Buzzards Still in Attendance . . .

BAD NEWS, as well . . .

Just heard from Gary's brother. Apparently the "All Clear" "Full Recovery" assessment regarding Gloria was a misunderstanding (or something like that). The meningitis continues in an active state and pressure continues to build in her brain. She's fully conscious, but her hearing appears to be fading today. She will remain in ICU for at least another week.

I am confused, exhausted, disappointed and all the rest . . . and so I curl back up into the loving arms of the Lord and pray. We SO celebrated the miraculous recovery and this has hit ALL of us hard! We will not give up and weep in fear . . . God's ways are not our ways. He is mighty, He never tires (unlike me, a mere mortal, and a squishy one at that lately).

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired
His understanding is inscrutable.
He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

Isaiah 40:28-31

I cling to this promise-filled verse.

For today, my monthly worst is upon me, but the duties of the day have been fulfilled outside the home. A tree man arrives soon with saw in hand to remove the buzzard-filled trees (dead and inviting to their breed, we have learned) and another guy arrives at 5 pm to remove the dead deer carcass we spotted near our mailboxes that has been feeding our unwanted guests. So, with the buffet gone, as well as the handy perch, we hope the creepy guests will just move along and fulfill their natural duties in someone else's gardens.

Truly, truly this has been an odd day all the way around -- actually it's been an odd week! Some folks who know us well, laugh that we have a most "interesting" life. They weren't offering to take over any parts of it, however, so I shall continue to celebrate life (however challenging) around Wisteria Cottage. For starters I must get about the business of planning dinner. I have a bowl of beans soaking for a refried delight of some sort. A few peppers, an onion, a sprinkle of cheese -- MMMMMmmmmmm! The fragrance in my imagination causes my tummy to rumble. Now if I could just quell the flow of tears and enjoy this steaming cup of tea my dear daughter has just presented to me . . . well, wouldn't it be lovely?

I appreciate your prayers . . . the shadows continue to fall, but the light of the Lord beckons us to let off with worry and simply follow the prayerful path.

Be anxious for nothing,

But in everything by prayer

And supplication with thanksgiving

Let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6