Back To School

Part 1
Yesterday Tawnya started her Senior year. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. One day you are holding this blond haired baby that looks at you with such gorgous blue eyes. Nothing sounds as good as when she says momma. Then you turn around and she's no longer a baby. She's getting ready to start a life that will take her away from you. You feel so proud of the young woman she has grown into but at the same time are sad for the little girl you are losing.
You learn to treasure the moments when she turns back into that little girl just for a while and needs her mom, knowing that soon even those moments will be gone and on the plus side you are gaining friend as she grows older.
The greatest joy in my life is being a mom. God has blessed me with such a wonderful daughter.
There is a book I have read to Tawnya since she was born, a book that I have already bought a new copy of for her to give my grandchildren, it says it all.
"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be"
Mom

Part 2
I wanted to say something about my other daughter. I have loved you from the first moment I held you when you were born. I missed out on a lot with you but I hope you will understand as you get older that is wasn't by choice. The memories I have are times I will cherish my entire life. The tents in the living room floor, the cardboard boxes made into houses that you played with more than any toys I bought, even the clams. HA HA
I love you more than you will ever be able to understand.
Dad

Part 3
Our foster son started jr. high. I think we are more worried about that than he seems to be. It is a big change for him and a lot less supervision, (which he really needs a lot of)
We hope this year goes a lot smoother than last year.

Edited to add: Carl Made it thru 2 days of School without getting lost or forgetting his locker combination. I know that sounds like stupid stuff but for him it is a big accomplishment.

Weekend

We had a very nice weekend this past one. Paul has been wanting for years to see the Tecumsah outdoor drama. So Paul took off Friday and we all went to see it. The weather was great after being so hot. The show was really good. Paul really enjoyed it. I'm glad, he spends a lot of time doing things we want to do and I'm glad he finally got to see this show that he had been wanting too.
On saturday we went down home for our family reunion. Not a lot of people this year, it seems every year fewer people come. The first year they had it after many years of not, it seemed like everyone showed up. But I guess that's to be expected. It was good to see those who were there and spend time with my family.
My dad is still in good spirits. I think it's bothering mom worse than him. You can just see them both aging and they don't bounce back from things like they used to. But my dad and mom both are great examples of christians who still care more about how others are doing.

God Understands

My dad had some growths removed from his throat a week or two ago. It was supposed to be a simple surgery, before some of the bigger stuff. Some background, his heart valve he had replaced about 10 years ago was leaking and needed fixed and he had a blockage in his neck.
Anyways, the supposed simple surgery would be first.
My dad went back to the Dr. today for his post-op checkup. The tests came back that the growths were malignant. He now faces months of treatments and possibly more surgery.

When I heard the news, for the first time in even after all the other stuff he has been thru, I felt angry. I thought why, why does stuff just keep piling on. Why him? If you know my dad you know he has dedicated his life to God and to serving others. Doesn't God know how important he is to everyone, not just his family but all the souls he is reaching.

But then I thought I know my dad's not mad, his attitude would be, better me than someone else.
I had to remind myself of the numerous times our Heavenly Father has brought my dad thru things that even the Dr.s didn't see a good outcome. God has been there every time. I have to keep faith that once again, it's in God's hands.

I know there will still be times I will feel anger and feel that it's unfair, but I believe God understands that, and if we put our faith in him he can use things that hurt to make us stronger.

I know no matter what the outcome my dad is ready. He's ready to stay here and preach the word and try to win more souls and he's also ready to go home and never have to worry about being sick again.

I hope God allows him to live many, many more years, it's all in his hands, but the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.