Not Just Another Month of June

June 2022 visit of Brax to Sis #1

With Sis #1 slowly descending in her health, she is being blessed with visits from loved ones.  Sis #1 had been having a bad week with the beginnings of delirium.  She had been loopy, seeing fairies and other hallucinations.  Sis #1 came to life when our great-great-nephew, Brax, came with his Yaya (Sis #2) and Nana (Niece #2) for a quick visit.  Sis #2 noted that Sis #1 broke into tears when she saw Brax and he teared up as well.

Sis #1 had visited Sis #2 in Oklahoma frequently enough that Brax and she had a fun relationship.  Brax is a young member of our family that suddenly developed autoimmune encephalitis in October of 2019.  Aunt MakMak spent time with Sis #2 as a support during the days when Brax was hospitalized.  Sis #1 was still recovering from two knee replacements done in the winter of 2019.

Aunt MakMak at Brax's bedside, Oct, 2019

Many, many other of our relatives have visited Sis #1.  She has battled with such courage, openly sharing on Facebook her battle with colon cancer over the last 20 months.  Her many Facebook friends have showered her with bouquets of flowers that have arrived from all over the US.  Today cousin P from California is to arrive.  Even though it has been just two weeks since I was at Sis #1's bedside, I will return.  Cousin P wishes to see as many of the family as possible.

The family has been told at least 3 times Sis #1 has only 3 - 4 weeks left.  The first of those predictions was about 3 months ago.  And so she battles on, beating the odds, hoping to see one more July 4th.

Peace and love,

Janice

A Thought About My Nation

 

In the USA the flag not only flies over official buildings but where ever someone wants to display the symbol of the nation.  It is a sign of patriotism.  A sign of how much the person loves the USA.  The flag is even at the altar of most churches.  

So many people believe the major problem with our nation is the lack of God and Jesus in schools.  Many say the demise of our nation is a direct result of no Christian prayer in school.

IMHO, the commitment to God and Jesus isn't about waving a national flag.  It is not about standing the public places and giving long prayers.  It isn't about buildings or worship services in churches, either mainline or the popular Cowboy churches.  Nor synagogs.  A nation, a world that is so distracted by the glamor and glitz of this world has lost its compass.

I agree our nation, and our world needs to return to one simple basic teaching.  That teaching is not unique to Christianity.  Love others.  In an authentic way.  

Nuff said.

Janice

Been A While, Again

Graduations, doctor visits, shopping for a different apartment, car repairs, PEO meetings, and luncheons that is what I've been doing.  These activities evoked various sets of emotions.  Joy for the graduation of our bonus grandson.  Fun developing new friendships through the PEO organization.  Stress over auto repairs and apartment shopping.  

Scripture says, as noted in the last post, to not worry and The Creator will take care of problems.  For me, that means evaluating the various situations using the good sense The Creator gave me.  The biggest of the challenges is the search for a new apartment.  Once again a spreadsheet has helped to sort out what besides a considerably lower price we would like to have in a different location.

It is really strange the conveniences we find would be essential to our living situation.  Size, storage, hopefully, covered parking, dishwashers, washer/dryer connections, and number one, distance to our doctors.  We would prefer not to have to change our health professionals, again.  In addition, we want to stay close to our son for his convenience as we continue to age.  I mean, it is either age or die.  I prefer to age, thank you.

There is one other huge stressor.  Sister #1 is still battling every day.  She can sit for only short periods of time due to pain in the area of the tumors.  She recently advanced from codine-based pain medicines to morphine.  She is tiring easily.  Everyone wants to visit her.  She has asked there be a day in between for her to rest.  That is except for her sisters.  Next week #2 and I will each travel the 200 miles from our homes and meet at #3's home.  From there we will go to be with #1 in her bedroom.  No strippers this time.  Only gentle talk with some laughter and tears in the mix.  Sister shirts are required.

Janice