Ups and Downs

We've been home a month now. Our last trip to Houston was right before I had to be back at school. It was a pretty busy visit. Paul had a test called a cistrenogram to check for his suspected cerebrospinal fluid leak. We weren't notified of any abnormal results from the test, so for several weeks we assumed nothing was wrong. Then a call came three weeks ago saying Paul did have a leak and it should be fixed as soon as possible. However, Paul was having a feeding tube placed the day the MDACC doctor wanted to fix the leak. So it was determined we could wait two weeks until Paul was better nourished.

Fast forward two weeks and things have changed significantly. I am sad to write that Paul has entered hospice care. We don't know when our time together will be through, but we ask all of you to pray and hope that we have some quality time to make more lasting memories together. If you would like to visit you are welcome to. Paul is feeling well enough to spend time out of bed a great deal of the time.

On the very bright side, Paul was Baptized, received First Communion and Confirmation two weeks ago. The new pastor at St. Joseph, Bishop Doug Deshotel came to our house to perform the rites. Paul and I are both very happy and it brings us comfort.

Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers as we go take Paul's final journey together.

Generosity

The first day of school is always a fun day but this latest one was very special. Almost as soon as the bell rang, two very eager, young 4th graders appeared in the library. Keep in mind the library just opened this last Friday, so I was not expecting to see any students in the library the first day of school. Well, these two students stopped in front of the desk and looked at me very excitedly. The smaller one, sporting a summer buzz cut bent down to his backpack and pulled out an orange envelope which he put in front of me. I thanked the boys and was going to open the envelope later, when the taller boy said "Open it now!". So I did. Inside was a very sweet card of encouragement from the two boys and a stack of money. What I saw were ones, so I figured it was probably about $30 or so. The two boys explained that they had a lemonade stand over the summer with the purpose of raising money for Paul and I! And then the taller blurted out, "it's $245 dollars!" I was shocked and touched, I teared up! These two boys so impressed me with their generosity and selflessness. It really reminds me what a difference each person can make in this world. Their heartfelt gesture has touched me so much and the money they raised helped as well. One unselfish act to help another person can really make a difference!