Right now...5:38 a.m., and Bret just left with my mom to go to the VA hospital for a biopsy. The nodules he has in his lungs have been there for over a decade and have caused no problems thus far, but they have to monitor any growth, and even though I have solicited prayers from just about everyone I know, and although Bret was able to receive an annointing from one of the Fathers of Mercy yesterday after Mass, I still feel nervous. It is not always easy to follow the advice of St. Padre Pio: "Pray, hope, and don't worry."
This weekend...was lovely. Spent the whole day Friday with my friends Cindy and Dale, and 8 of their 10 kids. Our kids were all busy, busy, busy all day long, and completely worn out by the time we got home in the evening.
On Saturday, Bret went out to the property in KY to work on the house. We cleaned house here, and I made a batch of cookie dough, which Una and Sebastian baked up (oh, the blessing of older children!). The cookies are pretty good for being as full of healthy stuff as they are.
Yesterday we went to Mass at the Fathers of Mercy. We all got to confession, and, as I said, Bret received an annointing, as one of the Fathers recommended it. We did not stay after that, as the priests are on their annual retreat right now. We picked up a few things at the store on the way home, and spent a relaxing afternoon watching Gomer Pyle, USMC (which I don't like at all, but Bret and the kids seem to think riotously funny), and later in the evening, The Prisoner (which I did like very much). I meant to knit, but instead I worked on my writing, transcribing about 8 or 9 pages of scribble in my notebook to Microsoft Word. I still write best in longhand, so it's a bit tedious.
Some plans for the week...and they are many. I have to make phone calls, cancelling a dental appointment for lack of funds right now, and make an appointment for Dominic at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for hernia surgery. I have been calling for going on 3 weeks now, and they simply do not get back with me. It's getting a bit irritating. Fortunately, the hernia is very slight right now and gives Dominic no trouble. But I need to get it done at some point. I need to turn in my curriculum list to my umbrella school, which is right now a list of books I haven't even ordered yet. Bret's not had work in two weeks due to things being slow right now, so I haven't been able to order the books yet; fortunately, I have enough around here to keep everyone busy until I can order the new things. Tomorrow Dominic has a checkup with his ENT to make sure the holes from the ear tubes are all healed up. We have a holy day of obligation on Wednesday, and I hope Bret will not be working too late for us to make the late Mass.
If I manage to find some time for myself, I want to...finish Una's skirt (I had hoped to last week) and work on my knitting. I need to look though my stash and see what I have that can be used for Christmas projects.
I am grateful for...my mother's willingness to drive Bret to his appointment in Nashville; the many, many prayers going out for Bret and our family from friends and acquaintances; a weekend of relatively cool, breezy weather (a lovely break from the seemingly relentless heat!); beautiful music; G.K. Chesterton and his quirky characters; poetry; friendship.
Some prayer intentions for this week: Mainly for patience and peace as we await the results of Bret's biopsy and for a happy result. We went through this two years ago when a nodule had grown, and it is always nerve wracking. For things to pick up at Bret's shop so that we can pay for the myriad expenses that come up every fall and winter. Right now, those are the things that occupy my thoughts and prayers.
Something that makes me smile: Gemma and Abby
Well, you know that Bret is in our prayers, but I just wanted to tell you again! It will be okay. Peace, love, and prayers! +JMJ+
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