30 August 2026

Writer may have thoughts and comments from everyone in The Hermitage, and they may not be good. They may. But there have been a LOT of emotional challenges within the walls. And without. We were told, growing up, that in order to have the “sweet” you have to have the “bitter.” Do we “need” it? No. Nor do we want it, but there it is. Most of us have been using EVERYthing we’ve learned over the decades to fight the fight. As we all carry on with our duties, jobs, tasks, etc., we are SO thankful for Disciple. Even though she has had her moments, and has been falling apart, she is SO strong. 

Disciple has been out with the Sister Missionaries several times, and the Elders, teaching and going to several baptisms. She’s had her Presidency meetings, Family History night, Temple sessions, Temple Fireside/Devotional, Sisters in Service, and Stake Conference with Elder Eduardo Ortega where Singer sang with the Stake Choir, Temple work/potluck, cleaned the Chapel a couple of times, and a luncheon with The Temple Sisters at Lucille’s. Chauffeur even took her on a trip to the mission office. It is a rare day that she isn’t involved with something or someone. She is blessed and grateful.

Seamstress helped Disciple with Sisters in Service sewing three quilt tops for the Children’s Hospital, and several burp cloths for the NICU. Her neighbor asked for help with a T-shirt quilt and they worked on that one Friday. 

Oldest daughter took Queen on a much needed therapy drive to the new Lone Mountain Temple site AND out to Blue Diamond where they found a small herd of donkeys. She was thrilled with the attention, therapy and everything she saw. Not to mention the company. 

Astronomer was excited with things that happened, even though it was slightly overcast, she had several of us go out to see what we could of the eclipse. Then when Chauffeur was taking Disciple and others out the other night they witnessed a magnificent sunset! 

These are the “sweet” parts of life. We are SO blessed. We know this. 

Organizer has worked hard this month going through boxes and trying to get the back bedroom “fixed” up. She has found unbelievable things in some of these boxes. She’s thrown out a lot. Which isn’t like her, or Collector! But Collector approved the tossing of much of it. Going through things is tedious, distressing at times, and hard. And it is rubbing off on others in various ways. Seamstress, Crafter, Painter, Jeweler, Beader, and possibly others, were up at 5:30 this morning frazzled, and unable to sleep. Keeping others from sleeping. They were pondering ALL of the things they have collected “to do” over the last 50 years that they have NOT done. WHY?! WHY have they not done them? Many reasons were offered; they were taking care of others, raising children, teaching others, busy with mandatory things and the fun stuff was set aside, others were working several jobs and there was no time for creativity, Scholar decided to take college classes, Disciple had multiple callings, stored after moves, resurfacing after being brought out of storage, and the list goes on. To say they are frustrated would be an understatement. They have sorted, planned, cried, and “think” they may have a solution. Time will tell. Some of them don’t even care about some of the projects anymore. Why do any of them? What will we do with them when they are done? Decorator doesn’t even decorate anymore. Why do any of us need more clothing or jewelry? Most of the rest of us don’t go anywhere, so making clothes or jewelry is a moot point. THIS attitude has been SO discouraging. Along with other feelings and thoughts, several of us are on tear patrol. Many are on the edge. Some are over the edge. THIS is part of the “bitter.”

Musician plays the piano. Disciple is next to the ONLY one who keeps us going. She bolsters us, and spouts quotes when and where needed. She reminds us of what we have been through in the past. She helps us to see the light, even when the darkness is overpowering. We are blessed in many ways, and thankful. We know there are others praying for us. We are grateful. Bless you all! This too shall pass.