Thank you to all of you for your prayers and notes during this difficult time.

This week has been a real roller coaster ride.  My father had a stroke last Saturday, July 17.  Randy and I flew to Minnesota on Monday, July 19.  Everyday brings new challenges for my father.  Currently there is much brain swelling still going on.  They thought it had stopped last Wednesday, but it has grown.  His right brain is pushing into his left brain.  This causes him terrible headaches.  It is hard to see him suffer!  My Madrasta has been wonderful and is a strong woman whom I love very much.  I can only imagine how difficult it is to watch her husband suffer.  I know the Lord has a perfect plan in all of this.  I just can’t see it now.  So, like the song says, “I Believe to See”.  I know the Lord is good, whether I can see it or not. 

We have had some fun times with Dad.  The speech therapist was checking some of his cognitive thinking skills one day.  She asked him several  questions:

Is your name Smith.

“No”.

Do you live in Milwaukee?

“No, No, No, Heaven’s no!”

“Have you ever BEEN there?!”

Yes, for a week long conference.

“Did you stay?”

Yes

“WHY???!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Sorry Milwaukee lovers!  We all got a kick out of this exchange!  I sat and watched Twins playing baseball on the TV with him and he was able to tell me all about each player that got up and he also told me what he thought about the manager’s style of managing.  I won’t share that on here.  I do thank God in Heaven for allowing me to have this time with my Dad.  It has been an honor and a privilege.  Keep praying.  We need this swelling to stop.

I love you Dad!!!