Nov 19 Update - Part 2

I want to catch you up briefly on the process of Abigail and baby Wieler.

Rebecca, our oldest daughter came to visit late summer and she brought with her, treasures for this new niece or nephew. She spent hours shopping and sourcing out pieces for the Narnia theme Abigail has chosen. As only Rebecca can do, each piece had meaning and promise attached to it. As the nursery took shape, Rebecca’s gifts came front and centre in the planning. Her love for her sister will be seen in the room.

Two weekends ago Abigail and Jamie assembled the baby furniture. Listening to them as they read instructions and solved the puzzles of assembly, was a balm to my soul. Last weekend, with the help of her sister in law, the nursery was organized. All the baby clothes washed and ready.

Abigail is nesting and I get to help. The privilege of that leaves me humbled and filled with a quiet joy.

Yesterday, at the advice of one of the nurses, I did not go to the Hospital. Instead, I ran some errands, one of them at a large mall. As I was making my way back to my car I passed the giant Christmas tree. I heard, then saw two young boys run toward the balcony and look over at the wonder of it. The un-feigned joy of discovery made me stop in my tracks. Christmas is coming, this season of lights and celebration.

And this last piece before I let you go. Yesterday, Abigail and I felt that risotto might be something we would enjoy, and steak. I had nearly all the necessary ingredients save white wine, good cheese and an onion. I went to a small strip mall near to their home and on my way to the Wine store found a wonderful delicatessen. A place of delightful provision and I stood quietly and took it all in. The kind of shop that ‘foodies’ find both exhalation and solace. I purchased what I needed and then off to get the white wine. I asked the owner if he might have a half size bottle of white. “No”, was the reply, “but I have it in a can”. I thought he was joking with me but no, right in front of me was a beer size can of Riesling. Who knew?? I can see Benjamin cringing as I write this, but it was all I needed for the recipe. Yes, I can hear all the disclaimers, ‘you should not cook with a wine you are not willing to drink’ but may I say, the risotto rocked.

Abigail and I quietly sat eating dinner. There was something on it. This sense that we were not eating to keep ourselves going but eating with a sense of celebration of the road turning toward His promises for all our futures.

With love