"Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have ~ life itself ~."
Another week of many memorable events and experiences. Starting on Monday with the re-enactment of the organization of the Relief Society. I can't believe I was lucky enough to be here in Nauvoo where this event actually took place. Of course, they went all out to recreate this event with all of us wearing period dresses, riding in wagons, sitting in the the second floor of the Red Brick Store where it took place many years ago, and portraying the actual people and what they said. It was really special and so touching to listen to the words spoken by The Prophet Joseph Smith and his wife who was the first president of the R.S. I was so surprised that there weren't flowers on the table, but we did get handouts. Sisters, the gospel is still true and we know how to have a great Relief Society today, even with our flowers, pictures, displays, and handouts and goodies! After the R.S. program the sisters went to Burlington to have a St. Patricks day luncheon, and shopping. So much fun again being with special sisters.
While the sisters were recreating the brethren went to Waterloo, Iowa to see the John Deere Tractor Factory. They had a great time I'm sure! Rudi wants to be a farmer now! The best part of that trip was to see the tools used to put the tractors together. Each tool has computer chips which knows if it was used and how it was used. If not used and used correctly the tractor line will stop until the tool is used correctly.
Friday Rudi and I went to Springfield, Illinois to see the doctor about my kidney problem. If you want to skip to the next paragraph this part is strictly for me to remember our miracle day full of a lot of emotion. We left early Friday morning for a 11:00 a.m. appointment. It takes about 3 hours to get there. When we arrived we saw the doctor, who's nurse took the regular medical report, and said the doctor would be in shortly. When he came in his first words were, I don't know why you're here! Needless to say Rudi and my jaws dropped to the floor. To start with he didn't know the referring doctor and didn't have any of my records or CT scan. Our doctor in Quincey, who made the appointment for us, and said he'd send all the information ahead hadn't followed thru. Beside that he didn't do renal surgeries.
Being the kindest doctor I've ever met he said he'd call a well know doctor who did perform the surgery I needed. We waited about 10 minutes and he came back and informed us that this other doctor could see us right now. We thanked him, and by the way he said there'd be no charge for our visit to him since he didn't do anything to help us. So unusual, in this day and age! He also told us that the next doctor had a surgery scheduled in 30 minutes so we needed to hurry real fast. When we arrived at the next doctors office we went into the biggest waiting room I've ever seen with about 50 to 60 chairs. I couldn't believe not one person was there except the receptionist who said, we've been waiting for you. I asked her why so many chairs and where was everyone? She told us that yesterday every chair was full, but on Friday afternoon many doctors take the afternoon off. When we finally met with the surgeon he informed us that he had called Keokuk Hospital and had all my test results and CT scan. He read over them and said he felt like I needed the surgery but he wanted to do a more extensive contrast dye test before he actually put a stent in. He said he could do that through the same incision that would be made for the stent surgery itself. So long story short we're leaving for Springfield this afternoon and I'll be in surgery in the morning. I told you this was a long, sorry! Oh I forgot they are taking care of a hotel room for us tonight since I need to be there so early in the morning. Talk about a miracle in my life. After so many ups and downs I feel like I've finally found the right person to help with my high blood pressure and a dying kidney. This doctor said I should be able to improve my blood pressure by 50 to 60 percent. A lot different from my last consultation in Quincey. We have a lot of faith that this is the answer to our prayers. The missionaries here have been so great to support us with so much love and prayers. My family need not worry The Lord is taking care of us, but we still need your prayers.
After seeing the doctor we went to the Lincoln Museum right across the street from the hospital. It was well worth our time. Very informative and interesting. We loved the life like figures of many famous people. Great movies of his life and presidency.
Now to happier events. Of course, we still had to hurry back to be in charge of our missionary social last night. We all went to dinner at the Hotel Nauvoo and a movie across the street at Grandpa John's Theater. We enjoyed a beautiful and yummy buffet. This place is decorated so cute with tons of pioneer artifacts and clever seasonal decorations. After dinner we saw the movie Saratov Approach. It was fantastic! Full of many emotions from, thrilling, intense, tender, and many tears at the end. I recommend it to everyone if you haven't seen it yet. One of the leads [Corbin Allred] plays the role of Satan in the B film at the temple, thats the one that came out last summer. I'm not sure many mothers will want to send out their sons and daughters on missions after seeing this movie. I know I got tears in my eyes thinking about my son, Troy, and my daughter, Tiffini, serving missions. It really is a tender but intense movie!
The best thing happened this morning in church. After R.S. I was walking down the hall and who should I run into but Becky Rogers from my home ward in Orem. I was so shocked and happy to see her. My first friend from home. She was my visiting teacher and sweet example of living the gospel to the fullest. She was traveling with her eight children and father to surprise David after a military training. Her kids had done baptisms in the Nauvoo Temple the day before, but Rudi and I were on the afternoon shift and missed seeing them. It really made our day to see her. Thanks Becky!
Tonight before we leave for Springfield we are singing for Dr. Miller, the mission doctor before he leaves to go home. He has been so great to me with all my health issues. I'll miss him but we are looking forward to meeting our new doctor, Dr. Udall from Utah Valley. Some of you might know him. I just hope I don't need to get to know him very well!
Once again I've worn you out with my rambling on. We do feel so loved and supported here. We continue to depend on you for your prayers in our behalf. May you all have a wonderful week.
Miracles still do happen.
With continued love,
Brother and Sister Diederich
Rudi and Kathy
Dad and Mom
GRANDPA AND GRANDMA
Getting ready to load the wagons to ride to the Red Brick Store to recreate the organization of the Relief Society.
Sister Hullinger and I on the wagon, ready to go. One problem, 16 degrees and the wagons don't have heaters!
Grandkids, Grandma travels in wagons pulled by big horses. So much fun!
All the Temple Sister Missionaries in front of the Red Brick Store. They made us take off our coats so they could see our dresses. Can you find me on the back row in front of the door?
One of the many sunstones on the temple.
Moon stones on the temple.
Stars all the way around the temple.
Family photo with Abraham Lincoln and Brother and Sister Diederich invited to be in the picture. Abe was a lot taller than Grandpa.
George B. McClellan, Rudi, Ulysses S. Grant planning war strategy.
Kathy converting John Wilkes Booth to repentance after shooting and killing President Lincoln.
Rudi and young Abraham Lincoln in front of his boyhood cabin.
Sojourner Truth, Kathy, Frederick Douglas.
Dinner at the Hotel Nauvoo.
Enjoying a buffet dinner, so much good food!
Pres, and Sister McArthur at the dinner.
The Rock Stars, Brother and Sister Durrant.
More friends at the dinner. The Wade's and Gorrell's.
Pres. and Sister Rutowski who were released yesterday from the temple presidency. Also the Moller's, great friends.
Bro. and Sister Dewey with Sister Willis.
Our only single temple missionary, Elder Alex Miller.
Bro. and Sister Moore who are leaving next month to go home. They are the official photographers for the missionaries and will be so missed. Also the Prince's in the front of the picture.
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