Day 354

      This month has taken its toll... Especially on me.  Katie seems to rebound the best out of all of us - she is always full of sunshine and smiles!  I was sitting at the kitchen table to other day and Katie looked over at me and said, "Don't be sad mommy." (I didn't realize I was looking sad, but after she pointed it out, I realized she was right).  I told her, "I was just thinking."  To which she gave her typical response, "Just be happy Mommy, today is a happy day!"  What an amazingly little girl she is!
     We had an odd happening this week.  Katie got some "spots" on her legs and then she also broke out into huge half dollar sized hives on her back and legs.  I couldn't believe it!!  I was a bit panicked, because I didn't know if it was starting over again, or if something else was happening.  We took her to see Dr. Michaud (our friend who is a Dermatologist) and also to the PCH Dermatologist - both said this is different than before.  They thought it looked like some type of bug bites - and the hives were an allergic reaction.  Bug bites?... The PCH Derm's opinion was mosquito bites, and the hives were a reaction because her immune system is so shot that her body can't even handle mosquito bites right now.  I don't know what it was or what happened, but it was very disconcerting - especially coming on the heels of all that has just happened.  Anyway, we have been medicating her with Benadryl and putting a steroid cream on the hives and "bites."  It has been an emotional and draining month.  But Katie is happy and we are glad for that!!!
     "Though you sometimes may not be able to see the way, know that your Father in Heaven will never forsake His righteous followers.  He will not leave you comfortless.  He will be at your side, yes, guiding you every step of the way."  (Joseph B. Wirthilin, Ensign, November 2001, 27).
     "The words of the psalmist inspire: 'I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help' (Psalm 121:1).  The principle taught is familiar to experienced hikers.  They know to keep their eyes fixed on a landmark in the distance: a tree, a rock, a hill.  Then, even if their path takes them in directions they did not expect, as long as they keep that landmark in sight, they eventually reach their destination.  Likewise, during our journey of life we can do our best to fix our eyes upon everlasting things.  Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, "All too soon, our time is finished... Let us walk in the right direction, taking one step after another.  That is easy enough.  We don't have to be perfect today.  We don't have to be better than someone else.  All we have to do is to be the very best we can" (Ensign, Nov. 2001,27) (Lloyd D. Newell, He Shall Fulfill All of His Promises).