Day 137

    We spent some time with my family yesterday, it was a good day.  My family is leaving today, which is always hard.  I am glad we were able to spend time with them.  I am glad my mom was able to make the trip - I know it was hard on her - but it was good to have her here.  We are so grateful that Katie was feeling good and so strong this week.  She is an amazing girl!
     We have started a daily pill with Katie verses the 3 times a day mouth care (hot mouth wash and a thick yucky tasting medication she was supposed to swish and then swallow).  I don't know how they expected a two year old (or her parents) to do that mouth care.  I don't know why the pill wasn't offered to begin with.  But I am SO glad there is a pill!  The pill is to try and prevent fungus or yeast sores in Katie's mouth and throat - which is a serious concern the next couple of months - as we go into the second half of this particular phase we are in.  Katie's counts will drop and that is when the sores become a probability.  We are continuing to hope for the best.  Katie has beat all the odds so far, and has exceeded the doctor's expectations on how well she has tolerated treatments.  We have been greatly blessed!
     "The righteous need not fear" (1 Nephi 22:17).  "You don't need to fear your past being revealed if you have tried to live a life of honor and character.  You don't need to fear the future if you walk in meekness and trust the Lord and His promises.  You don't need to fear the present if you are doing your best to live the gospel, repent, sincerely pray, keep the commandments, and honor your covenants.  Where there is deep faith and perfect love, there is no fear (1 John 4:18); where there is willing obedience and submission, there is victory over trepidation; where there is righteousness, there is confidence and trust in the Lord.  Things will work out; they always do.  It may not be just the way we expect, or just the way we want, but the Lord is merciful and kind: he will uphold, sustain, and strengthen us all along life's twists and turns if we truly strive for righteousness.  All will be well." (Lloyd D. Newell, He Shall Fulfill All of His Promises, 162).