Reflections

About a week and a half ago I had a very spiritual experience in San Antonio.  On Thursday night Annie, Frank and I went to the San Antonio Temple.  As we were waiting for the session to start we learned that a dear friend, Helen Burton, had passed away that morning.  I had grown to love and admire Helen so much as I watched her become one of the most Christlike women I knew.  As I walked into the session I saw her husband, Topper.  I thought "Of course, where else would he be on this day."  He looked so sad-a lot like my dad looked after mom passed away.  I hugged and kissed him and he thanked me, then I went and sat down, waiting for the session to start.  

As I sat pondering I realized that I have absolute faith that we continue to live after this life, that family relationships still exist, and that not only will we be together again, but we are not completely separated now.  I do not have the slightest doubt of this.  Helen was there with Topper, my mother was there with me.  I know this is true.  I am certain that after this life we work to help our family that is still on earth and those who are already in the spirit world.  What other kind of work would we do?  Isn't that a comforting and joyful thing to know.  It adds purpose and meaning to our lives now.  I am thankful to Heavenly Father for sending His son Jesus Christ to break the bands of death and sin to make it possible to return to Him. 

In case you don't know, Helen was diagnosed with a brain tumor 3 months ago.  It was a blessing that her suffering was short.  She blessed our lives.  

Girl of the Limberlost-(hope this post doesn't ruin it for you)

Two weeks ago tomorrow I suddenly got sick.  Fever, aches, nausea.  It wasn't flu, but was some sort of virus that lasted exactly 10 days.  I am completely better now and feel great.
While I was sick I didn't feel like doing anything at all except sleeping and reading.  (I didn't feel like eating or drinking which caused dehydration and I had to go get an iv to get rehydrated.)  The problem with reading was I wanted something easy to read, but that would hold my attention.  I tried a few new books, but abandoned them after a couple of chapters.  I decided to reread GIRL OF THE LIMBERLOST.  It was a perfect choice.
 As I was reading I began to wonder what some of the moths really looked like.  Especially the moth Elnora calls yellow emperor.  So, I googled it.  I was amazed at how ugly the yellow emperor was.  There were some pretty moths, but that is certainly not one of them.  I hope I didn't ruin the book for you.  I still love it.

eacles imperialis (Elnora calls it yellow emperor)

It is impossible to imagine Edith allowing this to be the inspiration for her ball gown.

Luna moth.  This and the next two moths could be considered pretty.

Pictures of Sara

Pictures of Julianna

A few pictures of Julianna.

Julianna's baptism day.

Christmas morning.  I made dolls for the girls.

In the bathroom of our Lightstone house.

Popi is doing well

About 3 weeks ago Dr Inouye (sp?) put Popi on a new medication.  As people age a certain chemical in the brain decreases and causes the symptoms of aging.  This medication returns that chemical back to more normal levels.  It has been working great for Popi.  He says he can think, concentrate and remember better.  His balance is much better, he has more energy, he is more cheerful and his appetite has returned.  Doreen was really afraid she would lose him soon, but now they both feel encouraged that he will be with us for a good long time.  He had told me he would not go to the opera again, but now he feels good enough to go again.  So, they will be coming to Salt Lake on Monday to go to the opera with us.

Here are a couple of pictures you might like:

Beckie in our house in Ephraim.  1968 (Those glasses are right back in style, Beckie.)

Carolyn (Mom) (Grandma) on a mule in the Grand Canyon.  1977

Pictures of Annie

Wearing a hand-me-down from the Bailey cousins.

 
Second Birthday

Reading Go Dog Go (To the tree...It's a dog party.)

Watching TV with Daddy.

This is a picture of my favorite dress when I was on my mission.  What you can''t see is that it has a deep ruffle with jumbo black ric rac on it.  I know-sounds strange-but it was really cute.  

Before my mission my mother and I were shopping in an upscale department store.  I saw this Oscar de Laurenta dress and loved it.  So, I sketched it, went straight to the fabric store and made it for less than $10.  When I was in the Salt Lake Mission Home (where English speaking missionaries went before the MTC) the mission president's wife told me it was not an appropriate dress for a mission so I sent it home.  Then my mission president's wife told me it was perfect and so I had my mom send it back.  I wore it for special occasions.  

I have no idea who the other people in the picture are.  

Do you like my haircut?   Dorothy Hammill won a gold medal for skating in the Olympics and she had a similar haircut. It was a new style, called the wedge, and became all the rage.