Proud to be an American

I couldn't find the camera fast enough so no pictures. I hope that words can express how I felt and what happened. I am sitting reading a book in the St. Louis airport, when in the distance I hear bagpipes and a drum, my first thought was that is different music to be playing at an airport....But then I realize that it is getting louder and closer. I stand up and look around, and notice others are to, wondering what is this all about. Finally I see the piper, and drummer and hear everyone in the airport standing a applauding. Tears come even now remembering. And then there were wheelchairs with elderly men in uniform, or wearing hats that said WWII Veterans, there must have been at least 20 of them. Some of them their wives were with them, others being pushed by younger people. About 15 were walking on their own power through the airport to the farthest gate, and the entire way everyone stopped what they were doing, stood and applauded. It was an amazing experience. It is called the Honor Tour. I had heard that here was a gentleman, trying to get as many WWII vets as possible to see the WWII Veterans Memorial. They must have had some kind of stop in St. Louis.
I couldn't help but think of my own dad who served in Papu New Guinea, Australia, and Philippines, and until just before he died wouldn't talk about those experiences. My father in law is also a Vet, was in Japan at the end of the war. I thank them for their sacrifice and service. I also think of friends who died in Viet Nam, and now friends sons who are in Iraq. I wonder if we really value the freedoms we have? My ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812, and the Mexican American war, Korean Conflict. I am grateful, and also grateful for the beautiful reminder while waiting for a plane in St. Louis.

Happy Birthday Holly

Tomorrow is your birthday. I am so sorry there are no pictures. I am on your dads work computer, and don't know if this will even work. And St. Louis seems far away from home..
I look in the mirror and realize that it was a long time ago that you were born. I love our old family pictures where Sara and Nora think that I am you and you are Nora. I was so scared to be a mom. Didn't think I could do a very good job. You made it so easy. You naturally chose the right. We didn't have the horrible rebellion that happens to so many teens. You loved school, church, and chose good friends. It did drive me crazy that I couldn't get you into a dress very often, but the matching socks and tee shirts........
You are such a good example to your siblings, and you are an awesome mom. I know I don't tell you often enough how proud I am of you, and the decisions you have made. You and Sam and the girls are the best family. The day you were married in the temple was one of the happiest in my life. I hope you have a great day. Eat a piece of pie for me!
Love, Your mom

My Mom

I should put a picture up. Will do that when I am home. I have not blogged about my mom having cancer. It has been to difficult to even talk about. She was diagnosed in April with pancreatic cancer and given about 6 months to live. In June she opted for the Chemo Radiation treatments. She had previously made up her mind never to go through that kind of treatment. But something happened to both of us as we talked to her Oncologist and Radiation Dr's. We felt it was right and to go forward. It has has not been easy. But we have been amazingly blessed. Allot of the side effects we were warned about did not happen. She did loose a lot of weight, is very tired, and has a rolling stomach, as she calls it. The last 3 weeks have been the worst, with more fever spikes lasting much longer. Some days she was only a few hours without a fever. But she is a fighter. I have to admit all of my siblings during the last 3 weeks have wondered, did we do the right thing. But Heavenly Father knew, and through a lot of blessings, faith, prayers from a lot of people we received the most amazing news. The results of the CA-19 cancer marker test....this is the test that identified she had cancer (the number then was 950)...the number was down to 33. We were told that the magic number was 35. So technically she is in remission. (There is no cure for this kind of cancer) Words do not express our gratitude and joy at this time. We have a long road to get her back her strength, she is still very tired, listless and no appetite. But we feel the end is in sight, there will be time to complete the things that need to be done. Thank you for your love, prayers and kindness shown.