A Christmas to Remember Blog Hop

THIS CONTEST HAS EXPIRED AS OF 12/15/2012 11:59 PM-THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING. PLEASE CONTINUE TO ENJOY OUR CHRISTMAS STORY.

THE WINNER OF THE CAJUN BASKET AND EBOOK COPY OF CAJUN FRIED CHRISTMAS IS:

KAYELEEN HAMBLIN

GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF THE $100 AMAZON GIFT CARD IS:

MRS. SYLVIA STEIN

CONGRATULATIONS LADIES!

Please join us in the celebration of our Lord and Savior, and rejoice with us our favorite Christmas songs and movies and join us on a progressive Christmas story hop.

A progressive Christmas Story? Well, six authors decided to write one story. No plot, no character profiles, no plan. Just creative license to write. The first author began the story and handed it off to the next, and so on...Read our impromptu Christmas Story. We hope you enjoy it!

Here’s how the blog hop works:

A.  Go to each blog in the order that is listed below.

B.  Read the first section of the story. Then follow the link to the next section of the      story.

C.  At each blog, comment to get entered in both the Grand Prize drawing ($100 Amazon Gift Card) and to be entered in each author’s individual drawing. Your comments can be about the story. Or you can tell us your favorite Christmas songs or movies or books. You can also tweet and like us on Facebook to be entered multiple times.

Feel free to browse each author’s bookshelf.

Blogs to visit for the Progressive Christmas Story should be visited in the order listed below:

1.   Gloria Harchar

2.   Emerald Barnes

3.   Bonnie Blythe

4.   Anita Green

5.   Marian Merritt

6.   Rich Bullock

7.   Dawn Turner

To read part 4, visit Anita Green

A Christmas to Remember - Part 5

Meredith gasped as darkness enveloped her and musty air filled her senses. She tried to remember what she'd seen on the shelves of the small pantry: canned goods, a bag of potatoes, and other objects that wouldn't help if she needed to defend herself.

The black space closed in on her. Squeezed her. Where the darkness had soothed her headache last night, this morning it terrified her as the shelves, close on each side, brushed her shoulders. She attempted a deep breath and found she couldn't get enough air for her lungs.

One…two…three…breathe. 

She wiped her palms on the seat of her pants and pressed her ear against the door.

Nothing.

She paced back and forth the two steps the small room afforded her. Her rapid shallow breaths were useless attempts to fulfill her need. If only there was some light in this darkness. Just a little. Finally, she slid to the floor with her back against the door. 

Please Lord watch over Garth. And please, please Lord, don't let me be stuck in here much longer. I don't know how much of this I can take.

A rough gravely voice burst through the silence. "Garth. Are you in there?" The voice filtered into the room from a distance. Maybe just outside the kitchen window. She couldn't be sure.

Silence answered the unknown man's question. Where was Garth?

"Garth, you coward. Show your ugly face." His sinister laughter echoed throughout the peaceful morning. The same place where only last night she'd brought innocent children—children who could have been injured while singing Christmas carols.

Meredith's chest heaved up and down, up and down.

Need air.

As she assessed her situation, her panic rose.

She attempted another deep breath and when the relief she anticipated—needed—didn't come, her heart thundered in her chest. 

Lord, please. Yea though I walk through the valley…C'mon remember, remember. I will fear no evil…She visualized the psalm on the page of her Bible and, as she recited the words, the vise squeezing her chest eased.

The image of the children's smiles from last night came to mind. They'd loved singing the familiar Christmas carols and seeing the joy on the faces of the people who'd opened their doors to them.

Except, of course, when Garth had opened his door. Now she knew why he'd had the gun. He'd gotten involved with something evil, and she had landed smack dab in the middle of it.

The image of the children's frightened and distraught faces replaced the happy joyous one. Thank God, that man, whoever he was, had not been here last night.

Her pulse pounded in her neck and head again. She stood and paced the two steps within the confined space. As she turned back toward the door, a popping sound cracked through the air. She jumped. Garth? A shiver snaked along her back causing the skin there to tingle. Would his mission of revenge get him killed? And her, too? Oh, Lord, soften his heart.

"Merrie, you okay?" Garth's whispered words bathed her heart with relief. Thank you, Lord. He still lived.

She leaned into the door and pressed her lips near the corner. "Garth, what's happening?"

"Stay put. Do not make a sound. Understand?" His commands were rushed and urgent.

She growled under her breath. "Yes."

"Merrie. It's not what you think. I'll explain later." Even rushed, tenderness seeped through his words and spread into the place of her heart that she'd thought she'd barricaded tight against Garth Decker. Had he really thought she would turn away from him because of his injuries? Did he not know how much she had loved him?

"Okay. And Garth, I don't care about the scars." The words drifted from her lips in such a soft whisper that she wondered if he'd heard her. A slight shuffle of nylon against nylon answered.

"Garth Decker, come out here, it's time to end this here and now. Just you and me." The graveled speech sent chills through her as she tried to imagine the face that belonged to the unnerving voice.

The unmistakable kluck-klack of metal on metal—a slide chambering a round—sounded from the other side of the door.

Then silence.

Moments later the slow creak of unoiled hinges betrayed the opening of the back door.

End of Part 5

To read Part 6, visit Rich Bullock.

Note: All Christian Blog Hops will be announced at CHIN Blog Hops. 

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out! 

(All winners will be announced at CHIN Blog Hops, too.)

Comment on this blog and you will be entered in a drawing to win a Cajun Goodies Basket and a free ebook copy of my Christmas Novella, Southern Fried Christmas.

(Please leave your email address as myemail at xxxxx dot com in the comments below) 

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Bonne Christmeusse! 

Thanks for visiting Lagniappe

I pray that you find "a little something extra" in each of your days.

Marian

An Aussie Christmas Angel by Clare Revell

Who doesn't love a love story?

Most people do and love one even more when it is based on a true story. So is the case with Clare Revell's, An Aussie Christmas Angel. I won't spoil the particulars about WHO the story is about, but I can say, you will love the characters.

When John Connington arrives in Sydney, Australia without a plan and without his suitcase, he is plunged into a world where he is forced to rely on God. There God leads him to the doorstep of roommates, Jo and Pip who were referred to John by a mutual friend of Pip's.

Jo is wary of a stranger staying in their home, until John's unbridled goodness and warmth win her over. But it takes a while.

A sweet romance set in the backdrop of "down under". While getting to know the characters, you may pick up a few new words you can sling about at your next barbie!


About Clare:

Clare lives in a small town in England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, and her three children. Writing from a early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fanfiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, reading, sewing or keeping house or doing the many piles of laundry her children manage to make, she's working part time in the breakfast club at one of the local schools.

She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of three registrars.

Thanks for visiting Lagniappe

. 

Leave a comment if you'd like,

I love hearing from  readers!

I pray that you find "a little something extra" in each of your days.

Marian

FINDING HOME by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans delivers a sweet Christmas read. She takes us to London via Alexa “Lexie” Gordon, a California girl who refuses to spend Christmas alone regretting her past relationship. So she takes a trip to London to visit two college roommates.

Peter Colby and his twin sister give Lexie an enthusiastic welcome and pamper her as well. Peter’s long-held emotions for Lexie shine through during her stay making Lexie question everything she feels.

Marianne’s characters are richly drawn and keep you guessing until the very end whether Lexie will follow her heart back to London and to Peter.

I loved Finding Home and Marianne’s vivid descriptions. I’ve never been to London, but after reading this book, I felt like I’d taken a trip "across the pond” and enjoyed afternoon tea and scones with old friends.

And at the end of the book…a lovely surprise. Lexie’s Cream Scones Recipe.

Cheerio!

Do people from England really say that? You tell me.

Recommend buying Finding Home for the sweet story, great characters, and the oh, so awesome scone recipe. Check it out!

If you read Finding Home, please hop over to the Amazon page and leave a favorable review!

A little about Marianne Evans:

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create. Readers laud her work as: ‘Riveting.’ ‘Realistic and true to heart.’ ‘Compelling.’

Evans’s novel, Hearts Communion, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors in the Romance category as well as best inspirational romance of 2012 by ACRA, a chapter of the Romance Writers of America. Evans has also won acclaim in such RWA contests as The Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence where she has been a finalist twice, and the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence contest.

A lifelong resident of Michigan, Evans is active in a number of a number of Romance Writers of America chapters, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. She’s also active in American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network.

Thanks for visiting Lagniappe.

I pray that you find "a little something extra" in each of your days.

Marian

NO SUBSTITUTE - New Release

Recently released: 

Debut novel of 

Susan Diane Johnson

No Substitute

Amy Welsh knew when she came back to the small Washington town of Goose Bay she'd eventually run into her high school sweetheart—the one who broke her heart seventeen years ago. Only Quentin Macmillan isn’t the boy she remembered. He could potentially be everything she's ever dreamed of. But remembering the past reminds Amy that she and Quentin aren't a pair of teenagers in the bloom of first love. Letting him into her life resurfaces all the hurt she's tried to ignore. Forgiveness isn't as simple—or easy—as it sounds, especially after Quentin and Amy discover his teenage daughter has been manipulating their feelings. If Amy can open her heart to healing, she’ll find the future God prepared for her.

Suzie on Suzie:


During the day I work at my local hospital as a cancer registrar. During the evenings and on weekends, I write novels that I hope will bring joy and uplift the hearts of readers. I am married and have one grown son. I love to travel and see new places - especially by train. My favorite destinations are Victoria, B.C.; Williamsburg, Virginia; Disneyland; and Avila Beach in California. I love to read, write, go to baseball games, and ride roller coasters with my son. I am a member of American Christian Fiction Writers; Romance Writers of America; Faith, Hope and Love; National Cancer Registrars Association; and Washington State Tumor Registrars Association.




To learn more about Suzie visit her at : www.susandianejohnson.com

To purchase No Substitute on Amazon.


Thanks for visiting "Lagniappe" today. Please leave Susan a comment in support of her debut novel's release. 

I pray you'll always find a "little something extra" in your day!

Marian

Living in the Wild Wild West

A couple of weeks ago, we headed up toward the Flat Top Mountains (up Rio Blanco County Road 8 - a Colorado scenic byway) just north of our town.

With our Polaris Ranger and ice chest

in tow, we stopped near Meadow Lake--off a mountain road between Buford and New Castle-- to off-load the Ranger and then went up to the top.

Here we stopped to have lunch next to a small mountain lake. All the snow last winter and the rain this spring has made for the most amazing scenery in the mountains this summer. The wildflowers are gorgeous and all the small lakes are full. It's been a real treat.

Here are some pictures we took along our day trip. Hope you enjoy them!

Scott standing on the edge--Yes, he makes me nervous.

An icy ledge facing north. Still fairly thick.

I've dubbed this hill "Mardi Gras Hill" the purple and yellow flowers against the dark green grass were an awesome site!

At the Summit!

Colorado's State Flower - The Columbine. Several patches out this year. Thanks to the rain and snow!

Death By Wasabi

This is a short (true) story I wrote a few years ago after my first encounter with sushi. I continue to enjoy sushi, but am a little more conservative with the wasabi!

Hope you enjoy the story!

Death By Wasabi

Marian Merritt

Deciding my palate needed stimulation, I ventured to the sushi counter at the local grocery store.

Not only would this be fresh and exciting, but something I could say with a measure of class. “Why yes, I love sushi.”

Anxious to join the ranks of the other sophisticates, I eagerly opened the package and examined the California rolls. The small tray held six of the delicately wrapped goodies along with a package of soy sauce, a small bundle of translucent flesh-colored slices, and a marble-sized piece of avocado. Why would this avocado be rolled into a ball?

I popped the “avocado ball” into my mouth fully expecting the smooth taste and texture.

Instead, a pasty glob assaulted my tongue.

But then—OH MY!

An inferno unleashed into my head. The burning spread like a brush fire through a dry wheat field.

The intense flames traveled unmercifully through my sinus cavity leaving a blazing trail of torture. I grabbed my head and hopped about the kitchen as though performing a ritualistic pain dance.

Tears distorted my vision. Through the blur, I read the ingredients. Aha, the weapon of wrath—wasabi.

My heart raced. Odds were not in my favor for surviving this wasabian adventure.

“I’m going to die!” I bellowed to the empty kitchen and the midday newscaster.

Would the anchor on tomorrow’s midday news be broadcasting my demise? I imagined tomorrow’s headline. “Woman dies of Wasabi overdose.” Not the epitaph I’d hoped for.

Pain seared through my head and set each cranial nerve ablaze.

Natural childbirth—a walk in the park compared to the torrents of torment I’d fallen captive to.

My sinuses—a runaway faucet. As a river of fluids gushed from my face, I prepared for imminent death. Please Lord, don’t let me die like this. Not—death by Wasabi.

I envisioned a gloved CSI team examining my kitchen, the scene of this gruesome crime.

What if forensics can’t trace Wasabi? My death would be a mystery. The only evidence—a tray of uneaten sushi. Would anyone notice the missing Wasabi ball?

As I rolled my head on the cool counter in an effort to ease the pain, my physiological need for oxygen prevailed. I braved a deep breath.

I now knew what inhaling broken bits of glass felt like. Please, instead, give me a root canal without anesthesia, a red-hot poker in my eye, bamboo shoots under my fingernails, or perhaps, a guillotine.

The pain continued its search and destroy mission. Survival consisted of short shallow breaths and hopping around the kitchen like a bare-footed kid walking on oyster shells.

Dare I try another breath? Not a walk through a spring meadow, but at least it didn’t feel like I’d snorted gasoline.

A flicker of hope ignited. The pain recoiled. Its mission accomplished.

The sardonic circles of calamity sat there so innocent looking.

Mocking.

Approaching the rolls like a lioness stalking her prey, I sneered at the tray. Were there more of the little green marbles of malice?

Both my appetite and confidence withered. Hours later when hunger returned, my ego-bruised palate dined on a simple PBJ sandwich with extra grape jelly.

The rolls? 

Gone.

Are Minor Leaks Part of Your Day?

Do you know where all the clean bathrooms are in the areas you frequent? Do you use them "just in case" when you walk by? Have you ever practically dropped your bags beside the door when you return home so you can make it to the bathroom in time? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you may suffer from urinary incontinence.

Whenever we think of this condition, it's in the context of wearing diapers and total loss of control. Most people believe leaking urine is a normal part of aging or the normal consequence of childbirth. It is NOT. The truth is the small leaks during coughing, laughing, sneezing or any physical activity are considered incontinence. Many women don't seek help in this area because they feel embarrassed or think this is normal. Only when the symptoms become out of control do they seek help. With the recent bombardment of commercials advertising drugs or panty liners, many women think these are their only options. There is another option--physical therapy.

Types of Incontinence

• Urge incontinence is the most common type of incontinence. This is also known as an “overactive bladder.” This occurs as a sudden need to urinate and you feel as though you cannot reach the bathroom in time.
• Stress incontinence happens when there is a sudden increase in pressure (stress) in the intra-abdominal area that results in increased pressure on the bladder. This can be caused by laughing, coughing, sneezing, exercising, or heavy lifting. It is essentially a weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. This is the most common type in women age 30 to 50 and can be caused by:

o Pregnancy and Childbirth

o Episiotomy (during childbirth)

o Injury or trauma

o Vaginal or Rectal Surgery

o Lack of exercise and lack of use

o Weight gain

Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence

• Functional incontinence occurs when a person cannot physically get to the bathroom in time. This type of incontinence is uncommon and can only be established as a cause after other possibilities have been ruled out by a physician. Possible causes:

o Environmental (Too far to bathroom, slow ambulating because of walker or cane use, too many obstacles to navigate around)

o Joint pain or muscle weakness

o Decreased functional mobility

o Confusion or dementia

o Psychological problems such as depression or anger

• Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder cannot empty properly. Because the bladder never empties completely, it may feel full again very quickly. Tests can be performed to determine if you have this type of incontinence.

Urinary incontinence can be the result of weakened pelvic floor muscles. These muscles attach from the pelvic bones and run from front to back to form a sling-like structure that supports the internal organs and controls the sphincter muscles. They aid in strengthening the low back, stabilizing the pelvic girdle, and help with sexual function. When these muscles become weakened they no longer perform as well. Physical therapy can help strengthen these muscles.

Physical therapy intervention can include:

Behavioral modification - Education on avoiding foods or drinks that may irritate your bladder and/or change behaviors that may be contributing to your incontinence.

Bladder retraining - Education on techniques to increase time between voiding.

Biofeedback - Visual feedback that shows you how your muscles are working.

Electrical stimulation - Used to strengthen or relax muscles.

Physiological quieting - Guided imagery for relaxation.

Personalized exercise program - Techniques to increase awareness and initiation of the correct pelvic floor muscles.

With physical therapy you can regain control over you bladder and your life. Save money by eliminating or reducing the need for costly incontinent medications and supplies. Surgery can possibly be prevented. But the biggest benefit can be a return to an active healthy lifestyle.

If you suffer from incontinence, please discuss this with your doctor and see if a physical therapy referral is right for you.

The following link offers help with discussing your problems with your doctor.

https://www.mypelvichealth.org/ToolsforPatients/TalkingwithYourDoctor/tabid/78/Default.aspx

Kegel Exercises are the most well known exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. How do you know if you're actually tightening the pelvic floor muscles? Physical therapists trained in Women's Health can help ensure you are activating the correct muscles. The following document from the Women's Health section of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) can provide more information.

http://www.womenshealthapta.org/pdfs/What is a Kegel.pdf

For more information, visit the following sites:

Women's Health Section of the APTA

Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute - Resourses

To find a physical therapist trained in Women's Health in your area, click on the following links:

Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute - Practitioner's Directory

APTA - Women's Health Section - PT Directory

Wild Horses couldn't drag me away...

Yes, the title of this blog was taken from a song titled "Wild Horses" by The Rolling Stones from their 1971 album Sticky Fingers. It is said that the song originated as a song for Keith Richard's newborn son Marlon. It was 1969 and Keith regretted that he had to leave his son to go on tour. The song has recently re-emerged to entertain a new generation by Susan Boyle of Britain’s Got Talent fame.

But do we really know the power and strength of Wild Horses?
Are they still around?
I always think of this song when I see these awesome creatures.

A few days ago while doing Stormwater Inspections at Oil & Gas facilities, I was fortunate to see several wild horses out in the Piceance Basin of Western Colorado.

Amazing animals! Interesting how they continue to thrive amidst the heavy oil & gas exploration and producing activities in the area.

On one lucky day I got to see this little fella/gal (not sure which) "Horse puppy" cross the road to follow the rest of the herd. He/she stopped in front my vehicle and stared for a second before trotting off to catch up with mama. What a blessing!

The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) conducts an annual horse round-up to manage the land and the herds.

Interested in adopting one of the wild horses?

Check out the BLM website for full details:
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro.html

Nice to know they still exist and are doing well. According to BLM statistics the herds can double every four years. So each year they are rounded-up and evaluated. While Colorado doesn't boast the largest number of these wild animals, Arizona and California do, there are approx. 700-800 in basins throughout the state. I must say, it's always a treat to see them galloping through the sage brush.

Life Goes On...

Indeed it does, regardless of what we do, think, or feel. Life continues on. All we can hope for is that we’ve made some type of positive impact in the lives we’ve encountered along the way. An impact of good, not harm. And left a lingering note that God loves ALL his children and wants them back. I hope those who are lost will find their way back into the arms of a loving God who can forgive the most grievous of sins in a repentant heart. I pray this with a driving passion that overwhelms.

This Easter time, reflect on the sacrifice that was made for each of us and make a vow to pray ceaselessly for those who are lost. Those who struggle to find purpose in a world that has no purpose.

This prayer of St. Francis has usually hung at my work place or in my Bible. It’s such a powerful way to ask God to use each of us. But most importantly, when we pray this prayer we’re asking God to make us like Jesus.



Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon:
where there is doubt, faith ;
where there is despair, hope
where there is darkness, light
where there is sadness, joy
O divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.


He is Risen, Indeed….

He Knows...

I love how the Lord gives us what we need, when we need it.
With starting a new full-time job, my time and enthusiasm for writing had waned. Finding the energy and the time to write seemed a daunting task. My church and friends were praying for me and I asked God to remove all desire and let me feel okay about NOT WANTING to write. Well that didn't happen and an awesome thing did. I met another ACFW member in my small town of 2500 people. A women who is enthusiastic and so eager to learn. Her enthusiasm has rubbed off on me. Thank you, Lord. We've become face-to-face critique partners and I love seeing writing through her eyes. And it's been great to be accountable to someone on a weekly basis. And to be able to share what I've learned so far. And to be editing my second novel, The Moon Has No Light.
Thank you, Lord. You know what I need when I need it.

Book Review - An Irishwoman's Tale

I met Patti Lacy over the internet a couple of years ago then in person at the ACFW conference in Dallas in September of 2007. After reading her debut novel, I saw her personal beauty shine through in the way she told this story. Patti has an awesome way with words. READ HER BOOK. You won't be disappointed...

Review of An Irishwoman's Tale:

Bravo to first time author, Patti Lacy! The story, the characters, the plot all gel to make An Irishwoman's Tale a book worth reading. Based on a true story, Patti has woven the elements of fact and fiction to take the reader through the life of Mary, a poor Irish girl whose life is a series of rejection and poor choices. But it is also a story of an unlikely friendship, of unselfish forgiveness, and God's amazing redemption. In this fast-paced world where reading is a luxury few can afford, this book, filled with deeply drawn characters, is definitely worth your time.

Time, Time, Time

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I've last posted.
Yet, there's been so much that's happened, it's easy to see how time has slipped away.

Brief catch-up:
My Dad indeed passed away at the end of April. God blessed me with two weeks to spend by his bedside before he went on to be with our Savior.

Two weeks later, we moved into our new house. Pics to come later.

Two weeks later, my daughter graduated from high-school and we hosted 8 family members for several days. Lots of fun and it was great for my Mom to travel to a new part of the country.

In the midst of the above, I started a full-time job working for a local Oil company. Helps to offset the costs of the house and a daughter starting college in a few weeks!!!!

I continue to receive rejections on my first manuscript. But they are getting more personal and provide some encouraging feedback. Who would have thought that a rejection could be encouraging?

I'm currently working on a Certification as a Health Specialist in Ergonomics and hoping to write a book for writers...all those hours at the keyboard.

Life sure has a way of keeping us on our toes and sometimes in a tailspin. I've come to understand--that's normal. How we react to those tumultuous moments can mean the difference between chaos and trust.

I've had many moments in the last few months to examine my reaction to life events and quite frankly, sometimes chaos edged closer than I preferred. But in the end, peace and trust reigned. Why? Because I handed those moments to the Lord. He does a much better job than I.

The Gentle Giant

The waters of Lake Pontchartrain welcomed like a grand dame hosting her own. Although the view was limited by the size of the plane's window, the sight stirred pent-up emotions. From deep within.

In the distance, the afternoon sun reflected from the newly-repaired roof of the infamous Superdome--more stirrings. I'm Home.



My heart twitches with a bevy of emotion. I visit, not to enjoy once again the plethera of seafood, not to take in the good times of family, and not to take in the quiet history of oak-laden plantations. I come to say goodbye.



I come to grab those last moments that God would allow with the man who I will always, despite today's sad reality, view as invincible. The man who could fix anything (including his own lacerated thumb). The man who seemed unstoppable (as evidenced by carrying over 300 wheelbarrows of dirt), the man who stood for strength and stability and as the anchor of home. My dad.



As I take in the worn body, one struggling for the last breaths malfunctioning lungs allow, I see his spirit--it's still invincible. Still strong. I see a gentle giant who rarely complains and still smiles behind the annonying mask pumping massive amounts of oxygen to lungs refusing to accept the life-sustaining mix. But what I see, maybe for the first time the quiet courage of a gentle man who knows his days on this earth are coming to an end. As I watch his struggle to do what I can without effort--breathe, I fully grasp the essence of my father--his spirit, his courage, his character. With a heavy heart, I wonder--Would I exhibit such grace were I in his position? Did I inherit a small measure of his character to endure in quiet dignity what he now endures?



The question burns in my heart. Am I prepared to say goodbye? Are we ever? Yet, I pray for God's mercy on him. To relieve his suffering. My father's exit will leave an unfillable void. And as I prepare, as best I can, to grieve, I cling to hope assured. I can see his smiling face and envision his joy as he reunites with his own parents comfortably in the arms of his Savior, Jesus. For that, I am eternally grateful.