Coffee? Tea? Serenity?

Mr. Randy - I have learned that Mr. Randy was released from the hospital and doing well. His illness was due to Salmonella. Dad spoke briefly with him just a couple of days ago. He said that he still feels a bit weak, but is hoping to return to his regular work schedule next week.

Mr. Carl - Mr. Carl was released from the hospital. The days all run into one another making it very difficult for me to recall what day he returned home. It seems like we are approaching two weeks since his release. A few days prior to that release, his appetite began to improve. His strength and determination seemed to do so as well. He returned home with good color and an appetite that allowed him to eat all that was served upon his plate. He was even physically able to attend the wedding reception of a grandson who married on August 9^th. His attendance was longer than we expected and tiring for him, but we looked on in awe at the improvements he was sporting at that wedding. We visited with them yesterday. The feeling of being “full” is no longer present. He is able to eat well. In fact, Hilda was saying how he was back to his ways of eating that which might not be all too good for him; such as CAKE. She is very concerned about the diabetes which presented a challenging battle while in the hospital. Carl is up and about. Carl is looking good. Carl is continuing his battle with Myeloma - one that seems to be minute compared to that of the bacteria that took over his body and caused the lengthy hospital stay. What our eyes saw only a couple of weeks ago is gone and we are now calling him a Walking Miracle. During our visit yesterday, we talked about the seriousness of his condition when he first arrived at the hospital and during his ICU stay. He remembers very little of that time. He became teary eyed during this discussion. To realize that he “almost didn’t make it” brings us all to a very humble place.

Mom and Dad - They continue on the road to recovery from the fire. It is still a very emotional subject for all of us. Their temporary home is very near the one that burnt. When we go to visit, we pass right in front of the old. There are no words that can accurately describe that short span of time, looking on, remembering, hoping, praying about the days to come for them. Dad is back at work full force. Mom is out and about doing her daily chores with added cleaning of items pulled from the fire. Things are beginning to settle down. Plans for the future are beginning to take shape. God is taking care of all circumstances in ways that we would never have begun to imagine. From time to time, Mom phones with tears. Even though the blessings have flowed abundantly and that they are tremendously grateful for them, the fact remains that they have experienced a great loss - an experience very close to that of a loved one dying. The greatest difference in the two situations is that when a loved one dies, their personal belongings remain - each with a cherished memory. After a fire, many personal belongings are destroyed, never to be seen again. Others can be recovered, but they show and smell the evidence of being in the fire. The precious memories cannot burn. They cannot be taken from you. They remain a part of you forever, but so does the fire. As I compose this post and recall the many encouraging words given to me by friends and family, a song of long ago plays softly in my spirit……….

CHORUS:
I think I see gold
I think I see gold in the fire
Right there in the ashes
Is all you've desired
Oh, it's hard
As you press toward the goal
Don't give up
Don't give in
Don't stop now
I think I see gold