Well, here it is the middle of summer and time is flying by. It's been a quiet time here in the Blue Ridge the past few weeks. Not many visitors and not much going on. But a lot of peace and quiet and beauty surround us as always. It's a pleasure to wake up each morning with another day to enjoy and appreciate all that God has given us.

However, we've had our share of heartaches already this summer. Daughter Dale was diagnosed with kidney failure the end of May. The doctors felt it was serious enough to begin dialysis immediately even though there were no symptoms other than fatigue. I am in constant contact with her even though there are 1000 miles between us and was concerned about her lack of motivation. It was when her labs were checked for her annual physical that the kidney function was discovered. Immediately we began to make plans for a  trip west to be with her. We were in Wisconsin within a week of the diagnosis and before her first dialysis treatment.

Meeting with her doctor and other technicians who were administering the dialysis, we were told that without this  treatment she would not survive to see another Christmas. With the treatment, she would live a normal life other than spending three days a week in the hospital. Surgery was performed to create a temporary entrance for the dialysis. It was in her chest, prone to infection and inconvenience in that she could not bathe or shower or get the tubes wet. She was not happy but was willing to go through with the process.

That was six weeks ago. Yesterday she met with the doctor who will create a permanent entrance for the dialysis - called a fistula - next week. It will be another surgery and will take approximately six weeks to heal and be ready to use.

That said, the results of her latest labs are showing improvement. She is no longer in kidney failure but a long ways from being normal. Sometimes I question the wisdom of going through the process of implanting the fistula but then I realize that the danger of infection from the current trail needs to be eliminated. The doctor who is treating her told us in the beginning there was little or no chance of her kidneys healing. But this week he admitted that the improvement was surprising and there was a very slim chance that they would be normal one day. I feel our prayers are being answered. I know that God can do anything and will continue to pray that Dale's life can return to normal.

Other than that, life is good. We will be celebrating our 57th anniversary this weekend with a trip to Charlotte, NC and the Billy Graham Library. This is a place we've wanted to see for a long time and should be a wonderful time.

The month ahead holds some fun times with the Moody family staying at nearby Smith Mountain Lake for a week and a visit to Chesapeake for Grandson Jake's graduation from welding school. Then the fall season will be upon us with cooler weather, the beauty of the mountains and a nice long visit with Dale.

Until next time......God's richest blessings as we trust Him for all our needs.

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Phil 4;6