I can't go on in my journal without sharing about the incredible service given to me by my dear friend, Pretty Patty Petty. Patty lives by Boise-and she and Tom have been our friends since Young Marrieds at BYU. We did everything together. And all these millions of years later, we are still buds!
When my surgery was a week earlier than I thought it would be, and I realized my husband had already purchased a plane ticket for his annual hunting trip to Nebraska with friends- I admit, I got a little teary and panicked. I knew without question my family and friends around me would step up to the plate and help but I also knew at first I needed 24 hour care- and so- the tears. Then I called Patty and whined, "I need you ! Would you come and take care of me?" And she said "you bet" and called her boss and took time off and drove here and spent almost 5 days with me.
David's flight was afternoon so he was able to take me to the hospital and stay with me until I was in recovery. Brandi then took over and got me dressed and home and Patty was here waiting. I felt so loved.
Patty LOVES to sew and LOVES to do service projects so through the years we have made a million things together and for others. During the "day" we used to do all the seasonal crafts. So many fun memories! Then we have done service. We made a hundred baby quilts for a Stake RS project. Probably that many t-shirt dresses for Africa. This past year we've made a hundred plus feminine pads again for Africa. Now when I say "we, I get the supplies and do any cutting I can but any sewing Patty does. Patty also does baby blankets for the Nicu- (since she lost a little grand)- makes baby clothing for babies that don't make it-cat beds for her local shelter, etc. I can't remember all that has been done.
I love her. I love her wonderful heart.
I love that she dropped everything to come and help me.
Several months ago I shared that Patty, out of the blue, sent me two darling needle works. I was going to frame them- but I decided that I wanted to make a pillow out of one. I hadn't done it but Patty did when she came. Look how darling!
Also about a month ago, I purchased indoor outdoor tablecloths for our summer parties. (below the teal with orange and fish) but they didn't have all the sizes I needed for my smaller tables. Patty took the table cloths to the fabric store and found this darling orange fabric (water repellent) and made 6 coordinating tablecloths plus 3 smaller runners. All with a smile on her face!
We also watched movies galore- Mama Mia 1 and 2, the Mister Rogers movie, some Hallmark and The Choice. We ate and ate and laughed and talked each others ears off. So much fun while I was in a bit of agony and pain.
I must admit that people have brought in meals for about 10 days! Our compassionate service leader called to see what she could set up and I told her that people had been serving me all week without any assignments. I felt so loved! My dear, dear friends! Our good home teachers, Dick and Diane Emery brought in meals twice! Debbie Stowell, Heather Oakeson, Laurie Barnson, Lynda Raddon. Caramels( Cari Larsen and the Emery's!) and flowers (thank you Dorothy J., Myrna and Roy and Hortenica!!!!) and munchies- oh my. Oh, and writing friend Carolyn and Myrna also brought meals!!!! So blessed! Penny and Laurie each brought me baskets of goodness. I think the word is hygge- the Danish way of creating a cozy atmosphere- and the baskets were filled with all things needed to feel pampered and loved!
I have appreciated the pop in visits (because I am sooo bored!) and phone calls. BFF Cathy comes and gets me and we go get Egg McMuffins and during the day a drink. Brendalyn is always there for me as well. Even though it has been a miserable time, my heart has been filled with such love and appreciation. I think I will survive.
Oh, I keep thinking about things. Our RS President, Allison Gibbons was released a few weeks ago. She is such a doll. She and Rob have been in Hawaii for weeks now- and she read on Facebook that something had happened to me and reached out to me by text. She said since she wasn't here, she would take me on a virtual tour of Hawaii for the week! And she has. We have had laughs galore (one that I can't even print here!)- I loved this picture that she sent.
Allison has taken me to a Tongan Ward for Church, drank a pina colada for me and I've seen beautiful Hawaii every day. I told her I needed a titch more sunscreen and she obliged!
As always, the Charm Girls keep me entertained on Marco Polo so how can I feel lonely?
I sent a picture to the Charmettes and Debbie replied my puncture wounds look like blowholes to her!
My biggest success? I can now turban my wet hair with one left hand! Talents are late coming!
