9/9 to 9/15

The things were done or got accomplished this week beside the normal stuff like piano lesson and going to Curves, was that I started the Live Strong program at the YMCA on Tuesday and also went Thursday.  I thing it will be a real learning experience.  I was excited to find out that the Y has the Silver Sneaker program there so we can use the facility for free after I get through with the program.  I am really excited about that. I did go and backstroked a mile on Saturday.  It really does help my chest to not feel as tight.

Wednesday, I got a wonderful surprise.I got a package from Helen Stephens (my 97 year old  butterfly friend) and a note from her and her daughter Susan.  She sent me a beautiful necklace, a  really cook bracelet and lovely butterfly scarf.  I wore the necklace to church today.  She is such a neat lady.  I want to be just like her when I get older. She is such an example of fortitude and faith.  I love her dearly.

The cute necklace she gave me

  This week I have reflected on the long line of missionaries that are on my side and what a heritage they have given me.. I thought of John Wells who left his wife and child and came to be with the Saints and Lucian Crittenden., my grt, grt grandfather who served a mission in England in 1890. Then his daughter Lucretia Crittenden Shortridge.  She was my mothers, mother and I loved her dearly.  She took such great care of me, stepping in after my mom died.  She would always send little things to the kids.  The other day I found this near the TV.  Where it came from I have no idea. It is just a little round card of pressed flower and this one was to Tobin. 

The little card that was sent to Tobin

Grandma in 1961

  She was such a wonderful lady.  She went on a mission to the Southern States from Nov 6, 1961 to May 12, 1963.  She was 64 years old. We were all so proud of her.  I hadn't read her journal of her mission but I though I would share some of her thoughts as she left the mission home to start her mission.
They only  spend one week in the Hotel Utah and then she rode the train to Georgia.
She writes " My week spent in the mission Home was the most wonderful week I've ever spent.  Hearing the grand men that are so spiritual.  Never again will I ever hear or be in such close contact with all those wonderful brothers in the Gospel. 

God has been good to me, in letting me have this experience.  If I could only remember all the things we were told.
People have all been so wonderful to me.  Aunt Martha Mills three of her friends, went with me to the train when we left Salt Kade, also gave me a nice bag of Fruit.

I am so thankful for this rich experience and for the many things and inspiriation, I have received. My heart is so full of gratitude for all my blessings.  I hop some of my children can experience the joy of being a missionary"

The Beginning of her Journal.

My father wrote "May our Father in Heaven bestow upon you His choicest blessings while you are on your mission. Your Son LD
My Mom wrote" Mother, dear, I am so proud of you and your faith in our Heavenly Father that you have always shown, ever since I can remember.  I am happy that ou have been given the opportunity to serve our Lord in another vineyard.  May He bless and help and guide you and give you inspiration in this your new calling , With love, your daughter Betty.


 




 On Friday, I got an I Pad to help me with teaching. So I have been spending a lot of time just figuring out how to get it to do what I want.  There is so much to learn but I do enjoy it. 

This evening we went over to Betty's house to say good-by to Whitney.  She is going into the Americore program.  She will be helping people out that are involved in disasters. She is going to be working out of the St. Louie area, but she will be sent around the states to where ever she is needed.  I am very proud of her desire to be of service to others

Whitney off to help the nation.