tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22378656192857863362024-03-04T21:40:28.131-08:00Hearing with the HeartListening to God
and
finding light
for my way.Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-83865892168615024332020-02-05T19:05:00.000-08:002020-02-05T19:05:27.352-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall."</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Gen. 49:22</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Relaxing in the California sunshine I admire the orange tree that generously shares its fruit with its neighbors. We do not own the tree and thus do not tend it. And yet we may pick the fruit hanging on our side of the wall. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The tree itself cannot tend itself. Someone else planted it and waters it. The sun gives the leaves the food they need to nourish the tree.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the kingdom of God I too am a tree. God makes me grow by anointing me with the Spirit, consecrating me or 'filling my hands' with his power, and sanctifying or 'cleansing' me with His Living Word. These 3 actions prepared the Old Testament priests to minister to God in the temple. So what is my part? The tree feeds on the stream running beneath it. In the case of the orange tree its an irrigation pipe. In my case its the living Presence of Jesus that feeds me. And how do I minister to God? By worshipping and adoring Him. </div>
Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-15269327955205203122019-08-11T21:18:00.000-07:002019-08-11T21:18:50.739-07:00Jesus, please wash my feet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
My 94 year old father recently had a dream in which his
grandson said to him, “Grandpa, if you want to go deeper in prayer, ask Jesus
to wash your feet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did this mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Didn’t washing feet in the church mean
service to one another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began pondering
this statement and asking the Holy Spirit to explain it to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is what he said, “Jesus is serving you.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was shocked. Aren’t I supposed
to serve Him? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No,” Holy Spirit said, “He
is serving you by making you holy.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
remembered that Jesus had told the disciples, “You are already clean because of
the Word I have spoken to you.” (John
15:2) And 1 Peter 1:2 states that the Holy
Spirit sanctifies us unto obedience. It
is clear from scripture that we cannot make ourselves holy or pure. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet Peter resisted until
Jesus said, “Unless I wash you, you have no part [or share] with me.” (Jn 13:8)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus went on to reassure the disciples that
they were clean and that a washed body only needed to have its feet
washed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously this was meant to be
an analogy as opposed to a physical ritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although our bodies are precious to God, He is less concerned with dirty
feet as He is with worldly contamination that sticks to the edges of our
souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how does He wash our metaphorical feet?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever so gently he shines the spotlight on our
hearts to expose any darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes
He is already removing the worldliness without us being fully aware of the
process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember as a young mom how I
began to feel somewhat uncomfortable with the large number of novels that I
would borrow from the local library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was an insatiable need to have at least 10 – 15 books on hand <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in case </i>I had time to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pondering the source of this sudden
discomfort I gradually began reducing the number of books that I borrowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over time the novels I used to love became
less appealing and my reading priorities shifted to the Bible and spiritual
books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This change in preference gave me
a much stronger foundation for raising my children who began arriving soon
after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I can clearly see that the
Holy Spirit was gently sanctifying my reading preference and cleansing me with
edifying materials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was washing my
feet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even though I wanted to be a powerful prayer warrior,
sanctification did not mean that I was ready to immediately jump into deeper
intercession and anointed ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
simply meant that I was in training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
loved the Lord with a simple heart but that love still had a lot of growing to
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart had to learn how to receive
the Father’s love so that it could be enlarged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had to learn to be able to hear the Holy Spirit and to recognize His
anointing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to let go of my agendas
in prayer and simply come to Jesus with adoration and worship. And always, the
Word had to inform and confirm my experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slowly I have learned to trust Jesus to keep me pure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having the mind of Christ means that His ways
are continually flowing through me and cleansing me from my ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found greater fellowship with Jesus,
the Holy Spirit and the Father, and this brings me much joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I expect that my prayers are becoming more
anointed and powerful although it is not always given to us to see the ‘fruit
of our labors’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply come to Jesus
with a heart of love whenever I am praying for someone and rest in His ability
to interpret my groans and utterances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-19164252445737729472015-01-08T15:59:00.001-08:002015-01-08T16:03:40.987-08:00Can you ever stop being a mother?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6yTwT4jzXDwrLIAPR9Iz8Usp8J0mEsLySu1WP6bvnQi7ytuUoLN6e7u969oPXHGnV2xNy7vS021szTg0R91G7TVrGbe0ZlbQmYuDL1L7OH75yl1ZHqjiyhWHoNmQ74DhbfTlptGacG-S/s1600/IMG_20140905_061212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6yTwT4jzXDwrLIAPR9Iz8Usp8J0mEsLySu1WP6bvnQi7ytuUoLN6e7u969oPXHGnV2xNy7vS021szTg0R91G7TVrGbe0ZlbQmYuDL1L7OH75yl1ZHqjiyhWHoNmQ74DhbfTlptGacG-S/s1600/IMG_20140905_061212.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jan 5, 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We arrive at US Border Customs with a mixture of attitudes: I am feeling anxious and saying things
like—'Aaron should have brought his school letter along...what if they become
suspicious about his trip to LA'; Harry
is slightly annoyed by my anxious comments and grips the steering wheel more tightly, and Aaron is blissfully confident
that nothing can go wrong. Boom
roasted! Everything does go wrong! The cheerful customs official hands us a pink
slip at the very end of his litany sending us (still with a cheerful tone) into
the Customs building. Never trust a
cheerful man at lunch time! The woman who greets us inside the building looks like she just had
her lunchs and it didn't agree with her.
Her tone is stern and somewhat sarcastic as though she knows exactly
where she is going with her questions.
However, in the end there was nowhere to ‘go’ with the questions and
Aaron’s story has to be accepted as accurate.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, with this 45 minute delay we are bound to miss Aaron’s
flight. We do our best, passing cars on
the 2 lane highway with great decorum, speeding up at yellow lights as
inconspicuously as possible, and keeping a sharp lookout for state troopers. Aaron gives directions to the
airport at lightning speed and Harry practises his Nascar skills with great
dexterity. At the Departure doors Aaron
bounds out of the car with back-pack, pillow, and suitcase flapping
alongside. I hurry after him </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inside the departure area he runs directly to
the passenger line up. Only no one is
lined up of course. Only one 30-ish Latino
woman is sweetly saying, ‘Good-bye Mummy’ as Aaron dashes past her. I glance at ‘Mummy’ an older Latino woman in
her 50’s, heavily made up and dressed in her Sunday best. She smiles at me and says with a heavy sigh,
”My daughter.” I smile back
understandingly. It is always hard to
say goodbye.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As my eyes anxiously follow Aaron’s progress through security, I say to her, “Children should stay close to home, don’t you
think?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes,” she says emphatically with tears filling her
eyes. I want to give her a hug but don’t
want to lose sight of Aaron. So I move closer to her while keeping my eyes on Aaron.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I told my 3 sons that it was an unspoken rule that children
should live close to their parents,” I
go on to say confidingly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She nods, but then informs me that even though her daughter
is returning to El Salvador they call each other every week. She says, “My daughter always tells me, Mummy,
I need you every single day. I will always need you.” I
tell her she is lucky to have a daughter.
But no, there is more. She has a son too who calls her from Canada. Every single day!
I stand in awe of such loyalty.
How did she produce such loving kids? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I see Aaron grabbing his stuff and running for all he's worth towards the gate and out of sight, I feel extremely anxious. I walk over to the lobby to study the Arrivals
and Departures screen. Did he make
it? How will I know? Should we wait?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From a distance I hear, “Lady! Good bye!”
I scan the lobby and see my Spanish friend waving as she leaves the
building. My heart is warmed and I wave
back enthusiastically. I see the secret
of her loving family. She is a loving
person. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tell my husband we will wait a few minutes to make sure
Aaron made it on the plane even though he was 5 minutes late for boarding. To our dismay he returns within minutes. He did not board. It was too late. But we say nothing and wait for him to
re-book. We all remain calm in spite of
the stress we have felt for the last hour. I am thankful to have my son with me a little
longer even though we just wasted a $150 plane ticket and he had to pay $75 for another one. Some things just can't be measured in dollars and cents. And one of those is a mother's love. I will never stop being a mother, I guess.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-79740178949474237582014-08-06T09:29:00.001-07:002014-08-06T09:29:31.217-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsda9ccBrODime1uq4UTZZjoQLwDoikMI2H_nH50nzT5CbO0rupDyEp9a70vf-cqbRjmqe4z3OzRv_33mYKGZFeJ-68wmguJVd8T2QazDzLD61lZJ42SV_MEQxdiE8zQNSJyO9MKnqw3Pe/s1600/teddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsda9ccBrODime1uq4UTZZjoQLwDoikMI2H_nH50nzT5CbO0rupDyEp9a70vf-cqbRjmqe4z3OzRv_33mYKGZFeJ-68wmguJVd8T2QazDzLD61lZJ42SV_MEQxdiE8zQNSJyO9MKnqw3Pe/s1600/teddy.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">BOOK - Chapter 6</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chapter 6</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The next day
was <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>'s first radiation
appointment. We had decided to leave <st1:givenname w:st="on">Ryan</st1:givenname> and Ari with my mom so that <st1:givenname w:st="on">Harry</st1:givenname> and I could give <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>
our undivided attention. We arrived at
the large Cancer Clinic in <st1:sn w:st="on"><st2:city w:st="on"><st2:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st2:place></st2:city></st1:sn> and took the elevator
upstairs to the Radiation Department. A
long hallway stretched to the left with a sign hanging from the ceiling that
read "250 KV". That was the
designation for the machine which could produce 250 kilovolts of
radiation. It was one of the less powerful
machines and looked innocuous enough, but my spirit was fearful as a technician
approached us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Are you Mr. and <st2:personname w:st="on"><st1:title w:st="on">Mrs.</st1:title> <st1:sn w:st="on">Schroeder</st1:sn></st2:personname>?"
she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Yes," we both answered at once. "I'm Dr. <st1:sn w:st="on">Godard</st1:sn>," she introduced herself. "I understand you're not sure whether
you want to go ahead with radiation today." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> <st1:givenname w:st="on">Harry</st1:givenname>
and I glanced at each other a little surprised that our concerns were being
addressed by every sector of the medical establishment. As we hesitated over what to say, she went
on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "It can certainly be
postponed," she continued. "You shouldn't feel pressured."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "What happens if we choose not
to do the radiation immediately?" <st1:givenname w:st="on">Harry</st1:givenname> asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "The testicular radiation can
be added to the radiation your son will get later just before his
transplant. It makes no difference to
us, or to his prognosis. However, if he
has the radiation in separate batches it will give his skin time to heal up in
between." Again, Harry and I both began to speak, then stopped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> <st1:title w:st="on">Dr.</st1:title>
Goddard looked at us searchingly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Would you like a little time
to think it over?" she asked. "You can come back tomorrow if you
like." The thought of having driven
all this way in vain bothered me and yet the door to confusion had now been
reopened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Can we have 5 minutes right
now to make up our minds?" asked
Harry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Certainly," was her
gracious reply. "Feel free to use
this little room and let me know when you've decided. It’s no problem to reschedule his
appointments." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Leaving <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>
with some toys in the waiting room we entered the small treatment room and
closed the door behind us. Harry felt
that having come this far and knowing Andrew would have to have this radiation
anyways we should probably go ahead with it.
I nodded my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Let's just pray before we go
back out there," Harry
suggested. As we lifted our voices in
supplication for our son, we were reassured that friends at home were praying
with us including our friend Dave who had promised to fast and pray for us that
day. Later he told us that at the exact
moment when we were getting our peace,
he was receiving confirmation that our indecision was over and that we
would be alright. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Back at the cancer clinic we
re-entered the hallway to be met by a pretty, dark-haired technician who introduced
herself as Alex and asked us to follow her.
In the treatment room <st1:givenname w:st="on">Harry</st1:givenname>
lifted up <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname> onto the bed where a
few measurements had to be taken before positioning the radiation machine. Before we left the room <st1:givenname w:st="on">Alex</st1:givenname>
put a beautiful plush white teddy bear into <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>'s
hands. It had a red satin bow around its
neck that contrasted with the bright whiteness of the soft bear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "<st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>,
<st1:givenname w:st="on">Teddy</st1:givenname> here is going to stay with you
in this room while the machine takes pictures of you. Can you lie really still all by
yourself?" <st1:givenname w:st="on">Alex</st1:givenname>
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>
nodded his head seriously. He was always
very quiet and very good when in the presence of medical staff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Would you like to hold <st1:givenname w:st="on">Teddy</st1:givenname>?"
she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> A nod was his only response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "<st1:givenname w:st="on">Teddy</st1:givenname>,
this little boy is <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname> and he would
like to be friends with you. How would
you like to lie on the bed beside him?"
<st1:givenname w:st="on">Teddy</st1:givenname> nodded vigorously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> The two were settled down together
and the rest of us all left the room.
The heavy white door clicked shut and I felt tears pricking at my
eyelids. How could we do this to our little
boy? It broke my heart to think that we
were forever closing the door on <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>'s
ability to have children. He had been
such a blessing to us. Now he might
never experience the blessing of fatherhood himself. Through my hurting thoughts I heard someone
speaking to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Mrs. Schroeder, you can talk
to Andrew over the intercom if you like," Alex suggested kindly. I sat down in the office chair and pressed
the intercom button.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Hi, <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>,
can you hear me?" I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Yes," came a tiny faraway
voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Isn't this fun to talk to each
other through the walls. How's <st1:givenname w:st="on">Teddy</st1:givenname> by the way?" I went on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "He's okay."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Have you thought of a name for
him yet?" I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "No."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "How about Snowflake?"<br />
"No."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Did you see all the stickers
on the machine?"<br />
"Yes." I was running out of steam. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "Tomorrow I'll bring a book and
read you a story," I promised. With relief I saw the red light on the
monitor go out and the treatment was finally over. After saying goodbye to <st1:givenname w:st="on">Teddy</st1:givenname>
and receiving some flashy stickers for being a good boy, Andrew was allowed to leave and we headed for home. It had gone better
than we'd expected and slowly our anxiety about radiation settled down. Little did we know how painful the side
effects would be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Two more days of radiation followed
during which Andrew began to complain of a mouth sore and I began to feel sick
with the flu. By Friday I was becoming
more and more fatigued, my food was going straight through me and <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname> seemed unusually irritable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Since we had invited a couple over
for Friday night Mom and Dad suggested that the three boys stay at their
house. I accepted the offer, wanting to
have a quiet visit with our company.
They were complete strangers to us but had been through a similar
illness with their three year old daughter and were willing to share their
experience with us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> The boys went happily to Grandma's
and I put on the coffee for company.
When Les and <st1:givenname w:st="on">June</st1:givenname> arrived we sensed
that they were still grieving the loss of their daughter and that this visit
was difficult for them. It was less than
a month since their little daughter had suddenly died and their wounds were
still very fresh. With very little
preamble they bravely launched into their story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Little Britney had been diagnosed
with an aggressive form of leukemia with very limited time left to treat
her. The only medical option was a
transplant with her 6 month old baby sister as donor. The parents were horrified when they
researched all that a transplant entailed for the donor. The baby was too young to endure the
procedure. Les became zealously
consumed with the need to research the disease and uncover every possible
treatment. As a result they had relocated
to another city on the other side of the country to seek the help of a
reknowned naturopath. He attained a
measure of success in restoring Britney to health briefly, however, the
reprieve was short-lived as she passed away suddenly while still being treated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> As Les and <st1:givenname w:st="on">June</st1:givenname>
told us their story we were amazed at their vast knowledge of cancer and
alternative remedies. They had a
comprehensive grasp of both conventional medicine and natural remedies. They offered us literature to read as well as
the phone number of the naturopath they had used. We talked well into the night asking
questions and absorbing information from this young, grieving couple. We could not know the emotional toll this
visit had on them, causing them to relive the last tragic months of their
daughter's life so soon after her death, but we saw the grace of God at work in
their lives and stood in awe of their peaceful acceptance of His will in their
lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> The next day was a trying one for
me. I had been awake most of the night as
I replayed everything that had been said the night before. Once again doubts began to creep into my mind
regarding the transplant. We could still
avoid it and choose the less painful route with natural medicine. But would it be less painful?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Meanwhile I took the opportunity
that morning to see my general practitioner without the children. <st1:title w:st="on">Dr.</st1:title> Pauls
warmly welcomed me and eagerly asked about Andrew. I told him that we were facing more chemo,
radiation,and a transplant. I did not
mention my inner turmoil but added that the transplant was only giving us a
30-40% chance of success. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> <st2:personname w:st="on"><st1:title w:st="on">Dr.</st1:title> <st1:sn w:st="on">Pauls</st1:sn></st2:personname>
responded with words that, unbeknownst to him, carried great significance for
me, "You can have the transplant and God might heal him. Or, He might not." The thought came to me that here again was a
member of the medical profession giving glory to God. Was this God's way of directing us? The much slandered medical profession was proving
to be far more God-honoring that we had anticipated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> <st1:title w:st="on">Dr.</st1:title>
Pauls finished writing out a prescription for me and as he handed it to me said
sorrowfully, "I could just cry."
He turned away abruptly and reached for a kleenex, his shoulders heaving
silently. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "You're going
to get me started if you do that,"
I said fumbling for my own tissue.
"We'll be okay. We know God
is with us and He's in control," I added.
<st2:personname w:st="on"><st1:title w:st="on">Dr.</st1:title> <st1:sn w:st="on">Pauls</st1:sn></st2:personname> nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "Can I give
you a hug?" he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "Absolutely. I need all the hugs I can get," I
replied. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> I left his office
with a lighter heart and drove to Mom's, unaware that my words would soon be
tested. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Ari came running to
greet me with a hug while Mom met me with worried eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "<st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname> hasn't eaten a thing since last night,"
she said in a low voice. "He's
just been lying on the couch all morning.
He keeps complaining of a sore mouth." I pulled off my coat and hurried over to the
couch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "Hi,
Andy-bandy! How're you feeling?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "My mouth-sore
hurts," he mumbled softly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "Is that why
you're not eating?" I asked. "Or is it because you're not hungry?" He shrugged his shoulders listlessly in
response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "What would
you like for lunch, <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>?" coaxed Grandma. "Can I make you a hot dog?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> His eyes brightened
briefly as he nodded his head. While mom
got the hot dogs ready I set the table and told her of my visit to the
doctor. Calling the children to the
table I went to <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>'s side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "Can you get
up to come to the table, honey?" I
asked. He shook his head lethargically. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "Maybe I
better take a look at that mouth,"
I suggested. He obediently opened
his mouth a little. "Can you open a
little wider?" I asked. He started to cry. "Ok. We'll get a flashlight,
honey," I soothed him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Grandpa, who had
come in for lunch, quickly brought me a flashlight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> I was shocked by
what I saw in <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>'s mouth. The insides of his cheek were bright red and
inflamed. At the base of the gums was a
white canker sore that had already eaten away a deep hole into the flesh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "You're not
going to be able to eat are you?" I
asked <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>. He shook his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "Does it hurt
to talk?" I questioned. He nodded.
By now my lightheartedness had completely dissipated and the familiar
gnawing of fear started up in the pit of my stomach. I choked down some lunch wondering if the
churning monster of fear would forever stalk me. But then courage came to me as I remembered
Les and <st1:givenname w:st="on">June</st1:givenname> and their strong
determination to make informed decisions for their daughter. In the inspiration of that moment I tried to
follow their example by calling up a local herbalist. I wanted help and I wanted it right now. The cancer clinic was closed for the weekend
and I had nowhere else to turn. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The herbalist was
understanding and helpful, suggesting some remedies that I could begin
immediately. We also made an
appointment for a consultation with her.
I dashed off to the nearest health store and bought a number of bottles,
returning to Mom's house with renewed hope.
<st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname> refused to swallow any
of them. The pain in his mouth was so
great that he could no longer open his mouth to talk. I was frantic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Grabbing the phone
once again I called my sister <st1:givenname w:st="on">Liz</st1:givenname>. As a registered nurse, she was the medical
expert in our family and the one we all went to for advice. She listened quietly as I poured out my fears
and then in her calm way asked if the hospital had provided me with anything to
counteract the effects of radiation. My
mind stopped short. How was that
connected with Andrew's symptoms? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "I've been
given some bottles of medicated mouthwash but I think he's past getting any help
from them," I replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "Keep using
those, Marilyn, I'm sure they will help,"
she insisted. I sighed as we hung
up, wondering how I would get <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>
to open his mouth never mind trying to swish and rinse it out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The next day was
Sunday and after church everyone met at Mom and Dad's for a big family
dinner. When <st1:givenname w:st="on">Liz</st1:givenname>
and her family arrived I drew her into a quiet corner where we reviewed <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>'s situation.
She went to <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>, who was already lying on the couch, and put her arm gently around him. Talking softly she got him to open his mouth
partially while I held the flashlight.
After a quick look inside she too looked worried and asked whether we
were using the medicated mouth wash. I
decided to make the best of this opportunity hoping that someone else's coaxing
would help <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname> to submit to a mouth
rinse. <st1:givenname w:st="on">Liz</st1:givenname>
helped me draw <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname> to the sink
while I readied the mouthwash.
Grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles came to surround <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname> with their support and encouragement. To please his crowd of onlookers <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname> swished and spit while we cheered him on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> As soon as the
rinse was done he collapsed back onto the couch. However, to my surprise he admitted that his
mouth felt a little better. By evening,
after a second mouth rinse he was able to sip a little juice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Unfortunately
things didn't improve much over the next day and I began to feel stressed
out. My stomach was still not digesting
food properly, our sleep was always being interrupted with Ari crawling into
bed with us, and during the day I still had to keep homeschooling the boys as
well as continue the daily household chores.
Added to this was the pressure of remembering all of <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>'s medications, organizing our schedule around
his many appointments, and trying to read yet one more health book in my
'spare' time. The frequent trips to <st1:sn w:st="on"><st2:city w:st="on"><st2:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st2:place></st2:city></st1:sn>
required constant packing and unpacking since we always went the night before
to avoid the horrendous morning rush-hour traffic. Now with <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>
experiencing unfamiliar side effects I was seized with new worries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Two days of
not eating and only sipping juices from a straw made him hungrier and hungrier. I
prepared his favourite foods as he waited hopefully, and then with his first
tiny bite all appetite fled in the face of burning pain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> For once I was
relieved to be going to Children's Hospital and could hardly wait for his next
appointment. In the morning I wakened
early to have my quiet time. <br />
Rubbing my eyes sleepily I
opened my One Year Bible. Skimming over
the Old Testament passage for the day I hurried to the New Testament section
which was Matthew 14:13-36.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "When <st1:givenname w:st="on">Jesus</st1:givenname> heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat
privately to a solitary place."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> A sigh escaped my
lips as my spirit joined with <st1:sn w:st="on">Christ</st1:sn> in his
sadness. He had just received word of
his cousin John's gruesome death and in the grief of that moment He wanted to
be alone. I imagined that He wanted to
pray and perhaps weep, but my imagination was left wondering because by the
time he reached land a large crowd was already there to greet Him. No time to pray and weep. Instead He healed the people, then he fed
them with five loaves and two fish, and finally sent off his weary disciples
while He dismissed the crowd. At last
there was time to pray. But the needs of
others came calling once again as He noticed that the disciples' ship was being
buffeted by wind and waves. Off He went
to attend to their needs. His compassion
and servant-spirit never quit. Nowhere
could I find a shred of resentment or even discouragement in <st1:givenname w:st="on">Jesus</st1:givenname> during this time of obvious sorrow in His
life. He took moments of solitude where
He could but never ignored the needs of others as they intruded upon Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Fully awake by now,
I prayed for a pure heart and resolved to look to <st1:sn w:st="on">Christ</st1:sn>
for my strength, and to my husband for help in ordering my priorities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> After dropping off <st1:givenname w:st="on">Ryan</st1:givenname> and Ari at Mom's, <st1:givenname w:st="on">Harry</st1:givenname>,
<st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname> and I finally set off for <st1:sn w:st="on"><st2:city w:st="on"><st2:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st2:place></st2:city></st1:sn>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Our first stop was
the cancer clinic for another radiation treatment. <st1:givenname w:st="on">Alex</st1:givenname>,
the technician, greeted us warmly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "Teddy sure
missed you over the weekend, Andrew,"
she said. <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>
smiled weakly as he quietly climbed onto the bed. <st1:givenname w:st="on">Alex</st1:givenname>
gave him <st1:givenname w:st="on">Teddy</st1:givenname> to hold while the
machines were readied above him. As <st1:givenname w:st="on">Alex</st1:givenname> and I left the room she remarked on his
paleness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "He's had a
sore mouth all weekend," I told
her. "It's kept him from
eating." She nodded sympathetically
as she turned on the intercom for me to communicate with <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>. When I looked up from my TV monitor at the
end of his treatment I noticed that <st1:givenname w:st="on">Alex</st1:givenname>
was gone. Another technician turned off
the radiation machine and together we went in to help <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>
get dressed. <st1:givenname w:st="on">Teddy</st1:givenname>
was placed back on the shelf until tomorrow and <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>
picked another sticker for his record chart.
We put on our coats, met <st1:givenname w:st="on">Harry</st1:givenname>
in the waiting room and headed for the elevator. To our surprise we saw <st1:givenname w:st="on">Alex</st1:givenname>
there waiting for us. In her hand was a
large present for <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "You need a
little something to cheer you up,"
she smiled handing a kit of play dough to Andrew. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "Thank
you," Andrew whispered. I thought I
saw tears in her eyes but she quickly waved goodbye and walked away. This was not the first gift he had received
from the radiation nurses, but it was the biggest by far, and it warmed my
heart perhaps even more than <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>'s. <st1:givenname w:st="on">Alex</st1:givenname>
had once told me that she, too, had a little boy <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>'s
age and I suspected that these gifts were prompted by a mother's heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> When we arrived at
Children's the usual blood test was to be taken. Unfortunately the blood would not draw
properly and so <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>'s VAD had to be
poked twice. While we waited for the
results I discussed his mouth sores with the nurse who instructed us to
continue diligently using the medicated mouth rinses and to step up the mouth
care to every two hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Three hours later
we finally received the blood results.
All his blood counts had dropped radically and we were informed that he
would require a red blood cell transfusion the next day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> From the hospital
we drove to the naturopath's office where we waited another 45 minutes to see
him. It was our second visit and I
experienced a growing feeling of uneasiness.
When I had first contacted him on the phone he had responded with
aloofness and what seemed like disinterest.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "I can't heal
everybody," he had told me brusquely.
"We all have to die sooner or later." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> At our first
appointment he had been a little warmer and strangely enough, encouraged us to
take the course that the medical doctors were advising us to follow. He indicated that his role would be to simply
supplement the conventional treatments with his herbal remedies. Now, during our wait I observed the
literature in his waiting room regarding many alternative remedies that he
offered, and it disturbed me even further.
As the three of us entered his consultation office he appeared jovial
and conversational. He spent a fair bit
of time discussing his other patients with us and virtually ignored <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>. As <st1:givenname w:st="on">Harry</st1:givenname> tried to redirect the conversation back to our
son the doctor began a litany of do's and don'ts for us to follow. No dairy products, no white flour, no sugar,
and on it went. Somewhere in the list a
question was raised in <st1:givenname w:st="on">Harry</st1:givenname>'s mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "Excuse me,
sir, but you just said no dairy products and yet at the same time <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname> is allowed yogurt? Is yogurt not a dairy product?" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> For some
unexplainable reason the naturopath exploded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "Did you hear
me say yogurt is a dairy product?"
he responded with unusual energy.
"I never said yogurt is a dairy product! Do you think yogurt comes from a cow like
milk comes from a cow and cheese comes from a cow?! Let me tell you where yogurt comes
from." With loud, condescending
deliberation he then proceeded to tell us more than we ever wanted to know
about bacterial feces and the ensuing result of yogurt. Suffice it to say, it was a long time before
I was able to enjoy yogurt again. It was
also one of the last times we went to see that doctor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Reaching Abbotsford
we stopped in at Grandma's to pick up the other two boys and found a hot supper
waiting for us. We gratefully ate,
although Andrew barely touched it, and then carried on home. While <st1:givenname w:st="on">Harry</st1:givenname>
got the boys ready for bed I packed a small overnight bag in anticipation of
what the next day might bring. Something
inside me felt that <st1:givenname w:st="on">Andrew</st1:givenname>'s serious
mouth sores would finally merit some serious attention and that would
undoubtedly require a stay in the hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Once the boys were
kissed and prayed with and tucked in, <st1:givenname w:st="on">Harry</st1:givenname>
and I sprawled out in our sitting room to review the days' events.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "It seems to
me that we've got to continue seeking God and His Word rather than running
after natural remedies," was Harry's comment after we replayed the yogurt
episode. "Look at how Les and <st1:givenname w:st="on">June</st1:givenname> spent precious time researching their daughter's
disease and trying radical remedies only to lose her anyways. Now that knowledge is useless. And it certainly won't help little Brittny
anymore. I would rather spend these
months digging into God's word and making memories with Andrew than sitting in
a library in Vancouver pouring over medical books."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> I nodded in
heartfelt agreement. God was already
confirming my priorities through my husband and the tension I felt from the visit with the naturopath was rapidly dissipating.
We would trust in the Lord our God and no other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-47704767714583321932013-01-19T23:27:00.000-08:002013-01-19T23:28:27.707-08:00Book - Chapter 5<br />
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<br />
<div align="center" class="timesnewroman" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="timesnewroman" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOq8lYzNEp_KULw1-W83KcMb9YcAI12fOmTYbODUEAE5H-LSjAGxbkjuGF3d_axTefnx9b0NO-eDd3P4rM0x0dpKy35Bo9ziM9jFqb7nFBwbCSxBuiacXGVVoc2-rHmGH_D-BxkthpiRM/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOq8lYzNEp_KULw1-W83KcMb9YcAI12fOmTYbODUEAE5H-LSjAGxbkjuGF3d_axTefnx9b0NO-eDd3P4rM0x0dpKy35Bo9ziM9jFqb7nFBwbCSxBuiacXGVVoc2-rHmGH_D-BxkthpiRM/s320/IMG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">CHAPTER 5</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Monday morning after breakfast I phoned the office of our
local pediatrician, Dr. Traverse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to
the staunch resistance my parents felt towards a transplant, Harry and I had
decided that a meeting with Dr. Traverse might settle some of their anxiety. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His receptionist listened patiently as I
explained our desire to meet with Dr. Traverse as
soon as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She consulted with the
doctor and then booked us for a 4:30
appointment that same day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I tried to get the boys started on their school work for
the day but my heart was not in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the afternoon the phone rang just as Andrew asked me to read to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worry nagged at me as I watched him quietly
return to play upstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked so
tired and lethargic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What could I do to make
him healthy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt so helpless and so
guilty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We had tried eliminating sugar and milk and white flour
from his diet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was hard for a
little boy to understand why he had to give up his favorite foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did his best though, and stoically denied
himself desserts and goodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
obediently swallowed vitamins and pills, but detested drinking some of the
other herbal remedies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times it all
seemed so futile to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it really
helping to take herbal products when the chemotherapy was making such an
onslaught on his whole system?</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I answered the phone it was a relief to hear Tilly’s
voice on the other end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shared my
worries with her while she listened quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After hearing me out, she gently questioned whether I should be fretting
and fussing when I could be enjoying my son and my time with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That helped change my perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kept the conversation short and again urged
me to spend time with the children instead of trying to analyze Andrew’s
diet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called him back down as soon as
we hung up and spent the rest of the afternoon reading and playing games with
the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSqZ5_47WK2hmrg9vrovtrPiA6M40EdMQZ-02q4nkxjT0juXVxFVxV_eoZ3RhnS1oZ0SBa75AJDlIs38zE0gdFzZhCdgyzGEIHwh7g4bWmoma5XfTudfKFk_m_42rd1Qo9WPu6jzfXS0T/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSqZ5_47WK2hmrg9vrovtrPiA6M40EdMQZ-02q4nkxjT0juXVxFVxV_eoZ3RhnS1oZ0SBa75AJDlIs38zE0gdFzZhCdgyzGEIHwh7g4bWmoma5XfTudfKFk_m_42rd1Qo9WPu6jzfXS0T/s320/IMG_0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At 4:15
a neighbor came over to babysit while I left to meet Harry
at the doctor's office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Dad
arrived shortly after we did and to my surprise had brought my sister Liz along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
a registered nurse she had informed herself about Andrew's disease and was
keenly interested in Dr. Traverse's perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was pleased to have her there knowing that
her medical knowledge could absorb Dr.
Traverse's information in a much
more efficient manner than we would be able to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dr.
Traverse greeted us warmly albeit
with a sober face, realizing the crisis we were in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seated us in a semi-circle around his desk
and as he sat down Harry began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Dr. Traverse,
we really appreciate you taking the time to see us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you know, we are being advised to treat
Andrew with a bone marrow transplant, however, we aren't sure that that is the
best option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could you give us your
opinion of Andrew's situation?"</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I was shocked when I heard that Andrew had relapsed," Dr. Traverse
began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"In all the years of my
practice I have treated about 12 A.L.L. patients and of those 12 only 2
relapsed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accute Lymphocytic Leukemia is
the most curable cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Few children
with A.L.L. die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chemo is almost
always effective in putting them into remission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, why Andrew
relapsed we don't know, but it is highly unusual."</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"What would you say is the best form of treatment
for Andrew at this point?" we
asked.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He paused thoughtfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"You have a choice of chemo--which would be another
2 or 3 years--or, you can have a bone marrow transplant which might take up to
a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now if Andrew
didn't have a good donor match then you would want to consider chemo, but with
the perfect match that they have found for him, you would undoubtedly be better
off with the BMT."</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I noticed my father looking agitated.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Dr. Traverse, what about going with alternative
health methods like ozone treatments, interferon, chelation therapies, and
herbal remedies?" I quickly inserted.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dr.
Traverse's face took on a rather
forbidding look.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Herbs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Herbs
are fine when you have minor ailments, but herbs will not cure leukemia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a child brought into the emergency room
last month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her parents tried to cure
her with alternative methods and she died!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She died a terrible, tragic death!"</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His dramatic words silenced us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the quietness Dad cleared his throat and
slowly began to speak.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"We understand that a bone marrow transplant brings
with it much suffering for the patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We cannot justify subjecting Andrew
to this type of pain when we have no guarantee that the bone marrow transplant
would be a success."</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Yes, there is pain," agreed the Doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"There will be rejection of the body to
the new bone marrow cells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, even
the rejection can be controlled with newly developed drugs and usually burns
itself out after a matter of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
in a year's time you have a child that is cancer-free!"</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"But what if the transplant doesn't work and Andrew
dies,"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad persisted.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"That is a possibility but if you don't try it you
will have to live with the awful regret that it might have worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you don't do it then Andrew dies anyways."</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Yes, that’s exactly my point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he's going to die anyways, we want it to
be the least painful death," my father emphasized.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The chilling words that the doctor said next seemed to be
God-ordained as they brought about an amazing climax.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"And you think that Andrew
will not suffer if he dies a 'natural' death?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr.
Traverse responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the words hung in the air over us waiting
for our heavy hearts to absorb them, I glanced at my father and somehow knew
that his mind was doing a complete turn-around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Could you describe what would happen in such an
event?" my father questioned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
tension in my heart was almost more than I could bear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt wearisome beyond belief to be
discussing Andrew's death and yet the
light was about to break through.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Well, he would slowly lose the use of his limbs as
fatigue would overtake him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then as his
blood cells would deteriorate he would surely develop a bacterial infection in
his lungs which would kill him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
other possibility would be hemorrhaging in the brain as his platelets would no
longer be able to clot."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
grim words hit all of us--but particularly my father--like a freight train,
blowing apart his cherished hope that Andrew
could be spared pain and suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I saw the flash of understanding cross my father's lined
face as he recognized that fact that Andrew
would have to suffer regardless of which route we took.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enough had been said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were no more questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our minds and hearts had more than enough bitter
food to digest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We thanked the doctor
again for his time, and silently went to our cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just before Liz went to join Mom and Dad in
their vehicle she put her hand on my shoulder and said quietly, "Well,
that's settled!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The transplant is your
only choice, right?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled
ruefully and nodded.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Later when I met Harry
at home his first words were, "Well, that was a waste of time!"</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Why?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
asked in surprise.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Well, for one thing, Dr. Traverse
talked so quietly I'm sure your mom couldn't hear a thing, and for another
thing, I couldn't understand a word he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It all sounded like technical doctor-talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm sure it could have been Greek as far as
your parents were concerned."</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I'm not so sure," I responded
thoughtfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I thought Dad did a
complete 360 degree turn in his mind when Dr. Traverse
talked about dying a natural death."</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"You think so?" Harry
said incredulously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"That sure
passed me by."</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"We'll find out when we go there for supper
tonight,"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I responded.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-XHvQwb4VcnT6_08eHUerFLA_ttsV9T6XiZ493R-Ib0w0JCybro6mcWivcNSHnoz3MBJ3w1RiFxo7deoNdLKmKsnJSSCI44vEcvq4ozzXDmJgtdNV0PXb0pI3pIXo95SSVX6MO1TCPr-/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-XHvQwb4VcnT6_08eHUerFLA_ttsV9T6XiZ493R-Ib0w0JCybro6mcWivcNSHnoz3MBJ3w1RiFxo7deoNdLKmKsnJSSCI44vEcvq4ozzXDmJgtdNV0PXb0pI3pIXo95SSVX6MO1TCPr-/s320/IMG_0001.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mom's kitchen was humming with family and relatives when
we arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An aunt and uncle were
visiting and so a family gathering was in order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no opportunity to talk about our
conference with the doctor and so I concentrated on enjoying this unexpected
visit with loving relatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the
meal, as I was carrying dirty dishes from the dining room into the kitchen, Dad
followed me and putting his arm around me said quietly, "Mom and I think
you're<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>doing the right thing by going
ahead with the transplant."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My heart was still singing that evening as I read in my
Bible before bedtime, </span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Look on me and answer...</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death..</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But I trust in your unfailing love;</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>me."</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>(Psalm
13)</span></div>
Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-9800888951929991562012-12-09T15:52:00.000-08:002012-12-09T15:52:15.599-08:00Book - Chapter 4<!--[if !mso]>
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
CHAPTER FOUR</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MxfJtFpYZ69sTfh_x_svEmjryfq9TuGpqt0c2cNDJHFpk0JVb8JRX14aN5dXmgxhW7dTLc7nmvzaclEyZvCF8kjzmRN3F54bi8YDkktW9lgJETMEr14TQnrfac-RacRw1_5kiZm8LKty/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MxfJtFpYZ69sTfh_x_svEmjryfq9TuGpqt0c2cNDJHFpk0JVb8JRX14aN5dXmgxhW7dTLc7nmvzaclEyZvCF8kjzmRN3F54bi8YDkktW9lgJETMEr14TQnrfac-RacRw1_5kiZm8LKty/s320/IMG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Having been
told that Ari was not a match for Andrew we knew that our next visit to
Children's Hospital would entail some lengthy discussion with our oncologist,
and so we invited my parents to come along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Understanding all the technicalities of an unrelated-donor transplant
seemed overwhelming enough, not to mention having to make a decision for, or
against, it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We felt so inadequate to
make this decision, and desperately wanted some help in dealing with it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GQtJFMJK-IsiBrpMsm8CPpRFpJYYfoo9aGQXC0ztY3adtFFg5hK6_Ky1R-46qgDgqPRcwUGf7MeH4KuwRMcX0YTQ6hOfTga6t416M-V7b_yo-Nj99cTgibtGwW-GeZL_QghfjMqEjwqs/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GQtJFMJK-IsiBrpMsm8CPpRFpJYYfoo9aGQXC0ztY3adtFFg5hK6_Ky1R-46qgDgqPRcwUGf7MeH4KuwRMcX0YTQ6hOfTga6t416M-V7b_yo-Nj99cTgibtGwW-GeZL_QghfjMqEjwqs/s320/IMG_0003.jpg" width="185" /></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My father was
a retired pastor, and while he had preached from a pulpit my mother had
preached to us children from the kitchen sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both of them had a deep love and understanding for the Scriptures and we
felt that their faith combined with their love for us would provide a little
more light for us in our darkness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Andrew was delighted to have Grandma and Grandpa
along on our trip to Children's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately the VAD did not need to be accessed and only a poke in the thigh
had to be endured which Andrew did bravely enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it was time to meet with Doctor Anderson, Andrew made no bones about preferring the playroom
which we gladly allowed him while we adults crowded into the tiny treatment
room for a consultation with the doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the next two hours we discussed the pro's and con's of a bone marrow
transplant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good news was that four
possible donor matches had already come to light on the Red Cross bone marrow
registry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bad news was that an
unrelated match no matter how good, would produce unavoidable rejection in
Andrew's body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because this rejection called GVH (Graft-versus-Host) disease usually is so severe, a procedure called
T-cell depletion is used to remove mature 'fighter'cells from the donor-marrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This lessens the immediate effects of GVH but
also incurs a greater risk of relapse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Unfortunately
GVH can still occur up to a year after transplant, when it is then given the
name: Chronic GVH disease because it causes life-long disabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little boy who had recently been in the
clinic had shown all the full-blown symptoms of GVH and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had had a bone marrow transplant with his
brother as donor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The match was not
considered a 'perfect' match, but because they were siblings it was hoped that
rejection would be kept to a minimum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately the boy had barely made it through the transplant and then
recovered with disastrous consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His lungs were continually filled with fluid which caused him great
fatigue in speaking and breathing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
hair follicles were permanently destroyed which made him completely and forever bald.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had not grown an inch in four years and so
at age 6 was the same height as our two year old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To top it off, he was blind in one eye and
was beginning to develop tumors in his brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Although
this was a 'worst-case scenario' we knew that Dr. Anderson
was obligated to give us all the risk factors, daunting though they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the conversation wore on the transplant
began to seem less and less desirable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Glancing at my soft-hearted father I saw a stern look fixing itself upon
his features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not impressed with
our doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his mind's eye, nobody
who caused any grandson of his to go through the torture of a transplant could
be fully trusted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wanting my parents to
see the more caring and compassionate side of our doctor, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blurted out, "Dr. Anderson, if it was
your son what would you honestly do?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The doctor
was silent for a long moment looking at us steadily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did not know then how well he understood
us for he had just recently lost his father to cancer and fully related to our
fear of the medical establishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Weighing his words carefully he replied, "Beyond the shadow of a
doubt, I would go with the transplant."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His words
fell on deaf ears, and my father remained skeptical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could we trust a total stranger with our
precious son's life?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Could
we talk to someone else who's been through a similar transplant?" I asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
doctor's face brightened.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"There's
a patient of mine that's just been through an unrelated transplant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's coming in tomorrow for a
check-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll phone and see if she and
her parents would be willing to talk to you."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The arrangements were made to meet the
following day and we left the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On our way home we stopped in to see the naturopath that I had called
earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He barely looked at Andrew, asked me a few questions, and advised us to
continue on with chemotherapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a
little disappointed that no mention was made of ozone treatments or alternative
therapies, but obediently purchased the multi-vitamin that he prescribed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The next
day we eagerly anticipated our appointment with Megan B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was the only teen in the clinic that day
and her short, 'peach-fuzz' hairstyle on her bald head immediately identified
her as a cancer patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Anderson
introduced us to her and suggested we find a quiet corner to talk alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A nurse directed Megan, Harry, and myself to
a tiny room in another part of the hospital while Andrew remained in the
clinic. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Megan's smile put us at ease as she asked in a
friendly manner, "What's your son's name?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Andrew," I replied.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Does
he want the transplant?" she continued.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"He's
too young to make that decision, which is why we want to talk to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell us how it went for you," I
answered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Well,"
she warned, "it's not easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got
terrible mouth sores that spread down into my esophagus and my stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were murder but I forced myself to keep
eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you keep him eating solids he
will do much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once they put you
on TPN (intravenous feeding) you can get really sick."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She went on
to describe her daily routines in the isolation room, her later recovery at
home, and their correspondence with her donor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After chatting for almost an hour we reluctantly drew the conversation
to a close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just one more
question.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Megan, was it worth it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you choose that route if you had it to
do over again?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her eyes
sparkled as she answered confidently, "Absolutely!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the best thing I could have done!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel great now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm also getting acupuncture treatments in California and they are
giving me totally new energy."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We thanked
her for her willingness to talk with us and slowly returned to the clinic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A nurse approached us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To our
surprise she said, "Megan's folks
are seeing Dr. Anderson right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you wait in the far treatment room I'll
send them to you when they're done."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After a
short wait the door slowly opened and an attractive couple slightly older than
us peeked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got up to welcome them
in and Mrs. B. immediately put her arms around me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Oh,
you poor things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know exactly what
you're going through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s such a
terribly difficult decision to make, isn't it," she sympathized.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At last we
had met someone who understood!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We seemed
not to have to ask any questions as they described the very same struggles we were facing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They too had considered
alternative methods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had visited
naturopaths and herbalists in conjunction with the medical professionals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had left no stone unturned in making the
decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so they credited their
daughter's success to all the various methods that had been used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We drank in
every word of advice as thirsty wanderers in a barren land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our neediness touched them and they
generously gave us their home phone number, work number, and even their California number,
encouraging us to call them at any time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were notified that Andrew
was ready for his spinal tap, and so we bid the B.'s a heartfelt
goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our interview with them had
encouraged us and armed us with helpful advice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the
doctor and nurse readied Andrew on the
bed for the spinal tap, I resolutely stood beside the doctor, determined to
watch him with an eagle eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he
inserted the long syringe into Andrew's
back, I heard Andrew moan and squirm.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"He's
not fully sedated yet,"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
insisted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Let's wait another
minute."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doctor acquiesced and
withdrew the needle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A second try wasn't
much better and we waited once more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
the third try Andrew seemed more
comfortable and the spinal tap and bone marrow test went without a hitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slide specimens were made right there in the
room and we were told that as soon as Andrew
had regained full consciousness we could leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We would receive a phone call with the results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This particular test was to determine whether
Andrew had gone into remission
yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Back in Richmond we helped
Grandma set the table for supper and had just sat down when the phone call
came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His bone marrow was in remission
and tomorrow we would begin a new cycle of treatment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Since the
next day was Saturday, the clinic was closed and we had to go upstairs to the
3B cancer ward for Andrew's
chemo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would be the first time that
Carol would not be the nurse accessing
his VAD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were somewhat apprehensive as
was the ward nurse, but Andrew
remained calm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He followed a simple
routine of deep-breathing exercises and the drugs were quickly and efficiently
administered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were just leaving when Dr. Anderson
came by and suggested we talk again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_jqtOjx-e0Tt0HVUf8_oc_9WqKU8F61Rlq1Hqpa0SSiOEhi-yOb-VrdMXRXXbrt6f9RVB6lGp9qoHurBrDS4x07ml9By0jqheNPsKAJlk5seDpV1lv44fd7V7QVg6Pe5NY9vQHi6B2uu/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_jqtOjx-e0Tt0HVUf8_oc_9WqKU8F61Rlq1Hqpa0SSiOEhi-yOb-VrdMXRXXbrt6f9RVB6lGp9qoHurBrDS4x07ml9By0jqheNPsKAJlk5seDpV1lv44fd7V7QVg6Pe5NY9vQHi6B2uu/s320/IMG.jpg" width="320" /></a> While
Andrew and Ari played happily in the playroom, the doctor <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Harry and I sat down in the nurses'
lunchroom for a consultation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
curious about our visit with Megan and her parents and we reassured him that it had gone
very well, but that we were still uncertain about the transplant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr.
Anderson nodded his head sympathetically
and then asked us a startling question.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"How
about your faith?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does it come into
all of this?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I spoke up
first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I'm
glad you asked," I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"That's partly the reason we cannot wholeheartedly accept the
transplant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, we believe that God
is ultimately the Healer but the medical profession has turned their back on
God and refuses to acknowledge Him at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is why we feel we can't fully trust the medical profession."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then launched into a long diatribe of the
dangers of chemicals in modern medicine, and the avariciousness of
pharmaceutical companies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I finally
finished, flushed and somewhat breathless, Dr. Anderson looked down
thoughtfully for a moment and then said, "You're right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is ultimately our Creator and our
Healer."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Harry and I stared in wonder as his words crashed
through our defenses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With trepidation pounding
in my throat I forced myself to take the bull by the horns.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Are
you a Christian?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blurted out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He nodded,
"Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I agree that the medical
profession is not always acting honorably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fact that they are willing to commit abortions shows their utter
disregard for the sanctity of human life."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For two hours we sat and discussed our
similar outlooks on life, our spirits bearing witness that we indeed had more
in common than we realized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
finally left, I felt that an important corner had been turned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could no longer use the godlessness of
modern medicine as a reason to reject transplant because we now knew that our
son was in the direct care of a Christian nurse and a Christian oncologist.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our minds
began to accept the option of a transplant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, there was one more obstacle to overcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the tacit disapproval of my
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I had
shared all my newly gained health food knowledge with them, allowing my
indignance and cynicism towards the medical establishment to influence their
thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, as God was giving us
peace about the transplant we realized that my parents were unconvinced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our
drive home that night was a quiet one as Harry and myself remained deep in
thought.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The next
morning was Sunday and I went to waken the children. "Andrew, I have a
special surprise for you," I announced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked at me sleepily.</div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Is today Sunday?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I nodded.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Can I go to Sunday School?" he asked as he did
every Sunday morning hoping against hope that this time the restrictions would
be lifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chemotherapy suppressed
his immune system and so he was denied many public activities to avoid
contracting infectious diseases.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Today you are invited to stay with Auntie Tilly
while we go to church," I said smilingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Oh, goody!" he shouted with glee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of his favorite places to go to was the home of our friends, Stan and Tilly, whose two boys were close friends with our boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Auntie Tilly had planned a special activity
and story time just for Andrew while the rest of us were at church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After dropping him off with many thanks, we
continued on our way to church where we looked forward to the strength we
received from being with fellow believers.</span></div>
<div class="timesnewroman">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I was feeling particularly anxious about requesting
prayer for the upcoming testicular radiation that was starting on Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I was beginning to feel hopeful
about the transplant, my heart was still not fully at peace about the
radiation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had read too many stories
of its grave and frightening consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
testicles are a notorious hiding place for cancer cells that have somehow eluded
the chemotherapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Andrew's case a few stray cancer cells had evaded the
three years of chemotherapy and lodged in the testicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There they started multiplying into a tumor
and then had spread into the bone marrow where they continued to reproduce
until they were finally spotted in the peripheral blood (i.e. veins).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhSICViLj-mvAZTkTKfoYqT3hPcMePU3NKJfmHKantHElLuEHYzijQqrus-tvyh2YwgV7AyXtRYDvzEgn0JpEsf2dZu8HdxXoGeK2Bl2ngC_vCjuO9HjhbFRK7MyBrBKrsz3NWuQi9xca/s1600/praying+hands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhSICViLj-mvAZTkTKfoYqT3hPcMePU3NKJfmHKantHElLuEHYzijQqrus-tvyh2YwgV7AyXtRYDvzEgn0JpEsf2dZu8HdxXoGeK2Bl2ngC_vCjuO9HjhbFRK7MyBrBKrsz3NWuQi9xca/s1600/praying+hands.JPG" /></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At church
we ran into our friend and small group leader, Dave Beck, who immediately asked
about Andrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After sharing our
confusion over making a transplant decision and the upcoming radiation
treatments, our friend said, “God has laid it on my heart to pray and fast for
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will do that on Tuesday while
you’re at the radiation clinic.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We could
hardly find words to thank him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming
alongside us in prayer was the very thing we needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It humbled us that someone would fast on our
behalf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a gift he was giving
us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-10612973042929448072012-11-26T21:23:00.000-08:002012-11-26T21:27:53.722-08:00Book - Chapter 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mNzmjdfLZ2Baw1o8NbNHqkTYfJ4NOLuKzs1T1GGSYocBNKmyroXHk2i_4RXNza8J81ffgPtACLYX54YfrhT4R_fCbqq8O8IhEznwyp8HuQO2rdDKjNfSlSbYaKwxNumv_s58g-pRwlEx/s1600/IMG_0001_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mNzmjdfLZ2Baw1o8NbNHqkTYfJ4NOLuKzs1T1GGSYocBNKmyroXHk2i_4RXNza8J81ffgPtACLYX54YfrhT4R_fCbqq8O8IhEznwyp8HuQO2rdDKjNfSlSbYaKwxNumv_s58g-pRwlEx/s320/IMG_0001_NEW.jpg" width="247" /></a><br />
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
BOOK - CHAPTER 3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Christmas
was nearly here and we had missed most of the seasonal banquets and church
function.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was traditional for our
friends from church to have a potluck dinner, but this year we were hesitant
about joining in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we had just been
informed that Ari was not a donor match for Andrew
our hearts felt too heavy to celebrate and we did not want to spoil the dinner
for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But our good friends, Ed and Annette, refused to
take no for an answer and so we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Being with
close friends fed our spirits and when we had a time of prayer after the meal,
I felt myself lifted up into that quiet hiding place near to the heart of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized with a start that I
needed to talk less about Andrew's
situation and be more intent on waiting quietly on the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All my rehashing of medical treatments and
statistics simply stirred up fear and anxiety within me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through the fervent prayers of our friends,
God was applying His mercy to me by gently pulling my thoughts back to Jesus, the precious Lamb, slain from the beginning of
the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His sacrifice was the solace
to my pain, His victory over death the foundation of my hope, and His name my
tower of refuge in times of trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHUXGYpY5w4baxDG9MUDnpQlmy4UGB7Kt1ftKg0a-3GMUTk3jS3n96BXWYHyGfOG8HlSfqQSh4sZ_-wxK-02bSH3E_g8g8-R9Y7iD9va3WbHX-pve6DGqwTECyD064_QJjQ_s9EmG98KZ/s1600/IMG_0002_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHUXGYpY5w4baxDG9MUDnpQlmy4UGB7Kt1ftKg0a-3GMUTk3jS3n96BXWYHyGfOG8HlSfqQSh4sZ_-wxK-02bSH3E_g8g8-R9Y7iD9va3WbHX-pve6DGqwTECyD064_QJjQ_s9EmG98KZ/s320/IMG_0002_NEW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas Eve, as usual, was spent with my
parents opening gifts and celebrating the Christmas story in some special
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All my siblings lived within 5
minutes of each other and though we attended different churches, we would all
hurry to Mom and Dad's after the Christmas Eve service every year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The house would be dressed in all its
Christmas splendor both inside and out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Outside, the windows were festooned with tiny wooden Christmas trees
twinkling with mini-lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tables
in the kitchen and dining room were laden with food, and in every corner of the
family room there lay large piles of packages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With a total of 18 family members the gifts amounted to the size of a
small department store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before any
presents were opened though, we spent time dwelling on the true meaning of
Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past the children had
dressed up and acted out the Christmas pageant with Rusty, my brother's pony,
making a guest appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On one
occasion we had visited the farm where my sister and her husband lived, to read the story amidst
fragrant bales of hay and watchful calves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This year, however, no one had the heart to plan a special surprise; we
were too disturbed by the thought that this might be Andrew's last Christmas
with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was content just to be with
family and to watch Andrew's happy
face as he played with his cousins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once the
gifts had been opened the adults sat down around Mom's dining room table for a
late-night snack while the children ate and played in the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking around the table I was grateful for
my supportive family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sister Liz with her unflappable, calm personality had
confessed that she spent the first few days of Andrew's
relapse in continuous tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and her
husband Dale as well as Ed, my hardworking brother, and his gentle wife Linda
generously took our other two sons into their home time and time again when we
were in the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ed and Linda’s
second daughter, Brittany, was Andrew's favorite cousin and always seemed happy
to spend long hours sitting beside Andrew when he was too listless to
play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rob, my
extroverted and lovable youngest brother, gave evidence of his anxious inner
feelings with an increased show of affection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Theresa, a friend of the family, who was present at all our family
gatherings, often commented that our family had brought healing to her
fragmented life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I could understand
the depths of her gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A warm,
loving, Christian family was a safe harbor in the wild and stormy sea of
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every small gesture of love
refreshed our tattered souls and prepared us to venture out again into the
storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That night
Dad led us in a time of prayer and my spirit was lifted once again as each
member of the family prayed for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Knowing that we were loved and cared for truly helped ease our burden.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Christmas
Day was a disjointed day with Harry and me taking turns staying at home with
Andrew while also trying to attend an extended family gathering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all managed to get some Christmas dinner
as well as more hugs and love from our many supportive relatives. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8hzo2-wQ3gNJBX0kqqN1yA_FUhmw7wMVp1yEBYhmA2NwdIWUbrXsAeQCqm5Oz7vvp6XwEmP859jlCvxsQO_U4aaqgCeJcTiXaLAyGxTB3_O2w9yYxP2C31zMNDdIlZ1xfPJCQ5G7IJBg/s1600/IMG_0004_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8hzo2-wQ3gNJBX0kqqN1yA_FUhmw7wMVp1yEBYhmA2NwdIWUbrXsAeQCqm5Oz7vvp6XwEmP859jlCvxsQO_U4aaqgCeJcTiXaLAyGxTB3_O2w9yYxP2C31zMNDdIlZ1xfPJCQ5G7IJBg/s320/IMG_0004_NEW.jpg" width="276" /></a> On Boxing Day we met with Harry's
family in Richmond, and although our visit was interrupted by a brief chemo
appointment at Children's Hospital, we were again encouraged by the love and
support we received from the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After my mother-in-law’s superb turkey dinner our brother-in-law,
Michael, suggested that we have a time of prayer together as a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was another powerful moment of peace for
us in the midst of the busy Christmas season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Our visits
to the Hospital continued on unabated over the Christmas holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far they had gone very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew's new VAD in his chest was the
greatest invention since scented felt markers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or so we thought until the needle, which was still inserted since
surgery, had to be replaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
trepidation we prepared Andrew for his
appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"It
won't hurt, Mommy?" he kept asking anxiously.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Well,
its not supposed to," I hedged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I
wish I didn't have to have pokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know its going to hurt."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
losing ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we parked the car I
could tell Andrew was near tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry
and Andrew and I held hands as we
entered the elevator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terror was written
all over his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inwardly, I struggled
with a hopeless feeling of anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
can I help him deal with this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm just
as scared as he is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This isn't
fair!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the
elevator door closed us in I said the only thing I could think of doing in face
of our fears, "Let's pray one more time."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lifting up our son to the Lord we asked for
His mercy once again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At the
clinic we spotted a new nurse with a familiar face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was our friend, Carol,
from the oncology ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had been
transferred from the ward, downstairs to the clinic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Distracted for a few minutes from our
upcoming ordeal I chatted with her happily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then it was time to take Andrew
into the treatment room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat on my
lap clutching my hands with his cold ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Harry leaned against the wall
watching carefully as the nurse removed the dressing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It pulled a little and Andrew
cried out sharply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His skinny little
chest was still grossly swollen on one side with a black bruise covering the
entire site where the VAD lay hidden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The two inch cut was a black gash tightly held together with large
stitches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the nurse grasped the
plastic wings of the VAD needle, Andrew
again cried out in pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a tough
tug the needle was out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly the pain
subsided only to be aroused afresh as the new needle went in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew
screamed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse looked anxious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why wasn't the needle going in?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More screams!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Please
not again," Andrew cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"Don't poke me again!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My stomach started its familiar ascent into my throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed fiercely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse readied the needle for another
assault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It went in part way and then
again reached an impasse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opening the
valve on the attached tubing she tried flushing the needle to see if the saline
solution would enter Andrew's
body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could not draw blood out or push in a
flush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The needle had not found the
opening to the VAD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile my heart
shrieked its anguished echoes to Andrew's
cries of pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Harry tried to calm Andrew
while throwing questions at the nurse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She became more withdrawn and as I watched her face I couldn't decide if
it was determination or fear that formed the lines on her brow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without a word to us she readied the needle
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>plunged it a third time into the
bruised flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Missed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Andrew's hysterical screams rose a pitch higher and my heart fell into a
dark pit of utter hopelessness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God was
not answering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had turned His back on us and all the screaming
and pleading in the world was not making one speck of difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was betrayed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Take
it out!" barked my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Andrew needs a break."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grim-faced nurse acquiesced and after
pulling out the offensive needle she quietly left the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no calming Andrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hysterically he screamed,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Please don't poke me again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please, Mommy, please!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tenderly Harry
picked him up and held him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stroked
his hair knowing that his pain was not yet over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arms wrapped around each other we prayed for
our son until the cries and pleas subsided to heart-wrenching sobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling utterly alone in our misery we asked
God to send us relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Within
minutes the door opened and in walked -- Carol!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all sighed with relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carol
was our favorite nurse, partly because she was one of the few nurses we had
known from the beginning of Andrew's
treatments, but mostly because she was a Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Look,
Andrew," I rejoiced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"It's Carol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now
everything will be fine."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Don't
assume too much," replied Carol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"That other nurse is the expert on VAD's
so if she couldn't do it, I'm not sure that I'll be any better."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Just
do your best," said Harry
encouragingly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"We've
prayed about it," I added, "And God will help you."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carol
nodded and proceeded to scrub up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As she
steadied the needle I sent up one more quick prayer while Andrew
began to whimper in frightened anticipation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This time the needle plunged in quickly and surely, piercing the swollen
skin and finding its mark in the buried VAD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once blood had been drawn and the I.V. pole was connected Andrew's tears subsided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the crisis was over, all of us felt
weary and battle worn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stepped out of
the treatment room and immediately sensed an unusual hush in the rest of the
clinic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one moved or spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The usually busy nurses were quietly gathered
together in the nurses' station, while the waiting families sat silently with
their sick children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every eye was on us
as we slowly made our way back to our seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seeing their looks of sympathy and concern I smiled weakly, realizing
that Andrew's terrified screams had unsettled everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Later
on, as we travelled home my mind replayed the trauma we had experienced that
afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept reliving the horror of
that fateful needle plunging over and over again into Andrew's
swollen chest while he screamed, "Please stop! Please take it out! No! No!
Not again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please, not again!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pain in my heart grew to overwhelming
proportions until at last the dam broke and my tears started to flow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I cried for our helplessness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I cried out of anger--anger at the nurse
for being so incompetent, anger at ourselves for standing by helplessly, and
finally, anger at God for letting us down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had prayed before the poke, we had prayed during the poke and it had
still gone awry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Seeing my
quiet distress, Harry tried to
reassure me of his faith in God's ability to heal Andrew
but I was unconvinced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If God would not
answer my prayer over a lesser issue such as a poke, how could I be sure that
He would answer bigger prayers such as the healing of Andrew's cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For the
first time in my life I felt that my faith had been shaken to the core of my
being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Rock of Ages no longer seemed
sure and firm, but unpredictable and even elusive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I allowed my feelings of betrayal to grow,
it seemed as though another burden had been added to my already laden
heart--the burden of doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, God was
real, but was He in control of <u>everything</u>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was He truly interested in the small details
of our lives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did He sometimes
clearly intervene in answer to our prayers and other times remain distant and
uninvolved?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For three
days my anger consumed me and then God in His fatherly way, laid His hand upon
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lovingly He convicted me of my anger
against Him as I read Psalm 51:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Have
mercy on me, O God, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>according
to your unfailing love;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>according
to your great compassion blot out my<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>transgressions.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Against
you, you only, have I sinned</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and done
what is evil in your sight,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so that you
are proved right when you speak</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
justified when you judge.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Surely I
was sinful at birth,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>sinful from
the time my mother conceived me."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I realized
that my anger was unwarranted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is
good;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had already proved it by giving
his own son for my salvation when I had done nothing to deserve it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had also proven it many times in the past
by answering other prayers. Just because my son was experiencing pain did not
mean that God did not love us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to
trust Him, just as Andrew had to trust me when I took him to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow God would make everything work
together for good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I
confessed my sin of anger and self-righteousness to God He led me tenderly
through the rest of the psalm:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Create
in me a pure heart, O God,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and renew a
steadfast spirit with me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do not cast
me from your presence or take your</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Holy
Spirit from me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Restore to
me the joy of your salvation</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and grant
me a willing spirit to sustain me."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My burdens lifted and as peace once again filled me I was
suddenly reminded of Christ's words on the cross,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>"My
God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" What a solace that was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christ himself had felt just like
me--abandoned by God in his darkest hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I resolved that in the darkness I would hold on and have faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did I know that the darkness would
last several months and that my resolve would be tested many times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Two days
later I got strep throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
received my first book on health food alternatives from a concerned
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling ill myself, I was
impressed with the book's claim that a juice fast could cure almost any
cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More health food literature
found its way into our home and I was stunned to read that the big
pharmaceutical companies were purposely withholding a cure to cancer for greedy
gain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously a cancer cure would
eliminate the need for chemotherapies and other medications in the treatment of
cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At the time
I found these magazines and books to be credible because, after all, I had
often used vitamins to alleviate my chronic strep throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read the fascinating story of ESSIAC--a
herbal tea originating in Canada--which
had gone through many legal battles for ownership because of its power to heal
cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I read on I became convinced
that we needed to seriously consider other options besides conventional
medicine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew
was already booked for minor radiation to his testicles and I was feeling very
uneasy about that decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Radiation is
a big 'no-no' to health food experts because of the damage it does to cells and
its propensity to produce tumors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were also facing the possibility of total body radiation for a bone marrow
transplant and I felt that all this radiation was flying in the face of current
information I was receiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsonel8G4EcJgfcl14HQmiQ8w8-3JT1EEXurAhmiWXR2Dij_ronBtffcXJhvrWD932Hyj0bIpxbDx38OWyjrLRsDHRY36XiRnR-yW2l966uiPQbaGEGXv7HJgA75LWHGxpxw0hn56r2-f/s1600/IMG_NEW_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsonel8G4EcJgfcl14HQmiQ8w8-3JT1EEXurAhmiWXR2Dij_ronBtffcXJhvrWD932Hyj0bIpxbDx38OWyjrLRsDHRY36XiRnR-yW2l966uiPQbaGEGXv7HJgA75LWHGxpxw0hn56r2-f/s320/IMG_NEW_0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A visit
with another couple who had used only alternative treatments to bring their
terminally-ill daughter into remission became another argument in my mind
against conventional medicine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had
spent weeks thoroughly researching her illness, and then had chosen to fly
across the continent to another city where a reknown naturopath treated her
with unconventional methods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her diet
was immediately eliminated of all dairy products, white flour, refined sugar,
salt, meat, and any processed foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
was put on high dosages of vitamins and natural food supplements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result she regained her ability to walk
and seemed to be going into remission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On a brief trip back home for the Christmas holidays she suddenly, and
mysteriously, passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps not
so mysteriously, for an autopsy showed that all internal organs were filled
with leukemia cells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The parents were
convinced though that although their chosen method of treatment had not prolonged her
life, it had improved the quality of her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Feeling
very confused, I discussed my indecision with my parents and close
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although Harry remained
ambivalent on the issue of health remedies, my parents became strong advocates
of alternative therapies and urged us to avoid transplant at all costs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Armed with
my new knowledge I decided to make a call to a well-known naturopath and get
some real answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my surprise he
returned my call the same day and seemed pleasant enough at first as we
discussed various health products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However
when he discovered that our son had cancer he became more reserved about his
ability to help us. He closed the conversation by saying, "I can't promise
you that I can do anything for your son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everybody has to die sooner or later.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This left me feeling strangely uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That
night as I read the story of Hagar and her dying son, Ishmael, in the desert, I
noticed God's prominent role in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First, He <u>heard</u> the boy crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then He <u>sent comfort</u> to Hagar in the
form of an angel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, God <u>opened
her eyes</u> to see His answer to her dilemma--a well of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And lastly, scripture states that <u>God was
with Ishmael</u> as he grew up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story touched the deep inner part of my
heart that was still crying out for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i>
son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still wasn't sure which treatment
would cure Andrew, but for the moment my inner confusion was held at bay as I
claimed this story for my comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Surely God could hear Andrew's
cries and questions, and surely He would open our eyes to the right path.</div>
Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-51254258245389527812012-11-17T20:40:00.002-08:002012-11-26T21:28:09.455-08:00Book - Chapter 2<!--[if !mso]>
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
CHAPTER 2</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Within two
days we noticed an improvement in Andrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The number of cancer cells in his peripheral
blood (i.e. veins as opposed to bone marrow) had dropped by 50%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a better appetite and had more
energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not as frightened of
hospital procedures at this age because we were able to explain things and he
was able to understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered him
as a two year old, just after his diagnosis in the same hospital, shrieking for
his coat</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Coat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go home!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he begged over and over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His vocabulary was limited but he made his
desire clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any stranger, whether it
was a nurse or a visitor brought immediate terror to his frightened little
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the medical staff wore
ordinary street clothes he learned to trust no one, never knowing when a
friendly face was simply a visitor or a nurse ready to stick a needle into
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most nurses understood this and did
not take his rebuffs personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, his very first ward nurse fell in love with him and was so determined to win his
trust that she refused to be present at any of his blood tests or I.V.
insertions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would ask me to take him
to the treatment rooms, hoping that he would associate me and not her with
pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pampered him to no avail—he
refused to trust her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, on the other
hand, did not have the option of absenting myself from his painful procedures,
and hated the helpless feeling of standing by while Andrew's big brown eyes and
frantic cries begged me to rescue him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Still, I could not leave him alone with strangers as so many parents
did--seeking relief and escape from the heartbreaking pain of watching one's
child suffer over and over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead I learned to seek God's strength, and it was often in the hardest
moments that I received the greatest strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What a friend we have in Jesus!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He never leaves or forsakes us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His
presence gave me the determination to be cheerful,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I would launch into my role of
distractor—talking a blue streak about our house, our trail, our puppy, our
cousins, our toys, our grandparents, our friends, our church—until I felt sure
that the entire medical staff knew everything there was to know about us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether my monologues had really helped two year
old Andrew I didn't know, but I was confident that my
presence was of utmost importance to him, and telling stories about our home
life gave me purpose and resolve to face each ordeal with him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Andrew was three years older now, and able to talk
things through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it came to shots
and medicines, explanations could make the ordeal easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it came to explaining why he was sick
again, explanations were much harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had the first of many similar conversations in the cancer ward that first
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Mommy,
why did God make me sick again?" he asked. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I
don't know, Andrew, but He has a purpose for you," I replied. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"But I
don't want to be sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be like
Ryan," was his complaint. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I
know, honey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But someday Ryan will have to suffer, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone suffers at some time in their life."
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He paused
for an instant, and then said, "Well, God must not love me very much to
make me suffer when I'm little."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Andrew,
you know that God loves you very much," I insisted, wondering what to say
next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Just
think how much He loved you to send His Son to die for you," I went
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew grew quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"When
they put the nails in Jesus' hands, it must have felt like my pokes," he
reflected. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I
think it would have hurt more," I suggested gently. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Andrew quietly nodded, then said, "He really
suffered."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my relief Andrew seemed satisfied with that thought and our
discussion came to an end. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The third day, Sunday, was our day of
rest before the storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only
foreboding we experienced was an unannounced visit from a surgery technician
who came to 'chat' with Andrew in the
morning about his upcoming surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, I was not in the room at the time and when I returned,
the technician was gone and Andrew was
in a somber frame of mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not
inclined to talk and it took me the better part of an hour to uncover the
reason for Andrew's melancholy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some man
had come to talked to him about being "cut open" and now he worried
over what that would feel like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had
said very little to Andrew about his
upcoming surgery since we knew very little about it ourselves. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He was
scheduled to have a Vascular Artery Device (V.A.D.) inserted under his
chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A V.A.D. consisted of two plastic
chambers, the size of pop bottle lids, sitting side by side in a hard<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>plastic case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The top of each round 'lid' was not covered
by the plastic but by a thick layer of rubber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These two,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>round, covered
openings were called 'ports'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Special
needles were designed to puncture these ports and connect the V.A.D. with I.V.
lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside the case, the two 'pop
bottle lids' opened into a soft rubber tube which protruded from the plastic
case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In surgery, the doctor would cut
open the patient's chest, insert the V.A.D., thread the rubber tube into an
artery near the patient's neck and then close up the chest again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because Andrew's veins in his hands and feet would never be
able to stand up to the rigorous chemotherapy, this device would be used for
all intravenous medications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
intravenous needle would be stuck through the chest into one of the V.A.D.
ports and not need changing for up to ten days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When not in use the V.A.D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>could
remain undisturbed and free from infection because it lay under the skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This was a
great improvement over more commonly used 'central line' which protruded through the skin and
needed daily flushing to prevent infection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although central lines were still being used in transplants, our
oncologist had recommended a V.A.D. for Andrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew had been looking forward to this great
little invention that would eliminate the painful<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>intravenous needles in his hands and feet,
but now his anticipation was changed to fearful anxiety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> As I was pondering how to ease his anxiety, </span>a nurse arrived to show Andrew the V.A.D. needles that would be inserted into
his chest during surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my foot
down! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"No
one talks to Andrew about any more medical procedures," I announced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"He's not emotionally strong enough to
process all the information and just ends up worrying himself into a quandary
over the unknown."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse
looked at me doubtfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> She tried to explain that </span>it was just a
tiny needle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I put up my hand to stop her. "He's had enough for now. And please
check with me before sending a medical professional in to talk to Andrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would rather talk to them first and then filter the information back to him at
the right time in the right way."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The nurse
was reluctant to give up her pep talk on V.A.D. needles but seeing my
determination on the matter she acquiesced. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was
no more talk of the surgery and we were happily distracted by the arrival of
Daddy and the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were excited
because they had seen players from the Vancouver football team—the B.C.
Lions—out in the hospital foyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Apparently they were making a visit to the Hospital with a special
surprise for the sick children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
waited to hear them arrive on our floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First a public relations agent came to our room to receive our written
consent for film footage of Andrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then suddenly the room was filled with two large football players and
several camera men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shook hands all
around and then everyone tried to make room as The Surprise got squeezed past
the camera men and onto Andrew's
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the GREY CUP!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked in quiet awe at this football
legend that spoke of great moments of triumph in the history of football. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCLXuJhwNauLMiWRpmh_QyuJzQXp1LQ4QOoXFe6smcZxzCozBuG1ys-xCpyiApFiKdb9fnvxMAVM7_uaB7DcsJbmFudNKPO1pAGXVfjrH8iDX2yOYjSpBD5k5Z7MjXPiafw22KJy9LG7a/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCLXuJhwNauLMiWRpmh_QyuJzQXp1LQ4QOoXFe6smcZxzCozBuG1ys-xCpyiApFiKdb9fnvxMAVM7_uaB7DcsJbmFudNKPO1pAGXVfjrH8iDX2yOYjSpBD5k5Z7MjXPiafw22KJy9LG7a/s400/IMG.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was worn
and dented in places and the shine was dulled but it still had the power to
call forth respect and awe from even the most naive and uninformed
observer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That night the evening news
showed Harry proudly lifting the
trophy while Andrew sat listlessly in
the background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How we hoped to have our
moment of triumph, too, to hold up our son as a testimony of God's glory and
power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was still too soon, and we
had many battles yet to fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Lord,
I have heard of your fame; </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Renew them in our day, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our time make them known; </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In wrath remember mercy."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Habakkuk 3:2 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Monday morning brought butterflies to
our stomaches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was no hardship for
Andrew to skip breakfast before his surgery; he was far too nervous to
eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was nervous for him, too, and for
Ari who was getting blood work done that morning to see if he could be a donor
match for Andrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Harry
arrived with Ari I left Andrew to
accompany them to the blood lab on the second floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ari tried to be brave although pokes were a
new experience for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned to Andrew's room proudly sporting a band-aid, and the
two brothers commiserated with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Harry couldn't stay, so promising Andrew that he would return before he
woke up from the surgery he and Ari said goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The morning
dragged on as we read book after book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every now and then Andrew needed reassurance that the operation would
not hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we would pray and I
would ask God to go with him into the operating room to watch over him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 11:45
a.m. the hospital porter finally arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dressed in his housecoat and slippers Andrew
padded downstairs with the porter, myself, and his every-present I.V.
pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As we
reached the O.R. the porter pressed a button and the double doors swung slowly
open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another hallway stretched before
us with a bend at the end revealing no hint of what was hidden behind its
walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A nurse hurried around the bend
and up the hallway towards us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wore
a hair net and special O.R. 'booties' on her feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Time
for goodbye hugs and kisses," she said cheerily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drew Andrew
close and kissed him tenderly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, how
hard it was to let him go; to let him walk through those doors without me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always I had accompanied him to every
medical procedure, held his hand, kissed him, talked him though it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, in the face of an unknown and
frightening experience, he would have to go without me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With bent head and drooping shoulders he
shuffled obediently after the porter, and was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My chest
tightened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could hardly breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Oh,
Lord, watch over my sweet baby,"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
choked out noiselessly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hurrying
back to his room I collapsed into tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Crying and praying I wrestled with my feelings of fear and
betrayal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just when I thought I had laid
everything into the Master's hands, I was asked to give up yet one more
thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wasn't it enough that my son had
to suffer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did he have to suffer alone
as well?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could a little five year
old boy understand the presence of God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He needed his mother!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I sensed
already what God was trying to say, but at first I would have none of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, that all this suffering would only go
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my turmoil I had to admit that
if there were no suffering there would be no need for the Lord's strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just the day before God had given me the
lovely promise of his strength in Habakkuk 3:19,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"The
Sovereign LORD is my strength;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He enables me to go on the heights." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Two hours
later, Harry returned to the hospital and we received the go-ahead to meet
Andrew in the post-surgery recovery room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was already conscious and smiled sleepily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His chest was covered with a large dressing
and a thin plastic tube snaked from underneath the dressing to the I.V.
pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I breathed a sigh of relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The worst was over and accessing his veins
would no longer be a difficult ordeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even getting dressed would be a cinch without having to undo his I.V.
lines every time he wanted to change clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The next
morning proved us wrong, as the dressing was painfully peeled off and
replaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three inch cut in his
chest was swollen and bruised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere
hidden under the puffy skin lay the V.A.D., evident only by the protruding
needle that was buried deep within.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew shrieked and cried as the blood-stained
dressing was removed and I tried to keep from retching as I viewed the results
of the surgeon's scalpel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a way to
start this special day of the year--his 6th birthday!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I had been
determined to make it a good day and had invited six little guests from home to
help him celebrate, but now I wondered whether we would be able to coax Andrew out of bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was severely traumatized and wanted only to be left alone.<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span> At noon Linda arrived with his little friends and I ushered
them to the playroom which had been especially reserved for this occasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were balloons and cake that Harry's sister, Ruth,
had provided, as well as pizza which I had ordered, but no birthday boy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> Halfway through the party Harry finally persuaded Andrew
to come and so with his hands clutching the lines coming from his swollen
little chest he listlessly entered the playroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It nearly broke my heart to see his white,
strained face next to the smiling faces of his friends as they handed him their
gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We played
pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, opened gifts, and sang "Happy Birthday"
as he blew out the candles half-heartedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8t7jd32J1C8o_d6StEaTXJDXFGCfIXjPOcFPUTahgIg9uls2IqDyLZWwptp5lsthIIG7qttsjMzwN7fd0o8u_YNzR4Vr0W5Fj-ri9R5l_yzXXxEgoVUCqMAKdzJwM7ODQ5D0mO1t6Urbe/s1600/6th+birthday_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8t7jd32J1C8o_d6StEaTXJDXFGCfIXjPOcFPUTahgIg9uls2IqDyLZWwptp5lsthIIG7qttsjMzwN7fd0o8u_YNzR4Vr0W5Fj-ri9R5l_yzXXxEgoVUCqMAKdzJwM7ODQ5D0mO1t6Urbe/s320/6th+birthday_NEW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Andrew is in the white <span style="font-size: x-small;">t-shirt sitting right in front of <span style="font-size: x-small;">me.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wished I'd waited for another time to celebrate, I wished I could have
given him the cowboy party that he had been anticipating with real pony rides
on Uncle Ed's horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of all I
wished for the nightmare to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, the party ended and Andrew crawled exhaustedly back into bed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
following day he was discharged with a bag of medication, extra dressings for
his V.A.D. site, and a list of instructions for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides the schedule of medications, the list
contained a gamut of reactions that his body might or might not undergo in
response to the drugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since he was
beginning an intense protocol of chemotherapy to put his cancer back into
remission, we were informed to expect more than the usual side effects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fever, mouth sores, low blood counts,
increased infections, and chemical imbalances were a few of the results we
could expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daunting as the
information seemed, we were going home, and that helped ease the anxiety all
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was evident that first
night back home, when Andrew prayed, "Dear Lord, please help me not to
have any more pokes; please help me not to stay in the hospital again, and
please help me to be able to play with my toys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you, Lord, for helping me get better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you, Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen."<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Coming home
always refreshed and renewed our courage and being away from the hospital
filled us with a sense of relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life
actually felt a little more normal until the next night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew
chose the bedtime story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happened to
be the very last story in our children's Bible and the theme was--Heaven!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read it with a lump in my throat while Andrew's eyes shone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His childish heart was embracing heaven with its absence of pain and
tears, while my heart became once again heavy and anxious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Later, Harry reminded me of the promise he had claimed on
the very first day of relapse:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Whatever
you ask in my name I will give it you."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(John 14:14)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I longed
for the assurance that Harry seemed to have but I was uncertain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of me wanted to pray for healing but
part of me wondered if that was God’s ‘perfect will’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This confusion was partly due to an event
that happened years ago when a tragic accident made my friend's husband a
helpless quadriplegic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her panicked
prayer had been, "Dear God, let him live!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just let him live!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He did
survive the accident but the devastating results of it produced doubts and
regrets in my friend's mind about her prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I feared the similar possibility of facing future regrets over our
prayers for Andrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so, I began the search for God's will.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Since Andrew's birth, I had established a routine of
allowing the Lord to wake me in the early morning hours (usually between 4 and 5 a.m.) to read my <i>One Year Bible.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved the daily readings which always
included a passage from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, a Psalm
and a Proverb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because a chronological
order was followed, one could easily read through the entire Bible in one year
using this system.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now my
thirst for God's Word had intensified one-hundred-fold and I spent every spare
minute reading my Bible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I read
the passages for December 22, I came across Psalm 141:8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"But my eyes are fixed on you, O
Sovereign Lord;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in you I take refuge--do
not give me over to death."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
words stirred up a poignant memory of three years ago, when Andrew was first
diagnosed with leukemia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was our
first day in the hospital and he was about to have his first bone marrow test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trembling with fear I picked him up out of
the hospital bed and held him close to my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly I walked down the hall to the
treatment room, carrying him in my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As my feet moved mechanically forward I groaned, "God, are you
there?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The silence of the empty
hallway echoed back mockingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
reached the door of the treatment room I stopped and closed my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to feel God's presence but seemed
unable to pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that instant of
downcast eyes I saw His hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
the hands of a Father, stretched out toward His child with the full intent of
giving comfort and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wonder of
it all was that I was that child. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My heart
immediately quieted itself and as I opened my eyes I remembered something else
about His hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a word
written across them, "Mercy."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The word comforted me in an unexplainable way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The explanation came to me later in the
evening after the tests had been completed and the diagnosis had been
pronounced and the tears had been shed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sitting
beside my sleeping son with the lights turned low, I opened my Bible to the
daily reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Psalm 123:1,2.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I
lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>in
heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the eyes
of slaves look to the hand of their <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>master,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the eyes
of a maid look to the hand of her <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>mistress,
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So our eyes
look to the Lord our God, till He <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>shows
us His mercy."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now, like a
sweet refrain those words had returned to remind me to keep my eyes fixed on
Jesus, and to wait for His mercy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Of course,
the mercy I desired most was healing for Andrew, and so in my next Bible
reading I began to express my desires through Scripture.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I cry
aloud to the Lord</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I lift up
my voice for mercy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I pour out
my complaint...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before Him
I tell my trouble,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It is you
who knows my way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>[Andrew is
in desperate need.]</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rescue him!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Set him
free, that he may praise your name.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then the
righteous will gather about us because <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>of
your goodness to us."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>(Psalm
142:1-7)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But before
healing would come, our heavenly Father had other ways of showing His mercy
that he also wanted us to experience.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-77831924485244371652012-11-03T18:45:00.000-07:002012-11-07T00:06:29.919-08:00Book- Ch. 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyQI59yA0R0ErvgsC1DapvmpkMJpVBmRgRZM5gcUily9NkP6cLiJn_UYYFAcvin5SwT1b8e5R0k_gHud8ZpCNrj0dz-bQYPKoWJuLKR8eWUWnO2oPRVVSS78jog2eEzbVV_TwWJwbC3Nt/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyQI59yA0R0ErvgsC1DapvmpkMJpVBmRgRZM5gcUily9NkP6cLiJn_UYYFAcvin5SwT1b8e5R0k_gHud8ZpCNrj0dz-bQYPKoWJuLKR8eWUWnO2oPRVVSS78jog2eEzbVV_TwWJwbC3Nt/s200/IMG.jpg" width="134" /></a>Chapter1</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Christmas
carols hummed their way into my supper clatter, intertwining my thoughts with
melodic strains and savory smells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
was trying to decide between peas or corn my 5:00 routine was brought to a grinding halt by the ringing
of the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was our family doctor. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Marilyn, I'm afraid I've got some bad news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew's
blood test shows that the cancer is back." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Andrew was
our 5 year old son who had been diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at
the age of 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, 3 years of
chemotherapy had put him into remission and we had promised Andrew that the pokes were over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To prove it we had even thrown an
'End-of-Chemo' party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over forty
friends and family members came to celebrate with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Five year
old Andrew reveled in the exhilarating joy of having all his little friends and
cousins together to play with at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Too young to remember when his cancer had first started he had been
living with pokes and medications as an unpleasant, but unavoidable way of
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be told that he would now
become a normal little boy with no more pills to swallow, no more baldness to
cover, and no more I.V. needles to terrorize his damaged veins seemed unbelievable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a bursting heart he thanked the Lord in
his bedtime prayers for making him well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pouring out his affection on us he hugged and kissed us many times a day
as he joyfully began a new chapter in his life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How could I
tell him that someone had turned back the pages and we were starting all over
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even as the contents of my
stomach kept threatening to rise, I managed to take note of what Dr. Pauls was
saying as he mapped out the steps that would be taken in </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
the next 24 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was even able to thank him as he expressed his deepest sympathy and, saying
goodbye, I was once again alone in my kitchen with the Christmas </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
music playing on cheerily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I waited for someone to turn it off, until my aloneness reminded me that
I would have to somehow move my feet of lead into the next room and </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
find the ‘Off’ button myself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With the
music off, silence reigned and began to wring out my heavy heart until it
ached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried calling my husband, Harry,
on his cell phone but received no answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Feeling even more alone I knew that at that moment the burden would
crush my very breath if I could not share it with someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so I clumsily picked up the phone again
and called the one person who had always been there for me from the first day
of my life—my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As soon as
she answered the phone, I felt the lump in my throat dissolving into great heaving
tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I barely cracked out,
"Mom," before the flood of emotion rolled up and out from my broken
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"What's
wrong, Marilyn?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>mom's persistent voice pulled me
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"It's Andrew. His cancer's back," I sobbed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Dad
and I will come over as soon as we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We just have to attend a brief meeting where Dad has to give a short
devotional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We'll leave as soon as his
talk is over," Mom said. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Okay,
and please pray for us,"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pleaded.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I
already have been," Mom replied. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"What
do you mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were praying before I
called you?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I questioned. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see Dr. Pauls
was uncertain whether to call you himself tonight since he couldn't reach Andrew's pediatrician, or to wait till morning and
let Dr. Traverse give you the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So he
asked Auntie Betty for her opinion." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Aunt Betty, one of my
favorite aunts, was also my doctor's receptionist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She suggested that they first contact my
mother and get her advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom in turn
urged them to call me immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it
came to be that as I received my heartbreaking call my mother was already
supporting me in prayer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mom and I
hung up and I resigned myself to finishing supper while waiting for Harry to come home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately our three boys, Ryan, Andrew, and Ari, were still happily
playing upstairs when Harry walked in the back door. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Honey,
I've got some bad news," I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
set down the mail and his lunchbox quietly, with his eyes fixed on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"The
blood test Andrew had done yesterday
showed that the cancer is back," I said softly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Oh,
no," he whispered, "Poor Andrew."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our thoughts rode tandem as we silently
visualized the renewed onslaught of chemotherapy and radiation on Andrew's body. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I
don't think we should tell him yet," I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Let's wait till we actually are preparing
to go to the hospital."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry was
in full agreement and so we called the boys down for supper<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys chattered at the table without
noticing our sober mood until with relief we finished the meal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Harry sank into his easy chair while I quickly tidied
up the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My churning thoughts
were wearing me out and I desperately felt a need for release.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted something to fill in the long
evening ahead of us and my thoughts went immediately to our friends, Stan and
Tilly, whose two boys would be great company for ours. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I'm
going to call Stan and Tilly, and ask them to come down,"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blurted out to Harry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I don't want Andrew
to notice how down we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the boys
have someone to play with the evening will be easier, don't you
think?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry shrugged
apathetically, and then shook his head. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I
don't want to see anyone," he said despondently. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"But
think how well distracted the boys will be, and we both could use the support
of our friends," I pleaded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry shrugged again resignedly and I picked up the
phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tilly was shocked to hear the news, and immediately agreed
to spend the evening with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hearing
her comforting voice so boosted my flagging spirits that I impulsively decided
to phone another friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two hours later
ten of our closest friends were sitting in our family room ready and willing to
carry our burden with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we talked
and shared Scripture, and prayed together I felt the weight lift a little. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The next
morning we wondered when Andrew's
pediatrician would call to confirm the lab results that we had already been
informed about the night before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 8:15 a.m. I could wait no longer and
dialed the pediatrician's home number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was speechless at my news and promised to call me as soon as he had
studied the lab results of Andrew's
blood work himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forty-five minutes
later he phoned from the Hospital laboratory to say that he could not spot any
cancer cells in the specimen slides but wanted me to meet him at his office
where the pathology report would be waiting for him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My heart
lightened with this reprieve and I entertained the possibility that we had
become disheartened prematurely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made
arrangements to leave Ryan and Aaron at my mom's and took Andrew
with me to meet Harry at Dr. Traverse's
office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left Andrew
in the lobby while we conferred with the doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He greeted us with a grave face and held out
the documents from the pathology lab. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because the
blood specimens were somewhat nebulous, our local pathologist had sent them to
another hospital 40 miles away where two other pathologists had studied them
and concurred that indeed, blast cells were present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One more step could be taken to confirm that
the cancer had relapsed and that was to do a bone marrow test on Andrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
waited, Dr. Traverse called our oncologist in Vancouver
and set up an appointment for the following day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With heavy
hearts we drove away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew seemed not to suspect anything and wanted to
play "I Spy".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forcing a smile
I suggested he start the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I spy
something that begins with J," he shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Harry and I began
guessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jeep? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jalopy? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We scoured
the passing scenery but had to admit we were stumped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Jesus!" he gleefully responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The game continued with Andrew
happily taking turn after turn. The next letter was "G" for
"God", and then "A" for "Angel".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We mused over the unusual turn this age-old
game had taken and felt inexplicably comforted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In our darkest moment our young son had turned our eyes to Jesus. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As we
packed in preparation for a lengthy hospital stay we chose not to say anything
to the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted to prolong Andrew's carefree thoughts for as long as possible,
even if only for one more night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Furthermore, we weren't sure how to prepare him for the next few days,
as we ourselves didn't yet know what lay ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The only definite river to cross was the Bone Marrow test which I knew
would throw Andrew into a panic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The last
bone marrow test had been six months before and we had promised him that it was
the last one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew
did not hold broken promises lightly, and I was already imagining his hurt and
dismay when he discovered that he had been betrayed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We decided
to drive into Vancouver
that evening and spend the night with Harry's
parents, whom the children called "Oma" and "Opa".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They greeted us warmly, hugging Andrew tenderly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oma had already prepared the bedroom for the boys where they liked to
'camp' on the floor, and as I tucked the children into their cozy
blankets,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew asked hesitantly,
"Mom, am I getting my bone 'n arrow shot tomorrow?" </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I caught my
breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How had he known?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did it have to come out now—just before
bedtime when his melancholy nature would so quickly weep and worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inwardly I breathed a prayer, "Give me the
right words, dear God." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Out loud I
said, "Yes, Andrew, you're having
a bone marrow test." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I
wish I didn't have to have any more pokes,"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he sighed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"So do
I," I agreed wholeheartedly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"What
kind will it be?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he asked next. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"One
poke in your hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's the only one
you'll feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You won't feel anything
else." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Don't
forget to put Emmla cream on," he reminded me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gladly promised him that, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and after his bedtime prayer and a goodnight
kiss he fell soundly asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked
the Lord that there had been no tears. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Realizing
that God had been preparing the way for us throughout the last 24 hours, I
suddenly hungered for His Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opening
my One Year Bible I found that the reading for that day was Jonah 1-4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a growing sense of awe I read the prayer
of Jonah in the belly of the whale:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"In my
distress I called to the Lord and he answered me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the depths of the grave I called for
help and you listened to my cry."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although I had not yet verbalized my feelings to the Lord, my spirit
resonated with these words of Jonah.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"You hurled me into the deep, into the
very heart of the sea, and the currents swirled about me, all your waves and
breakers swept over me." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I could
fully relate to deep waters and swirling currents as my emotions and thoughts
consistently threatened to overwhelm me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was fearful about what lay ahead but I knew that God would be with us.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the
morning I asked the Lord to give me good news that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not expect a happy diagnosis, but I was
hoping for another reassuring sign of God's presence. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After a
pancake breakfast with Oma and Opa, we made our familiar trek to the B.C.
Children's Hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was a long hallway to the Oncology Clinic and
Andrew held my hand tightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced
down at his hands which sported large Emmla patches over his much-used
veins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Emmla was a topical freezing
medication that slightly dulled the pain of the I.V. needles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soberly we opened the heavy door with its
warning sign: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;">
"<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do not enter this clinic if you have an infectious disease or have been
exposed to one</i>." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
We were well aware of the dangers that infection posed for
the children inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their immune
systems were being suppressed by rigorous medical treatments and an infectious
disease could be life-threatening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew had been one of those children for three years
and now, after an all-too-short reprieve, he was back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I checked
off his name on the big chalkboard and looked around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were one of the first patients of the day,
so hopefully our wait would not be long. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Andrew had
just sat down at the play table when a nurse called him away to take his height
and weight measurements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quietly he
pulled off his shoes and backed up against the meter stick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse tried to make conversation but he
remained unresponsive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, his weight
was recorded and then it was time for the big needle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry
joined us in the tiny treatment room and we watched in silence as the nurse
laid out her sterile tray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew wanted
to sit on my lap as he customarily did, and after a quick hug he held out his
hand for her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I'll
count to three," she said. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Please
don't count," we interrupted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Experience had taught us that distracting Andrew
with a book worked better than letting him focus on the needle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry held up a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where's Waldo</i> book, and as Andrew looked for Waldo, the needle
found its mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few measured breaths
helped Andrew over the initial pain
and then the needle and hand were bandaged up together and connected to an I.V.
pole. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Back to the
play table we went where others waited for their turn to be 'hooked up'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Immeasurably<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>sad to me were the little bald heads around the table that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of them were under the age of five.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their usual childish curiosity was replaced
by wary looks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could understand their
perplexity at being in a place made for children with its abundance of color
and toys and at the same time designed for torture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The occasional loud cries and screams were
unsettling, but even more heartbreaking were the pathetic little sobs of the
children who tried to be brave. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Andrew had always been a brave one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when he had been first diagnosed at the
age of two, he had never needed any restraining during the pokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as though he feared causing more pain by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>accidentally moving the hand or foot that was
being accessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On two occasions the
chemotherapy drugs had leaked into surrounding tissues causing burns under the
skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even then he made little fuss,
only whimpering softly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Near the end
of the three years of chemotherapy his veins had become more and more difficult
to enter due to the tremendous amount of scarring, not to mention the complete
destruction of the two veins that were chemically burned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried not to imagine the anxiety we would
experience in the next few days but gained hope from the fact that today's poke
had gone smoothly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then it was
time for the bone marrow test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was
done in a large room where Andrew lay
on his side while a nurse helped curl him into a tight ball so that his spine
and hip was properly exposed to the doctor on the other side of the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beside the doctor stood a sterile metal cart
with the various instruments used in the procedure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the bottom of the bed stood two
technicians who would immediately prepare microscopic slides of the
extracted<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bone<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>marrow which would <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>be studied later in the Lab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Harry and I stood at the head of the bed where we
held his hand and kept up a steady stream of stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before starting the procedure, the nurse
wrapped a tiny Velcro device around Andrew's thumb which would monitor his
blood pressure on a nearby machine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Next she
injected a mild sedative into his I.V. tube.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Within two minutes Andrew
started smiling lopsidedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes
drooped as he got downright giggly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were used to this reaction to the sedative and ironically, I loved that moment
because it was usually the only time we would see Andrew smile all day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After waiting a full five minutes, the Doctor
injected a local anesthetic into his lower back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once that took effect, it was time to
carefully insert a long, thin, stainless steel tube into his hip bone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The nurse
supporting Andrew on one side of the bed had to brace herself as the doctor on
the other side used all his strength to drive the tube into his hip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A small moan came from Andrew
as he struggled to escape the pressure. The nurse only held him tighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bone marrow was drawn into the tube with
a corkscrew contraption and then removed from his body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both a </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
chip of bone as well as the pulpy bone marrow juice were
aspirated and sent to the lab. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They also
did a spinal tap which meant inserting a long hollow needle into the spinal
area from which several vials of cerebral fluid were extracted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not a pleasant sight to see the needle
sticking out of his back and watching the fluid slowly drip from the needle
into the vials that were held by the doctor just beneath the opening of the
needle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This test would indicate
whether the cancer had spread into the spine which then automatically raised
the prognosis of the patient to "high risk".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Finally all
needles were withdrawn and Andrew was
allowed to rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today he seemed
unusually passive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a rule he would
be trying to get off the bed in spite of his sedated condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the early days we had once allowed him his
determination to 'get up—go home' only to have him drunkenly weaving his way
through the hospital hallway until he finally crumpled into my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today he
was content to stay on the bed while Harry
read on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I followed the nurse to her
station where we booked a return appointment for the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that time we would receive the test
results and a course of treatment would begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thankful to have one more night away from the Hospital, we returned to
Oma and Opa's house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My heart
still felt burdened, but it was a comfort to hold Andrew
and cuddle him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a comfort also to
have my two other boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved to
feast my eyes on their boyish enthusiasm and their expressive, rosy faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I clung to the fact that I had two healthy children
who would hopefully never have to experience Andrew's
suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also assuaged my guilt
that this invasion of cancer in our family was not my fault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I fell asleep that night I again
prayed for good news the next day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Grey clouds
blanketed the morning sky, but my heart was already looking for the silver
lining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sure that the day would
hold a blessing for us somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had
a relaxed breakfast with Oma and Opa who did their best to cheer us but their
strained faces belied their outward calm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Knowing from experience how quickly Andrew could be admitted to the Hospital, I decided
to take along a suitcase for him and myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Harry felt my precautions were premature but I had spent enough
unexpected nights at the Hospital without a toothbrush and extra clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At 1:00 we were ready to leave for the
hospital and kissed Ryan and Ari
goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ari refused to be left behind
and so, sensing that his sunny nature would perhaps be of benefit to us we let
him hop in the car next to Andrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True to form, Ari immediately began
chattering about the passing scenery while Andrew
listened half-heartedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the clinic
the boys sat down to watch a movie, while we were called into a consultation
office to meet with our doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a
heavy sense of foreboding we took stock of the </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
medical staff crowded into the tiny room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was our oncologist, Dr. Ron
Anderson, who was still very new
to us and seemed far too young to be a cancer specialist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next to him was a doctor who was training to
become a specialist, and an oncology nurse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dr. Anderson greeted us with a warm handshake,
introduced us to the other two and then picked up Andrew's
medical file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I'm
so sorry," he said sympathetically, "But the bone marrow test shows
that Andrew has relapsed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His bone marrow is already 80% full of cancer
cells."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked at him numbly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Now
we have a choice of two types of treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Either we try chemotherapy again for another two years, or we try a bone
marrow transplant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don't have to
decide right away, but we will need to admit Andrew
today and begin chemotherapy immediately to put him back into
remission."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"What
if we chose chemotherapy again?" Harry
asked. "How effective would that be seeing as how it didn't prevent Andrew
from relapsing?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Anderson
nodded understandingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"The
chemotherapy we would use this time would be much stronger, however, you're
right—there would be no guarantee. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
should also realize that in either case Andrew
would definitely require radiation to his testicles since the cancer recurred
there as well."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Can
you explain to us what a bone marrow transplant would involve?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"It
would mean he would have to undergo radiation to kill off all his blood cells
and then receive the bone marrow cells of a healthy person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These cells would take root in his bone
marrow and start manufacturing normal healthy cells," the doctor
replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Do you know if any of you
match his bone marrow?" </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I shook my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Three of us were tested when
Andrew was first diagnosed with leukemia, but our youngest son, Ari, was born
later and has never been blood-typed so we don't know if he matches or
not." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"There's
a slim chance that he might," the doctor said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"We'll have to check that out before we
make any decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew's case will also be reviewed by the entire
team of oncologists here at the hospital and they will submit a proposal for
treatment as well." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We talked
for about an hour trying to fully grasp the pro's and con's of the options that
lay before us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were beginning to feel
overwhelmed with all the information when Dr. Anderson
wisely drew the consultation to a close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the medical staff rose to go he asked our permission to begin
chemotherapy that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the verge of
tears I nodded but couldn't speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry nodded as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dr. Anderson ushered the others out </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
and then quietly closed the door, leaving us alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like a lost child I went into Harry's arms, and together we wept. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then Harry pulled a chair over, and sitting down with me
in his lap he told me of the promise he had received from God's Word that
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Whatever
you ask in my name I will give it to you."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(John 14:13, 14)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With firm hope in his voice he insisted that
the same phrase had come up over and over again in his reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was convinced that God would grant us
healing if we asked for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Comforted, but
not wholly convinced, I dried my tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we prayed, huddled together, I felt the familiar shadow loom over us
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hurt to think that we were
being forced once again to enter the 'Valley of the Shadow of Death'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even as I mentally cringed at the thought
something made me catch my breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
warm peace came over me as I realized that I had been wrong in thinking that
the shadow of death loomed over us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was not death at all, but rather a pair of Almighty Wings that were
overshadowing us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were as safe as any
sparrow could ever be! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I was glad
for that peace when it came time to tell Andrew
what was happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With as few words as
possible we told him that he was going to have to stay in the hospital for some
more pokes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Why?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he cried. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Well,
Andrew, your cancer has come back and the doctors need to make it go away
again," Harry tried to explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Why
did it come back?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I thought you said it was gone, and I
would not have to have anymore pokes."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"We
don't know why it came back, Honey," I began. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I
thought I was healed," he interrupted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"We
thought so too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God can heal you
again," I pleaded with him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He was
devastated and refused to be comforted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He cried all the way from the clinic to the cancer ward on the third
floor of the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately we
were given one of the few private rooms, and tried to distract Andrew with T.V.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He eventually stopped crying and gathered together his courage for a new
I.V. needle to be inserted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Chemotherapy was administered as well as anti-nausea drugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Once the pokes and pills were over we cuddled together on
the bed enjoying the view of the helicopter landing pad from our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Andrew
perked up a bit when company arrived in the form of both sets of grandparents
plus my brother, Ed, and his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry had gone for supper too, and returned shortly
with both boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like a family
reunion with everyone wanting to talk at once while the children spilled out
into the hallway with their romping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harry finally took the children to the playroom while
I updated the adults on Andrew's
prognosis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
discussing his medical situation we wondered how the relapse was affecting him
emotionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't think he's coping
very well with the relapse,"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
said,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"But its going to get a whole
lot worse when he finds out he's spending his birthday in the
hospital."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His 6th birthday was
just two days away and I was at a loss how to remedy the situation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Couldn't
you have the party at the hospital?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>my sister-in-law, Linda asked. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"How would
I get all his friends here from Abbotsford?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wondered. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I
don't mind bringing a van full,"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Linda replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so we made
plans to throw a surprise party at the Hospital. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Later when
everyone was gone and Andrew had been
tucked in for the night, I sat down on my hospital cot and opened my One Year
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two passages leaped out at me
from that day's scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 136
issued the phrase "His love endures forever" twenty-six times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The convincing repetitiousness was hard to
ignore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nahum 1:7 read, "The Lord
is good, a refuge in times of trouble."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This reminder to take refuge under the Almighty wings was so appropriate
for a day when death had once again beckoned us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just then Andrew
sat up and whimpered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time I
realized what he wanted and was scrambling for a vomit tray, he was heaving
violently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forceful explosions rocketed
up from his stomach, splattering the walls, the bedding, and himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart so at peace the moment before, instantly
plummeted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visions of other sick children
I had seen flashed through my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was routine to see cancer children throwing up, but Andrew
had not once vomited in all his years of chemotherapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This seemed like an ominous foreboding of
the new chapter he was beginning in his life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After ten
minutes of ongoing eruptions, an exhausted Andrew
had finally emptied the entire contents of his stomach and it was safe to begin
cleaning up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How I blessed the capable
hospital laundry that would wash up my son's bedding without a complaint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I had to do was strip off the sheets and
throw them in the hall hamper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bathing Andrew with a connected I.V. pole was a little more
challenging, but a helpful nurse showed me her trick of pulling off pajamas
without unhooking the tubes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once he was
clean again a fresh pair of p.j.'s without buttons were put on and then it was
back into bed for Andrew. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tired and
strained I slipped into my cot shortly thereafter hoping to fall asleep
quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every movement by Andrew startled me, and I worried whether this would
be a busy night for both of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the
words of a kind nurse came back to me, "You're going to go through your
own, unique story with Andrew, so
don't worry that the stories you hear from other patients will necessarily
happen to Andrew."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At midnight
Andrew was given one more dose of anti-nausea pills, after which we both went
to sleep and slept soundly until morning..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJHTYdvm2r1zs3tsRbvS0ZKQEbvgdKidbvB9MIwsh4TIWBy9nS9uW-K4uV1iTzE3g6QNwUWwFKvsDhD25hvTRdaUMhcDHxVUbZxlQRVjllFnUfO5rKFPUIUddT5rMD1lHuZ2QNms6MmhZ/s1600/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJHTYdvm2r1zs3tsRbvS0ZKQEbvgdKidbvB9MIwsh4TIWBy9nS9uW-K4uV1iTzE3g6QNwUWwFKvsDhD25hvTRdaUMhcDHxVUbZxlQRVjllFnUfO5rKFPUIUddT5rMD1lHuZ2QNms6MmhZ/s320/image001.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-62840239722673379602012-10-31T22:28:00.002-07:002012-11-03T17:15:27.957-07:00Honey from the Rock <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjb33aObsfk1KjZFypI_emdSdOsva7ca5Xog77dWEv1krvYMBJNM_7tPcZ2KluE-CFSUUG6kRx4y62ONqhyphenhyphentsBcrKgNtYbg7_XclPsgoVIMIQC0Hw0v7PhHMT3ZIPFCHrMUiW6MDQrxTt/s1600/Hatzic+steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjb33aObsfk1KjZFypI_emdSdOsva7ca5Xog77dWEv1krvYMBJNM_7tPcZ2KluE-CFSUUG6kRx4y62ONqhyphenhyphentsBcrKgNtYbg7_XclPsgoVIMIQC0Hw0v7PhHMT3ZIPFCHrMUiW6MDQrxTt/s320/Hatzic+steps.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following posts are chapters from my book called, <i>Honey from the Rock</i>. It is my account of our journey with God through the valley of cancer with our 6 year old son, Andrew. May it encourage everyone who reads it.</div>
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</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Honey
from the Rock</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When I’m up against the
wall and the tears begin to fall,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus can still satisfy
my soul.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Though my heart is
faint with fear and it feels like no one’s near,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus comes to feed my
weary soul.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He gives me honey from
the very rock I’m up against;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The sweetness of His
touch revives my soul.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I taste His mercy in
the midst of all my sorrow,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And I know that in His
arms I’ll be made whole.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Marilyn Schroeder</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style","serif";">Inspired
by Psalm 81:16 <br />
“If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how
quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you would be fed with the finest of
wheat;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with honey from the rock I would
satisfy you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(NIV)</span></div>
Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-14474517731336405512012-09-12T14:44:00.010-07:002012-09-12T16:05:03.986-07:00<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7nA1zJ9vE05DS1ZhwcOfdhfcwqWkcs8gr2X6y4xAcZkvYTlUV6vA3GKDBpgPnrW-zjZC7lIbvj_y47CSOhJVFAybokmbuZoFChjq5V0Li3RWRmGDihGzzAifgMODXMBtpoO2JsYoa7nT/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7nA1zJ9vE05DS1ZhwcOfdhfcwqWkcs8gr2X6y4xAcZkvYTlUV6vA3GKDBpgPnrW-zjZC7lIbvj_y47CSOhJVFAybokmbuZoFChjq5V0Li3RWRmGDihGzzAifgMODXMBtpoO2JsYoa7nT/s400/IMG_0134.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787423713781344802" /><br /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">Week 13 - Children Arrive</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My youngest brother decided to take a week of holidays at the lake and help us with our project.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His children, Mattea and Nathanael, bring along their bikes and their enthusiasm.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmw_mSFsCF7HHqfWiHDEFpfJ9z_vArH8hL7BwAJk5WvrX6xEo-MgW6Zb2yZn2zv0jNnWDPQ9DjMxSlArGE7qPRGw_Mp_4GG7u34-YER-F8X_BQToPQqXM2HI47QCTmQLyVMIvhXSggJ6uL/s400/IMG_0135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787423707359245234" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">While their dad paints, they 'try out' our new shower.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwEVC4myKrAPktcssYhUjHJQU5GZ3PxYDDl1e7d2QQVG-NUipA2yq5Dbk3KFSWXmTGCmp3N6-vJxnlqGT9vShOMQ24xPaeAPu3ECXeG1yujlnG8rBrfgpsd3ZFMMBhLf0vXC899fLKOYU/s400/IMG_0129.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787423725251628482" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another exciting discovery is a bright green Praying Mantis.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLP1DwJzNfU1zwWDqoif4N3aqTGi935vVif0Q9r1yPExkWXomauyFDSknKJ-kFvdrIDBCjWI7Ty3jdUFAZnc8uzT8SuEO_IpUV_FzxqscHERz6DIoPW1vFmJCEoySsxidAPDHwoyoKrtg/s400/IMG_0146.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787423688912095986" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When daddy's work is done, its time for a swim!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNA8RYKLKNtaHXWnzJdXMedvMiAoVAJGD3s9jG9V0plpxj55GxkeYJWUpuHA1-w3SgdGD4y_8ZFnAmtNN4FghIxD5mB1Dgcn_F0kHnqCrFNzSLv5SwzNXC_bhMvpGJoHM2uj65MdqhxJk/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNA8RYKLKNtaHXWnzJdXMedvMiAoVAJGD3s9jG9V0plpxj55GxkeYJWUpuHA1-w3SgdGD4y_8ZFnAmtNN4FghIxD5mB1Dgcn_F0kHnqCrFNzSLv5SwzNXC_bhMvpGJoHM2uj65MdqhxJk/s400/IMG_0150.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787423678985221922" /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">One afternoon we take the kids to a playground.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x3Sfngzx1RtiLt56P3DJU1auEociTISA7kH4DYip1YKrwn6gXBReni4NYRLWccTh3j2VBJ4gxZ_PthmNxpBdI7RpQ6Q9ZpbRyDurLxsG44ovANcJyh3l9y75KG-4-TQNjC1xpIvyNPVt/s1600/2012-09-06+002.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x3Sfngzx1RtiLt56P3DJU1auEociTISA7kH4DYip1YKrwn6gXBReni4NYRLWccTh3j2VBJ4gxZ_PthmNxpBdI7RpQ6Q9ZpbRyDurLxsG44ovANcJyh3l9y75KG-4-TQNjC1xpIvyNPVt/s400/2012-09-06+002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787419816848368690" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNA8RYKLKNtaHXWnzJdXMedvMiAoVAJGD3s9jG9V0plpxj55GxkeYJWUpuHA1-w3SgdGD4y_8ZFnAmtNN4FghIxD5mB1Dgcn_F0kHnqCrFNzSLv5SwzNXC_bhMvpGJoHM2uj65MdqhxJk/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG"></a><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNA8RYKLKNtaHXWnzJdXMedvMiAoVAJGD3s9jG9V0plpxj55GxkeYJWUpuHA1-w3SgdGD4y_8ZFnAmtNN4FghIxD5mB1Dgcn_F0kHnqCrFNzSLv5SwzNXC_bhMvpGJoHM2uj65MdqhxJk/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "></a><div style="text-align: center; "><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNA8RYKLKNtaHXWnzJdXMedvMiAoVAJGD3s9jG9V0plpxj55GxkeYJWUpuHA1-w3SgdGD4y_8ZFnAmtNN4FghIxD5mB1Dgcn_F0kHnqCrFNzSLv5SwzNXC_bhMvpGJoHM2uj65MdqhxJk/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; "></a></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrOYh_LKM9huB5bow2_igqEgE670gswdDlMZaggvH2xrSAohqCU8lq-VFzBjhP9gWNHIMFXoa25GyQ_Dad_NuO3Xov4NRGQiAew5ab3Hj9In3AHph2bKC8Z-h2MMtzjAKC2w3iJkWAHub/s1600/2012-09-06+007.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrOYh_LKM9huB5bow2_igqEgE670gswdDlMZaggvH2xrSAohqCU8lq-VFzBjhP9gWNHIMFXoa25GyQ_Dad_NuO3Xov4NRGQiAew5ab3Hj9In3AHph2bKC8Z-h2MMtzjAKC2w3iJkWAHub/s400/2012-09-06+007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787419814337230146" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x3Sfngzx1RtiLt56P3DJU1auEociTISA7kH4DYip1YKrwn6gXBReni4NYRLWccTh3j2VBJ4gxZ_PthmNxpBdI7RpQ6Q9ZpbRyDurLxsG44ovANcJyh3l9y75KG-4-TQNjC1xpIvyNPVt/s1600/2012-09-06+002.JPG"></a><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x3Sfngzx1RtiLt56P3DJU1auEociTISA7kH4DYip1YKrwn6gXBReni4NYRLWccTh3j2VBJ4gxZ_PthmNxpBdI7RpQ6Q9ZpbRyDurLxsG44ovANcJyh3l9y75KG-4-TQNjC1xpIvyNPVt/s1600/2012-09-06+002.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "></a><div style="text-align: center; "><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x3Sfngzx1RtiLt56P3DJU1auEociTISA7kH4DYip1YKrwn6gXBReni4NYRLWccTh3j2VBJ4gxZ_PthmNxpBdI7RpQ6Q9ZpbRyDurLxsG44ovANcJyh3l9y75KG-4-TQNjC1xpIvyNPVt/s1600/2012-09-06+002.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; "></a></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYxpCZXDT7SqtEJV2rUIlQ1SiLgU2_6c3JDi4necpiQm9WJ13Dq3KL0dGAoX8Kmyu3GcCIwW6yRE84zcO1PnBhQscF3wP6-V4hccSbCXbb2mhZBpN3zDn3q4lTaksper5Jwukwp_JfHu8/s1600/2012-09-06+008.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYxpCZXDT7SqtEJV2rUIlQ1SiLgU2_6c3JDi4necpiQm9WJ13Dq3KL0dGAoX8Kmyu3GcCIwW6yRE84zcO1PnBhQscF3wP6-V4hccSbCXbb2mhZBpN3zDn3q4lTaksper5Jwukwp_JfHu8/s400/2012-09-06+008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787419801594537138" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrOYh_LKM9huB5bow2_igqEgE670gswdDlMZaggvH2xrSAohqCU8lq-VFzBjhP9gWNHIMFXoa25GyQ_Dad_NuO3Xov4NRGQiAew5ab3Hj9In3AHph2bKC8Z-h2MMtzjAKC2w3iJkWAHub/s1600/2012-09-06+007.JPG"></a><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrOYh_LKM9huB5bow2_igqEgE670gswdDlMZaggvH2xrSAohqCU8lq-VFzBjhP9gWNHIMFXoa25GyQ_Dad_NuO3Xov4NRGQiAew5ab3Hj9In3AHph2bKC8Z-h2MMtzjAKC2w3iJkWAHub/s1600/2012-09-06+007.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "></a><div style="text-align: center; "><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrOYh_LKM9huB5bow2_igqEgE670gswdDlMZaggvH2xrSAohqCU8lq-VFzBjhP9gWNHIMFXoa25GyQ_Dad_NuO3Xov4NRGQiAew5ab3Hj9In3AHph2bKC8Z-h2MMtzjAKC2w3iJkWAHub/s1600/2012-09-06+007.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; "></a></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXk9JeMVCHB8NKkLupvCTR27xbHDpdp8hBGbSApvBboTZziEKFlqtvR8xhOtiStLVseA3KmfUrY2QLC2632zQHm1UkXf7ASS9kKWjO6w6-FfKhmEDgDZmHsrXR-lkRJyAI83HwXyRxmJ-/s1600/2012-09-06+009.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXk9JeMVCHB8NKkLupvCTR27xbHDpdp8hBGbSApvBboTZziEKFlqtvR8xhOtiStLVseA3KmfUrY2QLC2632zQHm1UkXf7ASS9kKWjO6w6-FfKhmEDgDZmHsrXR-lkRJyAI83HwXyRxmJ-/s400/2012-09-06+009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787419790450426258" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYxpCZXDT7SqtEJV2rUIlQ1SiLgU2_6c3JDi4necpiQm9WJ13Dq3KL0dGAoX8Kmyu3GcCIwW6yRE84zcO1PnBhQscF3wP6-V4hccSbCXbb2mhZBpN3zDn3q4lTaksper5Jwukwp_JfHu8/s1600/2012-09-06+008.JPG"></a><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYxpCZXDT7SqtEJV2rUIlQ1SiLgU2_6c3JDi4necpiQm9WJ13Dq3KL0dGAoX8Kmyu3GcCIwW6yRE84zcO1PnBhQscF3wP6-V4hccSbCXbb2mhZBpN3zDn3q4lTaksper5Jwukwp_JfHu8/s1600/2012-09-06+008.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "></a><div style="text-align: center; "><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYxpCZXDT7SqtEJV2rUIlQ1SiLgU2_6c3JDi4necpiQm9WJ13Dq3KL0dGAoX8Kmyu3GcCIwW6yRE84zcO1PnBhQscF3wP6-V4hccSbCXbb2mhZBpN3zDn3q4lTaksper5Jwukwp_JfHu8/s1600/2012-09-06+008.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; "></a></div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6gIphBiKu5NhQCEUSZ0LaUuvS-ocfW5GBm-PAZnL2pDMjr0B-o0UVQ4Toe5aqc-WmYLH6lusthnZgTvy7pqRjyko-BIBvOZpl4vgnDj3KZ_UOrkonLtAi2VOVDTKyTlofzOt37dApLQV/s1600/2012-09-06+010.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6gIphBiKu5NhQCEUSZ0LaUuvS-ocfW5GBm-PAZnL2pDMjr0B-o0UVQ4Toe5aqc-WmYLH6lusthnZgTvy7pqRjyko-BIBvOZpl4vgnDj3KZ_UOrkonLtAi2VOVDTKyTlofzOt37dApLQV/s400/2012-09-06+010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787410723926967874" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXk9JeMVCHB8NKkLupvCTR27xbHDpdp8hBGbSApvBboTZziEKFlqtvR8xhOtiStLVseA3KmfUrY2QLC2632zQHm1UkXf7ASS9kKWjO6w6-FfKhmEDgDZmHsrXR-lkRJyAI83HwXyRxmJ-/s1600/2012-09-06+009.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXk9JeMVCHB8NKkLupvCTR27xbHDpdp8hBGbSApvBboTZziEKFlqtvR8xhOtiStLVseA3KmfUrY2QLC2632zQHm1UkXf7ASS9kKWjO6w6-FfKhmEDgDZmHsrXR-lkRJyAI83HwXyRxmJ-/s1600/2012-09-06+009.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "></a><div style="text-align: center; "><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXk9JeMVCHB8NKkLupvCTR27xbHDpdp8hBGbSApvBboTZziEKFlqtvR8xhOtiStLVseA3KmfUrY2QLC2632zQHm1UkXf7ASS9kKWjO6w6-FfKhmEDgDZmHsrXR-lkRJyAI83HwXyRxmJ-/s1600/2012-09-06+009.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; "></a></div></div></div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">On our last evening we have our traditional marshmallow roast.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV_heOI2PqISCCDovn5W_qKrGyzRIrEomqDWBb_lWLUCASlrLM7LAzRYJYEsYEfrZTeY7ayypwyfLoFSOdnk1NfYfCdaxfPoc8CMYNgV8CdWeDvq3hy99Yf1tyIS4LgMClyHiiVm8Jmjb/s400/2012-09-06+012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787410714125574482" /><div style="text-align: left; "><div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7nA1zJ9vE05DS1ZhwcOfdhfcwqWkcs8gr2X6y4xAcZkvYTlUV6vA3GKDBpgPnrW-zjZC7lIbvj_y47CSOhJVFAybokmbuZoFChjq5V0Li3RWRmGDihGzzAifgMODXMBtpoO2JsYoa7nT/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HOmPFOKRgF5O_y3seeglwxqKEuGRSYIl044Df2D6dVkoN8Gjql1BN8K-TQ17yBelzYgJ5ZKb_bxV8F1mdsLl5o9JOUgo_F8_-n9-Xjq5Atq-CaAJ_pXVReX81STHvN1Qw4SQawodDNqu/s400/2012-09-06+011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787429703725594546" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQy9gp0oL3s3INcukdVtwluANHLHv95aY71bYLuDo0ZbC5UNX-BGM9ewFmlM5_uURzNnFF7kC3OQzlzvvdLWt7tIkRkPIMqJhd8txGnYDIm6Ea7aBggrcmHKzhHn0gB7pE2r1XUNx2O2Nf/s400/2012-09-06+013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787410698491894306" /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbdD3BFiRMHJQa9M_U6dbchdjRG0HDFFjySqkUtwlUZi7RTT9L8N6GQap-xNTcFe9WkFAyVMgcCyNAf8DYF3Oxyph2sThvrihY46-HzCat81rhruufq8WoOEDzTy8_ztUYBquFT_zZHGt/s1600/2012-09-06+016.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbdD3BFiRMHJQa9M_U6dbchdjRG0HDFFjySqkUtwlUZi7RTT9L8N6GQap-xNTcFe9WkFAyVMgcCyNAf8DYF3Oxyph2sThvrihY46-HzCat81rhruufq8WoOEDzTy8_ztUYBquFT_zZHGt/s400/2012-09-06+016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787410691603280674" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Shannon is a healthy, non-sweets kind of person. She believes in feeding her kids healthy meals and snacks. So it is surprising to see her having a 'smore. Its even more astonishing to hear her say to Nathanael in the video below, "So you want some candy?"</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwGHuINtob0GBUILoz1E7KQK5KgEgkXHRsmGazTA-PbD7HOFOWhWtLrxcEa8eD6tlOWKt6ORa3t7hMt6KIKew' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I think Nathanel knows the secret to getting candy, but he's not telling!</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiWVLysAKlWKAu0fTv2iBFc9HjGyibfbH7jPKEHWaxkyTwBQ2H3f0-OKtssaoLY9mHDqlIovNCpbmxfthfRkMdjyXa6NC5OJ-TLQG5_5ocFWqbbw3eJphAfs2cuCCAhlybKGUMeabmNbX/s1600/2012-09-06+015.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiWVLysAKlWKAu0fTv2iBFc9HjGyibfbH7jPKEHWaxkyTwBQ2H3f0-OKtssaoLY9mHDqlIovNCpbmxfthfRkMdjyXa6NC5OJ-TLQG5_5ocFWqbbw3eJphAfs2cuCCAhlybKGUMeabmNbX/s400/2012-09-06+015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787410685158977458" /></a><br /><br /></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-54836549503865665022012-09-01T15:31:00.007-07:002012-09-01T16:00:03.190-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwRKxUHUjQeqPz6l-htIrFgUFmdRkYFw8l6GZeNHP-XKCfYrQwIHl1nKFG3QuRryouyFPcma9Pt3KLykoKGs53OiEcSoWRLA9WPALoGUcXXKIP8U-xIa4aQmkjZvp0vFFlityEexOrEGy/s1600/kitten.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwRKxUHUjQeqPz6l-htIrFgUFmdRkYFw8l6GZeNHP-XKCfYrQwIHl1nKFG3QuRryouyFPcma9Pt3KLykoKGs53OiEcSoWRLA9WPALoGUcXXKIP8U-xIa4aQmkjZvp0vFFlityEexOrEGy/s400/kitten.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5783342455304572162" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">Building our Cottage - Week 9 - 12</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">The weeks are flying by and my blog is being neglected, so I'm condensing a few weeks at a time.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">A lost kitten cries for help two nights in a row and on the 3rd night we finally find it. Everyone falls in love with it, but no one wants the responsibility, so for one day we feed it and play with it and then leave it with the farmer who gives it to a willing family.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb6K9mja0B2NlyaLua6TQW8gZMA5DPBSYdQn71K_u6FLXtdq2KFwhjQuT-yl_T_s5JVi4FkbVK1xIVRSKWKtSozq6R5_NjoDCrn15_ICBInpJxgMEBDAV1AwUsSU0JrAdGgpUCwiOCNLn/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb6K9mja0B2NlyaLua6TQW8gZMA5DPBSYdQn71K_u6FLXtdq2KFwhjQuT-yl_T_s5JVi4FkbVK1xIVRSKWKtSozq6R5_NjoDCrn15_ICBInpJxgMEBDAV1AwUsSU0JrAdGgpUCwiOCNLn/s400/IMG_0049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5783342451175775538" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our plywood house slowly gets dressed. The wrapping begins. It is becoming one big birthday present!</div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5UeP9TiCEbsM4ThPK9YLPSsCINrsHlb8x8Hd5t031sG5Q7IMnuvDQKp31XUkNyzP8FKC5GX8jNgwELY5iQvfU9kuwgdGmOS6Tsi5f3yU1MfovuDsQMeYsYd1ErAKga3lAYBA66HRjs2l/s400/IMG_0051.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5783342441671456466" /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YQPWoSDtjHnGmELXGiWlKrCbO77xMfHjjG2ssaOuhgHikb1TnmqFRbP5cgpPB0eeyvd-HOMZB7UpCjrDzLGsZpKTJdRQxWc4CVm4n8hrvTFA_M-4L8c1usxWNarkSt9Fy9J0GSZ7mEdo/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YQPWoSDtjHnGmELXGiWlKrCbO77xMfHjjG2ssaOuhgHikb1TnmqFRbP5cgpPB0eeyvd-HOMZB7UpCjrDzLGsZpKTJdRQxWc4CVm4n8hrvTFA_M-4L8c1usxWNarkSt9Fy9J0GSZ7mEdo/s400/IMG_0052.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5783341523086716210" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KTBnkS97jKlf8bi-JHiNHeek7SG5oUxm5MKt-Ri2J3P8NA1qkC_0EBLBP2uK0Os4tWrGmu526eZh1IUUYk_FffSo-JVuoBaaZZk6Bx4AkhvUf4UcJmH0tNRvjjIOPNP9vux_rIhOZf1K/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KTBnkS97jKlf8bi-JHiNHeek7SG5oUxm5MKt-Ri2J3P8NA1qkC_0EBLBP2uK0Os4tWrGmu526eZh1IUUYk_FffSo-JVuoBaaZZk6Bx4AkhvUf4UcJmH0tNRvjjIOPNP9vux_rIhOZf1K/s400/IMG_0091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5783341509044711794" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The 'wrappers' are happy to take a break. But, sadly, they do not know how to rap or break-dance.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_hziZl9KXllehqS1z_tlAhsWsgeOLcWweH6niN4E4YN3drBabVDABD5gMdxEXery8Zm82nx2iHt4BxYB6B6lg16GAhbwJ2vYlKj_dB1MeTi24Jl5LHoPLww8_DJh_Ae7gqKmhltEYxJZ/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_hziZl9KXllehqS1z_tlAhsWsgeOLcWweH6niN4E4YN3drBabVDABD5gMdxEXery8Zm82nx2iHt4BxYB6B6lg16GAhbwJ2vYlKj_dB1MeTi24Jl5LHoPLww8_DJh_Ae7gqKmhltEYxJZ/s400/IMG_0102.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5783341504263833186" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Towards the end of the week Herb's daughter arrives with her new husband. The newlyweds get to sleep in the 'Prayer Loft' (our room with the cross) and we all think it is very romantic.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsC8bPG9zLelZDSgql6qaqaR-xoLzPCevjSGTM07XEqI_uep3DSaGYhMWmW4vtKCHnQUGA-a5UgGbxwOuHD736wEegythxLrVOV80kvXmD-BgsccKzO97Z8H0upzZqkWHIl5VKQw0A8XUG/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsC8bPG9zLelZDSgql6qaqaR-xoLzPCevjSGTM07XEqI_uep3DSaGYhMWmW4vtKCHnQUGA-a5UgGbxwOuHD736wEegythxLrVOV80kvXmD-BgsccKzO97Z8H0upzZqkWHIl5VKQw0A8XUG/s400/IMG_0103.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5783341488159979746" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our last supper this week consists of twelve of us--friends, relatives, and even strangers.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And, as always, the unseen guest...Jesus!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKlXTZSffoNqNHIUzEATr8oIQaFnXEcwxLtBKvXODcLgZI78wUTD5opyZeVoaXcKISv_Ly_OvT8Msw4lk7byDGntL4GyP2yTsaeVpZh_mqgP_tZj3ILVW_1KxuVSxW1bqqUpCOhiAB03N/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKlXTZSffoNqNHIUzEATr8oIQaFnXEcwxLtBKvXODcLgZI78wUTD5opyZeVoaXcKISv_Ly_OvT8Msw4lk7byDGntL4GyP2yTsaeVpZh_mqgP_tZj3ILVW_1KxuVSxW1bqqUpCOhiAB03N/s400/IMG_0093.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5783341481745625698" /></a><br /></div></div></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-87207010807121589602012-08-16T14:56:00.005-07:002012-09-01T16:06:01.434-07:00Week 8 - Installing the windows <div style="text-align: center;">Building our Cottage</div><div style="text-align: center;">Week 8</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is a week of celebrations....our anniversary (31), my birthday (nevermind), followed by Harry's birthday (57). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwd1IzdJODyM8ZJOgF19zID9PbCEjgMVnEIeE28k6dVuLdHyVyz6pW0vgyDQU_3dZG0qQWJuJEo4kkVKUr78w91THuJzemPNBVbuaxP48cK3ZBqYa2wCC3X4xoDTb-hEixO0HiWGK0yPmF/s1600/cherry+pitter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwd1IzdJODyM8ZJOgF19zID9PbCEjgMVnEIeE28k6dVuLdHyVyz6pW0vgyDQU_3dZG0qQWJuJEo4kkVKUr78w91THuJzemPNBVbuaxP48cK3ZBqYa2wCC3X4xoDTb-hEixO0HiWGK0yPmF/s400/cherry+pitter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777389253596131090" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=" ;font-size:100%;">I buy an amazing cherry pitter at the local hardware store in Osoyoos and suddenly enjoy being</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">in the pits!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=" ;font-size:100%;">I also got a camera....which the boys try out below. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=" ;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitfjxs3kJ_QV22lBLsfclORdbutq_8hTpO7n8eWRSO2nUjyIltoC0mrbpsu5FRY4vP2xcfgiX78XxDanNY24ReWEaGi8iVf9Djr3icL3u2NsZKid5tzptZLbF_Bfzo5_7vT9Fo8vKpocy/s1600/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitfjxs3kJ_QV22lBLsfclORdbutq_8hTpO7n8eWRSO2nUjyIltoC0mrbpsu5FRY4vP2xcfgiX78XxDanNY24ReWEaGi8iVf9Djr3icL3u2NsZKid5tzptZLbF_Bfzo5_7vT9Fo8vKpocy/s400/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777389242985497874" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=" ;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=" ;font-size:100%;">Our tradition is to have a family birthday party at my parents' cabin.</span></div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcyvEOxBNqNfNVRcXOayO9vgiyQTpfoDMF-4SRm9lU0xis76K3uhuryetP-Gf2Yox6UCb1UOm8nL9RjEZpF-EiTnjBepf475mAl-2SYjqHYKGj35eT0rdiEC9XKonHyM9-EX5tLnVCNrx/s1600/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcyvEOxBNqNfNVRcXOayO9vgiyQTpfoDMF-4SRm9lU0xis76K3uhuryetP-Gf2Yox6UCb1UOm8nL9RjEZpF-EiTnjBepf475mAl-2SYjqHYKGj35eT0rdiEC9XKonHyM9-EX5tLnVCNrx/s400/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+007.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777389233335029122" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are so fortunate to have both our precious moms with us.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglR4JjbCz94u54FeAv-NpXuKQ3SY3X7LBRmGf_2jfUf5N_YUiuktQRmfhcogwuCXFzX2BWlEbPzP5CbKf-jBJAeN6Wi-2mWX5NjcJuyXCeOga3SRHjz_nCA0wHBectej26KzICAZCOZxVt/s1600/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglR4JjbCz94u54FeAv-NpXuKQ3SY3X7LBRmGf_2jfUf5N_YUiuktQRmfhcogwuCXFzX2BWlEbPzP5CbKf-jBJAeN6Wi-2mWX5NjcJuyXCeOga3SRHjz_nCA0wHBectej26KzICAZCOZxVt/s400/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777389217643234594" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> Then its back to Osoyoos, for the work must go on!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">The men work hard to put in the new windows.</span></span></span></div><div><div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><br /></div><div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxr_-15dMetBt-uUQ8fDILDOcg7ZPcyGBmsKY74lQGsTRfaPIFDmUkrbYseNzzD-KYBFT5JkUMAcWQrjZ3NRw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3" style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">Midweek is Harry's birthday so we celebrate at the local golf course restaurant.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">Happy Birthday, Honey!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKhpd651wXHxonCaLWOM7YRxlBJbKT4qMaBhO9LTFaT24IWaqpNSrvC9FjWXMDevafrA4MXkbBxK4WA7-268ToRqAwNpKm-ugtZOSbqHmcGIIpZYBFDp9eB2rFXZZZipw4dzWjm5c4qdS/s1600/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+014.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKhpd651wXHxonCaLWOM7YRxlBJbKT4qMaBhO9LTFaT24IWaqpNSrvC9FjWXMDevafrA4MXkbBxK4WA7-268ToRqAwNpKm-ugtZOSbqHmcGIIpZYBFDp9eB2rFXZZZipw4dzWjm5c4qdS/s400/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777387063177700962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A brief rain cloud leaves behind a beautiful rainbow.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpvrtR4GFl_cSegpulLFL5rio3v1vkrqUwd79-k1Z0_B0ueLuDMBgTcbkWABx7cZ73kXVWO1bQTk_TfPCcuHxfG9RpUjbnjWz-zloPHdcwbBWViGQWfFevcG3LNXW88krqMMbxaRVff9a/s1600/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+018.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpvrtR4GFl_cSegpulLFL5rio3v1vkrqUwd79-k1Z0_B0ueLuDMBgTcbkWABx7cZ73kXVWO1bQTk_TfPCcuHxfG9RpUjbnjWz-zloPHdcwbBWViGQWfFevcG3LNXW88krqMMbxaRVff9a/s400/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777387048638186114" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We continue to see glimpses of the Cotter family, but they don't stay visible long.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AIViMecRwu1X-opv9Ah3dnZsq4DKlNMxT-oIWo8rrSP6Zm3_ZLtmFU7djMNjxq6cAr6FmBzukUCuyZ9jHk587yseWyH3UIl4AOhu9IIFr3xDQvybUoj_hdj90eZBbGBJy4ptlcnnDK85/s1600/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+024.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AIViMecRwu1X-opv9Ah3dnZsq4DKlNMxT-oIWo8rrSP6Zm3_ZLtmFU7djMNjxq6cAr6FmBzukUCuyZ9jHk587yseWyH3UIl4AOhu9IIFr3xDQvybUoj_hdj90eZBbGBJy4ptlcnnDK85/s400/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+024.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777387035203621602" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our cottage is starting to look dressed by the end of the week.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAqhYe7hBcurk61jbiB8ZT9PYxZK4v4IgtpxwK5hRrFJMLyRjXuWGfsSVjYc_42uBYmEoVczsAjOZ51BVxkuGTMCuOKlUDqYpn5-DvdNKTCsnfzfw4Mzq2hGtKxlqMYRRmkiNugROuHau/s1600/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+026.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAqhYe7hBcurk61jbiB8ZT9PYxZK4v4IgtpxwK5hRrFJMLyRjXuWGfsSVjYc_42uBYmEoVczsAjOZ51BVxkuGTMCuOKlUDqYpn5-DvdNKTCsnfzfw4Mzq2hGtKxlqMYRRmkiNugROuHau/s400/July28+-+Aug.2%252C+2012+026.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777387021879938146" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful though our homes may be, they are not as beautiful as the 'house of the Lord'. </div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">"What kind of house will you build for me," says the Lord, "or what is the place of my rest?" (Acts 7:49)</div><div style="text-align: center;">The souls of those who know Jesus become God's resting place---his vacation home.</div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-11056681608861315062012-08-06T16:31:00.016-07:002012-08-08T11:04:22.561-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJWuW1aJj3bUA2-9twra1Su_JbLcouAEENf1Q0RQaKUYFIgP5GHn3Pwdy56ETqClW9mLJRolu6NHuD_ZeIgdABU1Wk_E6yl-NIdzh1vGwihv1ohWLMez3d1RX78koTWiZvTNMsMGp_sJd/s1600/quail+eggs+hatched.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJWuW1aJj3bUA2-9twra1Su_JbLcouAEENf1Q0RQaKUYFIgP5GHn3Pwdy56ETqClW9mLJRolu6NHuD_ZeIgdABU1Wk_E6yl-NIdzh1vGwihv1ohWLMez3d1RX78koTWiZvTNMsMGp_sJd/s400/quail+eggs+hatched.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5774111764955474306" /><br /><br /><br /></a><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;">Building Our Cottage</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Week </span><span style="font-size: 100%; font-size:180%;">7</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><br /></div><div face="Georgia, serif" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span>We returned to Osoyoos to find that 15 of the 16 quail eggs had hatched and all the babies had vanished! We cleaned up the 'Cotter' sign and sadly put the broken shells on display.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div face="Georgia, serif" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span>Our disappointment was replaced with another epiphany as we studied the window opening inside our 'church' loft. It looked distinctly like a cross. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLAKstnfhDr_-IqFULLvIwU82uoQfxz-BlTdH2wPHvi6g8EAwwgo9sWeZwOVkpfHeKQj-tTqApJZV2Rpf0nFWrdQoWye7JwN8Jc-BxZb-blDfNJYIAhArSWuyFenFcRy4pZE24W-MrlFF/s400/100_3950.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5774032381547987298" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span> For many years another cross had been lit up every night on the hill behind us. Below it was a rather tall telephone pole covered with ivy that made it look like a gigantic shepherd pointing to the cross as he looked across the lake at a stubby mountain called 'The Throne'. It always reminded me of the verse: "Who for the joy set before him, endured the cross despising its shame, and is set at the right hand of the Father."</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><div size="3" style=" text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxEHmbCgShFWziaNrus7U6S5Kyw5kDYuzPtaiKc_famonqFolUUCnVVYVnWBHH3ohJ9rgQWCyupRGSuyMF9hEIypYsd1JVxavUDyFPwMQzyam6tQvqP_bTQyU3XuUrm_Ro2yPCpF2UqF9/s400/100_3901.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5774113472811664642" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><div><br /></div></div><span>Now, by a whimsical fluke, we had created another cross directly facing The Throne. I have always felt God's hand on my home as a place of ministry and here was another gentle reminder of God's greater purpose for our personal sanctuary. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncTRiWA99VlviDNpv_FptKefZ78sf6tolArGg6N45u3IcpqO32MkxGnH-Rz1QdewY6R6eZ7H5IG9lcOebdJgLa12JvovlIf8DsCFzD_p1loZ82zWBpYm6kNXQlD3SkbE9KmXCWA39w4k9/s400/100_3939.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5774032364458739858" style="font-size: 16px; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-family: Georgia, serif; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><div style="text-align: left; "></div></div><div face="Georgia, serif" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span>A moment of reflection for Herb at the top of the 'church', before getting back to work on the roof.</span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUsX6E5dkjdUjWXEwwqjzJrZvlRSX-Qasyc9dlAZZUQPo_FRG6_ZMTa2kReNQk3A8IEDTqUzRAbi9vfXAqahH3qNSfIcmI_RMYdqt4AbJeH7ANuV2S5S6-6WevQfM_C6sauo6xpBV_qLp/s400/100_3927.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5774032354306151746" /><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span>Two little gables appear, causing our neighbor to christen our house, The Three Gables.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span style=" margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;font-size:100%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPBt5SKWzNM000kFtUiBhzk7K9vmXUOWLbyhnrE0HkWz_jeKDM045G88LCGSccgJMYXRll6Cdl2GkKL_C2AkhNR_LzE_N3M3sAuxUkdsSNndtwqir8LhjSYclOhY1xsHjSnD-Fg6Brw2f/s400/100_3929.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5774118316899079698" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><div size="3" style=" text-align: center; "><br /></div><span style=" margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;font-size:100%;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyox-KeAxdDZeTYY5SQpQl_Juz_hhPOM2uZw4Z5OhWmRYQFg7TziHfbpZCJM8Zhk7Z3RR8Ne658kzEdMNoBuUHE1s2f33AnoAATqtuM4dc-RfClWjM_7KpHI4VrbezE9GEMAWC4yHi1zTB/s400/100_3892.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5774032369965625282" /></span><div style="text-align: center; ">The men go for a swim-break during 33 degree weather.</div></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BG_jumBnEYazpkzMUJ-_fvC9BBf1V8vNI04ANHZGjSjutoMRBb7vCao1m4_lKprSJ2lbHG4Y30JDxx_kqMtrDeN8AyO6w4D_tbdaWOLPVLnRKJoPP2WFhIpn3g37gGlJi2UWNWAI33H3/s1600/100_3936.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BG_jumBnEYazpkzMUJ-_fvC9BBf1V8vNI04ANHZGjSjutoMRBb7vCao1m4_lKprSJ2lbHG4Y30JDxx_kqMtrDeN8AyO6w4D_tbdaWOLPVLnRKJoPP2WFhIpn3g37gGlJi2UWNWAI33H3/s400/100_3936.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5774032348381710562" /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; "><br /></div></a><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span>They think they need to keep me busy---painting!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span>When friends arrive they get put to work, too.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><br /></div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06gDGQcVTHTvszNg-pInG2jIE_owQB0I3hGG7lLs5_UR5hVmOS3ReBScWVbj-tWPZTVhU18QDnUombrt_7gBhtVzRrTzeyDEjyHL2QyjAdXY3SV5FeBKflwNw0dxxFR0qbBMMiKHgKvIR/s1600/100_3914.jpg" style="font-size: 100%; "><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxv3sGUPv7p7_s7L8acpR43dpbAfuA_wfYUrCfrcppGPPE4e4BIGu8n_JBxCjjMa3-IX4Zq0TljJrqhCsx4YA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BG_jumBnEYazpkzMUJ-_fvC9BBf1V8vNI04ANHZGjSjutoMRBb7vCao1m4_lKprSJ2lbHG4Y30JDxx_kqMtrDeN8AyO6w4D_tbdaWOLPVLnRKJoPP2WFhIpn3g37gGlJi2UWNWAI33H3/s1600/100_3936.jpg"></a></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BG_jumBnEYazpkzMUJ-_fvC9BBf1V8vNI04ANHZGjSjutoMRBb7vCao1m4_lKprSJ2lbHG4Y30JDxx_kqMtrDeN8AyO6w4D_tbdaWOLPVLnRKJoPP2WFhIpn3g37gGlJi2UWNWAI33H3/s1600/100_3936.jpg" style="text-align: left; "></a></div><div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6H2l9H1jBXM6-mTqeNTrAa5lC8cW6Ao1NPhOsIzxpfIWItVtUstQweNYjehZ9_7APRksxErnRXQnY7wP6JIpU_IxwUIMoEfXExTIRni0gfhFNizCEtnkIYM5BXXgm7LjSBfq-Aiuz_M7/s400/100_3932.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773710631652034402" /><div><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">Afterwards, Friedbert introduces us to the South American custom of drinking Terrera from a communal cup. The drink consists of a cool herbal tea.</span></div><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsEo3hcUOiX4FG13naV5aE0AQNwr3Or_wARomaI75-bF16_lvuri42S4Kjn7yqMRD7k8czEMd-f3RVXWutdgNegv81y0xSHAdXYYPMl3ELE5KLiOTAs_7Xg-x9aksosnQNvwsZF21bzFS/s400/100_3955.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773710626212298738" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; ">Then it's supper time with our friends at our trailer homestead.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; ">Just before heading home, I catch a glimpse of the baby 'Cotters'. I count 15 fluffballs as they bounce across the lane, which means all the hatched eggs made it!</div><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF0nfgXgfQJpQbJpwYCEPRg3Fg3K0VgvixzPJd9fCFXnUlbzuEuTgPXsQNzwsRXuPdoqwNkzMmrPcsHAu_nTvsaOyel9s7cxIRBDdKeJwdCuVDrg6LteIfsWE-_en61-uUbe5hcPUT58O/s400/quail+babies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773710617965495458" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px; " /></span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div size="3" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span style=" ;font-size:100%;">Back at home we watch a few of Aaron's baseball games...</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; font-size:100%;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06gDGQcVTHTvszNg-pInG2jIE_owQB0I3hGG7lLs5_UR5hVmOS3ReBScWVbj-tWPZTVhU18QDnUombrt_7gBhtVzRrTzeyDEjyHL2QyjAdXY3SV5FeBKflwNw0dxxFR0qbBMMiKHgKvIR/s400/100_3914.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773710602689473938" /></span><div size="3" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div size="3" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div size="3" style="text-align: left;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And see his team win the Youth Church League trophy!</div><div size="3" style="text-align: left;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06gDGQcVTHTvszNg-pInG2jIE_owQB0I3hGG7lLs5_UR5hVmOS3ReBScWVbj-tWPZTVhU18QDnUombrt_7gBhtVzRrTzeyDEjyHL2QyjAdXY3SV5FeBKflwNw0dxxFR0qbBMMiKHgKvIR/s1600/100_3914.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style=" font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span style=" margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;font-size:100%;"></span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06gDGQcVTHTvszNg-pInG2jIE_owQB0I3hGG7lLs5_UR5hVmOS3ReBScWVbj-tWPZTVhU18QDnUombrt_7gBhtVzRrTzeyDEjyHL2QyjAdXY3SV5FeBKflwNw0dxxFR0qbBMMiKHgKvIR/s1600/100_3914.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS_SIj5Gw9bFcr24ZOa6BfGUKjT2o3Fpf6Q2DFkRYSDO7FV4rZYOFwhNA4E8i4uOgDJ_UZvpHZCCZn7JnvpCewHUOSkIwky_FpU2k_JpKm6fzCHbGaO7RtmBLWj_cSvwFnCHQdeVKS62k/s400/100_3921.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5774358604946890642" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span style=" margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06gDGQcVTHTvszNg-pInG2jIE_owQB0I3hGG7lLs5_UR5hVmOS3ReBScWVbj-tWPZTVhU18QDnUombrt_7gBhtVzRrTzeyDEjyHL2QyjAdXY3SV5FeBKflwNw0dxxFR0qbBMMiKHgKvIR/s1600/100_3914.jpg"><br /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div></div></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-84422793320186654772012-07-31T13:29:00.007-07:002012-07-31T14:06:59.352-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">BUILDING OUR COTTAGE</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Week 6</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the weekend for BOYS!</div><div style="text-align: center;">All three of our boys have the weekend off and are pumped about helping build the cottage.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnakLXpLrkihlbDZxtoURQARlvpr_0Nr1i8WPgKCZSlytVBHW8iLuj1odsyM8gIrX35-uRYwMklPBMlqQZ66PaDpOVZ3gVm2FxopaH1dZ75HVR6TnW8Jm2Jq_l8P5Zaf4NBvmuioiKd_ku/s400/July+8%252C+2012+028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771437864510177634" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Above and below: Ryan, Andrew, and Aaron helping their dad.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxR2TsKdEsZta6Qdg79XUy4JhNGmGL3xXF5BO4pCHNWuLjP_ymYmUYAdOsols0KoSi4wn8g9CLAsTFma7lhA3OYJKPzJUHiXO1nVIIhyHRc6qbkJCgAJgLokuJaESdruUu_TcOaeVJpK4l/s400/July+8%252C+2012+034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771437176504606002" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As they lift the first gable on the garage roof we have an epiphany...</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeeQPIzRTHONrnMvncnLEUfGvEjAI5sFvUVwmYjSLJ_BPhyphenhyphenPyTlgJXuzKCjEAFzeoWQVZ5l31Z8bJfJS3g9zEPcMXzbSWWYKhBkrc53JRVuH7-5UU8_gRwrpFP5SowElLnR8c7BjLN14K/s1600/July+8%252C+2012+042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeeQPIzRTHONrnMvncnLEUfGvEjAI5sFvUVwmYjSLJ_BPhyphenhyphenPyTlgJXuzKCjEAFzeoWQVZ5l31Z8bJfJS3g9zEPcMXzbSWWYKhBkrc53JRVuH7-5UU8_gRwrpFP5SowElLnR8c7BjLN14K/s400/July+8%252C+2012+042.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771437168938121698" /></a>We are building a church, not a cottage! Hmmmmm.... Even Uncle Abe (who lives in Penticton) calls my dad to give an update on the 'church'-building. My father, who has built several churches including Willingdon and Culloden, is secretly pleased.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGP9_csvjq5L9Tsn9xs7BAkwX9Atq73rYkqoDGXFuYjuOYqveYkCzvOlTssb-oDKzui4gog16JyAXrnXft8u0Cef8g13yFZ1OqFDPy1_6Mg5Lwru5PVNVtM5YmRaa59p970BK7_JoPKXzh/s1600/July+8%252C+2012+049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGP9_csvjq5L9Tsn9xs7BAkwX9Atq73rYkqoDGXFuYjuOYqveYkCzvOlTssb-oDKzui4gog16JyAXrnXft8u0Cef8g13yFZ1OqFDPy1_6Mg5Lwru5PVNVtM5YmRaa59p970BK7_JoPKXzh/s400/July+8%252C+2012+049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771437157454433922" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Supper guests consist of the Harders, the Walls and their son James, and our three sons.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGLoPLOA5aS3WySbfnYpaJy6ygpDeyyhYDIHI_DhNrA2Tqm-8mX-GhYSwF1Mu9HbvecAq7XYkCXNc-ZZewralWU8qa4J101NvSvqHxjm3FCFnp0Xq6yllj9yh2y2kGGeXc5FsCdJZ4o9t/s1600/July+8%252C+2012+052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGLoPLOA5aS3WySbfnYpaJy6ygpDeyyhYDIHI_DhNrA2Tqm-8mX-GhYSwF1Mu9HbvecAq7XYkCXNc-ZZewralWU8qa4J101NvSvqHxjm3FCFnp0Xq6yllj9yh2y2kGGeXc5FsCdJZ4o9t/s400/July+8%252C+2012+052.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771437137442784786" /></a><br /></div><div>Below, Aaron (20) our engineer-in-training enjoys this new challenge to expand his knowledge .<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS5GOWauGFKc2d-WHJ-0wGJ1T1ALbANXjOsF5ezuZ8LP5urouh1WTsled3zKGOI4Z86hSxYK85Z-0X2gLFs1UH1TqbgZZa5TdG8nf2D4cZvmZZ6TnqW5kN51btEYOQCzD8kRLFR283bng/s1600/July+8%252C+2012+031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS5GOWauGFKc2d-WHJ-0wGJ1T1ALbANXjOsF5ezuZ8LP5urouh1WTsled3zKGOI4Z86hSxYK85Z-0X2gLFs1UH1TqbgZZa5TdG8nf2D4cZvmZZ6TnqW5kN51btEYOQCzD8kRLFR283bng/s400/July+8%252C+2012+031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771435949263850322" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Andrew (23) scampers around on the roof like his grandpa John used to.</div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQh7ihIe6TnLhWJ6AHvYWp3BaOP4sYzEpaaw16lSjCwqyDXVuohyuMnfCG-3LUDYlyVbCp8uu3RVqwYbiQTOnoqDOmn3yAiVEI_uZIXwiom-ARTcJf7TzqO-V19dyRNMAY9F_oo3aleDd/s1600/July+8%252C+2012+060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQh7ihIe6TnLhWJ6AHvYWp3BaOP4sYzEpaaw16lSjCwqyDXVuohyuMnfCG-3LUDYlyVbCp8uu3RVqwYbiQTOnoqDOmn3yAiVEI_uZIXwiom-ARTcJf7TzqO-V19dyRNMAY9F_oo3aleDd/s400/July+8%252C+2012+060.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771435936896664050" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ryan (26) our eldest lends muscle power with ease.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyM0tPHxyVwHThJca5gmr3YCswpn-zTVEskRu9Ee7uOrS-vMdIiaEMtTFB8UDud3P9pGduXJdgcv_58NT23TZL53flAA8JfwvF2pvFyDmTAJSjKkqCmgWbj2TpQu95cqIwHoJV0bDvYAK/s1600/July+8%252C+2012+058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyM0tPHxyVwHThJca5gmr3YCswpn-zTVEskRu9Ee7uOrS-vMdIiaEMtTFB8UDud3P9pGduXJdgcv_58NT23TZL53flAA8JfwvF2pvFyDmTAJSjKkqCmgWbj2TpQu95cqIwHoJV0bDvYAK/s400/July+8%252C+2012+058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771435927976498450" /></a><br />Eventually, the weekend is over and its time to say goodbye. Andrew and Aaron drive home on bikes while Ryan leaves a day later for Calgary by plane. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SNxZzIMR7MViBiGpcebqQw0UPpXevvIJeIRMG05TuesBv70-v45pkXVU1LKsMATKnRV7HwfC9Ld1eleuecKqeeowrmUkq-HMsyojTjQrQtg8rZ-MBHy1SwHpqYhpypUjX6haGacZHzhx/s1600/July+8%252C+2012+074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SNxZzIMR7MViBiGpcebqQw0UPpXevvIJeIRMG05TuesBv70-v45pkXVU1LKsMATKnRV7HwfC9Ld1eleuecKqeeowrmUkq-HMsyojTjQrQtg8rZ-MBHy1SwHpqYhpypUjX6haGacZHzhx/s400/July+8%252C+2012+074.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771435916466856786" /></a>A lot has been accomplished. The roof trusses are up and parts of the roof are already sheeted and no one was hurt! Thank you, Lord!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbE1enQqUqhsIk2QRshTHA8Ffq9SPPm-q3a8mFPSvwZqEaGyCmOm4bGoZhdrrI1JRsbUARVG85XrRGuGxj_8DQkrD0HzkUSxCqVyzGEgmdbMlIAUapp_mP6vycjSP7rWKV7cyGpGDFFFJ/s1600/July+8%252C+2012+069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbE1enQqUqhsIk2QRshTHA8Ffq9SPPm-q3a8mFPSvwZqEaGyCmOm4bGoZhdrrI1JRsbUARVG85XrRGuGxj_8DQkrD0HzkUSxCqVyzGEgmdbMlIAUapp_mP6vycjSP7rWKV7cyGpGDFFFJ/s400/July+8%252C+2012+069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771435914094520306" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: center; "><br /></div></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-77372586375435040932012-07-16T15:02:00.009-07:002012-07-18T16:12:55.268-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><div>Building our Cottage</div><div>Week 5</div><div><br /></div><div face="'Times New Roman'" size="medium" style=" text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6h4M0VYEmMgsf7BdHpsYq8aANsrXvF0xWDHhDMPqVQ0YCWcAOtvOoi_ewaKbsMrIU6l2otq37XDmmUOS33RGuJ6wQXyTkK8v3xcPegJQMbzbRa3tTCslIiOQ_uA3V_c33argYFdx47x2/s400/June+20%252C2012+031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5765895356869169330" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; text-align: left; "><div><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">My sister thought it unfair that her picture got posted on my blog and mine didn't, so here I am....writing my blog. Relaxing!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span><div></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wwPHblC0fl9fT0ahdXEr6Kh6wy4nXyhEwOMwFZ3Sy-V0IFEkohQNN0_OlvxzyDUDOyBj-Dr-c9sQ-PO9-hUquwIYF-bSHveESIFWBUNPRqUuIUZY7SnOKkI3hOFf4sAc_qrSYTXNytF4/s400/June+20%252C2012+029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5765895376128940642" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center; "></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center; ">This is Elaine's favorite way of relaxing--in her kayak.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s400/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5765895368059356194" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; text-align: left; "><div><div style="text-align: center; "></div></div><div><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">The framer, Herb, and his assistant Harry relaxing in their favorite way!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center; "><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div style="text-align: center; "></div><div><br /></div></div></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0U02SOmloNzWnkmaqXE4oofzbBsJN7bO9dF_k7QVylVQeDW-LX3DS_3g704KSHJgQaKzWQfUJr2kHqLuoixJ2UInpyoZ-i6MY8dqoJUd1jWZZBvA3687wS09i3kNI7wS8hqYFOycJkjh/s1600/June+20%252C2012+042.JPG"><div style="text-align: center; "></div></a><div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WdWkjXYW4SvUxeFDr5fJ1NMTRLBzk5R3JISvVhYCAT2JcKQkXQEfBZf4aHHZxS9yOLxiv-fNmwaD50nGZppEEhL8GzQm4jbhuPz-Zf2FINR6CjWyHs5Pg4Niz0R6Kv7Alc3E9U9UsvoW/s400/July+8%252C+2012+024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5765895354005087586" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><div style="text-align: center; ">In spite of all the relaxing the second storey gets built.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">To reward ourselves we go out with friends for an Osoyoos treat--ICE CREAM!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzEhsWCB4xlefSJZbc_wBmuvaQ45fkTv1DehCqVu4J220jimKsiuGe3Af3IymOeB1k4QDheZduSpIUFrtaBJnDhVlsEpm62WAgYcmr_v0wItajrGLYLCh9UcR-uyor_A55taf74LYCZYb/s400/July+8%252C+2012+007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5765904634837355586" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><br />The Harders, the Walls, and the Schroeders.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55zswQV7CHeFXxAoNFKuwD2zaZgNsPENVzUu8KDobON9B9Tqi975ALtCt9lNFdzKKUyVEqxzR4teHctD8m3eYm6ImZ6HzMPVfbjI6nOtyOj0L8Zi2aJdjf8cxAXwTpPigcuTgyf9qy0AQ/s400/July+8%252C+2012+006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5765904645213893826" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">While enjoying our ice cream, we spot a classic police car. It is an original police car from New Westminster and the driver is the Chief of Police!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOcoGvOFpcypSjh0GKSqSuGi3cRAeA3WU7Pgw1Hvu-SwrF-tT4w4OHEvNZQ2U2OafAIyoaYXAdjzmSRqH1qoIc9osJeQk6hVr_Ak1eDR-Uwzno5aVvEWckL4e12zYxOyFC9AO6rjBrL67/s400/July+8%252C+2012+011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5765904631729853282" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div></div><div><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">It is a fitting ending to the week as we hurry home to pick up our very own police officer from the Abbotsford Airport---our son, Ryan!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvPTkIOYxDLA3t5u5kni_42u4aIDaort3n8WaX7yLOAyEudzi_13AvmHHBXLRQmirLl8P9SBGjCDThUiQ_cMVeTo8zSN6FEBVzNpePx5sh0zQpOpUcYGgdSGfj451wdiGNHGi2py9kBVs/s400/July+8%252C+2012+075.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5765911694030084242" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div></div></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; text-align: left; "><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-1258856017447745462012-07-10T14:15:00.019-07:002012-07-12T14:38:34.354-07:00<span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style=" margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0NTJvEaiK_apy5HWzylS9NCIHvBJM0xDJDYHj4nrv54XekH8d8Acid9vfYzZkyE24uonaVnrTLycoOVpwgKKdO3m31OqvIGZbP9_QSbrx7Zf40_Ya0Kkg4rZqkEdXuqTlRxGG3hMx64x/s400/June+20%252C2012+037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5763654001148295986" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Building our Cottage</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Week 4</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><br /></div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size:100%;">As we continue building our nest we discover someone else has built a home just outside our trailer. Under the kayaks</span><span style="font-size:medium;"> that were leaning against this sign, we find a nest with 15 eggs.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0NTJvEaiK_apy5HWzylS9NCIHvBJM0xDJDYHj4nrv54XekH8d8Acid9vfYzZkyE24uonaVnrTLycoOVpwgKKdO3m31OqvIGZbP9_QSbrx7Zf40_Ya0Kkg4rZqkEdXuqTlRxGG3hMx64x/s1600/June+20%252C2012+037.JPG" style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wvZ9ArMDHhaekNte3hEKTDAFB9g2JQgQ4O5Xic1JmByGg_K4_Fs0YiRffJgvZJjVRcqRMxs3-u9JdHHGOZAJUmOrzPY0zywlGItwIu77dv0m-XjFnjX9yXzH0FpuaXprBrjJK3npKm5A/s400/July+8%252C+2012+078.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5763659603616750434" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center; "><u><br /></u></div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3">We replace the kayaks with this log to hide the nest and give the mama quail whom we have christened Mrs. Cotter some privacy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, the cottage receives a floor. First come the joists. For the uninit</div><div>iated (& uninterested?) these are I-shaped beams that are made up of sawdust an</div><div>d believe it or not--are stronger than a solid piece of wood.</div><div style="text-align: center; "></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0NTJvEaiK_apy5HWzylS9NCIHvBJM0xDJDYHj4nrv54XekH8d8Acid9vfYzZkyE24uonaVnrTLycoOVpwgKKdO3m31OqvIGZbP9_QSbrx7Zf40_Ya0Kkg4rZqkEdXuqTlRxGG3hMx64x/s1600/June+20%252C2012+037.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qrNkB_VcmabRuUzQO1TdVZttWaF1pvhyphenhyphenPpafBiyGW1QlN3bNC91wTBAeOAt9ZttvQNrx_H-FnCVXfxAiOpxlvo9JW9p0xtM9pT8Qa1Zfm_KuKZPiL4ROxh-4d5AcEMZE7pYumSESP5cK/s400/June+20%252C2012+038.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5764045595728867586" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size:medium;">Then comes the plywood sheeting on top of the joists. Voila! The joists are</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0NTJvEaiK_apy5HWzylS9NCIHvBJM0xDJDYHj4nrv54XekH8d8Acid9vfYzZkyE24uonaVnrTLycoOVpwgKKdO3m31OqvIGZbP9_QSbrx7Zf40_Ya0Kkg4rZqkEdXuqTlRxGG3hMx64x/s1600/June+20%252C2012+037.JPG"></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size:medium;">holding!</span></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EapNIDmy3QYsEDjeUElnOh0vUwN7HXsyDfiyw_JSItkMMn5puwmxlteHNlEWN4aRO7sKtvIP-HPLS-cmLa1eoIpQGrRrATrp4R_R3iRvNrWTHX5RTUX30yzrOW-DcJE8RXHsCy8QOLuv/s400/June+20%252C2012+040.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5764044535339420642" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0NTJvEaiK_apy5HWzylS9NCIHvBJM0xDJDYHj4nrv54XekH8d8Acid9vfYzZkyE24uonaVnrTLycoOVpwgKKdO3m31OqvIGZbP9_QSbrx7Zf40_Ya0Kkg4rZqkEdXuqTlRxGG3hMx64x/s1600/June+20%252C2012+037.JPG"><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:medium;"></span></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">The first wall goes up.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><div><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0NTJvEaiK_apy5HWzylS9NCIHvBJM0xDJDYHj4nrv54XekH8d8Acid9vfYzZkyE24uonaVnrTLycoOVpwgKKdO3m31OqvIGZbP9_QSbrx7Zf40_Ya0Kkg4rZqkEdXuqTlRxGG3hMx64x/s1600/June+20%252C2012+037.JPG" style="text-align: left; "></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyJR3WIoWPxUpWH_nMH62vqi-rzvlctoRzr0Wt9RfVUFtKFaQqT2Y0gv-NTcRFPqe3yTOAORw8lahL0t_VWqzio1zJAFSQ22cvmRZJcMk2A1KDBjRZC-eA_J1viegClxvx_R7q1Ewtd16/s400/June+20%252C2012+047.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5764389966590891250" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">I check out the view from my new 'windows' on the first floor. Pretty sweet!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqP6dV85eoZeULmMcbZlDAwNFBC43b9xhPMcUcOBB3pZ_b-N6DF91ZCuUfySQJBCayl9u2EFYOaHy3otP7N93_zjtdvw4m3nNizEcwUB9HZGtC0BqZdzUM2EhNA980hLpEyFfyeMA9hliP/s400/June+20%252C2012+044.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5764049385587090642" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0NTJvEaiK_apy5HWzylS9NCIHvBJM0xDJDYHj4nrv54XekH8d8Acid9vfYzZkyE24uonaVnrTLycoOVpwgKKdO3m31OqvIGZbP9_QSbrx7Zf40_Ya0Kkg4rZqkEdXuqTlRxGG3hMx64x/s1600/June+20%252C2012+037.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bDcvQRa92x3LWq5X27Zz8jcNeAPnQaEelrsu2_4p_dIA-kcFNVOVmZ4vnDfJ1x5uGEHxHNhfn_LajW7dJsPfwzfhRM50_kwJnaBR2M9HuXNUbMfPttF_bkfGiWLANKHI8vNuxbFlShd9/s400/June+20%252C2012+005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5764397013849052834" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">That's it for this week because we have to return home to celebrate Andrew's grad.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;">Here we are after watching him receive his Honors Bachelor Degree of Science from UFV.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxX4dnUmAgGvX9MAUDi2mPGeTBPExR14HWKczqCGSYjBzLo1bPKRqNFNY3dq94CpSJWT215o585CjyPAmNonKSym-TVLIlb4J8I5rT_Ig4dyAt27kkBGw3sz8IN9BpTkFZ5D7mZQWd2EX4/s400/June+20%252C2012+017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5764397025139045794" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "></div></div></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-19627458758035759062012-06-18T14:44:00.023-07:002012-06-18T16:56:05.255-07:00<div style="text-align: center; "><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div><br /><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V5ke7n_hYj0fXGyM54VbBEZFECD0Yl15mfH3OT7ttiPH7sVwl3MTomZErErmauiNErx2-0zsBTBmBBgZkCNQIh4U-yhxtSXGHg5ByZbn_R-J1J6XFnyiyNk_vQM4Z-WPuNbtCelhcWWX/s1600/2012-06-07+030.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V5ke7n_hYj0fXGyM54VbBEZFECD0Yl15mfH3OT7ttiPH7sVwl3MTomZErErmauiNErx2-0zsBTBmBBgZkCNQIh4U-yhxtSXGHg5ByZbn_R-J1J6XFnyiyNk_vQM4Z-WPuNbtCelhcWWX/s400/2012-06-07+030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755515796282148770" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><span >Building our Cottage</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; ">Week 3</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><span >We are getting up earlier and earlier. One morning I caught the tail-end of the sunrise and couldn't believe it. " I never knew that was east" I told my </span><span>neighbor. She just snorted and remarked that I obviously like sleeping in!</span></div><div><br /><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><span ><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtP7bdQMLuZFHjGF6U9br5gIfzA7D7OMzHRZ7NLiLhywthj6chPna9nlY0F8Qw4CejgHGuKxjuk2_44Kl51nvGzFhv36RQedfwkhG0mr1EatOd3XNXRNeUpFI304EyZc2qXMR_qooWAfe/s320/2012-06-07+005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755499242768198834" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span ><br /></span></div></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; ">This was the week for inspection! The</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><span>men raced to finish tarring the foundation before the appointed time. Too late! The inspector arrived early! I became</span><span> the designated tour guide and did my best to entertain. The inspector looked pretty serious as he strolled around the foundation. When he marched off to his truck to write 'THE Report' I hastened to intervene. 'How about a picture for my blog,' I asked. He grunted and carried right on w</span><span>riting his report. Sigh!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; "><br /></div><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><div><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><span ><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk1Eg3SbyeHD42GSpkMRFm7-9CBUILHC0wcFvm_9zGj5jPsOWTwwClyQdKChxCuhSyTV5q9M_F34tBjU3qnmoKBCRKykphITbo09bKUPXmsMdqO5nteyDRO5v7owYgbZdtnkoJUqB7Ae8/s320/2012-06-07+008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755498308803823362" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></div></span><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; ">We passed! Hurray!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><br /></div><div><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><span ><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HXkO-Mxs0vx5dYdWaxGpXM_tvmM2MFCoojQ_FGUoPY__xQ-ymD5dBRXm604CuPMYzj_uTNBTTC91qZ46OmcSbWr0R8l5ucxMF_hQWfW9e4fYW1kqJKdszDv5eDEws4aBvqn-l6LKMkQG/s320/2012-06-07+022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755511344483694066" style="text-align: left; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span ><br /></span></div></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: medium; ">While the men put 'plates' on the foundations, Elaine and I prepare plates for lunch!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: medium; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: medium; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOj55MvQwY42PZVEbJVB4Z5GBmP8lpUI7YdWyydxf3qe0h64mf4IKCURjp5X4K3Mk5zCSuUYACB4BU0GyhcbQ_cO3pofhepjqJ0aClc3e4VIP-AC1Wwbimt0VOg-rC8y1MZjtd097L80Q/s200/2012-06-07+017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755513112260270098" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hJVg-FZUZEVpXjl7LgQNRiSTY5VWAU0x7UZedpvqyhvb3egq89T3H2ckoA85m3oucaqNbkYKFFpd_o4MLBrpSEGUrBdh_9MeQ2jrrc-z1FtFUzHrIIk4u5jz7Bl_HaQWPMEZwrpfRqy9/s200/2012-06-07+020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755513996759475570" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: medium; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: medium; text-align: left; ">The next day the little bobcat comes to backfill. This means putting all the dirt back where it came from. Only we don't have enough dirt. So our friends who are also building down the street give us some of their dirt. It kind of feels like we're back in our sandbox days! Men are just big boys!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: medium; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: medium; text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissDOb6AcP4ZbexJqrm-73mwfpFCpnDREpDyNKjihVoEUS87_YMUQKqJXLPBVruBu5xez9KpBotzus3nCCbpH2Twhk6vSXANi8-RK2eyvoaJo2a3K_nCTomvj826g7ECZD-XRfFwc8jPKj/s1600/2012-06-07+038.JPG" style="font-size: 16px; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissDOb6AcP4ZbexJqrm-73mwfpFCpnDREpDyNKjihVoEUS87_YMUQKqJXLPBVruBu5xez9KpBotzus3nCCbpH2Twhk6vSXANi8-RK2eyvoaJo2a3K_nCTomvj826g7ECZD-XRfFwc8jPKj/s400/2012-06-07+038.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755520560789360306" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; ">We wave goodbye to the hummingbird outside our trailer,</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHFBBWt-_Obu0OD-wYBbL_fQSUN1RmBOiLkcvIG03pOhJvWB66CBzCDMzEetRFWUOemw5Ghn3SVVQibEsn-L6ToYE4eHu_ILf2deOS0HkNJxLlMElSty-BO3tXTh9EjmL9bS72qFAZRR0/s400/2012-06-07+039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755524194636490370" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; ">and return home to family grads and birthdays.</div><div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlr2_N8FDX1OnZOqSyu8eeo8JnaXztiRfpfudKHdRSqiFdPoYmDuebq7vwtP2nsZonXFoy7vhJIiCbs8nPqw8o4Q0P2VJKhejOvG-h_l_JOnahyqLw96yex_TtU9grSv_T2d0wSLrtT9S/s400/100_3678.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755522920297022690" style="text-align: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; ">Angela, our niece.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-rP7cINNVLs_2ApYf-rigAmKtm1GbLPJHXfd871mwQovK1T2XT2AY9y7_UzWkDaBFYDo4m5J4NV4otrYk68PcRrCBpycse6IEqipl_XUdRvRn3mULWO8nFhe77U-0URJxOEVTrqwDbnN/s400/2012-06-07+045.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755521891348137394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><span style="text-align: left; ">Matt, Jenni, and Michael </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><br /></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div></div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qdwxpsbrnk3Gng7D1Ol0OH-Ep2-0cGBP-e7WrmSkhQMg94AiQr67jTuOkQEXrsTxMwMkLT-ZFJVV2d35lltY7pAUWCBl8X06fT_oTAQ-OZeB8SyHwR4TNYAdkJ2VSegeDtxSVTFVV-0N/s400/2012-06-07+047.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755524805713033762" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; ">Dad and Liz celebrate their birthdays.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-Zv7abF4M9ekEBgQE5oe3S-pqd1qhogpUaKE2WjLboFY75LqrCaPi7kC2x1scsMn9b9hy7kWhvdy94YMvg84k7SR6YT6n0pofo6JWm4L8e7bgaY8gm9Y-TriRUA3yd8H_osHll1Kfvw2/s200/2012-06-07+049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755525486893252530" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></div><div style="text-align: left;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssjX9PpU2s9CfZ_rB6DCn2fR8_ydOzOJD6ZXAGs-Iiy_13EBAoZTLJJ9vI9IIbNBsE9s1oFKGOyku9r2naZwU9K85LdcF9A-AKfiKsQFcj0zK2eiHTc9zc3vsCtP8tdl0m478XHgBYDmD/s200/2012-06-07+050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755525993156427970" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div>No family party is complete without my youngest brother, Rob, kibbutzing around.</div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-26435239467512212272012-06-11T16:18:00.023-07:002012-06-12T11:22:04.413-07:00<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7akLR9PCl-XuYAiHj8ihh7iAEh3wzpL9_qeF4G8h-sKXTkeQrMP3F_UZta-e1OJtKsaeqJFqRtizKS33bMfXLdm7JwWmU8lDzeu5A5n3K76M4Ahrk85MhcjfAbnZhqn6EGA38DGXZNZq/s320/100_3663.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752927490823006978" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center; "><span>Building A Cottage</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center; ">- Week 2 - </div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0in; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">The form building continu</span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">ed in prep</span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">aration for the concrete. </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">It was delicate work as the footings had all been carefully leveled and couldn't be jostled. Ha! After all the painstaking labor they got major jostling when the concrete arrived.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></p><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0in; "></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0in; "><br /></p><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0in; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hRTWWfRPvcKlJqUvhTxI7FVLyY2uDagqvVStVhr8xh1oEoMM8_yZXSMuaox73ftTab0EWJ6VqMMDdJ4GhuFyucPmbWea6j3Y8rMKsus_vo-YE-8ZXtnSspcCl9jnrSQFFP8vEP8k5rsH/s320/100_3661.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5753211777728800914" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></p><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0in; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></p><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0in; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">The concrete came out of the truck and into a hopper which shot it into a ho</span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">se which became very heavy as it filled with wet concr</span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">ete. This then was lugged over the form walls.</span></p><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0in; "><br /></p><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0in; "><br /><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0in; "><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0in; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></p><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0in; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfb76GEaRN-ctXfTuBdb50J5nujm7EWjnjdbwk1P4-I9bR2gnRIiUKSB1Anv9J-xVD9ZTQSyH7Nsj3XDlt7pZWAj3LAx43_TLpAwONp0yJCbzw3PYE_A7MuxVbomv52dpWYFCNQpjz74G/s320/100_3653.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5753210200126748434" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></p><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0in; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Fortunately </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Herb's son, Chris, had arrived to help out for a few days. The extra pair of hands helped hold the hose, scrape the trowels, build the scaffolding, vibrate the air pockets out of the concrete, place the anchor bolts, and add moral support.</span></p><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0in; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">It was a hot day so Elaine </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">(Herb's wife) </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">and I were busy bringing water to all the workers. How helpful this was is questionable as it </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">dist</span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">racted one o</span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">f the men--who let go of the hose which suddenly spun out of the hands of the remaining worker and sprayed wet concrete </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">everywhere</span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">!</span></p><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0in; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzZAPtmg3ic2ZIpKqbGlbMphyphenhyphenuYNhT2rb_H8mUYiA0O4i-Kv-Y9lQR987G8U0s1GzLtZgr7Ecg68_yJvV5o3JTEBQngAeZiLp_cE9CeJRP3lsMvhNpXP2R6kdYhV12OTCP_vQlGHCHV-_/s320/100_3672.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5753199746330667682" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></p><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; "><br /></p><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">A greater concern was the stability</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">of the walls. When a wall began to bulge the men raced to brace it for fear it would break.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Although the inspector declared our forms to be 5 cm too short Harry and Herb came up with a brilliant so<span style="font-size: 100%; ">lution--add two 'plates' made of 2x4's on top of the finished concrete wall before laying down the floors</span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEp3wEPex9LeZ_das_HKASUzcpCwTixo-XH2sPQG2HuVvgV4v3dgEcHgscgzprGI3olBt9djNYkjB1ucFlJ6AeAIwspZ1BS2oUyncQTUD3hCN3Tlrt-9SPaIqnDF61Mm24sJ3OAJMPmMx/s320/2012-06-07+003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5753213342934135026" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">The next day Harry and I work</span><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">ed alone stripping the forms. </span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">In spite of the multitude of nails sticking out of every piece of wood that got stripped, we evaded injury and proudly surveyed our lovely concrete foundation.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">The analogy of our spiritual foundation in Jesus Christ that also required the use of nails and wood did not escape my contemplation.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><i>Thank you, Jesus, for dying on the cross for us.</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">We waved goodbye to the Manning Park bear as we headed back home.</span></div><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeW4Uig_M0c-l5a98eh8zSBxlVDULg3DrLkBHveHG83AcIfi4FgX0dvr7O7TDntDz4UnLQvISuns3hQQwOkhVnwj8Liuqcj8tRfP2i0YYdKljdFAkPMKlsKwYwv9hPrMBA_rlR6iAq43lo/s320/bear.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5753206497758143442" style="font-size: 100%; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></p><p style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0in; "> </p></div>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-43085297534892469562012-06-02T21:08:00.000-07:002012-06-02T21:28:02.172-07:00<br />
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<b>The Building of a Cottage</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- Week 1 - </span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAjObYq4k_zeXneDsdn42sI_XzpfpZzI9F-aktZde0as1z8rRDjmno6eUohKDU4D-VUN6rvZ-VlL20RVtfE8lGcVDDdvJr0lfULSTxHS-E9-kZwBGYVIZOMnxBKYCk292jU4YIRqoclEO/s1600/before+building.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAjObYq4k_zeXneDsdn42sI_XzpfpZzI9F-aktZde0as1z8rRDjmno6eUohKDU4D-VUN6rvZ-VlL20RVtfE8lGcVDDdvJr0lfULSTxHS-E9-kZwBGYVIZOMnxBKYCk292jU4YIRqoclEO/s320/before+building.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Camping in a trailer without plumbing suited me just fine. We had great views that I never tired of, and the cooking and cleaning was minimal. After all, I had 3 handy dishwashers!</div>
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After 10 years of this idyllic arrangement the city brought us sewer lines and we were given the opportunity to build a cottage with real plumbing. The process began and after several months of applying for variances and permits we got the green light.</div>
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On May 22, <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2012, Lane and his bobcat arrive. Herb, the framer, also arrives.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7yq3YY75BAFJL9H-PsBubrqKB38PyG8qDEBNYpBHcP_mDQoTtcCjZaU3lzO6-8Ylqy76x7lufR84U77NR9XcBBQLXfVHBwAWw13dz0CvOOb9LvzVz1mEBVddo-z-iMTW8HH-mQmd8kWx/s1600/100_3609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7yq3YY75BAFJL9H-PsBubrqKB38PyG8qDEBNYpBHcP_mDQoTtcCjZaU3lzO6-8Ylqy76x7lufR84U77NR9XcBBQLXfVHBwAWw13dz0CvOOb9LvzVz1mEBVddo-z-iMTW8HH-mQmd8kWx/s200/100_3609.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjke0uu01PSPy73kD2aLWe2C58Ng-dPORJGqDxhk46VCZEnRuGdw8X6UanHQGWOTcJYhgc_xHx1U3xSkDvciYGDtfRpGD3PLYn1GvdhkdFEycEXKFHCUbO2kFmFS5hqnjdQ3YCVIgJgheK-/s1600/100_3610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjke0uu01PSPy73kD2aLWe2C58Ng-dPORJGqDxhk46VCZEnRuGdw8X6UanHQGWOTcJYhgc_xHx1U3xSkDvciYGDtfRpGD3PLYn1GvdhkdFEycEXKFHCUbO2kFmFS5hqnjdQ3YCVIgJgheK-/s200/100_3610.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Now, the work begins!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yqFkVoMzyAxBmGXbYlxl-TlDxzr_4vQI3c1T3Pn7OuCDfTcUGwKIHjV0ltcpaZYnHuhCpZ9gc3h0y8kalVmCEswK_tj72B8iZz3coQsSJQZIj8f9GpyV0LDOe_-xKTTCcSGuaTD0hW0J/s1600/100_3611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yqFkVoMzyAxBmGXbYlxl-TlDxzr_4vQI3c1T3Pn7OuCDfTcUGwKIHjV0ltcpaZYnHuhCpZ9gc3h0y8kalVmCEswK_tj72B8iZz3coQsSJQZIj8f9GpyV0LDOe_-xKTTCcSGuaTD0hW0J/s320/100_3611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The trailer gets moved to the neighbor's orchard behind us. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVgT_TDhIAacvEt3dbtadGWRf7M0m4UuFXUB5hFSx4-9IIv3RcSKC6XYyo9mU0EevPHCwAGidlqbJXx-L1yRJcp1kJ7ucdTxp_Slbavo6qhD4n73HqhgQlPo7wkhepgmgy9BQxmsOU_WF/s1600/100_3619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVgT_TDhIAacvEt3dbtadGWRf7M0m4UuFXUB5hFSx4-9IIv3RcSKC6XYyo9mU0EevPHCwAGidlqbJXx-L1yRJcp1kJ7ucdTxp_Slbavo6qhD4n73HqhgQlPo7wkhepgmgy9BQxmsOU_WF/s320/100_3619.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Our little
storage shed gets rolled from the front of our property to the back
overlooking the water's edge. I am the flagger and communicator between
the bobcat at the back of the shed and the two men bracing it at the
front. I am also video-taping at the same time and cause a great deal
of confusion as the bobcat can't tell if I am waving him forward or
simplyflailing my arms to keep my balance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw4Ler9B1AICxumCp4UxbD7yjDQExRlwJPM9ZFRm-Xg_qcOuxuQ9BG0wtbQq7NsaUaGUqhqEanqsrgQH0sa' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Once the property is cleared the hole gets dug. It must be 6' below the level of the road. The little bobcat manages to pull itself out of the hole with not an inch to spare on the sides. The hole fills the 'hole' property.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUz13KNEA9lL7qcDfIlWDiQAKYrx76BhLKK2aMU4MeHdTITCBZO522lwJ-HgADUPGElfxePqUH36XG_TlLSAYX4z3XoPxT55FiZyAjRi_w9Moie9NZMQrR1LMA-Gx7MwbGbXvTlod5er9/s1600/100_3634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUz13KNEA9lL7qcDfIlWDiQAKYrx76BhLKK2aMU4MeHdTITCBZO522lwJ-HgADUPGElfxePqUH36XG_TlLSAYX4z3XoPxT55FiZyAjRi_w9Moie9NZMQrR1LMA-Gx7MwbGbXvTlod5er9/s320/100_3634.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXguLW4w2iDMcWHcPdUYy8OPe9HfCbJ4bzEde89_-pmNSrUhiKbjyiACayuLFhAYWZzIyxfhpISPqWthDI5XotkS70TtMkE4foO1U2gafIYgBLTtsCG6mdkK-BBKQt0q_K1CeQ2P5WTgH/s1600/100_3637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXguLW4w2iDMcWHcPdUYy8OPe9HfCbJ4bzEde89_-pmNSrUhiKbjyiACayuLFhAYWZzIyxfhpISPqWthDI5XotkS70TtMkE4foO1U2gafIYgBLTtsCG6mdkK-BBKQt0q_K1CeQ2P5WTgH/s320/100_3637.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Long 2x6's outline the rough shape of our cottage. In the foreground is the garage, then the loggia (an outdoor living room), and the house proper at the far end. Meanwhile, I am forced to live without electricity or water as everything has been shut down. Tim Horton's feeds us supper.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAiV_OtBhqQZTYs5M5s0SvzLCPmGNQ0y2SNAw6Fw0ewvHhV8yTvBJqhFfk5Ktw1t9EV1ffl6Lf7yvUT57OJlCEYRktCOKAjinhubBcJ_E4XyC-OqtnQILgO5v6DztmCNLWlX7vvb0RPvP/s1600/100_3623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAiV_OtBhqQZTYs5M5s0SvzLCPmGNQ0y2SNAw6Fw0ewvHhV8yTvBJqhFfk5Ktw1t9EV1ffl6Lf7yvUT57OJlCEYRktCOKAjinhubBcJ_E4XyC-OqtnQILgO5v6DztmCNLWlX7vvb0RPvP/s320/100_3623.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The next day Herb and Harry start building the footings. It is painstaking work and at one point I wander too closely and get recruited to hold the transit stick. Harry checks the levels against the stick which I can't seem to hold straight, and Herb adjusts the footings accordingly. There is a great deal of shouting, "Marilyn, hold it straight!" and "Lower!" or "Higher!" while I begin to worry that the house will be as crooked as the man who walked a crooked mile. But later Harry hooks up my trailer with electricity and I am happy! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXuSJqwMjrYfyQ7-lrL0lb5foSSKVwj5O5JqZCJ7_5M1nJV-7KV2NHr2v9Uzsg1B8k3mJKRPRbyK2pY2qeFy9gfAzPvk0sdN-VOkTpqOpbB-t_YUDLdTqEDs9ww2uKsmwfWpL2JmQRbt-/s1600/100_3641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXuSJqwMjrYfyQ7-lrL0lb5foSSKVwj5O5JqZCJ7_5M1nJV-7KV2NHr2v9Uzsg1B8k3mJKRPRbyK2pY2qeFy9gfAzPvk0sdN-VOkTpqOpbB-t_YUDLdTqEDs9ww2uKsmwfWpL2JmQRbt-/s320/100_3641.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Dk2oZVH_krfVQdVtPYyEdvcJ9sRiW8uJcqjEmkzm45sRrW48-BcUd1k9leY2pAEnOMXIuq632WiVA1XV88Qz6QkP0r0jkqPk7qDO4BDp3GIFnLq4k3ZRhIj5kaAgsklJopE76_gDWnjS/s1600/100_3642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Dk2oZVH_krfVQdVtPYyEdvcJ9sRiW8uJcqjEmkzm45sRrW48-BcUd1k9leY2pAEnOMXIuq632WiVA1XV88Qz6QkP0r0jkqPk7qDO4BDp3GIFnLq4k3ZRhIj5kaAgsklJopE76_gDWnjS/s320/100_3642.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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When the footings are laid and perfectly leveled, the forms arrive. </div>
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The men start setting up the double row of oily, stinky forms. Everybody gets real dirty and we have to go to a campground to shower in the evening. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mxFUjPCuy1WswhxguD9p6URnwyGvGJcgdtEZdv34qEWXY7nMOw55XcXeiyKeGDEQekZ78H8kOSlLlI1F3knE4eYD4mvcDgFzBdFQsxoUEmFZFB_cyCm3neh9KuFJ_xf02VIEN2fU6KC4/s1600/100_3644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mxFUjPCuy1WswhxguD9p6URnwyGvGJcgdtEZdv34qEWXY7nMOw55XcXeiyKeGDEQekZ78H8kOSlLlI1F3knE4eYD4mvcDgFzBdFQsxoUEmFZFB_cyCm3neh9KuFJ_xf02VIEN2fU6KC4/s320/100_3644.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Our neighbors think it is very 'cute' that we have a table and chairs
set up in the hole. "Are you checking if you have enough room for the
furniture?" they joke. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As we began this project so dear to our hearts the Lord began to speak to me through 2 Samuel 7 where David wanted to build a temple for the living God. God's well-known response was, "Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?....I will build a house for you!" God promised that the house he would build for David/Israel would be a 'home of their own' as well as a place of of security and rest from their enemies. I"m claiming this promise for our little cottage; may it be a place of rest and security where all who enter find peace and safety. </span><br />
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<br />Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-78139867961195586072010-08-28T11:39:00.000-07:002011-02-02T12:36:37.635-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHtuzxyxxmyHC57_DTLzEYLRbP2oiocg2NwMaZfQShcemv7jaX-hA8FoZANAJnr9HgapX8CTyF_onOdeTQtioAlVvwCfO9di5mIWMppYr4JgN_OcRkuwJW8aWSlQp_Vi4ul9B2098PJVt/s1600/summer+2010+045.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHtuzxyxxmyHC57_DTLzEYLRbP2oiocg2NwMaZfQShcemv7jaX-hA8FoZANAJnr9HgapX8CTyF_onOdeTQtioAlVvwCfO9di5mIWMppYr4JgN_OcRkuwJW8aWSlQp_Vi4ul9B2098PJVt/s320/summer+2010+045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510534809780933874" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);font-family:lucida grande;" >The fine art of Neighborliness is:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);font-family:lucida grande;" >bringing over a mouth-watering treat such as fresh Okanagan cherries in the prettiest dish you have in your kitchen. My neighbor sent these over with love. She prefers to emphasize quality rather than quantity, and elegance rather than practicality. She knows that I will enjoy both the bowl </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 204);font-family:lucida grande;" >and</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);font-family:lucida grande;" > the contents of the bowl. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);font-size:85%;" >As she often says, "Presentation is as important as the food!"<br />Do I present the Bread of Life with a clean and noble vessel? </span><br /></span>Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237865619285786336.post-9929625095127243252010-03-20T10:33:00.000-07:002010-03-20T10:50:39.089-07:00Where is Jesus in the Old Testament?I am learning to listen to what Jesus says in the Bible. New concept? Not really. Everyone knows that Jesus is the Word. But seriously, when my pastor said that he trains younger pastors how to find Jesus in every passage of the Old and New Testament I was floored. I looked at Genesis 1 and found the Spirit of God and God and a hint of Jesus "Let us make man in our own image", but that was about it. So I gave up for a while. <br /><br />Then I researched the anabaptist hermenuetic (style of interpreting the Bible) and found that the tradition of my denomination is to view all of scripture through the lens of Jesus. In other words, how would Jesus have re-interpreted that Old Testament scripture passage in kingdom life--that we now enjoy after His death and resurrection. <br /><br />I look at a passage of scripture and first ask the Holy Spirit to infill me and enlarge my mind and spirit to understand it correctly. Then I compare the content to the teachings of Jesus. How has he fulfilled the concept or how is He revealed in the event? <br /><br />Its quite astonishing to read the Old Testament with this new perspective. I am overwhelmed with gratitude that this always highlights the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. May He continue to be exalted and glorified in my life.Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13032987111596536481noreply@blogger.com0