Post ID: 220

Neal and I just completed his first walk to the beach and back since he has been back home. He did great! He has been lifting weights at home to help build his strength. We did not have to go to Chicago this week. Neal did have to go to his oncologist office here to have his blood drawn and faxed over to U of C. His hemoglobin and platelets are up but his WBC went back down (1.9). The nurse from U of C called and didn’t seem too concerned. Neal sees the doctor there next Thursday.

The doctor did give Neal permission to go to church on Easter as long as he sat in the back and wore his mask. He enjoyed seeing people and being in church since it has been since December. He is still to stay away from large crowds.

We had some of our kids home for Easter: Britton, Michelle and Eli and Karsten home from Taylor. Whitney and my sister were going to come but both were sick. The Smith’s joined us for a meal together to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. We look forward on having everyone home the weekend of Mother’s Day to celebrate Neal and his dad’s birthday and having a family shower for Whitney.

The words to the old hymn “He Lives” spoke to Neal and I especially this year.

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear his voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He’s always near.

CHORUS:
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me
and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives,
salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
A.H. Ackley

We have seen God’s loving care and hand of mercy these past couple of years. We know He is always near so we don’t have to despair. He lives! We pray that you know Christ this way. He is the only way to have true peace and comfort in times of storms.

Rejoicing that He lives,
Trish