We drove my brother to the airport this morning to catch he noon flight back to the Big Apple. It was so good to have him here and difficult to see him leave. The days just flew by.

We gathered at my Mom and Dad's last evening and just had the best time talking and laughing. My brother's birthday was this past Wednesday - so we celebrated with coffee and cake. He is very much my younger brother. I was in my freshman year of college when he was born. I still remember running down the to the dorm phone (this was in the dark ages when there was just one phone on each floor in the old door where the freshmen women were housed) and hearing my Dad say, "It's a boy!" After two girls, he was absolutely thrilled.

I was married by the time Peter was two years old (He was all dressed up in a little blue velvet suit (with short pants) on my wedding day). So our relationship was a bit more like Aunt and adored nephew. My first son was born when he was five years old.

I don't get to see him very often, but I always love spending time with him. It was perfect timing for my parents too. My Dad is doing well after his hospital stay and so was home and able to enjoy spending time with Peter.

Speaking of my Dad. He called just a little while ago to say his visit with the cardiologist went very well. His next procedure is scheduled for January 16th. The doctor said he will check to be sure all is well with the splints he already has done and then he will decide how much more to do right then. There are three splints remaining to be inserted. I don't know how many will be done that day. It is just an over-night hospital stay which makes Dad extremely happy. His doctor said, "We don't want to make you as good as you were, we want to make you better." He is a wonderful doctor. My parents have great confidence in him. God is so very, very good.

So...we take a deep breath and slip back into the normal routine for a little while. We give thanks and we rest in Him. What a blessing it is to be able to bundle up all those worries and fears and lay them at the feet of Jesus. It isn't just the relief of the heavy weight, it is the knowing that He will do exactly what is best for us. He loves us that much. That is what gives hope, peace and joy - real joy. Thank You Lord Jesus - for loving us so perfectly.

Blessings,