Saturday, December 14, 2013
Good Grief Charlie Brown it's almost Christmas! Like all of you we've been busy celebrating Thanksgiving and prepping for Christmas. Working hard here to stay positive and trying to enjoy the things I take for granted. Seems there is always sad news but it always ramps up around the holidays.
Our neighbors lost their barn and 9 horses in a tragic fire this week. We have one family member that struggles every holiday affecting all those around. A friend who has been fighting cancer several years was just told it has spread again, this time to a major organ. And lastly a young gal at church, just 38 with a husband and three young children, has invasive breast cancer. Stress is everywhere!
Survivor's guilt. Very real, very tough. I have certainly been experiencing that these last several weeks. Father led the entire congregation in prayer for our member with breast cancer and I had to fight back the tears. So worried for her and her family yet so thankful once again for my health. Sometimes it's tough to know if I should reach out. So glad I did as our Christmas card from their family reflected appreciation for our conversations. Glad that sharing my experiences can help bring hope and peace to another. Really praying for these two ladies whose holidays are filled with doctor appointments and treatments!
Fortunately we ended our week on a much brighter note. Kinsey got home Tuesday night for her Christmas break. On Wednesday morning her boyfriend knelt at her bedside wearing a Carhart jacket. Inside was a puppy wearing a collar with a very special present! We now officially have a daughter who is engaged, a son-in-law to be, and a grandpuppy "Bruce"!!! Kinsey, Kybren, Kybren's mom and I celebrated with a brunch here. (Yes Kybren asked our permission so we had a head's up). From there he took Kinsey to get her nails done and then they ran the circuit to show grandparents and Godparents. Tonight we are invited to the Fosters for dinner and more celebration. Exciting times ahead!
Yesterday Brody learned he was accepted to Purdue University! Boiler Up!!! It is right out our back door and actually was Brody's third choice. Now he has a huge decision to make-University of Indianapolis, IUPUI, or Purdue??? That's a great problem to have! We are so proud of him and his dedication to homework, work, and sports. Pretty sure I could not handle the schedule he sets for himself.
As I type we are under a winter storm warning and I LOVE IT! Big fan of snow but especially at Christmas time. It seems to add magic to the air and really kicks me into high gear for the holiday season. It is my hope that this beautiful marshmallow world brings joy and happiness to those facing difficult journeys, those who are alone, and those less fortunate in any way. Stay safe all and enjoy this winter wonderland!
