Finding my Place

Man, today was amazing!  What a great sacrament talk I had the privilege of listening to.  You can truly see and feel when someone has spent many hours prayerfully preparing the talk and hoping it reaches someone.  It has been a few weeks since my new calling and I find myself trying to find my place.  I have went into relief society twice and then left right before it started.  It just felt awkward. Today, I made it all the way thru!  I know for many that is no accomplishment, but it was for me.  I also made it to gospel doctrine today. I know my Heavenly Father needed me to be there.  What a great lesson it was.  We talked about the good samaritan and the need for us all to live our lives like Christ.  Discussing who just are our neighbors?  What a topic to hear.  Wiping the tears away, all I felt was the love my Heavenly Father has shown to me the last few months and it makes me ever grateful and willing to live my life to make Him proud.  

Some are born to lend a hand, someone said today, while others have to learn how to do that.  I found that quite helpful.  I think so many times I have wondered why others don't just do what we all should be doing and what I find myself doing each day.  I have also been told by many that 'just some people aren't like that.'  Never did I realize that maybe they just don't know how.

I received two separate letters this week from ladies at church.  Oddly enough, both mentioned that I wasn't approachable.  I still am learning and growing and finding ways to let others in.  It isn't easy for me.  I have a sense of fear letting too many people in and get close to me.  I too have to do my part and let them in.  

Some food for thought.  If you know or see someone in need, physically or emotionally, put that hand out.  Be brave and just talk with them.  Maybe that is all they need is to talk.  You might not have all the answers and that is ok.  They won't expect you to.  They just need to know someone cares.  And on the other hand, if you are the one who needs the help; let them in, accept their willingness to be there for you and let the walls down.  Not everything will be easy but in the end, it will be worth it.

Sandwich for a Friend in Need

Sometimes I am amazed with Damian and the kindness in his heart.  I shouldn't be surprised since we have done all we can to instill in him good values and morals, but just sometimes he says things that I am in awe of.

We were just discussing making sure he was taking some extra snacks so he can fuel up before football practice.  I mention a couple items I think would be fitting.  He then replies, "if I can go without a sandwich at lunch, I think I will be ok until I get home."  I pause and ask what he means. He then proceeds to tell me that he gives his sandwich to a kid at school every day.  I ask why (of course making sure it isn't a bullying issue), and he replies "he doesn't have any lunch every day, so I just give him my sandwich."

Any one who knows my kid, knows he can eat!  For him to willingly give his sandwich every day melts my heart.  I know that he doesn't really see the deeper meaning but  I am so proud of the man he is becoming and the humility and kindness he shows to others.  It reminds me that no matter what encounters we have in our lives, that perhaps we can be that good samaritan in someone else's life.

A New Chapter

A new chapter has begun.  I was called to serve as personal progress leader in young women's.  I am a little anxious since I have no idea what I am doing but I am also very excited to be a part of this special portion in the young women's lives.

Young women's was a huge part of my life.  I remember striving to earn all my medallions and felt so great about the accomplishment.  Young women's leaders in my life played a huge role.  There were so many times when they were all I could turn to.  They always had an open door for me and helped me through some trials of being a teen.

I have thought of my Savior often before I accepted the calling but felt reassurance when I know that I am one of my Heavenly Father's daughters and that He wants nothing but the most for each of us.

I hope I have the opportunity to touch just one of these young women's lives as mine touched me.

Feeling My Savior's Love

I am so thankful for my Savior and the love He gives to me.  As I sat in the C room yesterday, I found myself sitting in the same seat I have been for the last few months.  I sat on the couch directly across from the picture of Him.  I love being able to look at Him straight on.

Yesterday was different for some reason.  I sat, looked up at Him, and began to think about the picture.  I began to sob each moment I looked at Him.  I imagine His arms reaching out and telling each of us "I am with thee."  In our darkest moments and our deepest needs we should remember those words.

I then really focused on His hands.  The hands and wrists that were pierced for me.  The pain He suffered for me.  The life He lead for me.  What on earth do I have to complain about when He has already felt everything I am feeling.  Now, I know first hand that is way easier said then done.  We feel completely alone when in reality He is just wanting us to be able to make the choices and decisions He already knows we are going to make.  We were given agency for a reason and it is the plan of our Heavenly Father that we are able to make choices in time of need regardless of reassurance.

I felt a great impression as I looked at Him that he was telling me "Do not give up. Do not lose your way.  Do not lose all that you have worked for."  When the reassurance had faltered, it was right there in front of me.

I have learned a great deal about my faith the last little while.  I know that my Heavenly Father and Savior want me to have faith in all I do.  Having faith that He has a plan for us, will only empower us and strengthen our testimonies in the things we are looking for.  

Going Under the Knife

Other than having ear tubes at 6 months old which Damian has no recollection, this would be his first time going under the knife at a point where he would be able to have some memories from it.

Last summer he hurt his shoulder in football practice.  Since it didn't require a hospital visit, I blew it off to general pain that he chose to exaggerate the pain.  What was an occasional complaint of it still hurting became an every day pain that motrin and tylenol were not helping.  I finally took in him to the dr the end of December.

He was ordered for xrays and an orthopedic referral.  Xrays were negative and orthopedic ordered an MRI.  MRI results showed a bankart tear.  Yep, biggest loser mom award!

After some consulting and weighing the options we chose to get it fixed with surgery so it would be less of an issue when he plays football again this year.

Damian was actually excited for the surgery just to be out of pain.

Day one of surgery, he received a nerve block so he had dead fish arm.  He was fascinated by it but also very confused because he couldn't move any part of it.

Day two, recovery day one, his nerve block wore off and he finally had to take some pain medicine. He was able to continue to be comfortable and get through the day.

He has made progress and is doing his exercises to gain mobility again.  Ice is our new friend and he comes out of the sling when we are home since there is little danger of injuring it again.

We are prepping him to go back to school Monday.  Just hoping he doesn't get ran in to too much.  I hope he can get through the day without too much pain.  He is a trooper!

I must say it has been enjoyable being able to be a 'mom' to him in need.  Brushing the hair, helping take off shirts.  I will take it wherever I can get it these days.  Tucking him in bed and helping prop his shoulder up is just another little way to enjoy the moments of being needed.

We are thankful for all the prayers for him to be well.