Memorial Day weekend and following week.

I had plans for Memorial Day weekend to spend time with my brother Steven, his family, and my niece Castellia who was traveling down to visit from Idaho. This was flipped all upside down for me when my Mom found out that she had breast cancer. Thanks to my wonderful teachers and friends at work, I was able to pick up and go home for the weekend and all of the following week for Mom’s appointment with the surgeon as well as the actual surgery. I really wanted to be there with Mom and help her for the next few days after surgery. I’m not sure how to describe the trip. It was fun???? Well at times. There always was the looming Breast Cancer and upcoming appointment on my (and I could tell Mom’s) mind. Traci and her boys traveled up, Chad and Sanna were there with their kids and the Ione crew of course. So most of our family was there which was really nice. We did play games and hang out a lot. Monday we had a fun BBQ which included Slurpees from Josh’s new machine and lots of good food. That day we also uncovered the pool which turned into a huge slip-n-slide for the kids. I remember doing that every year while growing up. We also had Avery’s baseball game which was awesome. I’m glad he doesn’t get embarrassed very easily because I definitely did my share of yelling. Great game and of course he won. So we did have some fun stuff before Mom’s medical appointments. As far as those are concerned, we loved the surgeon. He definitely made us feel confident in him when he told us that without God he would not be able to do anything with his hands. He prays, very comforting. The day of the surgery was a long day. We were gone for 12 hours before returning home with a very sore and sick Momma. Despite very frustrating stuff and being in a lot of pain, Mom did really well. She just hung in there. I do have to say that leaving her to come back to Utah when she is not healed was really rough. I am anxious to find out about the other results we are waiting on and what treatment she will need. I just have to say my family is amazing. I love how when someone is struggling or sick, everyone is there for support and to help in any

way. This was a great testament of that and my siblings have already expressed their support in helping Mom make it to the beach trip which is coming up soon. We all love our Mom!