I had an interesting experience the other night - a simple matter, really. But it deeply impressed me. I was helping a nurse bathe a patient on the ICU - a man that had come in with an acute MI (a massive heart attack). His room was full of tubes and pumps and he was gravely ill. We bathed him, lotioned and gently turned him to change his sheets. Tears welled in the corner of his eyes, and he reached for the nurses hand, feebly. His voice was barely audible when he whispered the words, "Your name is Kathy?" "Yes", she said. He replied, "Thank you, Kathy. Thank you, Kathy. You are God's angel to me." A surge of electricity went through me and I looked up at my nurse, my own eyes tearing. I thought of papa expressing those same words to a nurse just weeks before he died. It occured to me why I am going through the insanity of becoming a nurse and why it has always been a part of me - this human reponse to a need. It all made sense in that brief interlude of time. I'm so grateful that I have had this blessing of school and knowledge in the journey to a profession that is both heart-wrenching and heart-rendering. I've thought of my own mother in her profession as a nurse-aide and how loved she was. She is my mentor. I see the Lord's hand in many places in my life - in my little grandchildren, in my two married daughters who live the gospel so simply and beautifully in their lives, in my children at home who bless me every day with their laughter and antics and charm. And an amazing husband who is a Godsend and who pulls much more of his weight than he ever should have to, at times. I am grateful for a warm home, and sunshine and warmth through the windows. At times when I am overwhelmed, I feel numb to the Lord's mercies that are everywhere but they are there - right in front of me. Without my family, I am nothing. The Lord continues to be mindful of us everyday of our lives. In simple, beautiful ways... we just need to pull away and look for them.

Vicki Warner

Where are My Family's Contributions?

My initial thought and desire when I started this blog spot is that everyone would - hopefully at least once a week - post to it and share a blessing you've received (how you saw the Lord's hand in your life this week). I thought it would be a way to stay connected and share in each other's lives spiritually. I didn't want to be the only one sharing my experiences. The invitation is still open. If you read this let me know your thoughts. I'm sure everyone is so busy that this may be one more thing you would feel compelled to do. That for sure isn't something I'd want you to feel!!

My Miracle

Any one who reads this and knows my trials and challenges of the last 4 1/2 years will be able to understand the elation and gratitude I feel this night. Today I am free from the burden that has hung over my head for what has felt like an eternity. Today I felt without question, the Lord's hand in my life. Not only today but over the past over four years. I have learned so much from this challenge. I have increased faith, learned the meaning of patience, have understood the power of the atonement in a very real way, and know what it means to find answers directly from the scriptures (the scripture I turned to this morning was: "'behold I will go before you and be your rear-ward; and I will be in your midst, and you shall not be confounded" - amazing! just what I needed to hear!) I've learned the power of fasting and intense prayers. I have come to understand how much the Lord knows each of us and knows of our struggles and trials. I have felt the love and united prayers of my family and friends. Without which, I could not have endured these trials. This morning I went to the temple with Wendy Watson Nelson (Elder Nelson's wife) What a blessing that was. Her wisdom and insight was so comforting and reassuring. She was the angel from Heaven today that the Lord provided for me to offer peace and comfort and reassurance that all would be well. If we can't learn from our trials they are for naught. I hope I've learned sufficiently from this and other challenges I've had, to be able to share with others. Tonight my heart is full of gratitude and love.

My work

I did not want to go to work today. I had way too much to do and wanted desperately to stay home and get some personal things accomplished. I looked at my schedule of clients and knew these good people needed some help and direction and I really couldn't call and cancel the day. So I went, albiet a bit grudgingly. As I sat in each session and listened to each of their stories of struggles and pain, I felt, without question, the Lord's hand directing me in their healing process - ... and I knew I was where I needed to be. It's not all about me - and what I want to do. I thank Him for his guiding light in this work I do.

I saw the Lord's hand in my life today when a good son in law and granddaughter climbed in my attic and got down a very cumbersome Christmas tree - then took the time to put it together in addition to moving furniture so it would fit. And then a daughter who sacrificed some pretty precious time to come and help decorate the outside of the house and clean up after dinner. These stories in some form or another could be told every day of the help we receive from awesome family members.