Update 12/23/09 Day 45

Dear friends,

I didn't send out Christmas cards this year. That was Stephen's job, and he did it well. This year is different in many ways. We've been down a road we never expected, but the Great One has been our help. I have received so much grace in my life for all of my life, but now it's coming down like a blizzard. I am indebted to all of you in ways I can't even describe. The kindness and generosity of those of you I know, and those I don't has been utterly amazing. Relationships are what make life meaningful, and in that I have gained so much that as one commenter put it, I am a very rich woman. I can't keep up with the thank you's, so please accept my gratitude from cyber space. Valerie, Christina, Tracy, and all your co-workers and friends, thank you! McGinn Smith friends, thank you! Folks from far and wide who I want to wrap my arms around and squeeze like one of these memory foam pillows, thank you. Our families, thank you. My brothers and sisters in Christ from many churches, including our Our Savior's School family, thank you. And to Delmar Full Gospel Church, well, I can barely even type the words without crying. You all have been what Jesus was talking about when He said, "Love one another as I have loved you." To all of you precious people from here to England to Chicago and points beyond, my gratitude is only exceeded by my great affection for all of you who read this blog and care so much. I so look forward to the day when I can take all of your goodness and pour it out on some lonely, sad, worn, tired, suffering soul who will surely need a friend. All of you have changed my life forever. Forever I am better because of you.

Tonite I have set aside my various shortcomings and weaknesses simply to experience joy. There is a time to weep and a time to laugh. Today I mostly laughed, or cried with delight. Every day has it's machinations, but every day is a gift. And what a gift!

Steve had an appointment with Dr. Bagchi (remember, Bob the Builder?) today, and I'll give you the details on that tomorrow. It's late, and I'm tired, but I can't go to bed without saying good night to my fellow pilgrims slogging it out on the wild cliffs of the unknown territory with me. My day isn't right without you. So tomorrow I'll tell you about bones and graft sites, but for tonite I will simply say "Joy to the World, the Lord has come." He was, He is, and He ever will be. Bless His great and mighty name!

Your friend (and I mean it) on the pilgrim road,

Loriann

PS Thank you for the beautiful and encouraging comments and emails. They mean more to me than you will ever know.