During the first couple of years living in Corona, California; I endeavored to establish a significant and robust garden in our backyard. There in a corner of the otherwise grass covered yard; I worked to overcome a significant preponderance of weeds and rock dominating the terrain. I was endeavoring to achieve this endeavor while working in my recent position as computer supervisor at the Santa Fe Oil Drilling company in Orange County. Additionally, I served in the Elder’s Quorum Presidency of the Corona III Ward. Hence, I utilized what time and energy I found available to pursue a set of raised beds I’d be able to grow vegetables and crops to satisfy my growing family’s needs. One Saturday, I found a significant amount of time to clear the weeds and debris that had been allowed to grow in that portion of our yard prior to our purchase of the home. The dried weeds had grown about 10 inches tall and thick in the area I was endeavoring to clear.

Later that evening as I lay watching TV, I incurred unusually intense chills and nausea. Thinking I’d eaten something that didn’t agree with me; I simply retired to my bed to ‘sleep it off’. However, through the night the chills subsided only slightly, and the nausea greeted me again as I awoke Sunday morning. Inasmuch as I didn’t feel well; I stayed home from church to nurse myself back to health by allowing my symptoms to ‘run their course’. By the end of Sunday, the chills had subsided and the nausea had become minimal. However, a significant discomfort and mild pain had invaded my right leg. Not knowing further regarding my circumstances and significantly aware that I was scheduled to board a plane to Seattle on Monday morning; I continued to rest and hopefully be sufficiently recovered to take the flight to Seattle and participate in a meeting with Boeing personnel (in which I was a key attendee) on Monday morning.

Rising early on Monday; I recognized that not only had my right leg not recovered from Sunday’s discomfort; but the pain had become difficult. Still, not wanting to disappoint my fellow meeting participants; and hoping the pain in my right leg would subside as I responded to my Monday work requirements; I boarded the scheduled lift to the LAX airport. Being delivered well away from my boarding location; I simply set out to walk across the expanse of the broad Los Angeles airport to arrive at my appropriate boarding gate in time to board the plane. The pain in my right leg had worsened with my airport walk; and I hoped it would subside during my flight. It did not.

Upon arrival at SeaTac airport; I arrived at the Doubletree hotel with sufficient time to receive my accommodations; and then commenced to attend the scheduled meeting with my Santa Fe Drilling and Boeing compadres. Midway through the meeting; an associate commented regarding my complexion. I’d been enduring the increasing pain in my right leg in order to avoid undue attention to myself. Now, inasmuch as my complexion (white and withdrawn) had invoked attention; I briefly revealed the circumstances I was enduring. With that, the meeting was interrupted; and a doctor was summoned to examine me more thoroughly. Upon the doctor’s examination; he directed me to be immediately admitted to a nearby hospital (I don’t remember its name.) where I was to receive treatment for what he diagnosed as Thrombophlebitis.

Thrombophlebitis is a phlebitis (inflammation of a vein) related to a thrombus (blood clot). Symptoms include - Pain (area affected), Skin redness/inflammation, Edema, Veins (hard and cord-like) and Tenderness – all of which I was exhibiting!

However, realizing I could do little to thwart such an occurrence; and realizing I was receiving superb care; I turned my fate over to my Heavenly Father and ignored my fears!