Sweet Hour of Prayer

(The first part of this blog was written on Friday - before Dale's dad passed away)

Sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer!

that calls me from a world of care,

and bids me at my Father's throne

make all my wants and wishes known.

In seasons of distress and grief,

my soul has often found relief,

and oft escaped the tempter's snare

by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer!

thy wings shall my petition bear

to him whose truth and faithfulness

engage the waiting soul to bless.

And since he bids me seek his face,

believe his word, and trust his grace,

I'll cast on him my every care,

and wait for thee,

sweet hour of prayer!

I was listening to this hymn by William Walford yesterday (Friday) and thinking about Dad and how I didn't want him to suffer, but go home to be with his Savior. It reminds me of things I had heard and read about hymns - that a lot of them were written in times of trouble or need and were the outpouring of the writers heart to his/her Savior. The pastor's wife of my home church was the niece of John W. Peterson. He came to our church and was telling how he came to write "Over the Sunset Mountains". He was flying during the war and flew over the "Hump" (not sure where that is exactly, but you history buffs and officianados of WWII will likely know - the Himalayans I think). As he was flying, the sun was setting and he wrote the hymn. He said most of the hymns he had written were because of what he was doing or going through. I think that is why hymns are so special to me. They were an important part of my growing up. We did sing choruses, but not like the ones now. I don't even think our children know most of the choruses we grew up with. The hymns either. So sad. They can be such a comfort.

Wednesday, November 26th - We laid Dad's body to rest yesterday. He went home to be with His Lord on Friday evening. He went so quickly and was in such pain, we were glad to see his suffering end. The Lord knew and everything was done in His perfect time.

Yesterday was a gloriously beautiful day - sunshine and very little wind. Today it snowed and was blustery. We were able to drive where we had to safely and lots of family and friends were able to make it to the service. It was good to see everyone again. Dale's brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, etc. were all together Sunday afternoon and evening at Elaine and Leon's, Monday evening at the visitation and Tuesday evening following the service and lunch. The siblings were off by themselves and the in-laws and a few grandkids were just sitting around talking. Caleb, Cindy's son and the youngest of Dad's grandchildren, was sitting there and all of a sudden he said, "It's nice to have a family that is so huggable, especially when you need to be hugged." (I might have not quoted him verbatim, but close enough). What insight for a 14-year-old. But he was right. We are a hugging bunch and we did a lot of that. And praying, too and crying, but we are not sad "as those without hope". We are happy that Dad is now back with Mom and they are enjoying the One who loved them and gave His life for them. Thank you, Jesus, for your love for us and our parents.

Thank you to all our family and friends for your thoughts and prayers for us. We will feel a big hole in our family without Dad in it, but PTL we will see him again! God bless you all.

We Are So Blessed!

Dale's dad is in the hospital. He's had cancer for almost 15 years, but this year it started metastasizing (going to other places in the body) and has been in his ribs. This past week it moved to his kidneys and both kidneys had blocked tubes down to the bladder. He was very sick. They opted to put a tube into his kidneys to the outside of his body, attached to bags. They were only able to do the right side, as the left kidney was totally damaged. He was struggling when we saw him yesterday, as the procedure took a lot out of him and he was full of fluid, because his kidneys weren't removing it. He was having trouble breathing and looked like he had just run a marathon - only the hard breathing just kept going. We were up there when Olinda and Sheila (her daughter) were still there. Sheila is a retired nurse and was looking after Dad so well. Olinda looked tired, but she was determined to sit and hold Dad's hand so he knew she was there. They finally left to try and get some sleep and we stayed until Cindy and Gary came. Terry and Holly were coming in from the farm to stay with him overnight. By the time Cindy and Gary arrived, they had given him pain medication and sleeping medication and he had finally relaxed and some respiratory meds also helped ease his breathing. Dad has 7 children and they all live close by. It is so nice to have everyone close enough to see Dad and care for him if need be and give Olinda a break. We know she wants to be with him as much as possible, but we also know she needs to rest, too. They have been so good for each other for the 6 years they have been married. Both had been alone for 25 years when God brought them together. Dad doesn't have a lot of time left and we certainly don't want to see him suffer. We have been so blessed to have him with us for as long as we have. He'll be 85 on his birthday in February if he lives that long. He has always been there for all of us during financial struggles and tough times and to help whenever he could. Olinda is a gracious hostess and welcomes us in if we show up unannounced. We love her dearly, too. It makes you pause and think of all the blessings we do have. Even though Dale and I have struggled with health issues, we are still doing ok and can go places and do things. For this I am very thankful. So, tell your loved ones that you love them and thank God for them every day.

Our WILD Minot weekend

Well, Jennifer, Jodi and I just spent an interesting and very fun weekend in Minot, North Dakota. I never knew (or remembered) that it was so close. Only a 4 hour drive and most of it is driving in Canada! We almost didn't get to go. A huge blizzard roared through Minot on Thursday and we were scheduled to leave Friday morning. I, ever the optimist, was sure it would all be over and ok by Friday. Fri. morning I got a call from Jen saying Sandra wasn't going as some of the roads were closed. I went on the internet and saw the blizzard had indeed moved on and a couple of roads around Minot were closed and others were in "winter driving condition". Well, for us in Saskatchewan, winter driving condition is the norm. So, after many phone calls back and forth, we decided we'd go and see how it was. We didn't hit any snow or ice or anything until about 10 miles outside of Minot and we only had to slow down a bit. I was glad it was 4-lane by then, so we didn't encounter anyone coming toward us. We even saw a snowplow on the highway - always a good sign. We found our hotel all right, but the Minot roads were a tad bit scary, as they don't clear very well or sand very much. Plus, Minot is in the hills and there were quite a few to navigate. Fortunately, Jen is a pretty darn good driver (I won't say excellent, as she would probably think I was lying! I tend to make noises she doesn't appreciate) and we saw some very smooth maneuvering by her that would have made her father so proud!! The shopping was fun and exhausting, but I really enjoyed seeing all the things that are available that we don't get up here. I especially liked the SuperWalmart and the Weight Watcher products they sell. I got the yummiest yogurt ever (only 1 point per carton!) and some cakes that rival twinkies and hostess cupcakes (only 1 pt each). I also got "my" iced tea at the restaurants and one morning I splurged and had country biscuits and gravy at Perkins - my all-time fav! I also have to say I had a wonderful shower in our hotel. I say this because in the 5 years we've lived in this apartment I have never had an enjoyable shower. For some reason, they insist on both the hot and cold water being softened and the water leaves you feeling slimy after putting soap on and trying to wash it off. So, that shower was a highlight!! Being with my girls was another highlight, as we hadn't had this time together for a very long time and it was good to reconnect. I realized we all sound alike when we laugh. We definately have to do it again. I bought one work shirt for Dale (afraid to buy more in case he didn't like it or it didn't fit) and wouldn't you know, he really likes it and it fits good. Haven't been able to find good work shirts up here since Mark's went out of them, so now we need to find someone who is going down and would like to buy some for us. Coming home we were very tired and didn't talk much like on the way down, so Jen and Jodi started playing 20 questions and after awhile they let me do one, but it was too hard, so I think they didn't want me to play anymore. We got a bit of grief at the border, but finally got through and were home in good time on Sunday afternoon. Thanks girls for the fun weekend!! I loved it!

I've Been Tagged

Jen "tagged" me and though I'm not sure exactly what to do, I'll give it a try: I am truly blessed with a wonderful husband, children and spouses, grandchildren and friends! I want a million dollars to pay off all my family's bills and bring my sister, Trudy and her girls up here! I have a wonderful Saviour who totally looks after one(me) who doesn't deserve it! I wish it could be spring or fall all the time (I totally HATE winter and my body hates summer!) I know that someday I will be reunited with my precious parents in heaven. I hate drivers in Regina. They do not stop at stop signs and drive WAY over the speed limit on residential streets!! I fear my husband or family dying, even though I know they will go to heaven. I hear too much traffic outside my open window - we live on a VERY busy street. I crave, well, potato chips and anything crunchy and salty. :( I search for an afghan I started for Bethany about 3 years ago and cannot find. It drives me crazy!! I always remember people's birthdays and anniversaries and try to get cards and notes off to them. I usually try to make sure the dishes are washed every day. I hate washing dishes and we don't have a dishwasher, but I try hard to get the kitchen cleaned up before I go to bed each night. I am not a morning person (wonder where you get that, Jen!). Since developing lupus, it is even worse and if I'm up by 9 a.m. I am happy - well, as happy as one can be who isn't a morning person. But, I'm usually up by 10:30 at the latest. Ho hum... I miss my best friend, Marcia, who died in a car crash when we were only 15. Also, those in heaven, my grandma, Mom Williams, my daddy and mom. And my sister and brother and their families down in the States. I love to watch figure skating, even though I don't get to see much, because they won't televise it. And I love my Dale for letting me watch it and not talking to me during the skating part. I try to do him the same favor during his NASCAR races. I never say "No" when asked to watch my grandkids (unless absolutely necessary). I love them all to pieces - each one is so unique and they are all such sweethearts!! I rarely watch reality tv. It is so contrived and scripted. I love old movies and sitcoms that are funny (and not stupidly funny). I cry over every little thing. Especially movies, old hymns (ones I remember hearing my mom and dad sing), the US national anthem and touching stories. I lose things a lot. It is so hard to get older and your memory goes bye-bye. I am confused every time I hear a politician or read political stuff in the paper. Big words that say nothing! I should go out for coffee with my friends more often. It is good to get together with friends of like minds and have good conversation and fun. I worry about Dale in his work, especially when he is on-call and has to go out at night. Regina is a scary place at night! I dream of going on a trip with my husband to Niagara Falls. And finally reaching my goal weight. I tag - don't know, as Jen is the only blogger I really know and she tagged Karina already. I would tag my brother if he had a blog. He usually has good stuff on these things. How's that Jen?