Soulish Songs

Quick update and then some entertainment... Grace is off the ice!  She arrived in New Zealand from Antarctica, received her formerly lost passport, and is scheduled to return home Sunday morning.  We are thrilled to have her back around for a little while, at least.


Today was filled with more visitors for Dad.  There are several scheduled for tomorrow, which is probably the last day we'll be allowing visitors.  If you still want to see him tomorrow, let us know and we'll make it happen.  It is amazing to see the outpouring of love for Dad from so many circles of influence that he had.  Like I've said before, Dad would be very embarrassed to be receiving so much love, but we're appreciative on his behalf!  If you don't know, Dad shunned the spotlight... so much so that one day when he came home to discover (prior to walking in the front door) that his mom had thrown a surprise party for him, he high-tailed it away from home until the guests left. :)

Mom is holding up incredibly well.  This is also a real answer to prayer.  She graciously welcoming Dad's visitors, keeping a close eye on the care Dad is receiving, and listening to or sharing stories with those who want to process all of the recent events.

Sarah went to see Dad a couple of days ago.  You may recall that she didn't want to see him until he woke up.  She said it reminded her too much of when Grandma died.  Mom told her that Dad may not wake up, which was enough to convince her head to the hospital.  She is doing well with everything, thanks to all of the prayers and the tangible acts of love by many of our friends, who have taken her out for mid-day adventures, driven her to work, etc.

Thanks for all the support - and I really mean it.  My colleagues have been amazing - cutting me slack when I need it, blessing me with encouraging notes/cards/gifts, and lending me listening ears.  Friends (new and old) and family are real gifts from God in times like these.

I have been enjoying the quotes and verses and songs that people have been sending.  A couple of good songs came today by way of sister Grace and Ron Piña (thanks!).  Enjoy:


If I Could by Jack Johnson (click on title to hear the song)

A brand new baby was born yesterday
Just in time
Papa cried, baby cried
Said "Your tears are like mine"
I heard some words
From a friend on the phone
That didn't sound so good
The doctor gave him two weeks to live
I'd give him more if I could

You know that I would now
If only I could
You know that I would now
If only I could

Down the middle drops one more
Grain of sand
They say that
New life makes losing life easier to understand
Words are kind
They helped ease the mind
I'll miss my old friend
And though you gotta go
We'll keep a piece of your soul
One goes out




Train Song by Josh Garrels (click on title to hear the song)


Shame on you, shame on me
Lord he took all our shame and pain, and set men free
And I’ve got that fire on the mountain
Fire in my soul
It’s been a long time coming, long time
And ready to go
I’m stepping out the door
Doing what feels right
Following my Lord, through the darkest night
And when the path gets narrow
I’ll follow him
And when the world comes down, around
I’ll follow him
He said, sing it on the mountain
Or in the valley low
He’s my God, and he never let me go
He said, sing it on the mountain
Or fight in valley low
Every mans going to see, and everyone will know
That peace runs deep in him
I said peace runs deep in him
Peace runs deep in him.
One comes in

You know that I would now
If only I could
You know that I would now
If only I could




Now, I'll close with a conversation I had with Siena yesterday, as we drove to visit the cousins.  Sam had been talking to Siena about Poppy earlier in the day, and she must have still been thinking about their conversation.  As we drove, Siena was jabbering away in the back seat and then came up with this hilariously sweet dialogue:


Siena: Daddy-O [her name for me], Poppy go see Jesus!
Me: Yes, Sweetie... Poppy will probably go to see Jesus very soon.
Siena: Poppy no hit Jesus... Jesus nice!
Me: That's right, Poppy wouldn't want to hit Jesus, because Jesus is nice.
Siena: Poppy say "hi Jesus!"
Me: Yeah, Poppy will say hi to Jesus.
Siena: More say hi Jesus!  [translation: I want to say hi to Jesus.]


Out of the mouth of babes....