And so.....

The past two months have flown by so quickly I have rarely had time to peek on blogs much less make a post on my own.  I have to tell you that I'm sorry I've been gone and want to thank so many of you who have left messages and emails of concern, you all are so sweet.  I have missed blogging and intend to get back to it when possible even if it is not as frequently as I would like. 

A few things have recently affected the personal time I have on the computer, the first being my adjusting to the new job and balancing family life with it and more importantly the second reason is the return of my father's cancer.  And so now I have returned to ask for your prayers....for my father and for our family. 

My father has been in remission for the past three years and recently discovered a lump which has now been confirmed as the same cancer he battled the first time around.  He will be treated even more agressively this time and it will be more taxing on his body requiring hospitalization for periods of time.  During  the holidays this will not be an easy way to celebrate so we've changed our plans and will be spending as much time with my father and family as possible. 

It is so difficult to see him weakened by the treatments, he has always been a pillar of strength for our family.  He has been laid off for sometime due to the economic effects on the mom-and-pop employer he's worked many years for.  Coincidentally, my mother was also laid off from her job of 25 years this winter only to discover the cancer the week following that news.  

Although, I am terribly concerned about their job situation there couldn't be a truer testament to everything happens for a reason.  It will be easier to get him back and forth for his treatments that are a couple hours drive from their home without worrying about her job.  There is obviously a bigger plan in place.  My mother has a very positive attitude about all of it which helps.  I know that this is what life holds when your parents age, but it is not easy none-the-less.  I know must faithfully trust that they are where they are supposed to be right now even if I don't like it at all and so we could certainly use prayers, the strength of prayer in numbers would greatly be appreciated!

The front porch above seems to be a place I sit to reflect the past couple of weeks.  I retreat there in the autumn evenings when my worries overcome me.  I can sit in a rocker in the solice of the early evening after the day is done with a warm sweater and watch the sun go down.  Even if it is only a short time it helps me to clear my mind and keep things in perspective.  Reflecting on positive things.

Something that has certainly become evident to me these past few weeks is that I will focus on gratitude this season like no other.  For through all of this, we can still be grateful.  Especially for the past three years my father was in remission and pray that he will make it through this once again.  Thank you for returning....I wish I had a more upbeat post but unfortunately this is what is on our plate right now.  I'll be back soon to share some Autumnish things that have still occurred amidst the troubles....promise.

Take care,
Dee