Pressing On....

Keeping up with all the demands of life has got my Mom feeling a bit overwhelmed, so I thought I'd update the blog for my parents. It was, after all, my idea to get them started into this form of communication. Now that my Dad is going through the daily treatments, my Mom has had to take over the blogging for awhile. She is not one to accept help easily, so this is definitely one area I can help without asking.

Today I was able to get her out of the house for a little while, even if it was only to go grocery shopping with Caleb, Micah and me. We had a great time together although she is realizing that she needs to be at home at all times now, so she is able to be my Dad's cheerleader when he is awake.

The treatment side-effects seem to be compounding right now, so my Dad is left with only enough energy to wake up for a few bites to eat, shower, and go to the hospital. He's sleeping about 21 hours a day, and it's hit-or-miss when he will be awake. This was expected from what we have read and researched, but the discouragement at not being able to be at full capacity can be debilitating some days.

The boys and I visited for a few minutes yesterday and he knew we were there and felt horrible that he slept most of our visit. I tried to remind him that the boys also come over to visit his toy trucks, toy trailers, toy campers, and toy four-wheelers, too. :-) I also get a chance to put a few pieces into the "HIS and HERS" puzzles.


I know my parents have really appreciated all of the encouragement that comes from all of the blog-reading friends and family. Please know that even small words of encouragement or acts of kindness are used by God to be extremely uplifting for them. You may never know, on earth, the difference made in someone's life with a simple smile or hug!

This wouldn't be a complete blog post, in my Dad's opinion, if I didn't remind you to pray fervently for those we are aware of who are also climbing great mountains or experiencing trials that test their faith and patience. Please continue to pray for Pastor Quick who is reportedly in a lot of pain from surgery. Pray for our dear friend and prayer-warrior Judy. As far as I'm aware, she is still awaiting the arrival of baby #6 and her husband is out of town at the moment. Pray that she will have strength, patience, wisdom, and peace to run her home and care for her other children alone until Kris returns home. Please pray also for Ralph and Linda Spieth, Mary Buckholz, Dave Hockney, Delia Jenkin's brother Everett who is battling lymphoma, and Suzanne Smith's family as her Mom battles brain cancer.

Thanks again for your prayers and encouragement!