Angels in the Temple

There were angels in the temple;

Right before my eyes.

When the elevator opened,

Much to my surprise -

He stood in radiating white;

To another one he faced.

My hand reached out to clutch his arm,

Then wrapped around his waist.

With a stuttering introduction;
Glad tidings we both had.

I smoothed the greeting over

While explaining, "He's my Dad!"

He went his way on errand.

I continued on my own.

Then another angel beckoned.

Dad was not alone.

My eyes drew toward a staircase,

And sitting in a chair

Sat my angelic Mother

Peacefully awaiting there.

My heart began to flutter

As I drifted to her side.

She held her hand out gracefully

And I reached for it with pride.

We whispered thoughts of happiness,

Of perfect days like this.

We talked of loved ones gone before,

And this coincidence of bliss.

I saw angels in the temple.

What a blessed day!

My own angels right in front of me.

It took my breath away.

(With Love, Jody)

Thank heaven for little . . . blossoms

Oh April showers
May come your way.
They bring the flowers
That bloom in . . . September!

(to be continued . . !)

:)

Life is a blessing.

Love / Hate relationship with the skin Dr.

Last Monday I had a skin appointment . . . again.  It had been on the calendar for a while.  When the Dr. said she wanted me back in 3 months, I was a little relieved.  She was knowledgeable to the signs of trouble sooner than I.  Having three surgeries on my neck in one summer a couple of years ago, it was obvious I needed more attention than just my own diagnosis.

I was actually counting the days until my appointment, not because I loved going so much, but I had developed one for sure spot on the back of my calf that seemed to pop up overnight.   When I pointed it out, she kept saying, "Oooooo".  Then she turned toward her new ipad technology and scribbled away saying, "How about we do a biopsy?"  She continued to go over skin I could not see, until she got to the back of my thigh, and again I heard, "Oooooo".. (she really does have ex ray eyes!).  Then before I knew it she was taking photos of my marks and had me down for two biopsies; one on each leg.  If I could have run away I would have.  Is there a violation for that?  Oh, the times like this when I wished I could have run.  But I stayed, and they "doctored me up".

On the way out, she told me it would probably take two weeks for the results.  Great. That'll be fun.  Right during our cruise.  Does it get any more fun than that?

It's been a week.  I have babied my little abrasions.  All the while remembering flawless skin in days of yore.  I cringed to think what was in store. . . The phone rang a few minutes ago.  I was surprised to hear the voice of the nurse, since I thought I had another uninterrupted week to go.  In that split second, my worries kicked in and I convinced myself that my flaws were so bad, another week would be too late!  But I swallowed hard, composed myself, and tried to sound unfrazzled.

 "The results from both of the biopsies are benign", she said. (If I was a nurse or doctor, delivering that kind of news would be the favorite part of my job!)  I stuttered as I tried to tell her I had expected the worst.  "Did I make your day?"  she laughed.  I replied with emotion, "Definitely!"  She has no idea the new life line she threw me! 

Today I am a new person with a couple of healable imperfections.  And a sweet gratitude for blessings I don't deserve. 

memorable movie quote

(I just didn't want to forget this.  I think about it a lot.  From  "God is Not Dead")

Mark: You prayed and believed your whole life. Never done anything wrong. And here you are. You're the nicest person I know. I am the meanest. You have dementia. My life is perfect. Explain that to me!
Mina's Mother: Sometimes the devil allows people to live a life free of trouble because he doesn't want them turning to God. Their sin is like a jail cell, except it is all nice and comfy and there doesn't seem to be any reason to leave. The door's wide open. Till one day, time runs out, and the cell door slams shut, and suddenly it's too late.

Never Deeper

A new beginning for me.  Being deep in a black hole with a heavy cover over my head has humbled me.  I am a good person.  But I am not perfect.  Being hurt is a selfish thing.  That's why I was in the hole.  It's not fun there.

When I considered my choices, I could either remain in the hole and not progress, risking my very image to become tarnished with rust from pride, at the same time losing sweet eternal relationships that I know would kill me to live without.  Or, I could forget myself and try my hardest to imagine myself in their shoes, hoping for their perspective.  When you have children, you would run in front of a speeding truck to save them from hurt.
 
The speeding truck was coming, and as hard as it was to face, I was driving.  This was gently impressed upon me by one of my own.  There was confusion because of what they understood from my actions.  I didn't see it.  And because of my natural inability to communicate, along with a motherly perspective, it makes more sense now.  If I didn't step on the brakes  to understand their perspective, it would hit us all.  The choice was obvious.

I hope my children know that I would run in front of a speeding truck to save them from hurt.  Hopefully I have learned my speeding lesson and remember the sickness I feel.  It would literally kill me to know I had a hand in their turning their back on me.  Please forgive my idiosyncrasies.  I have a new perspective and a new beginning, thanks to swallowing my pride.  And like a new found cleanse, I long to change my ways for good. . . for them.

Two talks that make a lot of sense:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-merciful-obtain-mercy?lang=eng 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng

The Chance

A hopeful chance of adopting a precious baby girl was given to Rusty and Cariann in April.  They took it readily.  A baby!  Natalie. This could be their chance to expand their little family.  Of course this was right.  Who wouldn't jump at the chance?

The father had 30 days to contest.  They heard from him at 28 days, and yes, he disapproved.  Dark  clouds began to form as they had to put their growing love for her on the back burner and come to the realization that they could lose her, by law.  They cherished the days with no vibrations of threat.  But deep inside. . . . well, no one could ever know their hearts; deep inside.  In every direction, loved ones that knew Natalie, loved her, and birthed her, were pulling for Carianne and Rusty to be given the chance to keep her forever . . . except the father.

Saturday, was the day agreed to take her back to the birth mother.  At least she would love her, compared to the fathers questionable lifestyle.  No one can imagine the pain Carianne and Rusty must have felt, and are still feeling in the aftershocks.   Torture seems like a weak word to describe what they have been through.  But remembering the eyes of that sweet, pink, baby that needed them so much is where it hurts the worst. 

They have paid their dues in the turmoil department.  To see them get up, and attempt to carry on, despite the weight on their shoulders makes me cry.  With lumps in their throats, they carry on, knowing  they can heal, even with the weakest knees.

Don't think for a minute that prayers weren't heard.  Natalie was given Christlike love from their little Christlike family.  Heavenly Father knows and loves each one.  They have proven themselves beyond measure.  We are firstly spiritual beings, trying to live earthly.  He won't let us fall without helping us up, not even Natalie.

I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand;
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.