All Is Not Always Well

Life has a way of cruising along and all is well, and then it throws you a curve ball. You never quite know when it's coming, but right about the time you realize it's on its way it's across home plate and you didn't even have enough time to get into a stance. This is particularly true when someone in your family who's almost always healthy isn't feeling well, especially when it's one of your parents. Then, all of the sudden, all is not always well.

My Dad hasn't been feeling so hot lately, but I didn't know how badly until I called home the other evening and my parents didn't answer the phone. I figured they were out to dinner or something, only to get a call the next day from my Mom that Dad was in the hospital for some strange condition I'd never heard of. He's now home and is better than before, but is still extremely fatigued.

I wouldn't normally post about something like this, but felt I wanted to journal the off-balance and catawampus feelings I experience whenever someone close to me gets ill. My emotions are no different than anyone else's, I'm sure, but it's a strange and uncomfortable phenomenon that must be dealt with.

It's not natural that people, family members get sick. We were not created for this, but to live eternally without blemish or hardship. So it's natural that it feels unnatural. And it's particularly unnatural when it's one of your parents because no matter how young or old you are you always think of Mom and Dad as invincible. Whether my children realize this or not about Victoria and me, it's probably true for them as much as it is for me with my parents. I pray often for a long and healthy life; not for my benefit, but for theirs, especially the little ones. Moms and dads represent a strong sense of security in life, regardless of whether you're physically close in proximity or not. I'm glad God created us this way because it's a magnetic pull to find security in Him, the one who will never grow old, never grow weary and never fail. And since I'm (we're) created to find security in those who care for us most, our world is shaken when they are not feeling the way that you've always known or envisioned them to be. This is all the more reason why all children need mommies and daddies. They need that peace, that sense of belonging that can only come with parents. That's why, among so many reasons, Victoria and I believe in adoption. 

So tonight, and tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day after that I'm praying for my Dad (and my Mom too). I've always prayed for them everyday, but at times like this I pray even harder, more passionately, and with deeper conviction. This too is a good thing because it raises the level of appreciation to where it should always be sustained. And it's another reminder to me that I need thank God for being God, His eternal care over my soul and the security and rest I find in Him.

"So, Dad, I know you're probably going to read this, and that's O. K. I write because I love, and I love because..., well, just because; I can't help it. Victoria is praying too, as are all of your grandchildren (and there's a lot of em' out comin' out of this household). Thank you to you and Mom for making me feel so secure; and thank you for helping me see the inseparable security the Father gives, whether you realized you were pointing me to Him or not.

I love you.  All really is well,

Tom (& Victoria, & Austin, & Meagan, & Annie, & Barret, & Poppy, & Willow)"