Aba, Nigeria
121st operating temple
Dedicated: 7 Aug 2005
By: Gordon B. Hinckley
Book of Mormon
Ether 13:18-31
Come Follow Me
Ether 12:1-9, 25-32
Jesus Christ gives us "a more excellent hope."
"A Perfect Brightness of Hope" by Jeffrey R. Holland
October General Conference
'Sacred Scriptures - the Foundations of Faith'
Elder Quentin L. Cook
"The scriptures, combined with spiritual inspiration from the Holy Spirit, continue to be the primary source that facilitates the conversion of those who have broken hearts and contrite spirits and desire to follow Jesus Christ. The scriptures help build a foundation that can withstand the adversary's constant efforts to undermine faith."
I have this written in my daily notebook under 'Notes & Quotes':
Faith allows the unlikely to accomplish the impossible.
I forgot to mention something that happened to Brian on the way up to Vernon last night. I guess in his haste to get here he was going 20 miles over the speed limit through Heber. He got pulled over by an officer. The officer asked how everyone was doing. At first Brian said, "fine." Then he said, no we aren't fine. Kim and Sheri joined in with sobs and told the officer about James and how they were going to Vernon to take me down to the hospital. The officer gave Brian a warning. Going 20 miles over the speed limit is a criminal offense.
Kim, Brian, Sheri and I left at 6:20 this morning. We are going the Globe way and want to beat the road closure for blasting near Superior which starts at 9.
I had let Tom out earlier before we left and now there was no sign of him. I left a bag of food on the table by our bedroom door for Sammy along with his bowl full of food and his water bowl full. I left Tom's bowl and water on the front porch to get it away from Sammy, who is a little piglet. I told Chuck he might have to show Tom where his water and food was because he's not used to eating on the front porch. Chuck ended up telling me later he never saw Tom, but the food and water was always gone the next day so he figured he was around somewhere. I'm thinking that Sammy could have been eating it.
Sheri drove my car with Brian and Kim following behind in "Bruce", Brian's Bronco. Brian offered a family prayer before we left. We decided to go the Globe way because we will have to stop at least 30 minutes for road construction if we go the Payson way. We can make it the Globe way if we can get past where they are blasting near Superior before 9:00. That was our plan.
We stopped at the Circle K in Show Low on the corner of the 60 and the 260 for gas and snacks.
At one point, somewhere between Salt River and Globe Sheri mentioned the fact that she didn't see Brian behind her. She called and Kim said because Brian got a warning last night that they are being very careful about obeying the speed limit today.
As we were going through Globe I guess Sheri realized she was going 50 in a 35 zone just as she saw a police officer parked on the side of the road. Sure enough, he pulled out and came after her. After looking at our registration and insurance card the officer said to her, "Do you know why I stopped you"? She said yes she did and then began to tear up as she told him her dad was in the hospital and she was taking her mom to see him. She said the officer teared up too. He didn't even give her a warning, he just let her go.
We made it through the blasting area with about 12 minutes to spare. We stopped at the Circle K outside of Superior so Sheri could take a potty break.
We arrived at the Chandler Hospital somewhere between nine or ten. We rode the Tower C elevator to floor 3 and got off outside of the ICU where we had to call to get in to see James in room C325. Dave and Terry were in the room and James was asleep with the breathing machine still in his mouth. We thanked Terry and Dave for staying and they went on their way.
In a few minutes, Brian, Kim and Sheri left the hospital. Brian took Sheri home after Sheri parked my car in the covered parking garage.
James is sedated, so I didn't really get to talk to him. He has a tube with a bulb at the end of it coming out of his head. The tube is draining blood from his brain. He has several stitches on the left front side of his head. There is some kind of a clip covering the stitches that looks like a barrette, and of course the front of his head is shaved.
So many people came to see him today that it is a bit of a blur. I am writing this on Saturday, the 30th, and the last few days since he has been here are kind of blurring together. Here is what I remember:
Sheri brought all of my things in from the car, including my computer and suitcase and large bag. Stacy, Paul, Joshua and Alayna came. Alayna didn't come in the room, she stayed out in the waiting room. Kim, Brian, and Joe came as did Dallin, Michael, and Alex. We had to take turns going in because they only allow two visitors in the room at a time. We filled up the waiting room outside of ICU. Of course doctors and nurses kept coming in and out of his room, so it was a little chaotic. At one point his nurse, Danielle, asked us to please make our comments to him brief as his brain needs to rest. He was unconscious most of the time and still had the breathing tube in. Everyone was just so grateful and relieved that he had come through the surgery safe and sound. Our prayers and Chuck's blessing were heard and answered. Thank you Lord.
Armando came by for a visit but James didn't know he was here and Armando did not want me to try to wake him up. We are grateful for Armando and all he does for us and our company.
James's brother Gail was here visiting family for Thanksgiving. He lives in Oregon. He came by to see James. James never work up while he was here but Gail and I had a nice visit. He used to work with Armando when he lived here in Chandler so I told him about Armando's family leaving him. He was very sad and concerned.
James had nothing to eat or drink today as he was "out" most of the day. He has about 7 IV's and I am sure one of them is giving him some nourishment.
I got calls from Bishop Hunsaker, Jimmy Applegate who is one of our ministering brothers, and Richard Miller who is our other ministering brother. I talked to Vickie and my cousin Rita and Collin DeWitt. Collin says he and Wendy will probably come by tomorrow as they are down here in the valley for Thanksgiving. I also told my friend Janna Grombach about James.
This evening Kim, Brian and Joe came for a visit and brought me an 'In n Out' cheeseburger. It was delicious!
After everyone was gone I made myself a bed in the recliner next to James's bed. I woke up at 12:30 and couldn't go back to sleep, so I moved to the bench near the window. The back cushion folds out and makes a nice mattress. Much more comfortable.
I am worried about Tom. I wonder if he will stay around the house when we are not there and Sammy is.
So appropriate for what happened
this week.
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