The Final Stretch

Yesterday we returned from Knoxville, and today we received the call to go back. So some laundry is in the wash, suitcases are being cleared out to be re-filled, and we are trying to make some plans for Juniper, because we don't have the heart to send her back to the boarding place after just picking her up last night.

These are a few photos from our long weekend in Knoxville. My parents' good friends, Linda and Tom, came by with a delicious meal (including the best ice cream cake we have ever tasted, courtesy of Linda) and Tom's clown get-up with magic tricks for the boys. Myles especially like the magic wand, which had a tip that lit up and muisc that played when he pressed the button on it. Also, there's a photo of my dad eating ice cream next to my brother-in-law Brian, who came out with my sister and her kids for the weekend. They are staying on, he had to return home to work (oh yeah, work).

On Saturday my dad began having trouble keeping food and fluids down. Still today, Tuesday, nothing is staying down so we are inclined to believe that his digestive system has permanently shut down. His weight is 130lbs. We are entering the final stretch.

So I am signing off for a while. We will head back to Knoxville in the morning. As if by pure design, we received word today of two couples that we know from ASP each welcoming their first baby into the world. Welcome, Anna and Henry...you are right on time! A reminder that God is still doing something new among us. Congratulations Helen and Craig, Ryan and Debra! We're thinking about you...

Just the other day, the song that my dad and I danced to at my wedding popped into my head. It's called "Blessed to be a Witness" by Ben Harper:

Corcovado parted the sky and through the darkness on us he shined. Crucified in stone, still his blood is my own. Glory behold all my eyes have seen.

I am blessed to be a witness.

Some have flown away and can't be with us here today. Like the hills of my home some have crumbled and now are gone. Gather round, for today won't come again.

I am blessed to be a witness.

So much sorrow and pain, still I will not live in vain. Like good questions never asked is wisdom wasted on the past.

Only by the grace of God go I. I am blessed to be a witness.

Amen!