Father's Day - # 56

Since I am 56, I celebrate the last 56 years with such an incredible Father/Dad beside me and behind me. He has always believed in me and give me the guidance and advice I needed, even when I may not have realized it at the time. He has never withheld from me and when I have a concern or need, he always comes to my mind. He is truly wealthy for his wealth is defined by the presence of his family. When asked what he wanted for a gift throughout my life his response was always the same, "I want to have all my children here with me." Now that has extended to grandchildren and great grandchildren. His happiest moments are those with the family gathered about - time he never takes for granted. That answer has become my response when I'm asked what I want for a gift - "I want to have all my children here with me." I look forward to seeing him soon (by July 4th weekend). Until then my thoughts and prayers surround him and are ever present with him. I love you Dad...

Today I learned that my Dad has been diagnosed as being in the final stages of kidney failure with his kidneys functioning at 9% of their capacity. Also, that he will have to undergo dialysis 3 days a week and it will take 4 hours for each visit. So at 80 years of age, some given the same diagnosis would say this is too much trouble and I'll take my chances. This would be a life or death decision - mostly death. Thing is that's not who my Dad is. News like this knocks the wind out of you as it had to do to him, but then he steps back - considers what his options are - then chooses life. Granted it is not the routine of life that he had envisioned when he retired from work a few years ago but it is the routine that has become necessary. So he does what he has to do to stay connected to those he loves and also waits expectantly for a miraculous healing to take place that will make dialysis no longer necessary. This is not an idle hope, but a real expectancy because it is when he's in a hard place that God is closer to him than his very breath. It is in this place where healing occurs - so that is why I pray for him while he is in this hard place - that his focus shifts off of himself and onto God - giving him perfect vision and vibrant expectation for the future...

May 27 - Part II

I'm in the hospital room with my daughter - labor is intensifying - reminding of her mother when we were waiting for her arrival into this world. She is changing the world by her presence and Stetson will do the same. James (Stetson's dad) is beside himself as he waits and loves her with his words and his presence - nothing more precious. This new life will change the course of history all around him.

May 27

I have just driven 4 1/2 hours to my daughter's home in Charlotte, North Carolina trying to get there in time for the birth of my grandson, Stetson.  I just made it at 4:00 a.m. EDT and we will be leaving for the hospital soon - I hope.  Hard to think of anything thought provoking or profound at this time of the day.  I need a cappuccino before my  brain will begin functioning properly.

May 26 - Memorial Day

I realize this morning just how thankful I am for those that have given their lives for this country oftentimes on distant shores. Most of those that fought in World War I and II are no longer around or are dwindling in number. Many that fought in the Korean War and the Viet Nam war are still living but have begun to dwindle in number as well. We now have men and women from Desert Storm and more recently the military action in Iraq and Afghanistan. I can't claim to understand the extent of involvement of our country in some of these wars, but I do honor the authority that has been placed over me as a citizen of this country and know that the President and those in the decision making capacity that I placed there by my democratic vote have information available to them that has resulted in the decisions made. I can't begin to appreciate that burden or responsibility. So I pray for them and for those brave warriors that are serving in these foreign lands. Despite popular belief the most powerful weapon we can use is prayer and worship. It moves the hearts of kings and most importantly the heart of God. So the word for this day is - Worship and Prayer.