Beautiful Surprises

When friends say that they're praying for you constantly and that you're continually on their minds, it hits different. Particularly when you feel unable to pray very well yourself. There's so little stillness. What did I ever do with all the idle hours of life? We're so thankful to know you're praying--it's tangible; we feel carried. The peace we have is supernatural. The things I worried about before Paula's aneurysm have largely faded away.

We are also affected tremendously by the young professionals who've reached out and given sacrificially--wonderful humans we knew as children. That has a way of really knocking you off your feet... Thank you for reaching out and leaving a note. It is so, so kind.

Then there are our own children--Madison, Marshall, Halle, Emma, and Cooper--who've been revealed as these highly functioning, compassionate, exceptional beings who handle everything from mind-numbing tasks to difficult conversations. They are friends, co-sufferers, and wonderful conversationalists. It's a close race to pick a favorite (wink). 

Paula is improving, slowly. She ate better yesterday. And she is a remarkably gracious patient — kind, focused on her nurses, and making wonderful connections with each one. She's a wonder, and she amazes me. 

Thank you for everything! This is all so new to us. And we're so grateful to all of you.