Bo Jon's Flowers and Gifts

04/02/2026

***EDITED UPDATE 04-03

I went to the ER again last night. Both of my sons took me because Jeff is currently sick as well. My insurance isn't so great. U of M, Regions, Lakeview, Woodwinds are not covered.

Mayo in Red Wing, Menomonie, Eau Claire and Rochester are covered. We couldn't make that long of a drive because both of my sons work today.

No one feels comfortable touching my meds or prescribing anything new because of my heart. Unless the doctor prescribed a new medication and kept me in to observe me, there was no reason to keep me. Although certain tests came back.high for me they were still within normal range.

I was asked to consider stop taking the prednisone and to call Mayo today about taking a diuretic to get rid of some of this extra fluid. Otherwise I need to wait until I go to Mayo and have more answers about my heart.

UPDATE for the week of 03-30 to 04-02

I ended up having to go to the Emergency Room the other day. I had been violently coughing, wheezing, more severe shortness of breath among many other things. We also wanted to make sure there wasn't fluid in my lungs or around my heart.

I spent the day in the ER. I was released with prescriptions for Prednisone, Albuteral (via nebulizer, which I had already as well as an inhaler.) and a very small bottle of cough syrup with codeine. My take home print out was mostly about opioid addiction because of the small bottle of cough syrup that I was prescribed.

When I was in the ER, they gave me stronger dose of meds which they typically do while in the ER. After I was home and the meds wore off I was back to misery. I should also mention because of my heart condition I can't take OTC cold / flu / cough meds. Absolutely no decongestants.

I am limited to how much fluids I can have via IV because of how hard it is on my heart. Prednisone literally eats up all my insulin. Although I am barely eating my bloodsugars are sitting around 250 - 300. I have also gained over 10lbs in less than two days. My legs are severely swollen. I play bumper cars with walls, furniture, doors often causing me to fall. Lastly, I am down to my last vial of insulin.

I called my doctor today. I am being advised to go back to an ER. This time a different one, one more likely to admit me as they feel it is necessary for me to be hospitalized. I am currently waiting for my son to get home from work to take me.

Please smile for me! 😊💕

03/27/2026

UPDATE

Many have messaged me for an update, so I figured I would just post here. Once we got back from our trip the entire house got sick with some sort of Upper Respiratory Virus.

Between that there has been lots of doctors appointments for not just me, but Jeff as well.( I can't share about Jeff.)

As far as me...
I have had Type 1 diabetes since I was a young child. I am working towards finally getting an insulin pump. The doctors want me to get a specific pump because of the tighter algorithm. With upcoming surgery(ies) it will help me have better control of my diabetes without me having to do as much work as I do now, doing approximately six injections daily.

The downside, is my insurance doesn't list that they cover the pump the doctors want me on. So it is a waiting game at this point. I can no longer give injections in certain areas due to scar tissue.

The other med that the doctors have prescribed me, my insurance denied. It costs $1400 a month out of pocket. I have looked into a third party investigation hoping if I have documentation from Mayo expressing how important the meds and pump are for me that the insurance would realize long term this is the best option. 🤷‍♀️

I have also been seeking mental health help. I can't explain the amount of stress, frustration and hopelessness that comes with this. I am a fighter and am not planning on giving up, but there are days I am extremely exhausted of the fight and money is limited. The majority of days I am still upbeat, smiling and hopeful.

My next cardio appointment is at Mayo mid April. I will have a full day of testing before learning what path(s) are available to me. I will need to stay in Rochester because of the lengthy days. Once I know more and have had a chance to process it, I will update.

I don't post daily as there isn't really any news and I don't want to sound like a broken record. I am still here, still fighting....currently down with the flu, but still kicking. 😊

I can't begin to explain how much I miss seeing your beautiful faces! I miss hearing from you! Love to all! 💕

02/27/2026

Good morning beautiful people! Yesterday Jeff received a call from a person giving them their condolences on my passing. I was sitting next to Jeff. It was the most awkward call I have ever overheard.

I am here to say, I am still alive. I haven't posted in a long time for several reasons. Wifi in some of the areas that we went to was almost non existent. I would write out long lengthy posts with lots of pictures, but nothing would ever post. After a while that post would just delete and never post. That became so frustrating!

I planned on writing out things every day on a document so that when I got home I could cut and past it to post. Unfortunately shortly into the trip my laptop broke. Lastly, there were days that I didnt leave the bedroom. The only thing in my head was the sound of crickets.

We got home Tuesday February 17th. Friday my medical team come out to give me an IV / infusion and administer medications. Five pokes to finally run a line. I was severely dehydrated. I look like I lost in a fight with all my bruises.

I ended up only receiving one bag of fluids because of my heart. Just with one bag of fluids my heart was working hard. The medical team felt that if they gave me anymore fluids it would be too much for my heart to handle.

I have been in bed pretty much every day since. I did go for a very short ride with Jeff yesterday to pick up medication in Hudson for Cara. The next few months of March and April are going to packed with medical appointments! Some of which are finally with my cardiac team at Mayo in Rochester!

02/01/2026

Hello beautiful people! I have spent the last few days trying to come up with the words to thank everyone that participated in last night's silent auction at the River Falls Golf Club. Each time I start to write, I get absolutely nowhere.

I am overwhelmed with all sorts of feelings and thoughts. Literally there aren't any words. I get super overwhelmed because I always want what I write to be from me and from my heart. My heart is overwhelmed with feelings and my head is overwhelmed with thoughts. So I am essentially frozen in place.

Yesterday I was able to meet my friend of NINE years face to face for the first time. I will talk about that later in another post. Today, I am staying put so I can work through all the feelings I have been feeling the last few days.

I want to find the words to address the silent auction. Jeff and I have spoken about this openly the past few days. Most of it is about the things we wanted to do so badly for the community with the business, but didn't get the chance to do because of our health.

Neither one of us feel like we are deserving of this because of all the unfinished things that we wanted to do for the community. We are hoping in time we will be able to do such things.

To EVERYONE that donated time, space, items to be auctioned off, services and to those of you who showed up to bid, thank you!!! As many of you know I am on a side excursion right now. I have met some wonderful people on this journey, each person I tell how amazing my community is.

I am absolutely flabbergasted as how wonderful things are when we put our differences aside and support the ones around us as best as we can. It makes me feel hopeful that anything is possible.

I DO NOT want to be part of the hate and division. I want to be kind, respectful of differences, a sponge to soak up everyone's point of view and understanding. Mostly I want my heart to be full of peace, love and gratitude.

You all coming together last night to support my family and the LeMay family has made me feel all of those wonderful feelings. I am in tears writing this right now as you have shown me once again how beautiful humans can be. What a difference we can make working together.

Thank you will never be enough, but as long as I am alive I will continue to strive to be a better version of myself and valuable member of such an amazing community.

With an immense amount of love and gratitude
-Erin Powers 💕

01/29/2026

Good afternoon beautiful people! What a late morning we had! I am slow rising in the morning, again thinking it is the elevation and my heart. We decided to go to Grizzly Bear Manor for brunch.

Oh my goodness it was sooooooooo delicious! I feel like a tick about to explode! We will NOT be eating anything until dinner and it will be very light, if we eat at all. Keep in mind it is only 2pm here and we ate about two hours ago.

Our chef was Tiqueon and he was the absolute best! He cooked our food to perfection. He was nice enough to invite me into his kitchen so that I could get a picture of him. 💕

I can think of lots of reasons to go to Big Bear. If you're ever in the area give Grizzly Manor Cafe a try for your breakfast needs.

01/29/2026

Good Morning beautiful people! Yesterday Audrey Martin from Audrey's Canvas Parties guessed where my side excursion from "Joy" led me. We are currently at Big Bear Lake in California.

I have never been to California, so I am able to check another state off of my list! We were able to get a ridiculously good deal on a two bedroom / two bathroom, full kitchen and laundry in unit.

This place is absolutely empty. We were told that a lot of people canceled their trips here because there isn't a lot of snow for skiers. Perfectly fine by me!

Funny story, which most of you probably already know, I am SEVERELY afraid of heights. We went from an elevation of 71' to 7000'. I don't ever remember being on a road with so many hairpin turns. This has been on my bucket list and I am so happy I made it up the mountain!

My body is adjusting to the elevation, it feels harder to breathe and my pulse seems to be faster at times. I am drinking plenty of water and finding moments to just feel the sun on my face with the cool breeze around me.

Yesterday we just spent time around here exploring. Some of that exploring felt like we were on the tips of the mountain! 😱

Tons of photos coming your way! Missing all of your beautiful faces! 💕

01/28/2026

Good morning beautiful people. Any guesses to where my side excursion from Joy led me?

Several of you know already, please don't ruin it for others....💕

01/27/2026

Hello beautiful people! I have been silent on Facebook for a bit. Just doesn't seem like there is anything I can say given what is happening in our area.

I will try to post some pictures of the sunshine. It is not intended to be insensitive, but merely a symbol of hope for brighter days ahead.

I have been in an immense amount of pain. I had three and a half days of not being able to go anywhere, but that seems so meaningless compared to what is going on back home with the extreme cold and our communities being torn apart. I cannot begin to imagine the turmoil and mental health struggles people must be feeling.

I don't feel right talking about myself and my struggles with everything else going on but here goes....

I heard Jeff talking about how he is waiting to have his surgeries because of me and my surgeries. It really made me sad. I was about 78% sure that it isn't worth putting my family through my long term care nor financial burden of my health.

I hurt and I am tired. I still find ways to smile and laugh. I currently have two torn rotar cuffs. Mayo said my one arm looks like string cheese, also with being a Type 1 diabetic I have frozen shoulder Mayo WILL NOT do surgery because of my heart. Even with a full tear they aren't sure they would attempt to operate. Maybe I am beyond repairable and it is time to put me out to pasture as my mom would say. Oh, how I miss her! 💔

Switching gears-

I remember being extremely young when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I was told they were close to finding a cure. Fast forward to current day, I don't know if I will live to see that day, but Ray LeMay might.

When I was young I was diagnosed with diabetes around Christmas time. I spent long days in the hospital as both my parents worked and my brother was in school. What I remember most is that my church and community showed up for me. I had strangers in my hospital room reading books to me, bringing me a small Christmas tree for my hospital room 40+ years later as a small child that still means everything to me!

Fast forward to today. We have Ray LeMay facing the same thing. I understand that this benefit is supposed to be split 50/50. I am asking that you show up to support his family, show up as a community, show up for one another. That is really what we need right now!

Thank you to absolutely everyone! I am unfortunately not going to be able to attend as I am on my side excursion that "Joy" gifted us. I will be there in spirit. Feel my joy, light, gratitude for being such an amazing community.

I will continue to find beauty all around me. 💕

* Please note that Bo Jon's mailing address has changed to P.O Box 223 River Falls, WI 54022*

01/21/2026

Love this story! The world is full of beautiful people. Brent is one of them with his kind actions. Positivity & kindess conquers all! 💕

SECOND EDIT!!! I started a GO FUND ME for BRENT, 100% of proceeds go to Brent, link in comments.

You Guys, Life is crazy.

At almost 50 years old, you’d think I couldn’t learn much more about this world we live in. I’ve seen a lot of what she’s capable of and that we all take turns at her mercy, yet here I am on a Tuesday night writing you this story.

I picked up Sailor from school tonight, headed over to Stillwater Walmart to buy a big foam board for Thatcher’s presentation on Friday, so decided to grocery shop. I didn’t prepare a menu and item list like I normally do, so I was just winging it. Last minute dinners included, a veggie lasagna, chicken divan, tofu yellow curry, homemade hamburger hotdish with fake hamburger of course and a few other things. I did my best to fight thru the request of my 12 year old daughters pleads of clothes, make up and pink Starbucks drink.

We made it to our check out line, when my cart is full I always prefer the human interaction.

Sweet, only 2 people in front of me!!!!! A win in itself at Walmart.

I started pulling the things out of my cart, instructing Sailor to grab all the heavy things and save the breads for last.

It was only about a minute or two in when I realized the woman at the check out was having difficulties with her card. Nothing new at Walmart, happens all the time.

We keep putting our groceries up but now I have one eye on the checkout.

This old lady. All by herself. 2 bags in her big cart, shoving her plastic card in over and over.

As I start to pay more attention, I hear her say “I know it has 300.00 dollars on it”

I think to myself, “man, my card has a 40,000 limit on it.” Not a brag, cause there is no brag in credit. But a reminder to myself that my kids wont be hungry tonight.

I could feel that tense build up of “this is taking too long and becoming awkward” feeling.

I decided to shout out to the cashier “how much is her bill?”
He says “seventy something

Oh man, I pull out my card, thinking to myself, if my 70 something mom was at Walmart checking out and her card of limited social security funds wouldn’t work, what would I want to see happen for her?

It sure as hell wouldn’t be, embarrassment or snide comments, or eye rolls or people too f*cking busy they cant give a moment of grace to an old lady.

As Im contemplating life and all the heaviness that tornados us on a daily.

I kid you not.

I watched the cashier at Walmart walk around, pull out his own wallet and say “I got it"

I swear, this old lady had no idea what this young man just did for her. But I knew.

And I felt like almost anything recently in my life, as if this was a direct message to my heart directly from God. Talk about overwhelmed.

I hesitated to pay for these groceries.

This young man didn’t.

The old lady left.

The next woman in line left.

When I made it up in front of him. I had to ask. “did you just pay for that out of your own pocket?”
“yes” he said

I sat there for a moment.

“Would you mind if I took a picture of you?, Id like to use it on social media. I really think our world could use some good news right now.”

“Sure”

I tried to explain what he did was so above and beyond and I was extremely impressed.

I asked “how long have you worked here?” He responded with 2.5 years. “Do you work anywhere else?” I asked. “No, this was my first job ever.” He said. “Are you a student?” I asked, “yes, I go to Stillwater high school”

Can we talk about mind blown.

I drove home from that experience and thought to myself at the red light, that’s exactly the children I want to raise.

No talk, ALL ACTION.

Can we all just take a moment to recognize the beauty and heart and compassion in this young man Brent.

Now can you help me, in this bitter angry world make him famous.

“Dear Brent, Im not sure who raised you. But I want you to know that your actions tonight inspired me more that you will ever know. I actually looked in my wallet to see if I had cash to pay you back for your good deed. Man, you are one of a kind and I hope you sit with your heart and know you are changing the world. "

“Dear Walmart, take care of this young man who did a hell of a job representing your company tonight. These are the employees who should be recognized and rewarded. I know how hard it is to find good employees. DO NOT LET HIM GO. In fact Id love to see you guys give him a grant for college next year”

“Everyone else. Tomorrow remember Brent a high school senior, a cashier at Walmart, remember his selfless act, his moment. He didn’t ask the woman who she voted for or what she believed HE JUST SHOWED UP.”

Please share this, Id love to have his mom see. Please tag Walmart, I want them to know how blessed they are to have this incredible human working for them. Also lets tag Stillwater High School.

Anyone want to give this young man a 80 dollar donation?

WOW, so incredibly touched.

Brent, are you even real? I feel like you were an angel. Man, you taught me a lesson tonight that will stay with me forever!!!

THANK YOU!!!

01/19/2026

Good evening beautiful people! The last two days have been all over the map. Yesterday Jeff & Cara went to the Barrett-Jackson opening preview day. Cara asked that I stay back so that they could scout the area.

I was sad at first, but decided I would do something for myself. There is a spa on site, so I booked a massage. My friend, the one I am getting to finally meet face to face for the 1st time in a few days was worried I would cancel the appointment if Jeff & Cara came home early.

Right as I was locking the door to our room to get my massage Jeff & Cara were coming around the corner to surprise me. I continued on to my massage. Jeff said he was in a tremendous amount of pain with his back and hips, so needed to lay down.

I am so happy that I went through with the massage. I left the spa feeling like jelly. The staff walked with me down to the elevator where my chariot aka wheelchair awaited me.

Today I was able to go to the car auction for their last preview day. The auction starts tomorrow. I have never seen so many beautiful cars being sold. It is seriously overwhelming!

At some point after being there for about two hours I was hit with pretty bad chest pain. We left and I've been resting as much as I can. I am hoping they will be gone tomorrow.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend. 💕

01/16/2026

I might not come back.....

01/16/2026

Good Morning Beautiful people! I wanted to first and foremost let everyone know that we made it to Arizona! I am so sorry I didnt post yesterday. I was so overwhelmed with the beauty and taking it ALL in!

Tuesday we were in Santa Fe. I needed to spent most of the day elevating my legs. We planned for a sunset train ride. What an incredible experience! I got onto the train ride knowing absolutely nothing about it.

We were actually in the cart that they filmed Oppenheimer. Cara took a picture of where Cillian Murphy sat and labeled it Cillian Murphy's cheeks were here. I've never seen Oppenheimer as I tend to watch nonviolent, nonstressfull, and/or emotional movies. I live in a happy bubble. 😀

Our cart had wonderful live music. I didn't film the gentleman's face nor get his name. As you can tell I am terribly bad at this and really trying to soak in as much as I can.

We got off the train and decided to eat at the 2nd Street Brewery right across the train tracks. Cara ordered their well known alien burger, I had a Rueben and Jeff had cod. Everyone agreed that the food was delicious! I actually ate the other half of my sandwich and tots the following day. The tots were still crispy.

Then yesterday we left Sante Fe and headed to Arizona. We took a side excursion and went to the Petrified National Forest. We got in for free because we are a Gold Star Family. WOW!!! We spent way longer in the park than we anticipated, but I am so glad that we did!

We are now adjusting to our new environment in Arizona. Also today we have to take the car to get checked out. In the most positive and loving way I can say this, but the car sounds sick.

I have planned for this trip, I have scraped every dime I have plus Cara's money. I have worked every deal possible We currently have a one bedroom, sleeper sofa, one bathroom with a full kitchen and laundry for $69 a night. It is nicer than my first couple of apartments AND the kitchen is bigger than mine at home.

The reason I mention this is because ZERO of the GoFundMe is being used towards this. The GoFundMe at this point is allowing me the following -
Insurance that covers Mayo $200 a month
$3500 deductible, it does not cover my non FDA approved drugs for the way that I am using them. So that is 100% out of pocket. Once I reach the deductible any ER visits or hospitalizations will be 20% of total cost. Eight years ago my surgery was $140,000 and I am sure prices have gone up.

White Pine Berry Farm is holding a silent auction at River Falls Golf Club & Events on January 31st and asking for donations to auction off. This not only helps me, but the LeMay family please check out their page for more information.

I am off to start my day! Lots of pictures coming your way!

As always much love and gratitude! 💕