Just catching up.

Well, yes, I'm actually writing after about 2 1/2 months since the last. I certainly can't seriously be called a "blogger". Anyway, enough people have asked how I'm doing that I'm sufficiently ashamed that I haven't done a better job of keeping in touch especially since Jennifer went to the effort to start this for me. I couldn't even remember how to post a new message and had to call her. So, here we go -----------

One of these days I'll learn to post pictures because that really tells the story and I have some great pics on my computer.

Medically, there's not much new other than we're still waiting and the swelling on my neck is shrinking some at it's own very slow pace. Other than that, I've been swimming, biking, playing some tennis and spending lots of time with grandkids.

Mark's wife, Tiffany, lost her mom on Sunday morning August 9th. She had been battling cancer since spring of 2006. Mary Ellen was a warm, loving, courageous woman of God and we will all miss her terribly. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and, for me, there were days when just the knowledge of her struggle encouraged me to put one foot in front of the other and keep fighting my own battle. On the one hand, she leaves a huge void in the lives of her loved ones and on the other hand, a wonderful part of her is in each of those people. In that, she leaves a rich legacy.

So many of you have been praying for our family -- for me, for Abby, for Mary Ellen, for the ministry of Isaac's Room -- and words are not enough to thank you for all your prayers, notes and kindness. But I do thank you and pray for God's blessings of peace and joy in your lives.

With love and gratitude,
Hope