Expecting the unexpected!!

So, just when I was thinking, okay have to get the dogs a bath and finish wrapping packages to head to Colorado and in four days the hectic activity of the holidays will be over, we get a phone call from John's brother that his mother had fallen and was in the hospital. By Thursday evening, things had gotten somewhat worse and John and I individually decided, he should fly to Arizona to be with the family and I should come to Colorado to spend Christmas with the kids and then we'd go from there. It is funny how after 36 years of marriage we can arrive at a decision of what needs to be done without evening talking to each other about the options.

So yesterday morning at 8:30, me and the dogs started the long drive to Johnstown getting here about 5:00/

After a trying day at the airport, John finally got to Tucson about 9:30 (3 1/2 hours later than expected). His mom broke something in her back so they have her in a hospice now totally on medication to ease her pain. Fortunately they have listened somewhat to the family and are not doing any heroic efforts to keep her going - no feeding tube. I would like to be with John to support him but sometimes, he is stronger around his family when I am not there so in my heart I know that we are each where we need to be at this time.

We are all praying that she will go swiftly now from this life. Meanwhile, I am in Colorado with the two 4-legged critters. First time I have spent Chrismas without John since the year Blaine was born. But we'll get through the day and God's greatest gift to the world - the birth of his son Jesus Christ our Savior will have more meaning to us this year than ever.

As we ponder the life of this wonderful woman who raised John as her own son. Who was a grandmother to my children and a terrific example to both of them and throughout their lives and to me for the past 36 years. Who even at Thanksgiving was thinking more about others than the pain she was suffering. She truly showed a Christ like love to everyone she came in contact with.

So, we'll live one moment at a time and decide what to do when the time comes to make a decision about whether I head back to Montana on Monday or stay here a while. Fortunately, I can go to the office and work here for a few days if needed. Or, I can take a couple of emergency vacation days and spend here - we'll just see how things progress.

Meanwhile, I'm so grateful for the sacrifice my Lord and Savior made on my behalf and on the behalf of all mankind. That we can all live again after we leave this frail existence and at that level, all pain and suffereing will end. Thank you Christ and happy happy birthday.