Day 15

It's been a very nice Sunday so far. I fixed up my hair again so I'd look nice for my morning plans. The piano was free again this morning, so I had my CNA wheel me down for some more piano time, which was wonderful. Then she came back and wheeled me to the sacrament service at the hospital. It was so nice to be able to do that. It made my life seem a little more normal, and the Spirit was so strong. You appreciate the opportunity to take the sacrament more when it takes more effort.

I've been thinking today about a scripture I read a few days ago. You see, I'm trying to finish the Book of Mormon while I'm here, and since I'm in Ether, I figure I'll be able to. I was reading about the Brother of Jared and his family when they traveled across the sea. The Lord caused a great wind that never ceased to push their boats toward the Promised Land, which as you can imagine caused huge waves and at times their boats were actually submerged under water, and their journey took almost a whole year. Can you imagine an entire year being tossed among violent waves? That would not be easy. But I was so impressed with their attitude throughout this journey. They did not complain, but rather, it says:

"And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord."

And after they landed on the Promised Land, they "did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them."

I think it is no coincidence that I read these words while I've been here in the hospital. These words often come back into mind since reading them, reminding me to look for the good in my situation and see all the tender mercies I've already experienced. Not every moment here has been peachy, but it's words like these that give me the strength to lift myself up and keep going. Knowing that the Lord is with me makes it much better, and I cannot fail to mention His influence on me and my family since all this happened. I'm so grateful for all the things He's done to make this easier to handle and to help us grow.

Another things that has helped me from the moment I got here that fateful Saturday night was think about my Grandpa Stocking. I've tried to follow his example he gave all of my family members when his health suddenly and quickly declined right before he passed away last year. He was so positive and cheerful and such a sweet patient. My Grandpa Svedin's health is also declining, and he's also enduring it so sweetly. I'm grateful for their examples. They've definitely given me strength.

I think I'm going to be a different person when all this is done and baby is here and we can go home. A good different.