Am I the only one who feels like this winter is dragging on FOREVER?  I mean, we had a couple of days of gorgeous weather, with gorgeous sunshine and temps in the 60’s, then boom, this morning it was sleeting, yes, sleeting, at my house.  Are you serious?

This weather is the perfect reflection of the tone and mood of my life right now.  Last Friday afternoon (only a week ago tomorrow, although it feels like a lifetime) my 8-year old nephew, Sam, went to the Dr. to have an MRI of his brain to see why he was having some clumsiness and coordination problems.  Much to everyone’s surprise and dismay, a tumor was discovered on his brain and he and his family were instructed to go home to gather some things then go to Duke.  He had surgery to remove the tumor the next day and is currently still in the hospital recovering from the surgery.  This was found to be an aggressive tumor and little Sam will be undergoing a combo of chemo and radiation over the next 6 months.

Life, like nature seems to have done right now, has stood still for my family for the past week.  I think we’re all walking around as if we’re in a dream, just waiting to wake up.  We are leaning on our faith in God and believe that HE can and will heal Sam.  The outpouring of support from our community as well as strangers has been uplifting.  We started a Facebook page for Sam 2 days ago, and already it has almost 2500 followers. You are welcome to follow along on this journey with us at: www.facebook.com/PrayersForSamHolt.

Yesterday was a nice day, weather-wise.  It’s like Spring is trying to break through, but just can’t quite do it. The kids and I walked around outside for awhile and I took some pics with Instagram, which I am still trying to figure out.

I have always loved the blooms on my camilla bush.

Madster enjoying a few minutes outside.

Our Japanese Maple is starting to bloom. I love seeing it outside our front door.

I know that this difficult, long winter will eventually end for my family, but right now it just seems like it never will.  Please keep Sam and all of us in your prayers.  We serve a mighty God who is in control of every season of our lives, and I know he has spring and summer planned right around the corner.