October 1, 2022

 Dear Family and Friends, 

The month of September began with a large, seemingly uncontrollable forest fire that was fairly close to us. Called the Rum Creek Fire, it was ignited by lightning that hit several places on Aug. 20th. Others were extinguished quickly, but this one was in such a remote location on the mountain range directly behind, or to the west of us, and the surrounding terrain was so rugged, that firefighters were unable to get to it. 

When strong winds came and carried sparks and embers to other places, it soon became a violent fire that was now approaching the more populated areas. So, more men and helicopters and planes were brought in from all over the country to help control this monster that was creeping closer and closer to our foothill homes and small communities. People were being told to prepare to evacuate at a moment’s notice, as it continued forward, crossing the river into even closer areas. It was really getting scary! 

Here at the Park, we received smoke and ashes from it, and prayed for the hundreds of brave firefighters who were putting their own lives at risk by working night and day to get this terrible blaze under control, and to save all the homes in its path. Some homes and historic buildings were saved by wrapping them with fire resistant coverings and putting sprinklers on their roofs. Then, after one full month of struggling valiantly to conquer the blazing beast that was threatening our area. On Sept 20th, the beastly Rum Creek Fire was finally declared to be fully contained and dead, and no further risk to anyone. What a relief! Sadly, however, one firefighter was killed by a falling tree. But, thankfully, no other injuries were reported. 

When firefighters were actively engaged in handling the blaze on both sides of the Rogue River, limitations were put upon the use of the lower river area. Because of that, a nice thing happened at the Riviera Mobile Park, which is a private park for only the use of our residents 55 and over. A couple, known to our manager, who had made arrangements for a riverside wedding at a place which was now in the restricted area, were terribly disappointed. But they were delighted and overwhelmed by the generosity, when offered our riverfront facilities as a substitute. We, of course, were only distant observers, but glad for the couple and happy for this solution to their problem. I’m aware of one resident used the clubhouse for her wedding, but I think this was the only one ever done right at the river itself. 

I again had some time alone, when True had the opportunity to spend a few days with several of her girlfriends at a retreat in Aspen, CO. This time, she flew, and using her accumulated air miles, the whole trip only cost her $11. Great! Way to go, Girl! 

The next time she left for a few days was definitely more expensive, as she chose to drive to Mexico and back for dental work. With gas at over $5 a gallon, that alone was going to be very costly. She had recently driven straight through to Spokane and to San Diego, so, this was not a big deal to her. Her plan was to leave early on the 24th, drive to San Diego and spend the night at a friend’s house, get up early and take a shuttle to Tijuana for an 9:00AM appointment with the dentist. She spent three days at a dental clinic and had mercury fillings removed, a couple of crowns and a bridge put in, and a tooth extracted. She said the clinic is far superior to dental work she’s had done here in the states, and is much less expensive. The day she finished at the clinic, she drove back to Grants Pass, arriving about 3:30 AM. That to me is challenging, but she seems to take it in stride, and is taking it easy now that she’s home. I always worry about her going to sleep or something else happening on the road, so, she dutifully called to let me know that she had arrived. That helped. She, in turn, worries about me, and makes all necessary preparations for me before she leaves. 

I try to put my Buddy (prosthetic leg) on every day and do some walking and exercising with it. But because of certain circumstances, I did not have many helpful sessions with a therapist at the Physical Therapy Clinic during the last month, or so. 

It seemed like it took “forever” to receive authorization from the insurance company for more therapy treatments. And when it did come through, there was confusion in making appointments to coincide with Linda’s work schedule, causing some to be canceled or moved to a later date. Then, when a large colorful bruise appeared at the end of my stump, I was advised not to put the leg back on until that was cleared up, even though I told them I didn’t know how it got there and that it didn’t hurt me at all. And without a therapist to keep me focused on doing things correctly, I tend to fall back into doing things incorrectly again. So, I look forward to receiving more of their good help in October. 

Another thing, that I was afraid might keep me from having my next appointment, was a fall I had just had on my handicap ramp, when I went down onto both knees while wearing the prosthesis. My left hand had a tight grip onto the ramp railing, which gave me some support, so Linda was able to upright me and get me on my feet again. I didn’t know if my stump was actually hurt, so I took the leg off and applied ice to it. Then, I kept the leg off, and the next day applied pressure to my stump and wondered if it might get a bruise? But it seemed okay, didn’t hurt or get bruised. So, I put the leg back on and prepared for a PT appointment, only to have it canceled because the therapist was sick! Oh me. Oh my. When do I get some more PT help? 

Churchwise, we had our Stake Conference on September 24th and 25th. Two General Authorities were here to release Scott Nelson, who has been the Grants Pass Stake President for nine years. This also releases his two councilors too. It’s always a surprise when the name of the newly called one is revealed, but this time I was really shocked when it turned out to be my own ward Bishop Joshua Richardson, who has been bishop of the Redwood Ward for about 4 years, I think. Now, since General Conference will occupy the first Saturday and Sunday of October, we’ll have to wait until the 9th to learn who our new ward bishop will be. Very frustrating, huh? But, we will love him, whoever he is. 

And I love you! And pray the Lord’s blessings will be with you always. Marie