The Christmas Gnome

Piney sat fidgeting, she worked on her tree her whole life. Her purpose was to create the best North Pole Christmas tree. The best way for a Gnome to spread cheer was through their talents, of tree, or plant growing. This day was something Piney looked forward to every year and she was just sure her tree would be chosen. Pepper Mint, the head Elf, stared at each tree. He finally made it to Piney. Her best friend, Joy who was the Elf over Christmas cheer, stood next to Pepper, looking at Piney’s tree. It was a 75 foot blue spruce, very fragrant. It even sparkled a bit. Rocking on her heels she smiled at the elves. “Very nice.” The elves discussed and then turned to everyone else. “ The tree we have chosen to bring Christmas cheer to the village this year is the Frazier Fur, 69 ft tall grown by Fergus Fur Tree Gnome. “ The crowd cheered. Piney was so disappointed , her tree was not chosen. What would she do now? She thought and thought then suddenly made her decision. She quickly grabbed a bag of Elf magic, the portal belt with buttons, and keys to the deployment hall. Piney slipped into the hall, where elves travel to the human world. She nervously locked herself inside and pressed a button on the belt. “Joy we have a situation at the deployment hall, we have a code pine.” “What?!” Joy could see Piney staring at the opened portal. “Get her out of there!” “We can’t she locked the door.” “Five gold rings!!!! Piney no!!!!!!” Just as Joy screamed Piney jumped through the portal. “Well hi? Who are you?” Piney stood still maybe if she stood there they wouldn’t actually see her. “It’s ok don’t be afraid, I won’t hurt you.” Slowly turning Piney saw a young girl sitting in a hospital bed. Smiling at her she walked over to her. The little girl reached down and picked up piney. Piney was so small she fit in the hand of this child. “My name is Kenna, what’s yours? “ “I’m Piney, I’m from the North Pole.” “An Elf!? I knew you were real!!” “Elves are real but I’m actually a Christmas Gnome.” “Well you are cute, what are you doing here?” “I’ve come to spread Christmas cheer. What do you want for Christmas? Have you been a good girl?” Kenna nodded. “I want to be home for Christmas, and have a big beautiful tree.” Piney stared at her, she looked slightly pale and wore a pink hat on her head. Piney looked around the room it was dark and gloomy,she had some Elf magic and thought better use it. Piney blinked three times and snapped her fingers loudly. Kenna watched mesmerized, her hospital room transformed into a homey place. The colors of the walls changed from a pale blue to a warm red with gold trim with Christmas decorations everywhere. “Wow, this is cool. “ Piney blinked three times and snapped again to reveal Christmas cookies on a plate with hot cocoa for the two of them. Piney turned to Kenna with a mouth full of cookie and grinned. She looked into the bag of Elf magic. She realize she had used most of what she had taken. Gnome magic is for plants, not advanced like the Elf magic. “Kenna, I need help, how do you spread Christmas cheer without magic?” “I have an idea, what if we cut out paper snowflakes and take them to everyone?” “Let’s do it!” Piney watched as this little girl pulled out paper she had stashed in the cupboard next to her bed, she pulled out some scissors and they got to work. Piney cut so fast you couldn’t even see how she was doing it. She finished and opened it. It resembled a Christmas tree. Piney hung her head. “Wow how did you do that, it’s so cool.” Kenna pulled the tree snowflake and hung it next to her bed. This gave Piney more confidence. With a huge smile, cut a bunch more. A nurse came in to give Kenna her medicine and beamed at the sight of the room. “Well, you must be responsible for this.” “ Er um yes. Hi I’m Piney Tree Gnome.” “A Gnome, I thought you were an Elf.” “We are much smaller than Elves and our talents and magic are different.” The nurse smiled and put medicine into one of Kenna’s tubes. Kenna sat back getting a little weaker. Piney was not sure what was wrong, she reached out her tiny hand for Kenna to hold onto. Piney comforted her. The nurse reached down, she took the papers and placed them in the cupboard. Piney stared at her new friend while she slept. “So what did you do to Kenna? “ “Kenna has leukemia, she may not make it to Christmas.” “But she has to, her Christmas wish is to be home for Christmas and have a big tree. Where is her family?” “Her mother works down in the ER, she will be up here shortly.” Piney thought about how to make Kenna’s Christmas wish come true. If she can’t go home we have to make home come here. Looking down at the belt with buttons, she knew of only one person who could make this happen. She looked at the big red button that said Santa. Piney pressed the button and was magically transported to Santa’s office. “He’s waiting for you. You can go in.” The Elf didn’t even look up, she kept typing. Piney took off her Buffalo plaid hat revealing grey fuzzy hair with two braids down the side, she fixed her dress and brushed off the dirt. Taking a deep breath she entered Santa’s office. Walking through the red shag carpet was almost as difficult as walking through deep snow. Looking up she could see old fashioned toys. Snow globes covered the shelves. She gasped when she saw a photo of her father with Santa and his tree; an eighty foot blue spruce. Smiling, she gained a little more courage. “Piney Tree, I’ve been waiting for you.” The voice sounded soft, warm, kind, and firm. It came from the desk. Piney looked up timidly at the man talking to her. He had the list in one hand and a cookie in the other, he was dressed in his suit, with red suspenders over his white shirt. His coat hung on a hook behind him. His long white beard was slightly curly, and covered his lower face. She stared into his deep green twinkling eyes. He had his reading glasses on. He placed his cookie down and reached for her to climb into his hand. Piney stood in his hand as he lifted her to the top of his desk. Sitting back in his chair he placed the list down, and reached for the cookie again. “You stole Elf magic. Broke rules. You talked with humans, let them see you, and...” “But sir if I hadn’t gone no one there would even know it was Christmas. Plus, I need your help. I met a new friend who needs me.” “I admire you Tree Gnomes, you have so much passion, and you want to help everyone. What can I do for you? “Well I need your help to figure out how to get my tree to Kenna, and get her home for Christmas.” Hanging his head he smiled sideways. “I will do my best for Kenna, about your tree, that will be the simplest task. Now go back to be with Kenna. “ “ You are letting me go back?” “Yes, because you are right, she needs you.” Christmas Eve arrived. The wind began to billow up in front of the hospital, almost like magic was involved. “Piney, quick come look!” They both sat in watching with wonder. A small tree sprung out of the ground and began to grow at a very fast rate. The tree was filled with beautiful ornaments and flocked with white sparkling snow. It was the most beautiful tree Kenna had ever seen. “Sorry it took me so long, I had to make sure it would last for years to come.” “Last for years to come? What do you mean?” “That tree will be the Christmas tree for years to come, it’s a magic tree and will always stand there.” Kenna turned around slowly. “Santa!” She said smiling. He came over to her bedside and kissed her on the head. “Merry Christmas Kenna.” “Merry Christmas Santa.” With a twinkle in his eye, he was gone in a flash. Kenna smiled from ear to ear. “Thank you Piney, this is the best Christmas ever.” Kenna’s mom and sisters entered the room and Piney smiled. Kenna got her two Christmas wishes. “Merry Christmas Kenna!” Piney snuggled in close to her friend. They sat watching the beautiful tree as Santa rode out of sight. “Merry Christmas to all!”

My Hero

This final post today is about my Hero, my Dad. He served in the Air Guard (Airforce) as a 1A in Vietnam. He served in active duty for 24 months. He spent his time in Omaha Nebraska, and Vietnam. He didn't see action, but he worked on the planes as an airplane mechanic. He sent letters and tapes home, of his experiences. He occasionally went with the missionaries on splits when he was aloud. When he came home, it was not a homecoming that a veteran should if got. If you people found out that those who returned from Vietnam served there, they were ridiculed and treaded like garbage. He talks about the political chaos that was going on at that time, and that is why they didn't talk about it. People were burning flags, leaving the country to not be drafted, it was a time of distress in our own country. He states the reason he joined was to protect our freedoms, and to help others see that freedom was possible for them. I am so thankful for his bravery, his dedication, and service to protect our freedoms. I am thankful to him for teaching me the importance of Freedom, and for teaching me to love our great nation. Thank you, Dad, for your sacrifice, and service. I love you!❤

Dead Eye Pete

This post is about my grandpa Elliot Raymond Petersen. I am so thankful for his example, and his stories. He served on the front lines in WWII. He lied about his age so he could go to war with his friends. He was 19 when he enlisted. They use to call him dead eye Pete because he was the best shot in his group. I remember him telling a story of him with his team walking through an opened space. One of his friends was ahead of him. Grandpa saw that his friend was about to step in a nest of a deadly snake. Just before he did, Grandpa shot killing the snake. From that point on he was known as Dead Eye Pete. Grandpa told many stories. He was overseas when Pearl Harbor was bombed. He was part of the 145th Field Artillery 40 infantry division in 1941. Grandpa talked about the war all the time, he would watch the old black and white war shows. One day he was watching Midway, he had a flashback. He began speaking Japanese, gibberish, and yelling. Tears were streaming down his face; it took him a while for him to come to. After that experience he didn't talk about the war. I can only imagine what he saw, and went through. Though it was hard I am so thankful for his sacrifice, and service. He chose to go fight to protect our freedoms. Thank you, Grandpa, for your service, stories and example. I love and miss you every day.

First to step forward

This Veteran, is my Great Grandpa Rosel. I do not have very much information, I want to find out more if I can. "Rosel J Jensen, was the first man from Huntington Utah to enlist in the army for WWI. He was assigned to the medical department in Fort Douglas Utah, and spent some time in Monteray California, Vancover, and Washington. He was honorably discharged in 1917." Thank you Great Grandpa Rosel, for your bravery and dedication to serve.

The War has Ended.

Today’s us about my Great Grandpa George William Petersen. He served in WWI. this come directly from his oral history. "During the war our outfit didn't get into a battle. We crossed the ocean, and landed in Liverpool. We went across the English Channel and down to a small part if France called Cornon, where we trained for a time. They took us to the place they called Burdue. That is where the last big battle was fought. I was in the heavy artillery and we had our guns all in a line, our packs on our backs, and our rifles ready. We were just about ready to move up and fight, and a fellow came along and talked to our Captain. He said 'Well Boys, I guess this is as far as we go now, The war has ended.' We were instructed to follow the Germans into Germany, guarding bridges, tunnels, and other things. We were on Guard Duty, from Germany to France." My Great Grandpa George was on Guard Duty after the war. He trained so hard and dedicated his service to make sure things were done correctly in the end. He also received a WWI Victory Medal. This Medal was awarded to every WWI Veteran on the front of the medal is a winged victor holding a shield and sword. the back of the bronze medal is "The Great war for Civilization" with the allies that were the allies of the United States after the war. My Grandma was going through my Grandpa's war stuff and she gave me this medal. She didn't know what it was, so she gave it to me. With a little research I found out that it was actually my Grandpa's Dads. Attached are photos of the WWI Victors medal, and other photos of Great Grandpa George. Thank you, Great Grandpa George, for you for your dedication and service.

A Local Hero

I've decided to do a little something different for Veterans Day. I want to share family stories, letters, photos and news paper clipings of the Veterans that I hold dear to my heart. This first one is my great uncle R. Zen Jensen who served in WWII. He recieved The Bronze Star for his heroic acts. "Second Lieutenant Rosel Zen Jensen 0544712, Infantry, is awarded the bronze star for his heroic acts against the enemy at Borock Germany on the 9th of April 1945. When his unit was pinned down from enemy fire by three machine guns. Second Lieutenant Jensen personally took command of an anit-tact gun, moved it into position and kocked out two of the machine guns. When one of his men was seriously injured attempting to knock out the third gun, Second Lieutenant Jensen deliberately moved across opened ground to carry the man to safety. Through his leadership the third gun was eliminated, and the enemy pocket was destroyed." How amazing!! I never knew him, but he was so brave. He was also had a good heart helping those around him anyway he could. Attached are some photos of this soldier who is one amoung many brave souls. Thank you Great Uncle Zen for your selflessness and service.

I’m a little behind

Im a little behindon the Veterans day posts, its going to be more like a series and a shrot shory I will get the first one done today.

God Bless the Defenders

This week I will be doing a little fiction veterans’ story. It is just a little something to help us remember our Veterans those here with us and those who have passed on. They will start Saturday November 7,2020-Novmber 15, 2020. Hope you enjoy.

A miracle amidst the chaos.

August 5, 2020 We arrived to the hospital about an hour early from when I was supposed to arrive. We even left early, to stop and have I get a blessing from my husband and Father In-law, and to take Shadow to the doggy resort. We went to Dairy Queen for dinner and took it to the parking lot of the hospital to wait until 7:00pm. I was 39 weeks and going to be induced this evening. My Doctor informed me weeks ago that he prefers to induce at 39 weeks, because the likeliness of C-Section is less than if you go longer than 39 weeks. Brandon and I decided that was good for us and we would follow his guidance and be induced at 39 weeks. The time was just before 7 and we decided to head in a little early. Entering the delivery room it felt like it was 900 degrees. The nurse asked me to change into a robe, and then she would be back in to hook up the monitors, and begin to start the inducement. I did as she asked and before I knew it was hooked up, listening to my little baby’s heart beat gave me comfort. I was having slight contractions, but was not sure if they were Braxton hicks or actual contractions. "Looks like you are having contractions, but are only dilated to a 2. Let me call the Doctor and see what he would like to do. Do you want any flavored ice chips?" "Sure, and some regular ones." Sitting on the bed, Brandon sat by me and we turned on the TV unaware of how long it would be. The nurse came back in shortly, and told us the plan. "We are going to see if your body will go on its own, if by midnight you are still at a 2 than we will induce you then, try and get some sleep." Sleep for me at this time was no very possible, or comfortable. Brandon went to the bed they had made for him out of the couch in the room, and I sat watching TV, monitors hooked up to me the sound of baby's heartbeat was very soothing to hear. Midnight rolled around and they started me on Pitocin, to start the inducement. She came and was gone, checking in every two hours and adding more Pitocin as needed. The next morning I had a new nurse, Mary, she was excellent. She came in to check on things and bring Brandon Breakfast, she also turned to me and said let me see if I can get you something other than ice chips. She got me some yogurt and cereal. She came in again to check dilation, and to ask if it wanted an epidural. "I don’t know if I will need the epidural." I told her very confidently, even though the contractions were getting worse, and painful. Mary gave me the look of hmm we will see about that. "Well you let me know when you would like it." Hours passed, still the progression of dilation was going very slow at about 4pm of August 6, 2020 I was dilated to a 4 and the contractions were pretty bad I requested the epidural. By shift change 7pm baby had not come. My Doctor had just broken my water, but still no baby. I finally was dilated to a 5 at 8pm. My nurse changed her name was Janet and she was awesome, she assured us that from now on it would go fast. It did the Doctor came in between 9 and 10. I had the best coaches, My Husband, doctor and nurses were amazing helping me and telling when to push. At 10:03pm I heard the most wonderful sound in the world. My sons first cry. They handed me this beautiful boy who reacted to my voice. "Easton." I talked to him and held him in my arms. He responded to my voice, and didn’t cry as much. He began to cough, and the nurses took him to get cleaned up. Exhausted from pushing I looked to my doctor who looked really concerned. He turned to the nurse saying something about the placenta. There was too much going on I didn’t hear what he had said. "Brandon why don't you go to the nursery with Easton." Doctor Bradshaw suggested. Brandon nodded and left with Easton and the nurses. Janet, and Dr. Bradshaw then turned to where I could hear. "The placenta will not detach, if I can’t get it out we will have to go in and get it out." Janet left for a moment and came back with another nurse. The plan was to see if the doctor could get the placenta to come out. The two nurses held my hands while he tried to get it out. This pain was the worst pain I had ever experienced. No matter how hard he pulled, that placenta was not coming out. "Well, we have to take her to the OR to get it out, the risk of this surgery is hemorrhaging, or having to have the uterus removed are you ok with those possibilities?" Nervously and emotionally I nodded. This may be the only child we have due to circumstances. I honestly had hoped I would be able to have more, but the worry of the unknown took hold. Nurses came in having me sign papers, I signed them without really reading them. The epidural was wearing off so the anesthesiologist came in and did another one to prep for surgery. Brandon met us at the door, and he was informed what was going to take place, he was taken by a different nurse to a different room. I was wheeled down to the OR. They had given me a slight sedative, and they prepped me for the surgery putting the oxygen on me I closed my eyes and heard "We are in trouble." It was white all around me, I was dressed in white and looked my surroundings. I was in a white room, there was a door at the end of the room, and walking over to it I reached for the door handle. Before I could open the door I heard my name being called beyond the door and on this side of the door I turned to see 3 Tall men dressed in white. "You can’t be here yet, you have to go back." One of the men was my Grandpa Peterson. The other two I didn’t know. They escorted me away from the door and I opened my eyes. The room was extremely fuzzy, I felt sick and opened my mouth to talk but nothing came out, I couldn't speak. There was no energy to speak. I tried again. "I’m going to throw up." "We will get you some medicine for that." With what energy I had I nodded, and closed my eyes again. I was gaining consciousness. Where am I. trying to think where I was and what happened the people in the room moved me from the table to a bed, and covered me with warm blankets. Blinking I looked at my hands one had my IV and the other had another IV but was red. I realized ok today I had a baby, and they had to take the placenta out. I was headed for recovery and then back to my room to be with my husband and baby. Reaching my room I saw Brandon, but not baby. Where is my baby? My body began to shiver, not because I was cold but because I was in shock. I couldn’t stop shaking, and was in pain. The nurses assisted me, by giving me the right dosage of medicine. The shaking finally subsided. I wanted to ask where my baby was but the tiredness took over and I began to drift off to sleep. Just as I fell asleep, the Pediatrician on call came into our room. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news but, your son is breathing to fast, at this rate he is so exhausted, and will just give up, our best solution is to life flight him to the Utah Valley NICU. They have the right tools to help him." He asked what our insurance was and left again. I was so confused, what happened? When he came in again, I asked. He had swallowed some amniotic fluid, and was struggling to breath. He told us he had just called the hospital up there and Life flight was on its way. I looked at the clock it read 3am. The doctor left. "You have to go up there to be with him." I said to my husband who tried to argue with me. "What about you?" "He needs you more than I do." I picked up my phone to call my mom and ask if she would come sit with me. Brandon stepped out of the room for a moment. After talking with my parents to let them know the plan and news. I prayed, for understanding, for Easton to be safe and for us to be able to take him home eventually. We have waited so long, please don't take him back already. Brandon came back in the room and I heard the helicopter land. The nurses from Utah Valley brought Easton in for me to see him before he went. The slid the box with my son in its closest to the bed. There were so man monitors, and tubes running in and out of my son. It was so hard to see him like this, he was only a couple hours old and was completely exhausted. I reached up to touch his hand, he instantly opened his hand and latched his tiny fingers around my index finger. I talked to him and tried not to cry, but the emotions took hold of me. They sat there for a short time and then they had to take him to go.

My Nurse Janet came in to check on us. She asked how we were. I responded. "Well doing ok under the circumstances." Nodding she proceeded to check my vitals, and reminded me to wear my oxygen. "Janet, what happened? I know I had a baby and then went to have the placenta removed but after that what happened?" "Well, they got your placenta out, and you started to hemorrhage really bad, you lost just over 2 liters of blood, and they had to put a balloon in your uterus to get the bleeding to stop, when I came down to bring the doctor what he needed, you were so pale, I didn’t think you were still with us, and then they did the blood transfusion. Remember you have to wear your oxygen. Try and get some sleep." Around shift change my Nurse was Mary again the next day. She felt so bad that we were there with those circumstances. "My mom is going to come and take Brandon’s place, when he leaves." I stated. Mary nodded and closed the door. She informed us she was not going to let anyone in for an hour, and we needed to sleep. 8am Brandon gathered his things and headed to pick up Shadow to Take her home, and then to get his Dad to go up to the NICU to be with Easton. My mom showed up and sat with me while I recovered. I was released from the hospital on the Saturday after. Sunday drove up to the NICU to see my son. Due to Covid only one parent could visit at a time. I could barely walk, I was still so swollen, and in pain. But I pushed through. They offered me a wheelchair when I got there so I could go visit my son. Entering the NICU I saw how many babies were in there it broke my heart to see so many small babies. But thankful that there were such special nurses there to help our little ones who needed a little extra help. Jada, Easton’s Nurse met me at the end of the hall where Easton was sleeping soundly. She asked how I was and I told her about our experience. "Easton" I called his name and he opened his eyes looking for me. Jada helped me check his vitals, and then allowed me to change his diaper. She then sat me down and allowed me to hold my son. "When was the last time you held him?" "When he was born." She got teary when I told her that. Easton and I had been reunited. He reached up with his little hand and touched my face. He was so happy to see me.

Before I knew it, the day was over and I once again had to leave my little boy. I knew we would be reunited again soon, and that he had the best care where he was. I am so thankful for the nurses at Utah Valley NICU, they truly are angels. Easton was in the NICU for a week. He was able to come home. I know for a fact that I almost didn’t make it, and was brought back by angels. One of which was my Grandpa. The other two I am not sure who they were. I know that the reason I came back was to be a mother to my son. The call for me to be here was greater than the call on the other side. I am so thankful for the doctors, nurses, for family and friends who helped us through this. The miracles in this were definitely the birth of my son Easton Reed Wilberg, my and Easton’s survival, and the safety we had in all the traveling up to the NICU and back home. I am so thankful for my Husband who endured through this will calmness, faith, and hope. My little Family is safe and healthy, we are truly blessed.

Results

December 8, 2019. Fidgeting in my chair I began to worry about the blood test that I gave yesterday. The long awaited results. I was trying to pay attention to the speaker in Sacrament meeting but due to other things on my mind I stated at my phone. Checking my email and refreshing it every few seconds. My husband turned to me reaching for my hand to calm my nervous tick. His warm grasp calmed me for some time. I put my phone face down and didn’t check it for a few seconds. Looking up I tried to listen to the speaker. My phone began to buzzing shaking I flipped it over to see what all the movement was. There were two missed calls and a voice mail. Standing, I quietly walked from the chapel through foyer and outside, the bitter December air made me shiver slightly, but despite the coldness it was a sunny Sunday. Placing my phone to my ear I listened to the message from the University of Utah reproductive medicines office. “Hi, Maegan this is Danielle, your blood test numbers came back doubled, this is some very good news, congratulations you are pregnant. Please call us back if you have any questions. Have a wonderful day!” It worked, it actually worked. The last few months of prepping and preparing for this possibility. The wait of 10 plus years was now over I was finally going to be a mom. Tears of joy came to my eyes, as I uttered a silent prayer of thankfulness. I turned slightly drying my eyes I headed back into the chapel. Reached for the hand of my dear husband and pulled him close to whisper in his ear. “Our prayers were answered, and our miracle is on its way.” He squeezed my hand and smiled. As tears of joy formed in his eyes. The long awaited miracle was finally coming to us. Boy or girl we didn’t care, just so happy and I wanted to shout it from the roof tops.