Tender Mercies

Our Family, without our kid's spouses,  I wish we had a picture of  them also.

Paul and Roma in love.

In the Book of Mormon in 1 Ne 1:20 it talks about the "tender mercies" of the Lord. Among LDS people it  has become kind of a catch phrase for blessings received. In our case and in our situation it applies. Even before I was diagnosed with cancer I believe I was being prepared to undergo this trial. When I learned that I had a tumor Roma and were blessed with a peace beyond compare. We didn't know what would happen or how long it would take but we have always had a feeling we would be okay no matter what.
Proof of that is when our family, friends, and neighbors banded around us giving us support in any way we needed. Our kids and their spouses did a role reversal. They fretted over our comfort, took turns in the hospital during all night vigils, and made sure Roma was never without a shoulder to lean on. Our neighbors took it upon themselves to inundate our home with food and goodies. My co-workers took up a collection to help me with my expenses and my sister in law organized a quilt auction at her quilt store to earn money to help with our growing medical bills. Every day someone touched our hearts with their concern, generosity, and compassion.
The feeling that everything will be alright continues to this day.  We still don't know how long we have but have a firm testimony that the Lords in charge. In many ways this has been an excellent experience for us.  We know more of the Saviors love and the goodness of the people around us. Truly, the Lord's words where he said that service to your fellow men is service to Jesus Christ have been exemplified by all of you. There are many guardian angels around us and most of them are our family, neighbors and friends.
At this season of the year between Thanksgiving and Christmas we want to thank you for your prayers and your kindnesses.  May the blessings of the Lord be upon you.