Seasons

It's been awhile. And, honestly, writing has been the last thing on my mind. It feels like decades since I last wrote because, well, 2020 and all. So many things have changed since 2019. 

First and foremost, Samantha is now completely off all her medicines. She has been doing great and shows no signs of Pulmonary Hypertension anymore. Thank you, God!!

And then there is TJ, my oldest. He graduated from a local community college in 2020 with a degree in Graphic Design, but he had a very big change in career paths the summer of 2019.  He made the decision to become a pastor!! He has a real heart for the homeless. In the summers of 2017, 2018, and 2019, he spent time serving the homeless community in San Francisco. He graduated from Biola University in 2022 and is now working as a chaplain while he finishes his Masters in Divinity.   Thank you, God!!

TL has grown into a bean pole and is maturing as well. He had some bumps in the road, but I feel like he is coming into his own. He and I have a surprise in store for everyone in the next few months...stay tuned.  Thank you, God!!

For my husband and I, we still work remotely. It has been a blessing for our family. I have been blessed with several promotions and a great boss.  Sadly, he retired this year. However, the company is now led by someone I have worked with for many years and I am excited at the growth opportunities. Thank you, God!!

We were also blessed in 2022 to purchase a beautiful two-story home with a pool and lots of fruit trees.  Thank you, God!!

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18

But, not everything has been great. 

Last year, we lost our oldest cat (he was 19) after a long battle with liver cancer.  Then we got a beautiful bunny named Reba in November.  Sadly, she passed suddenly on Valentine's day this year.  Samantha absolutely loved her. It was a very hard loss that had Samantha on her knees crying out to God.

We ended up getting a new kitten, named Max and shortly after found out he had asthma.  He is now on meds and it mostly controlled.  Through all that, our now-oldest cat, Jingles was diagnosed with a hear condition and is on meds now too (he is 12).

Also this year, I was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer. There is no cure or remission.  It is called polycythemia vera. I am often low on energy and I hate it. One treatment they do is therapeutic phlebotomies, which mean they draw a pint of blood and throw it away after (I cannot donate blood anymore). This has been very hard on my husband and kids.  

However, even in these storms I will praise God.  Thank you, God!!

Overall, our family is doing well.  We are relying on God to get us through the tough times and praising him in the good times. None of it is perfect. None of it is painless.  There are days I just sit and cry.  There are days I feel like I have absolutely no say in my life. And then there are days when God's generosity and provisions knock me off my feet. Very truly I say: Thank you, God!!