Good Saturday to you once again from an unseasonably warm March in Iowa. At this point it looks like an early Spring minus any Spring thaw. Still have up and down temps. Warm one day, cold the next.
This past Monday Joel had eye surgery down in Des Moines. A colleague went along and drove him home. He had a cornea scraping for the second time, but this time they went deeper removing more tissue, and he spent the week recovering with lots of sleeping, lots of recliner time, lots of drawn shades and discomfort. A little familiar. His vision has been so blurry BUT when he got up last night he realized it was improving and today it is around 90% back. Yay! Thank you God!
Our oldest daughter turned 54 this week. She is such a gift to the world and we are so proud of the woman she is.
A dear friend celebrated a birthday this week and she also had surgery this week. Another journey with cancer. Her journey continues and we continue to pray for her.
Sadly a week ago tonight our brother in law Lanny died after a courageous 6 yr battle with lung cancer. He will be greatly missed by not only my sister Jan but all of their families...all of us. Our hearts go out to everyone. As Joel, who seldom swears would say...."That damn cancer!" It is a relentless beast.
Also..Joel's oldest brother James is receiving hospice at the nursing home where he resides. He does not have cancer, but other health issues. And this week someone we know well learned their divorce became official. Another kind of sadness. For all those mentioned we ask for your prayers.
Battles. It does seem that we all in different seasons of our lives are in the midst of a battle of one kind or another. Sometimes we need to stand firm, put on the "full armor of God" and pick up a sword! Other times while wearing the full armor of God we stay calm and quiet and remember "The LORD will fight for you......just stay calm." I guess most importantly we remember that Jesus is always with us. In surgeries, in death, in recoveries, in the mundane, in the misery, in the watching and the waiting. In the joy
Speaking of watching and waiting, I have observed something this week. In some ways it is easier for me to be sick that watch the man I love be sick. Now when I mentioned this to Joel he replied in firmness...."I am NOT sick. Im just recovering from a surgery." Yep, My bad. But just the watching....hoping today would bring improvement...the waiting for healing. It gave me insight into how Joel must have felt over the many health challenges faced. And I also pondered Holy's question......Am I praying for healing from a place of fear or faith? Honestly sometimes both......And God loves me enough to remind me to trust Him on the journeys.
I am rambling now......it has been a week of rambling, reflecting and pondering, and sadness and much praying, waiting and watching. Grateful Joel's surgery went so well. Grateful Joel is seeing again and recovering so well. Grateful for our daughter Beth who fills our hearts with joy. Grateful for the family and friends of my dear friend who are supporting and loving her on her journey with cancer and recovery. Grateful for the years my sister Jan had with her Lanny and the love and support she has with family and friends....and for her many good memories. Grateful for all this and so much more...
Enjoy your weekend.
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