Counting our Blessings

Friday, June 24, 2011

Written by Emily

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments on last week’s blog post. As a family, we had so much fun walking down memory lane and pouring over old family photos. In the midst of this difficult journey, we are so thankful for many blessings.

This week dad received the gift of a hospital bed for our home. He is resting much more comfortably, and we hope that the incline will allow him to breathe more easily at night.

I am home visiting for several days. I am so thankful for the help with my newborn, and I think my mom is enjoying the newborn snuggles. Jenny and Adam have also been able to come over daily and we are all enjoying this precious family time together. The two oldest grandchildren (Andrew and Austin) have been attending Vacation Bible School together this week. Tonight as Austin recited John 3:16 to mom and I, we were so thankful for the influence of VBS on children’s lives.

As Austin recited the words, I treasured their meaning, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son. That whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Because of this verse we continue to have great hope. Eternal life! This week dad reminded me that he is not afraid of death. He is tired from his illness. His body is weak and worn. He struggles with confusion and mixes up his words. Dad does not want to suffer… but he is not afraid of death. He knows what is in store – Eternal life.

While eternal life is our ultimate hope, we find hope in dad’s daily condition as well. He seems to be healing from his recent hospitalization and was even able to sit at the dinner table tonight. There are moments when his medications wear off and he is more alert. Sometimes dad is not too tired for a conversation and we hear his wisdom about a situation. And perhaps my favorite current blessings are the moments when he smiles just looking at one of his grandchildren.

I love being home with mom and dad. I love the way they continue to care for one another even in the hardest of times. I learn so much from them about love, marriage, and sacrifice. I am proud of the legacy they have left for their children and grandchildren. So today, our old photos are some of my favorite pictures of mom and dad.

Mom and Dad at their college graduation

Mom and Dad at a Sunday School costume party

Mom and Dad going out with friends to play tennis