GRATITUDE

A significant word- and yet suddenly it seems insufficient.

How can we possibly express our deepest heartfelt gratitude to the Lord for the blessings we have received, and the miracles we have witnessed over the past 10 days? Not to mention the gratitude we feel towards all who are still earnestly praying for Stephen’s recovery. You may have noticed that I haven’t posted an update in the past few days. It isn’t because I haven’t wanted to. I just haven’t been able to find the words to express what I have been feeling.

Gratitude.

Everlasting and infinite gratitude.

The phrase from Ether 6:9 keeps coming to mind:

"And they did sing praises unto the Lord... and did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to thank the Lord."

That passage of scripture beautifully echoes the feeling of our hearts. It has been a week of reflection and evaluation. A time to realign priorities and remind ourselves what is truly important in this life. I have truly loved watching our family grow closer together as we rally around Dad, cheering him on and trying to make sure his needs are met.   

Speaking of Dad- let’s hear the latest update shall we?

Stephen went in to see his pain doctor Thursday morning where they decided to do another pain block. Since then we have all eagerly waited for his pain level to subside… but it hasn’t. We’re not sure exactly why that is. It could be that his pain level was higher back when he had the first pain block last Saturday, so perhaps the relief seemed more substantial. He was also on much much stronger pain medication when he was in the hospital, which I’m sure makes a big difference. Also it’s important to note that the pain block doesn’t affect his back, scapula, or neck pain.

Did you know that? Because I didn’t, until today. Yikes.

The bottom line is- he is in a world of pain. And yet in typical Stephen fashion he continues to wear a smile and tries his best to “get things done” despite the best efforts of those around him to keep him safe in the comfort of his recliner.

For example: Yesterday Stephen’s son Matthew graduated from USU. Graduation is always a tremendous occasion, but Stephen had been looking forward to this particular graduation ceremony because he was supposed to be the one to award Matt with his diploma. Not wanting to miss out on a significant life moment, Stephen insisted on attending the ceremony, at least for part of it. With the help of some marvelous friends, he arrived in a wheel chair and was able to hand Matt his diploma. What a wonderful moment!

Please excuse the phone pictures, it is all my Mom and Linda had available at the time. 

 

I told him he was going to get me in trouble for this picture because he insisted on taking off his neck brace. Feel free to harass him about it, just don’t hurt the messenger. J

Today he held his weekly Bishopric meetings. Thankfully his counselors were kind enough to bring the meeting to him. 

He even came out on the deck and played card games with the grandkids for a while this evening where I overheard the sweetest conversation with his 5 year old granddaughter Olivia…

Olivia: Grandpa, do you know what my favorite day is?

Stephen: What is your favorite day?

Olivia: Any day when I get to see you! Because I love you!

I feel the same way Olivia. He definitely has the ability to make any day a good day- a unique attribute that has continued to carry him through this experience.

Yes, I think I can speak for all of us when I say that the overall emotion we are feeling at this time is GRATITUDE.