December 2008 / January 2009

Hello from Grovetown, Georgia. One of our friends sent this picture to us and at this point in our lives it seems to be an accurate depiction of the last couple of months. A worker at this oil refinery took a picture of the lightning bolt only to discover the ominous tornado funnel that was illuminated by the lightnings flash. Well as I said this last couple month seem like this picture, if the lightning doesn't get the tornado surely will.

December and January has been marked by frequent hospital stays, but for the most part we were able to spend the holidays at home. We did spend Thanksgiving in the hospital and a few families bought the holiday to us. They brought all the festive victuals to Lorena's hospital room.

Here are the families that came on Thanksgiving.
The handsome one is me and the most beautiful woman is Lorena. The Hardmens, The Mullers and the Soules. I know that Thanksgiving is in November and this is a December / January update, but on my last update I got some complaints about my not mentioning Thanksgiving, so in an effort to show my appreciation to all for everything that has been done for us while Lorena has been under the weather I put here and say thank you.



Lorena in sexy Christmas sweeter.

Two crazy women that broke into the hospital terrorizing the patients. The last I heard they had been caught and are vacationing at the state asylum.
















The group of carolers that shared there Christmas spirit with us on Christmas Eve.

I would like to thank everybody who has given us so much help and shown so much love to us since Lorena has been under the weather. Everybody at Church and for my Mom who came here to Georgia about mid-December to the present time.
The caroler where pretty good, but the big bold guy really carried the group.


Lorena is back in the Hospital and will having surgery on Monday 26 January 2009 and after this she should be good to go after her recovery. Please pray for her that she will have a full recover, so she can start posting our family blog again.














Lorena with a tube in her nose and Dr MacFayden, her surgeon.

The Adventures of November 2008

The month of November has been one fraught with peril and adventure. To start of the this tale we must go back to the month of October on the 31st day, when Lorena went to the GI doctor to have an endoscopy. When we went to the Medical College of Georgia Hospital to this procedure done we were full expect to go home in about two hours from the time that we checked in for the appointment and ready to receive all of the greedy little trick-or-treaters asking for hand outs. Well, it it is now 30 November and we are still in the hospital.
To say the least Lorena and I have gone though a lot this month. But despite the chest tubes, ventilator tubes, torn (or as the doctors call it perforated) intestines and all the other stuff that has happened the Lord has been good to us. We are both still alive. Our faith in the healing power of the Lord has increased a hundred fold.
Other things that have happened.
I relinquished my command after a year of holding the coveted title of Stealth Bomber 6. During the change of command ceremony I had two of my Soldiers deliver a dozen red roses to Lorena at MCG hospital. So even though she was not there she still played an important role in the ceremony which is symbolic of the major role that she as my wife as played in my success as a commander.


Privates Ulrich and Baer delivering flowers to Lorena at MCG Hospital1SG Fredrick (Big Head Fred) Murry and SFC Tamika Robinson presenting the Heart of Ordnance to Lorena after the Change of Command ceremony.

This ends the blog for the month of November more follow for December. . .Johnny Wilson just looking sexy. . .

Johnny after a good crash because on a Moab trip because Lorena was getting all of the attention.

Melancholy Day

I was suppose to go visit teach this morning, when my tummy decided to punish me. The pain was excruciating, and unbearable. I thought I was going to die---I called the the sister that we visit taught and told her the situation. She is kindhearted sister (a Filipino) and she understood, but I felt bad for my vt companion though. While in pain, my Japanese friend called me and asked how I was doing, she sounded like she knows what I am feeling at the moment, strange. I have so many angels around watching over me, and one of them is my loving husband.

I was trying to update the blog last night, and i did not noticed the time, it was very late after I finally finish it, but when it was time to publish it----error-I was mad. Never do the blog in bed. Anyway, I published this morning.

I have to pick up my husband in two hours, he is going to take me to the GI doctor. John is very busy now a days so I have to help lighten his burden at work a little bit by picking him up instead of picking me up at home.

Honestly, there are times that I wonder if I am going to die soon. Though the cancer is gone, according the doctors and labs, I have some complication that sometime terrifies me when I think of it. My weight dropped rapidly, and my food intake is very poor. I have been having strange dreams that my dead relatives coming to pick me up for a trip, and they scolded me for not having my luggage ready. Gee. I don't know, I don't know, I don't know. I am not saying that I am not going to die, nor I am saying that I am going to die soon. Oh my goodness, where is my faith? I know I have, and because of that FAITH that I always have, I am always overcome the hardest. My faith in God always gives me HOPE and COMFORT. Okazaki says, "the sources of HOPE are the sources of LIFE itself; to choose Hope is to choose LIFE; to choose HOPE is to choose LOVE".

I hope I can survive in this ordeal and enjoy the beautiful life with my loving husband Johnny, he is my partner in everything that I have been through. I don't forget that God's thoughts are not ours, His ways are the greatest.

October Mania

Obviously, I am too lazy to log down all the interesting things happen in the Wilson household. And I am guilty of all the charges. As this time, John and I are quite sick. Well, John had his two wisdom teeth removed yesterday morning, and he had been asleep the whole day after taking a couple of pain killer pills. I, on the other hand, have been sick even since we came home from our Arizona trip. John's youngest brother, Bryan, got married in October 11, and John was proudly presents/introduces himself as the "The Best Man", as he was Bryan's best man.

Our trip to Arizona is also a treat to both of us. We bought our ticket 3 months prior to the wedding celebration. Occasionally, John would call Bryan and check whether he, Bryan and his fiancée are still together otherwise, refunding the tickets would add into our burdens every day. John loves his brother so much that he also treats him as his best friend. In fact, John was only joking when he kept asking about the steady engagement—John jokes a lot that sometimes worried me that he might get into trouble one day. He also told Bryan that whether the wedding is still on or not, we will still going to Arizona for vacation. We have to pamper ourselves too after having been through our ordeal for a moment.

It has been a year since we moved to Georgia from Utah and a year since I had my major surgery of my stomach cancer back in Utah. As everyone may not know, I was operated on my Birthday, October 10, 2007 at McKay-Day Hospital in Ogden, Utah. You can imagine how scared I was that day, “today is my birthday, should I be glad for this day that adds to my life, and then in a few hours it will be taken away from me?” I thought. I was clueless what would happen to me in the operating room that day, but anyway, here I am a year ago trying to update this blog. Our trip to Arizona was a treat to both of us, a celebration for a year survival. It was not only me that suffered sensational pain, but also my husband in different degree.

We went to Mesa Arizona Temple on my Birthday. What a marvelous blessing that was to be in the house of the Lord in that special day; that was not only my birthday, but also that was the day I was given a another life-and I received the GIFT Of LIFE.

We had so much fun. The wedding was great—well, they got married and went their way somewhere. John and I went to Sedona and Grand Canyon, Montezuma Well, Hunt’s Tomb pyramid and some other beautiful places around until we went home back to Georgia. We spent 1 week and had a great time.

Hey, I have to say something here about our spring and summer here, but I guess, I have to make another entry. I need to go to sleep.

John in front of the Hunt's Tomb Pyramid at Papago Island, Arizona. October 16, 2008

John poses in front of the Comfort Inn, where we stayed for a night before Sedona to go to Grand Canyon. October 13, 2008

John & Lorena at the Magnificent Grand Canyon. It was cold there, and John was forced to purchase an inexpensive jeans and jacket at nearby Walmart. Phoenix is hot, but when we got further away, the temperature going down as well.




Well, it was my turn to pose in front of Hunt's tomb. Hunt was the first governor of Arizona, when it became a state. According to legend, (wonder if I used the right word)Hunt traveled to Egypt, specifically, to see the great Pyramid of Egypt. He fascinated over the beauty and grandeur of the pyramid, and thought of building a pyramid in Arizona as well, and it is called, the called, the Hunt's Tomb Pyramid. He was buried there along with his wife, sister and parents.


Becky's sister (maid of honor), Becky, Bryan and John (" The Best Man"). October 11, 2008



At wedding reception, John is visiting with his old, old bishop. John was only 7 yrs. old when this man was bishop in his ward. John grew up in Arizona


Well, this is it, the receiving line. Here comes the bride, Becky Wilson, and the groom, Bryan Wilson; and the "The Best Man" Johnny Wilson; and the mother, Mary Hovey bda. de Wilson. October 11, 2008
The Wilsons women: Tammy, Connie Hovey, Becky, Maryanne, and Lorena

John & Lorena at the Montezuma Well, Arizona, October 15, 2008. We wanted to see the Montezuma Castle too, but it was close 5pm. We got lucky to to swing by the well and had a glimpse of it. It was beautiful and interesting alright.


Beautiful Grand Canyon. We have watched the movie at Imax theater. I love watching Imax movie.

Mr & Mrs Johnny Wilson at the reception. Oh , I was so thrilled standing by "The Best Man"

Bryan, Becky, Me and John. John planned to take me to dinner on my birthday, but Bryan and Becky were going to have a rehearsal dinner on the 10th evening, so this was the 9th of October.

After the temple session (Mesa Arizona): John's step father, mother, him and Me. October 10, 2008

It is just another day in Georgia

Today, is another day of what I called boring day? I usually wake up late in the morning and my loving husband just let me sleep as long as I want, though he reminds me to move around. However, though I wanted to wake up early and find something to do, but I am always tired. I don't know. We went to the doctor for check up last week-my ARMY doctor, and she referred us/me to a Nutritionist and PT. I am still adjusting on my diet, and still apprehensive whether I could go back to the gym or not. It has been almost a year since I was diagnosed with cancer, and went through a major surgery, removal of my entire stomach. I lost a lot of weight, and I want it back, but I cannot.
My husband, John, on the other hand, is doing okay which makes me very happy. I always make sure that he has all the nutrition he needs in his daily activities. It was not only me who have been through a lot especially during the cancer saga, but also him as well. We try our best to make each others happy and healthy.
Last Saturday, we went to the temple in Columbia, South Carolina. We were able to do a temple work for my dead ancestor. John was born in the church, and most of his dead ancestors were either already received the necessary ordinances when they were alive or hadn't a chance , but anyway, they were all taken cared of. John said that that was his very first time to proxied the dead family. My deceased mother and sister were able to be sealed to their parents. It was very memorable, spiritual and emotional moments. John and I really enjoy doing things together.
Next month, there will be a Change of Command in John's Company Unit. John will be released as a Company Commander because he will be promoted from Captain to Major in a month or so. We already received an official letter from a Brigadier General congratulating him to a Major promotion. This promotion is a great privilege for us both as for his mentors especially Colonel Mason and friends. However, I am kind of ...I don't know. I guess, I really realized now fully that I am married to a soldier, and married to the military. Most of the time I heard that my husband as the other military spouses said that our husbands are owned by the government, and we are here support them.
I got to run.

Update part I- Military Ball

We just got back from Post, Ft Gordon. We attended a Military (instructors') Ball. This is the first ball that I ever attended here since we got to Georgia. As everyone knew that I had been treated with cancer, and going to a crowded places will make me sick. John being a ---you know, has to go to these functions. There have been few Balls and etc. that he attended without me, though he really wanted me to come with him. However, unfortunately I couldn't. John was so excited that finally I could be able to come to this one. I have been shopping for dress for the ball, but none would fit me and some of the dresses are far beyond our church standard. and gee, evening dresses cost you an arm and leg. I was so glad that none of those dresses fits me and very inappropriate for me. Otherwise, I would feel guilty, and ruin the evening fun because of the costly apparel (nucks!) I am glad that I have a little knowledge about sewing, so John and I went to the craft store and bought me a materials and everything that goes with it including a pattern. Alas! the material does not go with the pattern and it looks terrible. It is not wasted though because I know I can fix it. We had three more days left, and John was a little panic because he really wants me to go plus he kept on saying, " you have to go I already paid $25 for the ticket". Poor thing, he even suggested that we have to buy another one. I objected maybe because he said I am a "kuripot" (stingy). No, I am not stingy, I am frugal. anyway, I dug up my old clothing that I was about to give up long ago, and I found my old dress I wore at college ball. I did some repair and improvement in it. Anyway, it turned out okay.

I knew that we have not updated this blog for almost 2 months now, but I have some few drafts that need to be finished and publish. I or John will try our best to update this. It has been10 months since we came to Georgia, and John took a Company Command at Ft Gordon. There will be some changes in a month- another Change of Command for him. We are doing fine, and we enjoy every minute of our lives!


John and I at the dinner party (ball)


John with others in his unit (our table)

The Three Commanders and the LTC
The three Commanders: CPT Lind (Alpha); CPT Wilson (Bravo) & CPT Crock (Charlie)
Me and the other wives:
And US!

Seasons of JOY and THANKSGIVING

Our hearts were full of gratitude and love to the Almighty GOD, who is our Heavenly Father for the great and amazing news we had received from Lorena's Oncologist when we visited him yesterday for a check up at MCG (Medical College of Georgia) Lorena is 100% cancer-free. Her doctor, Dr. Dainer revealed that she had a very bad tumor that most people do not survive. He was concerned about telling her what the result of the treatments might be. However, yesterday, he was grinning from ear to ear when he told us that Lorena does not need to be in the cancer center anymore. He said it was a great miracle, and that we have every reason to have a BIG celebration. John reminded Lorena about the blessings pronounced upon her by a brethren who administers sacrament at McKay-Day Hospital in Ogden, Utah. Lorena had a difficult life during her cancer illness, and has so much to tell. We both have had difficult and some trying circumstances, but we never lose hope. We put our trust in HIM who gave us life. We both survived-and this is our season of JOY, LOVE and Gratitude.

We are also started our adoption application with the LDS Family Services.

This photo taken on June 27, '08 at Colonel Mason's LUAU Party at his house. We have known him back in Hawaii as John's boss, and he became John's boss again here in Ft. Gordon. We are happy that we were able to attend this party together.

July 8, 2008--taken at Harbor Inn SeaFood Restaurant in Augusta, GA. This was another dinner party for Colonel Mason as he is being transfered to another place.

July 7, 2008: Tybee Island, Savannah, GA, 2 hours and half drive from we live-John misses Hawaii

Tybee Island, SAvannah, Georgia. We could not believe that we will be enjoying the outdoor once again.


We got hungry-Zaxby Chicken fast food


John decided to have a pet at home. This was taken at our neighbor's home who sold the puppy to us. He got a Cavalier King Charles Spaniels dog named "Rocky". We keep the name Rocky. Jul. 6, 2008

John and Rocky at the World of Coke in Atlanta, GA (Jul. 7, 2008). For all of you people who think the military life is horrible because you have to move about every three years or so. Me and Lorena have been able to live in Hawaii, Virgina, Utah and Georgia. Also because of the traveling that is involved we have the opportunity to visit most of the major church historical sites from Carthage were the Prophet was murdered to Palmyra walked the sacred grove where GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST visited the Prophet Joseph. We have been to beaches of Hawaii and Savannah, GA. We have seen the beauty of this land as we have traveled to new duty stations and we have loved it. This last year has been hard but we have a great lives; it is rife with challenges and exciting adventures. I have the greatest job in the world and the best wife that any man could hope to have.

Mistletoe State Park/Clark Hill Lake on the 4th of July. From left to right; Lorena, Tess, Carol and Lingling. Old buddies at BYUH

My glamor shot contribution:-)

Taking Rocky to the VET. He is a good dog (Jul. 8, 2008)

At the Filipino Fireside, SLC. With returned Mission President from the Philippines. October 7, 2007, few days before Lorena's surgery. All smiles in spite of the cancer

Lorena and Johnny at the Conference Center October 2007 General Conference just before Lorena's surgery. I miss that sexy long hair.

Lorena and some crazy young Filipinos at the Filipino Fire Side in Salt Lake City just after General Conference 7 Oct 2007 three days before Lorena goes under the knife.

Columbia, South Carolina Temple first time back to the Temple since Lorena's surgery, 10th May 2008. Doesn't she look sexy?

Lorena's Oncologist, Dr Dainer at the Cancer Care Clinic at MCG 15th May 08. A couple of weeks after Lorena's last chemotherapy treatment. If you look closely at his neck you will see that he is wearing a Navy neck thing. It took me a while to trust him.

CPT Wilson enjoying the Work and the Glory while Lorena under goes Chemo.
Lorena poses for a glamor shot with two of her nurses Kay and Kathy on last day of Chemotherapy. 25th May 2008

Beverly and Gene Sturgill, the Parent of the Missionary who baptized Lorena in 1990. They came out to Georgia from Idaho to take care of Lorena while I was doing some training at Ft Jackson, SC back in January.
The Dulans, from Hawaii, drop by to visit Lorena after her Surgery at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, UT.
The Nurse preps to remove the staples from Lorena's abdomen.




Lorena sharing a happy moment. This is when I was deployed in Iraq.


10 October 2007 Lorena prepares to go to the hospital. This was also her 40th birthday. A lot of people felt sorry for her because her birthday activities consisted of about five or more hours laying on a cold steel operating table. On this day she was given the gift of life, and I do believe that that is a little better than a card or some birthday cake.

Another glamor shot after surgery.

Dr Carabine, the Surgeon.

Rob Sturgill and his kids traveled from Twin Falls, ID to see Lorena. Rob is the missionary that baptized Lorena.

Savannah, Georgia- 2 weeks after we arrived to Georgia from Utah. (Nov. 2007)

Johnny, the mischief. Savannah Georgia

See, what I mean?

This was taken after the Change of Command Ceremony. Lorena was given a dozen yellow roses as part of the ceremony. Nov. 16, 2007

CPT Wilson the battle harden war hero takes command of Bravo Company. Some laugh and say, Johnny battle harden, yea right. But just think and ask yourself this question, has my hummer ever been blown up while commuting to work not once but twice or has any body ever thrown grenades at you from atop of a building and then some gunman run into the road shouting at you or had snipes shouting at you from all different angles. If you can answer yes then we can share war stories but if your answer is no then just remember I have and you have not. But I still love you. Nov. 16, 2008

In front of our house in Clinton Utah with our faithful Polynesian neigbhors, The Kalama. We miss them so much. It was hard to say "Aloha 'Oe" to them. We did not sell our house; we have it rented out. Lorena's hair was cut short so she can prepare for the chemo; however, she did not lost her hair at all. (Nov. 12, 2007)

One more stop before we hit the road to Georgia. One of Lorena's new friend in Clinton had just have twin babies, and wants us to hold them as we Lorena and I wanted a baby as well. Lorena was not allowed to lift more than 5 pounds, but the babies were only less than5 pounds each.

With the babies' mother, Linda

John is more than ready to be a daddy.


This has been an exciting time in our lives. Life most definitely has been an interesting and exciting adventure and with the continued blessing from the Great God in Heaven we will have many many more. We are thanking everyone for their prayers.