm, a week to listen and learn from the whisperings of the spirit. That is the most supernal of all gifts and the juice of the soul that satisfies our thirst and hunger. It is perhaps the most important thing I have learned on my mission. Follow the spirit and you can't go wrong. To have this guide you must live worthy of it, work to have it.
This week the spirit confirmed to me that our next course of action here in regard to finding new investigators ought to be contacting the list of less actives and prospective elders. Before it was confirmed, we made plans to do just that and as we worked a sweet spirit of approbation descend upon us that confirmed our plan. I don't know what the Lord has prepared for us but I know it's good, really, really good. As we pursue, persevere, carry on in this course with "unwearyingness" (Hel. 10:4) we will be blessed with his spirit and the children he has prepared for us to teach. We do not seek our own lives, but to do His will continually and above all things, and for this He gives us power well beyond our own. I love this gospel, I know it is true. Continue to be lights to the world and share the gospel every day. I pray for you and love you and would not have life any other way,
Your son,
Tanner
p.s. For now college is alright. I need to have a job eventually as I'm sure I will not receive almost any aid from BYU. And I will need to register for classes but not until May or June. Thanks : )
Your son,
Tanner
p.s. For now college is alright. I need to have a job eventually as I'm sure I will not receive almost any aid from BYU. And I will need to register for classes but not until May or June. Thanks : )
Sunday, February 9, 2014
With All Our Love
Dear Tanner,
Your mom is usually the one typing your letter. I am sure she will be here soon to start, but since I have the computer I thought I would get started. Question about Brazil? It is summertime there? Do the kids get out of school for the summer? Do you know how the schools are setup, is it mandatory to go? Do they have twelve grades? Love, Dad
Did you get to say good bye to your old companion, Elder Beaudoin? Captain America!
Dear Tanner,
I hope you weren’t offended with my sarcastic note I left in your inbox last week. It was disheartening, to say the least, when there was no letter. Thank goodness you checked the next day. Your letters are like water in a desert, manna in the wilderness, a lighthouse in the ocean. NECESSARY for mothers who have sent off missionaries. And you’ve spoiled us with your rich detail. Keep up the good work, always timely.
What a week, what a weekend. Life seems to go by at full speed, which is great when you’re anxiously awaiting the return of your missionary son. Not so great when you can’t remember what made your week so busy, and when you stop to evaluate what you did with all that time.
Saturday Dad took your three older brothers to the merit badge college sponsored by Marshall University. Did we tell you Hunter was asked to be assistant scout master to 11-12 year old boys? So he went in that capacity. The boys love him. We get phone calls all week from them asking about their activity, that they need a ride, etc. He’s got six boys that adore him. He’s doing rockets with them, obviously knots, lashing, rope making…and now an all-day adventure out on campus, without parents, and a full course buffet for lunch. Sawyer will join him in March. Porter was disappointed he didn’t get his first choice of classes, and muddled through energy and dentistry. He thinks he won’t be going again. Cooper did one required and veterinary medicine, the latter which was actually a back-up choice. I’m so glad he got in. He came home with costly samples, and loved the class. I still secretly hope that is what he chooses to study.
I took Miller and Breyer to Sawyer’s all-star basketball game at Rock Hill. This was the first time for me driving out there. Its way out there! I love driving through the Appalachian hillside, although a wintery day made the surroundings mostly bleak. Because it was such a cold day Sawyer had gym pants over his basketball clothes, but when he got ready to play, realized he had forgotten to put on his basketball shorts. Stopping short of standing in his underwear, he quickly realized he was in a conundrum. It wasn’t like we could hop in the car and run home to grab his shorts!
One of Miller’s friends was there watching his brother, in shorts, so we asked to borrow his (green!) shorts in exchange for Sawyer’s pants. That poor boy was not happy but since step-father-to-be was Sawyer’s coach, the exchange was made. And that poor boy sat in the bathroom stall the entire first game, too embarrassed to come out. Oh well. When he did, he sat on the stands with his coat over his head. Finally, when he emerged, I gave him a buck to buy a big candy bar. He was all smiles after that. Sawyer’s coach rightly told him next time he’d be playing in his underwear. Good times courtside!
Sawyer had a great first game. He’s really improved in grabbing the boards, and has developed an amazing twist backwards, over my head put-back that helped the team with ten points, and some free throws on the foul. Fun way to spend the day. We grabbed some groceries at Sam's Club, your favorite place to snack, and when we arrived home the other half of the family did as well.
The Olympics began this week. The boys have been watching Sochi as much as they can, and especially enjoy the downhill skiing, ski jumping, and snowboarding. There are ten Mormon athletes competing, which is always fun to watch for. Norway is currently the leader in the metal count.
We left off last week with your father just having been released from the hospital. He’s recovered nicely. He worked from home last Monday, cancelled classes on Tuesday, but had us drive him into work for a couple of hours. Wednesday he drove himself, and Thursday he had a light teaching load and Friday he has no classes. He was mentioned from the stand today in church, in that the Bishop thanked all who had prayed for his recovery. The fact that he was in church was an answer to prayers offered in his behalf.
The Bishop also read your letter he received from your President. It was a bit late, but still made me teary while he was extolling your virtues. You’ve set the bar high for your brothers, and others in the ward who will be following in your size twelve footsteps.
I took Breyer and Miller to Sawyer’s basketball practice to play, as it has been too cold for too long to play outside. Because one of the grades at the school is practicing for a play involving Disney characters and songs, there was a big Disney castle taped up to the back wall of the stage. Your sister walked into the gym, and said, “Mom, look! It’s my castle! Where’s the door?” She ran right to the stage, climbed the stairs, and began looking, and stayed and played. She is funny!
My literary contribution, in Uncle Zach fashion, comes from John Grisham’s teenage law series Theodore Boone: The Accused. “There are various ways in which we steal, and all of them are wrong in God’s eyes. The Eighth Commandment proclaimed by Moses was Thou Shall Not Steal, which, of course, means it is wrong to take something that belongs to another person. This also includes other forms of theft. Stealing time away from God, family, friends. Stealing the gift of good health by pursuing bad habits. Stealing from the future by missing opportunities in the present.” I liked the idea that we steal time away from God and family, and that we steal time away from the future by our choices in the present. These are thoughts I never thought to find in a young adult fiction book, and am grateful I can ponder on my priorities.
I was reading again in Alma, 18:22-23, and liked the phrase, "Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless." Being creative in doing missionary work is very acceptable, hence the adoption of your church tours. And this creativity worked with King Lamoni, as "he was caught with guile" (cunning, stratagem).
Still waiting to hear how the tours are working, as well as any other ideas you've up your sleeve. Also would love to hear about your transfer adventures, and airport errands.
We love you dearly. Is there anything else we need to help you with regarding school, besides apartment?
Have a wonderful week,
Love!
Mom and Dad
Your mom is usually the one typing your letter. I am sure she will be here soon to start, but since I have the computer I thought I would get started. Question about Brazil? It is summertime there? Do the kids get out of school for the summer? Do you know how the schools are setup, is it mandatory to go? Do they have twelve grades? Love, Dad
Did you get to say good bye to your old companion, Elder Beaudoin? Captain America!
Dear Tanner,
I hope you weren’t offended with my sarcastic note I left in your inbox last week. It was disheartening, to say the least, when there was no letter. Thank goodness you checked the next day. Your letters are like water in a desert, manna in the wilderness, a lighthouse in the ocean. NECESSARY for mothers who have sent off missionaries. And you’ve spoiled us with your rich detail. Keep up the good work, always timely.
What a week, what a weekend. Life seems to go by at full speed, which is great when you’re anxiously awaiting the return of your missionary son. Not so great when you can’t remember what made your week so busy, and when you stop to evaluate what you did with all that time.
Saturday Dad took your three older brothers to the merit badge college sponsored by Marshall University. Did we tell you Hunter was asked to be assistant scout master to 11-12 year old boys? So he went in that capacity. The boys love him. We get phone calls all week from them asking about their activity, that they need a ride, etc. He’s got six boys that adore him. He’s doing rockets with them, obviously knots, lashing, rope making…and now an all-day adventure out on campus, without parents, and a full course buffet for lunch. Sawyer will join him in March. Porter was disappointed he didn’t get his first choice of classes, and muddled through energy and dentistry. He thinks he won’t be going again. Cooper did one required and veterinary medicine, the latter which was actually a back-up choice. I’m so glad he got in. He came home with costly samples, and loved the class. I still secretly hope that is what he chooses to study.
I took Miller and Breyer to Sawyer’s all-star basketball game at Rock Hill. This was the first time for me driving out there. Its way out there! I love driving through the Appalachian hillside, although a wintery day made the surroundings mostly bleak. Because it was such a cold day Sawyer had gym pants over his basketball clothes, but when he got ready to play, realized he had forgotten to put on his basketball shorts. Stopping short of standing in his underwear, he quickly realized he was in a conundrum. It wasn’t like we could hop in the car and run home to grab his shorts!
One of Miller’s friends was there watching his brother, in shorts, so we asked to borrow his (green!) shorts in exchange for Sawyer’s pants. That poor boy was not happy but since step-father-to-be was Sawyer’s coach, the exchange was made. And that poor boy sat in the bathroom stall the entire first game, too embarrassed to come out. Oh well. When he did, he sat on the stands with his coat over his head. Finally, when he emerged, I gave him a buck to buy a big candy bar. He was all smiles after that. Sawyer’s coach rightly told him next time he’d be playing in his underwear. Good times courtside!
Sawyer had a great first game. He’s really improved in grabbing the boards, and has developed an amazing twist backwards, over my head put-back that helped the team with ten points, and some free throws on the foul. Fun way to spend the day. We grabbed some groceries at Sam's Club, your favorite place to snack, and when we arrived home the other half of the family did as well.
The Olympics began this week. The boys have been watching Sochi as much as they can, and especially enjoy the downhill skiing, ski jumping, and snowboarding. There are ten Mormon athletes competing, which is always fun to watch for. Norway is currently the leader in the metal count.
We left off last week with your father just having been released from the hospital. He’s recovered nicely. He worked from home last Monday, cancelled classes on Tuesday, but had us drive him into work for a couple of hours. Wednesday he drove himself, and Thursday he had a light teaching load and Friday he has no classes. He was mentioned from the stand today in church, in that the Bishop thanked all who had prayed for his recovery. The fact that he was in church was an answer to prayers offered in his behalf.
The Bishop also read your letter he received from your President. It was a bit late, but still made me teary while he was extolling your virtues. You’ve set the bar high for your brothers, and others in the ward who will be following in your size twelve footsteps.
I took Breyer and Miller to Sawyer’s basketball practice to play, as it has been too cold for too long to play outside. Because one of the grades at the school is practicing for a play involving Disney characters and songs, there was a big Disney castle taped up to the back wall of the stage. Your sister walked into the gym, and said, “Mom, look! It’s my castle! Where’s the door?” She ran right to the stage, climbed the stairs, and began looking, and stayed and played. She is funny!
My literary contribution, in Uncle Zach fashion, comes from John Grisham’s teenage law series Theodore Boone: The Accused. “There are various ways in which we steal, and all of them are wrong in God’s eyes. The Eighth Commandment proclaimed by Moses was Thou Shall Not Steal, which, of course, means it is wrong to take something that belongs to another person. This also includes other forms of theft. Stealing time away from God, family, friends. Stealing the gift of good health by pursuing bad habits. Stealing from the future by missing opportunities in the present.” I liked the idea that we steal time away from God and family, and that we steal time away from the future by our choices in the present. These are thoughts I never thought to find in a young adult fiction book, and am grateful I can ponder on my priorities.
I was reading again in Alma, 18:22-23, and liked the phrase, "Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless." Being creative in doing missionary work is very acceptable, hence the adoption of your church tours. And this creativity worked with King Lamoni, as "he was caught with guile" (cunning, stratagem).
Still waiting to hear how the tours are working, as well as any other ideas you've up your sleeve. Also would love to hear about your transfer adventures, and airport errands.
We love you dearly. Is there anything else we need to help you with regarding school, besides apartment?
Have a wonderful week,
Love!
Mom and Dad
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Photo*Tagged
Dear Tanner,
How fun for your President and wife to share their pictures with us parents! For the most part, we figured out you were at the airport to welcome in new missionaries arriving...
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Went out to eat with the President and a LOT of missionaries...
Had preparation time with the President and office elders...
Held a leadership conference in Londrina...
We're grateful for the photos! They speak more than a thousand words to us of how you're doing, how you're holding up, and the work with which you're assisting.
Love,
Mom and Dad
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Eagle Scout Award
The Tri State Council had their Eagle Scout recognition dinner for the Eagle class of 2013.
Herschel Woodrow "Woody" Williams, a local Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipient with the 2013 class.
Shown shaking President Truman's hand.
(Hunter's Eagle Scout award ceremony, 2011)
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Letter #80
Here's the letter I tried to send yesterday. I don't know what happened. Sorry.
Dearest Family,
Today I am feeling very, very busy. My head is spinning. But that may be because of the chair that I'm sitting in. We're playing part time secretaries today, and this week, and once again my preparation day is in the office. . . Unfortunately it is because of this that I have not written letters nor taken a nap for some time. But that's alright. I trust the Lord will bless me and give me strength to keep going.
(I'm game for any speaking assignment or workshop within reasonable limits : )
So, as much of my week has been working on transfers and counsels and super secret assignments I'll tell you a little bit about that.
Transfers really start on week one when we already start to look ahead at what is going to happen in six weeks. As the weeks go on we start to have a more and more complete idea of who is going to train and who will be a district leader and zone leader, and where they will go in the mission. This transfer I did some really radical things to try and help the mission be more effective in a time when the work was really going to change. This included writing formulas to calculate the way areas were growing and match these areas with the ways missionaries worked. Based on this we closed areas that were not going well and not changing and also opened many areas not formerly open. These changes go down to the line, up until today when they can still change, as happened ten minutes ago. It's exciting. Like March madness with 200+ missionaries and the logistics of the 3rd largest mission in Brasil. Travel is incredibly complicated.
What could make all this MORE complicated? ? ?
We decided to do all the transfers in secret : )
That means that trainers will not know they are training until tonight, even as they were all brought to Londrina with their suitcases without any knowledge of why. That means all the zone leaders have no idea who will be their next companion, and the new zone leaders have no idea that they were called. . .yet : ) Ahhh, the things we do to help the missionaries get excited and increase their faith. It's good though.
Transfers also mean that we have to plan trainings for the new missionaries and trainers and for the counsel of leaders that takes place the next day on Wednesday.
I spent about six hours this morning just taking calls one after the other from missionaries concerned about transfers and the like, or advising them about missionaries that were coming/going etc. They are still calling!
Also this week we had and still have to resolve concerns with various bishops and stake presidents. We act as mediators somewhere in between the President and the missionaries.
Well, I've got to go bring the missionaries to their houses! Nine are sleeping in our house tonight and it will be fun as two were my companions, Elders Alves and Arnaud. We borrowed mattresses from the neighbors and pizza will be shared for sure. Tomorrow I have an early visit to the airport to get the newbies and then training until the night.
Love you,
Tanner
Dearest Family,
Today I am feeling very, very busy. My head is spinning. But that may be because of the chair that I'm sitting in. We're playing part time secretaries today, and this week, and once again my preparation day is in the office. . . Unfortunately it is because of this that I have not written letters nor taken a nap for some time. But that's alright. I trust the Lord will bless me and give me strength to keep going.
(I'm game for any speaking assignment or workshop within reasonable limits : )
So, as much of my week has been working on transfers and counsels and super secret assignments I'll tell you a little bit about that.
Transfers really start on week one when we already start to look ahead at what is going to happen in six weeks. As the weeks go on we start to have a more and more complete idea of who is going to train and who will be a district leader and zone leader, and where they will go in the mission. This transfer I did some really radical things to try and help the mission be more effective in a time when the work was really going to change. This included writing formulas to calculate the way areas were growing and match these areas with the ways missionaries worked. Based on this we closed areas that were not going well and not changing and also opened many areas not formerly open. These changes go down to the line, up until today when they can still change, as happened ten minutes ago. It's exciting. Like March madness with 200+ missionaries and the logistics of the 3rd largest mission in Brasil. Travel is incredibly complicated.
What could make all this MORE complicated? ? ?
We decided to do all the transfers in secret : )
That means that trainers will not know they are training until tonight, even as they were all brought to Londrina with their suitcases without any knowledge of why. That means all the zone leaders have no idea who will be their next companion, and the new zone leaders have no idea that they were called. . .yet : ) Ahhh, the things we do to help the missionaries get excited and increase their faith. It's good though.
Transfers also mean that we have to plan trainings for the new missionaries and trainers and for the counsel of leaders that takes place the next day on Wednesday.
I spent about six hours this morning just taking calls one after the other from missionaries concerned about transfers and the like, or advising them about missionaries that were coming/going etc. They are still calling!
Also this week we had and still have to resolve concerns with various bishops and stake presidents. We act as mediators somewhere in between the President and the missionaries.
Well, I've got to go bring the missionaries to their houses! Nine are sleeping in our house tonight and it will be fun as two were my companions, Elders Alves and Arnaud. We borrowed mattresses from the neighbors and pizza will be shared for sure. Tomorrow I have an early visit to the airport to get the newbies and then training until the night.
Love you,
Tanner
Monday, February 3, 2014
With Not So Much Love
Dear Tanner,
I hope you enjoyed all your mail. Wish I was enjoying mine!
I appreciate you letting me know I did the FAFSA wrong. Truly. No sense in getting money for the current school year, when you're obviously not in school. But really, that email let me know you were on the computer today, and definitely alive.
Obviously you must have used your computer time to check on student financial aid, your BYU application, housing, much more important things than writing your mother.
The only thing that might have made me feel a teensy weensy bit better is if you could have sent me a note explaining that you wouldn't be writing a letter, so I didn't check your "sent" folder fifty times today.
Oh well. Have a wonderful week. Hopefully you're not so busy!
Love,
Mom
P.S. Just joking with you. Obviously I missed your letter!
I hope you enjoyed all your mail. Wish I was enjoying mine!
I appreciate you letting me know I did the FAFSA wrong. Truly. No sense in getting money for the current school year, when you're obviously not in school. But really, that email let me know you were on the computer today, and definitely alive.
Obviously you must have used your computer time to check on student financial aid, your BYU application, housing, much more important things than writing your mother.
The only thing that might have made me feel a teensy weensy bit better is if you could have sent me a note explaining that you wouldn't be writing a letter, so I didn't check your "sent" folder fifty times today.
Oh well. Have a wonderful week. Hopefully you're not so busy!
Love,
Mom
P.S. Just joking with you. Obviously I missed your letter!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
With All Our Love
Tanner,
What a week! I'm at the hospital with your father this morning, and if you're reading this first, read your other emails to get caught up! And I have to go on the record to say your father DOES NOT know how to throw a party! Fire alarms at 12:30 a.m.? A couch that's rock hard, slanted, narrow, and cold? I was out of there by 4 a.m. We were just told that he'll be able to go home some time today...yeah! He was upgraded from clear liquids to all liquids (including cream of wheat type stuff) for breakfast, and then to all foods for lunch, except the order didn't come in soon enough. So if he can keep his dinner down, we're out of here! The most complicated thing we'll have to arrange for his homecoming, is how he's going to get his computer and book bags from the car to the office, and back again.
I've had a lot of time to reflect, sitting by his side, and have felt very blessed for our family members who have reached out, many times per day, through calls and emails; friends who have visited; and neighbors and friends who have provided food for your siblings since Friday. Even the boys held their own, and had a lot of babysitting and cleaning to help with. It's hopefully a good wake-up call for us all to take the time to take care of ourselves. It's no coincidence that this happened when Dad had no classes, and our responsibilities were lighter on the weekend. That's such a tender mercy! I never had to find a seminary teacher! Can you imagine anyone responding to the want ad: "Needed. Early morning religious instructor, volunteer position, daily lessons, dark o'clock." (And only teaching twice this week due to two hour delays and no school, we're more than a little behind! The state of Ohio actually added four more allowable snow days, so the boys will not be losing their spring break, as of yet!)
_______ We're excited to learn more about the process you go through for transfers, and what you were hoping to achieve this time around. We're also excited to hear about how the first week of open chapel tours went.
I am very happy to hear you'll be getting some new shoes. Your feet and back will be much happier! Thank that President for his concern and assistance.
That was quite the whirlwind tour last week. Indeed it comes close to the Amazing Race. You sound so busy and happy. I too became teary when reading of your visit to your first baptism. She's always held a special place in my heart as well. I hope she will be able to go to the temple - soon!
Thank you so much for all those pictures! How fun to peruse through your week with so much detail. We got your "secret picture", thank you! I know you requested PDF files for dumbbell exercises, but I couldn't do it, so I'll let Dad finish what he was working on for you and then send them.
Besides our hospital adventures, Sawyer began games with his all star basketball team. I left the hospital Saturday and watched him play in one game. I love when he can work with different coaches, and learn new things from each coach. This coach has really emphasized Sawyer rebounding for the team, as he is the tallest, and he was magic with the boards. He pulled down almost every single one, both ends, for the first half. He was unstoppable. I'm glad I got to go to that game. The coach rested everybody else but him, so he was very tired, but it was a great game. And since he doesn't play on Sunday, the bench warmers will have been able to play more today.
Porter and Hunter were driven to the Columbus temple on Saturday. Cooper stayed home to watch over Miller and Breyer. They were dropped off at the hospital on the way home to get one of our cars, as we had two at the hospital.
This week we received another arctic blast. Not too often you have more than one blast come through...this is our third! In Uncle Rich degrees, -10 Penguins! The Ohio river finally froze. Wow. That is cold. And it was only for one full day. It was beautiful watching cracks develop as the sun came out, and the cracks increasing with the temperature. We talked about going down to the bank to listen to the CRACKing sound of the ice, but obviously that didn't happen. I think our arctic temperatures are over. At least the pipe Larry fixed was fixed correctly, as we've had no water pipe issues since! I couldn't help but think of the pioneers having to cross the Mississippi River, that was frozen by Heavenly Father at the right time in the right place to facilitate their escape. And, of how cold their conditions were as they camped on the river bank. I couldn't even imagine camping in a tent during such penguin weather!
The Gilbert Arizona Temple has had tours before it is dedicated, and I found some thoughts by a Jewish Rabbi who was invited to attend. I love learning of others beliefs, and was touched by his thoughts. He said that he was personally escorted by an elder of the church from Salt Lake City, the president of the Gilbert temple and the architect himself, along with the governor, other government officials, including the Arizona Senate president, speaker of the House, various legislators, local government and religious leaders and educators. He said, "We were treated with the utmost respect, and they were proud to show us what they believe to be their holiest place on Earth. In the Torah we read about Moses learning a valuable lesson from his father-in-law, Jethro. Jethro tells Moses to appoint judges who will handle the burden of judging the people from morning until night, taking only the most difficult cases for himself. Jewish sages note that Moses learns this valuable lesson from his non-Israelite father-in-law Jethro, a Midianite. Our tradition asks the question based on this interaction: “Who is wise?” The answer, “One who learns from ALL people” (Pirkei Avot 4:1). I believe a common misconception that many religious people hold is thinking that wisdom can only be found in their own tradition. So what can we learn from other faiths? From the Mormons I know and have worked with over the years, I have learned about complete faith. It gives them serenity and an acceptance of adversity, which I admire. I believe in Judaism. But I think we can all learn from our Mormon neighbors and many other worldviews. Wisdom is the ability to learn from all humans and points of view. Such open-mindedness can only make our religion and our faith stronger."
In closing, I have a few thoughts on my reading in Alma. These are some of my favorite chapters! "Alma having established the church...seeing a great check, yea, seeing that the people were checked as to the pride of their hearts, and began to humble themselves before God, and began to assemble themselves together at their sanctuaries to worship God...watching and praying continually, that they might be delivered from Satan, and from death, and from destruction...(15:17)." I checked myself every time I walked back into your father's hospital room. And we experienced a literal deliverance from death.
I also love this scripture, which says, "And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among...thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls (17:11)." What a great reminder of the attitude check we need in our missionary efforts. I'm sure you'll have many things to share with us that personify this scripture even more.
My absolute favorite in light of the "hastening the work" proclamation: "And there was no inequality among them; the Lord did pour out his Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to receive the word which should be taught among them at the time of his coming—That they might not be hardened against the word, that they might not be unbelieving, and go on to destruction, but that they might receive the word with joy...(16:16-17)." We too are living in a time where we're preparing for the coming of the Lord, and have witnessed the Lord pouring "out his Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds... and hearts..." How exciting that you're playing such an integral part in this gospel plan!
We love you! We're glad you chose us as your parents!
Have a wonderful week...
Mom and Dad
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Medicine 101
Dear Tanner,
Today, first thing in the morning, your father agreed to go on a walk. It was a little romantic, dragging a pole, holding a pillow against his stomach, wearing a girdle belt, and pausing for burps. Burps are good. Means we're one step closer to coming home! We're celebrating baby steps over here.
Amazing how many interesting things you can find to talk about just while doing loops around the med surgical floor. If you see a big sign, and it's only on one door, that says "neutropenic" - CAUTION, wouldn't you want to know what is going on in that room? Having Jarrod's computer is great - finish the walk and google. Means that patient has a rare form of white blood cells, and is susceptible to germs.
Sometimes doctors talk in big words, such as peritonitis, incarceration, neutropenic, ciprofloxacin, flagyl, or atelectasis, and when they leave I have to google again. Sometimes your aunts talk in big words too because they're nurses. And your uncle is a doctor. But they're all checking in, letting me know what to ask, concerned your father is getting the best care.
It was nice to have the doctor say they're trying to take extra care of your dad. Normal hernia repairs are stitch 'n hitch a ride home, but because he had an incarceration they want to make sure it really wasn't damaged. So we're here today and overnight. Hopefully we'll be done tomorrow! Hopefully his fevers are from the operation and trauma, perhaps general anesthesia and medicine. We'll see!
They didn't let him go home today as he spiked a 101.+ fever last night....so they spent a while trying to culture his blood to figure what was up, did chest xrays, etc. He's been on two alternating antibiotics, as a blanket cover. He's had allergic reactions to the i.v. (weird! - had potassium in it). Makes him very red in his skin, maybe the cause of the fever. So they just unhooked him. He also had an allergic reaction to the bandages on his stomach...blisters all around the edges that started oozing....so they had to remove his bandages. Weird! This is his first ever hospital visit so we know nothing about his allergies.
Dad wanted me to spend the night so we're having a sleepover. I won the cute pajama contest, hands down. We both know who wears the pants in the family tonight! And the cutest toes. Funnest party ever!
Hi Amy Jo,
Thanks for the updates on the e-mail and the blog. I love to read your writings. It is a gift that we don't all share, but you do have it.
Jarrod is so fortunate to have you by his side. This has always been the feeling I know that Janel and I have shared about you. I'm thankful that you are making the sacrifices to care for Jarrod. I'm sure he will have a new appreciation for the love you freely give to him. I know I glean from you so often.
Since I know he is in God's hand and you are also beside him, I have very little to worry. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask. Brad would most likely be your first source since his understanding is greater than mine in regards to medicines and treatments. Also, it's great that you do have your computer. What a blessing! You are smart to look up information to gain a better understanding. Just another great thing about you.
I will continue to pray for Jarrod and the family and will continue to look for your updates. Again, thanks for working so hard and sacrificing so much to care for Jarrod.
In His love,
Janeen
Today, first thing in the morning, your father agreed to go on a walk. It was a little romantic, dragging a pole, holding a pillow against his stomach, wearing a girdle belt, and pausing for burps. Burps are good. Means we're one step closer to coming home! We're celebrating baby steps over here.
Amazing how many interesting things you can find to talk about just while doing loops around the med surgical floor. If you see a big sign, and it's only on one door, that says "neutropenic" - CAUTION, wouldn't you want to know what is going on in that room? Having Jarrod's computer is great - finish the walk and google. Means that patient has a rare form of white blood cells, and is susceptible to germs.
Sometimes doctors talk in big words, such as peritonitis, incarceration, neutropenic, ciprofloxacin, flagyl, or atelectasis, and when they leave I have to google again. Sometimes your aunts talk in big words too because they're nurses. And your uncle is a doctor. But they're all checking in, letting me know what to ask, concerned your father is getting the best care.
It was nice to have the doctor say they're trying to take extra care of your dad. Normal hernia repairs are stitch 'n hitch a ride home, but because he had an incarceration they want to make sure it really wasn't damaged. So we're here today and overnight. Hopefully we'll be done tomorrow! Hopefully his fevers are from the operation and trauma, perhaps general anesthesia and medicine. We'll see!
They didn't let him go home today as he spiked a 101.+ fever last night....so they spent a while trying to culture his blood to figure what was up, did chest xrays, etc. He's been on two alternating antibiotics, as a blanket cover. He's had allergic reactions to the i.v. (weird! - had potassium in it). Makes him very red in his skin, maybe the cause of the fever. So they just unhooked him. He also had an allergic reaction to the bandages on his stomach...blisters all around the edges that started oozing....so they had to remove his bandages. Weird! This is his first ever hospital visit so we know nothing about his allergies.
Dad wanted me to spend the night so we're having a sleepover. I won the cute pajama contest, hands down. We both know who wears the pants in the family tonight! And the cutest toes. Funnest party ever!
Hi Amy Jo,
Thanks for the updates on the e-mail and the blog. I love to read your writings. It is a gift that we don't all share, but you do have it.
Jarrod is so fortunate to have you by his side. This has always been the feeling I know that Janel and I have shared about you. I'm thankful that you are making the sacrifices to care for Jarrod. I'm sure he will have a new appreciation for the love you freely give to him. I know I glean from you so often.
Since I know he is in God's hand and you are also beside him, I have very little to worry. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask. Brad would most likely be your first source since his understanding is greater than mine in regards to medicines and treatments. Also, it's great that you do have your computer. What a blessing! You are smart to look up information to gain a better understanding. Just another great thing about you.
I will continue to pray for Jarrod and the family and will continue to look for your updates. Again, thanks for working so hard and sacrificing so much to care for Jarrod.
In His love,
Janeen
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