Hey everyone! I know I haven’t sent an update in awhile. Thought it would be good to send out a 5 month update about my parents. 

At the beginning of this pandemic, we got my dads sleeping setup moved to the main floor so he doesn’t have to do as many steps each day. My parents are staying home and staying quarantined as much as possible. It has been hard on them, and at times they go a little stir crazy (haven’t we all) but my dad has been using this time to exercise as much as he can, both mentally and physically. He’s even been practicing walking with a cane for short periods! He has a new recumbent bike which he is getting used to. He also has been reading and has a puzzle. He’s not the biggest fan of the puzzle haha. We got my dad a paint by numbers kit to hopefully help him get his painting going again. He has mentioned he wants to start painting, so that’s good! My dad tries to get out on the deck as much as the weather allows. This helps him mentally! My mom has felt comfortable enough to let him be home alone for a bit while she takes a walk or runs to the store. That is definite progress for him and helps her mentally! 

He is also taking this time to read and study the Bible as much as possible. He’s constantly watching jw.org videos and reading and studying for the meetings. Speaking of the meetings, my parents are getting used to the zoom meeting format and my dad has even been commenting! He LOVES that. Even tho they miss their congregation they’re happy to see everyone on zoom. 

My sister has been checking on them and helping with groceries, and this is good cuz she has been home most of the time with her boys. Matthew checks in and has been getting some groceries delivered to them. With me still working full time in a warehouse I have been trying to stay away as much as possible. It’s been hard cuz we miss my parents, but we’ve done some zoom meetings. Also, I have been stopping and cutting the grass and doing a few things in the yard. My dad is convinced he’s gonna be cutting the grass soon. I actually think he could but we haven’t tried it yet because I would have to get close to him to help him onto the tractor. So once this pandemic is over maybe we will try. He loves to watch me cut the grass. For me to look up and see him watching me cut the grass brings me great joy knowing how close he was to dying. I have attached a few pictures of him keeping watch of me. 

Overall, my parents have had a tremendously difficult 8 months. But they’re doing as well as they can and they still have strong faith. They are living proof of Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in the hope.” They can’t wait for the time when physical ailments will be a thing if the past. “Endure under tribulation.” They have no doubt endured. “Persevere in prayer.” At times prayer has been the greatest asset they have. 

Please feel free to reach out to them. I know they would welcome the phone calls or texts. 

Lastly, I’ll conclude with this funny moment. A few weeks ago my dad called me about something. Once he was done talking I went to say bye. And I heard nothing. He hung up on me without saying bye! If you know my dad or have talked to him on the phone you know this is him!! I couldn’t stop laughing about it. I told Amy “my dad is becoming more of himself” 😆 It made me smile