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So - today was a difficult day in some respects - Desi called earlier with the news that the hopeful prospect for Marci yesterday was not what they were hoping for. In fact, the pathology report showed that the cancer in Marci's colon originated in the breast and it has matastitized to the colon, and as such, was automatically staged a level 4. She will be meeting with drs and specialists and I'm afraid she is in for the fight of and for her life. My prayers are with her and her precious family. I wish I could do something for her...but have no idea what that may be except for my prayers and fasting.

Rich had a busy morning with therapy, labs, and training. I, in contrast, did dishes, practiced the organ, and did some reading. This evening we took the missionaries out to dinner. We went to our favorite Mexican place and it was yummy, as usual.

I learned that my brother, Mike, was released from the hospital last night. I'm hoping he continues to gain strength and that the pain begins to subside.

Today is Wanda and Robert's 21st anniversary. It is so hard to believe that they have been married for that long! Truly it seems as if it were yesterday, but that is obviously not the case! lol. I talked with her this afternoon - meant to wish her a happy anniversary but got sidetracked as she told me about the events of her last few days. She and Robert purchased a new (to them) mini van this past weekend and in an unfortunate series of events she rear-ended another vehicle and it appears that their new van may be totalled! She ended up spending a precautionary 4 hours at the hospital being monitored because of the accident, and gratefully, all is well with Wanda and Eve. Her saga didn't end there though! Last night their basement also flooded and so you can imagine what that has meant in time, energy, and resources! I also learned that they will probably induce Wanda approximately a week early - so I guess I'll be heading to Wisconsin a little earlier than I had supposed. Happy Anniversary, Wanda and Robert!

The events of this past weekend in Paris just keep fueling the airways. Last night two Air France planes were diverted to Salt Lake and Halifax on reports of bomb threats. And, this morning there was a shoot out in France that lasted 6-7 hrs and resulted in the death of two reported terrorists. The issues with the refugees continues to pose problems and the world is in turmoil. It is the subject of conversations everywhere and is unsettling, to say the least. I feel like I need the wisdom of Solomen at this point. I hate the idea that the only way to defend against this insanity is to kill everyone, but it doesn't seem that hearts are capable of being turned. The threats continue to grow and ISIS has sent warnings that Washington, D.C. and NYC are next. They already brought down the Russian airliner a couple of weeks ago and I have no reason to doubt that these lunatics are intent on doing just what they say they're going to do. Obama and the Congress are at odds and the media just keeps things broiling. I know there are reasons to hope but you can certainly understand the angst that is abroad in the land. So - how do I feel? What should I do? I don't trust the President of the U.S. at all...he's proven himself to be an outright liar...again and again. His sympathies seem to lie with the Muslims and the terrorists...and his entire advisory board seems to echo his sympathies. I actually feel like this is a secret combination at the highest level of my government and I find the Republicans feckless and weakkneed - if not duplicitous. I struggle to try to determine the truth of these matters and to know where/who to trust - besides the Lord. Too often I feel like we, the American people, are pawns in a big chess game or puppets with our strings being pulled...not unlike how I felt about the economic crises of 2007/8. Surely our constitution is hanging by a thread...I just wish I knew what I could do to advocate for the right.... Obviously it would help if I knew what the right was in this matter! Amazingly I don't feel consumed with fear or doubt about the outcome...just don't want my children and grandchildren to have to live through this stuff. I would sure like them to know the idyllic world I grew up in and to have the carefree world of a child.

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Today was a really nice day. I had my little "institute" group this morning and afterward our group had some lunch. We chatted about all things politics and of course about things at church. We are a group with pretty solid conservative creds and the situation with the bombings and terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday, along with the disgusting press conference of Obama's at the G-20 summit yesterday only served to fuel our discussion and frustration with the direction of our country and the obvious anxiety over next years' presidential election.

On a happy note - Desi called with the news that everything seems to be going well with her new little one at this moment. And, the news that her friend, Marci, may not have a nefarious type of colon cancer, rather a carcinoid that may be actually a much better type to be treated and eradicated and that would not be a result of her breast cancer. There has not been a complete diagnosis yet as the pathology is not yet in...but it is hopeful nonetheless.

Rich went with me to the church to practice the organ this evening. I sure appreciate his continued supportiveness. I sure got a good one when I got him!

This evening we've just relaxed and enjoyed the time together. There are some not great things about getting older...but spending time like this is not one of them:)

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Today was pretty quiet. I have found that each time I return from Alaska it seems to take me several days to acclimate...just bone tired and seem in need of endless sleep. I found myself returning to bed in the afternoon and taking a long nap and then going to bed early too, all after having gotten up late to begin with!

A friend, Rebecca Turk, called this afternoon asking if I would like some fresh dill. Rich and I both went over and harvested dill and other herbs, and just chatted for a couple of hours. It's fun to be with friends and I'm delighted to have the herbs to dry.

We went to dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Gallo Loco...the crazy rooster. The food is always wonderful and they service very quick. It was no exception tonight, except that I think every living soul in Oak Ridge must have been there.

Today and this evening the airways are filled with the stories of multiple terrorist attacks in Paris. Just today Obama had declared that ISIS was contained...how did he ever get elected??? So far the news is that there are about 140 killed and hundreds more injured. President Hollande of France has declared this an ISIS attack, and ISIS has claimed responsibility. So much for "the JV team". In the meantime I'm guessing that the college aged, self absorbed, "brats" protesting across the nation for free tuition, tuition forgiveness, race, and $15 per hour minimum wages will be angry at ISIS because they've been kicked off the front page! Oh my! This is going to be a long, long next few days!

"Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety-Jig"

Got up early this morning to shower and do my final packing to leave for home me today. It has been a wonderful three weeks and, it is terribly sad to leave, and, very exciting to go home!

Dan and I left about 3:30 a.m. Cherstin had gotten up to say, "good-bye" and I woke up Enzo just as we were leaving too (by accident)...I'm afraid there was probably no going back to sleep easily for both of them!

The roads weren't too bad, even considering the snow and ice. I hope that Dan made it back safe and sound...and I bet he did.

I got bag checked, through security, and down to the gate in record time...duh! It was 4 in the morning! We boarded soon after (a completely full plane) and then we sat on the Tarmac for probably 45-60 minutes due to needing to de-ice the plane. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they de-iced it - but did they need to do that with us on board? Or could they have done it while we were boarding? Perhaps not. I don't know. But we were late getting out and I felt anxious about people on board that had connecting flights in Seattle.

Each leg of the trip was fraught with extreme and longs periods of turbulence. I've flown in the winter before and never experienced anything like this! They had been so bad flying into Minneapolis that when we left there, a new route was charted for Nashville to avoid them as much as possible, according to the pilot. Anyway, the flight from Anchorage to Seattle was no different, except that we'd been sitting on the Tarmac all that time, it was early morning, and I was sitting behind three children (ages 5-8 maybe). As the turbulence stretched on and got rougher, I felt nauseous! But the kids behind me were having a very difficult time and finally one of them just erupted - all over the cabin, seats, and the passengers in front of them...me! And as luck would have it, I packed all my clothes in the bag I checked. We all just cleaned up the best we could and I hoped that I wouldn't smell too bad for the rest of the day and all the other passengers I would be onboard with!

On my Seattle-Minneapolis leg I was able to select a movie to watch. I chose "Still Alice". I had read the book while Dad was struggling through Alzheimer's and I had enjoyed it and learned and thought a lot about what it must have been like for him. I had wanted to see the movie when it came out, but it didn't come here...so I enjoyed it on the plane. I found myself moved to tears at the struggle and wishing that we'd had an earlier diagnosis for Dad, and that Mom could have been there in those early stages so that he could have expressed the range of emotions to someone on that deep, intimate level when you're in such need. I tried to talk to him about it but I think there is always this parent/child relationship, that you want to protect your child, when you're functioning lucidly. Dad would share sometimes, often really, but I'm under no illusions about how much he must have missed Mom...and needed her.

On each leg of the trip delta thanked the veterans of our country, and especially any on our flights. They also handed out pieces of wrapped chocolate and led those of us on the aircraft in a round of applause. I am grateful for all who've served too. Thanks!

I also learned today that Mike, my brother, is having 7.5 hrs of surgery, with two surgeons, on his back. He's going to need lots of prayers!

I arrived home (Nashville) at almost 10 p.m. CST. It is wonderful to see my sweetheart again. He had brought Julio with him too and it was nice to have the company and catch up on the doings here and share what's happening with our little family in Alaska. But, we definitely had to stop and get a bite to eat at "Jack" before heading out of town. We were back home by 2:30 a.m. EST and finally dropped into bed by about 4...it's nice to be home!

 

"Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety-Jig"

Got up early this morning to shower and do my final packing to leave for home me today. It has been a wonderful three weeks and, it is terribly sad to leave, and, very exciting to go home!

Dan and I left about 3:30 a.m. Cherstin had gotten up to say, "good-bye" and I woke up Enzo just as we were leaving too (by accident)...I'm afraid there was probably no going back to sleep easily for both of them!

The roads weren't too bad, even considering the snow and ice. I hope that Dan made it back safe and sound...and I bet he did.

I got bag checked, through security, and down to the gate in record time...duh! It was 4 in the morning! We boarded soon after (a completely full plane) and then we sat on the Tarmac for probably 45-60 minutes due to needing to de-ice the plane. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they de-iced it - but did they need to do that with us on board? Or could they have done it while we were boarding? Perhaps not. I don't know. But we were late getting out and I felt anxious about people on board that had connecting flights in Seattle.

Each leg of the trip was fraught with extreme and longs periods of turbulence. I've flown in the winter before and never experienced anything like this! They had been so bad flying into Minneapolis that when we left there, a new route was charted for Nashville to avoid them as much as possible, according to the pilot. Anyway, the flight from Anchorage to Seattle was no different, except that we'd been sitting on the Tarmac all that time, it was early morning, and I was sitting behind three children (ages 5-8 maybe). As the turbulence stretched on and got rougher, I felt nauseous! But the kids behind me were having a very difficult time and finally one of them just erupted - all over the cabin, seats, and the passengers in front of them...me! And as luck would have it, I packed all my clothes in the bag I checked. We all just cleaned up the best we could and I hoped that I wouldn't smell too bad for the rest of the day and all the other passengers I would be onboard with!

On my Seattle-Minneapolis leg I was able to select a movie to watch. I chose "Still Alice". I had read the book while Dad was struggling through Alzheimer's and I had enjoyed it and learned and thought a lot about what it must have been like for him. I had wanted to see the movie when it came out, but it didn't come here...so I enjoyed it on the plane. I found myself moved to tears at the struggle and wishing that we'd had an earlier diagnosis for Dad, and that Mom could have been there in those early stages so that he could have expressed the range of emotions to someone on that deep, intimate level when you're in such need. I tried to talk to him about it but I think there is always this parent/child relationship, that you want to protect your child, when you're functioning lucidly. Dad would share sometimes, often really, but I'm under no illusions about how much he must have missed Mom...and needed her.

On each leg of the trip delta thanked the veterans of our country, and especially any on our flights. They also handed out pieces of wrapped chocolate and led those of us on the aircraft in a round of applause. I am grateful for all who've served too. Thanks!

I arrived home (Nashville) at almost 10 p.m. CST. It is wonderful to see my sweetheart again. He had brought Julio with him too and it was nice to have the company and catch up on the doings here and share what's happening with our little family in Alaska. But, we definitely had to stop and get a bite to eat at "Jack" before heading out of town. We were back home by 2:30 a.m. EST and finally dropped into bed by about 4...it's nice to be home!

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Today I spent quite a bit of time working on genealogy. I started out thinking I would just try to clear off my desk by getting my family files that I have been working on put together. As I started to do that I wanted to finish up the Google search I had been doing about the Oregon State Hospital. There have been quite a few articles written by the newspapers in Portland about the hospital. I finished the searches and then read more thoroughly the obituary of Emmett's brother, William. The obit says that he had a sister living in Washington by the name of "Side Ingrham". I knew that the 1870 census listed an "Eliza Waterman" and that after Robert Waterman, Eliza's mother, Frannie Elizabeth had married a Jacob Ingraham...wondered if the census taker had just thought Eliza was "side" and she had never married and just been known as an Ingraham...or even adopted.

That sent me searching for Eliza Waterman and/or Eliza Ingraham. I was pretty excited to find a marriage record for Eliza's daughter, Grace. Surprisingly Eliza also married an Ingraham - a Joseph Ingraham! And another interesting thing was that they all lived in a town just a very few miles (like 3-4) from the town my mother was born in! And, further searches netted the family in the census records too. I am pretty excited about that. Tomorrow I will try to do a few other searches but I'm becoming quite certain that the Emmet Bainbridge at the state hospital is indeed Rich's great-grandfather.

 

Emily Sweeden Sammons

Last Thursday (September 17th) I took a phone call that shocked and rocked my world. It was Bill Sammons with the news that his wife, Emily, had just passed away.

Emily has been such a good friend to me and helped me make the transition here in Oak Ridge - to call it home. She had been on my visiting teaching list when I first came here and I invited to go to the gym with me. She became my gym buddy and we often attended water classes and worked out together. She eventually became my visiting teaching companion and when I was in town we faithfully went to visit our sisters, without fail. She loved the sweet ladies on our route and was anxious that we get there early in the month so that they wouldn't feel like we weren't just doing our duty, but that we really cared and had their best interests at heart.

I was invited to join the Old Ladies Lunch Bunch (aka The Old Ladies Playgroup) and Emily quickly helped me feel a part of these wonderful sisters, many of whom are a decade or more older than I am, and all are longtime, even lifetime, residents of Oak Ridge. That group has transistioned into a gospel study group and friendships have blossomed because of our time together doing things that support our interests and needs.

Emily is the mother of Tish Valdez, mother-in-law to Julio, and grandmother to Wiley, Mariea, Bella, and Lili - tremendous friends since we moved here, that we love and enjoy. She is also mother to Victor, David, and Matthew, and grandmother to numerous other children that I only know of...but sometimes I feel like I know them because of the things that Emily would share.

Emily was fiercely loyal. She was brash, courageous, fearless, bold.

Her husband said, "She came into this life as a whirlwind and left the same way." That is such a profound description. The hole she leaves is deep and wide. I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have of the plan of salvation and the resurrection. Truly, I feel about her passing as I do about my Mom and Dad - she has just gone into the next room and while I can't see her, I KNOW that she's there...waiting, working, loving, teaching, supporting on that side of the door AND on this side too.

Emily - I hope and trust that you have the answers to your concerns and can rejoice in the love of the savior now. Until we meet again....