Health is the Greatest of Human blessings - Hippocrates and October General Conference

 

October 1, 2023

Dear Family:

Writing to you after an inspiring General Conference is a little daunting.  I was happy to see Kenlee’s post about enjoying Conference.  I was also happy to receive Brad’s text/photo of their watching conference. Every time I watch President Nelson I am struck with his ability to draw me in to his messages of direction, admonitions, inspiration.  “Think Celestial.”

 While listening to conference yesterday, I remembered a General Conference session that I watched in Granite Bay, CA at my Aunt Margaret’s home.  I was helping her scan photos and text for her big personal history/family history books project. I had been considering how to keep my family connected.  College, missions, and busy families had pulled us into all kinds of different directions as happens in every family.  I really did feel that as the matriarch of my family I had a duty to find a way to keep us connected.  It was while watching conference that I got inspiration to start writing an emailed letter to my family every week.  It would keep them connected to me and in turn maybe they would feel like connecting with me or at least they would understand how much I loved them. It has now turned into a blog, but it's the same in theory.

I’m approaching 80.  My health has become something I think about every day. Glennda and I commiserate occasionally about our new physical
limitations that we don’t like – because of natural aging.  The loss of my sister Judy is still fresh with me and her sudden passing has probably contributed to this mind set.  I’ve also been ministering to a dear sister in my ward, Norma. Two or 3 years ago I requested to have her assigned to me.  I really liked her and we shared a Vale, Oregon connection.  A year ago I started taking her to doctor appointments and on and on.  She recently suffered a serious fall and is now in her second stint at an “acute care” facility in Newberg.  In one year she has given up her home, lost her 4^th of 5 children to death, has become unable to walk, and is in constant pain. She has one living child remaining.  She has become very dear to me. I not only appreciate my health, but I appreciate my children and their active role in my life.

In the past few weeks we have been very concerned about Amy and her recovery since her dangerous fall.  I remember like it was yesterday all the anxiety, concern and care involved in my two little boys’ surgeries.  Of course all three had ear infections, colds, fevers, tummy aches and childhood illnesses, etc. Our heath is so important.

I do feel truly blessed because I have been in good general health most of my life. I have guilt that I don’t eat properly. I’ve mentioned many times that cooking for one isn’t fun or easy. I guess what I’m saying is that I’m going to pay more attention to my general health and I’ll try to remember:

·        “It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of silver and gold.” Gandhi

·        "Good health is a crown on the head of a well person that only a sick person can see." – Rohit Sharma

·        "So many spend their health gaining wealth, and then have to spend their wealth to regain their health." – A.J. Materi.

·        "Health is like money; we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it." – Josh Billings.

·        "I believe that the greatest gift that you can give your family and the world is a healthy you." '– Joyce Meyer

·        To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." – Buddha

 

In addition, I was reminded of something today.  President Eyring said that he hoped he had taught all his posterity what they would need to know to endure trials that would be to come. He said his remarks would be a letter to his family.  I can certainly identify with his concern for his family.  That is one of the reasons that I started these weekly letters.

I thought I’d share a couple sentences that spoke to me yesterday from the afternoon session of conference. 

·        I believe it was Elder Neil Anderson who said,  “……you are doing better than you think.”  I think we are all harder on ourselves than we need to be. I really liked that. My sister tells me I’m doing good.  Maybe I am doing better than I think.

·        I don’t remember who said this, “A gift alone does not a master make.” 

That is true in every endeavor; piano lessons, painting, crafts, sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, or a chosen field in college.  I do thank Heavenly Father daily for the gifts and talents that were bestowed on me. After this many years, it’s easy to look back and see how I worked on things to become better.  (As a piano teacher – I try to remind my students that it takes practice.  One lesson doesn’t make allow you to play like an advanced student. It takes years of practice.)  Yesterday Mike sent me a photo of Amy sewing away on her Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine that I had given her as a girl.  She looked intense and happy.  Mike thanked me for teaching her skills that would benefit her family. Wasn’t that a nice gesture!! Thank you Mike!  I’m grateful for my gifts and talents and I’m sure each of you are grateful for your gifts and talents.  I’ve watched each of my children work hard on their careers.  I’ve watched Taylor work hard to become a dentist. (By the way he starts his work in a new area tomorrow.)  I’ve watched Michael put aside his passion for photography for a time while he provides for his family.  I’ve watched all my children and grandchildren work hard.  Bless you!

 

I mentioned to Glennda yesterday that General Conference comes along just when I need my foundation worked on. I am truly grateful for General Conference and all those leaders who work to keep us informed, inspired, motivated and instructed.  It was announced today that a temple in Vancouver, WA will be built.  Wonderful!!

 As a total afterthought, and this means nothing for eternity or to anyone else: The Mariners will not be going to the playoffs.  They have been a nice entertainment for me for the past 6 or 7 months.  Now I’ll find something else.  I don’t know if I can continue being a Blazer fan.  Josef Nurkichek has been traded away. Damian Lillard is now a Milwaukee Buck.  Maybe Damian and Giannis can win the 2023/2024 championship for Milwaukee. I hope so for Damian’s sake.

It looks like Haley and Steve are in Arizona or Southern Utah.  I’m jealous and happy like crazy for them. 

In my mind fall begins today; October 1.  I do enjoy not having to worry about watering my yard.

I love you all.  Have a wonderful week.

Love Mom, Grandma, Great Grandmother, Sister and Aunt Suzanne