Saturday, October 9, 2010

small update from Julia

So I don't remember the last time I did this but it was probably over a year ago but since BYU finally won I thought I would do a victory post :) Last July Tiffany and Seth gave me their old camera since mine broke and I'm not very good at taking pictures all the time. Up until General Conference weekend the only thing I had pictures of were of old people. So to give an update of my college life I really just want to talk about them. Let's just say that every Tuesday and Thursday night I come home saying to myself "I have nothing really to worry about it in my life. My problems seem so small." For example, last Thursday we visited a lady named Allison who, at age 20 (so this would be me) got hit by a semi truck and it totally affected her life. I think she's about 60 or so now. She can't speak very well but you know that there is a lot in her mind but she can't express it because of some of the brain damage. It took her several minutes just to get out of her chair but she insisted on doing it herself and she did it. I noticed that it was a lot harder because I believe she has no strength in her right arm and I can imagine that would be difficult to lift myself up with the help of only one arm. I give credit to her incredible strength. She has the cutest sense of humor though and always was smiling and saying "okay" the whole time. Three of us girls played UNO with her and I can't remember the last time I've laughed so hard! Even on the car ride home we were all quoting things that she said or did. From Allison I learned that happiness is really not your state of condition is on the outside but your condition on the inside. I've been told that a lot but she made it clear to me so thanks Allison!
Now here's a tribute to some my favorite people-
This is Phyllis-she REALLY has a hard time hearing but she's still so cute. The first time I visited her we went to her room and looked at pictures and I about died because there was a picture of her and her husband like in the 1940's and it was stunning! I have to admit her husband was drop dead gorgeous! Seriously, they looked like models.


On the right is Jeana, the manager for the Adopt-a-Grandparent program. She visits Lorna every week but Lorna will never remember you week after week but she is the sweetest lady that I've ever met. If you ever want to feel that you're beautiful Lorna will tell you that about 20 times before you leave.
I wish I had a picture of the my favorite lady I visit at Homestead. Her name is Anita and she's 96 and loves Steve Nash (especially his hair) :) She has this bobble head of him next to her TV that she proudly stood in line for an hour just to get it! And she's quite hip in style at her age because she wears these leopard shoes and matching vest. I wish you all could meet her because you really can't help but love her.

This is Ella-she's pretty amazing! This was probably one of my favorite parts of summer-going every Friday and hanging out with her for about 2 hours and even on occasion have lunch. We've written letters to each since I've been here at school :) She really is like another Grandmother to me. She'll be 98 this Tuesday! Pretty remarkable.
Anyway thanks for letting me share. I probably won't blog for another year so enjoy it while it lasts! :)

7 comments

  1. Julia! I loved your update.....don't stop. You are the shadow of President Monson. Who knows, maybe you will speak at all of their funerals!

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  2. Yes, I loved this, too. You are so good to give of your time (quite valuable in college,too) this way. It sounds like it been good for the giver and the receiver. You're the best!

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  3. Julia, you're a jewel! These ladies are special, but they were blessed by your visit. Thanks for your example and inspiration. Love, Mom

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  4. Hey! Julia! I just hopped over to check out your 'update' from Alice-Anne's blog. Sorry to be a stalker.
    I was totally loving reading your post about visiting these old people (a passion of mine as well--talk to me if you need fun ideas for a major)
    And, what a fun surprise to see a picture of my own grandmother! I'm jealous and grateful that you have been able to spend so much time with her. She really is amazing. Sharp as a tack, and ever so thoughtful. I wish I was there to celebrate her birthday this Tuesday. Thank you for being her friend. Most of her own grandchildren don't keep in contact. I know she treasures it.

    Hope all is well with you! You look adorable.
    Keep up the good work. I think you just re-inspired me to get back out there and do some visits!!

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  5. This is GREAT Julia!!! Great pictures and blog update. It was fun to read.

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Maira Gall