Hearts

November 26, 2006

Hello, Everyone,

It is a very long time since I’ve updated this site, and no doubt many of you are wondering what’s happening.  One reason may simply be my laziness, but another is the reality that everything is getting harder for me.  I need help with nearly every move now, although I can still feed myself.  Fortunately my voice, breathing and eating remain strong.  It’s my arms and legs, hands and feet that are weak and unable to do the things I used to do.  Of course, that’s frustrating, but overall I still have a good life. 

I’m grateful for Jim’s faithful attention to all my needs.  Without him I’d have been in a nursing home long ago.  I also have wonderful caregivers who come in for four hours every morning to look after me and give Jim a break.  So, we have much to be grateful for, and I continue to participate in life everyday.  Mostly, I’m just grateful to still be here.  It is now 52 months since we were told I’d likely live 18-24 months, so how can we be anything but grateful?  God is good to us and so are the many wonderful people in our lives!

Both Jim and I want to send our holiday love and greetings to everyone out there.  We know many of you keep up with us at this web site.  Although I don’t expect to update as often as I used to, I’ll still try to keep in touch this way.  Feel free to call us at (507) 278-3874 or write an e-note to:  joanne.decker@mnsu.edu  to keep in touch as well.
 
Our family gathered at my brother’s house (Fr. Ed) in Nicollet for Thanksgiving and then we set up his Christmas tree.  It was a good way to bridge into the Christmas season.  It was good to have both of my nieces and their families with us, and that brought all four of our Godchildren together, too.  They are growing into interesting young people who are a lot of fun to be around.  Jim stuffed and baked the Thanksgiving turkey, and everyone brought the trimmings and offered helping hands. 

During this year, 2006, Jim and I managed to get to Branson three times, once with my brother, Fr. Ed.  We also traveled to Glacier National Park to see God’s marvelous mountains one more time.  We know that our traveling days are limited now, but we enjoy our wonderful home, too, so we are content just to be together here.

May the blessings of our generous and loving God be with all of you during these holidays and throughout the New Year! 

Love,

Earlier months' news:
August 30, 2006
July 2006
June 25, 2006
April 30, 2006
March 2006
January 10, 2006
December 5, 2005
October 27, 2005
September 14, 2005
August 2005
July 8, 2005
June 6, 2005
May 15, 2005
April 7 , 2005
March 14, 2005
February 8, 2005
January 8, 2005
2004 Christmas letter
November 15, 2004
October 14, 2004
September 10. 2004
July 12, 2004
May 28, 2004
April 2004
March 2004
January 2004
December 8, 2003
October 10, 2003
September 15, 2003
August 18, 2003
July 7, 2003
June 2, 2003
May 1, 2003
April 16, 2003
April 4, 2003
March 6, 2003
February 17, 2003
January 21, 2003
January 14, 2003
January 1, 2003
December 2002
November 2002