Ring the Bell!
September 19, 2018
I came in to Banner Gateway Hospital for the day. Mikie told me his white blood cell counts were up. From 0.3 to 1.6. We knew he needed to be at 1.5 before he could be sent home. We knew this number could appear anytime from Day 11- Day 14. It was Day 11 yesterday when I walked in the door. Soon after I got there, the cancer doctor appeared with his entourage on his daily rounds. And guess what he said, "I'm sending you home". He has been telling Mike this week that he is one of the smoothest transplant patients to have come through the program.
Jessica and I had been planning on taking our little Kenz to the airport. Kenz is heading to Denmark for the next 8 months to nanny. Isn't that something? She is so brave. So, that is what we did. It was a bittersweet farewell. I hurried back to get Mike's affairs in order so we could get out of there.
When it was finally time to leave, the nursing staff gathered around the Bell. This is a tradition for any cancer survivor, probably anywhere in the world, to do before they exit their place of treatment. My Mikie was emotional to see all the staff who had given him such excellent care gathered around for a final good-bye.
Now, this is our "dilemma". It has been a solid five months since Mike was diagnosed in England, we came home, bought a house, moved, and began intense treatment leading up to this stem cell transplant. How can it be only 5 months? It seems like a lifetime ago. Our service time in England
seems as if it was a dream. We have been reliving our first days in England this week as it was a year ago when we arrived there. We realize now that Mike went to England with cancer. But today, it is truly hard for us to believe Mike is "cured" of that same cancer.
Does ringing the bell mean he is truly free to live his life as before? Will he get strong enough to do that very thing? When can we truly feel at ease that this adventure is over? Are we demonstrating a lack of faith? We both still feel as if we are crossing a minefield. He is still frail and neutropenic. We have to stay down here in the valley for 30 more days. We can do it! Look how far he has come. He has a new immune system. We just have to guard it and him for the next year. Then what? Will that bell be ringing in our ears as a reminder that, because of the Lord's tender care, he is still here? We are counting on that. Isn't the Lord so very kind? We so hope he forgives us for questioning Mike's recovery.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
DAY ZERO - Transplant Day
DAY ZERO - Transplant Day
Sept 7, 2018
Transplant Day has happened! Day Zero was the start of a new life for Mike. That means it's
also the start of a new life for me. His frozen cells are now making themselves at Home in his depleted body. Hopefully, real soon, they will start finding their way around and decide where the best spot will be for them to live and get to work. The medical community cannot explain it any clearer than this to a girl like me. But, I believe them. I am counting on it.
After all the hoopla, fatigue, chemo, nausea, fevers, etc. the transplant itself is anticlimactic. His precious cells are wheeled down the hall in a little "ice chest". When they are opened up the dry ice lets loose. This adds a bit of magic to the whole process. Numbers and ID are read out loud and checked by two witnesses throughout the three hour process. Each bag was brought in and hung and witnessed by two nurses throughout the morning.
When the cells were out of the bag and in Mike's body, the nurses came in to sing "Happy Birthday" and present Mike with a gift. It is hard to really take in that today he is a new man. Our Jessica and Addie were here for the process.
It has been a ride. We have received so many little blessings along the way. Someday, we will both look back and recognize what a miraculous thing has just happened. But for now, Mike's job is to get well and my job is to make sure he gets well.
Sept 7, 2018
Transplant Day has happened! Day Zero was the start of a new life for Mike. That means it's
also the start of a new life for me. His frozen cells are now making themselves at Home in his depleted body. Hopefully, real soon, they will start finding their way around and decide where the best spot will be for them to live and get to work. The medical community cannot explain it any clearer than this to a girl like me. But, I believe them. I am counting on it.
After all the hoopla, fatigue, chemo, nausea, fevers, etc. the transplant itself is anticlimactic. His precious cells are wheeled down the hall in a little "ice chest". When they are opened up the dry ice lets loose. This adds a bit of magic to the whole process. Numbers and ID are read out loud and checked by two witnesses throughout the three hour process. Each bag was brought in and hung and witnessed by two nurses throughout the morning.
When the cells were out of the bag and in Mike's body, the nurses came in to sing "Happy Birthday" and present Mike with a gift. It is hard to really take in that today he is a new man. Our Jessica and Addie were here for the process.
It has been a ride. We have received so many little blessings along the way. Someday, we will both look back and recognize what a miraculous thing has just happened. But for now, Mike's job is to get well and my job is to make sure he gets well.
Monday, August 27, 2018
After The Harvest
After The Harvest
August 26, 2018
Mike's Harvest Day has come and gone. We have been home in Show Low for over a week now. We arrived on a wet, cool night. It had been raining all day. It seems that we have been given the gift of cool, wet days ever since then! It has been wonderful to be home, in order for him to rebuild and prepare for his transplant. We return in four days to begin the process.
Our emotions continue to be all over the map. We feel good about his success, yet we despise the long process to get there. We feel so thankful for modern medicine, yet somedays we still want to be in England. In short, we are a mess on most days. I am embarrassed to write this, but it is what we are up to. I try my best to look outside my world and see what other people are going through. I would always be on the lookout at the hospital for an opportunity to meet caregivers of other patients. This is hard to do as all doors are closed and most caregivers spend 90% of the day in the rooms of the patients. I want to dig; to know their story; to know how they are coping. So often, I hear sad stories and feel that Mike and I are so much better off. He has a chance. Some of these folks I have met don't.
I feel guilty that I am so restless, so anxious to get this behind us. It makes me feel ungrateful for all our blessings. I just read today a quote:
"What a wonderful life I've had! I only wish I'd known it sooner".....anon
Am I always looking beyond? Somedays I think I am. I want to learn to live in the moment and remember that Heavenly Father truly is in charge. I want to turn this over to him every minute of everyday. I don't want to look back and think I squandered this growing time because I couldn't handle the growing pains. So, for now, that's my rant. Do I feel better? Well, maybe.
August 26, 2018
Mike's Harvest Day has come and gone. We have been home in Show Low for over a week now. We arrived on a wet, cool night. It had been raining all day. It seems that we have been given the gift of cool, wet days ever since then! It has been wonderful to be home, in order for him to rebuild and prepare for his transplant. We return in four days to begin the process.
Our emotions continue to be all over the map. We feel good about his success, yet we despise the long process to get there. We feel so thankful for modern medicine, yet somedays we still want to be in England. In short, we are a mess on most days. I am embarrassed to write this, but it is what we are up to. I try my best to look outside my world and see what other people are going through. I would always be on the lookout at the hospital for an opportunity to meet caregivers of other patients. This is hard to do as all doors are closed and most caregivers spend 90% of the day in the rooms of the patients. I want to dig; to know their story; to know how they are coping. So often, I hear sad stories and feel that Mike and I are so much better off. He has a chance. Some of these folks I have met don't.
I feel guilty that I am so restless, so anxious to get this behind us. It makes me feel ungrateful for all our blessings. I just read today a quote:
"What a wonderful life I've had! I only wish I'd known it sooner".....anon
Am I always looking beyond? Somedays I think I am. I want to learn to live in the moment and remember that Heavenly Father truly is in charge. I want to turn this over to him every minute of everyday. I don't want to look back and think I squandered this growing time because I couldn't handle the growing pains. So, for now, that's my rant. Do I feel better? Well, maybe.
Friday, August 17, 2018
Harvesting Day
Stem cells are life for my Mikie and today is his harvesting day.
This fancy machine's job is to collect 8,000,000 stem cells over
a 6-8 hour period today. And after that - HOME to Show Low
for a 2 week rest before his actual transplant.
Friday, August 10, 2018
Monday, July 23, 2018
The Waiting Game
The Waiting Game
July 23, 2018
It seems our whole family is playing a waiting game of some kind today. I sit quietly here in the waiting room of the MDAnderson waiting for my Mike to finish his fluid injection. Our Graddaughter, Kortney and Cody, are waiting in the Flagstaff Hospital for their new baby to arrive. Her parents and all the rest of the Seaman clan are waiting by their phones for his arrival also. Heaven feels so close! I so wish I could have a peek in the spirit world and witness all the good-byes going on about now for our new baby boy!
My Mikie has been is the hospital for the last ten days. His kidneys DID NOT like his last go-round of chemo. It is still a waiting game to get him straightened out so he can begin the next round. I have to record how mind numbing these past days have been. A big part of fighting this cancer is the mind game. It has been such a blessing for me to leave every night and sleep at Jessica and Jordy’s house. Their boys have been so kind to give up their bed and room to us.
As a young child I remember my Grandad Lester Ozment sitting in the chair doing the daily crossword puzzle from the newspaper. My mom used to sit on the couch and do them occasionally also. I have thought so much of them as I have worked several crossword puzzles while waiting in the hospital with my Mikie. Crosswords, embroidering, simple crocheting, reading, walking, and typing my dad’s journal have been my sanity. Today, I was reminded that TV became the rage up in Show Low at Christmas time 1958. My dad wrote that he sold two sets on the entry day of Dec 23.
So, for now, I continue to wait. This little adventure has been a blessing for both of us. We both realize over and over that we will wait for each other. Anytime. Anywhere.
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Moving Forward
MOVING FORWARD
July 14, 2018
The month of June passed as if we were in a dream. Mike took his chemo well. His biggest complaint was the fatigue. He slept most of his month away. It seemed that while he napped I would paint trim. He would jump up and put a few more pieces everyday. He really wanted to get our house as "settled" as he could before we headed down to the valley for his further cancer treatment.
It is July 14. My dad's birthday. He would have been 86. Isn't that amazing? We are spending his birthday here in the Banner MDAnderson hospital in Gilbert. We are waiting for Mike's kidney numbers to cooperate. His counts have been high and there is a concern as to why. It may be because of his multiple myeloma and the heavy chemo drugs not getting along. If his numbers do not look better by Monday, a kidney biopsy will be ordered. I still have great faith that all will be well. He has been so strong and done so well.
Before we left Show Low to come down here for a long haul our girls threw us a "I Like Mike" party. The week before the get together, we were both almost sick about it. Who would come? Why would they come? We so hoped someone would show up since the girls put so much work into it. Yet, we hoped no one would. Isn't that just silly? It seemed a long week to both of us. Friday night came and the party was wonderful! All I could compare it to was Heaven. We saw so many friends we had not seen for a long while. We have continually thought of that fun evening and will be forever grateful for our girls and all their work.
July 14, 2018
The month of June passed as if we were in a dream. Mike took his chemo well. His biggest complaint was the fatigue. He slept most of his month away. It seemed that while he napped I would paint trim. He would jump up and put a few more pieces everyday. He really wanted to get our house as "settled" as he could before we headed down to the valley for his further cancer treatment.
It is July 14. My dad's birthday. He would have been 86. Isn't that amazing? We are spending his birthday here in the Banner MDAnderson hospital in Gilbert. We are waiting for Mike's kidney numbers to cooperate. His counts have been high and there is a concern as to why. It may be because of his multiple myeloma and the heavy chemo drugs not getting along. If his numbers do not look better by Monday, a kidney biopsy will be ordered. I still have great faith that all will be well. He has been so strong and done so well.
Before we left Show Low to come down here for a long haul our girls threw us a "I Like Mike" party. The week before the get together, we were both almost sick about it. Who would come? Why would they come? We so hoped someone would show up since the girls put so much work into it. Yet, we hoped no one would. Isn't that just silly? It seemed a long week to both of us. Friday night came and the party was wonderful! All I could compare it to was Heaven. We saw so many friends we had not seen for a long while. We have continually thought of that fun evening and will be forever grateful for our girls and all their work.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Hair cut Day
He woke up this day with clumps of hair falling out. What do
we do? Call the best hairdresser on the mt. to help us out.
One more milestone - good or bad. Still part of the game.
Day ONE of his treatment in Show Low
Looking out our back window on a beautiful May evening. We missed AZ skies when we were in England. These elk were part of the neighborhood when we moved in. They could be seen grazing
the green in the mornings and evenings. Nothing seemed to bother them. Sadly, both of them were killed in separate incidences on the highway this summer.
Hair Cut Day
Hair Cut Day
June 5, 2018
We were waiting in line at Walgreen's yesterday to pick up a prescription for my Mikie. He ran his fingers through his hair and held out his hand. It was full of his beautiful almost all white hair. What a surprise! It came a week earlier than I had anticipated. We drove straight to Caitlin's house so she could buzz the rest of it off. Cancer be damned.
Really, when I think about this whole Cancer adventure, it has all been a surprise. When did this nasty stuff have its beginning? Why did it appear at this time when we are supposed to be serving the Lord in the London Temple? Is the chemo that kills his hair follicles also killing the cancer? The questions could go on and on.
I believe all of those questions will be answered in time. If not in this life, surely in the next. The one big surprise that we both have to keep foremost in our minds is that the Lord has truly guided our steps since we got his diagnosis. His hands led us to the correct doctors both in England and here at home. He opened doors for us to buy this home. He filled Norliss McKay's mind with words of peace and encouragement in the blessing he gave Mike. He has inspired our family to reach out and do ordinary and not-so-ordinary things to help us make the transition to our new home.
Mike has one more round of chemo here in Show Low at the Cancer Center before he goes down to MDAnderson in Gilbert. I am confident that round will finish off his body hair. I am also confident that he will be able to manage it. That nasty stuff knocked his socks off the first time around. I would find him sleeping away and then, he would jump up and put up a few pieces of trim or do a little touch-up painting somewhere. I hope and pray he can continue this routine when the next round happens. I don't care one bit about his hair. That stuff is replaceable. He can be a husband, dad, pops, and friend with or without his hair. Who knows - he may find he likes a clean head after all.
June 5, 2018
We were waiting in line at Walgreen's yesterday to pick up a prescription for my Mikie. He ran his fingers through his hair and held out his hand. It was full of his beautiful almost all white hair. What a surprise! It came a week earlier than I had anticipated. We drove straight to Caitlin's house so she could buzz the rest of it off. Cancer be damned.
Really, when I think about this whole Cancer adventure, it has all been a surprise. When did this nasty stuff have its beginning? Why did it appear at this time when we are supposed to be serving the Lord in the London Temple? Is the chemo that kills his hair follicles also killing the cancer? The questions could go on and on.
I believe all of those questions will be answered in time. If not in this life, surely in the next. The one big surprise that we both have to keep foremost in our minds is that the Lord has truly guided our steps since we got his diagnosis. His hands led us to the correct doctors both in England and here at home. He opened doors for us to buy this home. He filled Norliss McKay's mind with words of peace and encouragement in the blessing he gave Mike. He has inspired our family to reach out and do ordinary and not-so-ordinary things to help us make the transition to our new home.
Mike has one more round of chemo here in Show Low at the Cancer Center before he goes down to MDAnderson in Gilbert. I am confident that round will finish off his body hair. I am also confident that he will be able to manage it. That nasty stuff knocked his socks off the first time around. I would find him sleeping away and then, he would jump up and put up a few pieces of trim or do a little touch-up painting somewhere. I hope and pray he can continue this routine when the next round happens. I don't care one bit about his hair. That stuff is replaceable. He can be a husband, dad, pops, and friend with or without his hair. Who knows - he may find he likes a clean head after all.
Monday, May 21, 2018
Mother's Day in America
Mother's Day in America
May 13, 2018
It's Mother's Day. We have been celebrating with our girls. That has been the main highlight of being home. To see our girls and their families. We've been home three weeks now. Much has changed in our lives. Highlights we want and ought to remember. They will come in handy through the next months when My Mikie is sick and down.
*We bought a house on our second full day of being home. It was the first house we looked at and we knew it had potential. We could make it our own. Ten minutes after our daughter, Lindsay, made the verbal offer to the realtor, he called back with somewhat of an amazed "Yes". He told her that first, he was amazed the owner answered on the first ring as she is very hard to get ahold of. He also told her that he knew he could get more out of the house this summer. We took it as a sign that the Lord was aware of us and our situation. How long can old grandparents live in their daughter's basement? We were in the house in nine days. That's right - nine days.
*It is now May 20 - a week later. After a series of many appointments and tests, my Mikie begins his chemo treatments this week. It is a week of dread, yet a week that we are so glad is finally here. We (he) have frantically been working on this house to get it on order. We don't know what to expect. We are hoping his first series of treatments bring only tiredness - not nausea. We are expecting hairloss during this first six weeks of treatment. That is a minor issue if it saves his life. After his first series of six weeks of treatment, we will be in the valley with him staying in MDAnderson hospital. He has to be closely monitored as this chemo will be heavy duty. After that will come his stem cell transplant. Doesn't that sound painful, yet wonderful at the same time?
*When we met with Dr. Ulrichson in Gilbert and he was going over the process, Mike asked, "I feel good right now. Why would I want to make myself sick?" He replied with, "If you don't make your self sick, you will be dead in a year or a year and a half". That got our attention. He will do this and I will be his best cheerleader. The Lord has been so very kind to us since Mike was diagnosed with this. We have been led to good care - starting with Dr. Thakkar here in the White Mountains. We had big plans to go to MDAnderson in Houston when we began this adventure. We tried and tried to get our ducks in a row but it always seemed there was one glitch after another. Finally, in desperation, we knew we had to start somewhere, so we started here at home. It was a tender blessing when we walked into Dr. Thakkar's office and met with him.
*Mike asked Norliss McKay for a blessing when we returned from England. Mike has always loved and respected Norliss as a boss and friend. As is typical of Norliss, he fasted and prayed for the Lord to put words in his mouth that would be a comfort and a guide for MIke and I at this time. As we walked into the McKay's simple, immaculate home, it radiated with peace and love. There was such a calming spirit there. As he began the blessing, we knew the Lord was aware of both of us. We were given sacred words of wisdom and led to know that this experience is designed for further growth for Mike in his spiritual journey back to Home. We were told to enjoy this time. When it is put like that, I am determined to help Mike all I can. Our girls and their families were also blessed as they watch their dad go through this. We honor and revere Brother McKay for his willingness and worthiness to do this for us - yet again.
*Our girls and their families have been our angels since we got home. They have all in their own way done things for us that we could not have possibly done alone. Helping us buy houses; acquiring cars; remodeling walls, closets, and floors....the list goes on and on. We will be forever indebted to all of them.
So for now, I say, let the journey begin. The Lord is in charge. He knows and loves my boy. I fully trust in Him and His Son. There is no where else we need to turn at this time.
May 13, 2018
It's Mother's Day. We have been celebrating with our girls. That has been the main highlight of being home. To see our girls and their families. We've been home three weeks now. Much has changed in our lives. Highlights we want and ought to remember. They will come in handy through the next months when My Mikie is sick and down.
*We bought a house on our second full day of being home. It was the first house we looked at and we knew it had potential. We could make it our own. Ten minutes after our daughter, Lindsay, made the verbal offer to the realtor, he called back with somewhat of an amazed "Yes". He told her that first, he was amazed the owner answered on the first ring as she is very hard to get ahold of. He also told her that he knew he could get more out of the house this summer. We took it as a sign that the Lord was aware of us and our situation. How long can old grandparents live in their daughter's basement? We were in the house in nine days. That's right - nine days.
*It is now May 20 - a week later. After a series of many appointments and tests, my Mikie begins his chemo treatments this week. It is a week of dread, yet a week that we are so glad is finally here. We (he) have frantically been working on this house to get it on order. We don't know what to expect. We are hoping his first series of treatments bring only tiredness - not nausea. We are expecting hairloss during this first six weeks of treatment. That is a minor issue if it saves his life. After his first series of six weeks of treatment, we will be in the valley with him staying in MDAnderson hospital. He has to be closely monitored as this chemo will be heavy duty. After that will come his stem cell transplant. Doesn't that sound painful, yet wonderful at the same time?
*When we met with Dr. Ulrichson in Gilbert and he was going over the process, Mike asked, "I feel good right now. Why would I want to make myself sick?" He replied with, "If you don't make your self sick, you will be dead in a year or a year and a half". That got our attention. He will do this and I will be his best cheerleader. The Lord has been so very kind to us since Mike was diagnosed with this. We have been led to good care - starting with Dr. Thakkar here in the White Mountains. We had big plans to go to MDAnderson in Houston when we began this adventure. We tried and tried to get our ducks in a row but it always seemed there was one glitch after another. Finally, in desperation, we knew we had to start somewhere, so we started here at home. It was a tender blessing when we walked into Dr. Thakkar's office and met with him.
*Mike asked Norliss McKay for a blessing when we returned from England. Mike has always loved and respected Norliss as a boss and friend. As is typical of Norliss, he fasted and prayed for the Lord to put words in his mouth that would be a comfort and a guide for MIke and I at this time. As we walked into the McKay's simple, immaculate home, it radiated with peace and love. There was such a calming spirit there. As he began the blessing, we knew the Lord was aware of both of us. We were given sacred words of wisdom and led to know that this experience is designed for further growth for Mike in his spiritual journey back to Home. We were told to enjoy this time. When it is put like that, I am determined to help Mike all I can. Our girls and their families were also blessed as they watch their dad go through this. We honor and revere Brother McKay for his willingness and worthiness to do this for us - yet again.
*Our girls and their families have been our angels since we got home. They have all in their own way done things for us that we could not have possibly done alone. Helping us buy houses; acquiring cars; remodeling walls, closets, and floors....the list goes on and on. We will be forever indebted to all of them.
So for now, I say, let the journey begin. The Lord is in charge. He knows and loves my boy. I fully trust in Him and His Son. There is no where else we need to turn at this time.
Monday, April 30, 2018
THE ROCK
THE ROCK
April 2018
I collect rocks. Isn't that silly? I figure they are cheap souveniers of places we have been. It is easy to write on the back of the rock where I found it. Then, I can look at it later and have the memories flow. When we took our first walk on the London Temple grounds on September 16, 2017, I told Mikie that there would be no Rock Picking on this spot. The grounds were perfectly manicured with greenery in every available corner. Nevertheless, for the next seven months, I kept my eyes peeled to the ground. Looking, always looking - just in case.
On our final full day in England I snuck over to the temple to drop off a Thank You card and little offering to the members of our shift, I went when I knew they would be in prayer meeting. Our last days were hard for us to see people we loved. There were too many tears and repeating of the same old story over and over. As I was leaving the dressing room, I received a phone call from Sister Docherty, a sister we had come to love who worked on our shift. Knowing she had been experiencing quite challenging health issues, I really wanted to talk to her. I returned her call when I got out of the temple. She seemed surprised to hear from me. She didn't think she called me. After a tearful conversation explaining our situation to her and a tender farewell, we hung up.
A short while later, as we were continuing our packing process at home, the doorbell rang. There was Sister Docherty standing at our door with a small heart-shaped white rock. She sheepishly explained that she had found this rock on her way to the temple. She thought we may want it as a memento of our time in the London Temple.
Now, Sister Docherty had no idea I collected rocks. She had no idea that I had been praying for tender mercies from the Lord the last four days when we knew we were being sent home to fight My Mikie's cancer. She had no idea that I had been keeping an eye out for A Rock for seven months. Call it what you want - a sweet story, a coincidence. I call it a tender message from the Lord that He loved Mike and Kim Seaman. He was aware of our sadness, our longings, our feelings of leaving our mission too soon. I give Thanks to Sister Docherty for acting on her prompting to pick that little rock up and make the walk over to Flat #14 in The Lodge. I give Thanks to a loving Heavenly Father who knows and loves us. Some day, all will be made known to us. I will hold that little heartshaped rock and remember a sweet time serving in the London England Temple with my companion and dearest friend.
My Love,
Sister Seaman......aka Mom and Grandma
April 2018
I collect rocks. Isn't that silly? I figure they are cheap souveniers of places we have been. It is easy to write on the back of the rock where I found it. Then, I can look at it later and have the memories flow. When we took our first walk on the London Temple grounds on September 16, 2017, I told Mikie that there would be no Rock Picking on this spot. The grounds were perfectly manicured with greenery in every available corner. Nevertheless, for the next seven months, I kept my eyes peeled to the ground. Looking, always looking - just in case.
On our final full day in England I snuck over to the temple to drop off a Thank You card and little offering to the members of our shift, I went when I knew they would be in prayer meeting. Our last days were hard for us to see people we loved. There were too many tears and repeating of the same old story over and over. As I was leaving the dressing room, I received a phone call from Sister Docherty, a sister we had come to love who worked on our shift. Knowing she had been experiencing quite challenging health issues, I really wanted to talk to her. I returned her call when I got out of the temple. She seemed surprised to hear from me. She didn't think she called me. After a tearful conversation explaining our situation to her and a tender farewell, we hung up.
A short while later, as we were continuing our packing process at home, the doorbell rang. There was Sister Docherty standing at our door with a small heart-shaped white rock. She sheepishly explained that she had found this rock on her way to the temple. She thought we may want it as a memento of our time in the London Temple.
Now, Sister Docherty had no idea I collected rocks. She had no idea that I had been praying for tender mercies from the Lord the last four days when we knew we were being sent home to fight My Mikie's cancer. She had no idea that I had been keeping an eye out for A Rock for seven months. Call it what you want - a sweet story, a coincidence. I call it a tender message from the Lord that He loved Mike and Kim Seaman. He was aware of our sadness, our longings, our feelings of leaving our mission too soon. I give Thanks to Sister Docherty for acting on her prompting to pick that little rock up and make the walk over to Flat #14 in The Lodge. I give Thanks to a loving Heavenly Father who knows and loves us. Some day, all will be made known to us. I will hold that little heartshaped rock and remember a sweet time serving in the London England Temple with my companion and dearest friend.
My Love,
Sister Seaman......aka Mom and Grandma
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Good friends from the London Temple. Launa and Reese Murdoch from
Utah.
The flower beds and temple in the back ground. Beautiful spring.
This is not a good selfie. But look at that green grass at the end
of March.
Our good friends the Wallace's. They worked in the mission office
doing what we did on our first mission.
This is President and Sister Otterson. The London Temple President and
Matron. They were so kind to us. Both English by birth and then
called to Utah for many years to serve as the Church's Public Relations
Director. So they will be moving back to Utah after their term, as their family
is mostly there.
Kim took this one when I wasn't looking. It makes me appear
to be lonely. I am not lonely. But it was our last temple walk.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
The Long-Short Good-Bye
The Long-Short Good-Bye
April 18, 2018
We have been released from our service in the London Temple. It has been such a long-short good-bye since last Saturday when we found out from President Otterson that we were truly being sent home.
On Friday, April 13, we went into Spires-Gatwick Hospital to get the report from Mr. Kapoor about My Mikie’s surgery. He was so kind and gracious. But kind and gracious can’t really cover up the fact that My boy has Mantle Cell Lymphoma. This was not the cancer we expected to fight. After gentle words about knowing we have a loving support group in our church family, we may consider returning to the United States to have family support. He referred us to meet with a highly respected oncologist on Monday afternoon and wished us well. He ended by giving us his personal phone number so we could ever call if we feel the need.
After returning to the temple and doing a long, busy, wonderful shift we went home to notify the girls and then, research this cancer. Mr. Kapoor had mentioned that some patients’ like to know what they are fighting. Some did not. We chose the first option.
We went back to the Temple on Saturday morning knowing that we would have to speak to President Otterson and the mission medical doctor. We were notified of our release that afternoon.
Since then, it has been a series of many tearful good-byes. We knew we had fallen in love with the London Temple, those we serve with, and the faithful patrons who come to perform services of love for those beyond the veil.
Other things I know:
This work is alive and well for those beyond the veil. They are more alive and well than we are! Can I give an example? On April 7, a young sister named Ella came into Initiatory to perform that ordinance for four of her deceased ancestors. I was the Coordinator that day, so typically I sit at the desk, smile, pat people, and direct traffic. I did not have enough workers, as the Temple is always very busy on Saturdays, so I was able to help with this ordinance. I had prayed that morning for a witness that this week was indeed appreciated on the other side of the veil. I read Emma’s name out loud. Ella nodded and smiled at me and away we went. Suddenly, the little booth got crowded. This young sister’s eyes filled with tears. I could barely speak the sacred words to her. We both knew Emma accepted this work. Many tears were shed.
When Ella was finished with her work for all her ancestors, she asked if could get the work recorded quickly so she could go through an endowment session for one of them. “Of course, I replied, “and which one do you need?” With a smile she said ”Emma”. Of course she wanted to do more of Emma’s work! I told her she had a cheerleader on the other side now. A few hours later, Ella popped her head into Initiatory to thank me and tell me that “Emma was very happy with the endowment session”. She also told me she was the only member in her family and now she knows she has a fourth generation great grandmother who knows and loves her. She will never feel alone in the church again. Can I deny that this sacred work is real and those beyond the veil are waiting and accepting it? No. Not ever.
Heavenly Father knows and loves Mike and Kim Seaman. We have felt his love and calming influence since we first learned Mike was fighting some form of cancer a few weeks
ago. We do not know the end from the beginning but we know enough. We are committed to remembering these feelings as we cross the land mines of cancer. We have already experienced high highs and low-lows these past few days as we’ve tried to work out doctor appointments and insurance issues on the phone. We believe these experiences helped us feel the “need to go home”. We truly “hate to leave, yet need to go”.
The Lord loves his missionaries. We have felt that as Dr. Peterson in England and Elder Yost in Germany have facilitated our return to AZ. We realized that this is the way the Lord wants it. He expects the church leaders to take care of His missionaries. Any and all missionaries who may have any type of issues. Our Temple presidency, Presidents’ Otterson, Peel, and Freeman, and their wives have been especially kind and caring.
I have a stronger sense of my eternal ties and love for my Savior and Heavenly Father. Could I have gained that at home? Maybe. But it came at a price of homesickness, a crash course in London Temple procedures, dark sunless days, days of fighting “mundane” work that I did over and over again. I knew from the get-go that I wanted to get in line. I wanted to be a help. I feel the Lord and the Savior have accepted my feeble offerings.
I have a stronger sense of my eternal ties and love for my Savior and Heavenly Father. Could I have gained that at home? Maybe. But it came at a price of homesickness, a crash course in London Temple procedures, dark sunless days, days of fighting “mundane” work that I did over and over again. I knew from the get-go that I wanted to get in line. I wanted to be a help. I feel the Lord and the Savior have accepted my feeble offerings.
I am writing this on the plane. We have another six hours to Dallas, and then, after a 4 hour layover there, two hours to Phoenix. So, Walkers, Flake’s, Fuentes’, Baum’s, Gaylord’s, and Hatch’s - don’t forget to pick us up. We need a ride Home. By the way, will one of you change sheets on a bed so we have somewhere to sleep until we see where the Lord takes us on our next journey.
My Love,
Sister Seaman
Sunday, April 8, 2018
April on the Temple Grounds
April on the Temple Grounds
April 8, 2018
April 8, 2018
The frog eggs are floating in the pond. The bigger frogs are easier to spot. The daffodils are in full bloom. It is looking greener and greener every day over here! I especially love to walk the grounds and listen to birds everywhere! This is such a beautiful spot.
Friday morning, in the temple, I was heading to prayer meeting when I saw two sisters at the lower door waiting to get in. I recognized them as two of the Belgium sisters that have been here for the week. We have had quite a big group. They come to this temple every year the week after Easter. One sister explained it to me that their Hague Temple is so small and short of workers that when they go in to do work on days they are not working, they are asked to help out. As a result, they attend session after session, do sealings, baptisms, and initiatories and try to get as much work done as they can over here.
One sister at the door asked if I could take her friend up to get ready because she would need help. I quickly realized this was one of the sisters who did not speak English. After trial and error on my part, we got the lift (elevator) to work. I pride myself on never using those things. As a result, I don't know how to operate them. We stood around in that little space and took a ride up and down. She didn't seem to mind.
When we got to her locker, she said, "I'm old". I asked how old. "92", she replied. As I helped her, I couldn't help but notice her dress and petticoat (slip) They were both delicately stitched. The slip had a beautiful lace on it. She had made these clothes. I was humbled by her handwork. I think delicate handwork of any kind is Art. Her handwork was a sign of how much she loves the temple.
She was left alone to raise 8 children when her husband passed away at age 49. I learned all this from her broken English. That sister from Belgium is how I want to be. There is a beauty in older women that make the temple a priority in their lives. These experiences with the patrons are one of the things I loved most about this mission. I wish I could take a picture of Sister Fettles by her locker so you can see her. Shut your eyes and think of a little plump lady with white "dollhair". Oh, give her rosy cheeks, too.
"Our message to the world is simple and sincere: we invite all of God's children
on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, receive the blessings of the
holy temple, have enduring joy, and qualify for eternal life".
Pres. Nelson
April 2018
My Love to You,
Sister Seaman ......aka Mom and Grandma
PROPER ENGLISH:
*straight away-----right away!
*up to scratch ------up to snuff,,,,,standards (etc)
*sorted out------ALL English say this. I wrote it once already, straightened out
Spring
Everything is poised to blossom in the next few days. It will be glorious. I cannot believe what a little rain will do. (A lot of rain.) The temple grounds have been prepared for spring and will be so beautiful. With the coming of spring my outlook is also coming in to bloom. It was a long winter.
The month we had off in March was so therapeutic. We were in France twice and London once. We got to ride the Eurostar train to France. That is a high speed train. London to Paris in 2 1/2 hours. Incredible! Got to work in the temple garden for a week or so. Very nice.
I had a mass taken out of my nose and one off the base of my tongue this week. I can breathe again. Such a blessing. Couldn't breathe through my nose at all. The Surgeon sent the samples off for testing and we should know something about them next Friday. Surgeon is fairly confident it is some form of cancer but he also said it is curable. My throat is very sore, maybe I'll lose some weight.
The temple work is going on now as it was before the break. It is becoming familiar and I like it more and more.
Conference was the best. So many big changes and announcements. We are certainly living in the last days. To my children and grandchildren, I say pay attention! Do what they ask us to do. Now! I so love you.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
PROPER ENGLISH:
*straight away-----right away!
*up to scratch ------up to snuff,,,,,standards (etc)
*sorted out------ALL English say this. I wrote it once already, straightened out
Spring
Everything is poised to blossom in the next few days. It will be glorious. I cannot believe what a little rain will do. (A lot of rain.) The temple grounds have been prepared for spring and will be so beautiful. With the coming of spring my outlook is also coming in to bloom. It was a long winter.
The month we had off in March was so therapeutic. We were in France twice and London once. We got to ride the Eurostar train to France. That is a high speed train. London to Paris in 2 1/2 hours. Incredible! Got to work in the temple garden for a week or so. Very nice.
I had a mass taken out of my nose and one off the base of my tongue this week. I can breathe again. Such a blessing. Couldn't breathe through my nose at all. The Surgeon sent the samples off for testing and we should know something about them next Friday. Surgeon is fairly confident it is some form of cancer but he also said it is curable. My throat is very sore, maybe I'll lose some weight.
The temple work is going on now as it was before the break. It is becoming familiar and I like it more and more.
Conference was the best. So many big changes and announcements. We are certainly living in the last days. To my children and grandchildren, I say pay attention! Do what they ask us to do. Now! I so love you.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
Thursday, April 5, 2018
9,603 graves are in the American Cemetery with over 1500 names on the Missing in Action Wall.
It was so sobering, yet peaceful and beautiful as it overlooked the British Channel.
These German built turrets were what the Allies were facing as they came closer to Normandie.
Notice the thickness of the concrete.
We stood and listened at the day's end to the Star Spangled Banner
and then the taps as the flag was lowered. We were both so
thankful for these men and all those who lost their lives fighting for
freedom and goodness in the world.
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
A Memorable Weekend
A Memorable Weekend
April 3, 2018
It has been a memorable weekend for all of us! We sustained our 17th prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. I love how he is so old, yet seems so young. We are looking forward to hearing him over here in England on April 12. Who does that at 93 - touring the world and stopping for church meetings along the way? I loved Elder Stevenson quoting David B. Haight about how we can feel about sustaining prophets: "We can rejoice, even shout Hosannah! that the Lord's mouthpiece is in place and that the Lord is pleased that HIs work is being done".
My boy and I were also able to spend some time with Ted and Candace in France. Our highlight was visiting two of the five beaches in Normandie, Gold and Omaha. Here D-Day began. Yet, the work was in place in England for over a year with construction of harbors that were then secreted over the channel to France. It was an amazing feat, even for today's standards. We are dumbfounded that this could really be kept a secret for that long, considering the heavy construction that took place. Artificial fog machines were in place to aid in its secrecy.
On June 6, 1944, the Allies began their launch. Before the landing was over there had been over 130,000 participating. Even with the huge surprise it was to the Germans, there was a loss of over 9,000 Americans and 1,557 missing in action. We felt a huge sense of pride, yet sorrow for these "boys". It is estimated that the average age of the Americans was 22 or 23 years old.
We were able to visit the sacred grounds of the American Burial Cemetery. We were there at flag lowering time at the end of the day. It was an eerie, sad, yet proud moment when we heard the loud speaker playing the Star Spangled Banner and then the taps. The sky was overcast as we stood among the white markers looking out over the ocean, The cliffs were close by where some were assigned to rappel, if they made their way across the beach, Our minds cannot comprehend the horror and carnage that took place. It was an honor to be there.
On another note, we took Mike in for a procedure today to help with his breathing. He has been fighting what we thought was allergies since we arrived in England almost seven months ago. We initially met with a specialist that we really liked, a Mr. Kapoor. In England, surgeons go by Mr. This is a higher designation than Dr. Isn't that interesting? We won't have the final diagnosis for at least another week, but we are expecting there will be further treatment, such as radiation. Mr. Kapoor was more optimistic after the procedure that this is a form of cancer BUT it isn't as bad as he first expected. At this time, we are both confident and at peace that all will be well. Our dear stake president blessed us both with health and strength. He also blessed us with angels to attend us. We believe Mr. Kapoor may be our angel in England. My Mikie is sleeping now, which is a good thing because he sure has a sore throat.
Our Love,
The Seaman's in England
April 3, 2018
It has been a memorable weekend for all of us! We sustained our 17th prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. I love how he is so old, yet seems so young. We are looking forward to hearing him over here in England on April 12. Who does that at 93 - touring the world and stopping for church meetings along the way? I loved Elder Stevenson quoting David B. Haight about how we can feel about sustaining prophets: "We can rejoice, even shout Hosannah! that the Lord's mouthpiece is in place and that the Lord is pleased that HIs work is being done".
My boy and I were also able to spend some time with Ted and Candace in France. Our highlight was visiting two of the five beaches in Normandie, Gold and Omaha. Here D-Day began. Yet, the work was in place in England for over a year with construction of harbors that were then secreted over the channel to France. It was an amazing feat, even for today's standards. We are dumbfounded that this could really be kept a secret for that long, considering the heavy construction that took place. Artificial fog machines were in place to aid in its secrecy.
On June 6, 1944, the Allies began their launch. Before the landing was over there had been over 130,000 participating. Even with the huge surprise it was to the Germans, there was a loss of over 9,000 Americans and 1,557 missing in action. We felt a huge sense of pride, yet sorrow for these "boys". It is estimated that the average age of the Americans was 22 or 23 years old.
We were able to visit the sacred grounds of the American Burial Cemetery. We were there at flag lowering time at the end of the day. It was an eerie, sad, yet proud moment when we heard the loud speaker playing the Star Spangled Banner and then the taps. The sky was overcast as we stood among the white markers looking out over the ocean, The cliffs were close by where some were assigned to rappel, if they made their way across the beach, Our minds cannot comprehend the horror and carnage that took place. It was an honor to be there.
On another note, we took Mike in for a procedure today to help with his breathing. He has been fighting what we thought was allergies since we arrived in England almost seven months ago. We initially met with a specialist that we really liked, a Mr. Kapoor. In England, surgeons go by Mr. This is a higher designation than Dr. Isn't that interesting? We won't have the final diagnosis for at least another week, but we are expecting there will be further treatment, such as radiation. Mr. Kapoor was more optimistic after the procedure that this is a form of cancer BUT it isn't as bad as he first expected. At this time, we are both confident and at peace that all will be well. Our dear stake president blessed us both with health and strength. He also blessed us with angels to attend us. We believe Mr. Kapoor may be our angel in England. My Mikie is sleeping now, which is a good thing because he sure has a sore throat.
Our Love,
The Seaman's in England
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Picking up sticks on the Temple grounds so the gardeners can
start mowing.
The Reflecting Pool is drained and cleaned once a year. It has fish
but we had never seen them until now.
The help these days.
The temple sits right under the flight path of the landing jets at
Gatwick Airport. In this picture, is hard to gauge the size of that jet.
It is a monster Dreamliner. It makes the windows shake.
Monday, March 26, 2018
The Party is Over
The Party is Over
March 26, 2018
All good things must end. We know we didn’t come on this mission to party so we are truly ready to get back to work after a four week shutdown of the Temple. We have loved our time of service in the “garden” and dusting chandeliers and “skirt boards”. (Baseboards for all us Americans)
Our final day of physical work was on Friday and we, again, were outside. It began as beautiful Jacket Day Weather. There is such a sense of peace and beauty on these grounds. We collected branches so the mowing of the grounds can begin the week. Spring is just around the bend!
We both commented throughout this break that hard physical work instills in us more of a sense of pride and ownership in this Temple. I am so thankful for the time I’ve had to work and reflect and talk to myself while being outdoors.
This last Saturday, we helped our good friends, the Allens, move down the road to a small Council House flat. After theee years of service, they are leaving the Temple. We were so happy to end our week with this project. It helped us (me) not feel so distraught about missing our little, beautiful Ellie Fuentes’ baptism. We are so happy for her!
My love from jolly ol’ England,
Sister Seaman....aka Mom and Grams
PROPER ENGLISH LESSON:
*ta mah to -------tomato
*pram ------buggy or stroller
*queu -------line
PROPER ENGLISH LESSON:
*ta mah to -------tomato
*pram ------buggy or stroller
*queu -------line
Sunday, March 18, 2018
A Week With The Baum's
A Week of Holiday With the Baum's
March 18, 2018
They came and went. It was a week with the Baum's. It has been one week of pure holiday and sight seeing. It seemed as if they brought the AZ sun with them. When they left that same sun disappeared and it is snowing to beat the band right now. When I hugged little Mikael, the first thing out of her mouth was not "Hello" or " I missed you!" It was, "Grandma, does everyone smoke over here?" I kind of wondered that myself. In our little bubble out here on the London Temple Grounds, I hadn't noticed many smokers.
Oh, it was so good to see them! They were all champs for making the long trip and then, hitting the streets. We were only one of a zillion parades of people dragging along our suitcases with our Lindsay in the lead with her cell phone pointing the way. There was no time for studying the people and the sights. I was in fear of holding up the show. Little Mikael drug her green polka dotted suitcase over toes of the homeless, had occasional run-ins with knees of passerbys, and even two wheeled it over potholes.....But man, oh man, she kept up. Let the fun begin.
When I am sitting on my front porch in little ol' Show Low, AZ twenty years from now reading this blog, what do I want to remember? What will stand out when its all said and done? I think I know. It will be my feelings of being with some of our family. I truly could have cared less what was on the agenda. What monument, statue, or palace was next. Just take us with you. We will bring up the rear.
Can I say that one highlight on our first day city was to see three brave, happy, young missionaries doing street contact in the middle of five million people in downtown London. They stuck out like "sore thumbs" in a good way. Noah and Ezra, that is what we want for you. I can see you both doing that in a few years. You two were such great travelers - if you were fed. Another highlight was to see the show, Hamilton. Those folks have nothing on you, Macy. You are just as talented.
We will forever remember our week of holiday (as they all say in England) with the Baum's. We will remember the sacrifice it was for Jace to show up and let Lindsay run the show. We will never forget the biggest sacrifice it was for all of them to leave our little Elijah home in AZ. They brought warmth and sunshine from Home. It was such a brilliant week.
Feeling so blessed,
Sister Seaman.....aka Grandma and Mom
PROPER ENGLISH WORDS:
*Diary - an English calendar
* to "hoover" is to vacuum
Back to Work
We report at the Temple tomorrow at 8:30 for duty. Whatever that is. It could be a lot of things. The temple is still in shut-down mode and will be for this week, the last of 4 weeks. Clean-up, putting things back, cleaning the remaining chandelier. It won't be gardening as the garden is now frozen over and covered in snow. We were scheduled to be in the garden. Oh well.
It will be a little bit of a relief. This last week was one of the most on-the-move holidays that I have ever done. Bless Lindsay's heart, she was bound and determined to see as much as she could. We walked and walked, rode the tube with way too many people, took the bus tours and rode the trains. We did get to see a lot of London and some of England. It was great but busy.
Some of my highlights would be Stonehenge, The Tower of London (yes, I saw the Crown Jewels of England,) Westminster Abby, Bath (as in a hot springs developed by the Romans over 2000 years ago.) The United States does not have history like this. The architecture of all the old buildings is so interesting.
We didn't go out to our assigned ward today. We stayed close and went into East Grinstead instead due to the weather and road conditions. It was a nice change for me. The spirit was good.
We are looking forward to September now as that will be the next month long shut-down. Maybe we will be able to go north and see Ireland and Scotland. Who knows. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by or just say hi.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
March 18, 2018
They came and went. It was a week with the Baum's. It has been one week of pure holiday and sight seeing. It seemed as if they brought the AZ sun with them. When they left that same sun disappeared and it is snowing to beat the band right now. When I hugged little Mikael, the first thing out of her mouth was not "Hello" or " I missed you!" It was, "Grandma, does everyone smoke over here?" I kind of wondered that myself. In our little bubble out here on the London Temple Grounds, I hadn't noticed many smokers.
Oh, it was so good to see them! They were all champs for making the long trip and then, hitting the streets. We were only one of a zillion parades of people dragging along our suitcases with our Lindsay in the lead with her cell phone pointing the way. There was no time for studying the people and the sights. I was in fear of holding up the show. Little Mikael drug her green polka dotted suitcase over toes of the homeless, had occasional run-ins with knees of passerbys, and even two wheeled it over potholes.....But man, oh man, she kept up. Let the fun begin.
When I am sitting on my front porch in little ol' Show Low, AZ twenty years from now reading this blog, what do I want to remember? What will stand out when its all said and done? I think I know. It will be my feelings of being with some of our family. I truly could have cared less what was on the agenda. What monument, statue, or palace was next. Just take us with you. We will bring up the rear.
Can I say that one highlight on our first day city was to see three brave, happy, young missionaries doing street contact in the middle of five million people in downtown London. They stuck out like "sore thumbs" in a good way. Noah and Ezra, that is what we want for you. I can see you both doing that in a few years. You two were such great travelers - if you were fed. Another highlight was to see the show, Hamilton. Those folks have nothing on you, Macy. You are just as talented.
We will forever remember our week of holiday (as they all say in England) with the Baum's. We will remember the sacrifice it was for Jace to show up and let Lindsay run the show. We will never forget the biggest sacrifice it was for all of them to leave our little Elijah home in AZ. They brought warmth and sunshine from Home. It was such a brilliant week.
Feeling so blessed,
Sister Seaman.....aka Grandma and Mom
PROPER ENGLISH WORDS:
*Diary - an English calendar
* to "hoover" is to vacuum
Back to Work
We report at the Temple tomorrow at 8:30 for duty. Whatever that is. It could be a lot of things. The temple is still in shut-down mode and will be for this week, the last of 4 weeks. Clean-up, putting things back, cleaning the remaining chandelier. It won't be gardening as the garden is now frozen over and covered in snow. We were scheduled to be in the garden. Oh well.
It will be a little bit of a relief. This last week was one of the most on-the-move holidays that I have ever done. Bless Lindsay's heart, she was bound and determined to see as much as she could. We walked and walked, rode the tube with way too many people, took the bus tours and rode the trains. We did get to see a lot of London and some of England. It was great but busy.
Some of my highlights would be Stonehenge, The Tower of London (yes, I saw the Crown Jewels of England,) Westminster Abby, Bath (as in a hot springs developed by the Romans over 2000 years ago.) The United States does not have history like this. The architecture of all the old buildings is so interesting.
We didn't go out to our assigned ward today. We stayed close and went into East Grinstead instead due to the weather and road conditions. It was a nice change for me. The spirit was good.
We are looking forward to September now as that will be the next month long shut-down. Maybe we will be able to go north and see Ireland and Scotland. Who knows. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by or just say hi.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
Monday, March 12, 2018
The fire-pit at the London Temple. They have to burn everything
that comes out of the Garden. The dogwood we cut is burning here.
Picture of back-side of our apartment house. Dogwood in the foreground
that hasn't been cut yet. Notice the Angel Moroni at the top of the picture.
The Temple Gardeners. Graham and Perry.
First bird nest in England. They are hard to find.
One of the guides in Winston Churchill's house. She is 92 years old.
She called herself a Churchill Debutant. She just loved him. She
was also a wealth of information. She was 14 when WWII broke out.
Looking out over the Churchill estate on a rainy day in England.
My friend is Kerry Baum who is serving here at the temple with us.
He was special forces and worked at the pentagon for a while briefing
the joint-chiefs.
Dogwoods, Cedars, Brambleberries......it's all the Lord's Work
Dogwoods, Cedars, Brambleberries.....It's all the Lord's Work
June 1990
Dear Presidents Tenney, Hall. and Owens,
The thing that never changes is change itself. I never once thought I would go out before Reed (Hatch). I feel bad about that as I've told him so much I'd stay with him til he went out. Last Tuesday, June 12, the half mile at Long Hollow needed some additional work done to make it look good. I took two men with me and we finished it about sundown. We had a fire and a 12" oven going on the high point of that ridge - north and a little west of Long Hollow. There we could see the sunset and feel the clean wind. I was nearly overcome with emotion in realizing I was ending my years of service. I soon realized my emotions wouldn't let me come before the committee again. Besides, I know each man there respects me and knows I dig post holes deep. So the little fire with the 12" oven and my two helpers became my farewell party.
When we begin to think we own our church jobs and we are indispensable, it's time to go. I hope to get to teach somewhere. The worth of souls is great if we help save it be one soul. How great will be our reward.
Best Wishes,
Elbert Lewis
March 12, 2018
We've just experienced our best week in England. With the temple shutdown, we were assigned to "work in the garden". Now, I'm so visual. Doesn't that sound so proper and English?. Working in the garden is a pretty way to say yardwork. It has been a week of chopping, pruning, and piling.
Our quiet days together in the back of The Lodge, where we live, were spent in lots of reflection. I wandered back to our Independence MO mission where we were initially assigned to work as FM missionaries. We were to do this same type of work there and were quite disappointed when our calls were changed. This is our chance to serve the Lord outside! I couldn't help but think of all the good people we met in MO who did this type of work day in and day out. They would often stop by the office and show me pictures of their day's work clearing brush at Haun's Mill or flowers planted at Far West. Now, I feel even more their sense of accomplishment.
This week, my mind dwelt the most on my childhood and my dad. The temple fire-pit has burned all week with our cut dogwood. The days were cool and cloudy, with sun peeking through the clouds often. The smell of the fire took me to my dad's fires when he was cooking Dutch-oven; fires when we camped at Lake Powell or up in the cool pines; even fires when we burned our trash at Fool's Hollow as young marrieds. Fires are almost a lost art in AZ anymore. There is nothing like sitting by a fire and pondering the meaning of all things. As were starting our work on our first day I could feel in my bones that those same bones would pay a price for the bending and chopping. My mind couldn't stop thinking about us, two kids, chopping dogwoods for the Lord in England. Who would ever have thought? Did it count for something? Is the Lord aware of us? And finally.....my ultimate desire......will our family be blessed by this? Immediately, my dad popped into my head. I saw him cutting cedars on the Church Ranch. I could almost smell it. Did he make a difference in his Church Ranch assignment? He did to me and I want Mike and I to be like that. We have resolved we will do what we are asked to help build the Lord's kingdom. Some things are easier than others. Chopping dogwood is a wonderful project. After a day's work, we would stand back and look at our progress. Who would ever think a piece of cleared ground could do that to two mature missionaries like us?
I have included below, the letter my dad wrote as he was being released from cutting cedars. My family, the bottom line is this - whatever work we are asked to do for the Lord - Will the Lord and mankind respect our efforts and know that we "dig our postholes deep?"
So, Pruning Dogwood and I love it and you,
Sister Seaman....Mom and Grams
P.S. Kortney Taylor Walker Tenney was born April 5, 1991 in Show Low, AZ. She was our first grandchild. We all doted over her as if we had never seen a little girl baby. She was beautiful, smart, quiet, and kind. Her and Cody had a Gender Reveal outing this past weekend at home. They will bless us all with a little Tenney boy baby in July. I can almost close my eyes and see him. I so pray he has Cody's freckles. Isn't this wonderful news!
Chartwell Again
After seeing the movie "The Darkest Hour", Kim needed to see Chartwell again. This is Winston Churchill's home. This time the inside of the house was open to the public. It was set-up just as it was pre-war. Some of the furniture, paintings, knick-nacs are original. The more I know of this man, the more I respect him.
He was probably a genius in many respects. Did you know that he won a Nobel prize for literature? It was easy to imagine him sitting in his study, smoking a big cigar, drinking champagne, the Union Jack flying over his head (in his study,) and working on a speech, or reading, or writing a book. His estate is impressive and beautiful and, all though he really couldn't afford it, he loved it and so do I. It is everything that a man could want.
I am tickled by the news of Kortney's new baby. The first great-grand baby. What a blessing! It feels like I am getting old fast. I guess I am. If I am lucky, I will get to see this boy serve a mission. That would only make me 83. Maybe, just maybe.
The time in the Temple Garden this past week has been so therapeutic. My back is sore and I have a blister on my middle finger, but I can see accomplishment. It is hard to see accomplishment in the Temple. Day in and day out we work, praying that who we are helping will accept the work and that it will be of great worth. We will not know for sure until we meet all those souls on the other side. We have great faith that the Lord knows what He is doing and so we help where we can.
I pray that you, my friends and family, will also find yourselves lost in this great work. I had a gentle reminder this week that I needed to forget myself and go to work. I will.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Pictures of our Paris Temple Trip
Christus at the Paris Temple. It is outside. It was cold.
Paris Temple. It is a beautiful temple.
Kim standing near the front door of the Paris Temple. Isn't she lovely.
Notice that the temple does not have an Angel Moroni.
King Louie's Palace at Versailles, France. It is called the Chateau. This place is
bigger than Show Low.
Paris in the Almost Springtime was a Killer. It was cold!
Notice we drove by the Eiffel Tower and that was enough.
It would have meant getting off the Hop on-Hop off bus.
The highlight of our trip was the beautiful Paris Temple.
Those French workers looked like us - just couldn't understand
them. We decided we are two sheltered kids from little ol
Show Low, AZ and that it fine. Pine trees are just as magnificent
as the Eiffel Tower. It was a grand opportunity, though, to see
how some of the world lives.
The Paris Temple
The Paris Temple
March 4, 2018
March 4, 2018
I got tricked again. When we got our call to the London Temple, here I am, a little old gal from Show Low, AZ expecting to go to the big city. Little did I know I would be living out in the countryside with a horse pasture across the street from the temple. And I love it.
We drove by the Paris Temple this week when we were driving down the street in Versailles. Someone pointed it out to me and I almost missed it. It looks as if it is in a strip mall. But it looks beautiful in that strip mall. There is a big office building right next door and directly behind The Christus. It is one of the few temples that does not have a steeple with Angel Moroni on it. The main entry for patrons is on the back side off the main street. And guess where it is - in Versailles - at least forty-five minutes away from Paris.
We were able to do sealings and a session, The rooms are very "French" with beautiful stained glass windows reflective of Claude Monet's gardens full of lilies, cornflowers, lilacs, and hollyhocks. They are absolutely beautiful. Of course, I was most interested in the temple workers. There are five American couples that are there daily working with the French Saints. Our sealer was a Frenchman who was so apologetic of his English. He would read the ordinance in halting English until someone encouraged him to let it fly and do it in French. Those beautiful words flew out of his mouth. I have heard those words enough to get the jest and spirit of the sealings.
I am such a people watcher. I love to study all of us and make up stories in my mind about where we all came from and how we got where we are.....What inspired these French workers to live and love this church that was started in America so many years ago by a young uneducated farmboy? I think we all know what it is.....the Holy Ghost prompting good people throughout the world to look to the Savior and find His One True Church.
The morning we attended the temple, it was snowing and oh, so cold! It continued throughout our whole trip to feel like it was twenty below. Looking back, I believe that while we were in the temple was the last time I felt warm for four days. We left the temple to go to the Palace of Versailles. Now, that was a contrast. We paid something like twenty euros to get herded around like a bunch of cattle in a snowstorm from one end of the building to the next. So, I'd like to report I am now cultured. I can go home and talk with the best of world travelers that I saw King Whatshisname's bed. I will also report that there was No Sitting Down anywhere on those fancy chairs in the palace. And that takes me back to the Paris Temple. The first thing out of my mouth when we sat down in the waiting room was, "Oh, these chairs! They are so comfortable." The furniture in the Paris Temple was worth the trip. It was so lovely. Check it out if you ever get there. While you are at it, compare it to the king's furniture at the palace. His had real gold on it. There were ropes covering it so poor tired tourists wouldn't plop down on it for a respite. I'm telling you, I'll take the couch in the Paris Temple over any item in that fancy palace.
"We are a temple building and a temple attending people".....Thomas S. Monson
I want to be included in this bunch. My girls at home, I pray for you and your families to be in this bunch also. Set times. Commit to that time. Drop it all and go to your temple. It offers the same blessings of the beautiful Paris Temple. We are such a blessed people to have temples dotting our earth. They spoke French in Paris. I didn't understand it but the Lord does. I know the Lord loves us all and because of that love, we can access the blessings of temples in our personal lives. Wherever we may be.
My Love,
Sister Seaman....aka Mom and Grams
PROPER ENGLISH WORDS:
......none to report this week. That is what happens when this girl spends her week in France. By the way, I know a couple of French words now. Bonjour and Merci.....
"We are a temple building and a temple attending people".....Thomas S. Monson
I want to be included in this bunch. My girls at home, I pray for you and your families to be in this bunch also. Set times. Commit to that time. Drop it all and go to your temple. It offers the same blessings of the beautiful Paris Temple. We are such a blessed people to have temples dotting our earth. They spoke French in Paris. I didn't understand it but the Lord does. I know the Lord loves us all and because of that love, we can access the blessings of temples in our personal lives. Wherever we may be.
My Love,
Sister Seaman....aka Mom and Grams
PROPER ENGLISH WORDS:
......none to report this week. That is what happens when this girl spends her week in France. By the way, I know a couple of French words now. Bonjour and Merci.....
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Four Week Temple Shutdown
Four Week Temple Shutdown
February 25, 2018
The London Temple has officially closed its doors for a four week shutdown. The carpark (parking lot) was plumb full yesterday as the patrons came for one last time. Brother Browne, a local member who attends the temple often told me this week that it is going to be a "rough slog" for him and his wife while it is closed. I learned this means it is going to be a long haul for them.
The Blackbadge Missionaries have been assigned to work two of the four weeks in an area, whether it be in the laundry, cleaning chandeliers, reception desk sitting while workers come and go, etc. Our dream came true. We were assigned to work in the gardens. We finally will experience that FM mission that we thought we were going on back in Missouri. Even if this month of March is predicted to be the coldest the UK has experienced in years, we are looking forward to being outside and wearing pants (or trousers as they say over here).
Our lodge is quiet today as many of the English missionaries have gone to their various homes throughout the country. They are called "whitebadge missionaries" and are not required to stay and work.
After sacrament today, we took the train into London to meet Tammy Brewer and her daughter Kara for lunch. Oh, it was so good to see them! We found a little café and parked ourselves in the corner for a couple of hours and just talked. It was so comforting to me to see them. They are Home to me. Tammy promised to hug any daughter or grandchild she sees when she gets back. I'm counting on her to do it. It was a beautiful sunny cold day. As we rode the train back to Lingfield, the sun followed us. The scenery changed from city and people everywhere to small villages to bright green fields with grazing sheep. My Mikie slept off and on, a couple across the aisle were quietly speaking in a foreign tongue, the sheep rolled by and I again caught myself wondering how in the world we ended up over here so far from Home. It has been such a time of growth for both of us as we try to figure out the lessons the Lord is trying to teach us. We are so thankful for the opportunity.
Love from both of us!
Elder and Sister Seaman......My Mikie is in bed. We leave for Paris at 12:30 AM to go to the temple! More to come.....
February 25, 2018
The London Temple has officially closed its doors for a four week shutdown. The carpark (parking lot) was plumb full yesterday as the patrons came for one last time. Brother Browne, a local member who attends the temple often told me this week that it is going to be a "rough slog" for him and his wife while it is closed. I learned this means it is going to be a long haul for them.
The Blackbadge Missionaries have been assigned to work two of the four weeks in an area, whether it be in the laundry, cleaning chandeliers, reception desk sitting while workers come and go, etc. Our dream came true. We were assigned to work in the gardens. We finally will experience that FM mission that we thought we were going on back in Missouri. Even if this month of March is predicted to be the coldest the UK has experienced in years, we are looking forward to being outside and wearing pants (or trousers as they say over here).
Our lodge is quiet today as many of the English missionaries have gone to their various homes throughout the country. They are called "whitebadge missionaries" and are not required to stay and work.
After sacrament today, we took the train into London to meet Tammy Brewer and her daughter Kara for lunch. Oh, it was so good to see them! We found a little café and parked ourselves in the corner for a couple of hours and just talked. It was so comforting to me to see them. They are Home to me. Tammy promised to hug any daughter or grandchild she sees when she gets back. I'm counting on her to do it. It was a beautiful sunny cold day. As we rode the train back to Lingfield, the sun followed us. The scenery changed from city and people everywhere to small villages to bright green fields with grazing sheep. My Mikie slept off and on, a couple across the aisle were quietly speaking in a foreign tongue, the sheep rolled by and I again caught myself wondering how in the world we ended up over here so far from Home. It has been such a time of growth for both of us as we try to figure out the lessons the Lord is trying to teach us. We are so thankful for the opportunity.
Love from both of us!
Elder and Sister Seaman......My Mikie is in bed. We leave for Paris at 12:30 AM to go to the temple! More to come.....
Monday, February 19, 2018
Hi and Bye Social. We said Good bye to our dear friends, Brother and Sister Allen. They’ve worked here three years and looking for a home close by the Temple. Sister Lydia St. John is going home on the train to Kingston. She is from Jamaica but has lived here for over twenty years. She talks and laughs just like a Jamaican should, with a British accent.
The London Temple
The London Temple in its Heyday
February 19, 2018
A sister waiting to do some work this week in the temple told me s story. Many years ago her and her husband were called to be "Team Leaders" to work one Friday night a month. Now, Friday night means ALL Friday night. They drove several hours from their home and took over from the Late shift at 9:00 pm. They worked through the night running the temple for patrons. She tells of busloads of Saints who would pull in at 2:00 in the morning from Portugal or Spain or......anywhere on the western side of Europe. These faithful people would climb off the bus and do temple work until the temple closed on Saturday evening.
As for these British Saints who were called to man the temple, their shift would end at 6:00 AM on Saturday morning. They then make their way home after a long night. She tells of a time when her husband could not make the trip so she was responsible for driving her and an old man from their ward. Brother Hatt was 92 and had false teeth. He was sleeping in the back seat of her car. Driving down the freeway, she almost ran into a big lorry (truck). She swerved all over the road before ending up safely on the side.
After returning home and taking a long nap, she went out to clean her car. She found a pair of false teeth on the floor in the back. She called Brother Hatt and asked if he was missing something. There was nothing he could think of. After further quizzing the old brother, she asked about his teeth. "Oh those things. I only wear them on Sunday and when I go to the temple." She did return them before Sunday School the next day. Now, isn't this just a cute story than anyone can sink their teeth into?
All is well at the London Temple,
Sister Seaman.....aka Mom and Grams
PROPER ENGLISH:
When a day is a "Monkey's Birthday", that means there is a bit of every season in the weather - rain, wind, snow, clouds, sun. I feel like we've had lots of Monkeys Birthdays since we landed over here.
The Sentinel
There is a large black crow that lives around here somewhere. I have named him "The Sentinel." Every morning, almost always before sun-up, and mostly through-out the day, he is sitting on the very highest branch of the very tallest tree in our backyard. He is often looking to the south and this is in wind and rain and sunshine. He appears to be watching for something. I can not imagine what, but whatever it is, it must be important. There is something about the way he sits and watches, that appears to be like a watchman on the tower. I know that he watching for something, you can see it.
It makes me think of times, thousands of years ago, probably near this place in England, where I am writing this blog, that there was a Sentinel on a Roman tower or a Druid Tower or Celtic's tower or somebody's tower, watching for the enemy and shouting out a warning upon their approach. It gave people some time to prepare for attack. The Sentinel's duty is to warn. He duty is sacred. He cannot make a mistake. He must be ever vigilant. No matter the weather, time of day or any other distraction. People's lives depend on him. For the most part, this would be a very boring duty, hour after hour of nothing to report, but when it comes he must be ready.
It reminds me of the admonition in the Book of Mormon of how we all need to be watchman on the tower and warn our neighbors of impending danger. Or the Prophet, shouting out a warning to us. Or maybe even a father or grandfather or great-grandfather, shouting out a warning to his family. Can I shout out a warning to you? The enemy is at the gate. He is strong, dangerous and very deadly. Now is not the time to stray from the safety of the church. I don't care what else you do, but keep your eye fixed on the prophet of the church and do exactly what he asks you to do. To second guess him or ignore him is sure death. Listen for the warning, don't get distracted and there is plenty to distract you. Do the things that we know that we should be doing. Prayers, home evenings, service, sacrament meeting attendance, temple attendance and activities to keep your family close. If you do these things, and others that will be ask of you, you and your family can be safe.
The Sentinel sitting high up in the tree can see the danger coming. Listen for his warning.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
February 19, 2018
A sister waiting to do some work this week in the temple told me s story. Many years ago her and her husband were called to be "Team Leaders" to work one Friday night a month. Now, Friday night means ALL Friday night. They drove several hours from their home and took over from the Late shift at 9:00 pm. They worked through the night running the temple for patrons. She tells of busloads of Saints who would pull in at 2:00 in the morning from Portugal or Spain or......anywhere on the western side of Europe. These faithful people would climb off the bus and do temple work until the temple closed on Saturday evening.
As for these British Saints who were called to man the temple, their shift would end at 6:00 AM on Saturday morning. They then make their way home after a long night. She tells of a time when her husband could not make the trip so she was responsible for driving her and an old man from their ward. Brother Hatt was 92 and had false teeth. He was sleeping in the back seat of her car. Driving down the freeway, she almost ran into a big lorry (truck). She swerved all over the road before ending up safely on the side.
After returning home and taking a long nap, she went out to clean her car. She found a pair of false teeth on the floor in the back. She called Brother Hatt and asked if he was missing something. There was nothing he could think of. After further quizzing the old brother, she asked about his teeth. "Oh those things. I only wear them on Sunday and when I go to the temple." She did return them before Sunday School the next day. Now, isn't this just a cute story than anyone can sink their teeth into?
All is well at the London Temple,
Sister Seaman.....aka Mom and Grams
PROPER ENGLISH:
When a day is a "Monkey's Birthday", that means there is a bit of every season in the weather - rain, wind, snow, clouds, sun. I feel like we've had lots of Monkeys Birthdays since we landed over here.
The Sentinel
There is a large black crow that lives around here somewhere. I have named him "The Sentinel." Every morning, almost always before sun-up, and mostly through-out the day, he is sitting on the very highest branch of the very tallest tree in our backyard. He is often looking to the south and this is in wind and rain and sunshine. He appears to be watching for something. I can not imagine what, but whatever it is, it must be important. There is something about the way he sits and watches, that appears to be like a watchman on the tower. I know that he watching for something, you can see it.
It makes me think of times, thousands of years ago, probably near this place in England, where I am writing this blog, that there was a Sentinel on a Roman tower or a Druid Tower or Celtic's tower or somebody's tower, watching for the enemy and shouting out a warning upon their approach. It gave people some time to prepare for attack. The Sentinel's duty is to warn. He duty is sacred. He cannot make a mistake. He must be ever vigilant. No matter the weather, time of day or any other distraction. People's lives depend on him. For the most part, this would be a very boring duty, hour after hour of nothing to report, but when it comes he must be ready.
It reminds me of the admonition in the Book of Mormon of how we all need to be watchman on the tower and warn our neighbors of impending danger. Or the Prophet, shouting out a warning to us. Or maybe even a father or grandfather or great-grandfather, shouting out a warning to his family. Can I shout out a warning to you? The enemy is at the gate. He is strong, dangerous and very deadly. Now is not the time to stray from the safety of the church. I don't care what else you do, but keep your eye fixed on the prophet of the church and do exactly what he asks you to do. To second guess him or ignore him is sure death. Listen for the warning, don't get distracted and there is plenty to distract you. Do the things that we know that we should be doing. Prayers, home evenings, service, sacrament meeting attendance, temple attendance and activities to keep your family close. If you do these things, and others that will be ask of you, you and your family can be safe.
The Sentinel sitting high up in the tree can see the danger coming. Listen for his warning.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
Monday, February 12, 2018
Imperial War Museum, An authentic piece of the Berlin Wall.
Imperial War Museum. Piece of a statue of Saddam Hussein,
now deceased dictator of Iraq.
Imperial War Museum. Structural steel from the Twin Towers that
was hit by terrorists on Sept. 11th.
Imperial War Museum. Our friend, Jim Whitehouse, Temple assistant
recorder. He was a former Specials Forces Airborne soldier and a very
decorated one. He said that the mannequin on the right is exactly how
he dressed when in the service. In fact, this part of the museum was dedicated
to his unit.
Selfie in front of an old English warplane.
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