Thanksgiving Weekend...so many special memories to be thankful for!!!

We had a full but wonderful weekend with Mom, Dad, Jess and Andy here.  Even though it was such a crazy busy time, we treasured every minute together.  

Jess and Andy arrived late Monday night, so we were able to have some special time with them before Mom and Dad arrived on Wednesday.  I took Tuesday and Wednesday off work (Keith also had Wednesday off school) so Jess and I went out shopping on Tuesday.  It had to be the first time ever that I outlasted my daughter!  After they arrived the previous night, we stayed up so late catching up, she was quite tired out.  

On Wednesday after Mom arrived, she helped with some of the preparing of our Thanksgiving dinner.  I had made pies and a salad and she and Jess made squash.  They used a new recipe that Jess had looked up.  While they were preparing it, our photographer, daughter took many food pictures.  :)  So, that was fun, too!

This picture above, was not taken by Jess.  I guess I don't have the pretty photos.  They are on her nice camera.  I thought I had a few of them...oh well...This was how they fixed the squash.  Mom loved it.  I'm not a squash person.  Haha!

This was our pretty table with Jess' creativity.  Thanks Jess for your help with that.  Our dinner was delicious and everything turned out fabulous.  Thanks to Mom, Keith and Jess for your help.  

Thursday, later in the evening, Keith and Jess went out for their annual Black Friday shopping trip together.  They always look forward to that special time together.  They found some great deals, so it all paid off for them.  

Friday:  Keith, Jess and Andy went out to Bosch's and cut a tree.  The tree was too tall for our basement ceiling, so had to be cut down a bit.  We got it in the stand; I put the lights on it and began decorating it and had planned to finish it on Saturday.  

Saturday:  Jess wanted to take us all to the Downtown Market for an outing and lunch.  

Mom reaching for a cookie sample

Dad enjoying a cup of coffee

Mom taking a rest before heading back downstairs

 This was taken from the second floor looking down.   They had some pretty Christmas decorations.

 Mom and I had shared chicken fried rice.  It was a huge container and very delicious!

On our way home, we stopped at Ideal Park in Wyoming and Jess took some nice pictures of us all.  Here is a little sample:

When we arrived home, we found the Christmas tree leaning against the wall!  We ended up having to take it out of the stand and cut the trunk off along with a row of branches.  What an ordeal!  Then, Mom and I decorated it.  Meanwhile, Jess and Andy were fixing us some white chicken chili for our supper, served with various cheeses they had bought from the Cheese Lady.  It was getting late for Mom and Dad, but Jess hustled and went up and wrapped all the presents with Andy's help except the ones for her and within an hour we were ready to have our Christmas.  It's certainly one I'll never forget!  And, we'll know we won't be trying that again!

Sunday came way too fast!  After church, we took everyone out for dinner, before Jess and Andy had to depart for the airport around 3:30.

On Monday, Mom and Dad and I met Bill and Dianne over in Holland mid-afternoon so they could catch their ride back to Ludington.  They seemed to enjoy themselves while here.  Dad did extremely well, except for taking a tumble a couple of times.  The one could have been very serious, but thankfully, he was not hurt.  He said, "Guess I'm a hard-headed Norwegian."  Ha!  So, glad he didn't end up in ER.  I know Mom enjoyed herself.  It was a bit of a respite for her.  Our special thanks to Bill and Dianne for bringing them along as far as Holland.

All in all we were so grateful to the Lord that we were all able to spend time together.

        PSALM 30

1 

I will exalt you, Lord,

    for you lifted me out of the depths

    and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2 

Lord my God, I called to you for help,

    and you healed me.

3 

You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead;

    you spared me from going down to the pit.

4 

Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;

    praise his holy name.

5 

For his anger lasts only a moment,

    but his favor lasts a lifetime;

weeping may stay for the night,

    but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 

When I felt secure, I said,

    “I will never be shaken.”

7 

Lord, when you favored me,

    you made my royal mountain[c] stand firm;

but when you hid your face,

    I was dismayed.

8 

To you, Lord, I called;

    to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9 

“What is gained if I am silenced,

    if I go down to the pit?

Will the dust praise you?

    Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10 

Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me;

    Lord, be my help.”

11 

You turned my wailing into dancing;

    you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 

that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.

    Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

One journey ends...and a new journey begins......

Our hearts are full of joy and thanksgiving as we give thanks to our might God for once again providing, all in His time!  (This is Keith and me doing a happy dance!)   To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done!

Our last post was all about Keith's new full time job opportunity at Byron Center Charter School as their full time permanent sub.  This week, the teacher Keith has been subbing for, who just had twins and then also a 3 year old at home, emailed the faculty and said that her family comes first.  She will not be returning to teach school, as her family needs her at this time.  Keith was then approached by the administrator to see if he would be interested in her teaching position, full time.  Yes, yes, yes!  This position comes with health, dental, and vision plus more great benefits.  Once again, God provides for us, just at the right time!  We just can't say it enough, Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow!

So many of you have been lifting us up in prayer every day throughout this journey.  It hasn't been an easy one to be on, but we can't say it enough of how many various times God has provided in so many ways we would have never thought.  Thinking back to over a year ago, we were even able to attend our niece's beautiful beach wedding at Topsail Beach, North Carolina.  What a blessing that was to be with all of our family members at one time.  God is so good!

We want to thank each and every one of you who have prayed for us at various times throughout this trial.  Our hearts are so thankful for you.  God has answered our prayers.  Now, we'll ask you to continue to pray for Keith as he ministers to his students each day that he will show them God's love through his life and actions.

Thank you doesn't even seem like enough.  We will never forget God's faithfulness through this journey and how He's always provided at just the right time, every time!  God bless you all.

Fall, Apple Cider, and God's Provision

A Random Walk in the Park

Since it's been some time since I've posted, there is plenty to write about.  However, I'm going to post some pictures and hopefully, less writing.  :-)

  

Yesterday, Keith made apple cider at school with his class.  This has been a long-time tradition with him.  He would do this annually with his classes at school.  The students always were quite fascinated by the whole process of it.  He had some apples left over, so when he arrived home, he took them and finished making some more cider for us to enjoy.  

Keith cranking the press.

The cider is always so delicious!  It's the best we've ever tasted!  :-)

A favorite picture of mine of Keith

PRAISING the Lord:  We are thrilled to tell you that Keith has been offered a permanent sub job at the school he has been subbing at!  What does this mean, you ask?  It means most of the time, he will be working one on one with students that struggle, floating to various classes.  Then, when the school can not find a sub for a particular class, then Keith will be available for the sub job.  He will be working directly for Byron Center Charter School, as an hourly employee.  We have been waiting for the board to approve this position before we could say anything about it.  Our hearts are full as, once again, our God has provided, just in the nick of time.  Keith had previously planned to sub at various schools again, if this did not work out for the school to hire him.  Since he is not under a contract, he will continue to pursue a full-time teaching position, if the opportunity arises.  The only drawback is he does not have any benefits being an hourly employee, even though it is considered a full-time position.  The pros to the position are they will pay him approximately the same as what he has been receiving for this long-term sub job and he will not have any papers to grade or lesson plans to do.  He will go to school, do his work and come home.  Yes, God is SO GOOD ALL THE TIME!  God always provides at the RIGHT time, not too early and never late!

Yes, we're alive and well....

Wow!  We have gone a couple of weeks now, and neither of us has been in the hospital or Emergency Room.  Praise the Lord!

Dad sitting by his car at the Car Show in Reed City

1977 Chevrolet Malibu Classic

 A week and a half ago, we drove up to Ludington to spend the weekend with Mom and Dad.  On Saturday, Keith took Dad to a car show in Reed City.  They left Ludington quite a bit earlier than Dad is use to getting up and around.  Dad got tired out by about 12:30, so they ended up driving home a little early.

While they did that, Marsha decided it was time for a girls day out with Mom and took her to Muskegon on a shopping trip.  We were able to look around at a couple of stores and Mom was able to find a few good deals, too.

Some of Mom's purchases

My favorite!

When we got back, we had a late dinner and enjoyed the evening together.  Mom had to show off her new purchases.  Everyone was pretty tired out and ready for bed early.

Sunday, Keith took Mom to church while Marsha stayed with Dad.  After church, we had lunch with Uncle Bill, Aunt Dianne, and Aunt Merna at Big Boy.  It was nice to see them and be able to visit with them for a short time.  After dinner, we went for a little ride and then back to the house to pack up the car to prepare to leave town.  We had a busy but nice time.

Keith and Mom just getting back home from church.  

Marsha and Mom next to her huge hydrangea

Preparations for School:

As you can imagine, Keith has been wrapping up his preparations for his class and classroom.  Last night, he met the parents.  This week he has been attending some faculty meetings as well.  School begins on Tuesday.  I'm sure he'll be ready to go!  He's put in much preparation as he anticipates the first day of school.

We are so thankful for the Lord's provision of this job as a long-term sub for this third grade class for 12 weeks.  God is so good.

Jess and Marsha on the Spectrum Butterworth Bridge

CONGRATULATIONS TO JESSICA!!!!!!!

Some of you knew that Jess was up for a promotion at her work this year and some didn't.  She found out the news on Monday that she did indeed receive her promotion to Manager.  A well-deserved promotion it is!  A huge Congratulations to her for all her hard work paying off.  God rewards those who work hard.  God bless you, Jess.  We are SO proud of you and your achievement!  Love, Mom and Dad

Home Sweet Home....and Oh So Easy to Overdo

Praise the Lord, Marsha was discharged from Spectrum Butterworth yesterday afternoon.  About two hours later, her legs began to feel very weird as if they were retaining fluid.  She was also having trouble trying to get a full deep breath.  She called the nurses station on floor 7 North and talked to one of her nurses said for her to elevate her legs and see if that would help.

Today, she worked very sporadically throughout the day and tried to rest when not working.  Tomorrow she has a follow up appointment with her Primary Care Physician.  When she talked to a Priority Health nurse that called, she encouraged her to be seen tomorrow, too.  We hope it's just a reaction to the Prednisone and the IV fluids that she had.  Thankfully, she's beginning to slowly taper the steroids for the next 12 days.

Thank you for your continued prayers for her full recovery.  As for her diet, she's taking things very slow and easy.

Praying for a better night for both Keith and Marsha.

Keith
As you can imagine, Keith is beginning to prepare for his first day of school.  He's been working in the classroom, as he always would each year, making preparations.  It's so exciting to see how excited he is.  Praising the Lord for this awesome opportunity.

Sometimes God Answers our Prayers and Sometimes He Says Wait...

We have many friends and family that have been praying for a full-time teaching position for Keith for fall.  Our hope and prayer for Keith was that God would supply a needed job in order to provide for our family.
For those of you who have thought of and prayed for Keith's interview this morning, he had a very good interview with the teacher and administrator.  At the end of the interview, they offered Keith the job and it was a done deal!  Praise the Lord!  You can only imagine how excited Keith is that he will have a first day of school this year with a group of 19 third graders!  He also found out the job is not for the six weeks that he had originally thought, but for 12 weeks!  They also told him that since he will be doing the lesson planning, and all the preliminary work for the class and grading, he will start out with the regular long-term sub pay instead of the regular sub pay for the first 1-29 days.  This will mean he will be employed up until Thanksgiving holiday.

We are so very thrilled for Keith, even though this is not the job we had all hoped for, God has other plans for him.  We continue to trust him for His plan for Keith's life, not our plan.

PSALM 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.

2.  He also, brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.

3.  He has put a new song in my mouth -- praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.

QUICK UPDATE ON MARSHA

Today, the good news is we found out from lab work that she did not have a Crohn's flare up, but an obstruction of her bowel.  We are thankful the steroids are doing the trick to make things come back to whatever her normal is for now.  We thank the Lord for the provision of knowledgeable physicians who have been taking care of her.  At this time, there will not be any surgery.  However, Dr. Kim, Marsha's colo-rectal surgeon, will be keeping tabs on her if she continues to have these obstructions occur.  This morning, he told Marsha, that he feels she had more or less dodged a bullet from further surgery for the past 10 years or so.  Previously, she had had surgery just about every 10 years from the time she had been first diagnosed with Crohn's (30 years ago).

They have not said when she will be going home, but most likely when she can tolerate regular food, she'll be discharged.  Her diet has been moved up to a low residue tonight, so we'll see.

It was great to see a couple of dear friends pay me a visit today.  What a great surprise!  Thanks, Darlene!  Keith also surprised me today and brought our neighbor, Ilene, up to see me.  I also had a nice walk with my dear friend, Barbara, even though it was not in person, we sure enjoyed a nice phone chat.  Thanks Barbara! 

Something Specific to Pray For....

Last spring, while subbing at Byron Center Charter School, Keith found out there was a teacher taking maternity leave in early Fall 2013.  He had expressed interest in the position.  At the end of the year, he found out they hired another sub that had been there longer than Keith.  After that, there was no reason to even think anymore about it.

Friday, he received a call asking him if he would still be interested in the long-term sub job.  The girl they had previously hired for the position, had accepted a permanent job teaching in their high school.  Now, Keith was next in line for the position.  The lady that called said he came highly recommended by the other teachers on staff.  They want him to come in on Tuesday morning for an interview.  We are both very excited about this.  It's been awhile since he's been this excited about school!

We really covet your prayers for him as he interviews for this position.  God is definitely working!  His timing is ALWAYS PERFECT!  We'll keep you posted.

Aunt Dianne's Blueberry Bars

Yesterday, we were blessed with a gift of blueberries, tomatoes, and some sweet corn.  What else is there to do with some blueberries but to bake some of Aunt Dianne's Blueberry Bars for a treat.

 RECIPE FOR AUNT DIANNE'S BLUEBERRY BARS

1 stick of margarine

2 cups of sugar

4 eggs

Beat above together, then add:

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 3/4 cups of flour

Fold in 1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries.

Bake in a 13 x 9 dish or pan, in a preheated 325 degree oven for 45/50 minutes.

Frost with a thin glaze when you take it out of the oven (while still hot).

Mix the margarine and sugar

Add 4 eggs and almond extract and beat until smooth

Add 1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries

Fold 

Pour into a 13" x 9" dish or pan

Put in oven

Bake for 45 minutes

After 45 minutes

Drizzle with a powdered-sugar glaze while still hot

Ready for a tast

Very yummy.....

Good to the last bite!   Mmmm......ENJOY!

Davenport University Career Academy Summer 2013 is Complete

Once again, Keith has completed his three plus weeks facilitating the Davenport University Career Academy in Battle Creek.  He started out with eleven students and ended with nine.  It amazes us that it took from October 2012 until June 2013 to find at least ten people that wanted to find a job and better themselves.  Jim, from Michigan Works told Keith, he had a difficult time "trying to find '10 good people'" to take this program.  The funding had also changed so that hindered the program from starting, too.  If they get kicked out of the program, they most likely lose their benefits.

Keith taught things such as team building, problem solving, critical thinking, communication, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.

At the end, the students had to fill out evaluations on the class as well as Keith, as a facilitator.  With this class, there was one particular student that caused the stress level in the class to be high everyday.  By the final week, she had really started to cause conflict.  So much so, that Keith finally told her to leave.  After she left, the stress level literally shrunk and everyone seemed very pleased that she was gone, even though there were only a few days left.

With that said, Keith wasn't really expecting very high comments for his evaluation.  Instead, he was pleasantly surprised!  Following is the results of the evaluation of the facilitator:

1. The facilitator was organized and well-prepared.  8 strongly agreed, 1 agreed
2. The facilitator showed interest and enthusiasm toward the subject.  9, strongly agreed
3. The facilitator treated participants fairly and with respect.  9 strongly agreed
4. I would take another session with this facilitator.  7 strongly agreed, 2 agreed

Other comments on written questions:

• The best thing I liked about the session:  the people, discussing the material, Mr. Keith taking the time to make sure we understand, the teacher made us feel like we could do better, the teacher goes out of his way to make sure we understand, everything, very informational - Mr. Keith was an excellent facilitator and I enjoyed the class, Mr. Wittebols is a great instructor and always willing to help and encourage, the facilitator was very thorough, interesting and kept us interacting with one another.  The facilitator made the class fun and outgoing. 

• Was the session length sufficient to deliver the content?  Yes, wish we could have had more time with Mr. Keith, and yes but could have been longer.

Looking ahead:

As the month of August is now upon us, Keith has been keeping his eyes open for teaching positions or long-term sub jobs to become available.  At the present time, if the Lord does not provide a permanent full-time position for him, he will plan to sub in the area elementary schools.  If anyone hears of a teaching position that becomes available keep him posted.  We know God has a plan.  We are patiently waiting for the Lord to answer.  

God amazes us how He continues to provide our needs.  Next week, Marsha has an opportunity to put in a full time work week, as a co-worker is on vacation.  God is good.  

Thanks to all who continue to pray for us.  

Catching Up!

S.S. Badger departing Ludington Harbor ~ Ludington Beach North Pier Breakwater
Ludington, Michigan

It's been some time since we've updated you all on our lives.  We want to thank you all for your continued prayers for our family.  There are some of our friends who are truly our prayer warriors and uphold us in their daily prayers.  We are so grateful!

Keith
Keith has been feeling so much better!  He has just about fully recovered from his stay in the hospital as well as his gall bladder surgery.  There are days he gets pretty tired out, but his body is still in recovery mode.

We are so thankful that his health issues took place ahead of the Battle Creek Career Academy at Davenport University.  He was pretty exhausted after the first week, as it was pretty soon after being in the hospital, but the Lord got him through.  He now has 3 weeks behind him with two days remaining.  This class wasn't without it's daily challenges with certain people challenging authority, etc.  The Lord gave Keith the strength to get through each day.  If he were given the chance to do it over, would he do things a little different?  Yes.  Each time he looks back and says what could he do different to improve his teaching and how he would handle situations differently.  We all experience growth when we go through various experiences.  Two days remaining and he'll have completed the second class of the Battle Creek Career Academy.

Marsha
Two weeks ago, Marsha was experiencing some physical problems which she immediately called her colo-rectal surgeon.  They were able to get her in the next day for a flexible sigmoidoscopy with dilation.  Thankfully, the procedure brought much relief and she's feeling so much better.  She was very grateful for the nurse that was able to work her in the schedule, as the next opening wasn't until 3 weeks away.

Jess and Andy
We are thankful Jess and Andy were able to have a wonderful 2-week vacation in Rome and Paris.  They had a safe flight there two weeks ago; were able to do a lot of sightseeing.  Jess was able to even see a Taylor Alum sing in an opera in Italy!  In Paris, they met up with a former roommate from her semester in Hong Kong several years ago.  After a great vacation, they are now on their way back to the US.  They should arrive this evening back in Washington, D.C.

Dad and Mom
Dad has been feeling much better.  His blood seems to be holding its own and he's not needing transfusions every week, but every two weeks.  Last time Marsha was in town, she noticed that he was leaving his walker behind a lot and just taking off without it.  His feet are still some swollen and his right foot is numb.  So, he should continue to use the walker.  When Marsha talked to Mom the other day, Mom said that Dad had taken a fall outside.  When she found him, he was trying to get up and had scraped up his chin pretty good.  It wasn't until a couple days later, he mentioned that his knee was bothering him, since he fell.
Dad was at the doctor this week.  It looks like he has 4 more months remaining of his TB medicine.

Mom has been keeping up with Dad's demands pretty good.  She does have to tell him no or that she isn't able to go all the places he wants her to take him.  Mom looks forward to Gretchen, the visiting nurse,who comes during the week to give Dad his TB medicine.  She's such a sweetheart and takes interest, is very personable and shows kindness in her visits.  We wish she was able to get out a little bit more for some alone time or time with family.  She is thankful for one of my Dad's friends that comes to visit frequently and take him out for coffee some mornings.  When she does go out, she has to take Dad with her, as he can't be left alone.

Dad and Mom at the 4th of July parade in Ludington ~ Dad drinking his Ensure for a snack!

Prayer requests:

• We really appreciate your continued prayer for Mom and Dad.  Mom gets pretty worn out some days, so pray for extra strength for her.  
• Continued prayers for Dad's salvation and for his heart to soften toward spiritual things.
• Keith for a full-time job.  He's also considering applying for long-term sub jobs if/when some become available.  
• Keith to fully recover from his health issues: for his liver enzyme levels to return to normal, and for continued strength.

Praises:

• Thanking the Lord for provision of the job at the Battle Creek Career Academy.  
• Thanking the Lord for Keith feeling much better since his surgery.
• Praise the Lord for how He has provided throughout this past year.  So much to be thankful for!

Keith Update

Yesterday, Keith had his appointment with the Nurse Practitioner at Grand River Gastroenterology.  After reviewing Keith's history and most recent surgery status, she conferred with one of the physicians in their group to make sure she was on the right track.  She ordered more labs to be done, one yesterday before we came home and one on either Monday or Tuesday of next week.  He's also going to have an ultrasound on his right upper quadrant this afternoon to see if there may be any stones still in his bile duct.  His liver enzymes are slowly coming down, but still extremely high numbers, which is still a concern.

Please pray they would be able to find out what is going on, so the problem can be treated and that the liver enzymes would return to a normal level soon.

God promises He will not give us more than we can handle.  We must testify that God has given us amazing strength through the last months to be able to "handle" the things that have come our way.  He is our Strength.

Some Sweet Friends.......

Thanks to our wonderful friends, Paul and Patty, we have been blessed with 6 quarts of yummy Michigan strawberries.  This means we'll be able to make some freezer jam, as well as have some berries for strawberry shortcake.  

 Special thanks to Paul and Patty for their continued encouragement and prayer throughout our years of friendship.  We are so blessed to call you our friends.  May God continue to bless you both as you are a blessing to others.

Home and Recovering

Keith came home from the hospital on Sunday.  While he was happy to be going home, he felt so blessed to meet this young man, Paul, that was proactive in getting him on the track for his surgery to finally take place.  We would give him the Spectrum Butterworth Nurse of the Year Award, if possible!  Paul, was very interested in Keith and seemed to take special interest in every one of his patients.  After talking to him, we found out he is a Christian,  His ministry is to share the love of Jesus Christ through his work.  He has a wife and a 3 year old little boy.  He made sure he was around so that he could tell Keith good-bye.

Since being discharged, Keith has been feeling better and a little stronger each day.  He's had times where his stomach has felt the same as it did before the surgery.  Today, he said it has been feeling some better.  His doctor sent him home with 2 lab requests to keep an eye on his liver enzymes which were very elevated when he left Sunday.  Please pray for these levels to return to normal and for his energy to return, too.  He knows his body has been through a lot and that it will take time for him to heal.

Yesterday, he went for the first lab.  The results:  liver enzymes were still high.  He will be going in tomorrow for another lab. Then, Friday, he will see the Nurse Practitioner at Dr. Greydanus' (gastroenterologist) office.  Previous to his hospitalization, Keith had scheduled an appointment with her as he was unable to get into any physician in the office before the end of July.  This will actually work out quite good as he was recommended to see a gastroenterologist to do follow up for his elevated liver enzymes.

We really appreciate your continued prayers for us.

1. Liver enzyme numbers to return to normal
2. Strength to return
3. Possible answers as to why the enzymes are so high
4. For Keith to take care and get a lot of rest to he can heal (People tend to overdo when they begin to feel good.)
5. For his stomach to return to normal

Thanks so much for your love and encouragement.  God does not give us more than we can handle.  We continue to trust Him for all things.  God is so good.  He has provided me strength when I could have totally been exhausted.  He is my strength.

Praise the Lord!!! Keith's surgery really happened!

Tonight, we are giving thanks to the Lord for Keith's surgery actually happening.  We know that God's timing is perfect, for all things.  Sometimes when things are postponed, we just can't figure out all the whys.  Everything is for a purpose. 

After waiting for 2 hours, Jess and I were discussing the fact it seemed to be taking much longer than expected.  We then figured they must have had to do the incision, etc.  Just after we had discussed that, the surgeon came out and talked to us.  She said, "It certainly wasn't a 'happy' gall bladder'.  It was a difficult surgery, but we were able to do it laparoscopy." (Another praise!)  The gall bladder was attached to his liver, so they left the back wall of the gall bladder in.  It will be okay as the rest of it is gone.

Post Op:  Jess telling Keith good-bye

 

We were able to see Keith when he got back to his room; then Jess had to depart Butterworth Hospital for Gerald R. Ford International Airport for her return flight back home.  Even though it was a short visit, we soaked in every minute of it. 

 



Jess and Marsha leaving the hospital:  on the bridge to the parking ramp.

 

Thank you so much, Jess for taking the time to come, even though it was last minute.  We really were blessed by your visit.  We're sorry Andy couldn't have been here, too, but feel it was so thoughtful of him to sacrifice his time with you this weekend.  We are truly blessed!  The Lord knew we really needed that special blessing.  God bless you both!  We love you!