Just want everyone to know how much we love all of you! It was so nice to get so many wonderful plates of goodies and well wishes! Even though Christmas was a bit different this year (I really missed that help from Santa this year...oh boy!!) and it was sad to see Joe get so tired just from all the regular commotion of Christmas morning, it was still so full of joy....because of the true meaning of Christmas. I kept reminding my Primary kids (that's the children's group from 2 to 12 that I help be in charge of) that when we "give" like Jesus gave, then we find the true joy and peace and happiness that He wants us to find. Well, my girls were so tender and sweet in their gifts this year...from the heart. Steph looked and looked on the internet to buy a bottle of Brian's favorite cologne (Him from Gap that is not made any longer)...wow.....and even found an old bottle of Brandon's before which gave her the idea. Lindsey got the idea to get together all of our video tapes from all of our previous camcorders and get them put on cd's, labeled, indexed, everything. Sweet friends in the ward, the Knotts, gave them a great price for it, and so far there are about 22 copied!! Absolutely priceless!! I can't wait to watch them all! Then, Steph had Brandon use his talents in two ways. First he digitally created absolutely beautiful pictures of the temples where we were all married, complete with our names and dates. REALLY beautiful...I'll get a picture of ours on here for all to see. Then, you saw below the portraits he did of the girls...to match our one of Brian. These are priceless gifts of the heart from our girls (and their husbands) who have become the most caring souls on earth. They miss their brother, too, and know it is a hard time at Christmas, regardless of strokes....and even with presents and food and music and decorations.
The ward choir came to carol to Joe last Sunday, and soooooo many sweet people we love filled our house. It made Joe so happy, and really lifted his spirits. It made us cry of course. Kenda Falkner came and sang to Joe with her beautiful voice. Luke Jones came to sing Joe his own special performance...O Holy Night and Silent Night of course. DO WE FEEL LOVED OR WHAT???
Steph and Brandon were here all week, and Steph was the cutest little homemaker, cooking things for her dad that she knew he liked, cleaning, vacuuming, doing dishes, laundry, everything. I didn't realize how tired and overwhelmed I was until she started doing it all (Lindsey and Britt helped MUCH of course too), and it was such a relief. Like Steph said, seems like Joe is in kind of a standstill, yet there are little improvements I guess I miss. If we could just get the pain and dizziness and weakness to get better.....Okay, it is getting late and I have to go to work early, but just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful New Year, and thank you sooo much for making our Christmas special in so many ways. We are grateful ...more than these words of mine can say.
Much love,
Rebecca
3 comments:
Rebeca,
Thank you so much for your beautiful Christmas letter and the mention of your blogspot -- which I have been reading today with much love and interest.
What a beautiful family you have -- made even more beautiful through the refining fire of your latest and on-going challenge. Thank you for your examples of faith, perseverance and family love.
I missed Stephanie and Brandon's Rexburg wedding reception -- not because I didn't try but because I was looking for it on the wrong street and in the wrong city. Call it age and forgive me, as I know you will. I was there in spirit and I know it was beautiful.
I'll keep you in my prayers.
Love,
Sheila Olsen
Rebecca,
I thought Sheila, above, said just what my thoughts have been as well
. . . Thank you so much for your beautiful Christmas letter and the mention of your blogspot -- which I have been reading today with much love and interest.
What a beautiful family you have -- made even more beautiful through the refining fire of your latest and on-going challenge. Thank you for your examples of faith, perseverance and family love. . .
I've been thinking about you a lot ever since I received your Christmas letter. You probably didn't mean to be inspiring, but you were. I loved what you said about the little baby born in a stable so long ago that is the provider of amazing joy. I've felt that from Him during the toughest times in my life.
I was one of those who got the shock of your news. I didn't know. You and Joe and your family are definitely in my prayers. I remember the morning we were doing family exercises and my dad suffered from his stroke. That was a long time ago. My dad has come through well and I'll be praying for the same for Joe. It must be so hard for him and hard for you to watch his suffering.
I hope all the prayers in your behalf will be heard and answered. Thank you for taking the time, despite all that's going on in your life, to write your Christmas letter and inspire others, including me, by your faith, positive attitude, and goodness.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Abo (your cousin)
Rebecca -
I just recently received your Christmas letter and logged into the blog to find out more information about Joe. Stephen spoke with Nick a couple weeks ago and mentioned that Joe had a stroke, but didn't have any other news about the particulars. Such a difficult journey to have to yield to yet another boulder in your path - I am so very sad for you. I know you have hope and faith - as do we - we wish you God's mercy - God's gentle hand - and every prayer that can bring even a glimmer of brightness to each day. We will add you to our prayer chain at church this Sunday and hope for the will of numbers.
I don't know from your blog if Joe is still taking the Percocet - but when it was given to me I had an allergic reaction - excruciating head-aches. It is not uncommon - but the only cure is to change medications. An angel saved me when I became bed ridden because of the head-aches - apparently the Percocet can also create dehydration which adds to the head-ache problem. She appeared in my house, took me off the Percocet and had me drink heavily caffinated soda just to get circulation re-charged - and then we switched to smoothies for their health benefits.
I will keep abreast via your blog and please let us all know if there is anything - anything at all - we can do!!
Love, Holly, Joe, Erik, Nick, Mark - and Sophie
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