Sept. 25, 2016  A Great Week (but one with new surprises)

Ted and I, during the LDS Philadelphia Temple dedication last weekend, listened to an Apostle of our church tell how one man felt about our prophet Joseph Smith’s teaching of eternal marriage.

It brought tears to our eyes. This is another example of teachings that are truly beautiful, and I remembered how, as a young convert, I recognized it as being just what a loving Heavenly Father would want for his children.

For Elder Parley P. Pratt of the Quorum of the Twelve, a knowledge of this doctrine of eternal marriages deepened his love for his family: “It was Joseph Smith who taught me how to prize the endearing relationships of father and mother, husband and wife; of brother and sister, son and daughter. It was from him that I learned that the wife of my bosom might be secured to me for time and all eternity; and that the refined sympathies and affections which endeared us to each other emanated from the fountain of divine eternal love. It was from him that I learned that we might cultivate these affections, and grow and increase in the same to all eternity; while the result of our endless union would be an offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven, or the sands of the sea shore. … I had loved before, but I knew not why. But now I loved—with a pureness—an intensity of elevated, exalted feeling, which would lift my soul from the transitory things of this groveling sphere and expand it as the ocean. … In short, I could now love with the spirit and with the understanding also.” What a beautiful expression of love for our eternal companions.

Update: I have decided when asked, “How are you?” that I will respond, “ I am doing great” - no matter what.

I have a husband that loves me. I have children that love me, and have forgiven me for mistakes made. I have sixteen beautiful grandchildren that love me. I have a sister whose family has been wonderful to Ted and I during this time. I have a church (ward) family plus two awesome Visiting Teachers that have rallied around me and my family to give us love and support. I know where I am heading to be with our loving Savior. How blessed am I.

Physically I am losing function  faster than I expected. It is actually funny as it has been so unexpected. I took a hard fall today because I did not know just how weak my ankles have become. Yesterday I had help to get down to our living room, not realizing that when left alone (when everyone else went to bed) that I could not get out of the chair I was in - so I slipped down to crawl to the stairs and then, since there was no railing, I couldn’t get up the stairs. Finally after calling out for my daughter, she comes running, thinking I fell. I was just laughing. I thought I was going to have to spend the night on the cold floor.  It took two people to lift me and get me up the stairs making us shocked at how much strength I have lost since climbing the Hollywood Hills 6 months ago. Every day is an adventure.

Due to stress Ted is down with Shingles and thus we both missed church. Our sweet neighbor and Bishop came to give Ted, I, and our darling daughter blessings. All is well.
Linda

P.S. from Ted:

Tonight is my first meeting with the local ALS support group.  I hope to learn about some details of the equipment needed in the future. At the very least I think I will learn how to make some of the daily tasks go easier for Linda. 

As Linda told, our Bishop and a good friend came to the house last night to give us a blessing.  I’m so grateful for the Priesthood and the many things Heavenly Father has provided for our comfort during this life. 

A word of advise: Even though it is expensive, I highly recommend senior citizens get the Shingles vaccination!