Update 11/30/09

Dear friends,

Did any of you see the sky at sunset this evening? Purple, orange, yellow...stunning! I drove to Sunnyview and had to watch the road, so I only got a moment's glimpse. I'm looking to be a cheerleader for the creator of that sunset. How in the world does He do that, put beauty in the midst of this mess? I believe that's why we are all here - to show off love in the middle of misery. That's what all of you have shown me. I continue to be stunned.

Miss Hannah broke my heart this morning when she showed signs of real sadness. And at the same time I rejoiced, because it's just a little more of her coming home to me. How odd to be a parent, looking for signs of sadness in your child, and being glad and busted up at the same time when you see them. She is also beginning to feel more self conscious about her eye and teeth, especially around strangers. She didn't want to go to the store with me today for that reason. These are all good signs, signs of recovery, but painful none the less. Still, pray for more of her to emerge from the "boo boo on her brain". Tomorrow she starts outpatient therapy at Sunnyview on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I'm hoping to see Stephen while they work with her. He'll be in therapy too, so we'll have to play that one by ear.

Steve is eating! He had the Gentle Roberta's lasagna tonite and loved it, along with salad and A WHOLE CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE from Stewarts! (For crying out loud, I'm even a drama queen in print!) He was a tiny bit discouraged because he was unable to hold himself up today, despite lots of sweat and effort. I reminded him that 22 days ago he was asking "for whom the bell tolls", and that time is his friend. Please ask the Great One to help him get strong, and to lead him down the pathway of patience. "If God is for him, who can be against him?..."

Tonite I had a visit from the fabulous Officer Ernie and the wonderful Officer Mike. They came to my house to deliver my GPS from the car and Steve's keys. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate these fine men. Not only were they a part of rescuing my family, they have continued to be available to me in every way. It was a bit eerie to see Steve's keys, kind of jumbled up, a little bloody and cold from being in the car. That's the keys. Thanks be to God, the people are getting unjumbled, are no longer bloody, and are warm as toast.

David can't seem to get enough in the physical affection department these days. I am so happy to oblige him! He is being incredibly brave through all of this, and so very good, too. How I love my baby boy.

Joseph has been a song writing machine. I have listened to some of his works, which so impress me with their poetry and feeling. Many of his songs are sad. Somehow I think it's a healthy thing for him right now. He is on his guitar a lot of the time. He's pouring out his soul to the "sound hole on his knee" to borrow a line from Joni Mitchell. I know Jesus understands every minor chord he plays.

Officer Mike asked me if I would like to be involved on Saturday morning with a special DWI checkpoint in East Greenbush. The reason for the event is to make people aware of the devastation caused by drunk driving. I will be bringing a photo of our family, and talking to folks about the importance of sobriety behind the wheel. What an opportunity! Pastor Greg, I'm hoping you can make me a few simple cards on the computer with the blog address on them so we can get the word out. Perhaps we can use this as a part of the "Advent Conspiracy" - reaching people relationally, showing them the power of love, as you have shown me...
Adventconspiracy.org - www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU

I continue to receive mountains of love and understanding from all of you, my precious fellow travellers on this topsy-turvy adventure. You are absolutely my heroes. I am humbled every day by the way God is turning this nightmare around for good. I, by his grace, will be one of His cheerleaders til the bell tolls for me!

Your friend on the pilgrim road,

Loriann