What 2010 Could Be

A 17th Century Nun's Prayer

Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself, that I am growing older and will someday be old.

Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.

Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs.

Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy.

With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point.

Seal my lips on my aches and pains.

They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.

I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others' pains, but help me to endure them with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessing cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others.

Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a Saint - some of them are so hard to live with - but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil.

Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people.

And, give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.

AMEN

prayer originally found here

It never rains but...

It seems like it's almost pouring.

1.When I came home from the cruise I learned the details about a 40sumthin' friend who had a heart transplant.Gloria was only on the list for two weeks (!!!) when she had the transplant May 22nd. She has yet to wake up which is not a good thing at all. It's possible her husband may have to make one of those terribly difficult decisions. I visit and talk to her but it's hard to know if she is still 'there'. What must it be like if she is still in that silent immobile body?!!?

2.We found out about a week or so ago, that one of our granddaughters has aplastic anemia. She is getting frequent blood transfusions while waiting to see if her little brother can be a bone marrow donor. Such little ones with such serious, life threatening issues. Bekah and Michael are out in Arizona but their mom has put a journal up on the web for all to follow the daily ups and downs. I shake my head in wonder at the idea of trying to keep a home sterile to avoid infections when Bekah is home.

3.Another friend is very very sick and may be on the liver transplant list. She too has a compromised immune system and is prone to getting sick at the drop of a hat.

4.And what is that you saw at the start of this post? Half a tooth. I broke a tooth when I came home from Charlottesville today. It does feel as tho a lot of things are falling apart right now. I know it all will pass but some of these situations seem mighty heavy right now. The tooth just seemed to be a symbol of not being able to get a handle on so many of the other things.

Payers and healing thoughts are so very welcome.

Prayers Requested for Bekah

Our granddaughter has just been diagnosed with aplastic anemia and is waiting to see if her little brother can be a bone marrow donor. Fortunately, these two children have little or no fear and take it more in stride than their family. Bekah is getting regular blood transfusions now and we hear she is still her happy self.