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Circles

Monday, August 22, 2005 2:34 AM CDT

A day of circles complete. Updating friends who are close in heart, but far in distance. Laughing and crying together as we share memories of a man who leaves an indelible mark on everyone he meets.

Zach came home a day early. It was hard for him, as he missed the gradual decline, and even though he was updated over the phone, it's something else entirely to see his strong, vibrant Dad this way.

Kate was definitely waiting for Zach to come home to allow this process to become real for her. Kenny's been very in tune all along, he's incredibly perceptive, and always, always cuts right to the heart of the matter.

There is lots to share, but I have to get some sleep, so will sum it up by saying, the kids each spent much time with me, crying and hugging and talking it out. They are so Dave's kids! They are in the moment with their feelings, honest and true and deep. They allow the waves of hurt to come, and reach out to me, and I hold them close. We work it through together. The time with just us has been so precious. The kids shared many, many favorite memories of their Dad. Pictures in our hearts. Then they each spent some quiet individual time with Dad to share with him what is in their hearts.

It was hard. It was real. It was an honor, to be their shepherd, their guide through this valley and to help them turn to the only One who can ever fully answer the questions. They honor and reflect their father in so many ways, and are learning to honor and reflect their heavenly Father as Dave does.

Dave is sleeping now. He has not had a time of real alertness today. He mostly rests easily, he does complain when we move him! He still flutters his eyes and his breathing rate increases when someone talks with him. I know it's driving him crazy not to be able to talk back, and I sense that he is hearing.

There is much more, so many to thank, so many who have been here. That will have to wait until I'm less rummy! Denise, thanks for coming when I was sure I couldn't take one more step on this journey. With you, I can.

Love, Shell

Romans 8:35-39

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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