Update on Grandpa Jack

This picture means the world to me.. doesn't Johanna look the picture of happiness and security?  James' wonderful Dad *Grandpa Jack* was diagnosed 6 years ago with spinocerebellar ataxia.   In laymen's vocabulary part of his brain is shrinking causing him to lose motor and speech abilities. 

It's been very difficult to watch this tall, strong, independent man become confined to a wheelchair and unable to talk.  As I've watched how Grandpa Jack has dealt with and confronted this crippling disease I am always reminded of Habakkuk 3:17 - 19 "Even though the fig tree shall not blossom, or the fruit be in the vines;  the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall  yield no meat;  the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:  Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  The Lord God is my strength, and HE will make my feet like hinds' feet, and HE will make me to walk upon mine high places."  No matter the sadness and disappointments that life has given Grandpa Jack he has faced every.single.battle with a smile on his face, acceptance in his soul and the knowledge that his loving heavenly Father still loves him even though he is suffering.  There is no pity-party going on, just loving acceptance that God will get me through this.  What an example to us all of how to *finish well* the race of life;  to bless God's name no matter what our personal difficulties.   We may be hugging Grandpa Jack's neck for the last time on this earth tomorrow morning.. so please pray for grace and peace in our hearts.  We so wish we could stay and live here for the next year and help out and make life easier for Nana..  but at the same time clearly know that is not God's plan right now for our family ~ our hearts are breaking to be quite honest.

Well we're packed and ready to go.. and about to pack up the computer so I better end.  Pray as we fly out of San Antonio tomorrow morning.  And pray for all those passengers and flight attendants on Flight 46 non-stop from Atlanta to Moscow tomorrow.. :0  they will be the ones needing grace - heh! :)

Thank you for your prayers and love for our family... we can never re-pay the kindness we have been shown by so many the last 3 months.. May God richly repay you.