Adios, Amigo!

Today is M.'s last day. I'm not as sad as I thought I would be. It's not that I won't miss him - I most definitely will. But, I'm really happy for him. I hope this new opportunity will be an awesome experience. And plus, I'll still get to hang out with his family and have quality bonding time with miss B. (It just doesn't get much better than that!) "All things work together for good...."

At Peace With All

When Paul said, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18), what did he really mean? How much are we supposed to give of ourselves? I find it hard to believe that Paul, of all people, meant for us to "not make waves" and do whatever we can to make people happy. How do we know when to let others push us and when to push back? What does peace really mean in this context? Hmmmm.... I welcome your thoughts.

Survival

Well, my dreaded appointment at the dentist this morning has come and gone. My jaw hurts a little from the pressure, but this cavity-filling thing is a cinch compared to the other stuff I've had done in my mouth. Two and a half years of braces. Numerous teeth pulled. Odontogenic keratocyst. Wisdom teeth. Getting a teensy-weensy cavity filled is a breeze!

Kidding aside, I really have so much to be thankful for. I could have lived "back in the day" and had to floss with horse hair or get teeth pulled with pliers and no novacaine (do they actually use that stuff anymore?). Instead, I've been able to have consistent dental care throughout my life and have (nearly) perfect teeth. Thank you, God, for providing the little things I so often take for granted.

Tragedy Strikes

The day has come when what I have worked my whole life to achieve has been destroyed in an instant. I have a cavity. I'm nearly 24 and I've never had a cavity. I've always been proud of my cavity-lessness, and now, it's all over. Never again will I be able to proclaim that I have no cavities and that my teeth are totally perfect. I am flawed for life. (Do you suppose they could fill it with gold so if I'm ever short on cash I'll always have something on hand...or...in tooth?)

Hallelujah!

My sister called on Thursday with super exciting news....My brother-in-law got offered an amazing job! He applied and interviewed quite a while ago but didn't hear anything and his previous job couldn't keep him beyond the end of January. God's timing is perfect and he starts this new job in about a week. Sweetness!

Home

Our Hudson is home! The time from July until now seems such a blur of prayers, tears, worries, and rejoicing and now - finally - it seems the worst is over. Hudson and his Mom stopped by my Mom's work to say hello. It was the first time she'd seen them since July and although Hudson didn't remember her, I have no doubt he'll be smiling and flirting with her again in no time! Smile. Thank you all for your continued prayers. Please pray for Kendra and Hudson's transition to being home again and the older boys' adjustment to having Mom and brother full-time. Pray for continued strength and healing for Hudson. He still has the tracheotomy tube in place, as well as a feeding tube and other hurdles ahead to overcome. But, so far as they can tell, he is cancer-free and has no signs of brain damage due to the surgery or treatments! Praise God from Whom all mercies flow!

Sad Day

Today, my friend and coworker, M., announced that he is leaving. It has been such a blessing to work with him and I am totally crushed. Actually, I told him that I'm mad at him. I'm not really, but his absence here will certainly be felt. His heart for the Lord, his love for his family, the care he shows his patients, his humor and easy-going nature - all will be greatly missed. Thank you, M., for being such a joy to work with! It has been such a blessing to get to know you and your family over the past year and a half. Not once have I heard a harsh word from you even when I've screwed things up at work! I appreciate you and S.'s friendship and I look forward to hanging out and watching the kiddo in the future. It's a stinkin' good thing you're not moving or you'd be in such big trouble! Smile. May the Lord go before you at your new job and may it truly be a blessed and rewarding experience!