The Twelfth Tribe of Israel

The Twelfth Tribe of Israel

Angels Among Us

How do you repay an Angel? You can’t. Heaven sent an angel to help me through many hard times, even although she deserves so much more herself. Liana Kinikini, DNP seldom has time for herself, and she calls me nearly every day to check how I’m feeling.

Early on, she showed a desire to become a nurse, and she studied and worked hard to get her nursing degree. Long days and longer nights took a toll, but she never gave up. After receiving her Nursing degree, she worked in many different hospitals and has given so much service in ways we can only imagine. I have heard how much her patients have loved her caring and thoughtful ways.

Liana gets calls from many family members, and because they are usually sick she drops everything she might have planned to accommodate their wishes. It isn’t easy to be on call waiting at pharmacies to get emergency medication for aunties, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, and especially her own mother and father.

Growing up, Liana was always aware of my needs, and they took precedence over her own needs and wants. She has been there as my friend, confidant, and supporter. If anyone unfortunately said something against me, she always had my back, even though I may have deserved it. She never scolds or complains, only persuades with patience and compassion.

I have mutated DNA which has manifested itself in poor health in mind and body over many years. Liana is the oldest of four children, and I feel like she has more maternal instincts than I have ever had. Never mind that she wanted a large family, and has been blessed with one beautiful daughter who is growing up so fast.

It is not enough to give a “shout out” to my daughter, Liana.  Being the offspring of a multi-cultural marriage, and juggling all the cultures, traditions, and responsibilities of being the oldest girl, she has to spread herself in several ways to oblige often ridiculous expectations.

I just returned from the hospital this week where I had surgery. When I first went to the Emergency Room in terrific pain, my husband did as I requested and told Liana over the phone not to come, but true to her nature, she was at my side in no time at all. And she refused to leave, even though she has her own husband, daughter and job to care for.

I hope that this small tribute to Liana can show her how very much she is loved and appreciated for all she does for me particularly, and the Utah society generally.

http://www.jordanlandingclinic.com/about-us/

Staying Young and Getting Older

Realization

There comes a moment in time when you realize that you are going to die. For some it comes early, for others later. You can commit to exercising, eating organic healthy food, and thinking positively, but they do not stop you from the inevitable.

My father once told me, "I don't jog because the extra time I live will be spent jogging". We can all reveal our wish for the way in which we will die, but there is no guarantee as accidents, illness, or disease can change all that.

Retirement

If you are lucky, you live long enough to retire. Our latest high school reunion revealed so many of our classmates that have not been that fortunate. After several health issues, including shingles, liver fibrosis, fatigue, and hormone issues, I applied for early retirement and disability. The process itself is very stressful and took over a year. Friends say I look too young to retire, but my body tells me otherwise. A few of my friends and I got together for lunch and we reminisced over our fun times together. One group actually took a weekend to spend together out of town, but I unfortunately couldn't make it.

Reconciliation

You finally realize that you cannot play with your grandchildren as much as you would like. Clothes start to fit better in some places than others. Unless you are blessed with terrific genes, you look for styles of clothes which cover up more than less. Rather than fighting age, you reconcile the inevitable and try to just be graceful. This becomes more difficult as little surprises including vertigo and unsteadiness creep in.

I went to an ENT specialist because of a constant ringing ear and a few bouts of vertigo. The doctor did some maneuvers that gradually helped the room stop spinning. He told me that some little crystals must have got in the wrong chambers of the ear and he had to help them get back to where they belonged (sounded like voodoo).

He also told me that I should sleep with several pillows to elevate my head so it wouldn't happen again. I showed him some ear drops I had purchased online to alleviate the ringing in my ear, and he told me they don't work. Also, someone suggested using Helichrysum essential oil, applying it on the outside of the ear, not inside. I had used both so-called remedies for some time, with no relief.
Because the ringing was only on one side, The ENT suggested a MRI - cat scan of my brain to be sure there was nothing serious causing it. I went into the machine, which is very noisy, I felt somewhat claustrophobic and it took longer than I thought. The MRI was normal. My ear still rings constantly. Some things in life you just have to accept and carry on.

Regrets I Have None

My Dad was recently asked to sing this song "Old Bones" at a talent show. He is 89 years young and although he seems to keep getting shorter, always keeps his sense of humor. His mind is still sharp, and he drives a red Mustang. He is amazing and never lets little things get to him. He still leads the music in church and rides his bike. He misses Mom terribly and can cry just from a reminder of her.

I have had an adventurous life. I've followed my husband to the beautiful South Pacific and learned about new cultures and traditions. We were able to travel to Scotland (land of my forefathers) and Egypt, and look forward to our next trip. I love my twelve grandchildren, and believe that Grandmas should be a bit chubby to be huggable.

I remember giving one of my grandmothers Oil of Olay for her birthday. She gratefully accepted it. Although there are those who tout miracle products that can reverse aging, I have yet to find it, but I will keep looking.