JOHN & LORENA WILSON'S JOURNAL

Riding my Bike

2009-10-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

Tonight I just got home from a 43 mile bike ride. I started with the intent of just riding 30 miles but as I was riding I just started thinking about stuff and I just kept on riding. I started at about 1700hrs and returned home at about 2000hrs respectively. When I got home I felt like passing out or throwing up but I did neither. I just soaked in the tub and took a shower.
As I was riding I was so over come with grieve that I just could not stand it and although I was exhausted I pedaled harder tell my legs started to cramp but I just kept going. All I really wanted was to see my sweetheart, Lorena.
Earlier this week Wednesday to be precise my battalion conducted a change of command ceremony. That was one of the most depressing days that I have had in a long time. All I could think of was my change of command about a year ago when my sweetheart was in the hospital. Later that day I found myself talking with the Lord while looking at a picture of him kneeling in the Garden of Gethsemane praying to Father, and I found myself asking why my Lorena had to go through so much pain and why did she have to die.
I know the Plan of Salvation and I know that this life is a test and that if we endure the pains and trials of this life walking in obedience to the commandments of the GOD following the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ then all will be well and the blessing of eternity will be ours but it is so painful to walk this road without my sweetheart. I miss her.
Last week I went to see her grave. I just just set and talked with her and expressed my love for her and how much I missed her.

Thanks to Winns for checking my mail while I was gone for the last three or so weeks. I had gone to San Antonio, Texas for some training and then I went to Utah to see Lorena's grave. Also thanks to Ruby who watch my dog, Rocky. I have been dating Ruby for the last 4 months. She is the one who listens to me and cheers me up when I'm feeling down. She also goes on hikes and kayak trips with me.

In a previous entry I asked for help in raising money for an event to help Soldiers suffering from PTSD and I would like to just ask again to help me by sponsoring me in this event.
It is a 200 mile bike ride from Tampa Bay to Jacksonville Florida. It is called Ride2Recovery. The website is www.ride2recovery.com. click sponsor a rider and type in my name Johnny Wilson and make a donation. I'm doing the ride because I like biking and I'm a stessed out soldier trying to deal with the trama of looseing my sweetheart to cancer. So, please help me and sponsor me with a $25 or more donation.
Thanks

Johnny Wilson

Ride 2 Recovery

2009-09-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

This July I discovered this ride called ride2recovery that will be happening this Dec. I signed up because I like to ride, however the other reason is the propose of the program is raise money in conjunction with VA to help wounded warriors in their recovery process. Lots of our Soldiers suffer from stress that is directly related combat action and as I have discovered biking is very therapeutic. In the last few months I've been under lots of stress as well and biking along with other types of exercise has really helped me deal with and work through a lot of my problems. I would greatly appreciate any support and please spread the word. Below I have given a brief description of the ride and how to sponsor me. There is more information at the website.

The starts Tampa Bay and ends in Jacksonville, FL. It is 200+ miles. It is the 3^rd week of Dec. It is called the Ride2Recovery. The propose is to support wounded soldiers in their recovery process. My goal is to raise $7,000 for the cause and I am asking for your support. Please go to www.ride2recovery.com , click on “sponsor a rider”, type in my name and make a donation. Thanks from your insane friend,

Johnny Wilson

www.ride2recovery.com

Source: www.ride2recovery.com

Thoughts

2009-07-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

It has been quit a while since I last wrote anything in this blog. I just did not have anything to write. One of the greatest sources of joy in my live had been taken from me. And most of the time I just think about the past and wonder what could have been done different and would it have changed anything. But these matters are best left in the hands of the our kind wise Father in Heaven.
I posted the below thought a few weeks ago on my facebook page, but I would like to share my thoughts with a wider group.

A few weeks ago I was reading a book titled "Men of Influence" by Robert Millet, and in the section that I was reading the author was talking about giving a blessing to a baby that terminal, the father had asked him to administer to the infant because he thought that he was to emotionally close to the situation. This reading caused me to reflected on a conversation that I had with my uncle a few days after I buried Lorena. He told me about when his wife, my aunt became ill and had to be air-evacuated to a hospital in Provo, UT. Before that he gave her blessing stating that she would okay or something close to that but she died. I said to him that at times we are so close to the person emotionally that our desire for them to be restored to health is stronger then any other influence. We are just to close and our emotions rule. I gave Lorena a blessing before her last surgery and I confident that all would go well and she would live a long and happy live. That we would be able to grow old and gray together.
An hour or so after her surgery began one of the surgeons came to talk with me and me world shattered. I learned that she would not be made whole and that the cancer that everybody thought was gone was back and she only had three to six months to live.
For the longest time I wondered why the Lord did not communicate this to me. The only thing that I can come up with is that I don't know other then the fact that I wanted her to live so badly that it over shadowed everything else. I was to close emotionally.

Reflection

2009-05-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank all of you that have left comments on my last entry. They have raised my spirits. Last night when Jess Winn dropped me off and I had to come into home it felt so lonely and empty. I set and cried for while then I came across a song call "The Test" by Janice Kapp Perry. The words of the song reminded me of the purpose of this life and that this life is in fact a test and this is my test. The next day (today in fact) I walked around my house looking at all of the pictures of Lorena and me remembering the our life we had together and how wonderful it was. I miss Lorena horribly but I know that this separation will only be a sort time and then we will be together again and this brings me happiness and there is the magic. The answer to my lament in the my last entry.

About a week before Lorena passed away I walked into the bedroom and discovered this quite little scene. Both my mother and Lorena were fast asleep and I could not resist taking this photo.

14 May 2009

2009-05-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

As I set hear trying to start this entry I find that I am at a lose for word. When my Lorena started this blog she put at the top of it the lyrics to a song "Got to believe in magic", and as I struggle to write I'm thinking to myself, "where is the magic"? On the fifth of May my sweetheart, Lorena, pass away after a long drawn out battle with gastric cancer. When she died part of me died and when I buried her yesterday, 13 May 2009, part of me was buried with her. Life to me at this present time seems so empty without Lorena. She made my life so wonderful and I can't believe that she is not here with me. So, I ask here is the magic?
I guess the magic is in having been able to share my life with such a wonderful woman like Lorena and in knowing GOD's plan of happiness. I can't write any more at this time because everything is to fresh and painful for me.
More to follow...

My thoughts and feelings about live and some of happenings in our lives.

2009-03-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

28 March 2009
This is Johnny Wilson, I'm here in my house with my wife Lorena. She is laying in the bed. It is a rainy Saturday Afternoon. In fact it has been raining all day and there has not been any sunshine from morning 'til the present time. There is a river running through my back yard and my dog will at times go outside and run through the water and then come into the house. At the dog's point of entry I have to ambush him with a towel, wrestle him to the ground and remove all water and mud from him before goes racing through out the house in his never ending search for adventure.

10 April 2009
I started this entry about a week ago and everything has come full circle. It is again raining and and there is once again a raging river in our backyard. I just waiting for the wind to gush down and in a fit of anger destroy my shed like a twister in a trailer park.
It is now Friday evening the 10th of April. Lorena is fast asleep and I'm setting up writing this blog thinking about our life and the resent happenings in our lives, most recently Lorena's sister Ginggnig has come from the Philippines to with her 18 month old son JB, to see her.

Just a few week prior we had friends come down from Indiana. Joe and Brenda Bunkert, Brenda's Mom Hedi and thier two kids Natasha, Joe Jr.. Brenda is a Filippina from Escalante, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Lorena just explained to me the origins of their relationship, but I was just to slow to understand the complexities of what she told me. But suffice it say they are friends and they are both from the Island of Negros in the Philippines, and they did in very fact come from Indiana to visit us and we enjoyed their company and they left to soon.

The week before before that our friends Ken (aka Chuck Norris) and Donna and their little girl Phebe Jade came to see us. It was great to have them here. Lorena was able to talk about old times back in the Philippines when she was a young lady about the age of 18 or 19 work for an Indian couple there. Before I met Ken and Donna, Lorena would always about how this guy that looked like Chuck Norris taught her how to ride a bike. I finally got to meet them in May of 2006 just before I left for Iraq and Lorena had a wonderful reunion after some twenty years. They live on lake Cayuga in the Finger Lakes Area. They are great people. I loved having them in our home and to be able to see the love that they have for me sweetheart. (I don't remember the name of the place that Lorena lived in the Luzon were she first knew Ken and Donna. I usually get the information from Lorena but she is fast a sleep and I don't want to wake her. So, Donna if you could provide me with the information I would appreciate it.)

18 April 2009

This has been a long entry time wise and I'm back setting in my chair beside my sweetheart as she sleeps and I'm wondering how much longer I get to have her here with me. A few weeks ago I bought the our cemetery plots and I was so depressed, because my sweetheart is going to be taken away from me. Every day she gets weaker just standing up and walking to the next room takes every bit of energy that she has and it wipes her out for the rest of the day. But despite her fragile condition her faith is strong and she continues to be an inspiration to me. I said that I get depressed that my sweetheart, Lorena, is being taken from me but I know that if I am faithful and endure to the end she will not be taken from me, rather we will only be separated for a sort time and then when it is time for me to leave this mortal existance we will be together again for time and all eternaity.
"And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.

Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them (Doctrine and Covenants 132:19-20).

2009-02-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day. Lorena and I are setting here in our living room looking out the window on a stunningly wonderful Sunday afternoon. It is a glorious day to be here on earth. Everyday that we have is a precious gift from GOD.

We came home from the hospital February 16, 2009. Since coming we have had some rough times and we have had some supremely wonderful times here in our home. On Saturday February 21 our stake president, President MacArthur and Elder John B. Dickson of the First Quorum of the Seventy came to our home to visit us. Elder Dickson was the visiting General Authority at our Stake Conference. It was a wonderful experience to have two of the LORD's servants come into our home and talk with us and to leave a blessing on our home.

And later that day our home was invaded by some northern aggressors, North Carolina that is. Our friends Sean and Lingling and their two kids Jannelle and Kyle came down from North Carolina and spent the day with us. Me and Rocky had a grand old time torturing those kids.

On the first of March Johnny was promoted from captain to the rank of major.

2009-01-28T17:50:00.000-08:00

(Me and Lorena at my Brother's wedding. Lorena is the sexy one)

The last update that I made I put in a picture of a tornado funnel and a huge bolt of lightning and said something like if the lightning doesn't get you the tornado will. Well it seem like the tornado has set down and in the trailer park and doing what tornadoes do in trailer parks.
We have had our test and trials in the last couple of months and it seems as though there is no end in sight to the trials. When ever we think that things are getting better something happens and that is all that I'm going to say right now because it is all to painful to write right now. I wrote to many e-mails and talk to to many people explaining what has happen to Lorena and every time I break down and start to cry like a baby.
I just want everybody to know that We have not given up and we know who we have put our trust in. "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."(Mathew 7:7-8)

We have put our live in the hands of the Master and we believe that all things are possible to them that believe.
Thanks to everybody who have showed there love and support for Lorena in our time of need and we hope that we will be able to do the same.

Lorena in Sedona Arizona (Top) Lorena at Oakcreek Canyon (bottom)

December 2008 / January 2009

2008-12-23T17:46:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-30T18:52:00.000-08:00

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 Hospital 1SG 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

2008-10-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-29T08:04:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-05T20:15:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Pig Out with Friends.

2008-06-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, we went to Ashley's house for dinner. She actually invited us a week before to come to their house so I could teach her to make some Filipino food especially "lumpia" and "adobo" the famous Filipino food that are commonly known to other ethnicity. However, when
we got to their house, she said that a neigbhor, member in our ward, Tintin (a Vietnamese sister) invited her and her husband to go over to their house for dinner as her husband Scott smoked a lot meat and they cannot eat them all. So Ashley accepted the invitation, but she has to take to the Wilsons (us) with them. We took our food contribution to the Featherstones. Wow! Scott indeed cooked a lot of meat, beef and pork and was very excited to share to the guys. They also invited another couple. So there were 4 sets of couple enjoying that feast that night. Tintin and Scott Featherstone, Ashley and Steve Muller, Johnny and Lorena Wilson and a young couple. We had a lot of fun-they ate a lot but I could not compete with them. We played a game afterwards. We had a lot of fun. We will miss the Featherstones as they are moving to Germany.

Tintin, Johnny, and Scott
Scott Feather an Army doctor, and my Johnny
The two Johnnies

The husbands: Scott F, Johnny, Steven M, Johnny W
The wives: Tintin F, Johnny's wife, Ashley M, Lorena W

Saturday Morning Disaster

2008-06-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, we both woke up late. Inspite of the fact that we planned the night before that we have to get up early. John said he will wake up at 6am before I ever get up, and mow the the grass in the backyard ,and I, will tidy up the other rooms. We have not really done some arranging and tidying up inside the house since we moved to our new house here in Georgia. Some of of our stuff are still in the boxes and things like that. Anyway, these are the things that we planned to do. However, we woke up late. John was so tired. I hurriedly went to the kitchen to fix up some breakfast. I thought of the left over lasagna in the freezer would be faster-just put in the oven and can start my chore while waiting for the breakfast. The lasagna was so hard as rock of course-I put it in the glass pyrex pan and put it in the portable oven instead. We both very hungry and we could hardly wait for the pasta to heat up-so I had to pry the cut up pieces lasagna once in a while to distribute the heat in the middle to thaw it faster-I did it twice-on the third time of trying, while holding the pan on my left hand while the other hand was prying the pieces with a thong, when I heard something exploded with a crashing sound-I was kind of shocked and it did not registered to my brain what was happening until I saw blood on my wrist-the glass pan exploded on my hand in a thousand pieces. The lasagna stucked on the the oven door (still loooked good though). I had multiple cuts and scratches on my leg and arm. So much for the lasagna and our haste and hunger. John came to a rescue-we both laughed. We cleaned up the broken pieces for an hour to make sure the thinny tiny glass pieces are picked up. This is the other one of our tragedy. Gee, never put the frozen stuff in a glass pan in the oven and pry in.

Went for a drive up to North Carolina June 7, 2007

2008-06-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

We are still up for one entry before hitting the sack. Hey, you might think that I have grown roots by the computer. No, I did some chores around the house and I already went to the commissary for our weekly grocery supplies. John went to work with the Missionaries after work; he just dropped by the house to unload the groceries.

Well, two Saturdays ago, June 7th, John decided to go for a ride as far as we could to take me away from our house. He did not have a plan to where to drive to-we left about 2 pm, and I was thinking that if he had somewhere else special to drive it would be very late. Well, we went anyway. We drove from Georgia and drove and drove away until we reach North Carolina stopping to every interesting spots and sites along the way. We stopped and parked our car along the road and climbed up to a mountain called "bald mountain" on the border of South Carolina and North Carolina, and took some photos on there. It is called bald mountain because it is all plain rock-no grass and weeds grow on there. The ride between SC and NC was amazing- we were driving through the canopy of trees in a winding road.

We kept on driving on not minding the time since the rays of the sun was still lighting the mountain and in the woods. By the way, I have not seen an Ostrich in real life so, here it is.The road was crissed-crossed and it was very fascinating. As soon as we got to the continental line of NC, John made a U-turn then slowing down to take a good look to the baby rabbits on the road for me to take photos of, but we were not able to take photos and John cursed (jokingly) the rabbits for we were almost got run over by a truck behind us. We realized that we have been driven for almost 5 hours. Goodness! what time we will get back to Georgia we wondered. We have been carried away by the beautiful sceneries and the sun tolerated us. John got tired, and we decided to stop by the nearest hotel while we were in SC not to check-in- we did not plan on spending on a hotel for our negligence of the time. We already spent unexpectedly extra on gas. We just stopped by and parked and took our "power sleep". John said that perhaps 25-30 minutes nap would be enough to get power again to drive on. However, he fell fast asleep and I, my other eye was open to keep watch. It was already midnight. We arrived to our front yard at 1:30 am, but since we were so tired, we just stayed in the car and went to sleep. Then went inside the house at almost 3 am because we had to go to church the following day, you know. We were crazy, but we had a good time together.

Alright, it is late, see ya!

June 5th is John's Birthday

2008-06-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

John celebrated his 36th Birthday on Thursday, June 5th. It became a custom in our home to celebrate his birthday with cake and some home cooking though he does not really expect it. The only time that his birthday was neglected in term of "celebration" was when he was deployed in Iraq. Now that he is back home, the tradition continued. A week before his birhtday, I shared a preposition to one of his staffs at work about his birthday, and my plan of throwing a surprise party for him at work. The deal was sealed to keep Captain Wilson in his office at lunch time-and the NCOs committed to stay for lunch and greet their Commander a Happy Birthday. While these arrangement arranged, I was quite apprehensive on how to keep him from the kitchen if I will make any commotion to start preparing the food. I did not want him to discover my mischievous plan in cooking all these food, bake a cake and sneak them in his office unnoticed. I wanted to surprise him and not me been surprised that he would know all the way. Well, on the morning of his birthday, I told him the whole plan-and commanded him not to interfer and just play innocent or just playing deaf on everything I said to him. I was wondering on the strenght that I had that day--in preparing the food for the ARMY. I took the food on time to the Company and some of his soldiers carried them in excited to surprise their Commander. However, they never know that I blew up the bomb, but true to his word, John played innocent. We both guilty. His staffs were so nice. The word traveled to the next company that there were food in the Bravo Commander's office and attacked him singing a Happy Birthday, and of course the reason was "lunch". In the evening, we attended a formal dinner in honoring a retiring SGM. It was our formal date as well. Almost everyone in his work knew that that was his birthday. John loves his work being a Company Commander, and he is loved by his boses as well, the Brigade and the Batallion Commanders. We hope that we will be here on his next birthday-and we hope and pray that he will have more birhtday to come and that I will still be healthy and strong on his birthdays to come. Wish us all good health.

June 5th at a formal party Ft. Gordon-NOT John's B-day party

With one of his boses- A Coronel

...and a LT Coronel who loves him as a son

..with the man of the night- a retiree SGM

..with fellow Captain after presented an award

with the LTC wife- we already knew back in Hawaii- a sweet lady

Trip to Bishop's Storehouse (Cannery) June 19, 2008

2008-06-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

For the first time since I was diagnosed with cancer, gone through major surgery in October 2007, completed the lethal cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation-I was able to do hard work at the cannery. I traveled with Ashley, Chad Cooper and Sister Brown in one van driven by Ashley. It was fun and very vigorous job. I myself, is a hardworker; I love to work in the assembly line. When a sister in the ward announced that there will be a trip to the cannery on June 19 to fill up our food storage, I was so excited and signed up to go. My darling husband, Johnny, was so excited for me to go as he felt that I am recovered, and he wants me to enjoy the outdoor activity.The drive took more than an hour to get to the Cannery in South Carolina from Augusta Georgia. I was having fun in the assembly line. I love to work fast to get the work done. Chad Cooper, a member in our ward told me to phase out otherwise I will hurt myself. I forgot that I am still quite fragile on doing any hard activity. When all the products were packed and the area was cleaned up, it was then that I felt so tired and I thought my incession bursted open; my body was a bit shaky and I felt like my esophagus attached to the small intestine broke apart. Sister Brown, a retired nurse told me to sit down. I got better. I spend $109.83 for the goods I purchased-Chad and Ashley loaded our boxes in the van. Gee, the van was weighing down to the ground because of the weight. I had only 6 boxes, but Ashley got the most than all of us. The poor van was grunting and seemed to scream for help to be relieved of the heavy burden laden on him. The road from the Bishop's Storehouse is graveled and we shrunk many times. Ashley who is very outspoken was very quite and tensed and all of a sudden announced that she will sing "I Am a Child Of God" in a minute. We said a prayer before we continue to drive on back to Georgia. Every thud the van made added pressure to our blood circulation. We were worried that the poor van will give in, and we would be a distressed wayfarings. Sister Brown later confessed that she had been praying all the way through-Chad jokingly told her that he thought she was sleeping. Well, it was worth a trip-I had fun and our food storage secured. John and I both love beans.

Getting ready for the fun
a young man, me and Sister Brown finishing up the last batch
Ashley-packing up the products
Sister Brown getting ready for the fun
Chad Cooper

Lazy Daisy

2008-06-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

How many times we thought of updating our blog here for we have so much to index in, but WE ARE or I AM so LAZY! Well, we are taking balance and inspiration for now. Be patient, we will update this.

Alone at Home

2008-05-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

I am all alone at home all the time. When John left for work then I have to be content to be alone. My cancer treatments were done and I am recuperating. I am feeling better now than when I was still on treatments. It was so horrifying feeling to be left alone when I am suffering with all the bad side effects of chemo therapy and radiations. At this moment, TV is my only companion and enjoying the "Cash Cab" show. I would drive to John's work if I am feeling better. However, I have decided that perhaps picking up things and start tidying up things will not hurt me at all. Since we move to Virginia in November, I have not done anything inside the house-but we managed to open some boxes, but never put them in order. I am quite bored sometimes, but I guess I need to be patient otherwise there will be no more boredom. I need to do things one at a time as my body allows. It is so good that I am getting better. I am eager to get to work again. I am the group leader to the military spouses that are under John's command-I never done my duty since we came to Georgia. I am so excited to meet those military spouses.