PRAYER

I cannot help much but I can pray lots.

Yes she is a little sweetheart and I would love to spend lots of time with Simone,

A happy daddy

Shawna thinking about what to make for supper

Mary talking to grandpa

Sebastien another little character

Everybody loves to color!

We just got home and in time for a visit from Craig and Leah and Ophelia

Craig is helping dad with his I pad phone.

Prayer is like inviting a welcoming healing presence of love into our hearts.

Prayer is a powerful way to embrace life with all its joys and sadness.

Prayer for me has been the healing energy that has continued to give me strength and courage.

Prayer is embracing a wisdom that carries me through my daily life!

AUTHENTICITY

Enjoying the last few nights of lights shining in the snow.

Pouring rain today but Haiti stills loves going for her walks.

Dad and I had another quiet day today, feeling a bit like we are fighting off germs.  We had made plans to go out but just did not feel like it.  We are still finding food to eat and use up.  Lots of vegetables that dad and I cut up together.  I turn the burners up high to get things cooked quickly and he turns them down.  The main thing is we turn them off when we are finished.  

Amie came by and we invited her to stay but she had things to do.  Haiti loves to walk with her too.

I am thinking about all the happiness that Christmas brings that also brighten up our lives.  It is also a miserable time to be sick.  Rick is feeling lousy with a sore throat and aching body and no appetite.

 Christmas is a time we feel that we can eat a little more than we should.  We toss aside our healthy choices.  Being healthy for me is a struggle that takes concentrated effort.  I try to think positive thoughts about myself and about others.  

I have chosen a spiritual path but this does not mean that I will always be happy and content.  My feelings can be up and down.  This reminds me that I need to continue to grow through prayer and the wisdom of others.

DAILY LIFE

Haiti  waiting for a treat.

We are back to our daily routine of

first we walk and then come back and wake up dad if he is still in bed.

There have been tiny snow flakes all day but none of it is sticking on the ground. 

Dad has a better day resting and watching hockey.

Amie comes at 3 to walk Haiti and have a little visit.

"In the midst of daily living it is important to remember we are on sacred ground."

- Rachael Remen, M.D.

RELATIONSHIPS

Relationships are what sustains us through times of sickness and worry. Everyone seems to be unwell right now but thankfully some are on the mend. Leah and Craig along with Rick have joined the ones who are sick.   Simply caring for one another is the best medicine for us all.

  

Caught Rick just as he was leaving.  He was feeling very ill but wanted to get home.

He had an upset stomach.  Dad did too.

Lots of hockey for dad to watch.

The walkway is clear of all the ice and snow so much easier to walk across to the store.

Thanks Rick you did a great job!

Thank you for walking Haiti with me.

Love keeps us connected!

I did walk over to the store for a few things.  All of a sudden we were out of eggs.

An ordinary day and yes, God is in the ordinary and can transform our heaviness with the wonder of His love.  This is an inward transformation.

The grace of God' Holiness breaking into our ordinariness!

CHRISTMAS EVE AND DAY

                                                Christmas Eve

I know it is blurry

I am not happy with the pictures but another wonderful Christmas.

THE MANGER

As a child I loved everything about Christmas.

I loved hearing the story of the birth of the baby with angels and a bright star.

We attended a big church and the music was magnificent with a huge choir.

I love the story I read about the baby Jesus who disappeared from the manger scene because a little boy wanted to take him for a ride in his wagon.  Baby Jesus is missing here too.

My Christmas day.  I kept asking is it time now to go see our stockings.  

There was an elderly couple who were like grandparents to me that I would visit after school every once in a while, and we would have them over for Christmas dinner and they would have us over the next ear.  She made me a rag doll which I just loved.

Yesterday dad and I attended church and then when Rick arrived he and I went to the store.

The big advent was going to Sandra and Randy's to see Mary and Simone and Sebastien, Stephen and Shawna and Lincoln and Seeley, Craig and Leah and Ophelia.  They were all very happy and excited.
Santa Clause was a big hit except for Ophelia who was afraid of him.  He was very jolly and gave the children presents.

Shawna gave us a family calender which is a beautiful treasure of memories and a good reminder of dates.

Rick is up now and it is time to walk Haiti.  Pictures and corrections later.

Ophelia is sick this morning so they are not coming over.

THE GRINCH

It seem like the Grinch was going to steal our Christmas

with sickness and accidents and mix ups.
Our family supports each other in times when we get together to celebrate
and in the down times too.
The Grinch can do his best but nothing can take away the love we have in our hearts for each other.

The roads are slippery with lots of ice.

I took Haiti for a walk early in the morning.

Dad insists he is fine but he is not really.

Stephen and Sandra dropped by to pick up a mattress.  Nice to have a visit and Stephen helped program our T.V.  Our phone is now back to the old number but the caller I.D. is not working and neither is the answering machine.  Amie arrived to walk the dog just as Pat and John stopped in.  It has been awhile since they have been here.  Always good to have visits.

We decided not to go to the store and just make due with what we have and it is amazing what you can find when you get serious about looking.

Looking forward to seeing Rick tomorrow . It is hard to believe it is almost Christmas Eve.

"I have enough faith to let the uncertainty of my life yield positive results."

-Mastin Kyp

HEALTHY

Haiti and I walked to the park in the sunshine.

My wish for Christmas is for everyone to be healthy and safe.

It was a bad night for the Parsons family with the children and Stephen suffering from the stomach flu.  Shawna was up taking care of  the sick ones.  All are resting now and I hope all are on the mend.

Meanwhile dad and Kim got the garage door opened and our car is now out on the street.

They then rushed to get Kim's car from the garage.

 On their way to No. 10 Highway going down 132nd dad who was driving Kim's car followed by Kim driving Panteli's car to return to Ladner, was hit on the front side of the car by a speeding driver.  Both cars were a total wreck.  Dad was okay but  shaken up.  The firemen were on the scene and took all the details.  It was totally the woman's fault.

We are reminded life can change in a moment unexpectedly.

Kim drove the car back and is taking the bus home here.  She will be picked up here to go on the plane to the Caymans with Theresa and family.

A very stressful day for all but we still have high hopes for a wonderful Christmas together!

ESCAPE

Life is short and we find new courage and strength every day.

There is no escaping from our garage as the door is now locked down tight.  We had no great plans for the day but dad really likes to be able to get out if he feels up to it.

There was no escaping from the dullness of the day even though there was soon white stuff still around.

Leah brightened up the day by coming and using our power saw.  She is making blocks for Ophelia.

Sandra phoned to see if we have our own phone number
back and we do not but dad's cell phone works.

Kim's car was towed away and a new hose is needed for the brake line.  She will be over tomorrow to bring Haiti and to sleep over.  She will be picked up by Theresa and family about three in the morning.  Oliver is still on his way to the Caymans.

Craig had to retrace his steps to drive to our house to see what he could do to help but the situation looks grim.  The answer seems like a new door.

Sometimes we would like to escape from our troubles while at others times we are so thankful for all we have and especially for each other.

"Kindness in words creates comfidence
Kindness in thinking produces profoundness
Kindness in giving produces love."
-Lao Kuz

UPDATE.

                                               A happy threesome ended up at our house today.
Kim picked up Oliver and also got Panteli's car from Ladner.  We now have our car back and Kim's car will be towed over to the garage tomorrow. 

Oliver fixed the garage door but it really is in bad shape.  Thankful to have the car safe off the street.

Leah dropped by to use our saw.  She will come by tomorrow to make some blocks for  Ophelia.

We had a great visit with salad from Kim and a few sandwiches as my contribution.

Just a quick update as I am bone weary. so thankful Leah gave me my shot to help my bones today.

MAGICAL

There is something magical about the first snow fall.

The first time I have not gone for a walk in it.

Haiti is not too happy out in the back yard.

She slept over and we went for an early morning walk and it was pouring rain.

She does not seem to mind the rain and loves to be towel dried off when we get home.

There is a magical feeling for me as I read some of the old Christmas Classic.

There is "The Gift of the Magi", the story of the young couple who sold their precious possessions to buy each other a present.  She bought him a watch chain but he had sold his watch, and he bought her some combs for her hair that she had cut off and sold.

The gift of giving presents goes back to the three wise men who brought gifts to the manger for the baby.  This story brings a reminder of the joy of giving.

Then there is "The Other Wise Man".  He had traveled on his long journey alone and perplexed, fighting with his own doubts and fears that he would not find this new baby born to be King.  He was delayed on his journey as he stopped to help people who were in desperate need.  His sacred gifts had become even holy because of the love and kindness he showed to others.

"Verily, I say unto thee, In as much as thou has done it unto one of the least of my brethren, thou has done it unto Me."  -Jesus 

This year our gift will be our presence as we join the group at Sandra and Randy's Christmas Eve and Christmas day.  A happy noisy group and we love each and every one.

Sharing the love and mystery and excitement and laughter together is magical.

TROUBLES

Yes Kim is having major car troubles.

Too bad we cannot take the car inside to our garage.

She has borrowed ours for to-night and will return it to-morrow.

She will need a car to pick up Oliver at the ferry.

We have a doctor's appointment and we will need it for Wed. morning.

We are now on Talus for our T.V. and computer and phone.

We have lots of trouble figuring out the new system.

The young guy who put it in was an amazing young man who was injured in Iraq.

He is up at 4 to have a work out to be able to keep moving.

He brought a dog back from there that looks like Haiti.

His story is one of courage, hope and inspiration.

Aime took Haiti for a walk today on her own.  They are getting along well with no trouble 

but always lots of treats!

Dad looked at the car troubles with Kim and the car will go to the garage on Thursday.

We are a family that faces challenges together with determination!

"The wings of hope carry us

soaring high above the driving winds of life"

-Ana Jacob.

A real Charlie Brown Tree!

MOMENTS

LIfe is full of beautiful moments

Yes we had a excellent supper at Sandra and Randy's.

Everyone was looking happy and relaxed.  Mandy and James will be heading off to Edmonton this week.

Gifts were exchanged!

Gifts were unwrapped.

It was raining very hard when we left to drive over.  The roads were full of car lights coming and going.  It did us good to get out of our place.  I had gone to church but dad stayed home with a stomach ache.  I was late arriving because I spent the morning tearing the house apart looking for dad's pills.  This was very upsetting for me.  I looked in all the logical places and then in every place imaginable.  

I did not find them.  Fortunately dad has some other pain pills for to-night.

Our service was on moments of joy that can burst upon us as we spend time with others.

I would be full of joy and thanksgiving if I had found the little pill bottle but so far not so good.

I am thankful for the happy moments of this day shared with family.

This family certainly has the Christmas spirit.

FRIENDSHIP

"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile,

nor the joy of companionship, it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him"

attributed to Ralph W. Emerson.

I am thankful to be feeling better today especially because I wanted to visit Joan and a few others at the seniors home.  To be able to bring a bit of joy into a lonely life is a blessing for me.  This is a sad time for those who have lost family and will not have anyone visit on Christmas day.

We have friends who are not decorating because they are not putting on a Christmas dinner.

Dad likes to decorate so that motivates me too.

Jane's son was coming over today to help her decorate so that is good.

We have had some crazy times shopping together in the past.

I like to hang on to good memories especially of my friends.

I expect we will go to church to-morrow and enjoy being with all our old friends.

RE-ACTION

There is so very much beauty in life and I am fortunate that I can enjoy so much on my walk.

To-day I had a very bad re-action to my new pills.  I was nauseated all night very badly.  In the morning I woke up dad my being sick and dizzy and also falling off the toilet and now have a head ache as well.

Dad was very calm and my worry is always a stroke especially when I could not walk from the bath room to the bed.  Boy was I weak!  Now I am feeling better but still weak. 

Dad put a new fire alarm in and had a good rest after carrying my toast and coffee up-stairs.

I am thankful to be able to stand and walk and trusting in the healing power of prayer and care, and the wisdom to know which pills to take without a re-action.

SHINE

I believe that in some way each of us have our moments to shine.

Today I rushed over to the church and arrived 30 minutes early.  This threw me off my schedule as I want to be back in time to have a visit with Panteli.  He has stayed over to get a few matters straightened up. 

Visits with our family are very important to us.  We are looking forward to supper at Sandra and Randy's on Sunday.  James and Mandy will be there and will be leaving to go to Edmonton for Christmas.

Our yard is full of shining lights and on these early dark nights they bring beauty and a sense of the joyousness of all we have to celebrate.

Just image looking at the stars and seeing one so bright it seems to light up the world as a sign that even in the darkness this light will shine.

FATE

Just a few of our lights.

Such a lot of work trying to walk in that rocky place but worth the effort.

Good news Oliver will help dad with the garage door next Wed.

I am so pleased about that.

Yes so today I went out for my lunch with the girls, the Jetlag Bible study group.

I sat beside a daughter of one of them and she was in a wheelchair with M.S.

I learned a lot about her past life when she was young and rode horses.  She also had an amazing dog who became her best friends as she became sicker.  We had a good laugh when she spilled her drink all over me and I told her about spilling a bottle of juice the day before all over our table.  It was my cranberry juice so I will have to get another to-morrow.  

The last thing she told me was that in January she will be taking therapy to help her walk again.  I found it very touching and it made me very thankful for the walking I can do. I may be slow and look a little drunk but probably no one cares or is even watching me.

Yes it is important to believe that sometimes the impossible comes to pass.

Faith and joy bring new life to weary souls as we prepare our hearts to see the love of Jesus everywhere.

TRAVELLERS

This time of year I often travel back into  past memories.

Each Christmas has been different and special.

The year dad and I were alone together I went to visit Gundy who also was alone and a friendship developed.  She too felt estranged from her daughter and son.  Too bad.

Today we went to clean up Dad's grandmothers grave.

He and his grandmother had a special love for each other.

She moved out to the Coast when he was a youth and lived in a small room at English Bay. When we came here we would visit her occasionally.  Dad would drive down after work and take her out for supper every once in awhile.  We would bring her out for Christmas Day.  The sad part was that she was estranged from her son and daughter in-law who lived in Saskatoon.  

Sometimes when you have been hurt by life, loosing two sons to the war and her husband died young about 60, you can be critical and unable to express the love in your heart.

She lived with us when the children were very small but she needed too much care for me. I remember the times we had tea together and she spoke of her sister and her travelling here from England.

Later dad and his best friend Garth Manary built a rest home where she spent her final days.

There was a tiny ray of sunshine left in the day.

It is cold and windy and it is a time to pause and remember her love for us.

A good day spent first with Aime and Kim and Haiti.  Kim is so loving as she sets the table and prepares lunch for us all.  Haiti seems to know she is really the center of attention.  She will be coming to stay with us on Dec. 19 when Kim leaves for the Caymans.

Christmas is a good time to express our love for each other!

ONE STEP AT A TIME.

Aime is getting to know Haiti one step at a time.

Having Treats wins her affection. 

The laughter and chatter of Kim and Aimie brightens up our day!

Kim is worried that when she leaves on Dec. 22 that it will be icy for me taking her for a walk so Aime will come at one  and make sure she has a good walk.  This is the reason that Aime and Haiti are getting acquainted.

Yesterday morning I was out with the broom to clean up the mess the raccoons had left.  I left the broom outside by the garage door.  When dad opened the door the broom got caught in the side and stopped it from going all the way down.  We got the broom out but the door is not working.  Fortunately the car is out on the street.  This job will be a step at a time to get it reworking.  Wish Oliver was here as he worked with installing garage doors but for now there is no hurry to get it fixed.

Dad went off to the blood clinic to get his P.S.A. checked.

I stepped out for a walk and I do take it step by step depending on how I am feeling.  The fresh air is wonderful and invigorating along with  greeting those I meet is good too.

Back home dad puts up several new rows of lights.  Yes we are keeping up with the Jone's.

A time to sign along with the Christmas carols and rekindle my faith in the love that fills our hearts as we take each day a step at a time.  Our hope is renewed even in the midst of our violent times.

Plans are being made for us to get together but they may change

as often happens with our family.

Ken is now back at work and enjoying warm and sunny days.

"Religion without a hope would be like a hearth without a living fire."

-The other Wise Man  by Henry VanDyke