It’s been way too long since I’ve written here. Life has a way of taking over, and soon months have passed. I’m guessing you encounter the same phenomenon in your life! So, here I am, a bit tardy, but with an update and some musings on this chapter of our lives.

First, for those of you following my Dad’s story and journey with Glioblastoma, I wanted to give you an update. Last I wrote, we were making a slow and steady recovery from the big Christmas Day seizure, which hit my Dad really hard, in that his left side was very weakened again. Let me tell you, he is a fighter and a hard worker! He goes to PT once or twice a week and does his exercises multiple times a day at home. He has strong days and some weaker days, and the recovery hasn’t come as easy this time. The walker, cane, and wheelchair are still our companions, and even though this can be frustrating, my Dad has a victorious and resilient attitude and continues to make improvements!

Our brains are so complex, and while their neuro-plasticity makes them able to find new pathways to accomplish familiar tasks, they are also very sensitive to small changes, any inflammation, and of course the presence of a foreign object, such as a brain tumor.

My Dad is more than halfway through his rounds of monthly chemo, which we administer at home. It will be good to have these behind us, but it also presents the question of “what next?” We are throwing a lot of other natural and alternative treatments at this cancer, and we’re praying that instead of getting an MRI report every ten weeks that says “everything is stable” we’ll start getting reports that say, “everything is shrinking.” Please pray for continued strength and encouragement to us all, as we continue this battle.

As for me, in the midst of juggling family life, my job at church, caregiving, and everything else life throws at us, I am continuing to write songs. I’ve been trying some of the new ones out at church or at conferences, and I do believe that soon I’ll be heading back into the studio to record. I had no idea I would go so long between recording projects, but instead of kicking myself or feeling guilty, I must trust God’s timing in bringing this next project to fruition. Please pray the details will come together, as I continue to write! I’ll be excited for you to hear it.

Joe and I have been grateful to get away here and there for some much needed respite. A few weeks ago we went to Carmel, CA for a few days and just hiked, watched sunsets, ate yummy food, and stayed in a tiny Air B & B. It was perfect. We will escape to the mountains here in CO in a couple weeks for a few more days. We actually bought an inflatable kayak we’re going to try out, so this could be pretty amusing! These little get-aways are so important and rejuvenating. Joe has also been busy working on twenty-five stained glass windows for a church here in the Denver area. He may have the Summer off from teaching, but he is definitely busy. I am so grateful to the Lord for the gift of this precious man in my life. There are no words to describe.

There’s so much more I could write, but mostly I just wanted to say “hello” and give you an update. I’d love to know how your Summer is going, what you’ve been up to, and how you are finding calm in the midst of your chaos. Please leave a note below!

Much Love to you all,

Shannon