Some FUN Pictures of the Bares!!

I was over at the Bare's house this weekend, and decided to take a few pictures of them doing their many talents!! Aimee is not in the pictures, so sad!! She was having fun at her Grandma and Grandpa Bares...

Jared Bare's baptism!!

So I have finally got the pictures of Jared's baptism. It was such an exciting day! Due to the distance of Cincinnatti, I have never been able to see Elizabeth and Jacob get baptized. So, it was fun to see one of the first grandkids get baptized. Jeff baptized and confirmed him. His sisters had fun watching him. Even Jenna, when she saw him go under the water, made a few concerned noises and faces!! But then looked relieved when he came back up again.

All of the names of the pictures are written in relation to Jared...



This is Jared outside of the church...



Jeff (father) and Jared...



Jeff(father), Stephanie (mother), and Jared...



Everyone who attended the Baptism (I am the cameraman!!)...



The Priesthood who took part in the circle of his confirmation. Listed from left to right: Great Grandpa Clyde Neibaur, Uncle Ron Allen, Jeff (father), Grandpa John Bare(Jeff's father), Uncle Brian (Jeff's brother), and Uncle Neil (Jeff's brother-in-law)...



Jared, Aimee, and Alyssa...



Grandma Linda Hebdon, and Jenna...



Four Generations!! Back Row: Stephanie (mother) and Grandma Linda Hebdon. Front Row: Great Grandma Sarah Hebdon, Jared, Great Grandma Neibaur...

Frustrations!!

So I am looking to move again! I know, I know what you are think, and yes, again. But honestly I wish that I would just stay put!! I love the ward that I am in, I finally know at least 10 people, which is a record for me! And I will also miss my friends there.... But I am tired of traveling at least 30-60 minutes one way, and this next semester I need to be closer. So, I am trying to find a room to rent that is closer to work and school, and I am looking at spending $500!! And so that is frustrating to me! I miss the rent at ISU, where I had my own room shared a bathroom with one other girl, and it was $235!! Now, granted my parents paid for me and I am truly grateful to them, but what a steal. Oh, well, such is life, but it still bugs a lot.

I have been meaning to post my family's pictures at Jared's baptism, but I need to go to my sister's to get them on a disk. I really need to get a computer...so I will try to work on it, and get them on here.

Anyways, I also want to ask if any of you have seen Batman: The Dark Knight movie? Ok, I feel a little juvenile in admitting this, and I know that I am a bit obsessed, but I love Christian Bale. I loved him in Newsies, Swing Kids, Little Women. I would watch these over and over when I was growing up and then he seemed to disappear. But then Batman Begins came out and WOW, was I excited! I hadn't seen him in years! And of coarse it/he was amazing! So, the Dark Knight, I am have to admit I was left a bit disappointed. Now, I will not go into detail to spoil it for those of you who haven't seen it yet, but I had a lot of mixed emotions, and Heath Ledger/"the Joker" I thought was so incredible, and I loved the emotional story with Aaron Eckhart/Harvey Dent "Two Face". But honestly, I felt short changed a bit with Christian Bale/"Batman". So, any of you who have seen it, I want to hear what you thought! Also, if you don't like violence and action, this is definately not the movie to see....just warning you ahead of time! And so, I am finished blowing off my frustrations, and will say goodbye for now.

Father's Day

In celebration of Father's Day, I would like to write about how amazing and wonderful my dad is.

He is a hard worker. I remember working with him on the ranch. Many times, he and my brother were the ones working hard on the ranch, but occasionally, the whole family would be asked to help out. Often, we would get up early in the morning for a whole days work ahead of us. When we would get to the field we would then separate, be sent to various sections, and set a goal to meet at a certain corner at a certain time. I hated be separated from my family, mostly because I felt scared of the bulls, worried that I couldn't remember which direction I was suppose to go and get lost, or that I would run into trouble. I honestly got nervous, and would continue to say prayers that I would do what I was asked to do, and that I would arrive safely. And just when I would be ready to succomb to tears, I would hear my dad's whistle and relief would flow through me. I loved hearing my dad's voice, and I would know that everything would be ok from then on. He always wanted me to work hard, and to do my best. Also, I remember being thrown off a horse, I think I as probably 6 years old. And instead of letting me throw a pitty party for myself, my dad made me get on the same horse, and ride for awhile. That lesson taught me alot. The classic saying, "When you fall down, just pick yourself up!" I also remember when I was a few years older, we were up at Maggies. The strap to my saddle broke, and I went tumbling down. I was more afraid then hurt, certain I would be stranded by myself. Then, I saw my dad on his horse, heading towards me! He had come to my rescue!! He had seen my horse without a rider and came immediately to my aid. He let me ride behind him the rest of the day. What a relief!

He is service oriented. He was always willing to help out a neighbor and a friend. Whether it was to help them move, birthing calves, irrigation problems, or giving directions. There were strangers that would knock on our door, needing assistance, and my dad would help them out. We have met a lot of friends just because my dad was always willing to serve. Whenever I would introduce myself, people would recognize my name and say, "you aren't Steve Hebdon's girl are ya". And then they would tell me about a story of when they first met my dad, how grateful they were for his service and friendship.

He didn't want us to be quitters. He always wanted us to finish what we started. I remember my Junior year in High School. I had just finished volleyball, and the basketball season was about to start. I hated basketball so much!! And after a lot of thought, I decided to not play basketball. But of course the coaches wouldn't accept that as an answer. They talked me into giving it a try, and if I decided I didn't like it then I could quit. So I did, and of coarse I hated it. I gave it a month, and decided to quit! And boy did I pay for it. Everyone gave me such a hard time. The hardest thing wasn't to tell the coaches but I didn't want to tell my dad, because I knew how much it would break his heart. I did muster up the courage to tell him that I had quit, and of coarse he was disappointed. I explained to him about what happened, and that I had only agreed to give it a try, but I still think that he was disappointed...I learned that year, to always try my best, and to never give up. Another memory, my last transfer on my mission, I was trying my best not to get "trunky". I wanted to finish with a bang, but one week I just felt tired and drained. I received a letter from my dad, which was always exciting because they weren't very many. He wrote of how he wanted me to keep working hard, to not let up, and to finish my mission in a way that would make me proud. I kept that letter close at hand, and it helped to inspire me throughout the remaining days. Even on the flights home, I tried to find someone to talk with, and share the gospel. I am forever grateful for him, and his encouragement!!

He loves to learn. He has always been good at whatever he does. Because he worked on the ranch and water systems, he would spend a lot of time with the forest service, reservations, and fish and game. They respected what his opinion was and often asked for his ideas. He has a unique talent in understanding people and how to accomplish goals that work out the best for everyone involved. I can't tell you how many times I have heardof how knowledgable my father is and what a wonderful job he does.

He is a good friend. It actually makes me tear up to think of my dad's friends. The majority of them have passed on now. Many were elderly that he grew up with, one was his sunday school teacher who challenged him to bring his scriptures every Sunday. My dad did, and they have been good friends since. (Many of you know this individual as Bro. Bob. He then became each of my siblings seminary teacher. I think that he was even my dad's seminary teacher.) They would work together during the winter times milking cows, they were home teacher companions. Anyways, there are many friends of my dads, that I know he would have done anything for. Many of them were quite a few years older then him, but my dad didn't care. He loved them for them. I remember hearing my dad say with a chuckle, that he didn't have very many more friends left, and there were tears in his eyes. No doubt they are on the other side watching out for him. One of his best friends would be his own father. He goes to visit his grave frequently...

He has always been supportive of us in the gospel. He us to be active in church. He would ask us questions about what we learned at church when we would have dinner. He helped my brother get his Eagle Scout award. He helped my brother and I to serve full time missions. He was there, supporting my brother and sister when they got married in the temple. I am forever grateful for his support. He has supported my mother in all of her callings, which says a lot because she would spend hours upon hours, coming home late many times.

He loves the prophets. Whether it be Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, or Pres. Hinckley, he always has respect and love for them. He loved reading the Work and the Glory, and learning more about church history. He always listens to General Conference and often chuckles at the sense of humor Pres. Hinckley had. One of my favorite memories was going to my brother's wedding in Ohio. I was able to go with my parents. We drove the whole way there. We stopped at almost every historical marker on the way. My mom and I would joke around that we were never going to make it to Ohio at the pace we were going! But my dad loves history and learning as much as he can. When we got to Nauvoo, he thrived on teaching the tour leaders even more history. Because he knew his family history and has read many of the stories and journals. He has such pride in his heritage! The missionaries listened to his stories, would comment on how they loved hearing it, and would use some of it later on. It was a fun trip, and one that I will never forget!

He loves his family. I know that he would give us the shirt of his back without any hisitation, and has done so many times. Like I mentioned with my mother, I will never know all that he sacrificed without so that we would have enough. He would often gives us money here and there so we could have fun. He encouraged all of us to get an education! And get a job were we could be comfortable. He wants the best for all of us, and is always concerned that we succeed and wanting to know how he can help us out. I love going home and spending time with my parents! I even get to "tuck them in bed" and talk for a few minutes before I head to my own room. I love those times, and the conversations we will have. I wish I could go home more often.

He adores my mom, his eternal companion. He alwasy refers to her as "his bride". Whenever I go home, I can't count how many times I have heard him compliment my mom on how beautiful she is, how talented, and again how beautiful she is! It is so cute! And she blushes, but I know that it makes her feel special. He helps her around the house and garden. He cooks for her when she has worked in the fields and comes home late from work. He is amazing with the outdoor grill!! He hates to go to bed without her, and when she is visiting us, calls frequently to check up on her, and tell her how much he misses her. There is no doubt in my mind that my dad loves her so much!

Thank you dad for being an amazing example to me! And loving me for who I am! Happy Father's Day!

Mother's Day

Due to it being past Mother's Day I know that I am too late! However, that still doesn't mean that I am not grateful for my angel mother!! And so I have made a list to acknowledge the wonderful gifts and talents that are hers....

Her love of gardening: She has always had plants around her, and they flourish!! I would have plants in college that would start to fade and look so sick, and all I would have to do is bring it home and viola, they flourish too! I think they just needed her special TLC. She is always gardening and nurturing little starts into thriving plants. Whenever we would walk pass a plant, she could tell me the name. Truly a talent. I believe she got her love of flowers from her mother, Norma Neibaur and grandma, Mabel Belnap. Her favorite flower, I think, are Peonies. She also loves Bleeding Hearts, which were Grandma Belnap's favorite too.

Her love for art:This amazing woman can paint! It is true! And not only does she do a good job in the opinions of loved ones, but she has won blue ribbons at fairs. They are all beautifully done. My favorite one is the painting of a ship that has wrecked with fog all around it. The detail is amazing and it won many ribbons. I only wish that she would keep it going. The poor girl is so busy, that she rarely has time, which is sad cause there is definately talent there.

Her love for music:She is an amazing pianist and organist. She is too modest to say so, but she is. She has held many callings that require her to play in Sacrament meetings as well as other church meetings. She has even had to play impromptu, and can pass off smashingly! She loves listening to music as she works in the home. One of her favorites is "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Rachmaninoff. Many of you will know this from the theme song of "Somewhere in Time".
One of her favorite hymns is "Where Can I Turn For Peace", because it was one of the answers to her prayers.

Her hard working ethics: No matter what she does, she always tries to do her best. Whether it be work, art, sewing, callings. As to work, her boss absolutely loves her! She is always honest and hardworking, with the ability to do what the other men do, and most of the time better. She is his right hand. Sewing, I remember taking 4-H and of course she was my teacher. She would make me unpick seam after seam to make sure I did a great job. This annoyed me alot, and we would spend hours on my project, with me complaining, and her faithfully pressing, pinning, and unpicking endlessly without complaint. It is because of her that I feel confident enough to make dresses and projects without sweating too much! But I often wish I had my seam picker!! Callings, she has always tried to plan fun activities to help people learn and grow. In fact, a pet peeve of hers, (if I may share it!), is when she helps to plan an activity and people don't have any enthusiasm and do a mediocre job when it could have been so much better.

Her love of learning: She loves to learn about history, gardening, health, arts, literature, ect. In fact, it is because of her that I absolutely love to learn about George Washington or the Revolutionary War, go to musicals, or to enjoy architecture. She is my play buddy, and we always try to go to at least one a year. Also we have read a few books together. My last few years in high school, she would drive me to school and then head straight to work. We would read books on the drive there (which was easily fifteen min). We would be laughing one second, and balling our eyes out the next, even to the point when I couldn't read aloud anymore!! Ah, the memories! Health, she shares her knowledge about vitamins, exercises, foods, anything she has learnt helps to increase our health.

Her love of the gospel: She has such a strong testimony! She has taught me gospel principles everyday. Whether it was in the garden, kitchen cooking, bearing her testimony in Primary, Young Women's, or Relief Society. There was never a time when I doubted that she had a testimony. She kept us kids going and for that, I am forever grateful. It couldn't have been easy. She loves going to the temple, and has been my "temple going companion" a few times. Those are definately special times. She has a calling in Relief Society to teach from the Joseph Smith manual. She loves learning about him, and the doctrines he taught. She is excited and shares with her family. And she is always prayerful to follow the Spirit whenever she is teaching a class, or an individual. There have been many times that the advice she has given me had been the answers to prayers. Her love of her Savior and Heavenly Father have always been close to her heart. She hesitates to bear her testimony because she gets emotional, but I love hearing it! She has such conviction and love.

Her ability to be silly: Yes, this is a trait that I admire! It actually makes me sad that she used to worry about embarrassing us kids. In Young Women's, we would go to Girl's Camp and I loved it! I got to spend a week with my mom, and I don't know if it was the atmosphere, or the fact that we hadn't showered in days! But that was when she would make me laugh harder than any of my friends ever could. Especially around the campfire! She became one of us girls, a great friend. I loved watching her take part of the skits the moms would do for the boys and girls teams in pep rallies when we went to District and State. She was always so funny and cute!

Her love of her family: Just as strong as her testimony of the Gospel, I never have doubted that she loved all of us! She would go without all of the time. I never knew, and will probably never know, how much she sacrificed for us kids. She always wanted the very best for us, whether it was drive all the way to Grace (30 min) so we could take clogging, or follow the sports teams to Lewiston, ID (I don't even know how far that is!?!) she always supported us in our activities. She would help us make posters and skits when we ran for student body officers. She helped us with our projects in school. In fact, a teacher teased me of being lucky enough to have a mom like mine! And it is true! She even was my sister's and my little league coach for softball and junior high cheerleading advisor! And a play director for my elementary plays. A boy scout leader for my brother. She wanted us to have every opportunity to be involved, even if that included her being in charge. And her love for her grandchildren. I don't think that anyone can get as excited as her when she hears their voices on the phone. They love talking with her, and always have songs to sing, which she rants and raves about how wonderful they are. She is always eager to hear about their activities.

Her love of my father, her eternal companion: I know that she loves my dad! There have been many times when I hear her praise him for the kind of man he is. She almost glows when she talks about how much he knows about his job, how people seek his help and advice, the acts of service he performs, and what a good friend he is. I think the times that I have felt/seen her love for him the most was when my dad was in the hospital, which have been a few times. She always wanted to be there with him, and wanted him to be as comfortable as possible. But due to helping him complete his job, she had to leave in the evenings. I remember one night, just after my mission, he was in the hospital and had an adverse reaction to morphine that made him confused and scared. We got a phone call in the middle of the night from the nurses who were concerned. I, being as annoying as ever, wanted to go with my mom to the hospital. That night, I slept on the couch at the bottom of his bed, and my mom layed next to my dad, comforting him and whispering that everything would be alright.

My best friend: She has always been my best friend. I don't know what I would do without her! Growing up, I would often choose to not go out with my friends so I could do something with her instead. Not because I had to, but because I would rather be with her than anyone else! She made me laugh! I could be silly around her, in fact, when I go home I digress back to my silly self, because I know that she will love me no matter what! We have the same interests. And throughout growing up to the present, she is the one I call when I am so excited or when I have to pour my heartache out. She has always been there for me.

....Thank you so much, Mom, for being YOU!!

School

Everyone seems confused as to what I am doing, which is totally understandable considering I am always changing my mind!?! SO here is the 411...

...So I am officially signed up to take Biology and Physics this summer, after a huge frustrating ordeal!! I will start on the 13th of May! I am a little nervous, but mostly excited to get things moving. And then I am registered for Anatomy in the Fall, and hopefully things will go well for taking Physiology in the Spring.

...I was planning on doing Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultasound tech) that is an associates program through Salt Lake Community College, but I didn't get in, long story short(but I later found out there were problems with the college accepting/evaluating my transcripts so obviously the program couldn't see any of the prerequisites being fulfilled!?!?!). I also found out there were 170 plus applicants with only 16 openings. Anyways, I found out that they only admit every two years, a little bit daunting!

...So I looked more into the Radiology program through Weber State. They have a campus in Provo, and I would get my associates there as a rad. tech. (mostly xray) and then once I take the state boards, I can start the Bachelor's program. That is where I can specialize, I believe. And with that time, I will figure out if I only want to do ultrasound, or MRI's, or CT's, Radiology Therapy, ect. SO that is the goal and destination, and I am determined to enjoy the journey. My friend that I work with, Maria, went with me to get books, student ID, parking pass, ect. She was so cute to come, and we had fun. We even stopped by Gardners Village in Midvale, I love that place!! It is a favorite of me and my mom since High School. For anyone looking for a cute place to window shop and just enjoy life, this is the place to go!

...My friend Andrea has helped enforce positive thinking! She teased me with only having a "B" acceptable attitude, instead of reaching for an "A" in Anat/Phys. Which I relunctanly agreed to. So from now on, I am going to get A's!! And why not? I have had more medical experience since I took it last, and I also have many experts that I can ask questions. I think it will be more enjoyable this go around. So yeah for SCHOOL!!

...Also, Andrea and I have signed on for 24 HR. Fitness. I am enjoying it, however I am totally out of shape and sore!? But I remember loving that feeling in high school, knowing that it was a good pain, so I am trying to keep the same attitude.

...Then concerning the cruise, I can't get anyone to go with me!! I am so incredibly sad. So that is a downer, however I guess I should be grateful for not spending the money. And I have already found a project for it, a laptop for school. So far, I am daunted by how much they are, and feeling the hole in my pocket coming too fast. But it is a good thing in the long run.

...And finally, I get to go home this weekend!! I went home for Easter, but I am excited to go again, especially considering the fact that I won't be as able to when school starts.

That is me in a nutshell, and so hopefully my life will be semi stable without too many changes for you all to catch up!

Finally, the last of the 100 things about me! WaHoo!

Once again, and idea stolen from a friend...

10 years ago: (77)I was a senior waiting apprehensively about getting accepted to college and receiving scholarships. (78) Also, just about now I was going to Prom with a good friend, Brandon Wistisen. I loved my dress, we patterned it after two dresses on Titanic. The one she wore when she was about to jump off the ship, the other during the dinner where Jack is invited. (My mom made it for me, so talented!!) I wish I had it on cd, and I would post it for you to see.

5 things on my to do list today:(79-83)
1. Get food storage-funny story, at work the nurses told me about rice being sold out due to people freaking out! And what do I do? Curse myself for slacking off on the food storage and the first thing I did when I got off was stop at Macey's and bought rice, oatmeal, sugar, flour, cereal, beans, pasta, and yeast! I even waited for 7:00 to come to call my mom for advise on what beans were best! Well, I felt a huge wave of relief, but can laugh at myself for over reacting! But really, I feel a lot better now.
2. Exercise for an hour.
3. Sleep
4. Grab tax forms to fill out FASFA, which I forgot to do!! Frustration to the max!
5. Leave early for once! Yeah! I was 6 minutes early!! I have been so bad lately.

If I were suddenly a billionaire: (84)Buy a home, pay off my family's debts, plane tickets for my family to go to Cincinatti (sp?) for a week once a year and then Kevin's family tickets to come home for Christmas!! once a year, take my family on a cruise, go to Europe, and then, put everything left in investments to make money!!

3 bad habits: (85-87)
1. Early to bed, Early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise! has obviously not been a part of my life!
2. Eating poorly
3. Buying too much crap.

5 places I have served on my mission: (88-92) (California Roseville, north of Sacramento)
1. Citrus Heights (near Sacramento)
2. Willows (near Chico)
3. Granite Bay 2nd Ward(near Roseville)
4. Granite Bay 1st and 3rd Wards
5. Hillcrest (near Yuba City)

5 jobs I have had: (93-97)
1. Home Department Manager
2. CNA in a rest home
3. Loan/Title clerk at a credit union
4. Physical therapist at a chiropractor (not certified)
5. House keeper (I decided to keep going!)

5 words to decribe me: (98-102) HA I made it!!
1. dreamer
2. emotional
3. friendly
4. faithful
5. descriptive (that is why I write a paragraph on one thing!!


I'm taggin everyone who hasn't done this tag!!! But since I combined three, you can choose!! Especially I would love to have Rachel do this, and I am wishing that Stephanie had a blog...

100 Things about Me Continued... ABC's

A boring continuation! Sorry, but once again, a good journal entry for me!! ;0) So, I am still having a hard time doing this, therefore I decided to copy a friend's idea.
The ABC's of ME! (51-76)
A-Attached or Single? Single!!
B-Best line from a movie?
"Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests..." from Sense and Sensibility when Marianne and Willouby first converse. It is what made me decide to read more of Shakspeare. What could be more romantic than that? Just wait, here is the rest of it...
"That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved."



C-Cake or pie? Pie, pumpkin
D-Day of Choice? It used to be Tuesdays, my one day off, but now that I quite the salon...I have way too much free time that I am going crazy!! SO now it will be the day that I start school, around June 2nd! I am sure I will regret that statement!!
E- Essential Item? Deoderant and lotion...my biggest fear is to smell! Funny, I know, but I don't want to repell people!
F- Favorite scent? Cranberries and oranges with cinnamon sticks.
G-Gummy bears or worms? worms
H- Hopes for the future? To graduate as a Sonograpy Tech!! To buy a place of my own. And of course, to be married in the Temple, and have kids while I can!?!
I- Favorite Indulgence? Chocolate, then Caramel, and together please!
J- January or July? Neither!! Can I say April!? But I guess if I had to choose it would be July.
K- Kids? One of my hopes listed before =0) but I also claim my nieces and nephews, so therefore I have 9, 8 that are living. 5 girls and 4 boys
L- Life isn't complete without? Technical communication, meaning cell phones to call family, blogging to keep in touch with friends =0), and texting to have quick simple ways to say hi!
M- My favorite past time? When I had a tub, I would love to light some candles, put in bathing salts and take a nice relaxing soak with music playing, and maybe a good book...boy do I miss that!
N-Number of brothers and sisters? 2 sisters, 2 brothers (I can count their spouses right!)
O- Oranges or apples? Oranges, they remind me of my mission. Plus there is nothing like an orange julius.
P- Phobias and fears? Ever since I was little, I had reoccuring nightmares of wolves! Even though I loved them and thought they were beautiful, I would always dream of being outside, and having them sneak up on me to attack! Scary I know! But I would escape and get inside our house in Chesterfield, only to have them break through the windows and attack my family!! Oooh! I had one just the other night.
Q- Quote? Life isn't measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away
R- Reason to smile? I have a job!! when so many don't
S- Season of Choice? Spring!! I love the colors after the winter time
T- Television or movies? Movies, big surprise
U- Unknown facts about me? I am vain about my hair! Funny I know, but even in High school, I always got compliments. SO it has gone to my head. Nothings makes me more puffed up then to get compliments on it ;0)
V- Vegetable- Avacado, no sandwich or salad is truly complete without one.
W- Worst habit? Laziness, when I come across obstacles, my fight goes out and I just want to lay down and rest.
X- X-ray or Ultrasound? X-ray of my arm when I was five and broke it playing on the monkey bars at home.
Y- Your least favorite holiday? It's obvious right? Valentine's Day
Z- Zodiac Sign? Taurus

Passing through the veil

You know, there are a lot of entries about faith. So, I hope people don't feel that I am preachey. I just think that due to my job, truly I am always confronted with the gospel principles. SO this entry is about passing through the veil...

I have found it very comforting to know that we are not alone in this life. That there is a plan for each of us, that we have eachother to lean on, and that life is journey that leads us to happiness. Through working, especially here at ICU, I have seen various stages of life. And when it comes time to allow loved ones to pass away, people are left staring in the face of their fears, and their faith is tested. But through my experiences, I have been strengthened through these moments.

It always leaves me in awe and wonder to find that when our loved ones linger towards dealth, that they are given a chance to say goodbye. (This, of course, is not always the case). Whether they are alert and aware that their time is coming, or they are in a coma and their vital signs linger on existence, I have seen that when the final loved one that they have been waiting for finally arrives to walk through those doors to say their final fairwell. And when this happens, I can see from the heart monitors, the patient slowly slip to the other side. It is a hallowed moment. A time when you know that they were just waiting for their family to let them go...

Too funny and sad for words...

So I have couple of funny/sad stories that happened to me at the salon this week. First of all, I have to give a background story. In January, there was a man who came in for a hair cut. I was the lucky stylist, and went to get him. The man had a scratched face, some of the cuts looked infected, and then he says he needs me to fix a bad haircut. Trying not to stare at him and make him more self conscious, I ask a few questions. This is what I found out. His wife made fun of him for going to a cheap place like Smart Styles, and so he decided to get an appointment at the high end salon she goes to. He ends up getting the wife of a coworker, and she, for some stupid reason, brings the clippers with a #2 guard (almost to the scalp) to the top of his head, and leaves the other side long. Hard to explain, I know but WOW! He said he paid $25 for a clown hair cut, and he had a business conference in California the following week.
K-a little bit stressful considering the situation! So I start blending in the sides and top while he tells me the rest of the story. A few days previously, he is at Smiths down in Woods Cross. He is in the parking lot and sees a woman beating her son to a bloody pulp! He yells at a distance to stop, but she ignores him. After trying a few more times, he decides to make his way to her, not knowing what else to do, but to help this poor kid. He touches her shoulder and wam, she turn on him and claws his face! Meanwhile, a lady is just observing them at a distance, and he yells to call 911. Long story short, his week has literally been from Hell! But he still seems in good spirits and can laugh about it. Even a customer who was getting a haircut at the same time, asked him to repeat the story to her husband. He good naturedly did. So, I do, what I think is an amazing job and joke around about having a permanent customer! and wish him good luck in Cali!
So Wednesday, this same man walks in! I express my delight in seeing him and tell him how great he looks! His face is fully healed with a few scars. The top of his hair has finally grown out to what he wants, but needs it shaped, and the sides shorter. So I am catching up on how his trip was to Cali, and he says he has been to New York, Tennessee, and Philadelphia since then! Wow! So then I ask him since he is gone all of the time, did he get to take his family or at least his wife? His comment was, "I would have loved to take my wife, but a week after you saw me, she filed for a divorce." !?!?! OH my!! I couldn't believe it! This poor guy, who already was having a horrible week, had this happen to him. Now granted, I had only met him twice, and for a few minutes at that, but he was such a nice guy! And upbeat about everything! He even said he was living in a motor home now, and was liking it! I couldn't believe it! I thought wow, how could life get much worse for this guy? And then I thought, wow, I have everything so good. So I said a quick prayer of gratitude for my blessings, and then one for him, that his life would start looking up.
On a lighter note, a funny story! The same day, I am cutting this guy's hair, who is superly cute, and he knows it. So I chitchat away with him, style his hair, and of coarse, he needs to rearrange every hair a little differently to be just perfect. I offer for him to use our sink where we wash their hair. I turn to get some hand soap and splash, my butt is soaking wet!! And I think he was shocked because it took him a while to turn it off. I shout, "What, is it the hair cut? You could have just told me!" Ha! It was so funny! He was so embarrassed, so I of coarse tell him not to worry about it, that I did that to my first haircut and got her good! It was just funny how cool and controlled he was before, and then how embarrassed he was. He even gave me a $8 tip! Heck, he can get me wet anytime, if I always got that kind of a tip!?!