Thanksgiving

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

Some days it's easy to dwell on the negative. So today, here are things I'm thankful for:

- God's faithfulness and presence. 

- the prayers of so many...plenty that I don't know. And prayers and comments and encouragement for Laura's family from my friends and Covenant family - some who don't even know her!

- packages for Laura from dear friends of mine who care about Laura and Isaac because I do. 

- a room close-by so that we can rest and eat and sleep and still be near Isaac. 

- reliable vehicles and the financial resources to make the daily trip from Yorktown to Norfolk and back 

- Isaac's sweet little peach fuzz head (strawberry blonde)

- Laura and Michael as excellent and loving parents and their example and witness of faith 

- Williams easy-going attitude when we load him up and tote him back and forth. 

- William as source of comic relief (that will have to be a separate post)

- $2 cup of pretty decent coffee at the 1st floor coffee shop (even if it is many hours into the day before I get it)

- kind nurses, nurse practitioners, and doctors

- Guy and Phella who spent a week here to help us catch our breath and allowing Michael to get in several good work days. 

- dandelions and 'noisy blue fans' which are simple entertainment for William

- YouTube. That's right. Now William enjoys Stevie Wonder and Beethoven and the Beatles. 

- FaceTime. It has made such a difference when Laura  and/or Michael are at the hospital and need some time with William. He seems to understand what is happening. He says 'I love you' and kisses the screen. 

- the bunnies we have enjoyed watching in L&Ms yard these past weeks. 

- Mr. Bob and Mrs. Carolyn who have given William toys and been good neighbors and best of all, provided that small dorm refrigerator that has been a life saver. 

- breast pumps in all the locations so that Laura can store up milk for Isaac to use as his intake increases. Laura pumps here in the NICU by Isaac, in the 'hotel' room overnight, and at home while there. As with all things mechanical, William enjoys them. 

- Healthy fresh foods available in stores now: hummus, guacamole, fresh fruits and veggies have sustained us. 

- 15 minutes watching 'The Price Is Right' during my lunch break today. Just so normal...

- blood donors 

- all the special equipment which has sustained Isaac's lungs when they are too young and small to work on their own

- my good relationship with Laura. We have to spend a lot of time together. And that is ok. We've had plenty of laughs and cries now. 

- knowing that Don is holding down the fort in Huntsville - walking Vinny and watering my plants (I hope :))

- knowing that Laura's siblings- Steven, Kaitlin, and Philip- love and care for her family and are praying 

- knowing that Laura and Michael both have praying parents and grandparents supporting them. 

- daily throw-away contacts

<Yes the order of these is random !

And I don't know why my text turned red.>

- my good health so that I can be here

- And for Isaac's life

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV)