make glemonade

I can't be the only one that every time I read that phrase still hears that annoying song from Phenomenon by Eric Clapton. But, with a more sober tone, I am so saddened right now that to look at this topic and not think about mass shootings and police violence, and violence against police, is impossible. I've not been writing this post because I feel like it deserves more time and deep thought than I have been able to muster. But can't you feel it, from everywhere? Everyone is so tired, we are so tired of fighting, so tired of anger, of hate, of injustice, of intolerance. I look around and see most of us do want to get along, we want peace and safety, mercy and if not that at least justice. Every week now there are more, not just one but several killings, shootings, and if not shootings it's a truck, it's a bomb, it's something. Aren't we all just tired? What can we do? I know the solution we have is to be part of the change, be kind, be thoughtful...

So, when your husband gets sick, all you think about is him getting better. There are no other thoughts, so we quickly became grateful for doctors that simply told us what to do. We did it all. We bought flannel sheets so it would not hurt his head. They told us the best route for financial assistance, so we filled out piles of paperwork. They told Eric not to eat for 24 hours before [fill in the blank] test, so he didn't. They told us to freeze some sperm, just in case, before he started chemo therapy, so we did. It was a really awkward and amusing experience, really. One we are happy to tell you in person. I remember talking to the chemo nurses, particularly one, I don't remember her name but she loved 80s music, skiing, and Eric. She said people have kids all the time after they go through chemo. I don't even remember why we were talking about it. It was something at the very beginning that scared me, the thought of it causing infertility was one of my biggest fears abou...

It is so hard to put into words the feelings I have about temporarily losing Peggy in our life. My mother in law passed away December 18th. I might think of something to say in the future, but right now all I can think to do is post the few pictures I have of her from my perspective of life. She lived so much more than I got to see, but here is my small tribute to her. Tom and Peggy are two different people that work great together. They are wonderful. She was one of our four very supportive and loving parents that got us to the temple and stood by us at our sealing. There weren't very many members of my own family in the temple with me for my endowment; I remember distinctly looking over when Peggy and my sister-in-laws walked in and feeling overwhelmingly grateful that they were there and a new part of my family. The whole Glem Crew. Peggy's prides and joys: husband, parents, children, grandchildren. <3 Don't they look so much alike?! This was the family hanging out ...