Miracles and magic

Today was a very good day on several fronts. Dad got a scan on Tuesday but had to wait until today to get the results. I worked a couple hours this morning and I met him and Rob at the clinic to hear the results. His cancer has reduced in size 80% from the size it was when he was first diagnosed in September. All tumors are smaller. Some are gone. He said, "now I can make some plans" and he's thinking about taking a friend to Wildhorse Casino before orchard work kicks in and they are both too busy.

My boss gave me a gift certificate to Bed, Bath, and Beyond for Christmas. I went there today and spent an hour or more picking things, putting some back, finding something else...I don't know if I can explain the simple joy of picking a totally frivolous item and knowing I can get it if I want it. I'm not to that point yet in my own personal situation, but thanks to my boss, I did it today. WHAT FUN!

Last Saturday I got to observe an amazing event. My son-in-law, Josh, and his son, Zian got baptized. Josh has been talking with missionaries for a couple years. And finally I was invited to his baptism. And Zian turned 8 last year, but is terrified of water, hates to get wet, and especially hates to get his face wet. So he opted out of getting baptised. Josh was baptized, confirmed, and ordained with the authority to baptise. And he baptised Zian. Zian just walked into the font, into the arms of his father, went under the water, came out and quietly and calmly walked out of the font with his Dad. It was miraculous.

It has been cold and snowing the last couple days. My fire is burning in the fireplace. I'm planning on spending Valentine's dinner with the family tomorrow night...I'm making banana cream pie. The magic is that winter is swirling around me and I am comfy and warm, I have been surrounded with chaos for so long--even recently--and today I feel secure and content...there are so many quiet and loud miracles that make me smile tonight. I think this is peace.

December--Yikes

I was able to go to help a daughter over the Thanksgiving holiday, and now that she's all fixed up, she can eat again. Yea! And it was so nice to see her, Josh, and the grandkids. They are getting so big (the grandkids. I think Josh and Katie are getting smaller). And now it is time to get serious about putting together the gift baskets I'm giving my kids and grandkids. Notwithstanding Christmas, I have four grandkids who have birthdays this month.

I stopped in at Dad and Carmen's on Thanksgiving on my way out of town...wow, they had a crowd at their house. It was great to see all the kids and grandkids surrounding the folks. Carmen smiled as she told me about it. It made her very happy.

When I got up this morning, the fog was floating in the valley, turning the view into magic. I just love the magic in my life. It's a good day in paradise.

STICKS

As I wandered outside this morning, I counted no less than 12 sticks in my yard and on my front and back porches. These sticks are various sizes and shapes and have been gathered by the two explorers who are visiting me this week. They're eight years old. Listening to them while they played, I discovered that these sticks weren't just naked branches from the orchard behind the house. The kids uncovered the true nature of these sticks. Inside these odd shaped sticks of various lengths, they found...walking sticks, magic wands, weapons (guns and spears), digging sticks, and just-in-case-I-need-a-stick sticks. I love the magic of this part of childhood. Anything is possible.

I thank the good Lord for the magic in my life.