It has been a full day!  I feel like I accomplished a lot. 

I tried to think ahead a little to come up with better ways to care for Mike while I'm away at work.  Yesterday, he didn't eat breakfast or lunch, and barely ate dinner due to me not waking him up before I left for work, and because of his stomach being descended from the fluid build up.  On top of that, he didn't take his medications on time.  I decided today I needed to try something different, so I put Friday mornings pills in a container next to his bed.  I poured one of the liquid form into a special measure medicine spoon.   And I set out some food for breakfast next to the bed.  It worked!  He took his medications on time and ate a little of the breakfast.  I'm happy that we made some kind of progress!  For lunch he enjoyed Cindy's wonderful homemade chicken soup and dinner was also prepared by another angel, Suzanne.  People are coming alongside me, taking me by my elbows, and lifting burdens left and right.

It just amazes me the people God has put into Mike's and my life, because of our situation.  I could have never drawn a more beautiful picture of Christ's love and service, than what is taking place in Mike's and my life right now.  Mike and I, and the kids....often remark, "It's a God thing!" with each and every blessing.  Only He could lay on peoples hearts the burden to come to our side.  We're so caught up in all the confusion of the medical, insurance, emotional, part of all of this, we wouldn't even know what to ask help for.  There are such tender hearts out there, beaming brightly, and letting God's love flow through them.

My employer lost his wife of 30+ years to cancer.  His present wife, a beautiful compliment to Bob, lost both of her parents recently, and her heart is so tender.  She cries along with me as I try and sort out all that I'm feeling. And they both have done everything in their power to remind me my job is safe and that it's okay to be at Mike's side when I need, or want to.  Kay just covers my job while I'm away. 

The associate pastor and his wife have such servants hearts as well.  They are preparing to become missionaries overseas, yet they take time to open their hearts and constantly encourage us.

Our doctor friend who visits Mike weekly, knows what it feels like to have a medical condition sideline him from his career.  He understands that struggle and all that goes with it.  He and Mike are able to share those feelings, watch a movie together, take a drive, and enjoy chatting about a hobby they have in common.

I can't explain how important hugs are to me, and there are several friends who aren't afraid to hug me tight, and remind me I can still stand.  I can still walk forward. And the nervous energy I often feel overwhelm me, can settle down and leave.  My greatest fear through all of this is being alone, even if surrounded by many people.  I know the steepest mountain I MAY have to climb is ahead of me, and to be honest, I am so overwhelmed by that fear, that it can suck the breath right out of my lungs.  It's hard now, and it's going to be very hard later, but there are people I know who will remind me of God's love and care, and I'll be able to lean on these dear family and friends to help get me through this.

Who could have orchestrated this more beautifully?  Although I don't understand all the "Whys" of our situation, God has left a huge reminder for me, that He is very near, by bringing these people into our lives, and having them bless us, as they have.  It's more than friendship.  It's family.  An extension of God's arms and hands.  Mike, our family and I, are so deeply blessed and feel incredibly grateful for the compassion and mercy of others.

Tomorrow, Mike hopes to have a date for the Paracentesis.  Please cover him with prayer that this would go smoothly and safely.

Tonight, Mike walked to the top of our driveway twice while holding on to me.  We both wanted to do a happy dance! :)  Little Victories are Big Celebrations to us!