Family is everything...

It has been three weeks since I last posted and it seems like time is standing still /rushing by.

We had a very special Christmas with the highlight being our "C" Dinner evening on the Night Before The Night Before Christmas. All our children and their spouses were there and we crowded into our tiny living room (with some of the furniture moved out) seated together at a long table...14 of us! We had our traditional meal of "C" foods and visited up a storm.

After dinner we moved out the tables and some of the chairs. Then our children brought in a beautiful leather, mororized lounge chair they had purchased for their Dad. We visited some more and exchanged gifts with lots of laughing and sillyness. Robin seemed to be soaking up the love. It was suggested that we talk a bit about their Dad and their love for him and ask him questions and tell him things they felt they needed to say. It was a very precious hour with tender moments and testimonies shared. We expressed our decision to forgo any medical therapy or treatments and spend the remaining time Robin will have as quality time. (The doctors explained that treatment could possibly extend the time but would surely be very painful and uncomfortable.)

As the evening came to a close there were hugs all around and expressions of love, one to another. The kitchen was cleaned and furniture restored. Robin and I sat alone and simmered in the lovely feeling.

Christmas Eve was very quiet and solitary as we knew our families were snuggled in their homes with their children around them. Christmas Morning we prepared to travel to Bountiful where we would all be together again plus all the grandchildren. It was a fun but very tiring time and we were glad to return to our cozy home in Orem.

In the last two weeks we have had many visits from family and old friends... and our new Hospice friends. We feel well cared for and loved. We have not second guessed or questioned our decisions... even tho some have felt we need to get a second opinion, or turn to herbal remedies, or find someone "special" to give a "miracle" blessing. All these suggestions have poured off us like water and only strengthened our resolve to stay the course. We have grown closer as a couple and sometimes feel like we are on a "second honeymoon."

We are not sure just how much time we have to be together but we are trying to make the most of every day. It is hard and will get harder but we want everyone to know we have great comfort in the Plan of Salvation and The Atonement. Our children are very attentive and keep us company when we need it. Family is everything.