Playtime and Praytime

I will warn you this post will be all over the place, for there are grand celebrations right now, coupled with a great sadness. First the happy news...last night marked the annual Celebration of Bands. My nephew began the tradition by becoming a member of the marching band four years ago. This year he celebrated his eighteenth birthday and then began the pivotal "Senior Year"! I remember the first time I held him - I was sure he hung the moon and to this day, I think I am still that enamoured. Imagine our joy when two sisters would join him. The next oldest has now hit the high school circuit and she too, marches in the same band. The youngest in their tribe has her own set of activities, but she continues to be a great sport attending all of the band functions and cheering on her brother and sister.

My nephew's eighteenth birthday (choke, sputter, I must be wrong about that)


And marching last night


His beautiful sister



And his other beautiful sister!


My brother and sister-in-law are exceptional parents. I have learned so much watching them and am so thankful they entrusted their children to me early on. They were my practice:-) As chairpeople for last night's event and a definite presence in any and every activity their children have taken on, they make a difference in not only the lives of their kids, but in the lives of others. My brother celebrated his 45th birthday yesterday - Happy Birthday Big Brother, I could not be more proud!

Emily had a ball, making a new friend and watching for her cousins...and the highlight of her evening was a giant soft pretzel offered to her by Aunt Janet - thanks!


Hannah clapped and clapped, she sat rapt with attention and thoroughly enjoyed the whole night - how cool is that?


Finally, PRAYERS ARE NEEDED!


This is Sam. (It is not the best picture of Sam, but one most easily accessed and I like it because it looks like he is praying, which would make Sam very happy) I have known Sam as long as I can remember. I was blessed to grow up in a church where the members were family to one another. Sam and Anne were members and friends and I went to Sunday School and Choir with their daughters. In recent years, the church experienced some issues, nothing that I would ever discuss here, but it caused members to disperse, and now many of us who clung together find ourselves attending different churches and spread out, a situation out of our control ,but certainly heavy in our hearts. We know God has a plan for this experience, but that does not make it easier.

My first impressions of Sam were that he was way too cerebral for me. A scholar and an educator, Sam is wise beyond anyone's wildest expectation. I would learn, many years later, there was much more to Sam than that which may have intimidated me at first. He is a leader, a teacher, a friend, a husband, a father, a grandfather and a servant. He is truly a servant. A few years ago, Sam and Anne and a group of people, including my parents, forged a vision into a reality by implementing their own mission. This mission is a passion to those who serve through it, and those who support it in whatever ways they can.

So, what about the prayers? Sam was diagnosed several years ago with pancreatic cancer - after a very scary operation that did not go well, and treatments that proved difficult, even for the strongest man, Sam did the incredible. He healed and received a clean bill of health. Doctors called him a miracle, so did we.

Some weeks ago, Sam began having fevers for no apparent reason. Tests would conclude that the news was not especially good. Now, as he faces more treatment and some painful days, I would pray for a multitude of things:
~ for the doctors to have wisdom for treating Sam
~ for painfree days and treatments that will help, not hinder
~ for complete healing
~ for strength
~ for Anne
~ for his daughters and their children
~ for his peace of mind - he loves serving and prayers for his continued service

I believe in prayer. I love this family. I know you will join me in lifting them up.
Many, many thanks.