Coffee? Tea? Serenity?

I woke this morning at 2am with thoughts of Dad.  I wondered if he slept well.  I wondered what his thoughts will be when he does wake.  I pray that God eases those thoughts into peace and trust that He will restore his health.

 I wake at 2am because, perhaps, I have been down with my back.  My physical activities are little to nothing.  Because I am usually quite active in doing that which is needed around our home and with our horses, I usually burn up all available energy.  Yesterday, and the days since mid-December have been quite different; no lifting, no straining, no climbing, and etc. allows me very little accomplishments on my "to do list".  Therefore, my body is rested and I assume needing less sleep. 

Several months back, I purchased a couple of books that I was interested in.  Yesterday, I was able to sit comfortable and begin reading one of those.  I love to read, but because of the other hobbies and activities that I have been consuming my time, I have little time to enjoy a book outside of inspirational praying and educational research.  It really was a treat, but all the while I wondered what I'd be doing otherwise.

Since Dad learned of his need for surgery, he has been a bit cranky.  Mom has shared some hum-dinger stories that I'm sure would tickle your funny bone, but with him not even wanting to phone family and letting them know of his upcomings surgery, I am sure that he would not be delighted if I shared them here.  Though, I must tell you that on his first day of retirement, he told Mom that she should toss out her sewing machine because it simply takes up too much room.  Since his retirement, he has shown some interest in the internet.  This interest requires that Mom teach him how to log on, save favorite web sites, and surf the web.  Often I have been on the phone with Mom while hearing him have a "Roland Fit" in the background.  The fit due to the fact that the computer simply will not do what he wants it to.

Because Dad is headed to the hospital today for the angiogram and surgery on Tuesday, and the fact that I am not certain what time my back will allow me to be at the hospital, I wanted to go visit with them.  During that visit, Scott popped in the video that Mom had taken during his recent retiremtent party.  During that retirement party, a DVD was shown which contained short, personal messages from various Talen's employees wishing Roland well in his days of retirement.  It was heartwarming to hear the words spoken especially for Dad by those that he worked with, but one phrase was said by many...."the little blue pill".  Some people assumed that blue pill to be Viagra.  Because Mom is so "informative", I knew that it was not THAT.  Working with Dad for several years,and the fact that he is my dad,  allowed me to completely understand what "blue pill" they were referring to.  Mr. August is an employee of Talen's.  He is an elderly gentleman with a mild and gentle temperment.  Mr. August summed it all up in his message on the DVD.  He said, "When Roland would ...., and......, and ......, THAT was hilarious!"  What Mr. August was describing was the "Roland Fits" that he had witnessed.  And that brought the entire group into rolling laughter.  Again, last night, as we viewd that DVD, we could not help but laugh....retirement did not end his need for the "blue pill" which Scott inquired about.  Roland said it was for hypertension.  Judy said it was needed for anxiety.  Scott said, "OH, you mean the TRANQUILIZER!"  Scott has worked a couple of summers with his Paw.  I guess he saw some of those days in which the blue pill was needed, too.

But, all in all when Scott is around Paw,a nd Maw, is laughing.  We had a lovely visit, Scott ate the entire time we were there, (checking the dates on each package) and then we headed home so that we could all retire for the evening. 

Today, I ask that you join me in prayer for Dad as he faces today's angiogram and tomorrow's surgery.  Let us also remember to pray for Mom who will be at his side through it all; hopefully.  I heard her mention the word "motel" as she spoke on the phone with someone.  I guess she is prepared with PlanB just in case there aren't enought "blue pills" to settle down Dad.

I ask that you keep all of us in your prayers as we walk a pathway in faith toward restrored health and healing.

• Monday, Jan. 14 = Roland Angiogram
• Tuesday, Jan. 15 = Roland surgery to correct blockages in the right side of his neck.
• Wed., Jan. 16 = I have an appt. for a diagnostic mammogram; nodule detected during office visit with Dr. Foreman.
• Wed., Jan. 16 = Roland is expected to be released from the hospital
• Monday, Jan. 21 = I meet with Dr. Bolin to review the results of mammogram
• Roland will return for the surgery on the left side of his neck two weeks followling the first.
• Jan. 31 = Mike has a dental appt; application of a crown will begin.

Matthew 4:24 - "and He healed them"

Check back soon.  I plan to keep family and friends updated via this blog.  With my own pending appointments and my back being out of whack, the updates might be short.  You can give me a call anytime.