The Long Factor

What really intrigues me about this grieving process is that I honestly feel like I "lost" my Grandma B many years ago, getting worse as time goes by from each stroke. So to actually be grieving that loss now is curious. Maybe I just never took the time to grieve before.

Today, by the way, is the service, and our family time together. Your prayers are still appreciated :-)

Thank you.

Kiera in the Kitchen

This morning I was getting scrambled eggs ready for the girls. Kiera has REALLY been interested in helping and watching in the kitchen lately, and normally I let her, unless she starts grabbing knives or other risky business.

I had the box of eggs between us, and yesterday she handed me the eggs so I could crack them.

Today, however, she apparently thought she was a big girl and could crack that baby by herself.

I cracked one on the counter, and a split second later another crack came from beside me, only instead of crack it on the corner, she has simply mashed in on to the top of the counter :-)

Splat!

So cute! And slightly messy. Especially when I give her a towel and ask her to soak it up and she swings the towel from side to side to mop it up :-)

Thank you

I just want to take the time to thank those of you who have written or called with your condolences. I really appreciate it. I still have my moments when I am as strong as ever, and then the tears flow. I almost feel like my own personal science project. When, Why, How?

My answers? I have no idea.

Be Informed

I know this seems like a stray thought, but I want to mention this to everyone.

Please be aware. Aware of our country's position in the world, aware of where we are on God's timeclock.

I think most people would agree that we, as in the USA, are not present on the end-times horizon. We don't know how or when or why, but we are very likely not a world leader in the not-so-distant future.

Do not let unpreparedness be your downfall. Ask the hard questions. What will happen if? How will we eat? How will we survive? Do not be caught with your eyes closed or averted. Keep them open!

A good start is to read this-- a WND article on an EMP's massive destruction capabilities. To put it simply and quote Chuck Missler "An EMP attack would catapult the United States back to the 1800's." I don't know about you, but I do not have the knowledge nor the means to survive like my ancestors did. This means prepare to be able to survive until we do.

Please Read. Please Pray. Please Act.

Balance

Grandma Bryant went home to glory last night. I find myself contemplating the balance between grief and joy. Joy mainly because she is HOME-- her journey is over and her true life has begun! I can't even describe how excited I am for her! And yet the tears still come...

I told Melia that Great Grandma had gone home to be with Jesus, and she comforted me by telling me that "God will give her a new body." No idea, other than the grace and wisdom of God through the words of a faithful 4 year old.

Luke 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."

"Lord, give me the faith of a child. Not that I do not believe, but her faith has no expectations, just freedom."

I Can't Believe This Summer

I am so trapped inside this whirlwind of a summer. Yesterday I shopped for summer camp, took the girls in for a visit with Grandma B, went to the Dark Knight with Gabe, and then attended a prayer meeting. Today we are going up to Lake Chelan to spend time with Gabe's family (a MUCH needed break!)

Gabe works this weekend, so hopefully I will get some syrup made (apricots from the neighbors house) and canned, and more shopping done (50+ people for a week!)

Your prayers are much appreciated. My mind is the most drained thing of all! I need the ability to concentrate and take one task at a time.

And yes, I will share pictures again someday. When I have time to sit :-)

Sunday Night

I will try to catch up a little later on; I tried to post Friday, but when I hit "Post" I got an error message and it deleted everything I had put... Ugh. Not enough time to redo it.

Anyway, Grandma has moved into a nursing home facility for the days she has left.

Saturday, Gabe, Darcy and I took the girls up to the waterslides in Chelan with the church youth group, and we had a great time! Even Kiera warmed up to the "fun" part of water and not all terrifying.... although apparently she had some great "fear" faces on as we were coming down :-)

Just a little update for you... sorry I have been so absent lately, it's just life going on around me and I am having trouble keeping up.

Wednesday Night Update on Grandma

A huge prayer request-- not sure how to follow the "who's at fault" trail, but because Grandma *seems* to have improved over the initial 24 hours following last Thursday (which was the "you need to stay with her" day/night), Medicare doesn't want to keep paying for hospital stay. The family's preference would be for her to stay, and for us to continue on in this big room, which allows for the bunch of us, plus visitors-- it is a huge blessing, one that has made this time easier. Pray mainly that things would be worked out, and that we can just continue on as we are-- this could go on a while, but in all likelihood, it won't. More like a matter of days... but God has plans and purposes that we do not know or understand, so please also pray that His will would be done, and that He would be glorified through this. Pray that we would be testimonies of His peace and love and grace.

THANK YOU for your prayers.

THANK YOU cousin Rachael for contacting your mom-- Grandpa, as he is, is such a private person that it took a few days for him to even give Mom permission to contact people outside the immediate family. So we really appreciate you doing that! (No one said anything to me about not saying anything....soooo I am in the clear ;-) Other than that, Mom seems to think he is doing ok. Seems like he is finally coming out of the denial that this is going to be it, barring any further miracles. Enjoying the family being around and the visitors. Mom and Karla are staying with him pretty much 24/7, so keeping tabs on him. Pray for his strength too, please.

Another Update, Cause I just don't know what else to write....

Gabe and I were able to visit the hospital last night with the girls, and it was a busy room! Thank the Lord that they moved us to a quiet, larger room at the end of the hall where there is a couch and room for more of us! Grandma seems to be doing ok, she can still answer a bit, and mom said that she responds emotionally to Bible reading, which is so touching. Day by day, we live in His grace. Darcy gets to come home Thursday, so that will be special for her to be able to visit too.

The lone kitten (if it's a boy, maybe we will name him Ranger :-) is doing well, as far as I can tell. I still catch her nursing and she has moved him into a box, which I am very happy about.

I am starting to get a few green beans here and there, and more snap peas, blueberries and tomatoes. Rennea (MIL) recommended that I miracle-gro my corn, so I did it to everything! The corn already (1 day later) looks to be shooting up!

I also have some baby basil bushes if anyone close by wants one-- They were the cute little threesome in my square garden I had last year. They smell yummy!

I finished copying 1st Peter and 2nd Peter, and now am considering which to do next. Thinking about one of the minor prophets, as I really hardly know any of them. I will decide quickly, as this is quite addicting. I am up to a chapter a day, or more if time allows, and during the day my thoughts drift to when I can sit down again and work on it. What a blessing it is being! Thank you Lord!

Update

As of last night, when the girls and I visited the hospital, Grandma had been doing better. She was able to answer some questions (basic yes, no) and then when Melia said she loved her the mostest, Grandma said "mostest" back :-) Not sure I will take Kiera again, she was a little wild for the hospital environment... but then again, when she has playmates, that tends to happen.

We lost one kitten, but the other is doing well. She still hates me coming in, but deals with it. I am just not sure what is wrong with her "mothering" mentality. Lack of instinct? Continued prayers, definitely. Melia prays for her often :-)

Anyway, just catching you up. Sorry not a whole lot to post, but we're busy :-) as you know.

Thank you for your prayers.