Love; True Love

True Love.  That's what my grandparents have.  It's what we all want.  It's the kind of love that lasts a lifetime--the kind of love that you dream of as a little girl.  I had the wonderful opportunity to sit with both of them today in the ICU.  Just us three.  All day long.  It was probably one of the best days of my life.

I watched my grandmother sit by his side and hold his hand.  When he was agitated and scared, she would whisper to him and calm him.  She would try to sleep, but every time he moved she jumped.  She prayed over him and cried.  We all tried to get her to go home tonight and she wouldn't budge.  The nurse told her, "Mrs. Rose, you need to go home tonight."  She replied, "How long have you been married?"  When the nurse answered "5 years," my grandmother said "Well, I've been married 65 years and I'm not going anywhere."

Erik and I don't have a perfect marriage.  Every day we work hard; that's what marriage is all about.  But we love each other and we are committed to making it work.  Lucy's illness has been hard on us.  The divorce rate of parents who go through a child's illness is alarming.  With God's help, we will one day be married 65 years just like my grandparents.  I love you Erik.  Thank you for all that you do for our family.

Mothers Day

Today started out wonderfully but has unfortunately changed its course. Please say a prayer for my grandfather who is very ill. Just today he took a turn for the worse. We are going to the hospital now to be with our family.

My Paw Paw is a fighter. He is one of the most wonderful men I know. I want him to be healed but we pray for God's will.

Good News

So I've been pretty down lately.  Sometimes its hard to look on the bright side of things and I seem to be easily discouraged these days.  I thought it would do my spirit good (and maybe yours) to share a few good things that happened today.  Lucy had a day full of appointments at St. Jude and we started our day very early.  Audiology was first for a hearing aid check.  Lucy has decided she hates them and refuses to wear them.  After that was an eye clinic visit where the doctor said Lucy's eyes looked much better and her glasses seem to be helping.  What a relief!

Next was a cardio test that is being used in a research study that will hopefully help children in the future who follow the same protocol as Lucy.  Lucy thought this was fun and loved the little stationery bike.

Later in the day she had a psychology visit and I'm happy to report that Lucy is making wonderful progress expressing her emotions and feelings.  This is a huge step for her and I'm really proud.  Our last visit of the day was to ENT where we got another great check up.  I left the hospital today very thankful and feeling renewed.

Lucy thought the best way to celebrate was with a little Scooby Doo and Starbucks.  I love this girl!

She Did It!

Ella did it!  Her first leading role and she performed it like a pro.  I am beyond proud and I haven't stopped beaming since last night.  This was our school's first full production musical but you would never know it.  The kids sang their hearts out and the actors were amazing.  We did a Christian musical called The Amazing Grace Race and Ella's role was the coach.  When she said her lines, all I could imagine was her really cheering a team on to victory.

I needed this distraction (did I mention I was the drama director) and it did my heart good to have something so very positive to focus on .  Here are some picture highlights.

In conjunction with the musical, we had our first annual art show.  Our kids take art once a week and the teacher has put together an impressive portfolio for each child throughout the year.  Three art pieces from each child was displayed around the school and a judge picked the best in each grade and then an over all favorite.  Lucy won favorite Kindergarten artist.  I was very, very proud of her.  Ella did a great job with her self portrait, too.  I needed such a wonderful weekend.  I am so proud of both of my girls.

Be Still

This picture will forever be etched in my mind and a part of my soul.  This week has been hard.  I'm still having a hard time pulling it together but each day is getting better.  Last night at church, my friend Annie took Jack outside to play and then sent me this picture.  I want to be like Jack.

All I see when I look at this picture is God's mercies shining through the clouds.  Those rays of sun seem to be God welcoming Jack, who is running with open arms.

My mom said that when she was a little girl she thought those rays of light were God speaking.  I wonder what He said to Jack?  My guess is that whatever he said, Jack heard him.

That got me to wondering if I would hear Him.  I am begging God for answers but I don't think I am allowing myself to listen to His response.  How will I ever hear if I don't stop trying to fix my own problems.  Ugh!  I'm obviously a slow learner.