JULY 24, 2012


Kathie and I attended the San Diego County Fair on June 19, she ended up sleeping through most of the Fair as I pushed her wheelchair through the exhibits and 30 minutes before I was to put her on the transport, she woke up, bright eyed and looking at me. I never know what to expect. July 10 we were at the shopping mall moving through shops, I picked up a new suitcase and miscellaneous items. I have gotten better at general mall navigation and which store elevators work best for a wheelchair.

July 13th we celebrated a wedding! Katie was married in Balboa Park and planned a beautiful wedding. I told her that she planned the wedding like her mother, very detailed. Andy, Madison, Hannah and Audrey all helped and looked beautiful. Katie and Doug asked me to perform the wedding ceremony and I became a “Deputy Marriage Commissioner for a Day.” I mentioned Kathie’s absence from the wedding by saying, “Today, while we celebrate, we also miss Kathie, Doug you have met Kathie through Andy’s fun–loving spirit; Hannah’s giggle that turns into a body-laugh; Madison continues to looks more and more like her mother; and of course you know the tenacious spirit of Katie.” Katie wore Kathie’s wedding ring and a bouquet of flowers sat on an empty chair next to my dad during the ceremony.

Last Saturday was Kathie’s fourth visit home this year. I enjoy having her in the house and the Girls have become accustom to seeing their Mom at home with me. This trip home I put into practice giving Kathie water through her feeding tube and liquid Tylenol as needed. Her nurse and I discussed the possible need and our preparation paid off.

Today, I will assist our friend the hair dresser as she cuts and colors Kathie’s hair. We have learned how to work with each other; I assist by tilting Kathie’s head, switching sides, then giving Kathie a bath and washing her hair. A big effort but well work the results.

Streams in the Desert 7/15: Trusting even when it appears you have been forsaken; praying when it seems your words are simply entering a vast expanse when on one hears and no voice answers; believing that God's love is complete and that He is aware of your circumstances, even when your world seems to grind on as if setting its own direction and not caring for life or moving one inch in response to your petitions; desiring only what God's hands have planned for you; waiting patiently while seemingly starving to death, with your only fear being that your faith might fail - "this is the victory that has overcome the world"; this is genuine faith indeed. George MacDonald.

Blessings,
Dave & Kathie



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