March 2008

So much has happened since the last “family update” that I barely know where to begin! These updates seem to get further and further apart. Maybe that is because we are so busy with church, school, friends and family!!!

Joe loved working with the football staff and team again this year. Now he is helping with track, and is actually at a track meet here in Shallowater as I begin writing this – blowing dirt and all…

In September I was diagnosed with sugar diabetes. My dad was diagnosed in his early 50s, so I feel good to have made it almost to age 59 before my early diagnosis! I am just taking two Glucophage a day, and it is now very well under control. The day I had started taking my pills and came home with some food to help control it, Mom went to the ER late that afternoon with a VERY low pulse. It was 33 once, and then I think 45 the next time. That evening we were told she would need a pacemaker the next morning!

When Mom came out of surgery and they tried to awaken her, she quit breathing. I was in the room when they called code blue. Thankfully it worked out in the end, and she is now doing better than she has done for a long time! She did have an irregular heartbeat recently, but it was not bad, and the medication she is now taking is what she needs. She also started a couple of new vitamins at the suggestion of the doctor.

We enjoyed Sophie’s birthday party in October. She is five now. We are so thankful to be included in family events such as these! Shortly thereafter we welcomed baby Keaton, our third grandchild, who was born on October 19. Sophie is thrilled to have another brother. Barrett loves to come over and kiss him on the head. (Barrett will be two in May.)

Mike and Maria came to visit at Thanksgiving and we exchanged Christmas gifts. We sure do wish they lived closer. Mom enjoyed playing some games and eating good food with us! Eric, Connie, Sophie, Barrett and Keaton all came to celebrate one day.

We waited to exchange gifts with Eric and family until closer to Christmas. We had a wonderful time together. The week of Valentines’ Day we were invited to their home for a great meal and enjoyable time visiting with the other two sets of grandparents.

Joe is now on Spring Break. We will have Sophie and Barrett spend Monday and Tuesday nights with us if all goes well. We are very excited to have them again.

God has blessed us more than I can possibly tell you. Yes, we still miss Angie. But the pain has lessened and the happy times have increased. There will always be an ache in our hearts due to her absence, but we hope to see her again. Those who are not living Christian lives are missing out on so much!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).