Monday, July 13, 2009

My Sister Jeannie



This is the last photograph I have of my sister Jeannie. The photo was taken at my niece Tracy's baby shower in May 2008. Jeannie is the woman in the black sweater. The cute little pixie with the long blonde hair is her granddaughter, my grand-niece, Ashley. The woman with the wavy blonde hair sitting next to Ashley is my sister Lorraine. Next to Lorraine is her daughter, my niece, Tracy. The woman sitting next to Jeannie is my best friend Joan. Our mom considered Joan a fourth daughter.

It is so hard to believe she is gone. Losing her makes life seem so pointless. I can only hope there is an afterlife and that we will one day all be reunited.

Do you believe in an afterlife? If you do, what do you believe it will be like?

Fly with the angels, Jeannie.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Three Sisters


My oldest sister passed away today. I found this poem and dedicate it to my sweet sister. Jeannie, you will be in our hearts always.

Three Sister's
© Francis I. Gillespie

We are three sisters
Three sisters are we
I love each of you,
And I know you love me

We’re not always together,
Life sometimes keeps us apart.
But we're never separated
We’re in each other's heart.

Now I know we've had our troubles,
But we always get thru.
The real message is you love me,
And I also love you.

We have had lots of good times
That we'll never forget
Sometimes we worry
And sometimes we fret

But if God ever gave me
Something special you see,
It might have been the blessing of,
Three sisters are we.
The Lord above has gave me lots
Of happiness and glee
But the most special thing he did was
Make us sisters, all three.

Three Sister's by Francis I. Gillespie Sister Poems

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Where to turn?


I've been struggling with this all day.

My middle sister telephoned yesterday to tell me that our oldest sister is in ICU and that she may not be with us much longer.

I keep wanting a loving God to send a miracle and that my sister will pull through somehow. My middle sister told me that our oldest sister is on a breathing machine and has been rambling something to the effect of "they won't open the gates for me." All I can think is that she is now somewhere between life and death.

If it is my sister's time to go, I do want her to be released from any further pain and suffering.

I have put my sister's name on the temple prayer rolls for several weeks now. In February, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer that has spread to her lungs. My sister turned 62 last month.

I am profoundly sad. How am I supposed to maintain a belief in a loving God at times like this?

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Not Fit For Temple Recommend

I often come upon some very interesting discussions at LDS message boards. The latest is a discussion on "Obesity." Now I know obesity is a very real problem. I know because I am an obese person. I will not pussyfoot around and say I'm overweight or, as Cartman on South Park would say, "I'm not fat. I'm just big boned." I have never been slim and trim. My grandmother, mother and sisters have all had weight problems. We're also like accordions … we lose weight (the accordion goes in) and then we gain weight (the accordion goes out). Weight is an ongoing struggle.

So why did I choose the title "Not Fit For Temple Recommend?" I'll let this member of the Church answer that question:

"I can't help but look around and see how overweight and obese people in society are becoming. It seems this is a problem not only in society, but in the church as well. Simply stated: There's just a lot of fat people. …, shouldn't there be some type of commandment about keeping your body physically fit and healthy? The WoW [Word of Wisdom] commands us to abstain from unhealthy or harmful substances. It doesn't say much in section 89 [of the Doctrine and Covenants] about not becoming overweight, but I think it is ridiculous to look around in sacrament meeting and see the large number of people who cannot fit in their chairs. …, can you keep the WoW in all perfection and be obese? …

"Do you think the Savior is pleased with the person who never drinks and has no tattoos, yet let's his/her body be so fat they need a wheelchair? Or is he pleased with the person who has a tattoo, yet keeps his/her body in great physical shape?"
When I read the following question posited by this brother or sister, you could have knocked me over with a feather!
"Could you go as far as to say you cannot hold a [temple] recommend if you are overweight to the point of obesity with no real medical reason, because you do not consume all things with 'prudence' or 'sparingly' as stated in section 89?"

For my non-LDS readers, Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants can be found here.


So let me see if I understand what this brother or sister is suggesting. If you are obese with "no real medical reason," "you cannot hold a [temple] recommend." Amazing! When I read this to my hubby Steve, he shook his head and opined that I sure do come across some members of the Church with bizarre opinions.

I would ask this brother or sister if he or she would deny a temple recommend to some of the leaders of the Church. There are definitely some leaders who could be considered obese. Out of respect for these leaders, I will not name them.

Could you imagine a bishop pulling out a scale and weighing you? "Sorry, Sister X or Brother Z, you're clearly obese. I'll have to deny giving you a temple recommend." Yikes! What would you say? How would you feel? Or would you be too stunned as to remain speechless?


In doing some research on Mormons and obesity, I came across this question:

"Mormons believe their bodies are temples and thus extremely sacred If the 1 causes of death to a body are diseases related to obesity why don't mormon leaders enforce and preach anti-obesity?" [Note: I quoted this exactly as it was written.]
The response given to the question was:
"I don't believe that there would be any reason for Church Authorities to go out of their way to preach about not getting fat (and the Church won't 'force' anyone to do anything anyway). However, Church teachings are clear that our bodies are 'temples,' and that people should take care of them and treat them with respect. Yes. Ultimately, it's every one's choice to make for themselves, what they will do with their life.

"Besides, I think there are much more damaging things you can do to your body than simply let it become 'out of shape.'" [Note: Again I quoted this exactly as it was written.]
Granted we should all do our best to remain fit and healthy. One thing I have learned is that even if you are at a healthy weight, that doesn't necessarily mean you won't develop heart disease or diabetes or high blood pressure, etc. I recently heard a report that you are likely to live longer if you are slightly overweight than if you are underweight.

In conclusion, I wonder what this brother or sister would say to individuals with eating disorders (not just overeating, but bulimia and anorexia)? I do believe this brother or sister has a lot to learn.

The floor is now open. Please share your thoughts on this topic.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Are you afraid?


I was just wondering today if one of the reasons folks don't leave a comment is because they are afraid to let other folks know they read my blog. Perhaps that's a narcisstic thought, but what can I say other than it popped into my head.

I check to see who visits this blog. I know some women from a certain message board stop by every now and then, but only one or two leave a comment.

So here I am pouting ... why? With the exception of Stephanie, no one wished me and DH a Happy Anniversary. Bummer! I am feeling so unloved. I can hear you saying "Get over it!" Sob.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Love Is In the Air


Today is our 37th wedding anniversary. We still love to play footsie!

I love that man of mine!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

This Made My Day!

I was just viewing the website for the Adult Day Program our son Jim attends and found this photograph:



I do not know who Jim is talking to. All I know is I'm feeling mighty proud of Jim. He is one cool dude!

This mama is doing a HAPPY DANCE!