As The World Turns!!!!

I have been informed by my niece, Kim, that it has been WAY too long since my last post. Until then, I was not aware of anything that was newsworthy in my life. This year has consisted of more 'downs' than 'ups' and I am really not one to be a downer so the best thing I can do for all readers, is to not post at all. I didn't realize that it was a link to ALL those I left behind in Las Vegas--including my family. It is my hypothesis that the world is spinning alot faster on it's axis now than it did 20 years ago. I have formed this by how fast the years are going by now as opposed to then. 15 years ago, my eldest brother Bill passed away and soon to follow was his wife, Bernice. He left behind 3 daughters and 7 grandkids. At the time of Bernice's passing, the family lost touch with each other. It was not until Bob passed away that we started to hear from them occasionally. How could we have let so many years pass us by and not still be involved in each other's lives is beyond me. It has been such a void in my life but as all things, we don't realize the void until it is starting to be filled again. We just get more involved in our own lives and soon we forget about all the good times we had. I hope I am making sense. The great thing that has happened just in the last few months is that we have begun to fill the void again. It is the greatest gift I could have received. I am beginning to catch up with Mona, Kim and Tammy and their kids and I could just cry (in fact I am crying now) because I realize by a simple misunderstanding, we have missed so much valuable time. Last night, I had dinner with Mona and Kim (I didn't want the night to end but I left a candle burning in the house and didn't want the house to burn down). A couple of weeks ago, I had lunch with Tammy and Mona. I talk with Mona on almost a daily basis now. I probably speak with her more because we are only three hours apart in age. Although I have such a great love for all of them. We all had such great times together growing up. We have vowed never to let anything like that ever happen again. Time is too valuable to waste. It slips by before you know it. The world is turning faster and faster and time seems to slip away alot quicker the older I get. Don't let this happen in your life, please! THAT'S MY STORY AND I'M STICKIN' TO IT!!!!!!!

This is a post that is bittersweet to me. I hope all that read this realize that getting older is something that has to be grasped and appreciated. Each day is so precious and we should take NOTHING for granted. I know this sounds kind of morbid , along with the economical woes of the country and in our own lives but we should still live our lives to the fullest and know in our hearts, without a shadow of doubt, that we do have a Father in Heaven, who loves us, and that He has an eternal plan for us.

The reason for this is that I have a big brother (Bob), and I love him very much. He is about to leave us and return to his Heavenly Father again. I only wish that he knew in his heart that there is life on the other side. We have been told that it is a better life than this mortal life. I sure hope so!

Bob was diagnosed with advanced stage Leukemia just before Memorial Day this year. The doctor immediately assigned to hospice care in his home because he chose not to attempt any of the alternative treatments in attempting to prolong his life. He has deteriorated relatively quickly. Fortunately, he has needed no pain meds--just measures to make him more comfortable.

This picture was taken about three weeks ago when I visited him last.

I love you, Bob, and I will miss you so much.

Little Trips equal Big Rewards

Sunday after Sacrament Meeting, Harley had to take the truck to pick up some furniture he bought up in Bountiful. His plan was to just go up, stay with Sarah and the kids, pick the stuff up Monday a.m. and then shoot right back home. I couldn't bear the thought of him seeing Sarah and the kids and leaving me at home. So----I went along. I always love to see them. Abbie is always saying that she wants her Gamma. Well she got her for a few hours. It doesn't matter how long they have lived there and how many times I go there, the good-byes are horrible for me. I hate to leave them and I always wish they lived closer at least. I love my family. I have a hard time understanding those grandparents that are so indifferent toward their grandkids. There are so many in this world that show very little interest in their kids or grandkids. Their feelings are that they did their part in raising their kids in that brief eighteen years and now it is THEIR time. The point is--We did NOT commit to Father in Heaven to be there for his children for only 18 years. It is a lifelong committment. He is there for us and we should be there for them. I know this with all my heart. It is worth it. When that little Abbie or McKay or any of my grandkids run up to me and squeeze my leg or put their arm around my neck, or gives me a slobbery kiss, I know I am where I should be. I LOVE YOU --Kids or Grandkids-- with all my heart. I am so blessed to have this experience. Thank you!