Monday Cont.

We'd like to ask the family and anyone who is reading this blog to pray that visas will be granted to the 2 Ecuadorians trying to come up to the funeral. They were denied last week and have reapplied. Eddie has contacted a friend in McCain's office. We know the Lord can open the way but it may require some mighty prayer.

Thought we would pass along a conversation we had with our dear friend Bonnie (hospice manager.) We expressed our gratitude for her wealth of knowledge and experience that made Mom's last week very different if we had not had her guidance. She not only chose her best nurses to take care of Mom and inform us what to expect at each step of the dying process but she also gently led us into a comfort zone of caring for Mom ourselves with confidence and in a way Mom would have wanted. Bonnie was the one who suggested essential oils and that's where Janet stepped in and made an enormous difference. Because Janet was so successful at providing comfort to Mom's raw throat and an overall calming effect, Bonnie has taken note in hopes it may be used for other families. Words cannot express our gratitude.

On the other hand, Bonnie wanted us to know of our influence, especially Mom and Dad's on her staff. She said that two in particular have called to talk to her regarding their experience. Susan said she was quite nervous as she pulled up to the house with the 12 enormous cars but as she walked in the door she felt something. We were in the middle of our family meeting. Susan said one of the brothers made a comment (Steve) and she instantly loved us. She has talked with Bonnie about the influence and feelings she had when at the house and has mentioned she wishes she could visit again.

"Your mother has left her mark on Rose." Bonnie said Rose has been deeply touched as well and has commented on what a wonderful woman Connie was and how much love she felt in the home. She has tried to explain to Bonnie the "beautiful feelings" she had when visiting. She has talked to Bonnie about it as if trying to figure it out.

Bonnie thanked us for the missionary gift that Mom has given to these women. They have LDS families occassionaly that they take care of but this experience was very special for her and her staff. Bonnie's only regret is that she wasn't able to meet Mom in person.