This empty nest thing really has it's ups and downs. On one hand, it it nice not to have any schedule to keep straight except mine and Ted's, on the other hand, I really miss having the girls around...Ted's schedule keeps him away at either work or meetings much of the time. I have not found myself lacking for things to do, however.

I think that Carli and her friends are having a little bit of a rough time transitioning to her being back at school. Many of her good friends graduated last year, and the friends that are still at GCC don't always know how to relate to her. She definitely is NOT the same person that left GCC last April...priorities are so different for her now than most college kids...she finds it hard when girls complain about things that Carli sees as trivial...but isn't that human nature? We are all in different stages of the journey, and some folks have had more uphill battles than others. Most kids her age have not had to face the possibility of dying, and they don't know how to relate to someone who has been in that position. Please pray for Carli to have patience with those who don't quite "get it", and for her friends to be accepting and patient with her, too!

Keep my dad in your prayers as he is being "set free" from the nursing home on Monday. There are many things to consider before he can be at home on his own. My sister, Susan, is going to stay with him a few days until we see if he can do everything that he needs to do. He is still very short of breath with any activity, which is a concern. Medications are still being adjusted and we are hoping for the right combination!

I still am very thankful for our church family who has been visiting my dad and uplifting his spirits. God continues to bless our family, and I pray that He will be real to those who continue to read my ramblings!!