April has been full of lessons in faith and trust, and especially of hope. Sixteen days ago Aaron had his stem cell transplant. Today, blood tests showed the first signs of engraftment! Praise God! Tuesday the 17th my dad had surgery to fuse his lower spine. He was supposed to go home Friday, but is still in the hospital rehab unit finally able to manage his pain and learning how to get in and out of bed, get dressed, use the bathroom, eat, and all the other basic stuff. He will have a special brace contraption for at least six months until the new bone starts to grow. It has been difficult to see my dad in so much pain, but encouraging these past few visits, seeing him sitting in a wheel chair and smiling at the kids. The 20th as many know was the two year anniversary of Tim’s death. That day, for me was full of frustration. I wanted to be quiet and remember and grieve and smile and hope for the future. I wanted to be with friends. Instead it was a very loud, busy day. I had to return to work in the afternoon, my dad was supposed to go home that day from the hospital and he didn’t, we had no one to watch the kids so we couldn’t be with friends at the dessert gathering. I was sad, frustrated, overwhelmed. So as the month ends, I am grateful for the growth God has allowed, thrilled at the blessings and healings he has had His hand on, and especially hopeful in looking to the future, seeing what God has in store for all of us…friends and family.
I had him, it was so close. After many missed attempts at catching Oliver the past two nights, last night he walked into my bedroom to visit with Shaft. I reached over and shut the screen door, and then the excitement began. Oliver jumped into the screen trying to run out the door. Being unsuccessful he launched himself into the air and grabbed hold of the screen about four or five feet up. He shimmied across the screen away from my hands (I was trying to grab him) and wedged himself between the glass slider and the screen. I reached into the opening and he slid down head first walking his hind legs up the screen and his front legs away from me. I though I was hurting him because he was yowling and screaming. Shaft was terrified because his sweet little friend was making such horrific noises. Nathan took over. He reached into the opening with both hands to grab Oliver, and in one amazing fast and furious move the kitty clawed Nathan’s wrist and pushed the screen door off the track making himself an very small exit, and a very fast get away.
Needless to say he still needs to be fixed; but he did come back for a visit tonight and to eat his supper, even in the rain.
In response to my sister’s request for a link to “good chocolate” and Nancy’s question about what can we do. Here is a link to the organization we are involved with. There are many actionable ideas and suggestions on what one person can do to make a difference. Signing the declaration is a simple first step.
There is a free spay/neuter clinic on Sunday so I am going to try and catch my kitty friend. When I called to make an appointment the nurse asked me for his name (yes its a boy for sure). Nathan had asked me not to name him so I hadn’t. After stalling a few minutes and asking Joey, who wouldn’t give me a name, I told her to call him Spaz. I hate it, Nathan will hate it, Joey hates it. After hanging up she suggested Cinderella, and then Gavin. Hmmm. Any suggestions? Anyone want a kitty to tame and love? He really is cute!
Boy with small nuts or girl in heat with swollen glands?? We vote girl, but aren’t positive. By the way don’t google cat in heat images unless you want yucky pictures…ooops.
The kitty slept on the door mat outside our room last night and was so happy to see faces at the window this morning. (S)He was rubbing against the screen, purring I’m sure. I want to adopt the her(him) but I know I can’t. This SUCKS
We have a little grey friend that has been visiting our bedroom screen door every night. It has a sweet little cry that makes me want to love it and pet it and give it a home. Unfortunately my cat moo moo is somewhat bitchy and doesn’t like to share my attention. While I sat in the yard making kissy sounds trying to coax the kitty over to me, moo moo sat in side growling her evil, “I will kill you” growl. So I haven’t even been able to pet the little guy, but I want to find him a home, and he seems like he really wants to try to make friends…just a little scared.
My friend Kathleen gave birth to her second boy yesterday. Evan James is a healthy 7lbs 10oz. Congratulations to Kathy, Rick, and Erick on their new addition.
Aaron had his stem cell transplant yesterday. All went well. It took a whopping 15minutes. Now we wait and pray that the new cells makes themselves at home.
We were driving home from lunch today and saw a group of 30 or more people walking across the street. The guy in front was carrying (rolling on one wheel) a cross. I asked Joey what they were doing. Her response is here. I continued to talk about the cross and resurrection taking the opportunity for some bible time. She was quiet and seemed to be listening. Suddenly she made an excited sound and yelled “Jamba Juice!”
And Bible lesson over.