9-11

My sister Natasha and her fam visited Saturday and Sunday. They are
still living in a travel trailer on our dad’s property. The building process being very long for them. Three or so weeks ago they began clearing trees, finally. And I think they feel things are underway.
We talked about the hardships of life, the good stuff too. We LOVED watching our kids interact. We get artsy Estelle in the house and we are expressing ourselves in new, fun ways. She and Hazel have a thousand games to play and fun to be had. Ingrid and Oren and have developed such a sweet friendship. He cried when she left. And Lane is a cool cat for sure. These big boys love to bike ride to Big Bend and explore all sorts of things along the way. Our weather is perfect for walks, bike rides and of course football. Our 100 degree August days have past and the comfortable September temps are here.
Natasha  and I talked about her heart. She has an October cardiology appointment and I am praying that her heart looks good, with no additional declines in function.

There is this internal war within me, a battle I know so many fight, reaching for the joy and  forgiveness and good in each day. It is there, but there is also the criticism, negativity, loss and sadness.
The fact that these four kids remain positive and silly and are doing well in school is a huge blessing! Their love for Jesus, an anchor.
And then I think of 9-11. How much was lost, how many were shaken, how FEAR was terribly present. Those who suffered loss on that day still suffer the loss. Today our kids will be led by teachers to discuss that day. This is a hard day for teachers too. They could use our prayers.
9-11, we will never forget.