Absence makes the heart grow fonder?

It has been a while since my last post....December to be exact! So many things have happened since that time.My Dad was in the hospital and then re-hab for a month - just before Thanksgiving to just before Christmas. I have heard him say, "If I had known the price to be paid: emotionally, physically, and in time, I might not have done this." He had Deep Brain Stimulation surgery to help take care of the tremors associated with Parkinson's. He no longer shakes, but he has lost some of his ability to communicate his thoughts and he is falling a lot more. It is a bit tenuous taking him to public places, though he is using a walker, we just worry that he will fall....he has, does and will. Fortunately, he has not hurt himself seriously. An injury from a fall would be very detrimental and a set back. I have to always remind myself what is too much help and what is not enough. Therapists continue to come to the house to train him. He does keep plugging along and he has kept his sense of humor.....his biggest struggle is that he has so many stories inside himself, but he just can't get them expressed anymore. :(

Another big transition is that Scott became a professor. He is really enjoying teaching. He has enjoyed spending time in preparation and study. He also loves the feeling (after giving his best in submission to God through study) of God just using that and making the lecture what He wants it to be. From what I understand, the students and staff have really enjoyed having him. I have been working to keep him healthy, because he is so tired from teaching, counseling in a private practice, teaching bible studies, and helping with a Wellness Chiropractic group. So thankful for his service to where God has called Him. Yeah!

And yet another big transition, Natalee resigned from the Salvation Army and is living with us. She is basically starting over. She has found a couple of jobs and is hoping to start Cosmetology School some time in the next year. She is excited about her new life and is learning new things about herself.

Other big moments: Scott turned 55 (which is probably a post in and of itself, because 5 is a significant number to him: born in 1955, salvation on the 25th, date of his baptism was a 15th, etc...cool!), Emileigh turned 18, Carleigh decided to "retire" from ballet after May and pursue other interests, the boys added to our tribe with a gerbil and a hamster, and Scott and I celebrated 20 years together.

Well, that is probably enough from me. Hope you are meeting God at every turn and also finding that "surely goodness and mercy follows us all the days of our lives."

"Don't cry because it is over. Smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss

Scott's/Papa's 55th Birthday