WOW! Time Really Does Fly!

So a lot has happened since the New Year. Our family has been visiting a new church. We like it so far. I got to see my parents yesterday at their house for Easter Lunch. As usual, it was beautiful and wonderful. We had a great time visiting with my mom and dad and some other friends who are very special to us.

In March, my students did a great job in the One Act Play, and we have completed a new round of auditions for our spring play.

My oldest son turns 20 years old next week! My 17 year old daughter will be graduating from high school in just a matter of days. My "baby" is such a teenager suddenly. I just can't believe it! I want to sing "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof and shed a tear or two just thinking about it. Everyone knows I am such a crybaby! So what, it's OK! I love my kids, my husband, and my life. I can cry if I want to, right?

Our family has some news . . . some good, some not so great.

The good news is really good . . .

David, my husband, after several years of prayer regarding his career, has accepted a new position. He is now a high school social studies teacher! He absolutely loves it. I warned him that it would be difficult, but he is willingly taking on the challenge and is having a blast.

And now for the "not so great" news . . .

At his last cardiology check up, David found out that his heart is not as strong as it should be. Some people might not know the whole story, so here is the quick rundown.

When David was eight years old he had open heart surgery to repair his aorta valve. Dr. Denton Cooley was his surgeon. The operation was successful, but they knew that he would have to have a new valve one day. That day came in October of 1992. David was 30 years old, in seminary, a full-time minister with two small children and a somewhat demanding wife. ;) We had so many caring friends who took such good care of us. The prayers poured in. Looking back now, I know I was just in a whirlwind of worry and emotion. Perhaps I did not appreciate everything that people did for us at the time, but what I did know was that God was watching over us because I felt so peaceful and calm. Our family members, friends and church family made sure that the kids were taken care of so that I could stay at the hospital as much as possible. I know I was scared, but I also felt that overwhelming feeling of peace that passes understanding that only God can give. We got so many cards, prayer cards, and notes of encouragement from people all over the world. It was very touching. For those of you who helped us out in our time of need, thank you! You may be reading this now wondering if it made a difference. Believe me, it did! You touched our lives in a way that makes a difference in eternity.

Now, 16 years later, David has to have another open-heart surgery. It will probably happen in June, after the school year is over. He will have his aorta root replaced by a surgeon at Baylor Hospital in Plano. We admit that we are once again scared and overwhelmed. The bills, the recovery time, the risk involved are enough to put me right back in that whirlwind of worry again. However, I know that God has a plan. He is in complete control. I have faith that He will bring us through the surgery with a new purpose and vision. He will provide my "Texas shamrocks" along the way to help us through by giving us faith and encouragement, just as He has always done.

If you will, please put us on your prayer list and on your church's prayer list. We will feel the power of your prayers.

Thanks for reading this, by the way! Comment if you would like to. We would love to hear from you. Stay tuned! I'll post updates as we go.

Life is precious! Make it count where it really counts!

With love,

Shannon