Home, Sweet Home

A house is not a home without the ones you love safely ensconced there. My little bungalow has only been a "house" for the last few days. This afternoon, it become a "home" again!

Don is home and doing amazingly well. Some minor issues -- unusually high blood pressure (for him) and a paralyzed left vocal chord -- but nothing we can't deal with. The hospital staff was wonderful to him, and they've all been quite surprised at his speedy upswing. We met several believers on the staff, and that's always refreshing. One of our favorite nurses in ICU, a precious Catholic woman, has had some unfortunate experiences with so-called believers (preachers, but not practicers), but she was genuinely drawn to Don and me. I pray we were able in some way to speak into her life. All in all, we've seen positive things come out of a rather traumatic event. To God be the glory!

Coming Home!

My honey just called to say the doctor released him to come home this afternoon. They want to do two tests on him before he leaves, so the release is contingent upon the outcome of those tests. But we're not worried. The one is a chest x-ray, and he's had no major problems with congestion at all since he's been in there. He has, in fact, had a chest x-ray every day since arriving. Secondly, they want to do a test to determine if his vocal chords are paralyzed. Again, we feel certain he's fine. His voice is still very hoarse and raspy, but we do feel that it's improved the last day or so. Anyway, what are they going to do? Keep him in the hospital because he can't speak loudly? I don't think so! So, I am on my way to the hospital. It will be a tiring day, because once they tell you you're going to be released, you can think of little else all day long!

Thanks, again, for the precious thoughts and prayers.

What a difference a day makes!

I called the ICU unit at the hospital this morning before I went over there. I wanted to see how Don had done during the night. They actually let him talk to me, and I knew immediately that he had improved. They had him up sitting in a chair before I went in, and they had removed the two garden hose-sized drains that they had inserted in his lower chest after surgery. He couldn't eat breakfast, because he was nauseous, but he was hungry and ready to go by lunch. He ordered a cajun spiced grilled chicken sandwich with pepper jack cheese! He ate it and really enjoyed it. Dondra came over a little after I got there. J & J brought the four younger kids over, and Pa really enjoyed his time with the grands. Because it's the weekend and the doctor had said hubby could be moved from ICU as soon as a room's available, they loosened the rules a bit for us today. While the rest of us went down to the cafeteria for a snack, the nurses got D. up and walked him just a bit. He ordered tilapia for supper and sat up in a chair to eat. The doctors are very surprised at his speedy progress. They're hoping to have a free bed in the step-down area by Monday, and we're looking forward to that. Actually, Don's been telling people that he expects to be sent home on Monday. I asked him if the doctor had told him that, and he said, "No, but I'm STILL expecting to go home on Monday!" His voice is still quite weak and hoarse, but he's getting stronger by the hour. I married a wonderful guy, and God has proven Himself faithful to us once again.

It's Done

Don's surgery took just under three hours and went successfully. They were not, however, able to do it the "simple" way and had to open his chest. He is now in ICU, in a lot of pain, but lucid and hoping tomorrow will be a bit better. He insisted our son, daughter and I go on home, and I was secretly glad, because I'm exhausted. Since he's in ICU, they'll only let us visit for half an hour every two hours. That doesn't seem like much time, but he needs to rest. They hope to move him into a private room tomorrow, and that will be good.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers. I hate to see him suffering the way he was this afternoon, but we're praying that the results make it worthwhile.

Finally!

We've finally spoken with the surgeon, and surgery is scheduled for Friday. We have to go to the hospital tomorrow for pre-operative testing and an interview with the nurse, but can come home for the night. We have to return on Friday for surgery. If they're able to do things through the incision at the base of the throat, hubby will only have to spend one night in the hospital. If they have to do it by splitting the sternum, he'll be in longer. We're praying for the best of all things!

Hurry Up and Wait

We've been waiting for the thoracic surgeon to call and schedule Don's thymectomy for 1 1/2 weeks now, and I'm tired of waiting!! If I didn't think the surgery might improve his symptoms (which have worsened a little in recent days), I'd just vote for scratching the whole thing. After all, we have no promise of improvement - just a hope. I wonder what would have happened if, on Don's consultation day, we had called and said we were busy with other things and probably wouldn't be able to get back to him for, ohhhhh, about two weeks! Don't think that would fly.

This teaches me something about myself (AGAIN!). I let myself get too impatient with people and circumstances over which I have no control. Why waste the energy? If I'm going to get upset, why not let it be over things that I can actually change? If I've learned anything in the last five years, it's that my thinking affects my attitude more than I might have realized. Oh, yes, I know the Bible says that (for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. . .), but now I'm finally learning to apply the concept. What relief! I find I'm much less stressed and have fewer bad headaches than ever before in my life. In fact, when I actually "lose it", I'm miserable - both physically and spiritually.

So, as I not-so-patiently wait for the call from the surgeon to schedule Don's procedure, I'll try to do so without getting myself in a turmoil. I don't like it. I wish things were different. But, I'll deal with it.

Until then . . .

A Hard Pill to Swallow

We taught on "submission" and "loving your wife as your own body" yesterday in our Young Married Sunday School class. Actually, we did an open forum, with Jeff & Elizabeth Connor, my honey and I on a panel. I'm a fairly strong-willed person, and I definitely have a stronger personality than my husband. However, he is the one with the stronger will when push comes to shove. Some of the young women in the class who have exceptionally dominant personalities struggle big time with the "submission" issue. They want their own way ALL the time. At least I've outgrown that by this stage in my life. However, even the most submissive of us find that there are certain issues that, when we disagree with hubby, we find it very hard to acquiesce. Like issues concerning the children, for instance. Some young men in the class said they gave in rather than have a confrontation with their wives, because the women were so strong (and "strong" equals "cruel" sometimes). Sorry, guys, but that's wrong, too. One reason women want to take the dominant role is that they don't feel their husbands can be trusted to make a wise decision. Maybe history has proven that he's prone to jump in with both feet before he has really thought things through. But does this excuse a rebellious wife? I don't think so. The Bible didn't make exceptive verses for women with domineering personalities (believe me, there have been times I've wished It did). Men only become leaders in their home by actively accepting the position and loving their wife and family as Christ loved the church. That's huge!

It would be wonderful if, in every home, the husband assumed his place as the loving, caring, Godly head, and the woman, with total honor and respect, moved in right beside him on the authority chain. Unfortunately, most of us struggle a bit more with the positions than that. We're all somewhat egotistical. We all want our own way. And marriage is never an equal 50/50. Often, it's 100/0! But God's plan works, when we care enough about our marriage and our home to put it into practice.

Every home goes through stages, like chapters in a book. Often, the first few years are times of insecurity because you're just getting to know each other, you're getting established in your career(s), and you're adjusting to paying lots of bills. Then the children come, and you're adjusting to life with some little people to guide, train and care for - very time consuming. The children grow up and leave, and you're, once again, learning to live with your lifetime love - just the two of you. As you age, more changes come. You aren't as healthy as you were yesterday, and things have to slow down a bit. Concessions must be made. Patience must be practiced. So, wherever you are in your life and in your marriage, there are adjustments. As Gary Smalley says, "The only one you can change is yourself." Be a good "changer". Don't stop growing. For people like me who are stubborn, opinionated and resistant to change, that's a hard pill to swallow. But I'm learning that life goes much better when I do things God's way. Now, that doesn't mean that I do things exactly YOUR way, but I'm following God's voice and His Word in my own life and in my own circumstance.

A Time for Remembering

My baby boy is now 41 years old. We were reminiscing about the night I went to the hospital and the morning he was born while he and his family and our daughter were all here for dinner tonight. Good memories. Precious memories. Delightful memories. I know you young people consider this a cliche', but, honestly, it does seem like just yesterday he was our darling little boy. Now he's our darling grown man! He was always an enchanting child: bright, easy-going, and extremely gifted in many areas. It's so wonderful to see the man/husband/father he's become.

Hubby and I definitely made mistakes in raising our children, but we must have done some things very right. Though they both went through some shaky times establishing who they were and what mattered in their lives, they've turned out to be a young man and woman we take great pride in. People of extreme integrity, love and thoughtfulness. What more can a parent ask?

As they all loaded into their cars to leave after supper and a visit, hubby and I couldn't help but beam. Two children, a God-chosen daughter-in-law, five grandchildren. A blessed heritage. We love them. They love us. Getting older isn't nearly so hard when your showered with lots and lots of love along the way. We are. And we're thankful.

Lookin' Good

Don's head looks really good this morning. The gash with staples is closing nicely, the swelling is down, and there's minimal bruising. He had some bleeding through the evening, but nothing major. He said he knows it's there, but he's in no bad pain. Oddly, he seems to have taken most of the trauma to the head. One of his sides is bruised, but he has no bruising at all on his arms or legs. Strange. It's almost as if he didn't try to catch himself at all. He said he's learned a lesson from this: when he feels excessively weak, he's going to sit down immediately instead of trying to push himself. I think that's a great idea!

Ouch! My Head!

We just returned from a couple hours at the Emergency Room. Don nas been doing an a/c and furnace installation this week for a friend. He was heading to their basement and knew his legs felt weak. Unfortunately, he didn't realize how weak they were until they crumpled beneath him, sending him plummeting down the concrete stairs head first. He ended the fall by crashing against the corner of a concrete wall with his head. He has some nasty bruising and several lacerations - one that required four staples to close. Poor guy. This has happened several times within the last few days. His legs just suddenly lose all their strength and down he goes. We're thankful that he hasn't hurt himself seriously, but today shook us both up just a bit. Still waiting for the call from the surgeon to set up his surgery. We're hoping that will make these awful symptoms ease up or go away completely.

Time Marches On

Our son will be turning 41 this Saturday. How can that possibly be? I'm barely older than that myself! Seems that I realize the passing of time with the birthdays of my children and grandchildren more than with my own birthdays. It's just a number to me (a number that keeps getting bigger!), but as they age, I look back and remember myself and where I was in my life at that age.

When I was 41, our son had left college and joined the Air Force the year before and had not too long after married the girl of his dreams. They were about to inform us that we were going to be grandparents for the first time. I was just 42 when our grandson was born. I can't imagine our son being a grandparent. He seems so young for that sort of thing. I was, too. But I was thrilled at the prospect.

Way back then, our daughter had just started working at A.G. Edwards and was recovering from mono. She had begun working there the year before and was planning to stay for a long time. As it turned out, she has been there about 15 years.

We stlled lived in our mobile home, next door to hubby's mom. I thought we would probably live there forever. But we didn't.

So, son will be 41. The grands are going to spend Friday night and help me prepare the birthday dinner on Saturday. I'm going to try a new recipe my mom gave me - chicken spaghetti. I think they'll love it. Dinner will take twice as long to prepare, because I will be supervising four kids in the kitchen. They want fudge for dessert - so fudge it will be!

Time changes a lot of things. I have some wrinkles and that horrible turkey wattle under my chin, and I certainly don't have the grace and stamina I did yesterday. There are now bulges where there used to be bones. My once sleek body doesn't resemble the one I had 41 years ago. But hidden beneath all that flab is the young girl I used to be.

Some things will never change. My love for my husband has deepened with the years, as has the love for my children, grandchildren, and family and friends in general. I believe I appreciate them more. I've mellowed a great deal (can I have a witness?). I still love hearing people laugh - especially if it isn't at my expense. I still love sitting unobserved and listening to children interact as they play. Life still fascinates me. People still frustrate me. I continue to believe Mom and Dad had my younger brother just for my enjoyment, because I still find him delightful. And I still see an occasional flicker from the fire of ambition I had as a young thing.

Time marches on, but I'm no longer marching in cadence. Now my gait is slower and my steps a bit more uncertain. I'm marching nonetheless. I have no choice. One thing is certain, at every age and in every chapter there are new delights, wonders and pleasures. I'm going to grab them while I can.

Check It Out

Check out this song entitled, "Let Them Be Little." Love it! Makes me remember when my own two were wee ones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBu_yXGF2Uw

Looking for the ark!

My goodness, didn't it rain? We awoke a little after 5 a.m. to pounding, torrential rain, the likes of which I haven't seen but one time before. When I was about 8 years old, it rained until the street in front of our house looked like a small river.

Though the rain was over the curb and our front sidewalk, we decided to get the Expedition out and do our best to make it to Sunday School. We managed to navigate the small lakes fairly well, but we saw a number of stranded vehicles. Wouldn't you think people would be smart enough not to attempt to cross water that's deeper than the hubs on their wheels?

A couple guys from church left to go get some milk for one of the classes. They said they saw a small car stranded, and the water was up to the door windshield. When they passed, the water actually went over the roof!

I'm telling you, I was looking left, right and over my shoulder for the ark. Looking for the animals marching two by two as they loaded onto Noah's floating zoo!

Old dogs - New tricks

I feel like I've been running for two days. Yesterday, Don got up early and went with a friend to Sam's to pick up supplies for a taco dinner the men of the church are hosting today. He had been home about an hour when we turned around and went back to St. Louis for his doctor appointment. We were home by 3:30, but had to be at the church at 5:30 to head over to St. Peters for the "I Promise" Marriage Seminar. We were home about 11:45, back up at 5:30 a.m. and heading back over to St. Peters by 7 a.m. Home about 1:30 p.m., stopped at Si Senor for lunch (which a young couple who had attended the seminar graciously bought for us), then Don headed back to the church to help with the taco dinner. Following that, he has to go play his banjo for a friend's anniversary celebration. I, at least, was able to grab a short nap this afternoon, but Don's been in a constant run.

The Seminar was great, but much of it was a repeat for Don and myself. We've taught on "Love is a Decision", "Keys to a Loving Relationship", and "The DNA of Relationships" - all by Smalley, and probably more, which I've forgotten. What surprised me was how much of it I still haven't applied to my life and our marriage. Oh, I'll be circumspect for a few days and very careful of my words, attitude and actions, but I still have my slip-ups. The wonderful thing about that is the fact that I AM still working on being better. I haven't given up on myself. And every time we attend something like this, I realize that I have made progress. I'm certainly not what I was at 30 years of age. I'm definitely a better wife in many ways. So that gives me hope.

Don and I have been married 42 years now, and I can tell you, speaking from experience, that a marriage can improve with the years. In fact, it SHOULD improve with the years. We've worked hard on growing together instead of apart. We've each learned to value the other for who they are. I appreciate his graces and do my best to minimize his faults (of which there are few, believe me), and he's kind enough to do the same for me.

I'll be the first to admit that some problems jump up out of nowhere and bite you in the rear. But most altercations can be avoided, especially if you have a good man. I was only 18 when we married, and surprisingly naive - and, okay I'll admit it, stupid. But life with my best friend and honey has proven to me that it's possible to get it right the first time. Thank heavens, because I'd sure hate to think all these years of trying to improve myself were for nothing!

"I Promise"

We have 33 people registered to attend the "I Promise" Marriage Seminar with Gary Smalley and his son Greg this Friday evening and Saturday morning. I'm thrilled with the response! I know we'll come away from there with lots of tips to make our relationships better.

About Face!

My doctor called me this evening just before church. I told him I was upset and explained why. He told me that, honestly, my numbers weren't high enough to make me "officially" diabetic, but I was headed in that direction. Can you believe that? I think there's a huge difference, and it isn't just the difference in semantics. I've had the tendency for my sugar to be a bit high ever since my first pregnancy 41 years ago. If it takes another 40 years for me to become a full-fledged diabetic, I won't even care by then. I did my best to state my feelings about his having put the phrase "non-insulin dependent diabetic" on my records when it isn't true. Although he keeps insisting it WILL be true someday, I stood my ground. He finally changed the word "diabetic" to "hyperglycemic". Now, I don't know exactly what difference it will make in getting new (cheaper) insurance, but the insurance broker assures me it WILL make a difference. I think my doctor has a better understanding of me as a person now. I told him not to ever beat around the bush with me - be straightforward and blunt, if necessary. Just tell me the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

I thought it was nice of him to call and even nicer for him to do an about face on what he had written. Now I'm hoping it's helpful in my quest for a cheaper insurance company. Good luck to me!

Roller Coaster Ride

Talk about life taking its ups and downs!

My medical insurance costs me an arm and a leg, but I feel like it's my responsibility to be insured. Well, I'm about to change my mind. I'm paying so much (more than our house payment used to be), the I decided to check into a different company. I currently have Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which I love, but my cost will go up in November (birthday bonus!) and again in January (New Year's present). The first of the year, my family physician put me on a medication for sugar. My numbers have been a bit higher than normal for a long time. In fact, I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with my son 40 years ago. The insurance broker who is looking at new companies for me, asked me if my doctor had declared me diabetic. I was sure he hadn't, even though he had put me on the meds, but told her I would call to find out. When I called the doctor's office and left my message, they called back saying I had been diagnosed as non-insulin dependent diabetic. I was livid! Why hadn't the doctor ever told me that? As to the meds he prescribed, they're as big as horse pills, and I haven't taken them for months! So, I had to call the insurance lady and tell her, "Yes, they do say I'm diabetic!" Needless to say, that's going to greatly lessen my options, and I may not be able to get insured at all! What makes me so angry is that the doctor that I had placed confidence in to safeguard my health had never, in plain words, told me that he considered me non-insulin dependent diabetic. That's a HUGE thing, as far as I'm concerned. I simply cannot afford to keep paying the huge premium that I pay monthly to keep my present policy. What to do? What to do?

On a positive note, as you know, I've been spearheading the effort to get a group together to attend the Smalley "I Promise" Marriage Seminar this weekend. We've had so many register that I've had to call and order more tickets twice. When I called the Smalley Center today, they told me that they're going to send my last ticket order free of charge because we've done so well with our response. We also qualify for a free lesson DVD and Gary Smalley's new book. I thought that was nice.

So, my emotions have been up to the sky and down in the cellar today. Life brings some huge problems along with it. It seems that, the older one gets, the more prolific the decisions become. One right or wrong decision can change the rest of your life! Guess that's true when you're younger, too, but you at least have the optimism of youth. As you age, reality seems to jump right up and slap you in the face.

Gotta look on the bright side. Gotta keep my chin up. Gotta count my blessings. Gotta get off this roller coaster!!

Great Day

Isn't it funny how you can have an absolutely bummer day, then turn right around and enjoy the next day to the fullest? That's the way my week has been.

Today the JoyPals from church (ladies 55 and older) took two vans and went to Ste. Genevieve for lunch and "shop hopping" for a while. The food at the restaurant wasn't the best - but who cares?? The fellowship was great. One of the ladies who is 83 years old, the Pastor's sister and I toured an absolutely beautiful, old Catholic church. The gorgeous stained glass windows were honestly awesome, especially considering how old the church was. Then we visited an old, two-story home built by one of the French founders of the city. Afterward, most of us treated ourselves to an ice cream (in one form or another) and headed back home.

The weather could not have been nicer. It was a great day of fun, food and fellowship. So different from yesterday. That's what's so great about life - there's SUCH variety!

Just One of Those Days

It's been a very busy and somewhat stressful day for me. I have no kids pulling at my dresstail and begging for time and attention. I don't have dirty diapers to launder or bottles to wash. No one has a runny nose or diarrhea. But it's been a difficult day.

We spent several hours at the hospital this morning while Don was put through a couple tests in preparation for an upcoming surgery. I came home to some problems that I had to deal with in other areas of my life. I'm feeling a bit guilty about some problems a friend has. The dog pooped in the floor while I was on the phone. Don had his monthly "bluegrass night" and I was left alone for the evening. It's made me a bit melancholy.

So, let's think this whole day through. Don came through his tests quite well, no ill-effects at all that we can see. I'm involved in a couple projects through church that are, after all the problems and hair-pulling, very rewarding and fulfilling projects. I'm not responsible for the decisions my friends make or don't make, so I shouldn't feel guilty about them. Don has found something that he absolutely loves in interacting and playing music with some friends each month.

In other words, what, exactly, has made this day difficult? Maybe my response to things? I don't enjoy sitting for long periods of time with little to do. I especially don't enjoy things that don't run smoothly. (Does ANY project run totally glitch-free?) When I'm feeling melancholy, I don't really like being left alone (although I'm certain that I'm not good company then). I need to get past taking on responsibility for everyone else's problems. It's a matter of perspective. Thanks to this post, I'm going to stop the negative, draining thinking about the day and begin appreciating the good things that happened.

Thank you, blogspot!

Of much worth -

Today was our annual Reunion on my mom's side. Although it wasn't as well attended as it has been some years, it was fun seeing everyone. The children are all growing much too quickly. A couple cousins had new wives to show off. And it was simply good fellowship - all the way around.

One of my nieces has two little girls, one three and one two. My granddaughters are 10 and my younger grandson is eight. They all think these two little girls (and their baby brother) are fascinating. I was trying to get my grandchildren to be more comfortable in assuming responsibility for the little ones, so I took my four and the two little girls over to the larger playground at the park. (I've found that children are much more asserting when they don't have a battery of parental eyes trained on them.) The older children were talking to the little girls in baby talk, which was especially funny since the three-year-old can talk almost as plainly as they do! Even the two-year-old is talking very maturely for her age. But it was a new experience for my grandchildren, and they were loving the opportunity it afforded them to "mommy" these little girls. After the daddy came to pick the little ones up, my grandchildren kept saying, "Granny, aren't they cute? They're so sweet." They were mesmermized.

That's the way it always is with little ones. People, in general, are drawn to them. We want to protect them. We want to make them smile, and we like to feel that, in some way, they're drawn to us.

I'm finding that true with the young married couples we're dealing with, too. When we have new ones that come into the class that are so open and willing to be taught, it makes me want to protect that innocence. I want to see them smile and feel that I have, in some small way, added value to their life. The Bible talks about the older women teaching the younger, and that doesn't happen by mouthing words. Our former pastor's wife used to say often, "Some things are caught more than taught." That's what discipling is all about. Not only giving someone the foundation of the Word, but showing them by our everyday living that walking with God is so very worth it!

While my grandchildren today longed for the little girls to trust them, feel comfortable with them, and even seek them out, they hardly knew what steps to take to make that happen. If they could spend more time with their little cousins (without the parents present), it would certainly make for a comfortable atmosphere for bonding. While I, too, long for my young friends to trust me, feel comfortable with me and even seek me out, it will only come as I cultivate my friendship with them. As they get to know me and I get to know them, real friendship will be birthed.

God doesn't put us where we are for no reason. There are people around you everyday that you can touch in a positive way for Him. It may sound trite, but it's true -- there are people you can touch that no one else would be able to reach. Make an effort to be a friend. Be faithful to go the second mile. Don't be upset when you have to spend a little extra time with someone who is reaching out. The pay-off is great. I've said for years that, when you make a friend of a child, you have a friend for life. The same is true with God's little ones. When you take the time to be a true friend, you'll have a friendship that will last a lifetime. It's worth every effort.

Check it out!

Hey, guys. Check out http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1766638341

I like what I'm seeing and hearing!

Sick of Being Sick

We had our consultation with the thoracic surgeon today. The trick to being able to do the simpler method for Don's surgery will hinge upon how far back Don can lean his head. He has to put his head back far enough that they can put the instruments straight into an incision at the base of his throat (that soft area) to his heart. Try it. It isn't easy to bend your head that far back. If they can't do it that way, they will have to split his sternum, and we both hate the thought of that. The doctor had asked Don initially to lean his head back as far as he could, and it didn't go far. Then he explained how they would to the procedure and the options, and it was amazing how much farther back Don could lean his head, with just that little incentive!! He has to go to the hospital Monday for a chemical stress test and a lung function/capacity test. So, we'll be at the hospital all day. If he aces both those tests (which we have no reason to believe he won't), they'll probably schedule his thymectomy right away.

On top of his usual problems, he's been plagued with allergies the last few days. The mold count had been quite high, and we think that's what triggers him. This only happens about once a year, so it isn't something serious. Just bothersome. He's better today because it's pouring rain and that has helped all the allergen counts.

Don and I were talking on the way home about how very thankful we are for God's benefits toward us. We are His children, and He is committed to us. Although he is having problems, many people are worse off. Even the surgeon we spoke with today was amazed that, given Don's high antibody counts, he's having no problems breathing, swallowing or with slurred speech. That's wonderful! We continue to appreciate where we are in the whole scheme of things. Life is good; God is faithful.

Big Decision

Don and I go tomorrow to have a conference with a thoracic surgeon at Barnes/St. Peters. The neurologist thinks it's imperative for Don to have his thymus gland removed. It won't cure the illness he has, but it may impede the progress. If it would help, we're for it. However, in order to remove the thymus gland (which is a sheath over the heart), they have to split the sternum, just like they do in major heart surgery. We're NOT for that. So, our neurologist has found a thoracic surgeon who does the surgery arthroscopically (is that how you spell it?). Anyway, through little incisions in the chest to insert instruments. We would be more in favor of that procedure, but it's still a major surgery. This surgeon is one of a mere handful that does the surgery this new way, and Don may not even be a candidate. So - big decision tomorrow. I would love to see Don's symptoms ease up some. By the end of most days, walking is such a labor for him. However, I don't want to have him suffer through a procedure that isn't going to be beneficial in the long run. I would love for God to just flash the answer to this dilemma across the sky or write it on the wall like He did in Bible days, but my suspicion is that it will be that still small voice of assurance that we're doing the right thing. Just hope we're quiet enough to hear it.

All's Right with the World

I've been busily preparing for the Smalley "I Promise" Marriage Seminar that's going to be in St. Peters, MO on the 12th and 13th of September. I was in charge of registration, purchasing tickets, etc. I've been surprised at the number of couples who, despite the fact that their marriages are floundering, are not interested in help. My honey and I have been married 42 years, and we find that it can get better and better if you keep working on it. So, if you're satisfied with the status quo, I guess you can just remain in the same quagmire you've been in for ages. If not, things can change -- for the better.

We had the kids and grandkids all for dinner yesterday afternoon, and I never have them but that I spend the rest of the evening after they leave thanking God for each and every one of them. The oldest grandchild doesn't always get to come, because he's now a college student and working man. But he was here yesterday. It was a wonderful day.

The small caption that I used for my title kept coming to mind all morning. You remember it don't you? From Pippa's Song by Robert Browning

THE year 's at the spring,
And day 's at the morn;
Morning 's at seven;
The hill-side 's dew-pearl'd;
The lark 's on the wing; 5
The snail 's on the thorn;
God 's in His heaven—
All 's right with the world!

Have a blessed day!