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Never a Dull Moment

So much has happened over the last couple of months that it is difficult to know how to chronicle the events. First of all, we are loving the beautiful weather during this time of year. We did not miss the snow, cold, wind, etc. of Idaho this winter! We did get a smattering of all of the seasons of spring when we spent two weeks in the Treasure Valley to meet our newest grandson and visit family and friends. The saying is that if you don't like the weather in Idaho, wait 15 minutes and it will change. Idaho did not disappoint!! We experienced snow, wind, rain, sleet, cold, and a few sunny and warmish days, as well. Our new grandbaby is so very wonderful and perfect. I was so priviledged to help care for him (yes, even spoil him) for the two weeks that we were in town. Our wonderful friends, Debbie and Doug Rowland, opened their cozy home to us. Although we didn't get to see Doug because he was working in Alaska during the month of April, Debbie was the perfect hostess. Having their home as our oasis was an amazing gift! Rich did amazing during our trip even though people and places were unfamiliar to him - he took everything in stride. He can act like he knows people and often fools them but when we get in the car, he asks me how all those people know his name! We spent everyday at Kelly and Justin's place helping out with Arlo. I did not need any urging to change, feed, hold, rock, or even wash clothes for Arlo. What a joy to help our daughter and son-in-law and get in enough cuddle time to last for awhile. We enjoyed time with all of our girls and their families even though it went by too quickly. We were able to worship with our Idaho church family for two Sundays and it was so wonderful to see how the church is growing (but they still missed us)! We did get to see some friends but not as many as I wanted! Our focus was spending time with our little grandson and helping out Kelly and Justin. In February Rich experienced a TIA (mini stroke) which affected his speech, his eyesight, and his balance. Each time that he has a big set back - he struggles to gain back the skills he previously enjoyed. He has been having more and more difficulty with his speech and ability to communicate his thoughts and needs. Sometimes, he is unable to put words together in a cohesive way. Sometimes, he struggles to make sense of the information imparted to him or even respond to conversations. It is so scary for both of us when this happens because it shows us the future of his disease when he can no longer talk to me. Yesterday, when he was having a extremely difficult time communicating with me, I was encouraged to see his familiar impish smile and chuckle while he was struggling to talk. I could hear him (in my mind) saying "Boom, chucka, lucka" the way only he can say it. Although it was stressful for both of us, praying together helped calm our hearts and minds. I am thankful that God never will leave us to deal with this disease alone. Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in time of trouble." Psalm 62:8 "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

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