Trudie has been resting comfortably surrounded by all her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids since she got home from the hospital. It has been a wonderful family time spent honoring and loving our Trudie. On Tuesday though, it became apparent that the angels were gathering and Heaven was preparing a party. She would point into the distance, smile, and describe what she was seeing. She said there was a whole line of people that had been waiting all day to see her and visit with her. "Just look at all those people," she would say, with a big smile on her face. Heaven must need a little more time to get ready for our Trudie angel, as the time since then has been spent making her as comfortable as possible. Hospice caregivers are blessed gifts, and they have been so caring and wonderful. We continue to cherish our time together, but solicit prayers on Trudie's behalf for comfort and peace.

This post is one that is hard to write. Mom has had a rough week, and tests have shown that her cancer has become very aggressive. It has now invaded her lymph nodes, liver and stomach. She was hospitalized earlier this week. The stomach tumor has pushed through the lining of her stomach causing a protruding ulceration on the outside of the stomach wall. The tumor ruptured and began to bleed. We almost lost her on Thursday, but the bleeding finally stopped and the tumor clotted over. Trudie was able to go home yesterday and is resting comfortably with her family around her. As long as the tumor stays clotted, Trudie can continue to live comfortably. If the tumor begins to bleed again, the Lord will take her quickly and surely. Only the good Lord knows when that time will come. It could be any minute, any day, any week....we just do not know. But, everyone that knows Trudie knows how immense her faith is, and she is ready for the Lord's call.

We will keep everyone posted through this blog as things progress and change. Continue to pray for comfort and peace. Continue to live your life as Trudie has...in love and service to our blessed Lord.

Jim and Trudie are thoroughly enjoying summer in Waxahachie...even though some rain and lower temperatures would make it a little nicer. Marsha, Clancey and Brogan came from Connecticut for a long visit. Glenn, Jess and Garna have come several times for visits and dinner. Kennie Beth Smith and her sisters came for a visit before heading to Florida. This past week, Sheila, Ashley, and four of Trudie's Sugar Land girlfriends all came for a two-night slumber party. It was 3-days and 2-nights of constant talking, giggling, and somehow managing to stay out of trouble. Trudie said it was great fun, and she's still sore from laughing so much. The past couple of days Trudie has been helping Pat at one of her estate sales. During their free time, Jim and Trudie have been spending time at church helping with the Pillow Ministry and Thursday Meals. Nothing...no nothing....stops our Jim and Trudie. God continues to bless them with health and energy, and they spend it loving and serving others, and appreciating those that love and serve them. God is so good....all praise for His blessings!!!!!

Mom's recent scans showed that the pancreatic tumor and lung lesions are stable. The doctors (with Mom's encouragement) thought it might be a good time for Trudie to take a break from chemo and go home. And...that's exactly what she and Dad did! They will be at home until late August, then Mom will return to Houston to have her scans repeated.

Trudie wants everyone to know that she is not hurting and feels "just fine"! She is happy to have some time away from chemo, hospitals, needles and tests. She does ask for continued prayers for strong health, high energy, and the ability to continue doing all the work for the Lord that she can possibly do. May God continue to hold Trudie in His loving hands....it is by His grace that she continues to live a wonderful, productive, and happy life in service for Him.

Trudie and Jim returned to Sugar Land on Saturday...just in time for a wonderful family celebration of Dad's 85th birthday and Mother's Day! Praise God for family!!!

Mom had her 4th round of the stronger chemo on Monday, and continues to be blessed with no ill side-effects. She will have her scans and tests repeated next Wednesday, with a doctor's visit for results next Thursday. Please pray for positive results, so that Mom can continue to joyfully work and serve our God, who she loves so much.

Just got off the phone with Mom and she is full of energy and joy. She's been back in Waxahachie since last week, and is loving every minute of it. Plus, God continues to bless her with no bad side-effects from the chemo. She and Dad will only be home until Saturday, then will return to Sugar Land in time for Mother's Day and Mom's next chemo treatment on Monday.

Dad's birthday is this Friday, May 6th....85 years old and going strong!!!! Praise God!

Trudie had a great 81st birthday on April 14th! Marsha flew in from Connecticut and drove Mom and Dad home so they could celebrate in Waxahachie! Trudie is feeling pretty good these days, and continues to NOT suffer any bad side-effects from the new chemo treatment. Marsha has accused her of shampooing with super-glue to keep her hair from falling out...it actually looks thicker than ever! The only thing that seems to be really bothering her are small bouts of vertigo...but she just needs to learn to stop moving like a whirling dervish and take things a little slower...not in Trudie's nature, as we all know. Mom has a doctor's appointment on Thursday and another chemo treatment next week. Please continue to keep Mom in your thoughts and prayers. Trudie approaches every day with prayers, smiles, and a happy heart...and we pray that God continues to give her health and strength to keep it up!