March 7, 2017: Day +108

Deer in the parking lot at the Elk's Rehab

Lay down your map and compass,
and those dog-eared travel guides.
Rest your weary eyes from so much looking,
your tired feet from so much wandering,
your aching heart from so much hoping.

Lay down on the soft green grass
wet with morning dew, and watch as
the tree heavy with pendulous pears
bends her long branches toward you,
offering you perfection in every sweet bite.

Give up the weight of knowing,
for the reverence of quiet attention
and curiosity, for the delight
of juice that runs in generous streams
down your chin.
By,

 Christine Valters Painter

I feel like the last few days on this long journey we have rested.  Rested in the progress Doug has made these past couple months and rested, knowing that he will continue to improve.  We have visited with friends, eaten meals together, participated in therapies, worked and watched T.V.  We have rested in what is.

Our friend Margaret sent us a card with a Starbucks coffee gift card.  She knows we love lattes. On Saturdays and Sundays we will enjoy sipping on a latte and reading the paper together.  So sweet! Our friends Gary and Heidi surprised us with a gift of money inside the sweet card.  They know the overwhelming cost of the medical treatment and were so thoughtful to help us out. Every Tuesday Koji and Doug used to meet for coffee.  Today, Tuesday, Koji showed up with a latte to share over some conversation with Doug and our friend Will.  Ingrid brought us muffins when she came to stay with Doug this afternoon.  We have been spoiled.

Doug had a big day of therapies today too.  He had more than three and half hours of therapy along with meals in the dining room.  He handled it really well with only a short nap.  Tonight, Doug said "Where is my pillow?"  He was sitting up in bed and had no pillow behind his head.  For the first time he reached for a pillow and put it behind his head on his own.  His independence and movement is growing daily.  It is reassuring and wonderful to see this progress.

And as I went to leave tonight, a herd of deer met me in the parking lot.  Such a delightful surprise and peaceful presence to end this day.

And so we pray:

God of Peace, we are thankful for moments of rest on this long camino. We are grateful for the invitation to give up the weight of knowing, for the reverence of quiet attention and curiosity. We give thanks for the company of friends and for the sweet gifts that delight our senses and nurture our souls.  Tomorrow will be soon enough to put our boots back on, and to start up the hill again. Tomorrow will be soon enough for us pick-up our map and reach for our compass.  And so until tomorrow, we just give thanks for the peace of this night.  Amen