These Days

Friday, July 1
from Jenny

On Thursday of this week, my parents shared a wonderful visit with a longtime friend. When my mom was about fifteen years old, she met Jackie, a young woman who became a mentor, teacher and dear friend through the years. Jackie was instrumental in leading my mom to Christ, she worked at my parents' high school, and was actually the one who introduced them to eachother when they were 17 years old! Jackie joked with me today, as I stopped by to briefly say hello, that she began and ended her matchmaking career with my mom & dad. She figured she should stop while she had a good track record, I suppose! Jackie and her sister spent sweet time with my parents today just encouraging them, playing with a few of the grandkids, and catching up on old times. It was a real treat for my parents.

These days, we have been blessed with lots of special visits like Jackie's. Just last week, Uncle Chuck (my Dad's brother) was back in town and was able to spend part of his time at the house while he attended a conference nearby. Emily & James were able to come down from Gainesville, too. It's really great for us (their kids) to see all the love and support of those who know my parents so well and from all different parts of their lives.

My dad enjoys the visits and is usually able to lie on the couch for a few minutes and contribute to the conversation here and there. But the shingles are still causing him tremendous pain, and the pain medications leave him exhausted and often confused. Today, he wanted to talk about his dialysis schedule with me. He began by saying that he thought he was a little fuzzy and asked me what today was. It took me a good ten seconds to recall the correct answer for myself, and he got it right before I did! I laughed, and told him he seemed to be in better shape mentally than I was at the moment!

Dad has stayed out of the hospital for two weeks now, and we are all SOOOO grateful for that! A hospital bed was given to my Dad this week to use at home, and he was so excited the morning after his first night's sleep in it. With the ability to raise and lower his head, he is getting more comfortable periods of sleep.

He struggles with his continued, unquenchable thirst (if you recall, he is limited to 32 oz. of liquid each day because of dialysis and his congestive heart failure).
My mom asked him tonight (Thursday) what he would write about if he could compose his own blog post. His answer: The Samaritan woman who went to the well for water and Jesus' offer of water that would quench her thirst forever. He said he'd like some of that thirst-quenching water tonight. My mom told me, "I'm sure he would have turned that into a wonderful blog post."

I have no doubt.

But these days, he just isn't able to gather the strength. So, we'll just keep on reporting our weekly updates on his behalf. We'll continue to use these opportunities to express our gratitude for the strength you infuse into us through your prayers and friendship. We'll keep on praising God for His presence and peace, and we'll continue to ask for your prayers.