THE CROW’S NEST-----------------------July 24, 2004

Have you ever imagined the worst but hoped for the best? That is how I have felt since June 28^th. Herein is the odyssey of my "agony and ecstasy": I promise not to write about my personal life often, but it has been "my world" for the last couple of weeks.

I love my sister, Ruthie and brother-in-law, Greg very much so I thought I would mow their lawn for them as they were in Rochester, MN. Chuck took my push mower over for me and I diligently mowed their lawn. Hhmmm---I was not getting very many clippings and it looked newly mowed, but what the heck, I could really spiff this lawn up for them. Come to find out TJ had mowed the lawn about ½ hour earlier. I am sure Ernestine Troftgruben looked across the road and wondered what kind of nutcake did Ruthie have for a sister.

I woke up the next morning with a big lump and lots of pain in my right hand. A few days later at a doctor’s appointment I mentioned my hand. My doctor took one look and said, "O yes, A BIBLE CYST. Years ago they would take a Bible and smash the lump. Thankfully he didn’t.

Hand did not improve. Went down to Kansas City for our son’s wedding. Ended up on antibiotics down there and now my legs ached constantly. Kris, my daughter, quietly informed me she loved me dearly, but was getting tired of "pushing me in and pulling me out" of her van. She suggested I pursue my problem. Had an MRI at Altru and it seems I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. My doctor put me on prednisone for 10 days and promised me I would not retain fluid. Further consultations with a Rheumatologist are ahead. That was the agony.

Now the ecstasy: I have lost 10 lbs, I don’t mind using a cane when necessary to take pressure off my legs, I can park in handicap slots and Chuck loves me still and is unbelievably supportive in helping with everything. I can easily live with this. The "icing on the cake" for me was a phone call from Rosemary Denault. She wanted to know what she could do for me. Could she come over and vacuum or something? Here is a lady who also suffers a lot from Rheumatoid Arthritis wanting to help me. That phone call meant the world to me. It just reinforces again how wonderful people are in Edinburg and in all the small towns in the Midwest. Rosie, thank you many times over for your wonderful gesture of kindness.

If you missed the Open House Wedding Reception for Marjean (Olson) and Chris Green you really missed a wonderful treat. The program was terrific. What talent Diana and Sara Sorbo, Marlie Johansen and Elizabeth Pilon have. Their Broadway numbers were great. Diana and Mark were terrific on the French horn and Trumpet. Of course, Jan did all the music with such fun arrangements. It was one special afternoon.

Loretta Monson just got back from Minneapolis. She went down to be with Katie who was recovering from the chicken pox. I think they had more fun shopping and exploring then anything else.

Ross and Shera Brandvold’s Wedding Reception Open House is cancelled for tomorrow evening due to Ross’ medical problems. I will most definitely keep Ross and Shera in my prayers.

We had a wonderful "Party in the Park" last night----except we held it in the Community Center due to inclement weather. There was a great turnout of local residents. We served brats, hotdogs, macaroni salad, chips and pie and ice cream. Bernice Hall of Minneapolis provided a "Balloon Man" who kept everyone entertained with his antics. The free will offering will be used to help maintain this website.

I will visit with you all later. Have a great week.