One Down, Eighty to Go. . .

Two and a half years ago, while working for the airlines late one evening, my feet felt as though they were walking on cut glass that had been shot out of a volcano. I couldn't work anymore. Couldn't lift a bag, could hardly walk. Even going to Sam's Club was excruciating. Mornings were the worst. For two and a half years, Stan has worked on my feet and legs nearly every night, trying to help my body heal from a major case of plantar fasciitis, with accompanying bone spurs and rigid calf muscles. Honestly, I didn't know if I would ever be able to walk again for any length of time without the pain being unbearable. Countless tears, major weight gain, and I felt as though I was facing an insurmountable obstacle, hoping to get well again.

In January I wrote down 81 goals that I had chosen for myself. Maybe I'll share those with you on a future occasion, but for now I'll share this story. Earlier our daughter in law Brittany had asked if anyone wanted to run in a 5K race with her in April 2008. I thought this would be a good time to shoot for being well. So began the effort--a little walking here, a little more walking there. I joined the local athletic club and began teaching water aerobics, which are great for someone in my situation because there is such buoyancy in the water that you can really get a great workout with very little impact. As soon as spring hit, I started walking outside. I got up to two miles, but it was painful! Nevertheless, when the weather permitted (which, face it, in Ohio, wasn't very often!), I walked.

Fast forward to yesterday, Saturday, April 19th. We all gathered for a group photo before the starting horn blew. Brit, Emilie and Caitie ran on ahead. But Matt, bless him, and Della were with me. We walked. We kept walking as group after group passed us. We had started fairly far back because the strollers were supposed to be last. But finally we were the last in the race except for one group behind us. We kept walking. I remembered Heather telling me to just enjoy the scenery and the experience, and that helped me a lot. I focused on the sensations--the incredible rush of the crowd's energy, the loudspeaker playing "Mony, Mony" at high volume as we went through the starting gate. There was a large group of girls from a high school team ahead of us, shouting cheers. That got a little annoying, so I was relieved when they got way ahead of us.

Throughout it all, Matt was beside me, pleasantly carrying on a conversation, feeding Della bits of banana and crackers and water from her sippy cup. I honestly don't think I would have made it without Matt there. He was encouraging without being "rah rah" and he was so fun to talk to. I loved the time we had walking and talking.

We got to the one mile marker and people offered us Gatorade and water. I gladly drank a sip of Gatorade and almost a cup of water. I think by this time the one group behind us was catching up fast! We kept going. . .

It seemed like it was taking forever to get to the two mile marker. For the first time I was beginning to wonder if I could do this. My legs and feet were starting to ache and cramp up. I had wanted to get our picture taken by each marker along the way. Finally, I mentioned to Matt that I was wondering how soon we'd get to Mile 2. He said, "Oh, we passed that a long time ago, Mom. We only have about 6/10 of a mile left." I could have hugged him! What hope filled my heart. I felt a wave of euphoria flood through me. I KNEW I would do this. I knew I COULD do this, and my heart sang.

I asked Matt if we could pick up the pace, and I actually jogged for a few yards, something I haven't done in years. One by one, we passed the groups that had passed us earlier, even the group of high school girls (who by then had stopped shouting cheers). We got ahead of about 25 groups, one at a time.

We reached another batch of onlookers, who were encouraging us. One lady shouted that we only had about 4 blocks to go, and that triggered incredible hope within me. Caitlin and Brittany, who had run on ahead, came back to walk the rest of the way with us. But I wanted to give that last little bit everything I had. And I did! I jogged-walked the rest of the way, tears streaming down my cheeks as I crossed the finish line.
It was a little embarrassing to be so emotional about what for some would seem such a small thing. But for me it represented a major victory, the knowledge that I could get better and could heal and do wonderful physical accomplishments once again. I am crying as I write this blog entry, remembering the amazing feeling of triumph.

Before I flew out here to Utah, Stan said to me, "Honey, you and I are the only ones who know how hard you have worked, how much pain you have suffered with this, and I want you to know that I'll be right there with you, rooting for you all along." I felt his love and encouragement.

Last night I went out to dinner with my sisters and their husbands to celebrate Tom's and David's (same day) birthday. I was so sore and stiff that I could hardly move. But today I'm only a little sore, and I am so grateful for yesterday! Grateful to Brittany for cooking up this particular idea and offering it, grateful to Emilie and Caitlin for being there with me, and most of all to Matt, my dear son, who walked every step of the way with me, who kept me thinking positively, and who would tell you it was no big deal. Matt, it was a big deal for me. I love you and will be forever grateful to you for this, the first of my 81 goals. I love you all! Thank you!

P.S. I just checked the race results: I was #2926 out of 3020 runners. (94 ahead of the last one!) And it took just over an hour. So next year. . .

OK, So Maybe I AM an Author. . . Never at a Loss for Words!

Here is a guaranteed smile for the day, for those of you who love words:

HUMOR FOR LEXOPHILES (LOVERS OF WORDS)

I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

Police were called to a day care where a 3-yr-old was resisting a rest.

Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He's all
right now.

The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference.

The butcher backed up into the meat grinder & got a little behind in his
work.

To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate.

The short fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at
large

A thief who stole a calendar got 12 months.

A thief fell & broke his leg in wet cement. He became a hardened criminal.

When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A.

The dead batteries were given out frėe of charge.

A dentist & a manicurist fought tooth and nail.

A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.

A will is a dead giveaway.

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

A backward poet writes inverse.

In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count
that votes.

A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.

If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.

Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft & I'll show you A-flat miner.

The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.

A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France, resulted in Linoleum
Blownapart.

You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

A calendar's days are numbered.

A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.

A boiled egg is hard to beat.

He had a photographic memory which was never developed.

Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.

When you've seen one shopping center, you've seen a mall.

When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.

Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis

Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.

Acupuncture: a jab well done.

Happy Surprise Birthday Blog, Heather!

Here's a tribute to one of the funnest people I know, and she happens to be my daughter-in-law! We knew she was meant to be part of our family from the moment Joel came home from a church dance. I think he was fourteen and he was in LOVE. By the time he was fifteen, he informed me he was going to marry Heather.
To know Heather is to get it straight--no hype, no pretense, just
great common sense and a dose of reality. She is inventive,
creative, and
she works incredibly hard, always learning, always thinking, always figuring out ways to make things better. I love how she organized their tiny apartment so that it looks gorgeous (on the inside--I can't say much for the weathered exterior!), and it is functional and efficient. She has exquisite taste.

Heather is an exceptional mom. She loves the kids and is always doing fun things with them. She is consistent in her discipline and she is fearless in their defense. But boy, if they are on the wrong side of the line she sets them straight quickly and kindly--a hard thing to do. I love watching her snuggle with the kidlets and it's fun to see how much she enjoys being a mom.

Joel is blessed to have Heather for his wife. Not everybody can get through medical school, especially with kids, jobs, and all the hassles of study, no sleep, no money. She has taken everything in stride and just rolls with the punches. These two know each other so well, and are great friends. Their relationship is supportive and understanding and it's enjoyable to spend time in their home.

Heather inspires me in so many ways! She always looks fantastic, even when she's cleaning the house in scrubs. She's classy and sassy. She uses her brain and she loves figuring stuff out. I'm so grateful for you Heather! Have a fabulocity of a birthday (one of her words) on April 18th!

Our Radiant Caitie

I was going to say something like Charismatic Caitlin for the title of this blog, but even the term "charisma" doesn't do this adorable daughter justice! When I think about Caitlin I think, full of life, full of joy, full of peace, compassion, understanding, full of wisdom. And that is only the beginning...

When Caitlin was born on April 13, 1987, she was a precious gift. We were kind of stunned to have another girl after five boys. It was great! She and Emilie have been the perfect friends and companions for each other during their growing up years. I suspect they will continue to have a strong relationship with each other forever, just as I have with my sisters.

When Caitlin was a little girl, she would sing the most soothing, lovely songs to me. She has a knack for making me feel at peace. As she grew up, she gained an intense interest in healing, probably largely from her dad! She has a gift for helping others to heal. She also knows her anatomy and physiology! Somehow, in a way I can't quite articulate, she is just healing to be around.
A few years ago, I worked for America West, and Caitlin, Emilie and I went to New York City. We got to see Wicked and had a wonderful time. Then last year we went to Hawaii together. You can see the joy and beauty shining out of the girls' eyes. And I think every picture I have of Caitlin shows that same joy and radiance. She just shines!

On the dance floor, there's no one with more enthusiasm. She has an energy that is tangible, and she enlivens any group she's in. She has an infectious laugh that can at times be downright silly! I remember many times when we would quote to her the phrase that Peter Sellers used to give his Asian servant in the old Pink Panther movies: "Caito! Now is not the time!"

Caitie has grown into a gorgeous and amazingly talented woman. A few weeks ago, she choreographed a routine for eight people and danced in a performance with the BYU Women's Chorus. At the last minute one of the dancers dropped out, and she recruited and taught another dancer the routine in few hours. That night the team performed and received a standing ovation. Talk about amazing! This girl rocks! Twenty-one years old. You are a blessing beyond description in my life, Caitlin Beth Gardner! I am so grateful for you and I love you. Happy Birthday!

Our Della-Dollie

It's a bit of a challenge to do blog entries, one right after the other, when you have three birthdays right in a row! David's is the 11th, Della's is the 12th, and Caitlin's is the 13th! So please scroll down and make sure you read about David, and Caitie's is coming . . .soon, I promise!


This wee bitty girl is a year old on April 12th. I remember last year when Brittany and Lori were expecting within a couple of days of each other. I was with Melodie shopping for clothes when we got the call that Brit was in labor--a month early! We were nervous and prayerful, and when Della was born she was sooo little. But I am so grateful she was healthy and beautiful and adorable, and she becomes even more so every day. She is a little treasure. I'm delighted that she will be a big sister sometime in September or October--depending on if Brit keeps up the early bird tendency. (Brit--you're always so quick to deliver--on EVERYTHING! You're amazing!). Anyway, I think Della is precious. She has two of the most wonderful parents in the world, and they love her to pieces. I'm so proud of Matt and Brittany for being the wonderful examples they are, and for their adorable baby girl to be an example to. We love you three and wish Della the happiest birthday she's ever had! :)

Our Amazing David

Sorry guys--I'm not too great at importing pictures yet!

These are pictures of our wonderful firstborn son David and his adorable wife Lori. I could write a blog just about Lori (in fact, I will--but it's not her birthday!). She has been a perfect wife for Dave and a wonderful mother. But David, whose birthday comes up on April 11, is the man of the month. What can I tell you about David? Well, for starters, he is VERY funny. I absolutely love his sense of humor. That seems to have been tempered somewhat as he and Lori have had more (5 now) children. But he is hilarious when he gets going. And he loves to find the humor in situations and laugh about them with everyone. He is also very intelligent and creative. I love his integrity and his down-to-earth wisdom. He puts his whole self into projects and uses his creativity in ways that bless his family.

When David was little, he drew all the time. I still have some of the incredibly detailed pictures he drew. One picture of a giant and a castle that he drew in 2nd or 3rd grade was featured in a magazine. He used to always win coloring contests, too. As a junior high student he won a $1000 scholarship in a drawing contest.

Over the past couple of years, David has been very involved in soccer, coaching Joseph's (his oldest son) team. He's been dedicated to the boys and really treats them fairly. Last fall I got to go up to Logan and watch the team play and I was struck with how much he supported each boy, sending each one in to play and praising them individually for doing a good job. Even when the boys messed up, Dave just quietly told them they were doing fine and to keep focused. That, I guess, pretty much expresses how he treats everyone. He's a wonderful man!

I love watching Dave and Lori swing dance. They are incredibly good, and they look so cute together. They have a natural rhythm and they know each other's moves so well that they intuitively put together great routines, seemingly without effort. I suspect when their kids grow up they will all have natural dancing ability, because Dave and Lori have danced while expecting each of the kids.

It's amazing to think that our oldest son is old enough to be a father of five children, but what an intense pleasure it is to see how beautifully he does his job as husband and father. I know, Dave--when you read this, you'll shake your head and think your mom is just being your mom and praising you, but it shows in your wife and children and the wonderful feeling that exists in your home. I'm so grateful that God blessed Stan and me with David Stanley Gardner, our beloved oldest son! Happy birthday Dave!

Korea Daejeon!

Wow! That's about all I can say about the last several days. I feel like I've been on a roller coaster, and I'm sure how I have felt doesn't hold a candle to Nathaniel's experiences. Wednesday is the typical day for mission calls to arrive, and we collectively held our breath, thinking, "Oh well, if it isn't this week, maybe next." Wednesday was a crazy day, anyway. Nathaniel and Caitie and Emilie all danced a standing ovation performance, swing dancing a routine that Caitlin had choreographed. I'd like to try to figure out how to load their recording onto this blog. So Wednesday came and went. Then Thursday. Nothing. Friday night Stan and I were at home when the phone rang. It was Nathaniel, strangely out of breath. "Mom! Dad! It came!" We were puzzled at first, then put two and two together. He had just gotten off work, headed back to the apartment, and there it was. As we talked on the phone, his roommates were threatening that the call was opening itself in the background.

We all took a deep breath and decided that EVERYONE had to be in on the call. I'm proud that Nathaniel had the gumption and the self control to wait until the next night. By then I had arranged for a conference call number (thanks Leslie!). Even Steve called in from China.

Unfortunately, the best laid plans...our connection was pretty muddy. We took a poll to find out where everyone thought he'd be going. Here are the results:
Steve: Korea or a Chinese speaking mission
Lori: Samoa
David: Alabama
Cristie: Latvia
Josh: Central America
Melodie: Guatemala
Joel: Germany
Heather: Canada
Emilie: Utah Provo
Caitie: France
Matthew: Soviet Union
Nathaniel: Stateside or Africa

Adding that to the background noise to Nathaniel's shaking, tear-filled voice, we couldn't figure out at first where he had been called.

But as it turned out, Steve was the winner. He'd nailed it on the first guess! Korea Daejeon. I guess it used to be called Taejon or something like that. It's still pronounced with a T sound to begin the word. When we read it, all we could think was "mustard." The Korean Dejon Mustard Mission. Pretty cool name! But we're all pretty pumped, especially Nathaniel. He reports on May 7. That's only 5 1/2 weeks to get ready. Yikes!

Oh--and one pretty funny side comment: When Nathaniel was 15, he went to China to spend a few months with Steve. When he came back, he told me, "You know, the only language I really have no interest in learning is Korean. They sound so whiny!" I think Someone Upstairs overheard that remark and is having a pleasant little chuckle right now. Because, you know, you learn to love wherever you go--and you learn to love the people, and the language. Nathaniel already does! Have a great mission, beloved son!