From Bristol to Boise with Faith

  Original Map From Amy: AI Assisted Original Map From Jonathan: A Trogdor

  From Stephen: What disease did cured ham actually have?   From Tom: Quoting Ian Power: “If anyone ever says, ‘Give me a ballpark figure?’, say 41,649. That’s the capacity of Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. You’re welcome.”

Our family has walked 3551.71 miles to Bristol. One Sunday Lachlan didn’t do somersaults. He called them salt summers. Paul has an August birthday. We have been playing a shopping game for his birthday. I select a department in Walmart. He finds a birthday gift for himself in that department, but the gift has to begin with a letter of his name. For example, he purchased (A)veeno lotion in the cosmetics department. We pick raspberries every two to three days and get approximately four cups each time. Paul is again serving as a ward organist and as the Elder’s Quorum secretary. I have made 82 English paper pieced flowers. I finished making a wool door hanger for August. Greer designed it. It says SAND.

From Doris:   We have a new granddaughter! Katie was born on July 25th. We will be driving to Utah in September to meet her and attend her baby blessing. There is power in prayer. I am grateful for the many people whose prayers are blessing my life. Receiving hugs. The wildfire smoke has finally decreased and we have returned to walking outside! As my strength increases, I can stay longer at church. My current record is 95 minutes. My bloodwork indicates I have enough immunity to fight illness. We will continue to wear masks in public, but those who visit us do not have to. My oncologist said to make sure visitors wash their hands when they enter our house. We celebrated lots of family birthdays in July and the first week of August. I have been able to participate in family history and temple work for my ancestors. They lived in a part of England that would have been in our mission boundaries. We had a wonderful FaceTime visit with Tatiana. She and her family ...

  From Doris:   Doctrine & Covenants 14:7 And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

  From Doris:   Elder David A. Bednar . April 2026 General Conference   Enduring to the end is the joyous quest of a lifetime—a pressing forward with faith in Jesus Christ in a gradual process of trusting in and receiving help from our Savior to become more like Him. As our love for Him grows ever stronger and deeper, we can be blessed to receive spiritual perspective, the Lord ’ s empowering grace, and exceedingly great and indescribable joy.

  From Doris:   I had my monthly blood draw and met with my oncologist. He said my bloodwork looks great. It indicates I am still in remission.

From Doris:   This was my favorite song as a little girl. The sound of Music

 From Paul: Doris has completed Cycle 15 of her 24 cycles of treatment. That milestone date was August 13, 2026. Since we were subject to scheduling availability of the oncologist, her blood draw and appointment were delayed until August 18.   I am encouraged that Doris’ blood labs indicate that her remission is still evident. The doctor also indicated that her labs show she can fight off infections. We will still be cautious, but we can relax our masking practices, especially for visiting family or friends. Her doctor suggested visitors should wash their hands when they arrive. This news is encouraging and we are grateful for the positive indications. This chapter of our lives often brings a mixture of good things and challenges. Many of these challenges are associated with Doris’ ongoing treatments and the side effects of the medication. In general, I sense improvement in her strength and stamina. We are grateful for the improved air quality, because we have been avoid...