Mom’s condition is improving steadily as they slowly take her off of her pain medication. She is so sensitive to any type of drug. We used to joke that she would get dizzy if someone opened a bottle of Tylenol in the same room as her. J This morning she was still receiving high strength pain meds but tonight she was given ibuprofen (I think).
This morning mom went for a short walk. Her emotions still move from confused and angry (“Where is Ashterak? What is happening to me?) to quiet and reflective to depression and crying. We can tell that she is searching for her fight and resolve. Please pray that she will find it.
Tonight we spent time with her on the patio outside of the rehab ward. She ate dinner and we sang and she read emails to us and us to her. There were hummingbirds and blue skies and a light breeze and things that mom loves. She has always gleaned strength from nature. I can remember when I was a boy when mom was upset about something, she would go outside and touch the trees. She said that they calmed her.
Thank you for the flowers. She loves them so much. Mom and dad both cried when they saw the flowers from the branch in Ashterak. She feels your love and your prayers.
4 comments:
My Dearest Liz: I think of you every minute of the day and night.I miss you and need you. Remember Liz,"Es Hai Eem!" Gather your strength from our ancestors and realize that this is only temporary. You will be home soon, and we will all be together again. I will always be your camel driver forever and lead you through the desert(no, not dessert!) Your little sister, Lanzer Janzers
Dear Aunt Liz - Adel told me about a saying they have in Arabic, 'God does not give a soul a burden without knowing it cannot bear it,' and it is an indication that God has confidence in your ability to handle a heavy burden.
Speaking of the people of Ashtarak and other areas where you served, I am sure that they think of you much like the Lamanites did as reported in Alma 26:27-31. I hope you will take the time to read that. Don't give up your struggle - you have the strength to fight in you.
Love, Adel and Julia
Hi, My Dear Aunt Liz - We found these on the Internet and thought you might enjoy them.
“No life can be barren which hears the whisper of the wind in the branches, or the voice of the sea as it breaks upon the shore; and no soul can lack happiness looking up to the midnight stars.” William Forrest Winter, Armenian Governor and Lawyer, b. 1923.
“I used to be the fastest telegram messenger boy in all Fresno. My nickname was "Speed." Finally, I said, "Take back your nickname. This pace is killing me." Anyway, I still write fast -- it's my impatient Armenian nature. I'm keen to find out how my plots end, and if I write faster I'll find out sooner.” - William Saroyan, Armenian Author.
Hoping this lifts your spirits. Love, Adel and Julia
Dear Elder & Sister Christensen,
We know you are again Herb & Liz, but we will always think of you as Elder & Sister. We miss you here in Armenia - know that you are in our prayers. We will attend the Ashtarak Branch today and will meet with your friends there - will give them a report. They still have a President Christensen, albeit a litle younger and a lot less experienced. We feel he will grow to meet the task. We saw him in the mission office Thursday and he seemed to be taking things pretty seriously.
You are of course missed by the missionaries and the members here. But even more, the Dollar Store is struggling! I (Elder Allen) wander about the office, thinking there must be someone who needs a little loan to get to Ashtarak.
Keep the faith, you are blessed with a great family and your testimony is a blessing to both you and your family.
Love, Tom & Larae (Elder & Sister Allen)
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