March 2, 2014

Here's a Sunday message for all of you. (Sorry it's so long!)

In 2009, life as we knew it was spiraling downward. Mike was struggling with health problems, the business we had built was becoming obsolete because of lending problems and the housing market tanking. We were dealing with problems at school, court dates, doctor visits, and many other issues. I was working part time, and driving everyone to their sports, activities, doctor appointments, while trying to hold church callings and take care of a household. Then I got sick. 

I struggled through it for a couple of weeks, citing I didn't have time to be sick. I was the only driver, I had to get everyone where they needed to be, my family needed me. I became DEATHLY ill, and was admitted to the hospital. I was told that at that point, I had less than 24 hours to live... severly dehydrated, organs shutting down, raging infection. Luckily they determined the problem right away, but it would take time to regain my health. I couldn't eat or drink, was fed through IV's and a PIC line. This contributed to more problems. ..insulin levels, collapsed lung due to water retention, etc.

Several days later, on a Sunday morning, I lay there in that hospital bed, so shaky and weak I could hardly move, wondering why this had to happen at the worst possible time. I needed to be home. My family needed me. Then came a knock on my door. Two men in suits asked if I would like to take the Sacrament, and if I would like them to share a message with me. They read a beautiful message, then gave it to me to keep. It lifted my spirits, and I've reflected back on it several times. I'd like to share it with you. Among other things, it states, (quote from Orson F Whitney) "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience, is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the Children of God."

I know many friends and family are suffering trials and pain. Please know that it is not wasted. You WILL make it through and become stronger. Have a happy Sunday!