Mom again

That is probably what you are thinking...here she comes again.  I love to hear what my kids and grandkids are doing, but it does seem like I have been the most faithful blogger. Who would have thought that to be the case?  the most incompetent one with the 21st century tools?  I do, however, have some exciting news to report.  I will be the envy of each of you this week.  In a meeting on Thursday, with approximately 170 other leaders throughout the Southwest Region of Intermountain, the CEO, Terri Kane, called for 3 people to come to the front of the room.  I was one of those people.  The theme of the meeting was Christopher Columbus and how he chartered unknown waters and we are being asked to do the same (with Obamacare and new things happening with Medicare).  She said she had 3 shining stars she wanted to recognize for their contribution in 2012.  I was one.  She paid tribute to the great work I have  done in our ED. Told a story of a long time nurse in the ED who has been difficult who took Terri aside and Terri said she expected the worse, but the nurse, with tears streaming down her face, told Terri that I was the best thing that had ever happened to the ED and the team loved me and did not want to see  me leave.  Terri then went on to say she has named a STAR in the universe  for Sharon Mayfield and she gave me a picture of which star it is.  She paid to have a  star named after me.  So when you look up into the sky and see a bright star, you can just say that is our mom's star.  It was quite humbling and I cannot tell you the number of staff and peers who have told me they cannot think of anyone more deserving.  So, the moral of the story, hard work does pay off, and no effort goes unnoticed, whether here on earth  on in the heavens.  I tell  you this not to brag so much, but to remind you to keep on working hard and remind you when it seems futile, it is all worth it.  I have always worked hard, all my life, and I am a living testimony that it really does pay off, even at  my old age of 64.  There I said it...I really am that  old.  I cannot believe it!  Just a few  years ago, I was Sherri's age and felt so young.  I still feel young, but the mirror no longer lies. 

I get excited every time I open our blog and see  a message.  This week, I reread all of them.  I hope even with busy lives, you each will take a few minutes to update us.  It helps me to know my family is well and happy.  This is  a tough world right now and we must be able to know that each of us might be struggling, but still hanging on and fighting back when the world throws  a hard ball.  As Mark said, we are here for you.  Rick and I are headed to temple tonight so each of you will have your names on prayer roll by evening.  I know it works.  Sure love  you and praying for each of you. MOM (rainy day in St. George, but not too cold. 50's) puzzling, reading and relaxing today.