For Richer, For Poorer, In Sickness and In Health...

It's been a good day so far.  Charlotte is resting peacefully and watching the Backyardigans.  She's not too talkative and doesn't have much of an appetite but otherwise seems to be a-ok.  The tremors actually seem to have lessened significantly and she is not in any pain. 

Auntie Retta has been here since we came up from recovery and just left a little while ago.  She visited with Charlotte (and us) for a while.  It was good to talk, laugh, sing, share stories... drink coffee...

Roger and I got out for a little fresh air and a walk.  We sat in the garden at the Museum of the Confederacy (have you ever been there?  It's a Richmond treasure!) and talked and cried and talked (and cried).  I think that emotionally we are very much on the same level and in the same place and that is a good thing.  We're not in a great place but at least we are there together.  We talked a lot about what our life may look like in the near (and far) future.  Definitely more near than far.  I am so glad we had that time together today.

A week from today, Roger and I will celebrate 12 years of marriage.  While we may not be in a celebratory mood, I think we do have much to celebrate.  This year has definitely made the whole "for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health" thing pretty real.   At the risk of sounding schmaltzy, I wouldn't pick anyone else to have on this journey with me. 

I have had many favorite scriptures floating around in my head these days.  One of my all time faves, the 8th chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans, was quoted by someone in the guestbook.  My favorite part of that chapter (verse 28): "And we know that all things work together for good for those that love Him and are called according to his Purpose."

Another favorite that has been on my mind was read at our wedding (from Ecclesiastes 3):

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to
 cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

I think that just about sums it up. 

Whew.

I plan to stay here for another few hours and then I will head home for some rest and reprieve.  I definitely feel more at "home" where Roger and Charlotte are but I know a good night's sleep in a good bed will do me a WHOLE lot of GOOD. 

We are still looking at going home sometime tomorrow.  Not really sure when that will be.  Of course, the updates will keep coming.

Love and HUGS (I'm stealing this line from Sherry!) :-)

Rachel