From Bristol to Boise with Faith

From Doris: Today Paul and I read chapter twelve from the book Tuck Everlasting with our granddaughter, Enna. This book is one of my favorite books and we are enjoying sharing it with her. Here is a quote from chapter twelve:   “That ’ s what us Tucks are, Winnie. Stuck so ’ s we can ’ t move on. We ain ’ t part of the wheel no more. Dropped off, Winnie. Left behind. And everywhere around us, things is moving and growing and changing.”   This quote summarizes how I have been feeling lately. Stuck. I am trying to move forward, but I am not on the same “wheel” as those around me. Everywhere around me things are growing and changing, and my progress is so slight that it is hard to feel forward progress.   About twenty-five years ago I had a conversation with Cathlene, my sister-in-law. She shared an insight I have never forgotten. She said that the biggest challenge she felt with her own physical trials was not the pain she felt, but her lost dreams for the fut...

  From Doris: Our family has walked 3414.42 miles to Bristol. I have made 77 hexagon flowers. I do not have a metallic taste in my mouth due to the chemotherapy drugs I take, but I do have a persistent sour taste. It is similar to what one gets when drinking orange juice after having had a bite of syrup drenched pancakes. We have raspberry bushes filled with blossoms. We also have a blueberry bush with lots of ripe blueberries. We love reading Sammy Bird books (by author V. Moua) with our grandchildren. Sammy, the main character, asks the reader questions.

 From Andrew: "Rapunzel, let down your hair [hare]"

  From Doris: Our son Tom and his family came from Iowa to stay with us for a few days. It was wonderful to be with all of them. Our granddaughter Enna wanted to make a quilt with me while they were here. Using a technique called “quilt as you sew,” Enna sewed herself a quilt. Even when family is far away physically, we still share memories of times we were together. We will soon have another granddaughter to shower with love. She will be born later this week. I finished sewing an acorn themed quilt top. For the most part our basement painting and improvements are finished. We did not have to live through the heat wave in England during the past few weeks. We live in an air-conditioned house. I am strong enough to attend an endowment session in the temple. I was able to stay at church for 1.5 hours. My cancer is still in remission

  From Doris: I have seen the hand of the Lord in the lives of family members recently diagnosed with cancer. In both cases, the cancer was found early and was treatable.  

  From Doris: John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

  From Doris: TheKing of Love My Shepherd Is   1 The King of love my shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never. I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine forever. 2 Where streams of living water flow, my ransomed soul he leadeth; and where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth. 3 Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me; and on his shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me. 4 And so through all the length of days, thy goodness faileth never; Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise within thy house forever.

From Doris: Emily Belle Freeman April 2026 General Conference   “ Jesus Christ brings joy. … You might have a bad day, a bad week, or a bad year. [Just remember,] joy is not the absence of sorrow in your life; [it is] the presence of [Jesus] Christ in your life.”, (quoting For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices )     Larry Corbridge ( YouTube  Stand Forever Series episode 21 )   “Faith is not necessarily the power to get your way, rather the power to go on when you don’t.”   Catherine, Princess of Wales   “Healing, whether personal or collective, is not just about fixing what is wrong. It is about finding balance in how we live. Between effort and acceptance, between control and trust, between thinking and simply being. Because in the end, bravery isn ’ t just about pushing forward. It is about knowing how to stay grounded, connected and present, no matter the terrain or landscape you are walking.” 

    From Matthew: It’s very clearly a snail   Original map From Kyle: A nerf gun

  From Kyle: From Scott: I accidentally sprayed deodorant in my mouth and now when I talk, I get a really weird Axe scent.  

  From Doris: Our family has walked 3087.663 miles to Bristol. There is a herd of goats at the intersection of Highway 55 and Hill Road. They are put there each year to eat the dry grass/weeds. I am sewing a fall themed quilt. It is the first big quilt I have sewn since my cancer diagnosis. Paul has finished painting both of our basement bedrooms. Paul smoked a pork shoulder for his Father’s Day dinner.

  From Doris: 3 Nephi18:19-20   Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name; And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.

  From Doris: Amazing Grace 1.     Amazing grace (how sweet the sound) that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. 2.     The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures; he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. 3.     Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease: I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace. 4.     When we’ve been there 10,000 years, Bright shining as the sun; We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.

From Doris: I have a wonderful family. Both my birth family and my family with Paul are precious to me. I have a wonderful father. Paul is also a wonderful father. I am still responding well to my cancer treatments. I am in awe of the medical science that discovered this treatment. Cancer is not always unsurvivable. For the privilege of participating in an endowment session for Maran Ethel Gilmour, my third cousin twice removed on my Grandpa Owens ’ line. She was born and died within the England Bristol mission boundaries. I did the research needed to determine she lacked temple ordinances. The time I spend in the temple gives me strength to endure my challenges. I was able to help someone else with her family history research. Paul and I are able to go on walks together. Most weeks we walk over a mile on four different days. Friends walk with me when Paul can’t. I am able to endure wearing a mask while going on a walk. Tatiana, a very dear family friend who we love li...

  From Doris: I was privileged to have Elizabeth Kuper as my Primary Care Physician. She passed away on June 9th after battling cancer for six years. Her kindness and compassion made my cancer journey easier.

  From Doris:   When I read this, I thought of my sweet husband, Paul.   “He served my mother—and served us—with incredible love, patience, and humility. He sought the influence of the Holy Ghost, hoping to love, act, and react as the Savior would.”   Neil L. Andersen , April 2026 General Conference Quoting a letter he received

From Doris:   The passage of Time   I have pondered the passage of time. How can time pass slowly and yet quickly at the same time? As a child, I felt Christmas took forever to come. Now I feel as if one Christmas barely finishes before it is Christmastime again.   As I begin treatment cycle 14 of 24, I am thrilled to be in the second half of my treatment. When I look back to last June when my treatments were in the earliest stages, I can hardly believe that was a year ago. When I look forward, the end of treatment feels very far away and I am tempted to quote our grandson, Grayson who said, “I could be patient if it didn’t take so long!” I still have to endure through months of treatment. When they are completed, will I be cancer free?   We sometimes talk about enduring to the end as if it is simply waiting for time to elapse without giving up. I am more and more convinced that it is not the passage of time that matters but who I am becoming because ...

  Original Map Image From Enna: a Dinosaur Original Map Image From Sophie: Flowers Original Map Image From Grayson: A Locked Door

  From Doris: Did you know? Our family has walked 2699.97 miles to Bristol. Paul found a dead squirrel in our backyard. There are lots of duck and goose families in our neighborhood ponds. Adding zero sugar Jello cheesecake pudding mix to 2.5 cups plain Greek yogurt is a tasty way for me to add protein to my diet. I add raspberries and walnuts to it and it tastes like I am eating dessert. I am making myself a quilt. It is autumn themed. I will finish it before autumn and hang it in our basement stairwell. I have completed 70 English paper pieced flowers. One of my nephews recently joined the Orchestra at Temple Square. My niece began singing with the Tabernacle Choir during the May 24 Music and the Spoken Word. Paul finished painting the first of our two basement bedrooms.

 From Thomas: Did you know that having an aquarium in your home can help improve your mental health? It's due to all the indoor fins! From Stephen:

  From Doris: Tender mercy   I am getting stronger every day. I am surprised and delighted by this improvement.

  From Doris: Counting my blessings I started the second half of my cancer treatment on May 21, 2026. I am strong enough to stay through an hour of church. That means I get to participate in sacrament meeting each week. On May 7th I was able to participate in a temple endowment session. It was the first time I was strong enough since my treatments began. My friend Carole came to the same session in order to assist me. My blood test results this week indicate my white blood cell count continues to be in normal range. Two of my friends brought me treats to celebrate the fact that I am halfway through my cancer treatments. I was privileged to watch a video clip of a woman expressing gratitude that my father had served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Both her mother and grandmother were taught the gospel by him and they both were baptized.

  From Doris: Scripture Alma 26:12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things;

 From Doris: Inspirational quote Elder Eduardo F. Ortega   April 2026 General Conference   “…sometimes I need the perspective that time gives to see the refining and perfecting hand of our Savior, Jesus Christ, in my life and in my family ’ s life.   The path of discipleship often resembles climbing a mountain. The shortest path to the top is not always the most appropriate and often not the safest either. Thus, we must choose the firm and safe path, even if it is sometimes the longest and most demanding one. Jesus Christ and His restored gospel constitute that safe path that leads us to the true summit.“

  From Doris: Music May We Be More Like Thee With humble hearts, we join in song To worship and to pray. Our Lord, Redeemer, Son of God Who to our rescue came. We praise Thy life and sacrifice; We strive more earnestly In thought, in word, in deed, O Lord, May we be more like Thee. As pilgrims on a sea of strife, Oft wounded lost and weak, We fast and pray for heaven’s strength, Thy help, Thy grace, we seek. We place our burdens at Thy feet; We yoke ourselves to Thee, And with this heartfelt plea, O Lord, May we be more like Thee. With broken hearts we supplicate, We cast away our sin, Our sorrow, and our suffering, To find the joy within. Repentance brings us lasting peace; New eyes that we may see, Forgiveness teaches us to love, Dear Savior, more like Thee. When in Thy arms forever clasped Safe in Thy tender care. Then changed by Thy redeeming grace, At last to be joint heirs. We’ll join in song with heav’nly throngs And dwell with Thee abo...

  From Doris: Remission My oncologist told me at my appointment in April that I was in remission. He clarified that the depth of my remission was uncertain. I did not know that remission could be measured at different levels. My level of remission will be tested after I complete another year of treatment. Thankfully my treatments are limited to taking oral chemotherapy drugs. By definition, remission is “the reduction or disappearance of signs and symptoms of a disease, particularly cancer, indicating a temporary or permanent improvement.” Recently, as I was partaking of the sacrament, I was reminded that the word remission had a spiritual meaning as well as a physical one. Each Sunday as I partake of the sacrament, I am seeking for a remission of my sins. Both my spiritual healing and my physical healing are dependent upon the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Spiritual remission can also indicate a temporary or permanent improvement. Only the Lord knows my heart and how sincer...

  From Doris: Heavenly Father helps me find joy in ordinary days.

  From Doris: I am beginning cycle 12 of 24 of my cancer treatments. I have finished half (65) of my English paper pieced flowers. I made a quilt top for Jonathan and Britta’s baby girl who is due in August. I started working on an autumn themed quilt top. We have phlox blooming in our front yard. Snapdragons we planted at least three years ago keep coming back. They were not supposed to be perennials. Our bleeding heart bush is in full bloom. Our bonsai plant continues to thrive. Our family has walked 2653 miles of the 4830.1 miles to Bristol.

  Original Map From Amy: Larry the Cucumber Original Map From Kyle: A friendly spinosaurus

  From Steve From Tom

  From Doris: Alma 5:33   Behold he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.

  From Doris I Hear Him (Lyrics by Wendy Randell, Music by Ryan Murphy)   Inside my heart a longing Is longing to be heard And longing more To hear the Lord And understand His word.   I ponder how I love Him And how He loves me more. Then suddenly, He’s here with me And opens heaven’s door.   Chorus: Like a fire that burns inside me, I hear Him. Like a choir that blends in harmony, His Spirit stirs my soul. Like a Shepherd, He is beckoning. I recognize His call, Though still and small. I hear Him.   I’m learning to be quiet. I’m learning to be still— To give a place, An open space The Savior’s light can fill.   When worries and confusion Weigh heavy on my mind, When thoughts distract, I guide them back And wait for His reply.   [Repeat Chorus]   When by life’s uncertainty and fear I’m overcome, My Father knows what helps me most is listening to His Son:   A w...

  From Doris: I am getting stronger. I am blessed to have a cancer treatment that is working. For the first time since my treatments began, I have been able to attend sacrament meetings without having to leave early. We go on walks four days a week. We walk for at least a mile most of those days. Paul and I will celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary this week. We were able to serve as proxy for two couple sealings in the Meridian Temple last week. We always try to do a sealing session around our wedding anniversary. The temple workers accommodated my physical limitations. I have the energy to sew again. It is springtime. This is a very happy time of year for me.

  From Doris: Music and the spoken word from April 12 th By Derrick Porter   Remembering: An antidote   "Murmuring  is a word we’re all familiar with. It’s easy to murmur when inconvenience, disruption, or difficulty present themselves. The scriptures tell of individuals and multitudes who—at least temporarily, in moments of murmuring—forgot their connection to God and His power to deliver them."... "Choosing to remember God mutes our murmuring. Focusing on Him and acting on His promises points us forward. And so, in those moments that are hard, when the days feel long, or when hope seems distant, let us remember that the same God who delivered Israel still delivers His children today."

  From Doris: This update is a day later than usual because I did not have my oncology appointment until this morning. Usually, I would have met with my doctor at the end of last week.  The cancer is being controlled. My white blood cell count today was 7.68. Normal WBC counts are between 3.8 and 11.  This week my oncologist said, “You are already in remission. We just don ’ t know how deep it is.” I will continue to take chemo therapy drugs for another year. As I approach the end of my treatment, I will have a test for Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) to determine the level of remission. We asked the oncologist about traveling. He said we can travel as long as we are not gone for more than 3 weeks and 6 days, so I am back in time for my monthly blood draw. I don’t have the stamina to travel yet, but it was good to get the doctor’s approval. From Paul: I am greatly pleased to note that I have perceived progress in Doris’ treatment and improved stamina. In our ...

Original Map From Kyle: An elephant and a giraffe holding onto an umbrella on a windy day.   Original image From Amy: A Brontosaurus

 From Steve: From Jonathan:

From Doris:   Christ the Lord is Risen Today  

  From Doris:   Since my last infusion on January 2nd, I have been blessed with a significant decrease in pain and increase in stamina.

  From Doris:   Today is Palm Sunday. On Palm Sunday 2025, we spoke in church. It was our mission farewell. The next morning, I received test results that indicated I had a form of cancer.   We have a momma duck nesting in our back yard. She has eight eggs in her nest. She has been there for two weeks. We estimate her ducklings will hatch in a couple of weeks.   The word cleave has two opposite meanings (cut apart, cling closely) making it a contronym.   I have made 61 English paper pieced flowers. I need 130 to make my quilt. It will take years for me to complete this quilt, but it will exemplify the truth that by small and simple steps great things come to pass.   I found out that Blackham, England, is only five miles away from Hartfield, England, where author A.A. Milne lived. The Pooh sticks bridge and 100-acre woods are near Hartfield.   My father was taught how to prune trees by his father-in-law. Paul was also taught how to prune t...

From Doris:   As I approach the one-year mark of my cancer diagnosis, these are measurable improvements in my health: I have more strength in my body. I have more stamina. I have less pain. I have less brain fog. I can more easily focus on what I can do instead of what I can ’ t.   Paul and I go on walks. When I need to rest, we stop and sit on a bench and just soak up the beauty of another spring morning.               Those rest stops allow me to feel the majesty of God ’ s creations.               We walk four days a week. On average we walk a mile each day.   For the first time in over a year, I was able to find ancestors who need temple ordinances and reserve their work.  It is wonderful to have the chemo brain fog lifted enough to be able to do research again.   My white blood cell count remains in normal ran...

  From Doris:   Elder Patrick Kearon October 2025 General Conference   Our Saviour uttered one final understatement, without which there would be no cause for hope or rejoicing this day. After the agonies of Gethsemane and at the conclusion of the torturous cross, He simply said, “ It is finished.” Messianic prophecy had been fulfilled, and the full payment of the debt for humanity ’ s sins and suffering had been paid. He declared “ finished” His infinite and eternal sacrifice. Yet His Atonement would not be complete until He Himself experienced new life on the third day, the new beginning, as a glorified, resurrected being through the power of the Father.