Thursday, January 14, 2010

Tough Pioneer Girl



My dad has always teased me about being a "tough pioneer girl" ever since I was a little girl. He taught me about my Dana and Hunsaker Mormon pioneer heritage. I grew up hearing the family stories and feeling proud to be a member of a great family. Now that I think back on that little phrase that he would tease me about I wonder if I was a whiner. Being the only girl in a family of boys I imagine that I must of been too girly and it was his way of encouraging me to be strong and less of a complainer.
I can still hear his response in his playful voice after my comments of saying something like, "I'm afraid... or, I can't do that..." Then he would say, "Oh, yes you can. You're a strong pioneer girl."
He has no idea what a gift he gave me with that little phrase. He instilled in me that good old pioneer spirit. When I'm confronted with a difficult trial or situation and I just want to give up or say it's too hard for me, I hear his words, "You can do it. You're a tough pioneer girl."
So here I am trying really hard to be that tough pioneer girl. Tomorrow I go in to the hospital bright and early, to have my large intestine {colon} removed. I've inherited a really bad genetic family {not the pioneer family side} precancerous colon. In time it would turn cancerous. It's really weird how a person like me can seem healthy and normal living life day in and day out and then found out terrible news that will turn my whole world upside down. But the upside down part only lasted a few hours here and there a little.
Wow. How grateful I am to a loving, supportive husband, family and friends who pray and fast for me, great doctors and health insurance, peace and calm that the temple gives me when I attend, priesthood blessings that comfort, wonderful in-laws that take over and love my children when I can't be there, a ward family that lets me know how much I'm loved, and a loving Heavenly Father that is aware of each of us and cares what we're going through.
John says that I'm going to be like that six million dollar women... "We'll make her better than before..." something like that.
And thanks dad, for such a great lesson. I guess I am that tough pioneer girl.

9 comments:

Anne said...

I'll pray for you Nola. you're inspiring as usual!

Lindsey said...

Your awesome Nola. I am praying for you too. You are such an inspiration and stronger then I could ever hope to be. I miss being around you.
L.

Anonymous said...
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Ms. Kristen said...

YOu are a tough pioneer women! YOu are amazing......cause....you are the one that calls me the day after your surgery!

Purcell's Party said...

Let me quote you..."I love Survivor stories.....". Hmm, can't think of a more amazing "survivor" than you. You are amazing. Everyone in this household will be praying for you every second. We love you and hope the doctors will be blessed to help you. You are seriously one of my favorite people to be around. Let me know when I can bring you a cupcake. You deserve a yummy one for all your hard work healing!! Love you!

yardsnacker said...

Great post, love the tough pioneer spirit in you. I can relate, my folks are from Brigham City..funny I'm just randomly surfing blogspot and coming across a bunch of LDS blogs! Well best of luck, hope everything went great!

Sam

Pastor Dwayne said...

Nola! I hope the surgery went well. You are in my thoughts and prayers! Post an update when you're able.

Amy Strong said...

Nola, I love you so much. Thank you for being the inspiration and friend you are to me.

willson said...
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