Reflections From Today

Today Hannah turned eleven years old. Jennifer called me around 7:15 this morning to ask me if I would like to tell Hannah, "Happy birthday." This was a nice gesture. I ordered flowers for Hannah, and she received them at school. This was a big hit with her. From time to time I need to surprise her with flowers. Over the last six months or so Hannah has begun to show some real maturity. I find myself sometimes wondering what she will be like in two, four, six, or ten years. Indeed, a lot of things have happened since the first time I held her in my arms and took her over to show Jennifer, and I said, "We have a little Hannah."

Today was a reminder of the variety of things in our world. Today I substituted at Benton Middle School. I was a para, working with mentally challenged students. The first part of the day was spent in regular classrooms, assisting students. The most interesting part of the day was when I was in their special classes. The first two students I helped were able to sound out (with some assistance) simple words. The second group were much more challenged. Talking with the teacher was refreshing as we discussed that what these students needed most was to know that someone cared about them and loved them. I shudder to think of the potential discouragement they will face in their lives. Hopefully, they will be spared from it, and will always be surrounded by people who will genuinely encourage and love them.

Tomorrow is the much anticipated prostate biopsy. I am wondering if I am making too much of a deal about this event. I guess the biggest part of this is the "unknown factor." How much actual pain will I experience? Then there is the waiting for the results. And then there is "the call" with the results. To be sure, all of this will be an adventure. Times like these make me glad that Hebrews 13:5 applies.