I had not thought of the possibility of Matthew and Rachael being twins... Are they?  Their confirmation by the Bishop of Chester sounds wonderful.

Every good wish for the driving  Sounds like bain and blessings.  But, yes, those conditions were not ideal!

So the 31st is the big day.  Prayers for that.

Love and blessings,

Sheila

Sheila

No, Matthew and Rachael are not twins. Rachael was 18 on September 3rd and Matthew was 16 on May 25th...

Rachael has moderate/severe learning disabilities and Matthew has a severe language disorder and Attention Deficit disorder. The extent of his difficulty is such that he still has Speech Therapy now on a regular basis. Rachael has always been (and continues) in special education.

It was a very special evening. They had thought long and hard about being confirmed and the Rector has been very care-full with both of them. I specifically left them in his charge when I left and he knew what I was doing and why. Rachael in particular has been hurt in the church by some people's attitudes (which she has not really understood) and why some people "act funny" with her. You see, she has no insight into her disabilties whatsoever.

However, if you were to meet her, you would soon know that she has one of the sharpest and most discerning spirits of anyone I have ever met. She has a clear faith that radiates from her - and a clear understanding that does not need long words or complicated theology - she is simply (and profoundly) "a child of God" and will remain so. I am blessed.

Matthew has a much harder time - he knows he struggles and it is therefore much harder for him. However, he has found worth in his faith, and in the church, where he has been affirmed. He acts as sidesman and it is his job to greet people as they arrive. To acheive this is a huge thing for him, and for Joan (another sidesperson) to take him under her wing and encourage him along has been a great blessing. Everyone knows him and speaks to him, and so he speaks to everyone....How wonderful. Again, I am blessed.

So, when I moved, they didn't.

In spite of everything and the way things appear sometimes, I have so much to be thankful for.

God bless,

With love as ever,

Lesley xx

PS: I'm now practising driving hard, so that when Mum does have her operation, I can drive over to Newark (about 120 miles) and can then get to the supermarket to shop for her etc....How helpful will that be?

Just for today, dear Lord, let me realise that there is nothing that we cannot handle together - and may I pray the same prayer tomorrow.....

That`s really lovely and very interesting.  I should have known they were not twins.  Regarding Rachael`s difficulties, I remember the hurt when someone at church said she would have to go into a lower class - where she belonged!  I snorted with indignation!  And, of course, I remember how well Matthew did in his exams.  Picturing him carrying out his church duties is beautiful.

Thank you.  Lots of love to you all,

 

Sheila

Driving is proving interesting and er...stressful.

It's very taxing actually. I hadn't realised how hard I would need to concentrate and I realise how much damage has been done by the Radiotherapy. I think that driving will be limited to local journeys only for the forseeable future, although I make it to work and back, and church and back OK, which is great for Graham.

I went to see them at the hospital on Tuesday and they've doubled my chemo dose from next week. As it makes me feel pretty gukky for a couple of days as it is, you can imagine, I'm not looking forward to it too much! However, needs must. Even so, it's not a huge dose.

Mum has had her third pre-op and it's all systems go for surgery on Friday. I'm not counting my chickens (or buying train tickets) yet, because last time the op. was cancelled on the day... She's hopeful 'though.

I had the joy of singing Choral Evensong in Chester Cathedral on Saturday night. It was lovely to worship God like this. Very special. It's not (it has to be said) my usual style, but it was lovely, even so. I thought of all the people over hundreds of years who had stood where I was and worshipped the same God. The "communion of saints" is very real in a place like that, where even the floor is worn by the passing of feet...

Dad would have been so proud.

Must go, because I'm writing this in work (I'm having trouble logging in at home, for some reason).

God bless,

With much love as ever,

Lesley xx (and Desmond - who loves trips out in the car!)

Just for today, dear Lord, let me realise that there is nothing that we cannot handle together - and may I pray the same prayer tomorrow.....