SISTERS AND COUSINS A-CAMPIN'

Few joys surpass the delight a grandpa experiences when he has all of his grandchildren together at once (Right, Ray?). On this family campout on the slopes of Mt. Ranier, the five girls were together with parents, Memaw Betty, and Papa John in a magnificent campground which featured giant trees of the primeval forest. It was a wonderful experience with lots of campfire time, good food, conversation, and relaxation.


Among the several activities we shared were a trip to Paradise, a lodge and Visitor Center area high on the south side of the volcano, almost above the timberline. Exhibits and displays, a gift shop and bookstore, and other attractions make this a popular destination in this National Park. Mountain climbing expeditions often begin here and the general decor reflects that theme in the building and its furnishings. Views of the Cascade Mountain Range are Grand.


Most of us hiked to the grove of the Patriarch Trees where some truly amazing giants stand majestically together in a sheltered valley. The girls joined me on an afternoon visit to the campground visitor center exhibits, and a slightly belated birthday party was the focus of Friday evening's campfire. Paige provided fixin's for her remarkable hobo dinner, Patty prepared lasagna in a dutch oven, I did sourdough pancakes for a breakfast.


The girls always get along well together, with the older ones looking out for the younger and including them (mostly), and the younger two found plenty of time to share alone exploring the trees and their own worlds of imagination. K.A. and the twins produced some impressive artworks, shared untold secrets, and kept showering welcome attention on this grandpa. I'm thankful for these precious christian families and the example they are of lovin' relationships and caring for one another. I'm proud of them for a host of special reasons: they are faithful parents and good children and a delight to their living ancestors.

A SPECTACULAR EAGLE INDEED

***Credits First: This "Awesome Eagle Shot" is yesterday's post (6-19-2008) by my talented son Geoffrey and is featured on his blog. If you do not visit his daily photo site, at least occasionally, you are missing one of the finest windows on Southeast Alaska available on the web.

***I do not know the story of this gem yet, but I do know eagles are commonplace in the area and can be seen in dozens of local settings to the point that one must fight a "ho-hum - it's just another eagle" syndrome. In most snapshots the birds are so small that the majesty and dignity of a mature eagle is greatly diminished. In fact, lots of folk give up trying to capture a good image.

***Not Geoffrey! His camera has been grafted to his palm and his reflexes are like lightening. Well, however he did it, this is truly a potential prize winner.

***Geoffrey's site has a wonderful archive where you can see some of the marvelous scenes of Alaska as you get a sense of the life he leads. Send your friends to see Alaska at http://www.wyattjourney.com/ and check it out yourself from time to time.

KEEP IT UP! YOUR PRAYERS ARE HEARD!

**There is a long way to go, but Sam is responding to medical care and to lots of personal attention. He is coming off of some medications and is taking on new treatments like physical therapy. A couple of his doctors are saying he doesn't need them anymore. Sam is alert and participating in his own care and knows what a long struggle still lies ahead of him. His multiple-doctors agree Sam will be in recovery for many months. They don't agree upon (or even know...) why a non-drinker's pancreas decides to die.

**One neat observation is that Sam has his sense of humor still. That will go a long way toward tempering some of the long days and hard work he faces.

**With several tubes to outgrow, and relearning to stand, walk, and swallow again, Sam has a lot to do in the coming weeks. Family knows he has the spirit and faith to do what is necessary. Knowing that YOU care has meant a lot to him and to Billie.

**Now our prayers can begin to include thanksgivings for progress and recovery. Truly, The Lord is a God of Mercies and Compassion.

**PS In the picture. LtoR, are Billie, friends John and Jonelle, and my Betty. Oh, and Sam, of course, who is not in quarantine yellow garb.

PLEASE PRAY FOR SAM

Betty and I are part of the vigil at her brother's bedside. Sam has been in ICU for eight weeks for multiple problems relating to pancreatic necrosis and subsequent surgery. He is not doing well because he is currently not healing. This is due in part to leaking (digestive) fluids from the site which are keeping the incision from staying closed. He has collateral problems related to intubation and is curently breathing through a tracheotomy device which makes communication extremely difficult.

We are asking our friends to join us in praying for Sam and his wife Billie.