There have been many sad situations in the ward this past two weeks:
Bro. Durrance collapsed with a sudden heart attack. He was only 47 years old with no history of heart trouble. The below picture is his daughter and his wife Sherry. His funeral was very touching. He has been a teacher in high school for the past several years, and the chapel and cultural hall were filled with students from school. They were so attentive and reverent. Marjean, the sweet sister we live with, gave a talk on the atonement. She really reached out to them and others with a powerful message. She's a wonderful person and well loved by everyone around her.
Sister Alarcon, whom I have also mentioned previously fell and broke her back. She was rushed to the hospital and things didn't look very good for her. She has Alzheimer's and quit eating. She has since then been moved into a rehab center and is doing better. Her daughter is still hopeful she can come home.
Sister Tyrand was also admitted to the hospital. She's the sister who is quite well known for her children's books. It looks like she will now be permanently placed in nursing care.
Last Sunday, Elder & Sister Midgley's son was killed in a motorcycle accident. He was speeding and a car pulled out in front of him. He was only 24 years old. Elder Midgley is the person that arranges all the apartments for our mission, and made the arrangements for us to live with Marjean. They are a sweet family. This is their youngest child of 8 children.
On happier notes: Little Savannah's doing better now. We were concerned for awhile as she was having trouble breathing. Today I was able to hold her for about an hour. She was sleeping peacefully and breathing fairly normally. However, they are going to put a trac in, and teach her parents how to take care of her this week. She will probably go home in about two weeks. I'm so happy for them, but will really miss Savannah! It's been fun being her grandma! We're still hopeful to be visiting them, and taking them to church in the ward where they live.
We've received the exciting news that Elder D. Todd Christofferson & Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Seventy, are coming to Plano on May 4th and 5th. They'll hold a special meeting on Saturday for us missionary's and on Sunday we're having a special stake conference planned with them. I'll report on this event in the next post.
Things are going well for me. I've made the adjustments to being away from home for awhile, and enjoy the good people here. It is fun to go to church now and know a lot of the brothers & sisters. They've all been very warm and welcoming to us. I'm amazed by how many challenges they deal with in this ward. It makes me wonder if I was just so busy in my life at home that I didn't realize how many people needed help and encouragement. I truly hope this mission will make me more sensitive to the needs of those around me.
I've received a few phone calls from friends and family at home, and I appreciate that so much. It is nice to receive mail and news about the ward. Pres. Durrant has told us we can enjoy those blessing while we are here. It is a much different situation for us than the younger missionary's. I love the continued connection to home!
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