Thanksgiving, 2008

What a wonderful day we had yesterday! Everyone was here, including Aunt Mary Annea, Ed's sister from California, and little baby Smith (Andrea and Tyler's baby--due in March-- which will make me a great grandmother!) Tyler, among other things, is a gourmet chef! The entire meal was made by him and his able assistants, Andrea and Liz. There were so many special dishes served. Of course, I could just imagine how they tasted. Everyone thought they were fabulous.

But more than the food, was the delightful conversation around that table, where seventeen (plus little?) were seated. I basked in the fact that I had my whole family under my roof and was feeling good and enjoying every minute of it.

After dinner, we did our traditional sharing of what we were thankful for. I wrote mine out, and Tom read it. Here it is:

I’m so thankful that we can all be together this Thanksgiving! And that Aunt Mary Anne can be with us.

This is the fifth Thanksgiving since Dad left us and since I was diagnosed with cancer, so I’m doubly thankful.

I’d rather be speaking this, but it will have to be read.

We’ve had many good things in 2008:

At the top of the list is our joy in the beautiful thing that is happening to Andrea and Tyler! We all are excited about the coming of a new little life into our midst, and we pray daily for Andrea and for the safe arrival of this new person.

Right up there on my “Top Ten” list is Drew’s acceptance by the U of Illinois Medical School. What an answer to prayer! And how we pray that he will be able to fulfill his dream of being a doctor.

Then the great honor that was bestowed upon us at Judson University—naming a building after us. Sometimes, I still can’t believe it.

There are hundreds of other things to be thankful for. You know what they are,

We also have some big challenges ahead of us, both physical and financial-- especially Ruth and Nick, [as they decide what to do about her mitro valve]. But our Lord is with us every step of the way! In Job 9:10 we read, “He performs wonders that can’t be fathomed—miracles that can’t be counted.” I’m expecting some of those wonders and miracles in this next year.

Know that each one of you is in my prayers daily. No woman could ask for a better family. May God bless each one of you with many joys, and may any adversities that come just draw you closer to our precious Lord Jesus Christ.

Love, Mom

I had a pretty bad reaction to the last couple of infusions, so the doctor is giving me two weeks off--I'm thankful for that!

There are many of you that I'm praying for. Please let me know how you are doing.

Much Love, Alice Psalm 103