GOD'S AWESOME PROMISE OF SPRING

I am feeling so very blessed this morning.  Even though it is frigid outside, the sun is shining and I saw so many signs of Spring when I was getting the mail and the paper. First, I heard a bird singing from the tree over our driveway.  As I continued to look for the source of the melodious sound, I finally saw him atop a nearby tree.  It was a bluebird!!  Wow, that lifts my spirits so much I can hardly put it into words.  Not only is it warm enough for them to start househunting for their future family, but they are coming back to my yard, even after the horrible experience of last summer.

I figured after that sighting, I would check the garden to see if any of my flower bulbs had dared to pop up through the frozen ground with their green sprouts.  I was actually shocked to see evidence of all the daffodils, hyacinth and tulips pushing their way up through the soil.  I am delighted to say the least.Thank you, God, for showing me the wondrous works of your hands.

As I read my Upperroom devotion for today, it was comforting to read one of my most favorite scriptures, Proverbs 3:1-6.  The most familiar being verses five and six," Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight". The story with the scripture was wonderful.  It was for those dealing with alcoholism or any addictions.  I'm thankful not to have addictions, except to some foods, but it was a worthwhile read, as it is everyday.

In my last blog I mentioned my father-in-law's hospital stay and his latest improvement.  Sadly, Dad Libby had rough days ahead as the doctors found what I understood to be a perforated bowel.  He was no longer able to eat, and surgery was not an option.  He passed away one week after he had sat up and had his bowl of sherbert in bed.

All the Libby boys made it down to be with him and Mom in those weeks.  I was able to stay on with Mom, who had daytime caregivers.  I was there for over two weeks as she was actually getting stronger and able to walk a little more steadily with her walker, after getting physical therapy three times a week. Unfortunately, she came down with an aggressive urinary tract infection that apparently sent her body into some sort of septic shock.  This happened the night of the Superbowl and I called her daytime caregiver to come extra early the following morning.  After talking to her doctors office, she was taken to the ER and eventually put on a respirator.  Mom was in the hospital and improved for six days, but then started declining on day seven.  Hospice took over her care and she passed within hours after my last goodbye to her.  It was only about 25 minutes after her son had left her bedside.  Staying at Mom and Dad's house the last two weeks of my month long stay was very strange.  I came home with my sister and brother-in-law, who had been vacationing nearby.

We will have a memorial service for them both, this summer, on Dad's beloved island of Vinalhaven.  We will share our memories with their many friends, who spend their summers in Maine; with our large family of Libbys, who will gather for the occasion, and we will scatter their ashes somewhere over Old Harbor, where they spent many years of their retirement enjoying island life and each other.  We will continue to miss them both dearly and are comforted knowing they're together and will be there to greet us when our time comes to join them in heaven. Thank you, God, for your awesome promise of eternal life.

I hope you are seeing the wonderful signs of Spring as I have been.  Please, take care and stay warm.  love, Susan