Dear Ones,
I'm sitting here with tears of complete gratitude running down my face for all of you, it is 11:12 pm.
I can't say it was an easy day, but it was a day filled with grace. All of you were with me, and, u-dog, yes, the Holy Spirit gave me a sermon, out of my brokeness. Both services were meaningful and completely from the heart of God, I had nothing left to give. By the way, u-dog, I didn't know you are minister too (you must e-mail me privately! Are you married too? Sorry if that is asking for too much!
Honestly, I almost didn't go to either service, almost just headed to the hospital knowing that both congregations would understand. Something deep within me said no, so I went. And for the first time ever, I stood in front of my congregations on Palm Sunday, in 501's and a purple shirt and white tennis shoes and shared from the depths of my heart....of brokeness and hope...a hope that is eternal, that outlives all of our pain, all of our sorrows...a hope that is more real, more tangible, than any physical thing we can put our hands on.
Anne and I then went to the hospital to find that Nicole was able to take a shower, was sitting up in bed in the pink PJ's we had bought her, and we saw that same hope in her eyes.
I think I've told all of you that she is going to have another C.T. scan on Tues of this week. Deep in my heart I truly believe all is well.
u-dog, Zerbie, Andy, Kara, Lydia, you will never know the strength your prayers and love have given me (and Anne) through this. You know, the Methodists talk of the "connection" we have as Methodists, they have no idea.
With Love, and complete Gratitude, Vern