“The RoseBouquet”

I spent last evening emailing relatives, and phoning some aunts and uncles and Dad’s cousins who don’t have email. But already I can think of some more to notify. I feel strong and okay myself, but as if I’m shifting into an on-ramp stage for some intense and very physically intensive days. Some details I can plan in advance, but for many it means wait, take-one-day a time.

As I said last week, if I fall behind on emails, check this blog for in-between updates.

Meantime, my own business efforts are mostly on hold. I do have a translation job from Gothic German script to English. I only average about one a year as this is getting to be a rare language. I have printed it out and can work on it while sitting at Dad’s bedside. I will try to keep up with my clients in the evenings as much as possible, but I can see where some of those evenings will have to be declared “personal time” too.

What’s really special to me is the wonderful emails I’m getting from subscribers to the RoseBouquet. I’m picking out a few to share here.

I had written last week, “….So if you want to join me in praying for God’s blessings - jump on in!”

Robin from South Africa wrote;
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“Hey Ruth. Yes, I will jump in and help pray for God’s blessings for you.

Dear Father God, thank you that you are with Ruth as she faces this difficult time in her life. I know she is really going to need your extra support and care and wisdom soon, so I’m asking that you would bless herabundantly with your presence that fulfills all needs.

Thank you father in Jesus name. Amen.

Will be thinking of you.

God Bless”
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Barb in California wrote;

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“Ruth, I am so sorry to hear about your daddy though we both know He is in God’s hands all the way down this path. Still, I know how hard it is to love a loved one. My daddy’s death hit me especially hard as I was truly my daddy’s girl. We had so much more in common than mama and I; a love for books, nature, gardening, history, hiking–and each other. He has been gone six years and it is hard to think about. Though he told his pastor he knew where he was going and wasn’t afraid to face His God, I still miss him.

Savor each day, dear, as I know you will. You have been such a wonderful daughter to him, so caring and loving and helpful. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.”
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Oh. Guess what! Helen, from up the next block here in Hague, phoned this morning and we talked for about an hour (yes, between the stuff above). Ten minutes later, here she is at the door with a valentines card and gift for me. Turns out to be a box of Kathy Belgian Chocolates! Yum! There’s even some white ones in there!

This reminds me. It’s Valentine’s Day today and I want to wish each of you a wonderful day of knowing you are Loved. Regardless of whether anyone else gives you a hug or chocolates or whatever, please know that I love you, and that our Heavenly Father sings over you in Heaven. Just read Zephaniah 3:17 in the Bible.

Here’s one more that is so touching! It’s from Gerry in Arizona;

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Your gifts have blossomed through the period of time you spent caring for your parent’s! All those gifts were planted in you and you used your time well…producing a book and all the on-line writing you do. God has used your talents greatly and I can see why you trust God to continue to lead. Please know that God has a lively “clay” in you! You are intelligent and enthusiastic (which is why I was so interested in getting to know you when I met you at Pat’s). Not everyone has the ability or the drive to use her talents. Many people would feel sorry for themselves and see the years with elderly parents as a burden. You see time as a commodity to be portioned out and well managed so that you produce something of value. As a result, you influence many people….and HELP many people!! God is blessing you for your service…”
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Now, isn’t she perceptive?

I haven’t had time to write a new article, so I’ve just dusted off and updated a Valentine’s article I wrote five years ago for Dad when he was soon to be 86. You’ll find it under Ruthe’s Roses.