The Pure Love of Christ Shines Through Weeyum

chicken foot

Blake loves to eat the whole thing

yes, it is disgusting

I cleaned my plate--

I love the Diaz Family above us are pictures of Blake
on their walls.

A smile is Universal, it can brighten a day no matter what nationality you are.  Waiting at the bus stop I smiled at a Haitian woman, she made eye contact with me smiled back as if she knew who I was, then she was off on her way.  I've noticed so many people here have lost so much, some of them carry everything they own (which is not much)  with them.

Santo Domingo Temple

As much as my heart aches for the circumstances in which my son physically lived in for 2 years, my heart also leaps for joy knowing the unconditional love he was blessed with while serving here.  Knowing who he was before his mission, the demons he had to struggle with confirms my testimony of HOPE & FAITH in the Lord, the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real, I've seen it work in my own life as well as people I respect and love dearly. The Lord truly blessed Blake with a unwavering  testimony of the gospel, and HE blessed our family with strength while Blake served.

Hermano Diaz and his children--so cute

When we arrived at Hermana and President Diaz's home they had pictures of Blake on their walls, oh they were over joyed to see him. "Weeyum, Weeyum" with tears in their eyes.  These humble, sweet people live in La Vega, this is a part of the DR that is very scary  not a place to be after dark, I have traveled many countries but never felt fear like I did in La Vega after dark.  This is very interesting to me because this area was Elder Weeyum favorite place to serve, he would email me and say the more poor the area the more humble the people.  On Monday night we had dinner with the Nunez family, then finished the night learning how to make Weeyum favorite smoothies at the Diaz's home.  President Diaz is a very animated man when he speaks, so Weeyum translated--they speak so fast, at one point Weeyum had to ask us to slow down.  We were asking questions, and Pres Diaz was answering and asking questions--it was really funny to watch, but I just wanted to know everything I could about the mission, the people, and their family.  I have never in my life laughed as hard as I did with Pres Diaz, he, knowing it would be dangerous to walk from the Nunez home to his home (which is only a couple streets over) came to pick us up on his motorcycle, Chloe and I got on with him and he laughed the entire way, then we started laughing, he has a contagious laugh we still are not sure what we were laughing about, but it was sure fun, my cheeks hurt. While he went back to get Eric and Blake Hermana Diaz shared some stories with me of Weeyum while he served.

Sister Diaz told me story after story of Elder Weeyum love for the people, she said she saw him many, many times give his plate of food to someone else, so they would not go hungry.  When she asked him once why he did that, because she knew he was mucho hungry he told her "they need it more than I do, and the Lord will bless me with strength to find food tomorrow"  Without hesitation he opened doors for everyone,  he never judged anyone, even those who killed people for a living, he taught them about the love of Christ, he had a couple really lazy companions and she said he worked through it,  she told me he gave his whole heart and soul to the mission.  I was so overwhelmed I cried and explained how happy it made me to hear these things from her, because we have tried to ask Blake about these types of experiences and he will never talk about it, she said "because he is a humble servant of the Lord"  oh dear, that made me cry even more.  The Diaz family will continue to be in my prayers for life.  When we left I gave them hugs and they said in their broken English "Monya, mama I love You"  I bore testimony to them of my love of the savior  and thanked them for taking good care of my son, and sharing their love with him.  I now understand why some missionaries go through a mourning  when they are released or transferred to another area.  When Weeyum came home, I noticed he was a little depressed and sad when I asked him why he said "I miss the people in the DR, mom they are family to me"  Now I understand why, the pure Love of Christ has no boundaries.  We knelt and had family prayer with them, President Diaz asked Eric to offer the prayer in English.

Weeyum talking with the Nunez family

Chloe's  ready for dinner

As we traveled from one mission area to the next we made sure our mode of transportation was as if we were missionaries.  Weeyum knows this country inside and out, every little street, where to go and not go.  Eric was trying a couple of times to spend a little more money and take taxis or buses that were less crowded or air conditioned, but we are so glad we did it Weeyum way, I was able to experience it and see it through Weeyum eyes.  Every Dominican or Haitian we met who knew Weeyum in the field would say "Oh Weeyum, we love you" when I asked how his spanish was everyone of them said "perfecto" Of course Weeyum being the humble sweet man that he is would give all the credit to the Lord and the people for helping him.

Leaving La Vega was really sad for me, I could see the hurt in Blake's heart too.  Good thing we have Face Book to keep in touch, and I fly with USAirways--hopefully Presudebt Diaz will be able to visit us in November.  ♥♥♥ this man

Nunez and Diaz Familia

Starting out on this journey to the Dominican Republic I was not quite sure what to expect, I just knew I wanted to experience and see everything I could. I wanted to  stand where my son stood, see the places he lived, and  meet the people he loved.

So far I have not been disappointed, in fact just the opposite.  My heart is full as I have experienced the bus rides, taxi drivers, and motorcycle rides. However,  if am completely honest I would say there have been times I have been really afraid, this is not a safe place.  La Vega is THE SCARIEST little town I have ever been in, yet when we visited the homes of the President Diaz and Nunez the spirit surrounded us.  President Nunez said to Eric and I as we finished dinner "I am sorry our home is so small"  we both looked at each other with tears in our eyes and at the same time said "NO, the size of your home does not matter, it's what is in your heart and we thank you for teaching this principle to our son"

♥♥♥ the Diaz Famiy

Off to the next transfer

Nunez Family♥

I have never laughed so hard, these are wonderful
people with a great love for the Lord

Elder Wee-yum In the DR

Every person who knew Blake in the mission refers to him as Wee yum, if I had a dime for every time I heard Wee yum today I could make  a lot of meals for these people.  Wee Yum was comfortable and loved in his mission.

It's difficult to put into words how I am feeling.  Since making a bucket list, one of the things on it, in fact at the top of the list was to visit the places where Blake served as a missionary for the church.  Walking the streets, seeing the homes he taught in, visiting with the members who literally fed him and provided a listening ear when he was struggling to not only be an effective missionary and  serve the Lord but to also deal with the fact that his mother was countries away dealing with cancer.  My heart has been touched and my eyes full of tears as these sweet wonderful people have invited us into their humble homes and shared stories of Blakes love for the Dominican People.  Yesterday we were able to attend church with him in Santiago, before we were even able to enter the doors people were surrounding him, hugging him and expressing their love for him to us. "ahh Wee yum" is all we heard.

Caroline--so nice to meet her she emailed me
often and reads my blog

"Wheel yum -was my son in the mission
your son in your home"

We were invited by several families to please come to their home for dinner, however, Blake had already arranged with his favorite family in Santiago for us to have Sunday dinner with them.  As you can see, we did not starve, Eric went with this sweet sister and Blake Saturday night and purchased all she would need to feed our family and a few others.  While I visited with her she told me that Blake ate at her home just about every night while he was serving in her area.  As a mother I am overwhelmed with emotion, Blake had such a difficult time dealing with my cancer while he was gone.  Before one of the surgeries I had Blake went to her home and she talked to him, as he cried and told her how worried he was about me, she told him exactly what I would of told him--"continue to serve with all your heart and the Lord will take care of your mama"   I had some concern while he was gone that he would worry so much about what was happening with me that he would forget to enjoy his mission, hearing this sister tell me these stories made my eyes well up and tears to run down my cheeks.  The Lord truly blessed him with strong members of the church to watch over him, feed him and give him good advice.

Biggest pot of rice I have ever seen, and so good

Chicken, plantains, rice, avocado (the best I'v ever eaten)
potatoes with cream sauce, salad with salsa dressing

The Family

This Sabbath Day was one I will not soon forget.  With a thankful heart I rest tonight.

to BaHa or not to BaHa

Today I had an Audi Consult for a Bone Anchored Hearing device called the Cochlear Baha3, at the Mayo Clinic.  If you're like me, you should be saying "huh?"   Basically what the Baha  does is reroutes and transfers the sound directly to my left hearing ear.  This makes it possible for me to perceive sounds from both sides, and from what I understand it is extremely effected for people with SSD (single-sided deafness)  The device does not give me any hearing recovery in the right ear, it merely channels the sound from my deaf ear to my hearing hearing inner ear, leaving my hearing ear undisturbed.  It is implanted into the bone behind my right ear, it  also offers a more natural pathway to hearing for people who cannot hear with hearing aids, and for children who might have middle or inner ear hearing problems.

When I was in elementary school I remember the teachers constantly telling my mother year after year, "she day dreams, and stares out the windows"  "Monya has a difficult time paying attention"  "Monya is delightful, however has a difficult time concentrating"  blah blah blah--- duh?  I was deaf in one ear, and had to sit on the back row of the classroom, because I was always taller than everyone else.  If I had this Baha Implant then, maybe I would of been a better student....let's just blame it on that for now.

Now I have a difficult decision to make, to Baha or not to Baha.  The doctor made it sound so easy, but I'm not sure I want to do this.  Today she put a simulator on my head so during our visit I was actually listening with a simulation of the Baha connected to the bone on my right ear, with a headband.  It was strange and unusual, I'm not sure if I could even explain it, and I do not have anything to compare it to.
I definitely do not want another surgery, and I really am not sure I want to hear.  I've gone 46 years without hearing in that ear and I think I do really well.  I've learned over the years to read lips really well.  I guess the question is, will this improve my quality of life? and am I willing to go through it?

Cochlear Baha without  Baha On

Implant with Baha on

a little FYI:

I have felt this un-easy feeling about one of my doctors, after much prayer and thinking I have decided to seek a 2nd opinion about my thyroid.  I always feel weird about changing doctors, mostly because I don't want to hurt feelings, but I'm ok with this and I know I need to since it is so heavy on my mind.

Results

 Results are not necessarily the best part of my life lately but it at least puts me one step closer to the end--whatever that may be.  This has been a whirlwind week of appointments and tests at the Mayo Clinic.  Twice this week I was told I have the body of an 80-90 year old---ummmmm, laugh, 
just laugh I did.


I'm not sure where to even begin--this is getting ridiculously weird.  Most people who read this or who know me well, know I am deaf in my right ear caused by a blow to the right side of my head from my father when I was 3.  My ENT (ear nose and throat) doctor was with me from the time I was 3 until the last time I saw him when I was 29. (20 years ago)  From the beginning to the age of 29 I had many surgeries on the right ear, at age 29 I began having some very strange symptoms like my equilibrium was off.  Dr. Borland looked in my ear and sent me to a different specialist who diagnosed me with a tumor in the ear canal--I had that removed and pretty much life up until now with my ear has been fine.  A couple of months ago I was at the gym working out and something popped in my head that made me feel like I was in a tunnel, I could not understand what people were saying, it was really, really strange and hard to explain.  The right ear began to drain, and even sometimes bloody.  I asked my favorite Dr.  Kreymerman if he knew a good ENT at Mayo--of course he does--Heather referred me over and this where the story gets weird--Dr. looked in my ear, could tell there has been some damage along my life's path and decided to order a MRI and CT scan.  

On Thursday last week, I had the MRI and CT scans done--Friday I received 2 phone calls from Mayo--the 1st one telling me I had 3-4 spots on my brain--and that I needed to see the Neuro Surgeon on Tuesday--this phone call came while I was in the car with Eric, Katilyn & Brian, I wanted to cry so bad--but I didn't I just hung up and held my composure.  The 2nd call was from Mayo Clinic again confirming my appointment with the endocrinologist on Wednesday, again I hung up and Kaitlyn asked who that was--I told them--we chatted a few minutes about it, but honestly I didn't want to worry anyone, we've had enough of that for awhile.

I spent everyday this week at Doctors offices, scanning probing, poking and to top it off was told my hearing is that of a 90 year old..... duh?

Monday-tests

Tuesday-- Neurology appointment--loved the Doctor--she showed me the results of my MRI on a big screen--there were around 15 spots on the right side and the ones we could see on the left were around 5.  She explained to me that the spots are extremely rare for someone of my age--in fact that the neurology team at Mayo has never seen that many spots on a persons head, usually those types of spots show up on 80 year olds.  Basically what I was told is that I am a walking time bomb for a stroke--and that she was surprised I had not had one before now--this would explain many of my symptoms I have been experiencing for the past year--I have explained those symptoms to my oncologist many times, but they also mirror the symptoms of having chemo brain and going through as much chemo and radiation I have had.

Wednesday-endocrynologist (thyroid) I was diagnosed with Graves disease.   I have some options, right now I am taking some different medication as my thyroid has gone from Hypo to Hyper (this is why I went to the endo) until Oct 1st when I will see him again, this gives my body time to regulate the thyroid and gives me time to decide if I want to do radiation therapy on it or have it removed surgically.  Hyper thyroid is not a good diagnosis because you will begin to lose weight, not only fat but muscle it is sickly looking and very difficult to treat--Graves could  turn to cancer-- if not properly treated but it is a secondary cancer not related to the breast cancer.   have a long family history of auto immune diseases and stroke so no big surprise--I was told my genes suck--oh really?  wow, good to know.

Today I went to see the audiology department Mayo Clinic on Shea, had a series of  tests run on my hearing, then changed campuses and went to the Mayo Hospital to see the ENT.  First thing he said to me when he came in was "so I take it you came alone today" I nodded yes then he sighed..... not a good sign--he first did another ear exam in both ears, then asked me to sit down so he could show me the results not only of my brain (again reminding me of the high risk of stroke) and adding that I have some significant hearing loss in my left ear, nothing to really worry about except that I am completely deaf in my right ear.  Part of the reasons for the left ear hearing loss is age ( because you know---I'm in my 90's) and the other is because I have over compensated using my left ear to hear out of my entire life.  Just a little FYI I can read lips from across the room--better not be talking about me--ha ha
Conclusion with the ENT--I have a tumor in the inner ear canal, it looks about the size of a pencil eraser, it is the color of grayish white--this is the color consistent with a malignant tumor but does always mean it is, this could also be a benign.  He then explained to me about a procedure he would like to try it's called BAHA implant, it is screwed into the bone behind my ear, IT WILL NOT RESTORE ANY HEARING, what it does is connects the nerves so that I can feel more vibration in that ear which is coming from the left side--make sense?  Yeah--me either not sure about that one--I am going to see another doctor about that on Aug 21st.

More with the ENT that is completely non related to the above, after checking my nose --I'm not sure if I have ever mentioned I broke my nose at Camp Lo MIa when I was 13 and never got it fixed.  I have had a hard time breathing, and since chemo my right nostril runs morning noon and night, winter, spring, summer or fall. It took him about 2 seconds to diagnose that problem after he stuck the speculum up my nose I have a deviated septum, the right side has completely collapsed into the left side....what is it about the right side of my body???  Right breast, right hip, right ear, right brain and now right nose--I will be having the septum surgery on Sept 12th.

I have come to learn that none of us are immuned from life's difficulties and trials--Live-Learn- and Teach others--NO REGRETS--I'm trying my hardest to be positive and happy--I believe these are all non related to the breast cancer.  It's just another test, Heavenly Father is trying to see how far I can be pushed, and if I have actually learned anything from the past 3 years--Just when I get comfortable , SNAP-back to reality-
MY REALITY is :
time to serve more--
love more--
judge less--
the Lord will take care of the rest.

Life Moves Fast

I finally finished the quilt I was making for Dr. Kreymerman's new baby boy Madden.  PK and his wife Rakhi are really special people, the kind of people I am proud to call my friends.

I have only made 4 quilts in my life, Recker,  one for Haleigh last year, one for Dr. Kreymerman's daughter when she was born and now for Madden Kreymerman.  As I  put the finishing touches on it tonight, I could see so many mistakes and imperfections throughout it,  just like my life--this was quilted together with the hope that it would comfort and bring warmth and love to someone I love.  Every hand made stitch on this quilt is a representation of the eternal love I will forever have for this family.

The past few months have been stressful in the Williams home, well I should say in my life.  One thing has led to another and now I am in another sleepless night of worry.... more about that in the end.

2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Graves Disease, this is an autoimmune disease, discovered in my Thyroid going from hypo to hyper--
One week ago I went to Mayo Clinic for an MRI, CT and PT scan of my neck and head, because I have been having some trouble with my right ear and terrible migraines., the ENT took a look and automatically sent me in for an MRI--Friday Eric, Brian and Kaitlyn decided to drive to Mexico for the weekend, on our way I received 2 phone calls both from Mayo Clinic, the 1st one advising me of some spots they found on my brain, the 2nd call making an appointment for me to see the neurology department, tomorrow I will be go for my 1st visit.  Thursday I will also be going back to Mayo for more testing--the results from my hip bone came back inconclusive--not sure what that means, I will be meeting with my oncologist to get more testing done.
Needless to say, I am a little overwhelmed right now with worry.  I saw a dear friend of mine today and she asked me why I have not been posting much my immediate response was I don't have anything to say ...life is going forward and I have been so happy, trying to get back in the groove of things, I have a new daughter in law, my son is the happiest I have seen him in a very long time, Kaitlyn and Brian moved out and Kayla and Jeremy announced they are having another baby in February.  I am an empty nester--and while Eric thinks it's great I miss my children, I depend on their love and strength even when they tease me as much as they do I love them unconditionally.  Having a clean house does not make up for the noise and love I feel when they are all here.

3 Years STILL ALIVE

Today marks 3 years since the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I have so much to be grateful for, although the fears are still embedded deep within my soul I can honestly say it is an accomplishment to be where I am today, physically, mentally and spiritually.

Physically my body has taken a harsh toll, nothing that I have ever been used to.  Side effects have literally kicked my behind end.  I still deal with lymphodema,  neuropathy,  hip pain, migraines, blurry vision, insomnia and some even more personal effects that I won't talk about hear on my blog.  I have always been a person who deals with the rigors of daily life by going full out 100 percent in my workouts 5 -6 times a week, not being able to workout has been extremely hard for me, it's always been a part of who I am and what I enjoy.  I have had to learn to accept the things I cannot do and be grateful for the things that I can do--I have no doubt in my mind I will be able to cycle, run and workout again someday, just maybe not at the level I was previously used to doing.  I have also learned to control what my cravings for food are, I have been successful for 2 years now controlling the amount of sugar, white flour and processed foods I eat allowing me to now be in more control of my mind and body.  Giving myself the pleasure of enjoying whatever I want while on vacations or Holidays and Birthdays, helps me to have dates to look forward to.

Mentally, well this one may be still negotiable by my family--ha ha.  Knowledge is power in my opinion.  I read a lot more than I have ever done before, trying to find ways to better my life, giving myself some alone time everyday to meditate and calm my spirit from the world.  I have come to the conclusion so much of how we deal with life and circumstances is in our mind, we all have the ability to feel fear, hurt, pain, and in many instances we are the ones who have created those feelings. I definitely have not mastered being able to warn off those feelings with my mind, I WISH.

Spiritually, I am in no way an expert in this area, however, compared to where I was 3 years ago I feel like I have come along way.  Being diagnosed with a life threatening disease seems to put priorities in order for most people.  I have learned to put aside the things that really don't matter and focus on my eternal perspectives.  I have no idea what will happen today tomorrow or next year, I know those things are in the Lords hands, but what I do have control over is how I react to the people who bless my life with their kindness and maybe even those who struggle with their own demons.  I know without a doubt in my mind that when I serve others and give my whole and heart and soul to those in need, HE hears me and knows my prayers for those people are real.  I want so badly to leave this life with NO REGRETS.  I ask for peace and for my spirit to be blessed with HIS presence, do I fall short sometimes?  YES, but I also know that is expected, none of us are perfect, the  most wonderful thing I have learned is this, I can quickly be comforted by a sweet spirit every time I ask for help, when I kneel to pray or if I'm on a crowded street or in a hospital waiting room, my thoughts are racing at times but HE always hears me and feels my pain.  HE knows me and I know HE lives, the reassurance of that knowledge gives me strength at times to move forward and try to become the best that I can be.

I would never wish cancer upon any person, EVER, it is a difficult road.  I am just grateful that I have the knowledge I have, the overwhelming experiences I have had, and the eternal friends I have made during this journey I would not trade for anything in the world.  I count my blessings everyday--beginning with FAMILY.

Panick attack at the BATMAN movie

Last night, at a very last minute decision we decided to go see the Batman movie- Kailtyn, Brian, Blake & Chloe, Eric and I.  It was late and I don't particularly like going to movies anyway, but wanted to get out of the house. 


Even though the theater was still pretty full we were able to get seats up higher but I was in the middle next to Chloe and Eric--immediately I began to feel claustrophobic and a little un-easy as the lights went down--within the the 1st couple minutes of the show I could feel myself leaning towards a panic attack-- checking for the exit doors, watching every person getting in and out of their seats.  Out of the corner of my eye I could see a woman dressed in all black, something hanging from her pants which looked to me to be a gun, immediately I panicked starting breathing really harshly and told Eric I needed to get out of there asap.  I rushed out in to the lobby, pacing trying to get my heart rate to calm down, I was shaking so badly when Kaitlyn came up behind me to see if I was OK I jumped with fear and I think I even scared her a little.  Within a few minutes the woman dressed in black approached me and asked if I was OK, I told her I was fine just needed some air, I noticed the walkie talkie hanging from her pants was not a gun after all, she and I had a little conversation about my panic when I saw her walking up and down the aisles--but asked her to just let me be and I would be OK in a few minutes I just needed some time to get my head back where it should be.  I said a prayer and a few minutes later I walked back into the theater, still not brave enough to walk up to my seat, I stood at the top of the landing leaning against the wall watching both the exit doors and trying to comprehend what was happening on the movie screen--within minutes there was a shooting scene, where innocent people were being killed--I made a mad dash for the exit and back into the lobby.  "What the heck is going on in my head?"    My thoughts continually thinking about all of those innocent people in Aurora Colorado last week who were shot dead while sitting in a theater just like this one watching this exact same movie-- I'm not sure why these things happen in our world, what makes a person do the things they do, but it put enough fear in me, fear that I had no idea even existed in my soul.  When I finally got it together and was brave enough to walk back up to my seat, that is exactly where I wanted to stay, close to Eric-- he held my hand and could feel my entire body shaking, it was paranoia taking over--every time anyone got up from their seat to leave I would swing my head to see who they were and what they were doing--needless to say this movie was the longest movie I have ever seen and could not enjoy it, I was never so happy for a movie to be over.


As we walked out of the theater I was looking in the eyes of every person I could see, not sure what I was hoping to see, but wondering if any of them felt like I did, trying to decipher if any of them had it in them to do what this terrorist did, wondering how the lives of all those who survived that awful night will ever be able to get past it, their lives are forever changed--going to a movie will never be the same--will they ever go to another movie?  and for sure the Batman series will forever bring back those horrible memories for them. I was impressed with Christopher Nolan this past week as he flew to Aurora to be with the families of those effected by this horrible tragedy, this is what he had to say:

"Speaking on behalf of the cast and crew of The Dark Knight Rises, I would like to express our profound sorrow at the senseless tragedy that has befallen the entire Aurora community. I would not presume to know anything about the victims of the shooting but that they were there last night to watch a movie. I believe movies are one of the great American art forms and the shared experience of watching a story unfold on screen is an important and joyful pastime. The movie theatre is my home, and the idea that someone would violate that innocent and hopeful place in such an unbearably savage way is devastating to me. Nothing any of us can say could ever adequately express our feelings for the innocent victims of this appalling crime, but our thoughts are with them and their families."
-Christopher Nolan 

I came home last night opened up my scriptures and started reading anything I could get my hands on about peace-- there were many of those scriptures already marked by me, but one that stood out was saying that the peace makers here on earth will forever have peace in their souls for eternity.  I said my prayers, snuggled up next to Eric and was happy to be in a home safe, and peaceful, at least for the moment.

Cancer does not Discriminate

Eric and I drove down to our condo in Rocky Point a few days ago--I know it seems like we just got home from a vacation, however for the past 5 years we have spent the 4rh of July in Mexico.  None of our children were able to come, I really miss having them here with us.
We have not been down here for a couple of months, the kids have been down several times without us.  We were surprised how much has changed in just a few months, they now have some really nice paved roads keeping the dust down, a huge SAMS CLUB and a 6 theater movie cinema.  We had date night tonight and went to the movies, it was quite an experience.  The only movie playing in english was Spiderman IV, we said "what the heck, lets try it out"  much to our surprise it was the movie everyone else was going to see, it was a packed theater.  It's interesting watching a movie with Spanish subtitles, we were the only Americans in the jam packed theater.  There were a few times where people were laughing when they really should not of been, Eric and I wondered if the subtitles were wrong or if they just found things funny that we didn't.  The 3D glasses were the best glasses I have ever worn, not the cheap paper ones, these were very sturdy and nice.  One other thing that I thought was really disgusting, but I will mention that Mr. Eric thought was fantastic, instead of butter and cheese sprinkles for your popcorn they have a salsa condiment counter, we saw people putting layers of jalapeno's in their popcorn and then drenching it with either red or green salsa--I asked Eric to not get any ideas--he had the biggest smile on his face, if you know him he loves this kind of stuff, but he complied and just went with the plain ole popcorn.  No more than 5 minutes after we took our seats some people decided to step around us and sit next to us spilling our popcorn all over the floor, Eric went back and they gave him a new bucket, of course his new bucket had jalapeno's and red salsa--me? not a fan, Eric?  he loved it but said it was kinda weird after the lights went down when he would grab a handful and along with the popcorn was something wet (the jalapeno's and salsa)  YUCK---
After the movie was over we walked out to take some pictures of the lobby, the people here are so proud and excited for this new adventure in their town.  I noticed a family, the husband had on a black shirt with a huge pink breast cancer ribbon on the front, I walked up to him and attempted to have a conversation, attempted is the important word here, I speak no Spanish.  From what I gathered he did a breast cancer walk in Mexico, not for his wife but for a family friend, I thanked him for his support and showed him my pink :LIVE FREE: bracelet and he asked me if I was dealing with cancer I nodded and he understood, gave me a hug and said clear as spanglish can be "God Bless You"  As we walked away I looked at Eric and said, I never thought about the fact that Cancer does not discriminate--what a great, fun night I had with my sweetie.

Rocky Point Now Has A Movie Theater

POPCORN with your choice of jalapenos and red or green salsa

best 3D glasses ever made

Eric and his popcorn with jalapenos and red salsa

This is the lobby / concession area very clean and nice

My new friends--breast cancer awareness walkers

Fruits of our Labor

It's been 3 years since I planted a fig tree in my backyard, it was May of 2009.  In July of 2009, just a few months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer, since then I have not really paid much attention to the fig tree except to check on it every once in awhile to see if it was still alive.  Last night we were in the backyard swimming with the kids and I decided to go check on it, whoa--guess what ?  I HAVE FIGS--not just one or two but hundreds--and big purple ones too--YAY--
Time sure fly's, the day I planted that fig tree I remember thinking back about being a child and playing every summer under my great grandmothers fig tree for hours, under her tree is when I began to love figs--I'd  eat them one after another, I've always wanted a fig tree now I have one.  Well I always wanted artichokes in my garden too, after waiting  4 years for those to come to fruition the landscaper chopped them down thinking they were a weed--how dare him--I was furious, and not patient enough to start over again.
 Now as I think about  the fig tree, it is some what symbolic of my life --  I'm sure my great grandmother had no idea, so many years later, me, the toe headed blonde child named bonbon would also have a love for growing fruits.  I am somewhat the fruit of her labor.  Looking at my children I wonder if they realize how much I love them and appreciate being a mother.  In life, just like the Artichoke, we have wants and needs but sometimes just as we are beginning to succeed someone or something comes along and chops it down and we are faced with starting over, maybe even leaving us feeling defeated to the point of not wanting to try or fight again.
I'm so happy about my fig tree, and I know to most it would be unusual to have feelings like this for a fig tree (I almost laugh reading that last part) it represents more to me than just finally achieving growth of something I planted.  It represents , HOPE for a future that at one point seemed dreary and lonely. My great grandmother planted within me a seed to respect the living and help it to grow by nurturing it and taking care of it. I've planted seeds within my children that hopefully will grow into respectful, loving, patient and caring parents one day.  There are certainly no guarantees in this life, all we know for certainty is that we were born and we will all die--those 2 things are facts--it's all the stuff in between being born and dying that is so hard, how we respond to those trials can truly give us the ability to either see the fruits of our labors or let the weeds destroy what we've worked so hard for.
I'm convinced that the Lord puts "Artichokes" in our lives to teach us to become stronger, to live life to the fullest and be grateful for all we have.  This tree represents not giving up, having HOPE for a better future, fighting for life and learning something from that fight.

some green ones

purple--

these will be ready tomorrow

The best fruit is Recker fruit