Help with the news

I may need some help getting the news this week. I am not certain, as yet, when the viewing and funeral will be. I am thinking that I may be in Price for Wednesday, for certain, and maybe on Tuesday. I just don't know.

Sympathy from Friends

EllaDean wrote: Myrna
I am so sorry to hear your sad news.  Siblings are so hard to lose, especially when you are so close, even if it one who is a sibling as your Garth was to you.  I lost my sister who I was very close to, in June of 2007.  She had a stroke, and because of that, I tried to do all I could for her.  Her children didn't live close, and Ispent mny hours with at the nursing home, and took her so many places she would like to go.
You have my heart felt sympathy.
Love
"Sister" Hunter

Merilyn wrote: Myrna—so very sorry for your loss.  I never feel badly for the one who gets to go, but it’s a sad, empty feeling for those left behind.

Love you,   Merilyn

Marti Wright wrote: Am so very sorry Myrna. But, you know he is in a much better place than the rest of us. It took me a long time to figure that one out after my son Beau died. You will see him again someday. He'll be forever in your heart and memories.

Hugs to you and yours.
Marti


Maxine Gordon wrote: It is very hard to part with loved ones no matter how sick they are. Please accept my deepest Sympathy.  I am glad you shared this with me.  I found it very interesting.  Thank you.

Charlotte Freeman wrote: Sending deepest condolences.  Thank you for the little glimpse into your personal history...it makes for good reading...Charlotte



Colleen Bender wrote: Dear Myrna,
It is difficult to lose someone so close whom you love so much.  Thank you for sharing a part of your heart with us.  “I cannot cry too much because it was time.”  I feel as you do.  We accept the will of the Lord and know that someday we will all be together as “family” again.  That is the comfort the gospel brings.   We love you.    Colleen


Kaylene Armstrong wrote: So sorry to hear about your loss. You were indeed blessed to have such a wonderful family to care for you. I don't need to tell you about him being in a better place and the other comforting platitudes people spout at a time like this. You know all that. But I do personally know what it is like to lose someone you love so much. Even though we know we will be together again one day, the staying behind just hurts like crazy. And I know it was time to let him go, but we are never ready to lose people we love. That's just the way it is.
Hugs.
-k-

Tyrone Powell wrote: I’m happy and I’m sad for you. May the Lords blessing of conform be with you and David.


Ruth Ann George wrote: Dear Myrna,
So sorry to hear of your loss,  but I know that you have a very strong testimony and know that you will be able to "boss"  them around again sometime,  I hope not  too soon.   You are in my prayers  and you have my deepest sypathy.   You are such a nice person to know.   Ruth Ann

V. B. Saunders wrote: Sorry to hear about-my best wishes-Bill


Myrna,

Joyce Staley wrote: I am soooooo sorry to hear about Garth.  Everyone in my office knew and loved him.  He came into my office last Nov or Dec and we had a great talk.  He was a very wonderful man.

Thanks for keeping me updated on this.  He will be missed!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Love,
Joyce

Words from Gordon and Roberta Smith

Dear Myrna and family,

We wish to extend our sincere sympathy to you in Garth’s passing.  What a wonderful opportunity to have been such a close loving family.  Not all circumstances would have been such a positive experience as yours was.  We appreciate your letting us know about Garth.

Also, congratulations on the new arrival.  As you said, comings and goings.  Our lives are full of changes, daily.

Again, our sympathy, and do hope you and Leonard are doing well.
Love, Gordon and Roberta

Brother is Gone Ahead.

My beloved cousin/brother died this morning. I call him brother because, as children, we were together as one family. After my mother's death, when I was 11-months old, I went to stay with my grandmother, a full-time elementary school teacher. My Aunt Renee, my mother Elaine's only sibling, and her husband shared their two-bedroom apartment with us. Therefore, we lived as a family. Garth was born when I was three--my birthday in December and his in March. My great-grandmother was going to be my caregiver while my grandmother was teaching, however, she fell and broke her hip. My grandmother was the principal of the Wattis school at the time of my mother's death but gave up that position to teach in Price. Aunt Renee and Uncle Max lived in Price. World War II had started. My father went to war. 

Aunt Renee was the one who potty-trained me and provided daytime care. Garth was born when I was three and I thought he was the best thing since the creation of the world. I held him and patted him and, probably, drove Aunt Renee crazy. He was always my prince. After a time, my great grandmother came back to be with us. There was no room in a three-bedroom house for all of us. We moved to a small rented house nearby and Garth, later David, and when I was age 11, Richard, continued to spend countless hours together. I was "Big Sister" to all of them and I took my responsibility seriously. I bossed them around and they, mostly, complied. We played like brothers and sister and, we thought, we were. How I love those boys (now men) who have always been there for me. 

I cannot help but be sad that they are leaving and I am the one left--the oldest. Just David and I remain because cancer has claimed Richard and, now Garth. I cannot cry too much because it was time. Daily pain is a terrible thing.

Grandpa trained here.

On December 28, 1941,  Rear Admiral Ben Moreell, Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks (BUDOCKS), requested specific authority to activate, organize, and man a unique, very special organization that would support the Navy and Marines in remote locations and defend themselves if attacked — the Naval Construction Battalions. On January 5, 1942,  he was given that authority and the original Battalions were formed at a new Naval base in Davisville, Rhode Island. (Grandpa Pitts trained here.)

The first naval construction unit to actually deploy from the United States left Davisville, Rhode Island, less than two weeks later on January 17, 1942. It was designated the First Construction Detachment. The 296 men arrived at Bora Bora on February 17, 1942. 

On March 5, all Construction Battalion personnel were officially named Seabees by the Navy Department. Admiral Moreell personally furnished them with their motto Construmus Batumius, or We Build, We Fight. A logo, the Fighting Bee, was created by a Rhode Islander at Davisville.

The Davisville Advanced Base depot became operational in June, 1942. Camp Thomas, a personnel receiving station on the base, was established in October of that year. It eventually contained 500 Quonset huts for personnel. On August 11, 1942, the Naval Construction Training Center, known as Camp Endicott, was commissioned at Davisville. The Camp trained over 100,000 Seabees during the Second World War.

The Navy built their Battalions with experienced, highly skilled craftsmen … electricians, carpenters, plumbers, equipment operators — virtually any construction or building trade was welcome in the Seabees. Seabee units were quickly engaged in construction and combat. By July 1942, the first Naval Construction Battalion landed on Midway Island to begin work on the new airstrip on Sand Island and to start the massive clean up of damage caused by the Japanese bombing.

I Hope This is OK

Jim is going to take the girls up to see Julie. He will meet us there. We are going to hurry to Price and then to UVRMC. I am certain that we will not be long. We will bring Rachel back with us and will complete plans as we made them yesterday. Dad and I will be up with the girls and will meet you either at your house or at the hospital, as you wish. I just feel that I need to go and say goodbye to Garth. Kalvin said that Garth is not having much success in being awake but I need to say goodbye.

The Goings and Comings

The goings and comings in my life seem to occur at the same time.

We are so happy to announce the birth of our 32 grandchild, Jens Jones, who arrived safely and in good health. He was delivered by C-section on May 10. He weighs 8 pounds and 10 ounces and was 19-inches long. He is blond as can be. Julie is feeling fairly good, considering.

My beloved Garth, my cousin/brother, is dying. He is in Price Hospital and has found out that the cancer has spread to his liver. There is no way to reverse that. He has been fighting this for many years but is now losing the battle. I am watching little girls but have been talking to Kalvin on his cell phone. His number is 1-435-469-0370. Garth is in room 111 at Castleview. He has had a brain-bleed and is having trouble with his short-term memory. Kalvin says he would, likely recognize me but is in so much pain he may not respond. Kalvin said Garth is surrounded by many people who love him. The hospital number is 1-435-623-4800. He has asked, many times, if he has lived a good enough life. He is my example of good-living. Rachel tells me not to cry because, "We all die but we all come back alive and, after we resurrect, we all can be together."


Merilyn Jorgensen wrote: Dear Myrna—Congratulations—and condolences.  Rachel seems to have the best handle on it all. Merilyn


Toni wrote: I'm so sorry Myrna & I pray you are right.
I'm still doing ok with the cancer I think but since it does not show up on most of my tests it's hard to tell.
Today I'm really sick but it's just a very bad cold, going back to bed.
Love & hugs to you and yours!  Toni
32 grand kids!!!!  How come I only got one????


Al wrote: Myrna; the phone number listed in your email, 469-0370 appears to be incorrect I dialed it and checked with the fellow who answered that I dialed correctly but that his name was not Kalvin and he did not know you. I thought I would call and leave a message for Garth. The last time I saws him was at my Father's funeral.
Al Pitts
Manufacturing Engineering, Boeing


Melanie wrote: Dear Mom,

I am sorry that things are ending like this for Garth and Alyce. Funny that a guy like that asks if he has lead a good life. I adored him when I was younger. I wish I could tell him that.

Rejoice in the happy times. Remember that you had many of them.

I love you. I will wait to hear the details for the funeral. I am glad that the family has circled the wagons.

Melanie

Todd wrote: He is a wonderful man and will always be my "Uncle".


Charlotte Freeman wrote: Congratulations on #32.  I just returned from 3 weeks in Vegas enjoying our #13...baby boy, Simon.  Our daughter Kimbre was ill while I was there.  So I was able to be nursemaid as well as doting grandma.  Simon is baby boy #3 for our youngest daughter Leslie....I adore her children...as a matter of fact...I adore all our grandbabes from age 1 month to 16 years!!!!

Am sorry to hear of your cousin/brother's condition.  Cancer is no respecter of ANYONE...I know...Mama, Anita Jean, LaRae and LaRue (my sisters) all succumbed to it...You know I get regular checkups!!!

Returned last night and today cleared out my auto, put everything away, did laundry and put that away also.  Took my hubby to the Dr.  Norman had fallen and really bruised his leg around the shin and knee...but all is well...however, he is VERY tender and sore (rat stove up...as they say down south).

Take care...Charlotte


Myrna wrote: Grandchildren are the best! We are delighted with everyone of ours. I can tell that you are as well.

Sorry about Norman. Tell him to get better quickly.

My brother/cousin is still with us but barely. I HATE that people have to suffer so. I still think I was setting up chairs when Heavenly Father mentioned the part about pain. Cancer is going to make me the only family survivor. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Kim Pitts wrote: Congrats on the  new grandbaby!!!! I bet he is a little doll!!! And I am so sorryabout Garth. Our sincerest condolences and prayers are with you during this time. It is never easy. I pray for God tosend you extra angles and many Blessings, Sweetie!

Myrna wrote: He died this morning, Sunday, at 1:30 a.m. Thanks for your support.

Kim Pitts wrote: I am soooooo sorry, Myrna...love you, Sweetie. I am here for you, always

Even Superman Needs a Mom

Happy Mothers Day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrvYNR3whd0&feature=player_embedded

“Even Superman Needs a Mom” lyrics:
Last week I fought a dragon strong
Then climbed a castle wall.
Too bad I fell from off the roof
Mom’s flowers broke my fall.
Then yesterday, I sailed to sea
The pirates at the door.
Too bad the tub was just too small
To keep the ocean off the floor.
Today, I launched a rocket to
The moon for mom to see.
Too bad the wheel came flying off
And so I skinned my knee.
But mom was there to pick me up
And make me feel alright.
Then send me out to save the world
And put my cape on tight.
Someday I’ll grow and fly away
Little doesn’t last for long.
But when I’m big I won’t forget
Even Superman Needs a Mom.

"Every time we cheer another’s heart, every time we ease another’s burden,
every time we lift a weary hand, we show our gratitude to that God to whom
we owe all that we have and all that we are.” Joseph B. Wirthlin

Shawn wrote: Dane used to have that same Batman costume.

To the World

This week was a rather crazy but fun one. The APs came out from Managua and we stayed, docked at port. We were all rather sad and upset because every once in a while it is good to get out of the small town and go to the big city to go shopping, get our mail and packages, and just breathe in the city life. However, there was some emergency and Elder Fallabella from the Quorum of the Seventy couldn't come. Life happens. My companion and I decided to use the resentment we felt out on TRACTING. We had a lot of fun and found some really fun families during the week.

We were able to baptize a really cool group of people this week. My companion and I baptized a man named Jorge who has an interesting life story. Basically, he has been involved in drugs since his youth and one day he hit an all-time low, that's when he saw my companion (and his ex-companion) walking by his house. He called them over and started talking to them about his life and all the problems he was having. They taught him about the Restoration and then gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon. Ever since then he has read it every day and reads it especially when he has temptations to go back to his old habits. It has been so much fun teaching him, hearing his testimony growing, helping him through his problems, and then receiving the enourmous blessing of having him ask ME to baptize him. It has been a rather interesting experience with him, but a really fun time.

My companion and I are going to start up Miskito classes again, as I have been sick the past week and have missed out on classes due to the constant flu-like symptoms that made me SOOOO tired. We are super excited to learn a lot together and we are super happy to be seeing some miracles in our area.

I had the wonderful blessing of calling the fam yesterday to talk to them about, well, everything. It was really funny to just pick up where we left off. And seriously, what didn't we talk about? It is really cool to know that God loves me so much that He blessed me with such an amazing family and the ablility to be with them forever. I know that families are ordained of God and I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have been given to help families embark on their eternal journies.

I wish you all successes this week and I hope that you are reading your scriptures, praying, going to the temple and being good little boys and good little girls. :)

Love,
Elder B

Erin Wrote

Erin wrote: we are all fine and you know you want to help but we are fine and i will call you tonight if i can. my mom is getting me a theripist.  i get to see her on the 12th plus i have my play on the 12th  and we will send you all the pictures we get. caydin is fine but he is biting people again but this time he has a full set of teeth. OUCH! donovin is fine. love you erin.

Myrna wrote: You are such a dear heart! We love you so very much and we can't wait to see you. Dad said you had really grown a LOT. I think it is good that you have a therapist but the school counselor sounds like a good person to talk to. Donovin is playing football! I don't know what to tell you about getting Caydin to stop biting. I think he will outgrow it, don't you? We love you. Have a happy week.