Thanks to Martha for setting up this blog. If it's ok, I'd like to be the first to post here. I don't know much about blogging. My only experience was with the Book of Mormon blog in 2020. Those blog posts were 10,000 words (or more) each. I promise to be much briefer here!
I just want to tell you what an amazing mom you have. Tuesday was a difficult day for Lori. We knew that day would come someday but neither of us was expecting it to come so soon. She went to see Dr. Pingree hoping to get a new presciption for her glasses that would allow her to do well enough on the eye test to get a restricted driver's license for two more years. She did, in fact, qualify for that license and he signed the form and encouraged her to go ahead and apply for it. But then he kindly but professionally counseled her to drive only in emergencies from now on. He said that he would not feel safe riding in a car if she were driving. He talked about how it takes her too long to fill in the blank spots in her central vision to be safe behind the wheel. There is too much danger of a pedestrian, bicyclist, child running into the street or some other hazard to present itself suddenly and her not seeing it in time to react. He doesn't want her to live with the regret of hurting someone else. And neither do we.
Lori and I have been fasting and praying to know what is the right thing to do about her driving. To her credit, she accepted the counsel of Dr. Pingree as the answer to those prayers. It was a bitter pill to swallow and she was pretty sober on the way home from his office. But she has been amazing how she has accepted this. She has determined to "live in gratitude" for all of her many blessings and for the things she can still do and to "live in abundance" going forward. I haven't seen any anger, self-pity or bitterness in her - just acceptance, resolution and strength. What an amazing, wonderful woman!
And you guys have been so great to rally to her side and offer to be her wheels and companion so that her life can continue to be full and joyful. We've organized the WhatsApp chat group "Driving Mom Crazy" for those who live locally to coordinate together how to support her. Each of you has stepped up and been so generous in offering your help and companionship! What an amazing family!
Mom and I are off to Austin this morning to be with Melissa, Sammie and their boys for a long weekend. Melba turned 50 yesterday. It's hard to believe that it is a half a century since she came into our lives in Redondo Beach, CA. We love her and each of you dearly.
Life is good! We are discovering that the twists and turns of life add variety and meaning to each season of life and give us a chance to refocus repeatedly on what is most important - our love and gratitude for our Heavenly Parents, our Savior, Jesus Christ, and each of you. May They continue to bless each of you, our precious, wonderful family.
Love, Dad
Our biggest obsession lately is with our kittens! We adopted one of the Birks' kittens, Fitz, last March. And this February, she had 4 kittens. We have named them Marjorie, Frankie, Vader, and Squeaker. The kids LOVE playing with them! Theyre so curious and so cuddly. And they are surviving Ted's "love" remarkably well. Spencer took Beth, Philip, and Summer to Florida last month to see "Harry Potter World" at Universal. They LOVED it! They had fun on the rides, seeing the shops at Diagon Alley, eating yummy treats (Butterbeer!), and seeing Hogwarts. The low point was probably when Summer started to get scared, so they tried to find something less intense. They ended up on Crusty the Clown's (from Simpson"s) ride. It was waaayyyy creepier than anything in Harry Potter! They also had a fun (rainy) day at the beach, a fun (rainy) hike, and a fun (rainy) visit to the temple (welcome to Florida, I guess!). While they were gone, Ted and I went for our...
Such a wonderful tribute to Mom. Thanks for sharing more details of what happened at the appointment. Mom is such a great example!
ReplyDeleteI agree Dad! Mom has been amazing through this difficult time. I've really admired her great attitude and hope I can handle the things in my future with similar grace! We love you, Mom!
ReplyDeleteMom has never complained or whined about her eyes. Her attitude has been amazing! It's such a lesson to all of us. She's still funny and sweet and wonderful. Thanks to all of you for "driving her crazy!"
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