Laura's funeral

Today was hard. It was truly one of the hardest things I have done. I said good-bye to my dear friend. I bawled through my whole talk, but I hope it was well received. I am truly honored that I was able to pay tribute to her through my words. I pray it is what Laura would have wanted said.

My talk

I would like to introduce myself and share how Laura and I became friends. I’m Emilee Pehrson I didn’t know Laura until their family moved into our ward 6 or so years ago. I was the Young Women’s President at the time and was needing an advisor for the Miamaids. After praying about this i felt as though Laura was right for the calling. I talked with our bishop, who at the time happened to be my brother and she was called. We had a good friendship during those years serving together but it was after her diagnosis that things really changed for us. You see I have a disease called Cystic Fibrosis and suddenly we both had this greater understanding for each other. I will never know what it is like to have cancer and all that Laura went through, but we both understood what it was like to be sick, and having someone that understood that helped us both in so many ways. We would talk on the phone often and got close through our car rides to Drs, treatment, lunches and other things. Laura always made it appoint to come see me in the hospital even though I know it was never an easy thing for her, I enjoyed those visits very much. Im so grateful that we were able to be so close.

There are so many things in this world that are unsure, constantly changing, or even scary. But I want to speak on truth. There are 3 absolute truths that I know without any doubt. They are unchanging, they are constant.

1- Each one of us is here because we were touched in a beautiful way by an amazingly strong, loving, courageous woman. Laura Diane Mutch St. Jacques

2-we will see Laura again. Because of Gods plan she will be with her family for all eternity.

3-our Savior Jesus Christ made all of this possible through his atoning sacrifice for us all.
In a talk titled "Sunday Will Cone" Joseph B. Wirthlin said:

In all the history of the world there have been many great and wise souls, many of whom claimed special knowledge of God. But when the Savior rose from the tomb, He did something no one had ever done. He did something no one else could do. He broke the bonds of death, not only for Himself but for all who have ever lived—the just and the unjust.

When Christ rose from the grave, becoming the firstfruits of the Resurrection, He made that gift available to all. And with that sublime act, He softened the devastating, consuming sorrow that gnaws at the souls of those who have lost precious loved ones.

This is the comfort and peace we are able to have, knowing we will be with Laura again.

If anyone talked to Laura for very long you most likely talked of her family, her beautiful children and her loving husband. When Laura and I were first getting to know each other and learn each others stories she told me the story of going to be a Nanny and how she met Bob. When you hear her tell it you know without a doubt that she was brought to Massachusetts to meet Bob and to start a life with him. They were married in the Manti temple and now have the amazing blessing of being together for time and all eternity. What a comfort that is.

Laura had this amazing gift for creating things. When we were in Young Womens together she was the official person to come up with ideas for crafts for girls camp. I couldn’t create anything to save my life and we would often laugh about this. I would ask Laura to come up with something and all she had to do was look in her closet of material and crafts and she had an idea and enough supplies for 20+ girls. I loved that about her.

Laura served a mission in the south states when she was younger and whenever she spoke of her mission you could feel the love that she had for those she served and taught. She is on a different mission now and I am sure that she is ready and eager to fulfill her second mission to bring souls unto Christ and to teach them of this gospel. I know that although she is not physically here she will be helping to rear her children from the other side. They have one incredible Angel looking after them.

One of the most amazing things about Laura is that even though she was struggling tremendously she still found ways to serve others. I will never forget the great act of service that she did for me in November. We had been talking earlier that day and I had been complaining to her. It seems silly now that I was the one complaining. Ben was away on business and I was sick and knew that I would be going in the hospital when he got back. He had told me to ask people for help, but it was something that was really hard to do. I remember telling Laura, “when people ask me what can I do? I never know what to have them do. The only thing I can ever think of is to have them bring me dinner and I am not going to ask people even family to bring me dinner.” She agreed that its hard to ask for something like that. Well, I had complained to the wrong woman. We finished our conversation and about 30 minutes later I received a text message from her. "I’m bringing over dinner tonight." I of course told her she didn’t need to do that and she responded with "well if you don’t let me you will make me feel bad." I would never want to make her feel bad, but I couldn’t believe that this woman who had just finished her last bout of radiation the day before was going to bring me dinner. It was a delicious dinner and I hope she knows how much it meant to me. That is the kind of woman Laura was. I know she struggled tremendously the last few years with finding ways to serve others with her lack of energy and other struggles she was going through, but I don’t think she realized that her friendship to those around her was the greatest service of all. I have a book called She and as I read from it I think of Laura. I would like to share a few passages from it.

she just had this way of brightening the day...celebrate her radiance

she made the whole world feel like home...celebrate her warmth

She made the whole world a better place...Celebrate her.

I hope we can all celebrate Laura and the life she lived. I hope we can celebrate the memories that we have shared with her.

As Laura went through all her ups and downs I would call her to see how things were going. We would laugh together and cry together. She would rarely complain and if she did she always apologized for it. I would always tell her she had every right to complain, but it was so rare for her that it just didn't come easy or natural. Then I would watch as she would go through the next battle in cancer and I was truly always awe inspired at this woman. She had incredible strength and faith that could move mountains. If faith alone could have cured her of this awful disease, it most certainly would have. She had more faith than anyone I know. I know now that The Lord had a different plan, but I know that because of her faith he blessed her and helped her through every battle she endured. I know that she was brought through the other side with loving embraces from those that have passed before her and that the Lord was pleased with the mission she accomplished here on earth.

I would like to close with a scripture, in Enos 1:27 it reads
And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen.

I know that Laura is with her Savior again and he has welcomed her with open arms saying “well done thou good and faithful servant.” May we all strive to be a little better and remember the example that Laura was to each of us is my prayer. I will miss you my friend. Until we meet again.

In the name of Jesus Christ Amen

Disheartening Events

This past weeks events have proved some of the most emotional I have had in sometime. Needless to say I am back in the hospital for the 5th time in under 365 days. This in and of itself can be emotional but compared to the other things going on seems trivial.

My dear friend is dying...even writing these words makes my heart hurt. I am so saddened for her family, and saddened that I cant be there in some way. Im feeling awfully far from home. My friend has suffered from stage 4 breast cancer. For the past I believe 3 years. Chemo and radiation have been common place. I have spent many pleasurable hours with this amazing woman. The strength Laura has is a force to be reckoned with. If faith alone could have cured her, it would have been done.

The second emotional experience was hearing that another dear friends oldest brother passed away due to an aneurism in his brain, it was sudden and shocking. They were our neighbors all growing up and the one thing that has always stuck out in my mind about Nick was his kindness. I remember one morning after a long nightfall of snow, the snowplow came by, causing all the snow that had been previously shoveled to block the exit of our driveway. My mother was distraught. I believe she was trying to get us to school. Then without question or even asking for help Nick came and shoveled us out. It's amazing how such small acts of kindness can change a person for life. I was a mere 12 or 13 years old yet I can see these events so clearly as if they happened yesterday. I believe it was the first time I truly saw or at least remember what it meant to be "in the service of your fellow men". I've never, nor will I ever forget this young mans service.

As I contemplate both of these events and the lives they are leaving behind, spouse, children, I am so perplexed at how anything not of this earth can be more important than raising your own children. But as I truly ponder and try to seek solace I find the gratefulness that God is all knowing, He has a plan. We may not ever fully understand but for me it gives me great comfort to know that all is in His hands and His mercifulness. Without that knowledge I'm not sure I could cope. I will miss my friend. I'm sure there will be days where I reach for the phone to call her and realize again she's not there. I pray she knows of my love for her and her family and I pray Nicks family knows my love for them also. This is a rough world we live in, but there is still so much good and so many good people that I am lucky enough to know.

I apologize for my ramblings, I needed an outlet and blogger is it. Here is A scripture that often gives me comfort and peace
"And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen." Enos 1:27

I pray for my dear friends, their families and anyone who is dealing with loss right now. Remember, all is not lost. Our lord and Savior died that we might live.

Yesterday

Yesterday was the day of the race I was wanting to run.  Wanting being the key word.  Its been on my mind all week, reliving all the miles I had gone to work up to it.  Even in the hospital I thought maybe it was a possibility if I didn't run a ton.  While in the hospital I walked/ran 3.1miles 3 or 4 different times.  It felt great. A treadmill is completely different than outdoors, but still it was a major accomplishment for me.  I continued to hold on to my goal.  Then I got out of the hospital...

I will spare you all the details, lets just say its been a rough six weeks.  As I go about looking fine, my body says otherwise.  I've contemplated whether exercising so rigorously has left me in this state, but have come up with no concrete answers.  I still exercise about 3 times a week, but not as hard.  Motrin is my new best friend.

Yesterday as I thought about all those runners out there I was saddened.  Saddened that I couldn't be there with them, saddened that my body is really annoying me (for lack of a better word),  and saddened that I had to let go of this goal.  Now that it's over and I can move on from it that is exactly what I'm going to do.  This month of November I'm focusing on all that I'm grateful for and all that CF has blessed me with rather than taken away.  I choose to be positive and happy and enjoying every moment that I'm blessed to have.  A little retail therapy never hurt either.

Disappointments and Realizations

I've been putting off this post for a couple weeks, I've known I've needed to share it, but I've also known I haven't wanted to and I've been far too emotional about it to write with a clear head.  Ive had an interesting couple of months.  I've set goals for myself that we're far out of my reach, and would push me nearly to my breaking point.

This goal in particular started when I saw a picture of a friend of mine on her facebook. It was a picture of her running on the beach. The amazing thing about this picture is that it was taken about 5 months post double lung/heart transplant. Seeing this made my heart full. I remember looking at it and thinking, I want to do that. As I had this thought many others entered. I wondered if I would have to wait for the time of transplant to be able to do this. Then I became inspired. Its difficult to know Sharlie and not be inspired. I decided then and there that I was going to get every last bit of life out of these lungs that I could. I was going to make them work harder than they have and I was going to see just how far we, my lungs and I could go together. (a little dramatic right?)

Shortly after, I decided to start running, I decided I wanted do a 5k in St. George in Nov. I was sure I would never run the whole time but wanted to say that I did it.

It took a stroller, a big tank of oxygen cranked to 8 liters and a lot of determination to get started. I looked ridiculous pushing that oxygen around, but hey you gotta do what you gotta do. I remember the first morning, I would walk for 3 min and then run for 1. That first min run was one of the longest of my life. I literally thought I was going to die. When all was said and done I think I walked/ran about 1.5 miles . The second day was similar, but as I checked my oxygen and heart rate I realized my heart rate was about 212 bpm. Not good! I was so frustrated. I remember going in and talking to Ben, nearly in tears sharing my dismay with him. I wondered if it was even physically possible for me to run. He gave me encouraging words and told me not to work too hard. I decided I needed to pray about it. I know it may seem silly to pray about running, does the lord really care if I run? Probably not, but he does care that it means a lot to me and he will lead me to what I should be doing. In that I have no doubt.

After praying and contemplating this matter for a while I remembered a talk I heard by Elaine S. Dalton. She talked about when she first started running she would walk a step and run a step and continued this until she was running more and more. I decided to try it and felt peace that this was a good way to go. It went really well and instead of boring you with all the details, I got to the point in a matter of weeks that I ran 1/2 a mile continuous without stopping, about 7 min. I couldn't believe it. I was so excited and had hope that I really could obtain my goal. Each day I was decreasing my time or Increasing my distance. I got up to 2.6 miles, running probably 1/2 of that intermittently. It felt good. Then a little over a month ago I was running/walking on the treadmill and I felt different. I couldn't run for nearly as long at a time and I had to stop quite a bit. I felt very short of breath. I was worried. That Sunday I walked up some stairs, got very short of breath and had quite a bit of pain. The best explanation I have is it felt like I had a weight on my chest and when I would breath deep the pain increased. I tried to take it easy that week, the pain eased but never completely went away. I then had a drs appointment. Typically I can tell if I'm going to need to go into the hospital. I definitely thought my numbers would be down but felt pretty good overall.

Every visit before I see the Dr. I do what is called a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). This tests a lot of different things in my lungs, the main thing they look at is the FEV1. Basically, how much air I'm able to blow out in the first second. This determines how much infection is in my lungs. I got done with the first round ( we have to do it at least 3 times) I was anxiously awaiting the numbers to pop up on the screen. It takes a few seconds. When I saw them, shocked is the only way to describe my reaction. I looked at Ben and could see the shock on his face as well. My numbers were the lowest they had been in years, yet i was probably working harder than I ever had (i.e. exercise, treatments etc.) Two more tries brought similar results. Ben and I walked to the elevator and I couldn't even talk to him. If I did I would start crying. I was angry, sad, frustrated, and frankly scared. I don't admit that very often or very easily.

We talked with the Dr. about my running. We wondered if it had something to do with my low numbers. He told me to scale it back a notch and come back in a month to see where I was at. That night and the next day were very emotional for me. My hopes of being able to run we're shattered. I felt defeated. Here I had worked so hard and had wanted it so bad.

Logically when I think about running and needing 8 liters of oxygen I wonder why on earth I am doing this? It seems pretty ridiculous. I think the biggest problem is its just one more thing on the list of things that CF holds me back from and having to deal with that realization is never easy for me, big or small. Whenever someone tells me I can't do something I go into immediate "you wanna bet" mode. So to have my body tell me I can't do something it just makes me want to work that much harder. But at this point I fear I'd be doing more harm than good just to prove a point.

Two weeks after that appt. I called the docs and told them I knew it was time to come in. I have actually ran a little in pulmonary rehab, at the hospital they monitor me. I think we have come up with a good plan. No more than 2 minutes running consecutively and at least 2 minutes walking in between.

I'm still not quite sure the why. Meaning, why this is such a big deal to me. I guess I still have a hard time dealing with the limitations caused by Cystic Fibrosis and given my best efforts my lungs are not ultimately in my control. Of all the pills I've had to swallow, this has always been the hardest.

First Day of School

School has been in full swing for 2 weeks and I am a complete slacker on my blog. I have so many things to catch up on, but didn't want to skip this. Hopefully I'll get back to posting about our fantastic summer later.

My beautiful girl started 3rd grade. I can't believe how grown up she is. I think I cried a little for two days before school even started. I hate change, I always have. We had a pretty good gig going this summer, her, I and, Lawson. Cambree was the most helpful girl. She played with her brother everyday and helped me out so much. One day while I was exercising downstairs and she was watching him she called me and said, "mom, I'm going to give Lawson a bath is that ok?"
Ok? Holy cow, why had I not realized her abilities earlier in the summer?

There were 2 things Cambree was most excited for: 1- she got bangs, she has even sang many a songs about her newfound hairstyle. 2- getting glasses, which she actually just received thurs. and she absolutely loves them.

The first day of school Cambree was nervous, she had talked to a lot of friends her age and most of them were in the the other 3rd grade class. There was one friend that Cambree was super close to that she hadn't had a chance to ask. She was holding out hope that she would be in her class. As I walked with her to the doors we saw lists of classes posted. We both searched for her friends name. I finally saw it listed below the other teacher and my heart sank. I showed Cambree and I watched my brave little girl hold back the tears. I was so sad for her, I too was fighting back tears. I hugged her good bye, went back to my car, and let the water gates open. I think I rayed for her all the way home hoping she would have a good experience. As she barreled through the door that afternoon there was nothing but excitement in her voice. I was so relieved and do grateful.

I have found over the years that one of the many gifts my daughter has is the ability to make friends with anyone and everyone, and more importantly to be a good friend. I love this about her. I'm looking forward to an exciting year of learning and growth for her.

Cambree's baptism

Cambree was baptized on June 2, 2012.  It was such an amazing day that I have been looking forward to for quite sometime.  Unfortunately it had to be postponed a month due to me being in the hospital, but everything was perfect and she was so excited to get baptized.  Ben and I both wrote Cambree a letter to read the morning of her baptism and gave her a necklace that we have been holding onto for a while.  We bought her a butterfly necklace with a little diamond in it when she was about 3 years old.  I always knew I wanted to give it to her for her baptism.  As time has gone on since that purchase there have been times where I have wondered if I would be here to give it to her.  It was such an amazing experience to finally be able to and to know that I am going to be here for a good long time yet.  I think one day she will realize the significance of that necklace to me. 

The opening song for her baptism was Im Trying to Be Like Jesus, talk about get me crying right from the start.  I have sang this song to Cambree thousands of times.  Its one of our favorites.  Cambree and my sister Whitney also sang a duet that was beautiful its called When I am Baptized.  So basically I was a cry baby the entire time. 

When Ben stood in the font with her to baptize her and began to get a little choked up I too cried again, I am so proud of Cambree and her decision to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She is such a special girl that has a huge heart. She loves people and is truly a kind little girl. I hope she can always stay that way and always remember how she felt on her special day.

Opening her necklace

Excited for the big day!

Very happy parents

My sweet little family

She is such a daddy's girl

Baylee got baptized the same day as Cambree

Cambree's cake. 

A June filled with emotion

I've been thinking about writing a post for sometime now, talking about the different emotions that have occurred, both highs and lows. Just when I would think I had what I wanted to say collected in my brain a new event would occur and change everything I was thinking. I'm sure this post will be scattered so please bear with me. June started out with the baptism of my baby girl. I'll post a separate post later, but it was a beautiful day. We were saddened to hear of the loss of our cousins father in law that day. Cambrees baptism could not have been more beautiful. I had tears often because of the joy I felt for the decision she had made. Then came our Anniversary, 10 wonderful years filled with a lifetime of experiences. I remember feeling a little sad with the realization that we only got about 1.5 years of marriage together with healthy Emilee. Sometimes I miss her desperately. I miss being fun and outgoing and not having my life revolve around medicine or oxygen. We had a wonderful Anniversary filled with amazing food and the joy of being together. The next weekend we went to Fish Lake for 2 days, although fun, it reminded me of how much I missed the healthy me as well. Having to wear my oxygen constantly gets really old really fast! The space between Anniversary and Fish Lake we heard some terrible news that two former classmates passed away. One a year older than me (suicide)and the other a year younger (accidental overdose) I was deeply saddened for their families, but more for them and the life choices they had made that brought them to this point. I remember thinking, by all counts these two should have outlived me. I was saddened that they were lacking in joy. I've been thinking a lot about joy and the quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Life is to be enjoyed not just endured." I wish people understood this more. This life has so much to offer. I also have been thinking about a quote by President Thomas S. Monson, "Find joy in the journey." Find is an action, we might have to work a little to get the joy, but it is there to be found. My hope for everyone I know is that they can see the joy in their lives, that thy can feel the love that surrounds them and they can know of their great worth and talents they have. Not long after these deaths a fire started in our area. I have never seen a fire so close to us. After 24 hrs of it burning it began to become very real. A man that I don't know well, but that works for the city had his house burn down. He lost everything he owned. He had a trailer ready to load things, but because he was so concerned with the welfare of others he never got a minute to go back to his home. I had family that lost 100s of sheep. I became emotional hearing these stories. I was saddened for their loss. A few days passed and it seemed that things were getting under control. My nephew had his 9th birthday and a bunch of us went to 7 peaks to celebrate. On our way home we learned that Fairview, the town I live in was being evacuated. I remember feeling a sense of panic. I wouldn't be able to go home and grab anything. All I had was a swimming suit, some underwear (thankfully) a t-shirt, and some basketball shorts. My children each had an outfit and that was it. I didnt have the medicine I needed or even a car because I had loaned it to my brother to go home earlier. I'm not sure I've ever felt so helpless. I was with my sister in law Kim and we decided to go to my sister Brandi's house. It's kind of amazing how everything worked out, my sister Whitney was able to get me oxygen just before the place closed, I was able to get the most important medicine I needed just before the pharmacy closed. It was very apparent to me that I was being watched over. As I lay in bed that night with both my babies by my side (Ben was in Cedar City at a football camp) I realized that worse case scenario my house burn to the ground. I knew even if that happened(the likely hood was very slim) that we would be ok. My family was safe and that was all I needed to know. It was a humbling experience, realizing that none of this "stuff" matters. Yes, I would have been sad and there are things I wish I could have grabbed, but overall it all would have been alright. I'm thankful for the lesson I learned that day, but even more grateful for the joy and the love that I am so abundantly blessed with.