"Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words." - St. Francis of Assisi

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Thank You


I can never begin to thank all of you friends and bloggers out there for your comments and prayers of support for my dad and my family. It has been a tough couple of weeks and as my dad began his chemotherapy, I found my own energy and strengths directed away from my blogging, my other writings and everything except family. In all seriousness, without the comments from many of you coming into my email boxes, it would have been a much tougher period.

For a quick update, the first round of chemotherapy went well, but as is common, it wreaked some havoc on dad's energy level for a number of days. Even though he knew it was to come, I don't think he (or any of us) were prepared for the depth of weariness he had. However, he is now doing well and has another couple weeks to gain strength before the next round. My dad's church has always been important to him and he was able to attend this morning for the first time in a couple weeks. Being with his friends and with God's community did a world of good for his emotional, and in turn, his physical health.

We have another six treatments to face, but I know that God is in charge and His arms will be surrounding the doctors, nurses and others as they treat my dad.

So, as for me.....lots of things have been happening since I last blogged and I look forward to catching all of you up with things in Jimmy-world. Even in the midst of family illness, God has still been teaching and showing me a lot of things that I think you'll enjoy. One thing of note (Jan, you'll especially like this)....I am finally beginning to look for another dog. Even though I still miss Murphy, the time is beginning to feel right. A new group of Katrina rescue dogs have arrived in a couple shelters around Atlanta, plus I've been visiting the county Human Society.

Spring has already arrived here in Atlanta. The flowering trees are beautiful, the daffodils and tulips are coloring my backyard in a beautiful blanket, the bluebirds have returned to the boxes in my yard and new life is everywhere I look. Thanks be to God for the seasons of change.

Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and support. I am blessed by each one of you.

Jimmy