Life Goes On

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot...

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2

Its amazing how in the midst of all the life and death drama, the simple things of home continue. Dishes are done, noses are wiped, diapers are changed, piano is practiced, squabbles are refereed.

I'm not sure if Zinnias can take this much exploration, but its worth the risk!

I am grateful for Charlotte and Josiah for many reasons. Right now I am grateful to focus on more than my losses. They want to learn, grow, explore, laugh, run and play. As Charlotte ran through the yard with friends yesterday, my neighbor remarked, "Charlotte is an inspiration to the entire neighborhood!" The children's lives are shaped by Daddy's illness, but Daddy's illness does not define their lives. I'm not sure I would have the fortitude to keep an outward focus if it were not for these two beautiful faces.

Charlotte showing off her own seed tray! So far, her favorite parts are watering and thinning.


Josiah playing in the laundry basket.

John's parents went home to Brazil yesterday. We miss them. They bring so much love and support when they come. Our family, church and friends that live in the area are helping constantly. My parents have virtually lived here for the last 24 hours. I don't know what I would do without them. Last time Bill and Mary left for Brazil I counted how many people helped us in the first week after they had gone. 29. TWENTY-NINE different people helped us in one week. Isn't that unbelievable? That doesn't count my parents who did ten different things in one week: taxes, childcare, laundry, meals, rides, changing sheets, groceries, etc. We are surrounded by a loving community.

Charlotte and I at Kindergarten orientation.

I just had to get a photo of this. This is Charlotte's outfit of choice for touring her future Kindergarten classroom. Hot pink mini-skirt with neon anklet, three bracelets, a huge pink ring, a dangling pink necklace and la piece de resistance: dramatic 3" green and gold earrings. She also did her own hair and put on lipstick.

My heart is heavy for John. His body is so... broken. He has been having incredible pain in his lower ribs. Our nurse, Sue, told us this week that young men are notoriously difficult for pain management. They under-report their pain therefore its hard to help them find the right level of medication to help them regain activity. John's pain was severe coming to dinner tonight. His face was taught and tears filled his eyes. He pointed to the place he was feeling pain. There was a new tumor I had not seen before. It breaks my heart to see his skin bulging with tumors. When a new tumor is visible it often means the mass has gained enough ground to break the rib.

We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us;

we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.

— C. S. Lewis

Sprouting seeds and eating breakfast all at the same time!