As we all look back at 2020, we each have our own stories.  In our family, we’ve lived through a non-cancerous stomach tumor, surgery to remove a cyst and rebuild an inner ear, back surgery, and now, our daughter-in-law Emily has been in a serious hypertensive crisis.  Somehow, we missed Covid, though we’re far from being free from its reach.  God’s grace has sustained us through it all, and even now, as we pray and long for a diagnosis for Emily, He gives us the strength to wait and to get through each day. A diagnosis would be really nice about now, though, as prolonged high blood pressure is no joke and the amount of medications she is having to take to even try to control it is concerning.  More appointments this week, and hopefully, more news.

For all of the moaning and groaning during the past 6 months since we’ve seen our Wisconsin grandchildren, it is such a blessing to be here now.  And as I think about it, a health crisis is what got me to Indiana, too.  While the circumstances are far from desirable, having the ability to be helpful and be with family even during the pandemic has been so good.

Three-year-old Evelyn keeps us laughing, even in these challenging days. A few examples:

Evelyn: “Daddy, you’re strong.  I’m lovable.”

Me: “Time for nap, Evelyn.”
Evelyn: “But I’m scared.”
Me: “What are you scared of?”
Evelyn: “I’m afraid of heights.”

And finally:

Evelyn: “According to my research, trains don’t fly.”

Laughter really is great medicine, and Evelyn has been our comedic relief.  All the girls know something is wrong and each have their own level of understanding and their ways of coping.  They are hanging in there and enjoying some extra attention, which I am more than happy to give.

Thank you for your prayers. And for all the amazing food that’s been left on the front porch.

Love,
Gigi

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we askor imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. –Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)