The last few weeks…

Phil completed the London Marathon with 3 pastors from Willow Park Church. 26 crowded, hot miles through the streets of London. What an inspiration! Enjoy Phils pic crossing the line, holding pastor Gary’s hand. Precious. Phil got to chat with Rich Branson which was a highlight. In fact, he received an email this week from Rich ‘a personal thank you from Richard Branson’ he wrote about Phil’s dedication, how he was encouraged by him and felt a bit jealous as he didn’t run it himself this year.

Very nice of him – I think the other 36,000 who received the email were made to feel special too.

We smile as we receive constant reports of the UK heatwave, where April showers are a thing of the past, we are so happy for you all, no really, so happy.

 

A recent facebook status of mine was ‘a dislocated funny bone is a miserable condition’

Me, trying to be clever, telling my friends I needed a good laugh. I love to laugh and sometimes life can get a little serious.

Fishbowl living, handled in a certain way can do that to you.

I have been encouraged by a good friend to ‘be true to yourself’ and breathe a sigh of relief.

I want my wrinkles to be in the right places…

‘Family Squeeze’ is my most recent read.

A tale written by a funny man who writes about being sandwiched between 2 generations. The joys of teens and parents. And sometimes parenting parents. He brings a certain smile and even hilarity to some situations.

A poignant book.

Phil returned from London, not only having run the marathon but also running an even bigger marathon of emotions prior to the run. He went to visit his Mom, Val, a beautiful woman – feisty, faith filled and funny. Val has early onset dementia which couldn’t be managed at home, after much thought, advice and prayer. God put an escape plan in place and we are so thankful that Val has moved into a care home in Burnley to be near Phil’s bro and family.  Phil and his Mom managed to laugh a lot, with blanks being filled in along the way ‘well I knew there were 4 kids, but I didn’t know they were yours!’ Where memories of 40 years ago are as clear as day but the now is fuzzy. Reminding her through photos of who we all are. ‘Oh yes, of course – I always liked her’

It feels too soon for this season and that Val’s journey is far from over, I speak of her now as we know we are entering a new phase of her life – where she will need more attention and care – but we hope for years ahead where she will be a great friend to those around her, smiling and laughing with her visitors and no doubt getting up to some mischief in her care home.

We also know her Lord who has counted all her days and ‘surely goodness and mercy shall follow her all the days of her life’

 

Phil and I attended the ‘Mennonite Pastors and Spouse’ conference here in Kelowna. Big title. Basically, a little R&R, connecting with other BC pastors from our denomination, hearing a great speaker – Mark Buchanan. I like him. One you want to go up to and say. I totally get what you are saying – you know? In addition to all of that we ate a lot of food at the Manteo Resort. Always a winner.

What else – the Royal Wedding of course, Bella started soccer which she loves, the little people got a new fort for the yard, the bears are waking up.

Speaking of the yard – see our new daily visitor. We call him Rob.

 

To close this Springtime chat. Here is one of my favourite verses from the Lover of my soul:

 

Song of Solomon 2:10-13

Get up, my dear friend,

fair and beautiful lover—come to me!

Look around you: Winter is over;

the winter rains are over, gone!

Spring flowers are in blossom all over.

The whole world’s a choir—and singing!

Spring warblers are filling the forest

with sweet arpeggios.

Lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed,

and cherry trees fragrant with blossoms.

Oh, get up, dear friend,

my fair and beautiful lover—come to me!

Come, my shy and modest dove—

leave your seclusion, come out in the open.

Let me see your face,

let me hear your voice.

For your voice is soothing

and your face is ravishing.