Arkansas

Our recent trip to Arkansas was like none other before. We went up there with one main purpose in mind.... to spend time with Don, my Father-in-Law, before he started his first round of chemo. I admit that I didn't quite know what to expect. I was a little apprehensive that it would be an emotionally stressful visit. Though the knowledge of the disease was on everyone's mind and the uncertainty as well, I was surprised to find all of us just being "normal". It felt a little out of place at first but as our time there went on, normalcy felt good. And by the time we left, Gabe and I talked about how that week with Don and Betty just doing normal farm things was refreshing and something we will all look back on as a blessing.

I was thrilled that Isaac and Julia had the chance to spend time with their Pa...riding the tractors, going fishing, cuddling, and reading books. Isaac, being the oldest grandchild and more aware of what is going on around him, was a little apprehensive as well when we first arrived. He tends to hold a bubble of air in his mouth when he is nervous about something. He did that for the first day or so, but after that he settled in and soaked up all the fun to be had in Arkansas on the farm. Julia was oblivious to the underlying stress and even perked up during our prayer time when we were praying for Don and said, "but Pa isn't sick". To her, he isn't sick at all. Just her loving and cuddly Pa.


I had the privilege to sit out on the patio with Don for an hour or so while we watched Isaac play with the turtle Don found for him. I can not fully express how much I enjoyed listening to Don recall stories from his childhood, growing up on the farm. We just sat, talked, and enjoyed the cool breezes. Thank you Don for spending that time with me.

Here are a few (ok - maybe a little more than a few... more like a lot) pictures from our time in Arkansas.....

We also had the privilege of visiting Gabe's Grandfather. He is still recovering from his recent surgery to remove cancer on his face. He had to have reconstructive surgery around his cheek bone and eye. He is doing well and it was a blessing to see him.

(I just enlarged this picture and realized that Julia has her finger up her nose again. What is up with that?!!)

If you feel led to do so, please pray for Don. He will finish his first round of chemo at the end of this week and will have a full brain radiation early next week. Please also pray for my Mother-in-Law, Betty, to have strength and endurance to stand by Don as he undergoes these treatments.