One Day At A Time

Fri, 13 Apr 2001

Hi all,

It's Friday evening here and Phil is watching a movie, so I thought I'd catch you up to date on where we're at.

Phil's condition is worsening. He received a unit of platelets yesterday and two units of blood today. I'm sure that will make him feel better. His color is much better now and he is moving faster!

Tomorrow is a very important day for Phil, as he will be baptized at his request. We asked our good friends/neighbors if we could use their hot tub, and they agreed! So, tomorrow evening at sunset, Phil will go for the big "dunk"! Pass me a tissue.... Our family will be here, our friends will be here, and I know God will be present.

We will have some food, some music and some preaching, then we will light some candles and baptize Phil in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. It will be very special!

We are looking forward to this weekend with that celebration and the celebration of our Risen Lord, and then on Monday Jim and I will be taking all three of our boys to Hawaii, God willing. We went to the travel agent last week, told her we'd like to make reservations for Hawaii......for Monday!!!!.......for five people!!!......She probably thinks we're a bit crazy, but oh well!

We will be gone until the 26th of April. We tried to return home on the 23rd but everything was booked so Jim and I will have to spend our 25th wedding anniversary (on the 24th) on Oahu......is life rough? Yes it is, but it also very good.

We will be in Maui for about a week, and spend the last few days on Oahu. We have a doctor lined up over there who knows Phil's condition, just in case. If Phil should take a turn for the worse in Hawaii....what better place to be? Such beautiful sunsets! (Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.)

We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we have peace today, and God will provide for tomorrow. I'm sure there are many who receive these e-mails who do not have a relationship with God, and I'm hoping you will not be offended if I share with you how we are getting through this very difficult time. This is the biggest mountain we might ever have to face, and God is our strength and our refuge. We must share that with you, especially for those who wonder how we can stand this. Some of you have been in our shoes, many of you have not. Everyone handles things in their own way. This is our way, and we believe in God with our whole hearts, so I thank you for allowing us to open ourselves up to you at this time, whether you agree with our beliefs or not.

You are all our friends and family, and we know that you are with us in thought and in prayer, and we appreciate that so much. We will send another e-mail out when we return from Hawaii.

Thank you for all your prayers and support and please pray for Phil's condition to remain strong while we are gone so he can enjoy this trip to the utmost!! He loves the water! I know his best memory of being in Florida was swimming with a Manatee. He was in awe.

May you all have a joyous Easter!!

Love, The Shore Family

P.S. If there's anyone who receives this that would like to attend Phil's baptism tomorrow night, I am sorry I have not gotten around to inviting you personally. Please come and join us! Just e-mail me and I will give you directions etc... The time is 6:30-8:00.