Kate & Maggie Fall 2009

At long last a blog update...

It's hard to believe that the last time I updated the blog was in July after Kate’s last MRI. From that point on the summer just seemed to whirl away. Life has been busier than I would like it to be, but that is the stage of life we are in right now. I am thankful that God faithfully provides the health and strength to walk or on some days race through each day.

The past few months have held special moments with face to face visits with friends. How grateful I am for the heart ties God establishes with friends that endure the miles and years that separate us. August brought a visit from our sweet friend Dee Anne, who worked in China with us for two years, and her dear parents Bob and Sandie. We have known Bob and Sandie since our first year in China (1995). The time we shared together was so special for Kate, Maggie and me – a true treasure of our summer.

Kate, Maggie and I made a trip to Annapolis, MD Labor Day weekend for our friends, Tom and Debbie’s, son Eric’s wedding. What a beautiful weekend and wonderful celebration. What a journey life is…I so well remember Eric’s infant and toddler daysJ The weekend in Maryland was memorable on every level. I was able to catch up with two of my dear teacher friends. We also enjoyed visiting the church we were a part of in Maryland and catching up with friends there. Our friends Jim and Sue spoiled us with their gracious hospitality and served us Maryland’s finest crab cakes and silver queen corn! A long delicious lunch provided the perfect time for visiting with other special friends… Jack and Libby, Ruth and Jim and Sue’s daughter, Gina, who I taught when she was in middle school, now married with a new baby. I am reminded of how the years have flown, seeing those I once knew as children getting married and having families.

The week we returned from Annapolis we had still another special visit to look forward to…. Our dear friends of many years… Charlie and Teresa rode into town on their motorcycle making us a stop on their road trip to the north east. It’s amazing how much heart time and sharing you can pack into an overnight visit. My heart was filled and refreshed by the laughter and heart time we shared together.

Still another opportunity for reconnecting with friends, was at my 30^th high school class reunion. I was involved in the organizing and planning of this event. Everyone enjoyed the time to meet and catch up on each other’s lives. I have been so blessed over the past few years to reconnect with the group of girls that I grew up with in my neighborhood. After years with me being out of the country, they reconnected with me and walked along side of me through Kate’s illness. Childhood friendships that have endured the years…what a gift!

October blessed us with a week long visit from our dear friend Sandy. The girls and I loved every moment of our time together with Sandy. Sandy's visit was perfectly timed in the season, so that she enjoyed a colorful display of Pennsylvania leaves at their finest. We laughed, worked in the yard, talked, shopped, and I even took Sandy to a flower arranging class...not something she might choose, but after all... I watched tapes of basketball games with her during our China days!! How blessed we are by the gift of Sandy's friendship.

Maggie is off to a good start in her sophomore year. Late September was homecoming and she looked beautiful. It’s always fun to see our sweet, low maintenance Maggie all dressed up with makeup and jewelry. Mags has had a disappointing cross country season. She began experiencing hip pain in July. Rest did not seem to help this, so we were referred to an orthopedic specialist who diagnosed Maggie with tendonitis. His prescription for rest, and PT didn’t help the problem either. He then ordered an MRI and we learned that Maggie has significant swelling of the bone marrow of her hip, and that her injury is the equivalent of a stress fracture. The doctor curtailed all activities, no running, no dance, no gym… Maggie was understandably very disappointed. She continues to keep stats for the team and we are trusting that continued rest and time will provide healing for her injury and she will be ready for winter track by March.

Kate is also off to a great start in her sophomore year of college. She is now a Social Work major with the desire to work one day as a Child Life Specialist in a hospital. The Child Life Specialists with whom Kate related during her hospital stays made a real impact on her life. Kate is still unsteady, but stronger and is only having to rely on her scooter for long distance trips on campus. She is embracing college life and able to enjoy the experience so much more this year. Everyday I thank God for His miracle of healing in Kate. We still experience little hiccups along the way, like the weekend in September that I received a call from Kate’s suite mate telling me that Kate had fallen on their way to dinner and hit her head, and that because she couldn’t even remember the fall, that they were taking her to the hospital. You can imagine the anxious feelings that came over me, as I got in the car and drove the hour and forty minutes to the hospital near campus. By the time I got there the ER doctor had the results of the CT scan and there was no head trauma, but definitely a concussion. He indicated that Kate was very disoriented when she arrived at the hospital but that in the time she was there she improved significantly. I did bring her home for the weekend, so that I could monitor her for the first 24 hours after the concussion. She still does not remember falling or getting to the hospital. Once again, God’s hand of protection was on Kate.

I continue to substitute teach in our school district. This year I expanded my range from K-8 to include high school as well. Subbing days have been consistent this semester, for which I am thankful.

Please know that while my blog updates are few, you our family and friends are often on my heart and in my prayers. I am grateful for those of you who are near by and journey beside us helping me in many ways and for all of you who are long distance who carry us in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being there, and for your love, care and concern for us.

Blessings,

Elaine