The results from my blood tests show that I'm still anemic but its getting better. I'm suppose to see a cardiologist this week to check my heart since my blood pressure has been so high. I'm on so many drugs to keep the pressure down that I'm a little loopy[thats not unusual for me]. Hopefully he'll give me a clean bill of health. I'm still very tired but I think the pills are doing that to slow me down and help the blood pressure.
I just asked Rudi to help me think of what we did this week and we both looked at each other and shook our heads, I guess that means about nothing! Rudi has kept up at the temple while I've been resting. He actually tries so hard at being compassionate but needs more practice. Hopefully he's not going to practice on me. I don't want to be down again for a long time!
This Friday morning was really sad. Our dear friends the Hollands left to go home. He's the man I wrote about that had cancer a few years ago and it came back very aggressively. They found a tumor in his groin and operated and found many more throughout his body. They were the social committee chairmans that we worked with and loved and respected so much. The doctors here felt it best for them to go home to Texas. All the temple missionaries met at their cottage Friday morning and sang God Be With You Till We Meet Again, there wasn't a dry eye around, even Rudi who is normally very composed was struggling and asked for tissues. Our temple president then offered a prayer. It was so touching and heart felt. It was so hard to say goodby and know we'll never see him again in this life. Sis. Holland was trying so hard but really struggled with her emotions. The church took care of all their flight arrangements, moving their things out of their cottage and making sure they had wheelchairs at the airports etc. Our Church is so wonderful and helpful to its members and non-members throughout the world. Rudi is going tomorrow to help move their things into boxes until their bishop in Texas comes up to drive their truck home. I hope and pray that Bro. Holland will be comfortable and be able to spend quality time with his family and friends in Texas. They will be missed so much. Their example of love for everyone and their ability to share the gospel with their smiles is what I'll miss the most about them. Oh, and I'll never forget his stunning white hair. You could pick him out in an audience anywhere. I told him it reminded me of an angel with a halo surrounded his head. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in their upcoming trials.
Today the temple missionaries had a special fast for them and two other sisters battling cancer. They also included me which I really appreciate the extra blessings and prayers.
Well Rudi is back on the sweet husband list again! He fixed dinner while I was at choir. It was so good and very appreciated. He really can be compassionate when he wants to be.
This week we have been so grateful for all the love and support of friends here and friends and family at home. We count our blessings everyday for this wonderful opportunity to serve in the Nauvoo Temple. We can't wait for family and friends to come to Nauvoo and experience this special Zion Community feeling. I know I send pictures of the temple almost every week but I don't want to ever forget its beauty and what it means to us. After being away from the temple for a week it felt so warm and inviting to be back where the love is so strong. The temple is what it is all about. I hope my grandchildren read this and know that they don't want to cheat themselves out of the blessings of the temple. When all is said and done the temple covenants are what matter most in life. Because of them our families are sealed together for time and all eternity. I can't imagine not having my family with me forever, and I hope you all want your families with you forever.
We've truly been blessed to serve daily in the best job one could have. Grandpa and I want so badly to be in the temple with each one of you when you are married. Set a goal today to meet us there and I promise if God is willing we'll be there waiting for you.
May you all have a wonderful week full of adventures and happiness. Happy Birthday again to all the family birthdays.
We love you all and pray daily for your protection and health.
With love always,
Rudi and Kathy
Mom and Dad
Grandpa and Grandma
Elder and Sister
P.S. Way too many titles and names!
PSS. How many sweet husband comments can a guy take before it gets to his head. In 46 years of marriage there must be 3 or 4 times. I (Rudi) will work on getting more. Still loving this place more each day.
Sunstone on corner of the temple.
Old train station in Keokuk.
Nauvoo Temple just after the sunset.
One of many bald eagles. Check out the wing span.
Across the Mississippi River in Montrose Iowa. It seems so close but is a long drive back. No bridge at this point. This is where the Saints crossed the Mississippi River in 1846.
Another look at Nauvoo from across the river. The water is actually frozen.
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