In the Book of Mormon, there is a record of a family who traveled from the Tower of Babel to the American continent. The family of Jared soon received their first glimpse of a vast, stormy ocean, having been required of the Lord to crawl into some mysterious air-tight vessels they were promised would carry them safely to a better place. As they gazed into the deep, moving water, they breathed the unfamiliar sea salt and felt the ice cold water lap at their feet. "What will become of our family?" "Can we do this thing that God requires of us?"

These were the questions we asked as our family stood on the edge of a new journey in February 2011. Before Cathi was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, we saw the waves of an unfamiliar storm brewing and felt the fear of anticipation. When the cancer was certain, our family was required to wade into the cold water, crawl into a mysterious vessel and trust the Lord would be in charge.

The family of Jared was given stones touched by the finger of the Lord that provided light inside their vessels "that they might not cross the great waters in darkness......and it came to pass that...(they) set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God. And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind. And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind. And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters. And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind. And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord. And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water." Read the rest: http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/6?lang=eng

This blog is the captain's log of our family's journey. It will serve to keep all of you updated on Cathi's condition but also be a place where I can express the lessons we are learning so that it might be a source of strength for others who are going through difficult challenges. We are certainly not unique in this regard. I hope to continue trusting in the light we have been given and to lead our family when we are encompassed by the dark ocean or tossed by its waves. We sincerely seek for your faith in asking the Lord to calm the water, give strength beyond our own and lead all of us of us to a better place.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

The Look

We've all sort of gotten used to seeing Cathi around the house in a turban or scarf this week...but none of us were quite prepared for her enthusiasm over trying out new wigs.  It's almost like watching the old movie "Three Faces of Eve" or even scarier..."Sybil."

Because she can't quite decide on the look she really wants, we thought it would be a good idea to ask the people who know her best...what do YOU think?  Look at each photo below then vote (to the right) the look you think depicts the REAL Cathi Van Leuven.  Feel free to post a comment!

Lola


Lucinda


Betty


Myrtle


Marilyn


Frita


Alberniqua


Thelma Lou


Donna K


Here's the look that Cathi made her first real public appearance with at church this morning...the kids and I think it's a keeper!


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12 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 1, 2011 at 5:32 PM

    the look you went for at Church, looks like life is normal...... However Lucinda should come out friday nights, and Donna K needs to meet Andrew at the airport! Man, I wish I was there! Love Val

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  2. AmberMay 1, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    One for each day of the week!

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  3. TXboomMay 1, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    That is about the most outrageous set of photos I have ever seen! I only recognize a few of the names and none of the faces. Who did you get as a stand-in for Cathi?? I do recognize the church Cathi and would recommend you fire those other models. I am sure they can get a job in San Francisco if they don't already work there.

    Have a great week.

    We love you and your family and know that all is not as unserious as you present it. I think Cathi is a giant step up from most of what Hollywood offers and more entertaining. Where do I send the cover charge?

    Love,

    Grant and Laurelle

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  4. Emily SteeleMay 1, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    I was hoping for Thelma Lou...but I guess I'll settle for the one you picked! ha ha You look amazing, Cathi! I'm sure your sense of humor will get you through this (along with your strong family and faith). We continue to pray for you and your family!
    --Marie

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  5. teresa turnerMay 2, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    Cathi,
    You looked absolutely beautiful at church yesterday! I think this one is a keeper. BUT, if you are feeling a little sassy one day - I'd bring out Myrtle!!!! Love you.

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  6. wjmomMay 2, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    Wow. You could rock the world in so many different ways (although we may have to get Abbey involved in the wardrobe for each personality)!

    "The Keeper" is definitely a keeper!

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  7. MarlaMay 2, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    ROTFLOL! OH! I NEED TISSUE! TEARS STREAMING WITH LAUGHTER! Cathi! I love your new looks! I dare you to go out with one of the "unique" hair styles! I meant to tell you how great you looked yesterday at church, but never had the chance. I still say you looked terrific in your bandana at King Soopers!

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  8. LaVonMay 2, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    You made the best choice. HOwever, some days may dictate one of the other choices just for FUN!

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  9. AnonymousMay 2, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    Love your looks...on those stressful days Donna K will let us all know without any works what your felling. LOL Your church look was great to see...your look amazing. Love G :-D

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  10. Chelle SorensonMay 3, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    I like Frita and Lola. Could be the redhead in me.

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  11. KelliMay 6, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    My mom is visiting and I just showed her your new dos. Hilarious! Love all the facial expressions. You guys are so fun. I do love the last one though, of course. Very pretty! :)

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  12. meJune 10, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    Love the pictures! Donna K is my favorite!!! :) I think when you go to church you should be Alberniqua or Myrtle. On Wednesdays, you should be Thelma Lou, and for every other day, Donna K. :D
    Love Abigail Barrus

    ReplyDelete

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