Mormon Musings

OK.  I'm back.  Had a hard time getting focused the past few months but with kids back in school I feel I have a few moments now and then to think.  I posted an article today on perceptions of Mormons in academics.  I blogged here about an experience I had while interviewing for an academic position.  The LDS church is getting a lot of exposure with Romney as the republican nomination.  Its been interesting to watch people in how they act, what they say.  This article reminded me of a time when I lived in Boston.  Peter was attending a Jewish liberal arts grad school, I was working at a Jewish affiliated hospital.  We had friends and colleagues that were Jewish, Catholic, Muslim, Episcopalian, Methodist, Hindu and Atheist.  It was a time that we cherished as we learned about other religions and other cultures different than our own.  It was also a time of growth for the LDS church in New England as a Temple had been announced to be build in Belmont just a few miles away from where we lived.  Of course we were thrilled with this but we quickly found out that there were many that were not. 

At the time, part of my work was with hearing aid fittings.  A major hearing aid manufacturer had their northeast facility in the Greater Boston area.  We trained regularly with this company and used their products on a daily basis.  My colleagues and I had been invited to a workshop that included a luncheon with the company owners.  My boss was good friends with the managing director of the company and we were invited to sit with the big wigs at lunch.  Conversation was mostly work related in the beginning and everyone was enjoying themselves.  My boss asked the director how his family was and he replied that things were good at home except that his home was on the border of the property designated as the Mormon Temple site.  Then he talked about all things he couldn't stand about the Mormons and how they were going to ruin the value of his property.  I saw my boss get nervous as the conversation turned.  He tried repeatedly to change the subject but this man had plenty to say.  My boss then tried to engage me in a personal conversation so that I would be distracted by what was being said at the table.  I politely said that I wanted to hear what this man had to say.  I tried to give my boss reassurance with my expression that it would be okay.  I then mentioned that I had heard that property values located next to Mormon temples significantly increased due to the beauty of the building and grounds.  He brushed that off.   Eventually the conversation changed again much to the relief of my boss.  I have to say I had the best co-workers ever and those that knew what had happened gave me looks of apology.  It was okay.  I was okay.  I understood the concerns this man had.  But I also knew that he would be surprised by the beauty and peaceful nature of the temple grounds in years to come.

As the church started plans for the temple, opposition started to rise in the community.  So much opposition that they started to schedule regular community meetings to answer questions and hear concerns from the public.  Peter and I decided to check out one of these meetings.  We were overwhelmed at the numbers of people who showed up and the vehemence in which they spoke.  The meeting we attended lasted hours.  People lined up behind the microphone to object to the size of the building, the lighting, the angle of the shadow of the steeple, you name it and it was discussed.  Eventually the church agreed to reduce the size of the building, to turn the lights down at a certain time, and to angle the building so that the shadow of the steeple would cast over the highway.  These were just a few of the accommodations made to appease the community.  It was a hard day as I found out what others thought about me.

Why did I tell these two experiences?  Because I learned something from them.  I learned that people are afraid of the unknown or unfamiliar.  Its human nature to be wary, defensive, narrow minded, and protective of the things that are important to us.  With this new exposure and the possibility of  a Mormon President, we have an opportunity to educate, to set an example, to open the minds and hearts of those who may be ready to put up a wall of ignorance.  It is not productive to be defensive.  It is productive to live by example, have open dialogue, be loving, and accepting of others who may be afraid, or not know what Mormons are all about.  Our Savior was the ultimate example of how to treat others and if we claim to want to be like him, then we should do just that.

uninspired rambling

I have plenty of things to post about, trip to bear lake, cousin camp, family reunions, etc... But really just feeling uninspired.  I just dread that feeling of empty... even though your life is full.  Its a bit of an oxymoron in a way.  I feel like I'm waiting, but not sure what I am waiting for.  On the other hand, I have to ask my self what have I done lately to feel inspired?  Not much.  Time to pull up the boot straps.

Our Summer Trip 2012

We were able to make it on our trip to Yellowstone a few weeks ago.  We go back every few years.  Its just one of those places that amazes you everytime you see it.  Its so unique. The boys liked the fact that it has the largest number of geysers in the world and that some of the mud pots were so acidic that it could eat your skin.  The wildlife didn't dissapoint.  Within 15 minutes of entering the park we said hello to this moose.   And of course, the bison all along the way.

 

My favorite parts of the park are the hot springs.  They may be smelly but they are so beautiful.

We had to give Erin some extra time. This first day she was still pretty sore. 

 Old Faithful is a crowd favorite, for me its just okay.

 

My second favorite area is the falls.

 Mammoth Hot Springs.  The main spring moves around from year to year.

After Yellowstone, we went to Lava Hot Springs.  It was so cold they closed the super fun outdoor pool.  We made the best of it.

This year we tried something new.  Instead of tenting it we rented a pop up trailer.  We still had the camping experience without having to sleep on the ground.  It also provided heat for the cold nights.

It's broken

Last week we got a call saying Erin had fallen from the monkey bars and broken her arm.  We rushed over and found our little girl trying to be brave.  I gently moved her arm to get an idea of how to splint it for a trip to the hospital.  Her arm above the elbow started to dangle and I immediately set it down.  Fortunately our neighbor (who is a family doc) arrived to see if he could help.  He had a wrist splint that he gently slid over the break which gave it just enough stability to get her to the car.  It was a long painful ride to the hospital.  When we arrived they left it in the splint and took x-rays.  Doc came in and said "It's badly broken, we are consulting with the ortho doc here to see if he feels he can repair it.  If not, she is going to Primary Children's".   They needed to splint it first though.  They quickly decided she would need to be put to sleep.  A team of people came in and got ready to put her out.  I moved back to give them access but I guess I didn't really know what to expect.  They gave her the medicine and in seconds she was out.  Two docs got her arm repositioned and started to splint it.  I watched as her oxygen levels started to drop.  Someone quickly pulled her head back and started to bag her to get oxygen to her lungs.  I started to panic a little at that point but by minute 4 she was starting to move and breathe and wake up.  Then, they felt for a pulse in her wrist.  Not there.  Ortho from the other hospital on the phone told them to splint it in whatever position they could maintain blood flow to her hand.  So they started to move her arm again.  Fortunately she was still fairly out of it.  They got a faint pulse and let the splint harden. 

The blood flow was a problem and sealed the deal to going to Primary's and on top of that she would be going by ambulance.   I was grateful at that point that the doctors recognized their abilities vs her injury.  They packed her up and off we went.  I think the hour ambulance ride was the hardest part of the whole thing.  There is nothing like watching your child in pain.  Two more doses of morphine later we were there.  Orthopedics had already been called in even though it was late at night.  Erin was really hurting and now it was her hand that was in the most pain.  There was no longer a pulse and her hand was not getting much blood flow.  She could not move her hand at all.  The doctors decided to give her another medicine to help relax her.  As soon as they injected in her IV she went out again.  Her oxygen dropped again and the nurse started to stimulate her chest to get her to take some breaths.  "She liked that medicine a little to much" said her nurse.  Finally she started to move a bit and wake up some.  They got her ready for surgery and just before she went in Dad arrived along with Grandma and Grandpa.  She got her second blessing that evening.  She was so happy to go to surgery so they would put her to sleep and relieve the pain.  They told us anywhere from an hour to five hours pending the need for vascular surgery.  Then we waited.

About an hour and a half later we got the call from the OR.  She did great.  Once the bones were pinned she started having good blood flow.  No need for vascular surgery.  We were so relieved.  When she came out the doctor told us that it could be anywhere from a few days to a few months before she had full movement of her hand.  An hour later she was moving all her fingers.  The docs were truly amazed at her immediate progress.  She was released the next day with full movement in her hand, a soft cast, and lots of pain meds.  Days later, she was doing so well, we were able to go on our planned vacation only a day late.

Even though it was just a broken arm, it was scary.  We feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends, family, and neighbors. They took care of Erin, prayed for her, brought her notes and goodies while recovering, and took care of our other children so we could be with her.  Thank you so much!  We hope we can be that kind of support when others are in need. 

Today Erin got her hard cast.  She chose lime green.  Its so bright that it blinded her in the parking lot.  We love our brave girl.

Her Thumb Fell Off

Does anyone else get interesting phone calls like this?

Hello?

Mom, My Barbie's thumb fell off?

Oh no, does she still have her fingers?

Yes, well, she still has her thumb too, its just not on her.

I will be home in a minute and then we will take a look.

OK, bye.

So when I walked in the door, Brenna says "Mom, I lost her thumb". 


I have not doubt that barbie will be just fine without her thumb.  Barbie is pretty amazing if you ask me.  Remember this post?

Sitting next to me

A few months ago I got up early to go to work.  It was cold outside.  I was driving toward work and memories of my Grandma suddenly filled my head.  She had MS and my only memories of her were at the nursing home.  She was really only able to move her head.  We went to visit her every Sunday afternoon.  I remembered her soft silky pajamas that she liked.  I remembered watching science fiction theater with her in her room.  I used to help her when she asked for a drink of water.  I would get her white cup with a bendy straw and place the straw between her lips so she could drink.  I remembered watching my mother and grandmother visit. 

Then as I drove, her presence seemed so strong that I actually turned my head to see if she was sitting in the passenger seat. I didn't see her there.  But I felt her there.  I have wondered since that day, if her presence was there in my car.  If so then why?  Was she just checking in on me or protecting me?  I kinda like the idea that maybe she was just spending time with me. 

Just in case you didn't know what to do in Yellowstone

I got an email from Peter today about an upcoming vacation.  It was a list (he likes those).  Okay more like an itinerary.  One of the days looked like this...

Day 2  Yellowstone

• View geysers and hot pots
• View wildlife

 I'm tearing up right now as I chuckle to myself.  Does anyone else find this funny?