Such incredible words of wisdom and precious prayers - thanks to each of you who have left these comments!  I have read and re-read them, God truly does give us what we need when we need it.  I'm feeling stronger today and will focus on the positive.  I appreciate the reminders to think of how God has blessed us in the past - He's not going to abandon us now.  I believe that. 

Two things:  The talks at the hospital are over but we have not heard the outcome yet.  I am not fearful.  I am prepared to picket alongside my husband if necessary.  Interestingly enough, we were in Longview, WA, today and we passed a young couple in front of a construction site, apparently on strike and holding company picket signs.  We waived our support to them.  I've never been on this side of the coin.  My dh is not worried - I'm not either, really I'm not.  God is in control.

The second thing is that Todd thinks I should stop writing about his innards!  So, I will nix discussing his health issues unless there really is a major deal.  Whew!  That's almost a relief.  I want to get on with other things in our lives. 

I am, however, humbly grateful for all the prayer on my behalf and the supportive and encouraging comments to Kate.  Thank you and God bless you all,   Todd

Earlier this week, my kids and I went to our small airport to see a couple of World War II airplanes that fly around the country for people to see.  The boys got to go through the planes and had a grand time.  We also got to go through a huge Coast Guard airplane that carries people and cargo.  But the best thing happened at the souvenir table.  After Chad purchased a nice photo of one of the planes, the man behind the table asked why wasn't Chad in school.  Before Chad could answer, I said, "He is ... we homeschool!"  He smiled and wished us a good day.  I was surprised at how excited I was to tell him we homeschool.  It used to be we would admit to being homeschoolers almost apologetically but now it's a thrill to tell people.  Yes, I probably should have let my son tell him and I thought about that later.  But I was really marveling at my reaction.  At what point in my life did I change my response?   I've been homeschooling for at least 9 years so somewhere along the way, it became a lifestyle, not just "what we do for school."  Maybe this doesn't make sense to you but it does to me.  I'm proud and excited to be a homeschool mom not because I think we are better than anyone else, but because I think what what we are doing is better than anything else we COULD be doing! 

I just read that Ruth Graham (Billy Graham's wife) has passed away.  While it is not surprising as she had not been well for a long time, when a great person of faith like Ruth goes home, we feel the loss but rejoice that she is finally with her Lord.  May we learn from her incredible example just how we should live as women of faith.  I'll be praying for her precious husband and family.