Books, Old Friends and Snow, Snow and more Snow

My Mom is totally awesome! She can read more books each week than anyone I know. I don't know how she does it. She never even took a speed reading class. I, however, slog through books at a painstakingly slow pace. It's not that I don't like to read, I do, but I'm just not made to sit still reading for long periods of time. Therefore, if I can actually finish a book every two weeks or so, I'm doing well.

I really enjoyed the last book I read about football player, Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill's son, who struggled his entire life of nine years with an incurable disease. It was a wonderful testament to the strong faith the couple eventually shared and the love and devotion to their son and finally, each other that kept them together through really dark days.

I also managed to complete a wonderful compilation of stories about miracles, angel encounters and answered prayers. My periodontist loaned it to me. We had so much fun discussing it, he loaned me another one. My current book, however, is about another family that struggles with the loss of a child. This is a topic very dear to my heart, as I've had close friends walk this painful road.

Choosing To See is the story of Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman. He is a very popular Christian songwriter and performer. They have three biological children, all nearly grown, and had adopted three beautiful Chinese girls. Their family seemed so perfect, with the blending of the older big brothers and sister and the precious, yet precocious little preschoolers. Then, in a minute, it all turned tragic, when one of the little girls managed to stray into the path of the family SUV, with one of her older brothers at the wheel. Their perfect story wasn't perfect any more.

I'm enjoying this book, learning about how this couple met and how they began their lives together. I'll let you know how it goes. I already have four books lined up to read after this one. I'm really looking forward to reading the book written by Mark Krebs, the Kentucky Basketball player who's mom struggled to live to see his senior day activities at Rupp Arena. Another I've been wanting to read for years, I finally ordered from Joseph-Beth, Lord, Save Us From Your Followers. Always thought that sounded like a good one.

But, enough about books. We are having our weekly Wednesday snowfall. Last Wednesday, I was driving around Lexington in that white stuff, hoping to get home before our driveway was impassable. I had hoped to get out today, the jury is still out on that one.

The weather has made getting together with old friends particularly difficult. Our monthly get togethers with our fellow Class of '74 alumni have ground to a halt. It's impossible to plan things like that with this type of winter. I miss seeing my friends. It's always so great reminiscing about old times and catching up on everyone's lives now.

Because I'm very active in planning our reunions, I'm always hoping to see new faces each time we meet. Sadly I learned yesterday that one of those classmates will never make a reunion. It's always such a shock when you see an obituary for one of your schooltime buddies. I hate it that I missed the chance to catch up with my junior high school buddy, Wesley.

My house was turned into a dog grooming salon yesterday and this morning. Five fuzzy white dogs got their baths and their coats brushed out, kinda. I'm still working on it.

I hope you're staying warm and safe. We're doing our best here. Take care......luv, Susan