Just a quick note...

I love how the Lord is faithful in little things...Buddy's mom did indeed have a massive stroke on Wednesday where 2/3 of the right side of her brain has been affected. Though she is talking when spoken to, recognizes people and can carry on a conversation, she is not opening her eyes or moving in any way. She was able to eat a bit today, which was good. However, due to heart complications, she is not at all a candidate for any kind of rehab, which she wouldn't tolerate anyway. (This is a simplified version of all that is going on...) Buddy and his sister, Tina, along with the support of many in the hospital and at home, decided to place their mom in hospice care. It is a loving decision, and I mentioned that the Lord is faithful in many little things...let me explain...

Buddy's mom has always been a bright, sharp, articulate lady. Started a senior center, kept up with so many things and always talked about how she prayed that the Lord would do 2 things:

1. Keep her mind sharp - she wanted to keep her faculties as she aged.
2. Allow her to pass away at home.

Well, her mind is still pretty sharp in the midst of this. And, apparently, part of her brain-damage has allowed her to completely believe that she is still at home. No one can convince her otherwise. I think that is a very unique way that the Lord is protecting and providing for her, even in these difficult days. He cares about every detail.

These last few days have been hard ones, yet not without its sweet moments. Megan told me today that she is amazed at how the brain works. She was having a completely coherent, albeit slow and simple conversation about something with Nana - when she then asked Megan to please go up to the guest bedroom and get the picture of Buddy with JoePa. Wow...I have been so proud of Buddy and the way he has handled all of this with such grace. Sad, realistic, all that goes with it - but not without the hope of knowing she will be with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 1:2-4

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

As for me, I am doing pretty well. Typical better days in between and I am grateful. I hope to enjoy the weekend by resting when necessary, catching up before next Tuesday, enjoying my girls (including a friend of Megan's here for the weekend), and doing whatever I can to support Buddy.

Thankful thoughts:

• Our God is a God of thoughtful details
• Being able to drive a bit this week
• Buddy's calm in the midst of this storm - not easy
• My sister, who made herself so available as a nurse advocate for Buddy and Tina, especially when I couldn't be there

Have a blessed weekend, however you choose to spend it and wherever the Lord has you.

Andi