Tuesday, May 18, 2010

The Prophet

These past few days have been difficult and I was having a hard time wanting to write about it so I’m sorry it has been a while since the last blog. They say the first two weeks after a transplant are the hardest. He’s had lots of ups and downs (actually just downs) including fluid on his lungs, hooked up to a lot of oxygen, possible central line infection and kidney infections, bags of platelets and many tests, etc. Last night was a little intense; I set the alarm clock every hour so I could wake up and wipe a wet sponge in Van’s mouth. He takes “dry mouth” to a whole new level. We make small attainable goals each day and today he was able to shower by himself, take a walk and sit in a chair for an hour. Amazing! He is on the road to recovery!


On the more positive note, Saturday, Bishop Mott took his youth to the Salt Lake Temple to do baptisms for the dead and guess who they saw? President Thomas S. Monson! The Prophet spent 30 minutes talking to them. He told them to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) He shared many stories, experiences and scriptures that strengthened their testimonies.

Many of the youth came by our hospital room afterwards and administered to us. They each shared something they learned from the Prophet. It was very enlightening. Sister Mott made this “Go Cougars” sign for us. Did you know it is only 108 days until the first BYU football game? We are so excited to change the count down each day.

Sunday night was a very trying time for Van and so his brothers brought their sons and they all sang to him in harmony. Van couldn’t speak much that day but he told me later that angels were singing with them and they had come to “bare him up”. The lady across the hall from us had her second mini transplant two weeks ago and had complications. Her body was trying to pass away Sunday but as soon as the boys started singing (with the angels) that evening, she died within minutes. The nurse said she remembers hearing the songs, “I Need Thee Every Hour and I Believe In Christ” as she walked down the hall and finding out the news. It was so touching to be a part of such a heavenly event.

We love you all so much and thank you for your prayers and fasting. We couldn’t do this without all of you joining your faith with ours.

4 comments:

  1. we love you guys ~ peace to you at these most difficult times, even 24/7 do both you and your husband labor in diligence. what wonderful souls surround you ~ and how beautiful is the faith that you and van cherish ~ !! thank you for your example of an elect lady in these latter-days. i think that your heartfelt words have touched more souls than you know. and you exemplify the best example of loving wife ~ giving us a glimpse of heaven. thank you, dear girl!
    claudia mittermeier payne

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  2. Hang in there Wendy! It's so hard to feel so helpless while you watch the love of your life suffer like this! Love ya girl! Van's gonna kick this thing! I felt the Spirit so strong as I read through this post. Thanks for sharing it! Hugs! Tomorrow's a new day, full of new "inch-stones" to be met!

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  3. Okay...so if crying means I'm feeling the spirit, there's been a lot of that happening to me lately!

    You are amazing to keep this up...it's got to be hard to write, but at least it's easier than answering a million+ phone calls and/or email messages.

    Praying for you both, as always...and continuously blessed that I'm related to such an incredible couple.

    LOVE and HUGS--and lots of hydration =) --to you both,
    Libby

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  4. Just thinking of you and praying for you.

    Bro. Caldwell

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