New Beginnings...indeed.

The year is off to a better start than the end of the year. My dad is doing well and has a follow up appointment in a month to see about a potential bypass procedure. He also had a birthday a few days ago and celebrated 77 years! I am going to be interviewing him about his life and recording his responses so that I can begin writing a book about his life. I am in awe each time he pulls out yet another scrap book filled with pictures, news paper clippings etc. of numerous statues, monuments, films....etc. etc....He even has a statue in the Vatican in Rome!

My dad has always been a quietly modest man and never boasted of his accomplishments. I think it's time that the world sees just all he has done...so stay tuned as this will be my first attempt at writing a biographical book. My dad has always told me that he knew that I was destined to become a writer of books. My schedule is pretty hectic so it will be a feat to make time here and there to even begin this project...

So what's new? My son in Japan has renewed his contract for another year....I was hoping that he would decide to come home after 2 and a half years....but this isn't the case....Hopefully he will come home in May for a short visit. 5,000+ miles is too far and I miss him so much. He calls often but it's not the same.

My daughter is back in her dorm and really enjoying her first year in college. It was nice to have her home...but I feel like I didn't get to spend much time with her since I was with my dad so much...I read her blog daily to see what she's up to. I am so proud of her! She's become quite an accomplished knitter too....

So, with the new year....old resolutions surface:

*establishdaily devotions/Bible study
*lose some weight
*start running again (no more marathons!)
*Spend more time with friends
*complete my degree! (10/08!)
*Clean out my closet
*purge the "closet" <----this closet-in my office-- is the "catch all and needs to be cleaned out!
*Start my dad's Biography
*Blog more regularly
*Read my books
*Play my guitar

I think this is plenty to start off...I may tweak this list later!

Blessings....

A 911 Christmas

I was getting ready for a traditional Christmas day at my father in law's when the phone rang. My dad's girl friend sounded nervous as she stammered "I called 911...your dad is not feeling well..."

My ears buzzed as I tried to breathe....apparently the shock of the words took my breath away. I felt my heart pounding as if it were outside of my body.
She told me where they would take him and I quickly hung up. I scrambled for some things and told my hubby we had to go....unsure, all the way there it felt like forever. In the ER, the doctor told me it was serious and that my dad was having a heart attack and needed an angio plasty ASAP.....when I saw him, he looked pale, but calm...apologizing for bad timing....that's my dad for you...I tried to stay calm and smile...assuring him it would all be fine....It wasn't long before they wheeled him away and off to the ICU waiting room we went....

I sought God in all this, His comfort and peace but struggled to feel it....wrestled with fear, doubt and faith....it was difficult. After an hour or so the doctor came out to tell us all went well....no procedures performed but that he would try again in the morning....meanwhile, it would be a long night in ICU.....

The next day, the procedure went as scheduled and 2 stents with 2 balloon procedures too. We waited for a long time and when it was done, were able to see him. His color was better as was his mood......he'd made it. I stayed with him as much as I could and kept praying....I told God that I need my dad more than ever....I really do...

Yesterday, he got to come home! (Along with a slew of meds to take!)

Looking back....I wonder about this all....and Christmas. Christmas eve was special this year because I was asked to be a reader for a special event at church....I am so glad I had that experience to carry me through Christmas day.

I'd been praying that my faith would deepen and that I would feel God more....I guess in a way He answered my prayer....

"0" Comments...

Am I just pouring my heart out for me? I started this blog in hopes of reaching others out there--like me--who are going through some life changes like mine...is my nest the only one that's empty? Am I the only one who is experiencing all this?

As I type this...the nest is temporarily filled as my daughter's come home for the Christmas break. It's been nice to have her here and in a way it feels like she never left.

Work's been a painful and rewarding experience....although, the emotions have been all over the place on this new venture! Not many people in my life really care to know nor ask much about what I do....except for my awesome husband....who daily asks me about my day, the kids I work with and the teachers...

Millions of blogs and My Spaces get hits galore...yet my little blog only gets hit when I log in to post a new comment.

As the year ends, I find myself pondering the issue of changes...and realize that even at my age, there's greowth to be had and changes to be made.
Which leads me back to the annual resolutions list....why is it that most of us ponder these things at the end of another year?

New Years illicit new beginnings....fresh ones. I will make my list and post it here--for me--or anyone out there who may actually read this.