Holiday Weekend

We've been needing a long weekend to catch up on yard work but my heart would like to take a holiday instead. The girls are feeling well enough for an outing, so we may just do a little something. There are special places right around here that make for a lovely get-a-way. We have always liked visiting the little town of Buchanan about twenty minutes from here. There is a swinging foot bridge that crosses the James River, a couple of antique stores, and a little old-timey soda fountain. The homes along Main Street have all the southern charm one sees in magazines and it is all so close to home.

We visited the little Buchanan Theater several years ago while it was being renovated and noticed that there were two entrances. The second entrance was for Blacks; people of color. It wasn't that long ago when "coloreds" were ushered up to the balcony where they were "allowed" to sit away from the rest of the movie goers. There was a separate drinking fountain for them up there as well. It was an interesting bit of history and I thought at the time that I'm glad that is no longer a policy in this land.

The celebration of Memorial Day is a reminder that there were men and women who laid down their lives for freedom right here on our soil as well as abroad. Because of their sacrifice, we can walk down the street with our family in peace and freedom. Our family can worship in the same pew together and celebrate the fact that we are all God's children. We're grateful for the men and women who continue the fight for our freedom. God Bless them and God Bless America.

Tea Party

Our busy week ended last Friday with a tea party. The girls and I woke up and got dressed in our dresses and put on pearls. We went to the home of a new friend, at her invitation, and we spent a delightful morning talking together in the woodsy retreat she calls "home". Our friend Nancy has a house in the woods and there was something very special about sitting outside on a pretty spring morning sipping our teas under the canopy of oak trees. The yard was lovely and already blooming with Summer flowers. In that comfortable setting we enjoyed sharing a common bond in Christ.

We talked about books we've read, thoughts we've had about God and His ways, and people who have had an impact on our lives. It was rich. As Kathryn said on the drive home, "Isn't it nice to really communicate with someone about deep things and let go of all the chit chat?" I know chit chat drains Kathryn. When discussing the lives of others such a Joni Erickson Tada, there are rich and eternal treasures to take to heart. And that is what we did. Our family has met so many interesting people we would otherwise not have met had it not been for Kathryn's diagnosis. It has given Kathryn a chance to better understand those who suffer as well as share with others the power of God to sustain a body and soul in times of great pain.

We'd like to start our own tea party movement. But Kathryn and I would like to have the kind of tea party movement that takes people back to a gentler time when people sat out on their porches in the evening instead of watching TV. A tea party where best manners dictated the conversations and where thoughts turned toward songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. Our Friday tea party set the tone of our weekend. We enjoyed our new puppy, ice cream sundaes on Saturday night with the whole family, and worship on Sunday morning. Bliss!

You Never Know

We have a barn stocked with this and that.  An old sink or two, scrap wood, various wheels, etc.  We find these things on curbs sometimes, or we save things we think might be useful.  A few years ago I was leaving the Blue Ridge Women's Center and found several crib parts to be put into the trash.  Cribs that are not up to code, or have been recalled for safety reasons, do not make it into the supply room for women in need.  The safety of the baby is always considered when a used crib has been donated.  But I saw those crib parts and asked if I could throw them into my trunk.  They have been in the barn because you just never know when you are going to need things like that.

I took a few pictures tonight of some of the uses of an old crib.  As Paul was making a corral for Gideon tonight out of the last of one of the cribs, Kathryn said, "Isn't Daddy great?"  He knows how to use power tools.  He knows how to be creative.  And he knows how to bless our family with his creations.  Yeah Paul!

Below are some uses for crib parts:

The creative genius and Gideon

Having a Puppy

We bought a crate for Gideon to sleep in at night. He slept soundly in it all night without complaint. He seems to find security inside the crate and I'm told he will think of it as a place of refuge rather than punishment. He has his favorite things inside, including a soft baby blanket and toys. His world consists of being at home with people he is learning to love, and finding fulfillment with his new life. Except for sleeping in a crate, Gideon is learning to adjust to his new life just like we humans adjust to the life God has planned for us. I hope he likes it here.

Qavah is feeling much better today and has been more playful. The new puppy has been a real help.

Requesting Prayer

There is a little girl in Haiti that needs to get to America immediately. St. Judes has agreed to treat the cancer that has already claimed one of her eyes; she has retinoblastoma. The doctors, flight, and all expenses will be covered by St. Jude's but the Haitian government has slowed all paperwork and passports because of the recent earthquake. Members of a Christian organization are asking for prayer for the little girl's paperwork to be processed quickly. The folks at St. Jude think they can save her other eye with aggressive therapy but it has to be done now. The little girl's name is Rosenayke.

This morning Qavah woke up crying and out of sorts, which is very unusual. She complained of pain and has another cough. I took her to the lab and discovered that her CBC was very low and she will be transfused tomorrow afternoon. Comparing the swift help that Qavah will be getting tomorrow makes my heart ache for children like Rosenayke, who have to wait and suffer. If we can pray for this situation and join our hearts together for this little girl, I will keep you informed as to her progress.

My friend Helen asked me today about the Mother's Day gift that Paul and Qavah found for me. The story is quite touching. Paul made a valiant effort to make it a fun shopping evening but Qavah had to make a trip to the bathroom upon entering the store. Then she was thirsty. He grabbed a bottle of jewelry cleaner and purchased it quickly because my rings needed a good cleaning. And that's all he had time to do. Now I have the cleaner for the crown Qavah intends to buy for me someday.

Family Fun

Paul and I have been smiling for several days. We had a secret. Each time the girls began to shed some tears over memories of Ellie we knew that there was a surprise awaiting them. We made arrangements to pick up a new little member of our family today. His name is Gideon. Like the Biblical Gideon, he is small and mighty; able to soothe our heartache.

After researching a good breed for people prone to allergies, we settled on a Chonzer. I spoke with the local breeder about thirty minutes and finally asked her name. A lot of laughter followed because we know each other well. She, being a home school mother of 12 children, has conversed with me in the past about children but not about puppies!

Paul Burton drove the girls home from church while Paul and I went to the pet store for a few supplies and then to pick up Gideon. The girls fell in love with him at first sight. Here are some pictures. If you are interested in having one of Martha's puppies, she still has 3 beige females and one black male. They can be found on the Roanoke Times website under "pets" and are six weeks old today.

Friday Night

Paul took Qavah out for some fun tonight. He promised her that they would have a shopping night together to buy me a Mother's Day gift. I heard her tell Paul that I needed a crown to wear in the house since I am the queen! We'll see what they come up with; I'll let you know. He has been so busy that we postponed Mother's Day until this weekend. We plan to drive up to Fishersville to celebrate tomorrow. Our extended family will be there and we will be having lunch together. The girls are both doing well and looking forward to playing with cousins tomorrow.

I was able to visit a private Christian school in Roanoke this week and talk to the seventh grade class about the work of the crisis pregnancy center here in our city. Before Kathryn's illness I was able to be more involved in community ministries. I was able to connect with old friends again, and take the afternoon to do something that I felt was very important. I have a saying in my bedroom to remind me every morning where my priorities lie. It states, "Your greatest ministry is in your own home and to your own family." While I agree with that statement and live that out, it was nice to get out into the world and do something for someone else.

I hope to post pictures of our weekend after we get home Saturday night. I'm feeling very grateful tonight for the good health the girls have enjoyed this week.

Planning Ahead

I haven't taken the time to sit down to write a blog post all week but I have been busy making plans. The NIH has invited Qavah back to be seen by Immunology and we've been asked to stay an extra day to have an MRI of her head and neck. She'll have to be sedated for that. We'll be heading back to Bethesda the first week in June. I've also had to wrestle with Qavah's insurance again and that always takes time. I have a great respect for families who have to care for really sick children while fighting battles with insurance. Qavah is relatively healthy so I can take time away from her to handle difficulties as they arise, but it is still annoying.

Kathryn has made a change in her medical team and is seeing a new endocrinologist. At her first appointment today, the doctor focused on her bone loss. She has now lost over two inches in height, and that troubled him more than anything. He is going to try to adjust some of her medicine to hopefully improve her bones. The calcium she takes faithfully every day is not making its way to her bones to build them up. She had some labs drawn and will see him again in a month.

In between the planning and doctor appointments, we have been missing Ellie, cooking, cleaning, and catching up on spring projects. I fixed a nice dinner and Qavah stood at the window waiting for Paul to drive up after work this evening. She flew out to greet him and jumped into his arms. Kathryn greeted him cheerfully at the door and he ended up in the kitchen where I had dinner waiting for him. He said, "I love coming home to my girls." We girls do love to have the castle ready before the King comes home!

Happy Mother's Day

Kathryn and Qavah were both feeling well today so we went to church together this morning. It was good to be back with the congregation of believers singing praise to God. Although we do listen to sermons and have "church" at home when the girls are sick, there is nothing like taking part in community worship.

My children made Mother's Day a special event and I hope they know how much that blessed me. Their words of encouragement meant so much. For many a year, while children are young and growing, there is a lot of giving involved in being a Mom. It's downright exhausting at times. But after diapers, the basic childish temper tantrums, potty training, and college, it's fun to sit around and listen to them. They become interesting people with plans and ideas of their own and their conversations enrich our lives. Paul and I committed to nurturing their spirits when they were young, now we find they are nurturing ours.

Thanks to all the Dads and children who made Mother's Day a special event in your home!

Hard Decisions

We said good-bye to our dog Ellie today. I took her for a last romp around the yard and took her to the vet where Paul met me. It was comforting to know that our vet supported our decision and said it was the kindest thing. Ellie was nearly sixteen years old and still had the heart of a puppy but her body was worn out and she wasn't able to tolerate her aches and pains.

We have had so many good times with our family dog that it is already hard to look out across the yard and not see her playing there. We were fortunate to have had such a smart and loving dog. Qavah has had times of tears today; so have we all. It was a pleasure to have one of God's creatures offer us her friendship and companionship for all these years and she will be missed.

Thank you God, for the memories of the special animals you have given us to love. They have made our lives richer and even their memory brings a smile to our hearts long after they are gone. Amen

On Eagles' Wings

I read to Qavah last night before bed and she reached up to touch my face. I looked down at her and she looked up at me earnestly and said, "I want to get on the back of a big bird and fly to heaven Mama." I asked her what she would do there and she said, "I would sit on Jesus' lap and talk to Him and make Him laugh. Then I would get back on my bird and fly home." I wrote down the words of our conversation to pull them out later when I am teaching her the words, "You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. " Exodus 19:4. I love the way children think about things.

Adoption Day

Our celebration of adoption day is tomorrow. That is the day we set aside to remember that through adoption we were given the gift of two more children. Kathryn arrived in New York on May 2, 1989 and was flown to Washington DC, where we picked her up and brought her home. Over the years we have celebrated that day with her and hoped she knew that there is no difference in the way we feel about our biological children versus the ones given to us through adoption. Now we have Qavah's life to celebrate as well.

As Christians and adoptive parents we are in a unique position to understand how God loves us as His very own children, and His desire is to see us grow up and mature in that love. He provides the training ground through the circumstances in our lives and meets our physical needs as we continue to trust Him as our own children trust us. Once we were strangers to each other, but through adoption we are now in a lifetime relationship.

For all of the adoptive parents we wish you many more years of delight as you watch your children grow and change. And for all the adopted children we hope and pray that trust will continue to develop in your hearts not only toward your parents but in God as well. Through belief in Him, He has made a way for each one of us to be called "children of God."

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1