March Madness

While "March Madness" may mean following basketball and filling out brackets to many of our friends and family around the world, for the Dillon girls "March Madness" is the perfect description of the whirlwind in which the month of March flew by. I'm sure many of you can relate. It seems that life just never slows down.

For Kate and Maggie both, the month has involved writing papers and many long evenings. Juggling school work and all the other things on their plates is definitely a real balancing act. Kate's spring break provided a much needed rest and allowed her to gain back some of the strength she had lost to the virus she had the week before. Sadly, during Kate's break we learned that her high school english teacher, who had done her homebound instruction, during Kate's junior year, had lost her battle to cancer. Our hearts grieve the loss of this special woman. She had become our friend, and was also Kate's mentor for her senior project "Blankets of Hope" which provided blankets for the oncology patients at Children's Hospital. I remember less than a year ago, when Kate's teacher was diagnosed, she told us that she had been Kate's teacher, but now Kate was her teacher, as she was going to follow Kate's example of courage and grace in battling her illness. She did fight bravely... our visits and conversations together were always upbeat and positive. Our hearts ache for her family, especially her two precious little girls.

God absolutely wowed me twice last week. Kate had been a bit discouraged about working out a room mate/suite arrangement for next year. I prayed and asked God that He would work out this situation. That very day, Kate called to say that she had a gone to a dorm wide social event and that one the girls across the hall approached her and asked if she would be interested in moving into their suite as two of their roommates would be graduating. Kate was delighted and commented that it felt so good that these girls sought her ought and asked her to be a part of their suite. She enjoys these girls, as she has been a part of Bible study in their room. The other plus in this is that Kate's RD told her that they offer a few students their own room and given Kate's health and need for early nights and extra rest, she thought Kate could have one. I think it will be a blessing for Kate to be with this group of girls. Just one more month of school for Kate. It's hard to believe her freshman year in college is already drawing to a close. The second wow occurred last weekend at our friends' daughters wedding reception. God gave my heart great cause for rejoicing as Kate and I took to the dance floor and then later in the evening I looked around to find Kate dancing again. Only a week ago Kate had tearfully told me she wished she could feel like her old self again. I pray daily that God will strengthen Kate physically and renew her spirit. On the way home at that night from the wedding, Kate's comment was "It was good to feel a little more like my old self again. I wish I had felt that good at my proms." Thank you God for such specific answers to prayer!

Maggie's life is literally non-stop from the time she begins her day until she falls into bed. She can hardly wait for the musical this weekend. She has been practicing her role as a principal dancer all winter and finally after months of preparation show time is finally here for "Grease". Maggie is juggling track and musical simultaneously. Track ends at 5:00 and musical begins at 5:30. Her friends mother and I took turns delivering supper to the school so the girls could get a quick dinner in between practices. Maggie is absolutely exhausted, but loving every minute! Our "drama princess" is certainly in her element.

In addition to subbing and tutoring and helping my friend with her daughter's wedding, I've been helping out behind the scenes of the musical making silk corsages for the prom scene. I'm also overseeing an auction of gift cards from local businesses the nights of the play. Turning another year older in March, I was reminded of how blessed I am. Friends and family touched my heart with their thoughtful emails, cards flowers and gifts. In the midst of the whirl wind of the month of March, I was blessed with a very gracious gift of a trip to Colorado to share a long weekend with friends. How perfectly timed this gift was allowing a much needed time of refreshment and refueling. Reflecting upon the passing of still another year of life, my heart was encouraged by what a good year it was... one of walking by faith, growing in relationships, and continuing to trust in a most gracious and merciful God. "You are the hope living in us. You are the rock in whom we trust." Thank you God for another year of life and all the love and joy that you have poured into our lives.