Enjoying the fresh air

I got some pictures from my sister Doris that just blessed my heart. She said that on Sunday afternoon the weather was so beautiful, and my dad decided he would like to go outside for the first time in a while.

Once he was outside on his power chair, he decided he felt like going to see the beautiful lake in their community. So away they went. Doris said that people from the community who were out walking were so happy to see him. One lady was driving by, and when she saw him she stopped her car, got out, and gave him a hug! They have lived in this community for less than four years, but they have been very involved with activities like Bible study and shuffleboard, and have endeared themselves to many.

They sat and enjoyed the beauty for a while. Thank you, Lord, for bringing "life" to my dad in so many little ways.

A fun weekend in Lancaster County

On Friday evening I drove to Lancaster County in rain, sometimes very heavy rain. What a difference from the week before when the sun was so bright and the mountains so beautiful. Dick had to work on Saturday.

On Saturday afternoon I had a tremendously enjoyable time at my dad's. He's been enjoying much more time in his recliner chair this week since my brother-in-law built a platform to put it on, making the chair so much easier to help him out of.

Even though he spends much of his time reclining and lying down, he still cares how he looks, and was concerned that his hair was getting too long. Since it's not possible for him to go to his barber any more, my stepmother's daughter-in-law, Julie, came on Saturday to cut his hair. What fun that was!

When she was finished, he wanted two mirrors so he could see himself from the front and the back! He told Julie that she had made his day!

On Saturday evening I had a birthday party for Destiny at the Mt. Gretna Roller Rink with some of her friends from church. We had a great time! The rink is as old as the hills in a very rustic setting, and on Saturday nights they have live organ music. It was just a very feel-good, fun atmosphere.

Here are Destiny and her friends having pizza. This was the nice pose first.

Then they were allowed a silly pose!

The Princess cake.

Gift - opening time.

These parents stayed for the evening. They are good, good friends, and I enjoyed the chance to sit and talk and laugh with them.

Dick, unfortunately, missed the party completely. He was scheduled to work until 5 and was planning to leave directly from work and drive staight to the roller rink. However, we realized he would be fighting Penn State game traffic the whole way. As it turned out, he was given a job at 4:00, which took until 8:00 to complete. We both got home (to our Lititz house) around 10:30 PM.

This morning we went to our church. I didn't have to lead worship, but they did need Dick to play bass guitar. After church we went home and made chicken breasts on the grill. Dick went to see my dad while I took a nap. Then he came home and mowed our yard while I cleaned up and packed up. Meanwhile Destiny watched the musical Annie for the 3rd time this weekend, played with some of her birthday gifts, and then played restaurant with her old kitchen toys in the sunroom.

I took Destiny home while Dick went to visit his parents, and then we met up on the PA turnpike for our trip back to State College. We got home at 9:30. Last week I went to the library and got a book on CD for me (Dear John by Nicholas Sparks) and one for Destiny (The Best School Year Ever by Barbara Robinson.) It made all the driving so much more pleasurable this weekend.

Tomorrow morning Dick goes to the oncologist for his second of four chemo treatments in this series of maintenance treatments. He hasn't experienced any adverse effects from the one last week, praise God.

Beethoven

What is Austin watching so intently?

A new Baby Einstien DVD from the library. This time it's Beethoven. It's awesome and he loves it.

I'm getting ready to hit the road now. Looks like I'll be driving in rain, but I've had plenty of experience with that this summer!

The week is flying by

This week is just flying by - I guess because of Monday being a holiday. I can't believe tomorrow is Friday already. I'll be driving to Lancaster County again tomorrow evening. I'll be having a little birthday party for Destiny with some of her friends from church at a local roller rink on Saturday evening. And of course, I'll be spending whatever time possible at my dad's again.

I realized this evening that I didn't even get my camera out this week. So I'll try to get a picture or two of my favorite little boy tomorrow.

This evening Anthony tried out for round two of a King of the Blues competition in Harrisburg and won again. The next step is a competition in Philadelphia. Go, Anthony!

Dick had off work again today and is feeling just fine. His ability to handle chemo just amazes me. He told Lori this morning, "They make 'em tough these days." I said, "These days?" Lori said, "You mean back in the old days?" I guess that's what he meant!

Next round of maintenance chemo

Last night Dick said, "I feel like I've worked a long stretch of days." I said, "Well, you should!" He has worked a nine-day stretch without a day off!

Now he gets today and tomorrow off. But guess where he's getting to relax today? At his new oncologist's office here in State College as he receives the first round of his maintenance chemo. He'll get three more this month, then that will be it till next March. We are praying that in spite of the treatments he will be able to have the energy he needs for his new job. He has always handled them so well. Pray for him as he comes to mind.

Pictures from another "Heavenly" weekend

I'm back home at my computer in State College. The pictures I'm posting were taken by Anthony and my sister-in-law Nancy.

Austin brought great delight to my dad's heart. I'm pretty sure the feeling was mutual.

I think he was learning to tie a bow with Greatgrandma's ribbon!

Scenes from around the sunroom Sunday morning as we sang together.

My dad and brother Dick, singing bass together.

My sisters Doris and Betty.

My sister Mary Ellen and my stepmother Mary.

Betty's husband Scott and their son Isaiah.

The lyrics to one of the songs we sang were as follows:

If fellowship here with my Lord can be
So inexpressibly sweet,
Oh, what will it be when His face we see?
When 'round the white throne we meet,
When 'round the white throne we meet?

Oh, it is wonderful, it is marvelous and wonderful!
What Jesus has done for this soul of mine -
The half has never been told!

We almost raised the roof on that one!

My sister Betty's 12-year-old daughter Merida is beautiful inside and out. Here she is singing,

sketching a picture of Grandpa, to which she also added an original poem,

and holding Austin.

Betty's son Isaiah is just six months older than Destiny, and they are best buddies. Here they are outside the sunroom window at my dad's house - probably looking for frogs or crickets or....snakes???

Do these two guys look like they're related???? Well, whether they look it or not, they're both part Witmer!

Austin charms his great uncle - my brother Dick.

A picture with Grandpa to cherish forever.

Anthony asked my dad to pray a blessing over Austin. He said, "We want him to have your spirit." My dad said, "It's the spirit of God." "That's what we want him to have," Anthony replied.

It would be easy to look at this picture and imagine that Dad is still healthy. Doesn't he look great? And aren't they the sweetest couple ever?

Let me tell you - their love relationship IS the sweetest! Last evening I was in the kitchen when Mary was "tucking" Dad in for the night. The monitor was on, and I had the privilege of feeling like I was on Holy Ground as I listened to them pray together and then exchange words of encouragement and endearment with each other. Tears just ran down my face. Then this morning, as we got him "spruced up" for the day, the good natured humor and laughter that so easily flowed between them just blessed me even more.

I seriously mean it when I say: I want to be just like them when I'm in my 80's.

A blessed two days

Tonight I am talking my turn staying overnight with my dad and stepmother. What a blessed two days we have been having. My sister Betty and family came from New Hampshire for the weekend and are staying at my Lititz house. Anthony, Lori, and Austin also came down yesterday and stayed till today. This morning we all gathered here at my dad's house for a time of worship and singing, and spent the rest of the day here. We have laughed and we have cried. Dad's body is getting weaker and weaker, but his mind and his spirit are still alive and well. After I get back to State College tomorrow I'll post some amazing pictures that Anthony took.

Destiny has been in her glory hanging out with my sister Betty's kids. They are certainly her favorite cousins on my side of the family. Tonight while I am here with my dad, Destiny is at my house with Betty and her family, and I feel totally at peace. Thank you, Betty and Scott!

Of course I feel so sad that Dick is not able to be here because it's his work weekend. Tomorrow afternoon I will take Destiny home and head back to my State College home. The drive between Harrisburg and State College is so incredibly beautiful. I decided on Friday as I drove that I will never, ever get over the beauty of the Pennsylvania mountains. And the leaves aren't even colored yet. When they are it will be almost breathtaking, I'm sure.

Weekend in Lancaster again

I'm soon heading toward Lancaster again for the weekend. This time I'm doing it without Dick, because, unfortunately, he has to work this weekend. But we decided that time with my dad is a very high priority for me right now.

Last evening I became the "owner" of Lori's old iPhone. So I will be able to have internet access this time. Thank you, Lori and Anthony!

More scenes from around the house

Austin's favorite (only) video - Baby Einstein Beethoven. I'm starting him out right, ha, ha!!

Austin finds a new toy - Grandpa's ear.

Mmmmm. That kissable neck!

The view from the kitchen window when I'm cooking.

Tears

This is a picture of Dexter and Macy, two adorable, little Yorkies who were Lisa and George's first "babies" soon after they were married in 1998. That's 11 years ago. In the past year their health has been seriously declining, especially in the past week. So on Monday Lisa and George made the heart wrenching decision to have both dogs put down together. It was a very sad day at their house, and I can still hardly think about it without tears.

I have tears over something else this evening too. I just heard of the sudden death of Paul Ling, the father of my former 1st grade student Noah. He is one of the sweetest boys I have ever known with such a gentle, sensitive spirit. And his voice! He could sing louder than the rest of the class put together, and he was GOOD! His dad often brought him to school in the mornings and was so friendly. Apparently he brought him to school on Monday, then went to the gym where he suffered a heart attack. Thirty-eight years old!!! Oh, how my heart is aching for Noah tonight.

Scenes from around the house

Hmmm. Every scene is of Austin. Now isn't that funny?