Reflection

So, this past Sunday, Kenneth and I went up to Logan with my brother Michael, his fiancee Kim, my sister Alisha, and my step sibs, Tony and Julie. We went to go visit Mama Marva, Jayne's mother. She has had cancer for many years, and a year or two back she decided that she was done with chemo, and that she would no longer do any of the normal treatments. She has been pretty well, but has recently had a turn for the worst. Her cancer has spread, and the doctors have given her a very short time until she passes. Sunday we went up together to see her for at least one last time.

The Woodward home is one that is always filled with love and laughter. When my dad remarried, Mama Marva and Papa Ken accepted me as one of their own grandkids instantly. Their love and compassion was one of the main reasons my transition to step-family life was so smooth. I spent a lot of time with them when they lived in Woodland, CA and missed them tons when they moved to Logan, UT. It was great to see them again, and to visit with Suzie, Linda (two aunts), Christina (cousin from Spain who was at BYU) and of course with Papa Ken and Mama Marva. We spent many hours just talking about the upcoming wedding, and reminising about the past. The days when Mama Marva sewed matchings dresses for Sharon and Linda, and the bratty girls who couldn't stand the dresses at the time, but who wonder where they are now. We laughed a lot, and remembered a lot of great memories. All too soon, however, it was time to go. Mama Marva was getting tired, though she never would have admitted it. I went to give her a hug goodbye - what may have been for the last time in this life, and it broke my heart when she held my hand, told me what a wonderful person I was, and wouldn't let go. It broke my heart to see Papa Ken trying to be so strong, yet knowing that his heart was breaking. Mama Marva kept holding my hand, even while hugging Alisha goodbye and the others.

Eventually we left, and the reality of what was happening hit me when I got home. I am not unaccustomed to death. I know it happens, I've experienced a lot of it, from grandparents, aunts, uncles, and several cousins. Over a dozen deaths since I've been born. I know I will see my loved ones again, and for that knowledge I am truly grateful. I pray that a miracle happens, and that her life will be extended, but at the same time, if Heavenly Father needs her home, I understand that too. Either way tears found their way down my face and onto the pillow that night as I thought about this wonderful woman who has touched the lives of so many people.

As I've reflected on this the last couple of days, it has helped me to revamp my efforts of making each day count. I tend to get frustrated easily, and sometimes lose my temper...unfortuntaly it is usually the people I am closest to who get the brunt of it...and that means Kenneth. I love Kenneth and my family members and countless friends - friends who really are family to me so much. I am trying to be better to give thanks for all the many blessings I have, and the people who bring those blessings into my life. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for making my life better.

Tagged

A-Attached or single: Attached
B-Best Friend: Kenneth
C-Cake or Pie: Cake - especially with rainbow chip frosting!
D-Day of Choice: Definitely Friday! I am so excited to be off work for a couple of days!
E-Essential Item(s): Chapstick/Lip Gloss
F-Favorite Color: Green
G-Gummi Bears or Worms: Gummy Worms - I like ripping them in half before I eat them
H-Hometown: Woodland, CA
I-Indulgence(s): Rolls and cooked carrots
J-January or July: July - I would rather be hot than freezing all the time!
K-Kids: Not yet...
L-Lemons of Limes?: Lemons
M-Marriage Date: December 29th, 2007
N-Number of Siblings: 3 blood-brothers, 1 blood-sister, 2 step-brothers and 2 step-sisters
O-Oranges or Apples: Oranges
P-Phobias or Fears: Dying young, not being able to have kids, Kenneth dying while rockclimbing
Q-Quote(s): "Don't marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can't live without. - James C. Dobson
R-Reason to Smile: I get to be with Kenneth forever!
S-Season: Spring or Fall
T-Tag: (If you're up for it) Aubrey, Karen & Kim
U-Unknown Fact About Me: I am training for a marathon
V-Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: I like meat...although I don't eat it too often
W-Worst Habit: I don't exercise enough patience
X-X-Rays or Ultrasounds: I don't know...
Y-Your Favorite Food: carne asada tacos, homemade salsa
Z: Zodiac: Pisces

Utah Mom Update

So, for those of you who haven't known, Utah Mom (Kenneth's mother) has been in the hospital lately. She has been sick for the last month and a half - has had NO energy and has been throwing up almost every day. The doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong until just last week. They found out that she had Clostridium Difficil - which is caused by taking too many antibiotics. It turns out that when she got the flu a couple months ago, she was on antibiotics. The antibiotics killed the bad bacteria, but it also killed the good bacteria that is always present in your intestines. So, the bad bacteria was able to florish as there was nothing there to stop it.

Once they discovered this they started her on a much stronger antibiotic to kill off the bacteria. However, since she throws EVERYTHING up, they had to admit her to the hospital to administer the medicine through an I.V. She was finally able to leave 2 days later. She has been feeling much better, but is extremely tired and has little energy.

This experience has made me so grateful for my good health. It is something I hope I never take forgranted. Please continue to pray for UT Mom that she will be able to recover quickly and completely.

Happy Birthday to Me!

So, yesterday was my birthday, and it was fabulous! I went to work, and received calls from my Papa, and from my mom (who always calls every year at the exact TIME you were born - lucky for me that's 7:30 a.m. rather than in the middle of the night). My brother Tytus called also.

Now, I am not really one of those people who tells others when it is my birthday. However, my friend at work Megan knew, and brought me a piece of cake. Later in the day, 5 of the bosses here at 3-form walked towards me and surrounded my desk.

DeeJay, my boss' boss said, "Amy, what day is today?"

Me, trying to play dumb said, "Monday!"

"Yes, but what is the date?"

"March 3rd"

"And what happened on March 3rd??"

"Um...I was born?!"

Anyway, they presented me with a card that had 2 movie tickets inside. I was really excited because Kenneth and I NEVER go to the real theater, but only the dollar theaters. We're going to have to choose wisely which movie deserves our free tickets.

Work was also very good - it went REALLY fast, and I didn't have a single customer yell at me! After work, Kenneth picked me up, we went home to change out of work clothes, and opened my gift from him, which was a running shirt. For those who don't know, we're training for a marathon, and I have been dying in my cotton shirts, and asked for a cooler one. I am VERY excited for it!

Then, Kenneth and I went to the mall in search for a cute purse for me. I have wanted a larger, more fun one, and after searching for awhile, we finally found it!

Then, we headed over to my brother's apartment where we meet up with him (Michael) his fiance (Kim) and my sister Alisha. We had dinner which consisted of french bread pizza (delish!) salad, and the ultra crisp double chocolate chocolate chip cookies Kenneth made the night before. It was a great night and a fantastic birthday!