Deflating the air mattresses...

Praise the Lord, Joel's dad was released from the hospital today!! As I type, he is settling in at a rehab hospital with hopes of leaving there within a week. We really are not sure at this point how long it will take him to recover. The last two days, several physical therapists visited and he did really well...walking...front, back and sideways! It appears that no permanent damage was done. A miracle!!

Just one week ago...blood pressure was extremely high, bleeding on the brain and a stroke...all had convinced us that we were losing him.

It was not his time to go as only God has numbered our days.

While visiting him last night at the hospital, a flood of memories and a heart of thanksgiving came over me. Until a family goes through something like this, it's easy to forget the blessings we have.

I'm grateful for our big home that we could share with our family.

I'm grateful, for a big family that God has blessed us with...all 31 people.

I'm thankful that he was never left alone. God has blessed us with such a large family that he always had someone nearby. Only a couple of nights, the nurses encouraged us to go home and get some rest.

I'm thankful for all the cousins that my children get to enjoy....all healthy and beautiful.

I'm grateful that Joel's parents shared Jesus with their children even before they were born and prayed for their spouses (that would include me) before they found them. I'm grateful that this love of Jesus will continue to be passed on to our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

I'm grateful for air mattresses that gave many a place to sleep.

And... I'm thankful the air mattresses are now deflated.

I have to say, I will miss all the company. It's kind of quiet around here. Back to our normal...school, dance, ball, train sets and our regular beds. Praise the Lord!

Lord, thank you for allowing us more days to be blessed with such a godly dad, father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather.