"Laura, what's up?"

Focus on Praise

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:45:00 +0000

Psalm 34:1-5

I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.

A Jacob Story

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:22:00 +0000

I was agitated.
I struggled.
I didn't think of it is a Jacob-like experience at the time.
But later, the connection came.

The voice kept calling my name, insistently,
"Laura. " "Laura." "Laura."
"Look at me." "LOOK at me." "Look at ME."

It was more than someone taking my face between their hands to direct my attention.
It was a wresting of my whole body.
There was not so much a visual aspect, but if there was, it might be a little like the Navy Seal character on NCIS-LA.

God wrestled me.
I twisted and turned.
But he said in my ear,
"Laura, Laura, sweetie, Look at me."
It kept up.
Relentlessly.
God was getting my attention.
"Look at me," was the message, "not at your fear."
(And while we are at it, not at the world.)

It later reminded me of trying to manage a determined squirming toddler into a car seat.
And whenever I squirmed throughout the day, he called/turned/wrestled me back,
"Laura, Laura-honey, look at me."

What is it to wrestle with God?
I do not know about Jacob.
But for me, the wresting was like saving a drowning person,
as in "Stop splashing and thrashing, so I can save you."

"Laura, Laura, look at Me.
I love you."

~~~

"Then the man said, 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,
because you have struggled with God and with men/humans,
and have overcome/prevailed.'"
Genesis 32:28 (NIV & NRSV)

"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
until the destroying storms pass by.
I cry to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven and save me,
.....
God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness."
Psalm 57:1-3

Who Loves You?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:38:00 +0000

Nobody loves you like your Mommy and Daddy.
At least that is how I think it should be.

I think of that often as I visit with my parents, whether by phone or in person.
I am so glad to hear their voices.
I so appreciate their love and commitment.
So often they drop what that are doing to talk to or help me!
I come away knowing I have been given a dear deep gift of love.
My whole life.
Mom and Dad have taught me love by loving.
And they have modeled God's love by living love.

With thanks...

"Love one another."
(from John 13:34)

Hugs

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:41:00 +0000

Hugs
There may be various meanings of hugs.
This is one:
I am really here
and
I am not alone.

Latest tests

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 28 May 2011 19:42:00 +0000

Results came in the mail for the May blood tests: the CA-125 (ovarian cancer marker) and the kidney tests (a week before each CT to make sure I can take the IV contrast). Everything looks good. CA-125 is still 11 (good that it is not moving up).

The CT scan was Wednesday. Very kind people were both working and in the waiting room (one woman with colon cancer, one who had a brain scan).

I am waiting for the results of that. I may find out by a mailing. Or I may find out at my next appointment. There is a certain peace in this waiting.

I have been reading the Gospel of Mark. I noticed these themes as I was reading chapter 10:

- People/crowds came to Jesus for his teaching and healing.
- Pharisees came for testing him.
- There were separate intimate teaching sessions for his disciples.
- Jesus spoke for and blest the vulnerable (children, poor).
- Jesus understood and spoke about his mission (betrayal, death, living again, and servant leadership).

I also love the story with Bartimaeus, when Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?"

"I want to see," Bartimaeus responded.

"Go," Jesus said, "your faith has healed you."

And the response of Bartimaeus, upon receiving his sight?

He followed Jesus.

I love that response and that reminder, that our reponse to Jesus' healing is to follow him.

When Jesus heals, there is a different direction and a different energy.
Life is different.

11

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 19:47:00 +0000

Results are in for Wednesday's CA-125 (blood test): 11. :)
My test in March had gone up to 13 (start of a pattern?), so I am very happy with 11!
I am so thankful, so thankful.

Picture reminder - birthday notes

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:27:00 +0000

As I am writing this,I am reminding myself to be more intentional about taking and including photos!

Who took me to lunch on Tuesday?
Kind and fun friend, Kim C.

Who took me to lunch on Wednesday (when John has staff meetings over lunch)?
My dear brother Allan, who also invited James

With whom did I spend my birthday evening?
Wednesday evening supper at church; Christian yoga class at church; Stewardship meeting at church

How did I get to church that evening?
I walked with John, who had left the car in the lot earlier and walked home for me.

Who surprised me with chocolate birthday cake and ice cream?
John, who after our meetings, told me to watch my feet when I entered the car. There was a white cake box on the floor that he had found time to buy earlier. So we ate cake and ice cream around 10:00 pm.

Who was the first to call on my birthday morning?
My dear mom and dad!

Who left birthday greetings on my phone?
My dear sister Bonnie and Charlie, dear John's mom, and Sandy B.

Who called three times that day?
Carrie! (Who said she was stalking me on my birthday. Very funny, Princess!)

Who is making dinner for me on Friday?
John and James. I love looking forward to food - and time with you!

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100

My Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 05:01:00 +0000

March 2.
Today is my birthday!
I am 56.
And I am glad to be here!
Thank you to everyone who helped me celebrate today, this week, and every day!
You fill my life with love.

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24 NIV

Colonoscopy Experience (#2)

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 23:07:00 +0000

There seems to be a colonoscopy comradery. When I bought the prep formula at the pharmacy, the pharmacy assistant commented on her own experience (several years ago), and joked about the taste and the volume of the drink. And when I walked into the hospital yesterday morning for the test, the women volunteering at the information desk also commented, "Ah honey, the worst is over."

I found such friendliness, because we shared a common experience.

They made me smile. They made me laugh. We were in it together!

I worried. But everyone, beginning with the schedulers, were very kind.

Once at the procedure prep room, I had an oxygen monitor (clothespin-like object) on a finger on one hand, an IV in my other arm, and a few heart monitor stickers stuck on my chest. They were taking good care of me.

I was wheeled into a small room, where we waited a bit for the doctor. I had no idea so many people were involved. The person who monitored the anesthetic and all my vital signs was closest to my head, and explained who would be there. There would also be Dr. Bradley Warren (gastroenterologist), Nurse Sharon, the Tech, and the "fellow" working with Dr. Warren.

I turned on my side, thinking the place seemed a bit noisy, but appreciating how soft the pillow was. What a soft, soft pillow. So comfortable...

And that is all I remembered until I woke up again in the larger room with multiple patients (was this a different room than before? Not sure.). I opened my eyes and saw John sitting next to me.

And then Dr. Warren came and explained that I was fine. I was fine!
Well, except for hemorrhoids, for which I need to be more diligent about eating my fiber (25 grams per day). And come back in five years.

I will! I will!

Here is one list: High-fiber foods, Mayo Clinic.
Here is another: Dietary Fiber Chart.
(The numbers sometimes vary.)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV

Two Celebrations

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 01:03:00 +0000

Oxygen
Sometimes I wake up, not quite ready for the new day (not having had quite enough sleep).
But one recent morning, I awoke feeling particularly wonderful.
Wonderful and well!
One explanation is that a recent cold was going away, and that I was breathing clearly.
Ah, the simple joy of breathing!

Dress-up
John and I finally got to try out the Cross Country Ski Headquarters near Roscommon with our activities group from church a few weeks ago. A lovely trip!

On the drive up, John and I stopped at my parents' house. John was still in the back room chatting with my dad, and I was catching up with my mom. Then she asked me to go to a closet and bring out some old dresses that had belonged to grandmothers. One looked like a nightgown. One was made by a great-grandmother. One was surprisingly elegant. I tried them all on (and modeled them for the men). What fun! It had been such a long day and a long drive in the dark and snow. But then I laughed and played with my mom.

How easily I can let stress color... everything.

How thankful I was, and am, for my mom who brought out my playfulness.

"This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24 NIV

Celebrate each day and don't take tomorrow for granted.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 00:34:00 +0000

I hadn't meant to wait almost a month before posting again.

A couple weeks ago, John's mom's 19 year-old Eagle Scout neighbor, Bryan Wolf died.
A primary word used to describe him was "thoughtful".
He had been very friendly and helpful with John's mom.

As we left the funeral, his dad asked "And how are YOU?"
What a kind thing to ask in the midst of his grief.
Thoughtful.

I said that I celebrate each day and do not take tomorrow for granted....
which seemed to make sense to him.

That is my prayer also.

Three Years, with Gratitude and Love

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 04:30:00 +0000

Today is the 3-year anniversary of my surgery.
My most recent tests (November CT scan, etc.) did not show any recurrance.
I am feeling good.
I am glad to be here.

My hair has grown back.
(I am liking to keep it short right now though.)

Reflecting...
I am reminded that I am not defined by one experience in life.
But also, I am not invulnerable.
Both.
This is a reminder for me, and a life-lesson for my children.

Whatever difficulty may be in your life right now,
does not define your whole life.
There may be an area to get past.
It may be temporary.
Do what you need to do to get through it...
to move along on your journey...
with many other gifts and experiences and dimensions.

But you also know that you are a vulnerable human being.
We never know, nor get to choose, some things that come our way.

I slightly smile to myself at a small voice in me that says (knowing better really),
"If I just did not have this cancer shadow,
I would be normal like everyone else, and live forever."

We are all vulnerable.
We are all complex.

We have an amazing God,
who loved us so much,
He gave everything for us.
He made us in his own image, so he knows exactly how complex we are,
and what gifts we have to develop and to share.

He also understands our needs.
He is strong and dependable.
Whether life's difficulties are from our choices or things that just appear,
He does not say (as earthly parents might),
"You should have thought of this earlier,"
or "Why didn't you (fill-in-the-blank)?"

He holds you close, then takes your hand to walk
together.
You may not see where the next step may be.
He will guide you....
physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.

His love is bigger than cancer,
bigger than jobs,
or having no job,
bigger than changes,
bigger than discouragement and disappointment,
bigger than tiredness,
bigger than loneliness,
bigger than stress and pressure,
bigger than anger or fear,
bigger than this life.
His love is eternal.

My dear children,
God's love is the one thing you can depend on.
And because of that love, we can love and be loved by others.

Today, I am so thankful for you.
You bless my life!
- Your mom, who loves you so much.

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.
Psalm 150:6 NIV

Every day with Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 01:03:00 +0000

A quotation from a calendar on my kitchen windowsill:

"This uneasiness about the future is unwholesome for you.
We must leave to God all that depends on Him,
and think only of being faithful in all that depends upon ourselves."
Francois Fenelon

This quotation speaks to me about perspective.
(Interesting wording: "This uneasiness" is actually "unwholesome".)
I am very aware that the days of earthly life are limited.

And yet (note to self), why dwell on the worry and let that get in the way of living?
Instead, focus on the moments of life, the joy of life, the depth of life!
Be thankful for God, the mighty God beyond-time-and-space, who walks through life with me,
like friends walking home from school, baring souls.
And be thankful for family and friends, who care even when I am not looking.

Jesus, I pray to be more intentional about your presence in my life.

Matthew 6:25-26,33
"‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear.
Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them....
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

New Woman

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:22:00 +0000

After a day or so of treatment (for laryngitis, sinus infection, stuffiness), I started to notice a difference.
I felt a spring in my step.
What WAS that wonderful feeling???

Oh, AIR!
I was starting to get significant oxygen into my lungs, into my brain, into my bloodstream, rushing all through my body with health!

I was starting to feel like a new woman!
What a good way to begin a New Year!

I remembered the chorus of an old hymn, maybe from childhood, "There is Power in the Blood":
"There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb..."

Giving thanks for Jesus, my Life-Blood.

I'll Be Home (sick) for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:17:00 +0000

For a pastor's family, family traditions are highly related to the church's traditions and schedules.

John and I, in various places we have lived, have had a tradition that I would be his Christmas Eve liturgist (reader).

This year, however, I was out with laryngitis.
-Thanks, capable college student Julia Wahl, for helping to lead worship on short notice!

I missed the Sunday service as well.

By Monday morning, I was ready to see a doctor. I was stuffy, and my face hurt. John kindly called to make arrangements and took me in. I came home with antibiotics for a nasty sinus infection that went along with the laryngitis. I was also told to use a nasal irrigator, which I had never done before, so we chose Ocean Complete Sinus Irrigation from the pharmacy shelf. Eager to feel better, I took the first antibiotic pills right away, with the office drinking fountain. Then I carefully read the directions for the nasal spray and tried it as soon as we got home. It had instant and dramatic results, and was probably one of the most disgusting things I have done. But it was also strangely satisfying and amusing.

Time out from the "sick" story...
On December 19, John and I attended a lovely farewell event for music director Stacey... and Gary Becker at a previous church in Northville. While there, we also saw friends who mentioned a lack of entries in my blog. So to friends that I do not see regularly: "Thanks for noticing and caring, and always for prayer! You are in my heart."

Visiting Dr. Malviya

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 05:01:00 +0000

John and I just got home from my Dec. 8 appointment with Dr. Malviya. I am doing well. My Nov. 30 CT scan (pelvis, abdomen, and chest) was fine. Sigh. And bravo!

I go back for the same process in six months.

While waiting in the exam room, I quietly practiced some choir music (not because I am so diligent, but because I did not do it earlier). It was good for both my spirit and my breath.

"Peace, peace, peace on earth...
and good will to all.
This is a time for joy....."
(Words and music by Rick and Sylvia Powell)

And now, it is time to sleep.

Thank you, Holy God,
for health,
for moments of life,
for loving us,
for people to love...
and now for rest.

Mom in Recovery

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:57:00 +0000

Dr. Malviya talked to us about noon, and said they were finishing up with Mom's surgery, and that things went well. No big surprises. They will have more test results probably by the end of the week. He expects things to go well.

We (Bonnie, Allan, Dad, and John with me) just ate lunch, and expect to see her when she is out of "recovery".

We are so thankful, so thankful.
Always, God holds her and cares for her.
We are thankful.

Jesus, please heal my Mommy.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 02:24:00 +0000

Jesus, please heal my Mommy.
This is my prayer.
A simple child prayer.
I stand back in awe, knowing You are love, knowing you have all knowledge and power.
Knowing that you hold me in your arms as a little child.

Where did I learn about that love?
And how did I learn to feel it?
I learned as a child.
I learned from my Mommy and my Daddy.

And if You hold me, then certainly, You hold them who taught me.

Tomorrow morning, in just a few hours, my Mommy will share my surgeon, Dr. Malviya.
He will take out the cancer inside her.

Please bless Dr. Malviya.
And please help him and the team as they do their work.
Thank you for their wisdom and compassion.

Please help my Mommy to be strong through surgery and recovery.
Please help us to trust You with child-like faith.
Jesus, please heal my Mommy.

And may we live your love with every breath.

Matthew 18:3-4 (Contemporary English Version)
"Then Jesus said:
'I promise you this. If you don't change and become like a child, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. But if you are as humble as this child, you are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"

The Envelope Please - CA-125

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:28:00 +0000

My most recent test results arrived in the mail on Saturday.
Open the envelope.
CA-125 score (from a week ago Friday) was 11.
Good.
The ones from three months ago and six months ago were both 10.
So I don't like 11 as much.
But I would be told it is not a significant change.
I won't complain about 11.
In fact, thank you....thank you... thank you, God, for healthy cells.
Each day, each moment, each cell is a gift.
I am grateful.
Please help me take care of them...
and to be the whole person you want me to be...

Romans 5:1-2 (CEV)
By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live at peace with God. Christ has also introduced us to God's undeserved kindness on which we take our stand. So we are happy, as we look forward to sharing in the glory of God.

Late Night Note

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 06:16:00 +0000

I just read a Facebook posting that a dear friend has died.
I was working on the computer, and should not even be up this late.
It seems that it cannot even be real.
I will check again in the morning....

In the meantime...
I attended a lovely wedding today, at which Neal Harris played the piano. One of the songs he played, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" really helped to set the tone for worship. It stays with me now.

Theme:
Lamentations 3:22-23
"Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness."

Lyrics:
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Words: Thomas O. Chisholm
Music: “Faithfulness (Runyan),” William M. Runyan

CT News

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 04:01:00 +0000

The report of my May 26 CT scan arrived in the mail today.

"Stable appearance of the CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis without evidence to suggest metastasis or recurrence of the tumor."

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever."
Psalm 118:29

CT Scan Day

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 26 May 2010 16:26:00 +0000

I arrived at Providence Hospital Imagery Department at 7:20 am, was checked in, was given my special "milk shake", then walked around the hospital perimeter a couple times and then over to and around the local mall. Dr. Malviya likes me to walk for 90 minutes (instead of sitting for someone else's sixty), the better to move the contrast through my system.

Then onto the table I climbed, with my feet pointed toward that big doughnut (Multi-grain Cherrio?)-shaped machine. After two more contrasts (rectal and IV) and the pictures, I was on my way.

A day in the life....

Someone recently commented that he thought I was done with the medical thing.
That may be a logical thought.
(Or at least hopeful.)
But no. I am not done with the medical thing.
How do I explain my experience?
And how do I understand it myself?

The hysterectomy and the washing out of my abdomen and then the nine rounds of chemotherapy were supposed to remove and kill all the cancer cells they could find.

But it is Stage IIIA , which means some loose cells were found beyond the original site.... And it is a rare kind called uterine papillary serous cancer, which means it is sneaky. It tends to come back.

So no, I guess I can't say that I am out of the woods. I live in the woods. And yet, as far as I know, and hopefully, today's CT scan will not change that, the woods are not currently on fire.

And as long as I'm here....I'm going camping!

Jo Bargy: Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:19:00 +0000

When I was celebrating my high school graduation (1973), I received a covered box in the mail, decorated with flowered paper. It was from Cal and Jo Bargy, our relatives up north by Kewadin. When I opened it, I found a beautiful soft green nightgown, a grown-up nightgown, different than my usual flannels. I was so surprised and pleased. I put it away to save for when I got married. But often, I took it out to admire.

Josephine Bargy died yesterday.
She had not been well for some time.
And John and I recently saw her in a nursing home in Bellaire, during our week of vacation after Easter.

Our family used to go up to their farm every year as we were growing up. Sometimes we would camp out for a few days, and my dad would help on the farm. I would often find a corner and read. Jo would feed us good farm food, fresh whole milk and fresh vegetables and fruit (I especially loved the cherries). I developed a small understanding, but eventually a great appreciation for farmers and farm life.

I remember the feel of rough gooey calf tongues licking (sucking) my hand as I tried to pet their heads. I remember once being allowed to climb the then-new blue Harvestore silo. I remember taking my own family back there, of visiting the barn with my small son in my arms, when suddenly, a cow "Mooed" with a much louder bellow than I remembered. And I remember learning that their granddaughter Anna, also a farmer, had a job at the post office as well. Farms and farmers are so important. Farmers are faithful to their disciplines, from early mornings to long nights, whatever the weather, whatever the holiday.

We had a little more connection the eight years my own family lived in Traverse City, when Jo would also talk to John about his job and churches and people we might know in common.

But mostly today, I am remembering that Jo is the special woman who sent me a graduation gift that seemed to say, "You are a woman now. Welcome."

I miss her.
I am thankful for her Homecoming, and look forward to seeing her again someday.

"Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies."
Psalm 36:5

Uncle Buel

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:09:00 +0000

Wednesday morning, March 10, John and I visited my Uncle Buel, and also Aunt Betty, cousin Mike (from NM) and Uncle Ron, in Livonia.

Then John went to his staff meeting at church, and I walked from church over to the "South Oakland County Business Expo", where I was particularly interested in "The Royal Oak Community Farm" and "Vivid Digital Concepts" (business of friends Tom, Kip, and Ryan Tull).

Walking home, I stopped at the dairy to sit down with a drink of milk. When I checked my cell phone, I discovered a call from my brother Allan.

The news was that Uncle Buel had died about 12:30.
Before Wednesday, we had seen Uncle Buel at Christmas time when my folks were down.
They were also over at Allan's for Thanksgiving (see earlier photo). He had looked weak then. But he always hugged me and said, "There's my girl."

So now, there is Visitation Friday and a Funeral Saturday. Their minister has not been well, so they asked John to do the funeral. So that is what John is working on now.

Bonnie and Charlie are coming. And my dad is coming, representing my mom, whose recovery from back surgery, including nursing home with physical therapy, is keeping her up north.

More later....

Still Catching Up

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 06:04:00 +0000

-Thanksgiving.

I was so looking forward to Carrie coming! And she brought Frank, who was fun to meet and who (many thanks!), helped with the long drive from Philadelphia.

However, there were some missing faces as well. Mom and Dad were not able to come, because Mom's pain and mobility issues have been worse lately. She has been faithfully seeing a physical therapist, but otherwise is mostly staying home, while Dad takes good care of her.

Carrie and Frank took a quick one-day (day-after-Thanksgiving) trip up north to see them with John and me. What fun!

Bonnie and Charlie also were not with us this year, but Bonnie did come home from the hospital (in Erie, PA) that morning and we spoke on the phone!

Otherwise, we all had a good time getting together at Allan's house for Thanksgiving!
John and I; Carrie and Frank; James and Sarah;
Allan and Heather and A.J; Kendall and Eric; Jason and Kaitlin;
Uncle Buel and Aunt Betty
Inez Hice (John's mom)