We had a dear friend visit. When she left, I grew sad and then eventually cried (while getting ready for another Vacation Bible School Day). And then I thought how precious it is to have a friend to miss. When someone visits and leaves I wonder if I will ever see them again in this life.
In the middle of my garden is a 12-foot-tall hollyhock. I don't remember planting it. It doesn't look like any of the hollyhocks near my house. Not sure how it got there. It's beautiful and sways in the wind.
Next week I have back surgery. My dear lovely husband says he will care for me (and he will) as I recover, but I think the job will grow tiresome. Some may think that the need for back surgery is because I am a caregiver to my son, but this is not the case. My father had the same kind of back problem as did two of his siblings. All three had back surgery (and all three were thankful for it). I am having a back disc replaced with a titanium cage and my spinal column inflicted with severe spinal stenosis will be cleaned out by a very fine surgeon. I hope to walk two times a day during my recovery so I can be well as soon as possible.
I told Hawken tonight that the need for back surgery is not his fault. And it isn't. I remember having issues with it during Army training back in 1991. At the time I thought it was what everyone experienced. Now I know differently. I don't know what Hawk thought when I told him this, but he is very intelligent. I know he is. You can tell from his eyes. I don't know what he thinks or feels about anything really. But I know he is precious to me and Shannon and many others (and especially to Jesus).
I am nervous about the surgery, but very thankful. I am excited to see what this back will feel like once it has been fixed.
Forever (well, not forever, but since I started reading books in kindergarten) I have wanted to write a novel. I want to write a novel that has characters that I get to know and I get to grow with. I have a great idea for one right now, but honestly, I don't think it will happen. And that is okay. Really, it is.
Do you know Jesus yet? All you have to do is talk to him. He is waiting for you to turn to him. He will be your best friend, your encourager; your refiner's fire; your advocate, your Savior, your friend.