January 23rd

I would have to say that the hospice has become almost a second home. Lanita has been telling us that she's in 'no-man's land'. Everyone's been wondering the state she's in and how things are going and so I will try to fill you in the missing blanks since my last update. I do have to say that the kids have settled in very well at home. Routine is great (even if it is always fun)! It is amazing what a difference an extra pair of hands make around a house, but things are into a pretty good rhythm. The alarm clock squawks away at 5:50am, porridge made, kids get rolling. The bus screeches to a halt at 7:10 for Makaela, Caden dashes off to catch his bus at 7:25, and I roar off in the truck at 8:10 with Damon and the neighbour kid. In the midst of it all, we seem to get all the other things done, (Just like all you great moms out there), things like teeth brushed, hair done, dishes put away, and things tidied up. Ok, once in a while a bed or two might not get made but all in all, i'm pretty proud of what does get accomplished! Try to hit the doors to the hospice by 9:30 to see my beautiful wife and see what kind of night she had. There is no predicting anything. Generally she's a little more awake in the beginning part of the morning. She will often have a few bites of porridge as her breakfast, and Lunches will often consist of a popsicle stick or two. Somedays it seems that she just can't get her eyes to open and then there are other days when she will have a few "awake" periods for an hour or two. Each day is one of those 'what have we got today' days, but we love her just the same! She has 4 butterflies on her (not the tattoo's type), where they inject her for her meds. One on each arm, two in the abdomen. The nurses have done a fabulous job at getting the nausea under control and also in keeping one jokester husband in line! I'm finding the patients to be quite interesting people in many different ways and often there is something going on that humors the day. It makes you glad that when you do put first things first, these times aren't times of distress, fear, or anxiety. God truly has been a God of great comfort and it is wonderful to reflect on the point that God has always given so much more than he has ever taken. There is no better hands to be in than 'God's Hands'. We don't know what the plan is for God's timing but know it has always been perfect. This experience has shown so well the spirit of our servants, the spirit of his people, and drawn us not only closer as an 'eternal family' but also unveiled so many more of God's pictures that were either veiled, unknown, or maybe just not as clear as they should have been. I know I have said it many times, these aren't only rich times, they are enriching. Anytime we are forced to stop and  look into our own hearts and souls, getting a realignment done, so that we could be ready for when our time comes, is a precious gift. Each day is unique. Some days we get greeted with the smile of Lanita's brown eyes, sometime's she is only to smile with her pearly whites, but no matter what her state is that day, we always get greeted with a kind, gracious, and thankful spirit. If you come to visit, and say a few minutes of hello, the family will always let you know the state she is in. Oh, and by the way, the coffees's always on!