Orange Jello

It's great to finally be getting out of the Hospital. I went into surgery on Wednesday morning at 6am. I had such a positive attitude about getting out the following day. That was really silly on my part. So let me share where I have been the past few days. I spent most of my time in room E410in this bed I have 5 incision sites, so sleeping has been a bit of a challenge. Stacking pillows all around me.
This great rolling pole I have been pushing around with me EVERY where. The only time I get freedom from it is when I get to shower. I have named him Baxter.

The food is like as hospital food goes. You would think after so many years of making Jello they would have it down. All I got to eat ( for EVERY meal) was half apple juice and water, fat free milk, decaff coffee ( even after I told them I didn't drink it), chicken or beef broth and Orange Jello. If I never taste orange jello again in my life I will be thrilled!!!
As soon as you are able to walk they like you walking the hallsI found it very hard not to look into other peoples rooms or to get in the nurses way. I however would walk around the halls for 20 min or so then find my way to the end of the hall near this window. I think this was my saving grace. I loved to look around outside. To see the beautiful trees in the wind. I had forgotten how much I love spring. While I was walking I meet a few really neat people. I can not tell you how blessed I feel. I'm feeling better everyday. Stronger. I know the prayers that have been said on my behalf have not gone unanswered! I thank you all. So If anyone is going to be in the hospital for 5 days or longer... here are some things i would suggest
I would like to say my scriptures have been the most enjoyed, but by far the flowers I received cheered me every day. I loved them. I loved to smell them and to touch the silky petals. Thank you SO much for them Lallie, Zeeny, Smlaw, and Chellae. I must say scriptures have been such an uplifting part of my days here. I've taken the opportunity to read on my most resent experiences, and wow there is SOO much that I have missed.
Zenny had gotten me a ton of really neat things that I'm thankful for. I really used the Yahtzee game. The cap stick was a great idea, as was the foot lotion. I liked the fact the magazine had short articles so that I didn't feel bad when I fell asleep in the middle of one. Chellae had gotten me some sippy cups. Those where awesome.All the nurses where impressed that I had my own. I just carried it around in my pocket. I really enjoyed them.

I feel great!

Most people who see me walking or sitting crossed legged in bed are amazed at how well I'm doing. I know where my strength comes from and how thankful I am for this knowledge. Thank you for all of your prayers... They where heard.

P.S. any grammatical errors are to be blamed on my pain meds :)

I understand people have been looking for me...

I am still in the hospital and will be here until Saturday night or Sunday morning. If you are bored and would like to make the drive I am in Albany Med Hospital... visiting hours are from noon-8:30
[written by my personal secretary; Meri]

An update: I will be in the hospital now until at least Sunday morning. Still feel free to visit.
[updated by my hard-boiled husband; Jason]

Ode to Friends

I'm not sure how to even start summing up my feelings over the past few days. I have been greatly blessed with the best of friends. Women who since they day I have met them my life has increased in blessings. When I moved to New York 4 years ago my life was far from where I wanted it to be. I felt so alone. I had been given a Visiting Teacher, one that came to my house, some days just to remind me that she was still here. She made me realize that the gospel was for me too. As I slowly returned to the gospel Meri, saw something in me that I did not see in myself. Dried my tears when I thought of quiting. Encouraged me to strive for much more. Woodine, you are brilliant! Your love for the scriptures is contagious. I can not tell you how your example shaped they way I read and study the gospels. I slowly opened my heart to letting in more beautiful women into my life.





Zeeny and Lallie, I love you guys. I know that you are some of the best dressed ladies , inside and out. Smlaw, you seem to know what to say to me when I need to hear it.

Camille your friendship, and your testimony has changed my life. I could not have better friends too support and love me.



I wish to tell you that I will always cherish all of you. You are the true meaning of love. Thank you all for your support, for your testimonies, and most importantly your example of love and charity





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