The smell of Fall is in the air, school has started and life continues to be lived..... For John, life has become a pattern of routines. For me, however, it is balancing both ends of the spectrum.

For example, one evening our Great Room was filled with laughter and commotion: there were 3 teenagers sitting at our dining room table doing homework (in between the laughter) while I was in the kitchen. I would bounce back and forth between the kids and sitting with John, who was in our bedroom trying to "zone-out" to a movie. He was not feeling (or looking) well. While struggling to breathe, he smiled at the sounds coming from the other room!

One end of the spectrum is keeping up with the kids! Jess is a Senior! Homecoming was last weekend and this week we ordered her cap and gown. Nathan is running for the cross country team and filling his free time creating. He has quite the imagination and his wood working skills are improving! Our Laura is vibrant and full of life, stepping into her new routine with joy! Ballet & AWANA is how she spends two of her nights each week.

The other end of the spectrum is watching John live out his days to the fullest, while cancer puts extreme limits on his body. John is on oxygen all the time now and his discomfort level is increasing, so he is taking more pain medications. It takes most of his energy to breathe. A scooter is being delivered today----and it's a toss up to who is more excited! John or the kids!

Last week we made the decision that we cannot leave him alone anymore. Many have offered to sit with him. I appreciate the offer, but no thank you. I have the rest of my life to be away from him!

We've also set up some new systems. First, there is a red/green sign on our front door. Green means visitors are welcome, and red means it's not a good time for visiting. If you come and the sign is red, please try again another time! Next, when you do come, please take your shoes off at the door and use the purell. These simple steps can go a long way to keep John safe from germs.

Thank you to everyone for the many ways you are walking alongside of us during this time!

It's been a beautiful Fall, and the changing of the colors has begun. Once again I am reminded of God's "quilt" of love that our family is wrapped up in! We are so grateful for His peace and the hope of heaven! We are bathed in His love! Thank you to those who have been the "hands and feet" of Jesus to us!!