65 and counting!

First of all, I got an email from Bev about Linda Belle.

Here is what I have just received from Vickie.

 

Sounds like that little girl needs a whole lot of prayers to get around this event! But we can say them, can't we?! Thanks to all of you for not giving up on this cause! and while you're at it, please say a prayer for my dear friend Connie who was rushed to Madison last night with a serious heart problem.

Love to all,

Bev/Mom

From Vickie:

Hi All,

Just got off the phone with Linda (Linda Belle's grandmother). The surgery is scheduled for 9:30 AM tomorrow. The tumor is wrapped around the spinal cord and the 3 lowest vertebra of her spine. The doctors will have to take out the vertebra and then make some decisions about what to do.

I so appreciate all the prayers you have been saying and thank you in advance for the ones you will be saying going forward.

The family has much support from their friends and church; their pastor will be there tomorrow during the surgery.

Linda Belle is at Children's Hospital in Chicago and hopefully they will set up a "caring page" for her so that we can check on her status from the web rather than making phone calls. As we all know it's very draining to continue to tell the same story over and over.

Much love to each of you. Thanks!

Blessings!

V (Mom)

So, now I have to tell you about my wonderful surprise 65th birthday party last Saturday night. I think I mentioned that Fran and Mike were coming to visit Saturday afternoon? Well, they showed up around 4:00, as planned. Heather was with them, which was a lovely surprise. A few minutes after they came in, the doorbell rang and James was standing at the door! That was the best surprise!!

Well, we all went out to the garage to admire my new car when another car pulled into my driveway - it was Jan and Paul! They came in loaded down with salads, roasted chicken, and drinks which we combined with the pot of stew and homemade bread I'd made for Fran and Mike's visit. It was so nice! Jan and Paul had to leave around 7:00 since their son David was playing in a band in Mississauga and they'd promised to go watch him play.

As they were going out the door, a whole stream of people from our church and our neighbourhood came in with more food, punch and an amazing birthday cake and balloons!!! I was stunned! Of course, Bern had been planning this party for months, with Fran's help and with the help of Cathy and Bev from church. There must have been 30 people here. It was so much fun!

Monday night, my actual birthday, Ray & Shirley and Rene & Christine (we share the same birthday) and we all went out to Red Lobster for dinner. The food was great and the company was even better. I'm so, so blessed to have so many wonderful friends in my life! Here are a few pictures from my party and of our dinner out.

Heather, James (Surprise #1) and Uncle Mike

Jan & Paul arrive (Surprise #2)

Mrs. Sneaky!

Sharing some homemade bread.

Playing with the Blackberry Playbook

Best buds!

 

Where did all these people come from???

Happy Birthday to me, happy birthday to me!

It's my party, okay???

The birthday girls!

Red Lobster dinner to celebrate!

And, if that wasn't enough excitement for one week, tomorrow three of my friends from Niagara Women's Connection club and I are going to the Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara-On-The-Lake for high tea. It's supposed to be one of the best in Ontario - everything is made fresh right there! I'm very excited - I'll take pictures!

Don't forget to pray for Linda Belle. God bless you all!