Sunday, December 14th

Friends and Family,

Today is an exciting day....I'm going to church today for the first time in several weeks. Don't have to leave for an hour yet and I'm already dressed and ready to go. A part of me feels this will be an emotional day....back to church for the first time in a long time, this afternoon we plan to visit Lisa and her family at the funeral home and pay our respects in the passing of her mother Mary and then tonight, the choir (my choir) is having their Christmas concert. I will certainly miss being a part of it but will accept my role as supporter with joy and gladness. I have told some of you that I feel my struggles now are more emotional than physical. Don't get me wrong, I still feel hindered with the catheter and there are times when it hurts badly but those time are fewer each day. Sleep does not come easy and I am often awake and see the clock changing at 12:00 and everyhour til 4:00..... but then sleep will come and I can get up and see the light of day and rejoice that God has given me one more day to enjoy this journey we call life.

Yesterday I had a wonderful surprise....a visit from Ardy and Michelle Skidmore and Jennifer Hupko. They needed to take care of some Chrysalis business with B and I got to have some company. Before they left we all held hands and prayed....God just keeps showing up in my life in so many unexpected way. Thank you ladies for being God's hands and feet to me and others.

Dean and Rita made it home (to Momma and Daddy's) yesterday...just in time to go to the hospital with Daddy. He was having some pain and difficulty in raising his arms. The docs said it is likely a pulled muscle and gave him some meds and sent them all home. Daddy and I have joked on the phone that the "Raynor Men" are having a hard time lately. (By the way..Dean is my brother and Rita his wife)

Today is my youngest grandaughter's (Mary Katherine) birthday, she is 7 years old. Wish we could have shared it with her and the family but we had a good time two weeks ago and will hope that next year we can celebrate her on her day.

It is only 11 days til Christmas...hard to believe it is here already. We made candy yesterday (I had a very small contribution to that process) and will likely do more this week. We will have to get our gifts to the family in the mail this week as we are not travelling over the holidays.

For all who share this journey with me, thank you again for your support and prayers. It is my sincerest prayer that God may use me to help some others who may face prostate cancer. I know some of you have shared this blog with others and that truly blesses me.

I pray you are all well, you are happy and healthy and surrounded by those you love and who love you. May the joys of Christmas fill you hearts and homes. I Love You All....

"Thank You Lord for Your blessings on me...."

Mike