Sick Boy

This has been a tough week for Steven. You know he's sick when he actually has a shirt on in the house AND he's sitting in front of a hot fireplace (yesterday). He has had H1N1 (most likely) since Sunday morning and it is now Saturday. He seemed to start to get better mid week, but spiked a fever (104) again Thursday night. We took a trip to the Dr yesterday, who didn't like the fact that his fever had returned and after listening to his lungs suspected a secondary infection (bronchitis/pneumonia) starting. This morning his temperature is 100 and he seems like he's returning to his old self, yipee!!!!

Thanksgiving

Another Thanksgiving has passed. Yesterday was a wonderful day just being with family at my brother in law and sister Martha's house. There were 22 of us. The food was delicious! We worked on our traditional family puzzle, and the guys enjoyed a couple of games of Eucre. My brother in law, James, read a Bible passage and we discussed things we were thankful for. I have to admit, this was an emotional Thanksgiving for me. Everything seemed to remind me of my dad, and I found it a little hard to speak when it came time to say what we are thankful for...not because I'm not thankful, but because I am so thankful for what he has left all of us. God IS good.

The New Normal

Well, it has now been almost 2 months since my dad passed away, and things seem to have settled into a new normal. My nephew Dave, his pregnant wife Leta, and their almost year old son, have moved into my mom's house with her. I know this is a huge adjustment for all involved and I'm sure it's not always easy, but it comforts me to see Leta being such a servant to my mom. I have witnessed her preparing and bringing my mom her lunch, reminding her to take her medication, and spending time with her working on puzzles. Besides having different people living with her, every other Wednesday Mom and I take a 45 minute ride to my handicapped brother's house and take him out for a ride and to get a Frosty at Wendy's. This is something that she and dad always did together, but I am enjoying doing with her. Tim doesn't talk, but I know it means the world to him. Today I took Mom up to her Pulmonary specialist and we were both pleased to find out that she hasn't lost any lung function since her last visit in June. :) Thanksgiving will officially be here in 2 days and there is so much to be thankful for. I can't wait to hang with my family for the day and do just that with all of them...be thankful for God's goodness and love.

A Welcome Home For Dad

My wonderful, loving father passed into glory yesterday with all of us right by his side. Immediately after he took his last breath God sent a bright ray of sunshine through what had been a very cloud covered sky. The sun lasted just a few minutes, but was a reminder to us that God was very close. Then the clouds then returned. I will be forever grateful for the blessing he was to me through the years. I am not crying tears for him, I promised him that I wouldn't cry for him when he was gone, but I am crying tears for me. (see the song below that reminds me of what he said to me) I miss him so much already.

All My Tears

When I heard this song tonight it reminded me of my dad. When we were talking the other day he said, "When I'm gone don't cry for me."

He Is

Father let the world just fade away
Let me feel Your presence in this place
Lord I've never been so weary
How I need to know You're near me
Father let the world just fade away
'Til I'm on my knees
'Til my heart can sing

He is
He was
He always will be
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
He is

Father let Your Holy Spirit sing
Let it calm this storm inside of me
As I stand amazed
Lift my hands and say

He is
He was
He always will be
He lives
He loves
He's always with me
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me
Be still my soul

Through every fear
And every doubt
In every tear I shed
Down every road
I'm not alone
No matter where I am

He is
He was
He always will be
He lives
He loves
He's always with me
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me
Be still my soul
Be still and know
Be still my soul
He is

My Dad

Last week had to have been one of the hardest weeks of my life, for I was told that my dad has pretty advanced lung cancer and is opting for no treatment. The fact that he is opting for no treatment is not surprising, he has never been one to run to Drs much and feels that when God wants to take him home to Heaven, he's ready. He isn't worried about his sickness or about the fact that he's going to die soon, for he knows he's going to a much better place, but instead he's more worried about my mom and the fact that he can no longer care for her the way he always has. Another concern of his is his nursing home ministry and his Open Door Mission ministry, and who will continue tell those people that there is hope in Jesus Christ if you trust Him as your personal Savior. My dad has been an inspiration to me my entire life, always encouraging, always praying for his children and grandchildren, always reading, memorizing, and quoting scripture. Not only will I never forget his wonderful Godly example when he is gone from this world, but the things that he did with us and all the hard work he did to provide for us. I hope I have many more months to spend with him, but I fear that our time will be much too short. I will savor every single minute I can. I know that God holds him and us in the palm of His hand and loves us immensely, and he will continue to do His work through all of this.
Dad, I want to say thank you for all your endless love and support through the years, and for all the prayers you prayed for me and for your Godly example. The legacy you will leave behind is great. I am so glad that when we are separated here through death, it is so temporary. I am looking forward to the day when we will be reunited in a much better place.

I love you,
Rachel