Pressing On

It’s been two months since Jan’s promotion. Many have asked about how we are adjusting. In a nutshell: God’s grace is sufficient; we are doing fine. For those who want to know more, read on…

We’ll start with Jonathan. He’s continuing his Tuesday / Thursday classes at Christian Life Prepatory School. Does schoolwork at home on MWF. There have been a few times when the reality of Mom’s absence has hurt, but he knows he will see her again someday. During his free time, he entertains himself with digging in the yard, playing stuff on the computer, or building legos. He has some friends he sees occasionally at church and at other times during the week.

Martha looks forward to her times with church friends, usually on Sundays, Wednesdays, and a couple of other times during the week. She’s progressing in her schoolwork (but not as fast as Daddy wants her to). She has, though, been improving in her self-discipline to get her work done. She thinks that maybe the permanency of Mom’s absence hasn’t hit her yet. It still feels as if she’s just gone on a trip and will be back soon.

Hannah stays busy with her schoolwork. She has two AP exams next month that she is preparing for, plus her regular courses. Like Jan, Hannah enjoys learning and does excellent in everything she puts her hands to. She has her private moments when she grieves Mom’s absence, especially when she thinks about all the things they could have done together. But she balances her feelings with a firm trust in God’s sovereignty.

Sara continues to do well with her graphic art classes in the community college. We are so pleased that she has something she not only enjoys, but is very good at. She and Hannah will be taking a summer algebra course together. Sara, too, has her quite moments of grieving Mom’s absence, but like the rest of us, she focuses, not on what we have lost, but on what Mom has gained. She and Hannah have friends that provide welcomed breaks from school work.

David is with us this week for his spring break. He and Jonathan have been spending lots of time together. David says that it still doesn’t seem real that Mom is gone. He ha a grateful spirit for all that she passed on to him and the rest of the family. David will graduate this May 19 and begin his new job outside of Washington D.C. on June 25. We continue to be very proud of David’s leadership and example.

Each of them find time for activities. Three weeks ago, the girls went with two other families to Union University, where they cooked for David and other students, even did some family square dancing. Hannah has begun working part time at Log Cabin Village, an educational tourist spot in Fort Worth that allows Hannah to dress up in pioneer clothes and give talks about life in Texas during the 1800’s. Sara still works occasionally in a local church daycare. A generous gift has allowed us free membership to a recreation facility where we can go swimming.

As for me, I’m getting fat. I think it’s my old age metabolism slowing down. Maybe I just move slower these days. I’ve been doing lots of paperwork, including taking a stab at writing a sort of book about our cancer adventure, emphasizing Jan’s testimony. I don’t expect it to make the Best Seller list, but hopefully it will be an encouraging reminder for the children of a godly mother, a faithful wife, and a great friend.

Ya’ll take care, and I’ll write more in a couple of weeks.