The Power of Love

Well, James & I just returned from our short but wonderful trip to the beautiful Coeur D' Alene, Idaho. The views we had of the lake and surrounding scenery were breathtaking. It was so nice to get away to the most peaceful place on earth. I could go on and on about the beauty of nature we played in for 4 days, but that was not the most memorable aspect of this recent trip. The part that was amazing and faith-building was the beautiful love I witnessed, shared between a husband and wife. For 4 days, I watched in awe, my mother-in-law be adored and admired every waking minute by her husband. I watched my father-in-law put all of his individual needs and wants aside, just to be by her side and help her with the smallest things like cutting up her salad or the bigger things like taking an hour walk up the road. As most of you may know, my wonderful mother-in-law has been diagnosed this year with brain cancer, for the third time. This time around has been the hardest because she has lost almost all mobility in her left side which has recently put her in a wheelchair. Because of her current condition, many things that the rest of us easily take for granted have been large challenges for her. But you will never hear her complain, and you will never see her unsupported. Whether it be by her adoring younger sister who still looks up to her "big" sister (like all of us little sisters do), by her supportive father who wishes daily that he could trade her places, or by her mother who will drive 2 hours from her own home just to be with her daughter on chemo day. And her incredibly supportive and loving husband who will fly back and forth from St. Louis as many times a week as needed, just to be there when his wife has a bad day. I was also able to watch a mother's 26 year old son wait on her hand and foot, just feeling fortunate enough to be able to do so. After watching all of this for 4 days, it's no wonder I wasn't completely preoccupied with the beautiful scenery. The scenes playing out inside the house, so full of love, was the most beautiful thing I have ever scene.

We love you Becky! You and Steve are an inspiration to James and I, and everyone else that knows you. We feel so lucky to have come up for this recent visit and spend the time with you that we did. Take care of yourself! The Lord loves you both!