Heart of friendsihp

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! There are so many blessings that have come my way because of my involvement in the different auxiliaries and organizations as a member of this Church. One of these was back in my college age years. I had to leave Snow College because I ran out of money for school. I had practically lived at the LDS Institute there and really missed it, so I went to the Salt Lake Community College campus LDS Institute and began taking classes even though I could not afford college anymore. Here is where I got involved in an organization then called Lambda Delta Sigma. This was the sorority for the girls at the Institute; the guys had the fraternity Sigma Gamma Chi. As a Lambda Delt, there were many friendships formed and many more great memories made. Those alone could fill several blog posts, which may or may not eventually happen. The purpose of bringing all this up today is to celebrate one of my best friends I met during my days with Lambda Delta Sigma and even more blessings of good friends that I have now because of this wonderful ‘sister’ of mine!

One of the last pictures taken of Lorilee and I...

Today would have been Lorilee’s birthday! She had many health issues, which sometimes made it hard for her to be involved in all she wanted to do…but she made up for it in sweetness, love and generosity! We were friends from the day we met and only got closer over time and until the end. I am sad to have to include here that 3 ½ years Lorilee graduated from this life. She is greatly missed by her family and friends! I am sure that many of us can attest to the fact that she instantly became a guardian angel to those she left behind and more…

The main reason for today’s post, though, is one of the “even more blessings” mentioned above. During those years, I also became friends with Lorilee’s family, especially her baby brother, who later married and now has the most precious little baby girl of his own! This baby girl is only 7 months old and has had her own set of serious health issues. You can read more about her story at her mom’s blog, View From the Upper Valley. I will let you read more details as you wish…although, this one is specific to the defects in this case…also during this time, her mom posted this link for an article regarding research for such defects.

Needless to say this sweet baby girl had heart surgery last week and, for anyone, this is major surgery, but imagine for one with such a young heart! Her family received so many requests from others asking what they could do to help, her family came up with a wonderful idea. They created an event with the following description:

“So many people have asked about what they can do to help, and we are so appreciative!

We know that the day of surgery and the days afterward will be tough. Tough for and tough for us. Something that would be nice is to see how far we can spread some kind thoughts and good deeds all in her name.

So, between now and the date of surgery, add some positive vibes back into the universe. It doesn’t have to be anything big, from a kind word to giving blood to whatever you want to do.

Or, if you don’t have time, could you post something funny or inspirational to give us a boost?”

Heart placed in a neighbor's window!

In watching the posts on the event board and such, so many things were done this last few weeks in honor of this baby girl and many more are planned still for the holidays! Of course, everyone, even some who don’t know this family, said prayers and kept them all in their positive thoughts! Several posted things that were humorous and a few inspirational. Some took part in other service projects in their local communities. One young person even made and posted a video speaking of his support and blessing of knowing this family! It has been wonderful to see so many things in honor of this special event! Not just here locally, but all over wherever anyone that knows this family lives! Just to close this section of this post, baby is home and doing better all the time! As I typed this up, this slogan came to mind and I thought how appropriate it is for this situation: “GE…brings good thing to life” and, in this case, so many good things have been brought with many, many more to come for a whole lot of people!

For the record, Lambda Delta Sigma and Sigma Gamma Chi no longer exist in the form of a sorority and fraternity. They are now just covered under what, even then, is known as LDSSA, Latter-Day Saint Student Association. I encourage everyone that is college age; even those that can’t afford regular college/university classes, to take classes at the local LDS Institute and become involved in the activities and service projects! There are friends to find and memories to make! It will be completely worth it and you will never forget things like people from Georgia or blue dots seen out of nowhere! Ok, maybe not those exact things, but I promise you will have your own things you will never forget!

I am thankful for the friendships, blessings and memories of those days! They are all still providing service opportunities like this blog post! It continues to provide testimony building experiences of service about prayer and faith. This is what it is to me…watsit2u?