Events of Recent

Where to begin? The past 10 days have been a wild and crazy ride.

We did get to Madison on Friday night. Saturday afternoon we were told that my wife's father died. It kind of came out of the blue. He was in a car accident almost 19 years ago that has left him . . . well, really it left him as a different person. Physical and mental disabilities changed who he was. At times he was full of joy; but there were times that he was just angry (which we wonder if it was just frustration at not being able to do what he used to--including communicate). We know that he loved Jesus. He reminded us of that constantly. So, it's comforting to know that at least he is without pain and limitations of his body now. I never really got to know who he was. I think for me it was easier to see the celebration in his passing.

We still got together on Sunday for Christmas. Everyone came. There were tears at first, but it was really a happy day. The funeral was on Tuesday. Again, tears at first, but not really a depressing atmosphere.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we had family Christmas celebrations in Iowa. The burial was on Saturday. We didn't go back for it. That was hard on my wife.

I heard some people in a grocery store on Friday night saying how glad they were that Christmas was over. Its sad how commercialism has made the holy day something people dread. We're still celebrating.