expressions…

Tonight, I had a lot of time to think…I was dipping little pretzels into chocolate.  It is kind of a thoughtless process. So, there was plenty of time to think. I have felt that have I had all these open file folders in my jumbled brain…unopened and scattered every which way. I have needed to organize my thoughts and place them in the proper place and in the proper order.

As I was thinking…a scene popped into my head from the movie Bed of Roses. It is where Christian Slater is explaining the reason he delivers flowers. I can not remember the exact quote but it was something to the affect that he loves to see the expressions on people’s faces. I love to watch people and most of all I love to see their expressions on their faces.

So, I really needed to focus on something different then the thoughts that were jumbled in my head. The thought popped into my head, “go find some expressions.” I ran upstairs and found my stash of cute and precious bags and ribbon. Headed down the stairs, taking them two and three at time…until boom!!! OUCH!!! That was not going to stop me…I was on a mission.

I filled the bags with chocolate covered pretzels, tied them with a bow and headed out the door. What did I find at the homes of my sweet recipients…smiles, hugs, laughter, and gratitude…what a perfect night!!! I am not sure that they knew that their expression would brighten my day…but it did!!! Maybe I was being selfish…I needed to find something happy to focus on…someone else’s expression…and guess what…I did find what I was looking for it was…HAPPINESS!!

Happy day to all of you!!

Michelle

pedicures are for the soothing of the soul…

I have had a lot on my mind lately and have been struggling just a tad bit.  My sweet friend, Vieve, had been the witness of all of this. She has been there to make me laugh, hear me vent, see me cry and most of all—she has just been there!  I am grateful for her in my life. 

Today, I arrived at work with less than the amount of sleep and motivation that one should have.  As soon as I walked in…Vieve exclaims, “We are going for pedicures, today.” 

UMM!!!  I don’t do pedicures!! I do not like people touching my feet—I am so ticklish that it is beyond excitement. 

She said that is what we were doing…and that is exactly what we did!!  Oh, my goodness!!!  It was fabulous!!  It is exactly what I needed!!!  Vieve, thanks for being a wonderful friend and thanks for MAKING me go get a pedicure!!  It was perfect!!  A hour of pure relaxation!!! 

Yes, my feet are ticklish---but it was all worth it!!! 

Thanks for being a wonderful and inspiring friend!!!

Michelle

P.S.  I do…love…pedicures!!!  They are definitely soothing for the soul!!  I do love looking my toes…they bring me happiness!!

Miss Brylie…

My sweet little niece, Brylie, had a routine check up with the most amazing Ophthalmologist-Dr. Scott Larson.  He will be someone that I will consider a hero.  During her check-up, he felt prompted to dilate her beautiful brown eyes.  He ordered a MRI to confirm what he was seeing.  Her brain was swelling.  Her brain was touching her optical nerves.

Immediately, the process began…information sent up to Primary Children’s Hospital to one of the most amazing Nero-surgeons—Dr. Rev-Cambrine.  My brother & sister-in-law went to Primary’s for a consult and Brylie ended up being admitted right at that time.  They needed to relieve the swelling on her brain.  Time was crucial. 

That night, Mom, Dad and I went to see Miss Brylie.  I had the opportunity and privilege to take care of her while they all went to get something to eat.  It was just me and my little buddy in the room.  We read books, cuddled and read more books.  She is definitely a trooper!  Later, Miss Brylie and I decided to walk up and down the halls.  We would be walking down the hall and she would look up at me with her big brown beautiful eyes and smile.  It just melted my heart. I would not have traded that moment with anything in the world.  She means so much to me!

Her grandpa (my dad) along with the elders gave Brylie the most beautiful and powerful blessing.  It was peaceful and truly powerful.  WOW!!  I am glad that I have a testimony of priesthood blessings.

Thursday, she underwent surgery.  We were able witness so many miracles.  Brylie was truly protected and her doctors and nurses were guided through her whole surgery.  Prayers were answered!  They definitely were!

When they brought Brylie up from recovery, my heart was so full of gratitude.  I am grateful for the amazing team of doctors and nurses that took care of her.  They were always checking on her and making sure that she was comfortable and ok. 

I love you my little buddy!!!

Michelle

Lisa…

At the beginning of this week,  I received news that a dear friend, Lisa,  had been admitted to UVRMC in the Intensive Care Unit.  She has been COURAGEOUSLY fighting lung cancer for the past four years.   

On Wednesday morning, Vieve, Russell and I went to visit her.  When I walked into the room, there was an amazing sense of peace…on the other hand, it was the most heart wrenching moment.  She was hooked up to a ventilator and was having a difficult time breathing.  I think that I counted 8 different tubes coming out of her little body.   Her daughter was sitting by her side rubbing her hand. 

As we walked in, Lisa opened her eyes and tried to lift her hand to wave.  During our visit with her, she opened her eyes only a few times.  It was so heart wrenching.  As I left, she squeezed my hand.  How I wish that I would have known that was the last time I would see her alive.  I will remember that squeeze for the rest of my life—that tender sweet squeeze. 

On Thursday, Lisa passed from this life to loving arms awaiting her on the other side.  I can imagine that sweet and glorious reunion that took place.  She is freed from the pain and suffering that has attacked her body for the past 4 years.  Lisa, I love you and will miss you dearly.  You were an example of courageous faith to me that I will never will forget! 

Michelle