It is hard to believe that so much can happen in one week.
The ice storm that crippled Northeast Indiana left us without electricity for 36 hours. Some in our area have gone the whole week without. It is tough to keep warm with the temperature in the 20's F. In the midst of the power outage we received a phone call that my mother died on Saturday, December 20.

We are celebrating my mother's home-going. She has suffered from Alzheimer's for at least the last five years. We are now suspicious that my father was aware of it before his death in 2000 but he covered for her. The last three years have been very difficult to observe her decline. Miriam and I were to visit her in October over Canadian Thanksgiving - it was so very sad for us. It has been a long time since there was any hint of recognition. My sisters have done a wonderful job of caring for her through these years.

We left for Ontario late Saturday evening arriving at my sister's house at 4:30 a.m. We drove through the night to avoid a huge snow storm that was moving east at a rapid pace. My brother and his wife from Illinois traveled through the storm.

Sunday evening we were storm stayed at the Funeral home. Fortunately church folks in the town of Listowel were able to find enough beds to put all of my extended family members up for the night. Monday was still pretty stormy. We had an indoor committal service after the funeral and there will be a spring interment of mother's body.

Just to keep things interesting we returned immediately to Indiana so I could keep a doctor's appointment. I was to have an office procedure but it turned out he wanted me in the hospital over night following the procedure to clear a bladder blockage. Everything went well according to the doctor and I am resting comfortably at home over Christmas.

Our daughters and son-in-law all arrived safely for Christmas and will be with us for Sunday the 28th when the church will host our farewell (after 14.5 years) and commissioning service (for Nigeria as their representatives). There are plans for a congregational dinner at noon and then an open house from 1-3 for the larger community and friends.

Wishing you well in this season.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
May the Prince of Peace reign!