Personally, since last May, I am now able to eat and my appetite has returned. Last year at this time, I was not sleeping very well, and now that problem too has somewhat dissipated. My relationship with the Lord is stronger, perhaps through much more prayer. And I became Catholic!
Julie has been hospitalized four times over these past 12 months, with another one upcoming. She continues to live, and dare I say, thrive in her new environment. Caregivers, now friends, yesterday took her across the street for a meal out. She loves that. How kind these women are and continue to be. After a long shift, they all gathered round and wheeled her not only to the hospice restaurant, but also for a blood draw at the nearby health care office. They went above and beyond their manor duties.
This is a picture of Julie on Tuesday. And one of Mercy.
Last year it was if I were just going through the motions of daily living, but now I am painting again. Usually on Wednesdays at the manor, but sometimes at home as well.
Yesterday I made German Chocolate Pie (Pinterest link here). Gene is making bread and a main dish since tonight we are having dinner with two couples from the neighborhood. Last year, I did not have the energy for entertaining. Another positive change since last summer, energy-wise, that is, as Gene continues to share and provide with his excellent cooking abilities.
In two weeks, several residents from the manor are coming over with the activity director and several staff, now friends, for an afternoon tea. We are scouring up hats for party time for the women to wear; they look forward to a few hours away from the manor, and I want to make it special.
Life is returning to a new normal. God is good.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
(2 Corinthians 9:8)
Nancy, I'm glad this year has been looking upwards and you're on a happier and peaceful note. How wonderfully generous of their time and sweet of the nurses to go beyond their duties for Julie. The tea party sounds like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you have had healing since last year! I know it can take a while to recover from difficult times. Been there, and most likely will be there again one day. But the good thing is that God will be there then just as He is here now! God bless! that picture of Julie is so beautiful! so glad for the love you all have been given!
ReplyDeleteGlad for you and Julie have good friends and that you are feeling better in yourself. Prayer is a powerful thing.
ReplyDeleteOh what a sweet and up-lifting post:) I am SO happy for Julie and hope that she continues to enjoy each day! Love that bouquet on the fence! Have a blessed day dear Nancy, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteYour post makes me so happy! Many moe blessings!
ReplyDeleteA year. Wow. A very full year. God be with you. Jody at Gumbo Lily sent me a cool photo of the Examen in a nutshell. I'll text it to you! (BIG HUG!)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that things have gotten better for you! It's been a long journey. God is good!
ReplyDeletexofrances
What a beautiful testimony to read, Nancy! Very encouraging to be reminded that God's grace and mercy does indeed abound... Btw, your profile picture on blogger is sooooo cute! You look great!
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