Celebration!

Prayer:   Thanks and Requests

Thank you so much for praying for our trip to Ca.  The first day of our trip was amazing and we were so aware of people praying for us.  We were especially thankful for the perfect gas station in Oregon where Chuck was able to park close to the bathroom and not have to use the scooter.  Then that night we used a cheapie coupon for a quick stop-over and the hotel ended up having the best handicapped bathroom Chuck has used yet.  He had a glorious shower in the morning and we were so thankful.  On the way back our trip was not so refreshing but we were aware of God's protection.  Chuck accidentally got in an exit only lane that exited off I 5  onto 14 headed toward Lancaster and Palmdale.  No big deal except the right lane exited onto the left land of the new freeway at the beginning of rush hour and the Suburban's engine died.  Chuck was able to barely fit onto the left shoulder.  The Suburban shook each time a vehicle whizzed by.  Chuck had recently gone on AAA because our vehicles' mileage have crept up (like our age!) and so he phoned to ask for help.  I have never asked God to send angels to protect us but I did that afternoon.  Soon a California Highway Patrolman squeezed in by Chuck's window.  He informed us he would stop traffic and and a 2nd patrolman would push us to the right side which was wider and less dangerous.  So, three lanes of freeway traffic came to a stop and a patrol car with a special bumper pushed us across the empty freeway.  Then the AAA tow truck arrived.  The driver was a delightful little wizened Mexican man who reminded me of an agile monkey as he climbed up and down.  The law required us to ride in the tow truck. The driver helped me help Chuck make it up into the high cab.  It was even more of a challenge later for Chuck to exit the cab and the driver was so kind and helpful.  Our gauge had said we had 49 miles left in the tank but the driver suggested he take us to a gas station and try putting gas in our car before towing us to the dealer. At the gas station I enjoyed watching his agility as he climbed up and down again and gassed up the Suburban while it was up on the large tow truck.  The Suburban started immediately.  We were so thankful to the driver and as we were giving him a tip I told him that I had prayed the Lord would protect us and send angels.  He got a big smile on his face and pointed to his name tag which said Angelo! So thanks to each of you who prayed for our safety while we were on our trip.  I know it has been quite awhile since I wrote on the blog and am thankful for the prodding of friends who are asking us how to pray.  We want to say thank you for praying for Chuck's TMJ and shoulder pain.  Both are now minimal.  His sleep quality is poor because it is more difficult to turn or move.  Also Chuck's legs tighten during the night and then he can get cramps if he straightens them too quickly.   Chuck's left arm/hand have been losing some function.  We are so thankful that he is able to use his walker but even though he is weaker.  Chuck asks that you continue to pray for healing and also for encouragement.  And for those who asked, we have made zero progress on the bathroom remodel.  That will be our first priority when we get back.

So why is today's blog titled Celebration?  When we get back from where?  The why is an early 40th anniversary celebration. The where is an Alaskan cruise!   The when is we leave on June 9th and return on June 16th and then celebrate again in Aug.!