Good morning! I can't believe it's been a week since we've last "chatted"!

I realized the other day that it's been nearly 3 months since all "this" began and I was thinking about some of the changes that have taken place. We live much "slower" now - each day is a blessing all by its self. I have been grateful, too, so grateful, that God has chosen not to reveal to us what our days hold - good or bad. How we would fret, if our days held difficulties, wouldn't we? We would just "fritter" away our time stewing. I have not, as of yet, asked much from our doctor what this particular disease might look like down the road - what I might experience in the way of physical things. I have not, as of yet, done much research via the internet or other medical resources as to what may lie ahead. Don't care to - and I'm thankful to those of you who have but not shared with me what you've found. I do, though, have enough medical "awareness" to know the physical life may be challenging as we go along. I am not playing dumb on all this, but not wanting to waste my precious time stewing about things I can do nothing about. We just ask God for grace & patience for each day. He will supply as is our need day by day. Sometimes, hour by hour.

I say all that because our days have been so good. But I think change is on the horizon. I keep saying for as good as I feel and look (!!), I can't be as sick as they say. I just can't be. But I'm noticing some little things...like breathing. I am much more winded these days...the shortness of breath has been creeping in a little bit here and there the past couple of weeks. Don mentioned all the hair in the sink - they are beginning to jump ship! (I didn't mean to leave them behind, I just got distracted when I finished my hair...!) Stamina - ha! That's a precious commodity these days! I am certainly not used to "picking & choosing" what I do in a day or week, but it is sort of coming to that. I am not willing to admit that yet...I refuse to! And I can be stubborn. A little.

Don has just been a tremendous support and helper. He takes care of a lot around the house, besides the outside and work and church and the extras in life...like making a DQ run now and again. Did you know that DQ offers 49-cent cones, too? And they have chocolate & twist besides plain old vanilla!!! We are just enjoying one another so much - but we always have!

One last thing...I saw something last night that just was "over the top" in the joy department! Our little granddaughter, Mia, turned 6 yesterday. We had supper with them at church before VBS (we do a "simple supper" each night...it's wonderful!) and before she headed off to the auditorium, she had her bible with her, opened it up and read - READ - her memory verse! She reads so well - and has started reading on her own from God's word! What a sweet, sweet picture that was...her face up close to the page, her finger moving along with the words - and her sweet little voice saying, "For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) So precious! My heart just leaped for joy! Thank you, Kurt & Jenn, for your example to Mia and Livi and the Godly, loving training that you are raising Mia & Livi with...it's good medicine for Grandpa & Grandma!!

Chemo begins again next Tuesday...but we'll talk again before that.

Blessings to you today...
Much love...and thanks for your kind words of comfort and encouragement. How blessed we are by your expressions of love!
Don & Deb