May Update

So, what's been going on?  Since my last blog in January, it seems we've been all over the world.  We went to Mexico in January, I went to Nashville for a Women of Faith leader's conference in February, in March we had a birthday bash for me at Andy's in Atlanta with Jamie and Eric and just a couple weeks ago our family went on a cruise (see the pictures, right).  What fun times.  Easter just finished and last week was full of April birthdays:  Jamie and Andy on the 27th and Daryl on the 29th.  Jamie and Eric will be heading back home the beginning of May for the summer - yay!  They'll be around for their annual golf tournament ministry fundraiser.  (Golfers:  it's a great time - and a great cause.  Let me know if you want to participate.  Lots of prizes and fun.)  Des Moines Women of Faith conference is also in May - I'm a group leader, so that'll be awesome. (If you want to go, I have tickets)

I cannot believe it's May!   Memorial Day's next, June is the Staveness Ministry Golf Fundraiser, the Fourth of July and then August - holy cow, life is busy.  And sometime this summer, Rob's book will be published - I plan on hitting all the book signing parties!  "Everburn":  It's a cross between the Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings.  Can't wait!

What a hectic, crazy life.  I guess that's what keeps me sane (?)  I wanted to let you all know that Daryl's doing well.  Actually, there's not much to report.  We've found a couple of doctors we really like - they're positive and encouraging.  Just what we needed.  More healing than anything is to surround ourselves with positive and encouraging people - lots of smiles and laughing.  Positive words.  Good attitudes.  I thank my kids and wonderful core group of friends for these- it's what keeps a spring in my step.

D's weight and energy level are stable.  He's in the office every day we're in Cherokee  He can't wait to get out on the golf course.  We drove out to the country club yesterday, and we have a new golf cart waiting to be picked up.  Today, we drove up to the lake - it's ready for summer!  Daryl is the toughest person I know - he's optimistic and  he never gives up.  He is amazing.  I cannot wait until the day comes when he can tell his story - one with a happy ending!  It's been remarkable.  I thank God for the strength to do things I never dreamt I'd be doing.  I've become a nurse really quick.  That's a miracle in itself.  We will definitely never be the same. 

That's all for now.  Take care until next time. . . 

ONE MORE THING:

  

I have a request:  please keep in touch!  Emails and texts are awesome ways to communicate with Daryl. He spent most of his life in close contact with many of you, and  he misses that.  Connections are healing and healthy.   It doesn't have to be long and involved - just say hi.  Or talk sports, the market or heaven forbid:  politics.