Good News...not so much.

The good news…Scout returned from Science Camp on Friday @ 2:30(he had an awesome adventure)…

2 hours later he was off to Boyscout camp for the weekend…not so much.

The good news…Emma is sleeping through the night (it was like having a new baby!)…

she now thinks that she should sink her tiny teeth into everything that her mouth is near (including my flesh)…not so much.

The good news…the steroid I was on after my anapylaxis last week did not cause me to eat like a pig…

it did however cause some strange emotional reactions (Is crying during the Hannah Montana movie normal?)…not so much.

The good news…the princess and I had a couple of fun girls only nights this past week…

now my sweet girl is getting her HUGE asthmatic cough…really not so much.

On a not so good note: Firehubby went to Seattle to lay his brother, Gary, in his final resting place… tough times.

Really, when you take just this last point into perspective, all of the ins and outs of my week are not so very significant.

I am looking to Paul's example.

Knowing that I have put my hope in the One I can trust, I am striving to find contentment in all circumstances.

My Husband is a Firefighter

Last night a chaplain from my husband's fire department called to offer condolences. He said a memo would go out to the department communicating the loss of my brother in law Gary.

I am so touched by this outreach to my husband and myself.

Being a fire-wife means a life of frequent sacrifice and is often challenging.

Moments like this make it easier.

It is finished...

My brother in law, Dr. Gary Donald Cieslak, passed away today at 12:25pm (central time) in the loving arms of his wife, children, and family. I feel great joy for Gary... my heart breaks for those of us left who mourn.

Thank you Jesus for the hope we have in You.

We can trust Him...

Please continue to pray for Gary. He is comfortable, not awake, not able to take any food or drink, clearly suffering from severe effects of infection caused by aspiration pneumonia.

His wife, 4 children, father, 3 brothers, 2 sisters and his brother in law continue faithfully at his side ... waiting on the Lord's timing. As hospice reminded them, hearing is the last sense to go...I am sure their presence brings comfort.

A precious baby, Cora, has come to the attention of many blog friends. In the last 2 weeks she has gone from being a healthy bubbly baby with what was thought to be an ear infection... to a very sick little one being treated for cancer.

Prayer is so powerful, thank you for all of yours...

Update:

We see the healing hand of God do an amazing work in Harper. She is breathing on her own and is eating and getting so strong!

Waiting on Death...

Today my husband sits at the bedside of his dying brother, Gary.

Yesterday, Gary's breathing became irregular and it seemed that death was near. A morphine drip is keeping him comfortable and he is not able to eat or drink. Thankfully, he is in the comfort of his home.

It is so hard to say goodbye to this amazing man. As an anesthesiologist Gary has touched the lives of many. His gentle smile and kind words soothed countless anxious persons as they faced surgery. He brought his skills to Haiti each year to the poor and needy. He humbly served his Savior in all that he did.

Gary is an incredible husband to Mitzi and a loving father to young teens, Joe and Andy, and college aged Michael and Jessica. Although unable to speak over the last few months, his loving eyes and sweet smile have spoken his love to their hearts.

One year ago today we were romping and playing in the snow with Gary and his family in McCall, Idaho. We knew that Gary's brain tumor was inoperable, but it was thought that it was a slow moving tumor that would be controlled well by medication. We believed we would have years to continue our relationship with Gary here on earth.

I have cared for many dying people. As with birth, the timing of the dying process is hard to predict. Only our Lord knows the day and time of Gary's death. Until then, Gary is surrounded by his loving family, being soothed and comforted just as he has done for so many.