Twenty Nine years ago we became parents for the first time as we welcomed our oldest son Vernon CALEB into the world. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. Yes, I am feeling a bit nostalgic, and YES I did tear up as I gave Caleb a hug today. I was just reminded of the valley we went through with him 22 1/2 years ago when we found out he had a serious heart condition. Each test came back with poor results and his prognosis did not sound good; but that was without God in the equation. The doctor, who was the head cardiologist at the Chicago Children's Hospital, told me she had NEVER seen a child that young with the heart condition Caleb had and she had NEVER seen it go away without a pace maker and without being on medication the rest of one's life. God healed Caleb's heart and he has been able to lead a normal life without a pace maker and without medication. So yes, as I hugged my dear son tonight I did get a bit emotional thanking the Lord for the gift of his life.
Happy 29th Birthday Caleb! We do thank the Lord for you. It has been a blessing to have you as our son. And what a thrill it is to see you growing and maturing in your walk with the Lord. You are such a good husband and father. Have a wonderful day and great new year ahead. Keep making a difference in this world!
Thanks so much for your payers for Vern as he spent time in one of our favorite countries; a place where we left a piece of our hearts. His days were packed full with many challenges. However it was very profitable, and a joy to be there and to connect with dear friends. He felt your prayers! Since we are leaving in an hour for me to drop him off at the airport for yet another trip I thought I better post these pictures. We would appreciate your prayers as he heads out on his 3rd major trip of the year. As many of you know that last trip held many challenges not only for him but for me here on the home front with our blizzard and a totaled car.
As I sit here is this winter wonderland it is hard to believe that 23 years ago we welcomed our "Baby Ruth" into the world away from this all snow. Ruth was our second child born in Venezuela but our first born in Caracas. So there would be no worries over whether we would be stuck in a snow storm and not be able to get to the hospital. However, there was the worry about being in labor and having to deal with being in the middle of rush hour traffic in order to get to the hospital. But since I was late and the doctor induced me I was able to avoid that stress. After less then three hours of labor we welcomed our beautiful daughter Ruth Emily into this world. (Ruth is named after one of my sisters who has had a major impact on my life and is an amazing role model of a Godly woman.) Everyone always told us "To enjoy the days of your children being young as they grow up so fast." Here we are with all of our children being adults and I wonder how did it happen so quickly
Happy 23rd Birthday Ruth! How we thank the Lord for the gift you are to our family. Two great loves that you have stand out to me. The first is your love of all sorts of food. As soon as you could reach the kitchen counter your fingers were there tasting whatever was being prepared. It wasn't long and we you peeling and cutting up vegetable and not long after that you were preparing meals for the family. There have been so many fun family memories that we have made cooking together as a family in the kitchen. The other love that stands out to me is your love for people and building relationships with them, making them feel special, and important. As soon as you started talking you were engaging people in relationship. It is a true gift to love people the way you do and I know you have already touched so many lives. May God continue to use you in the lives of many. Have a wonderful birthday. I love you and I am blessed to have you for a daughter.
Happy 51st birthday to the Love of my life. Today I am celebrating your life and the amazing person you are. How blessed I am to have you as my husband and the father of our children. I thank the Lord for your life and your willingness to serve the Lord in so many ways even when you feel stretched beyond your limits. Keep pressing on making a difference in this world.
Last week Vern and I made a trip down to Florida for some meetings. We decided to drive as it was cheaper than plane tickets and since North Carolina is right on the way we could connect with Ruth and Zachary on the way. The day we headed out was the beginning of the big storm that moved through our area and through New York and PA. Although the road conditions were not good for us we know they would have been far worse one or two days later. As we traveled down to Florida, they were also having record low temperatures. The meetings we attended were very profitable and we are so glad we were able to be involved in them. Of course the time with our children and Glenn and Elisha was so precious. Elisha and I went wedding dress shopping with Ruth. Ruth treated us to an amazing meal in celebration of Vern's birthday which is in a couple of days. We also celebrated Ruth's birthday which is in ten days. We are still trying to get used to Ruth and Zachary being so far away. Therefore, we valued every moment we spent together.
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