Extrordinary Opportunity

A remarkable series of events lead me to an opportunity to take a trip with my Dad and my brother, Rick:

• Rick recovered from abdominal surgery with a mid line incision in only ten days
• Dad was able to stay in Utah during Rick's recovery
• My friend/visiting teacher Tricia was able to watch Kadee after school
• I am not currently employed
• My husband is generous and understanding

We spent ten days (mostly on the road) fulfilling some of Rick's "Bucket List" wishes. We made some lasting memories and were able to provide a happy surprise to quite a few people. The last visit in November was just after the tragic news of Rick's terminal cancer and everyone (without exception) was reeling from grief. This trip enabled us to leave them with some happy memories and to (possibly ?) leave on a high note. I say possibly because Rick would like to do some more traveling and enjoy what time he has with family and friends.

Some of the highlights for me were; surprising Gail and Joe, spending most of Thursday, April 30th playing hookie - rescue mission to relocate plants and moss, surprising Mary Cray and Rick and Michelle Smith, surprising Uncle Bill and Debbie and visiting their ranch, surprising Mom with a new digital TV and flip video and seeing her use them both, traveling with Cindy and re-learning how to interact with her, visiting Uncle Jim and Melody and the gold mine, and arriving safely home before the motor home broke down.

The two most spiritually rewarding times were attending Sacrament meeting with Rick and having the opportunity to hear him bear testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, the plan of salvation, and the power of the Prophet. I, along with half of the congregation, was moved to tears. The truth is a powerful thing and when told by a man of faith is beautiful beyond words. The second time I felt the spirit was sitting on the rocks watching Rick watch the ocean. He turned to me and simply said, "Such power!" That really brought home to me the power of God.

We kept Rick well stocked with food and brought him home at 158 lbs!!! I am especially excited about that because I did not gain even one pound over the course of both trips. I was traveling for 20 out of 30 days. It is so good to be home with my family - I missed them so much. Kadee is especially appreciated because she had such a hard time with me being gone. Here are a few pics from the day we played hookie...