Dear Ones,

This has been quite a week!

We are thankful that we were able to help Bryan move into his new home and get him settled in to a large degree. It seems so strange to not have him in his room anymore. His new home is lovely and we are very happy for him. He has not had his stove and refrigerator yet this week, so we have been enjoying having him over for supper. It has been a more gradual transition for his ol' mom! :-)

Last Sunday, my hair began to leave me. By Thursday, it was half gone and the continual shedding inspired me to remove what was left and be done with it. I was so grateful for the gift my Papa gave me by going before me and the job was done with nary a tear!

Later that very afternoon, we heard footsteps on our front porch and the door bell rang. Amber answered the door and discovered it was our town's postmistress. We don't know how she even knew about my illness, but there she was with a gift bag in hand. She was on her way to an appt. so she didn't come in, but she brought another hug from the Lord unaware.

In the bag was a tiny note that read simply: "You will always be beautiful inside and out." And, in the bag was a pink hat. There was no way that she could have known that only a few hours before I had cut my hair, and here she was with a note of blessing that spoke directly to my heart. Isn't God so good?

The next day, I went to the postoffice to deliver my personal thanks and to tell her how the Lord had used her to encourage me. We both cried and hugged. I just love living in a small town!!

Even post-op and post-chemo I feel so much better than I did before surgery that it causes me to overdo at times. My family is good to remind me to get my rest.

Amber has been fighting an inner ear infection and dizziness. She is feeling better every day. Please pray for her recovery. She will be a busy lady again this week after my chemo treatment on Tuesday.

We will be going to the Chicago area Monday evening and staying at the Madziarczyk family's home. We are so grateful for their kind hospitality. It will allow us once again to rest longer and arrive at Loyola by my 8:30 appt. Thank you, Madziarczyks for this blessing!

Amber and I have been busy getting our Thanksgiving dinner preparations taken care of. Amber will be remaining at home (on Tuesday) to prepare as much of our dinner as can be made ahead, to allow us a relaxed Thanksgiving day.

As you all gather to enjoy your families on Thanksgiving Day, may the wonder of all of God's goodness cause your thankful hearts to rejoice and be grateful. We all have so much to be grateful for. I know we do.

We thank God always for you in our prayers, and are very grateful for your prayers and love.

Please pray for Amber's health, for the chemo treatment to be safe and for mild symptoms, and for the continued provision of the Lord for our family's needs.

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." Philippians 1:3