o n t h e t r a c k s

First the news from Kingwood: ElenaClaire has been released today. Her first stop was at IHOP where she is right now with her Mom and Kristin Geistkemper, who drove Alicia over this morning. Treatments and therapies will continue on an outpatient basis.

Now from Davis and Elk Grove, California. Mom's surgery went very well. However she is quite weak and not real responsive. She is not eating or drinking much. Her alertness level seems only about 50%. If she does not "snap out of it", this will probably directly lead to a bad outcome.

Dad, however, is doing very well and seems strong and sharp physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He continues to inspire all of us with his tender devotion and service to Mom which has been in evidence all of our lives. He said he admitted with shame that this was actually a relief, because of the burden he has been carrying for the past months, and we assured him that this is no cause for shame. He is potentially facing the greatest challenge and loss of his life but is stepping up to the plate with courage and determination. At 85 years old, he is still setting the bar for what it means to follow Christ faithfully. "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance". Ps 16:6

In all of this we have seen extraordinary demonstrations of God's goodness. Expressions of love and support from friends, circumstances falling into perfect alignment regarding travel and my presence when needed Tuesday morning to handle a medical need for Miles when Alicia was incommunicado at the hospital (what if I had made it onto that plane the night before and was not available to be there for Miles?), my absence on Wednesday morning which made it so natural for Pastor Al to accompany Alicia to a family conference at the hospital where his presence was so significant and helpful. 2 Cor 1:5 has proven itself profoundly true this week:
"Just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."

The time with Tom and Karin and their spouses is so rich. In some ways I sense that we are all wearing training wheels, learning in the earliest stages how to "ride life" without Mom - and eventually, without Dad. It's sad, of course, but greater than the sadness is the confidence of God's presence.

Continuing prayers are greatly appreciated.

Rick - at Tom's house in Elk Grove