May 14

Home, sweet beautiful home. We were awake at 3:15 PST and departed Abbotsford Airport at 6:15am. Landing in Saskatoon, we came through arrivals to see Judy's beautiful sister, Audrey waiting for a long awaited hug for her big sister and favorite brother in law. She had a beautiful bouquet of flowers in her hand. The flowers made Judy cry even harder...until I explained the flowers were for me, not Judy. Audrey took us for lunch, God bless her. When she dropped us off at home, we discovered buns and borscht from the Bartsches(couldn't resist the alliteration). Our wonderful neighbors, the Hamolines who have been looking after the ranch had left some of Judy's favorite treats on the table. Mary and Morgan had gone shopping for essential groceries. Haley and Dustin said they were bringing us supper. Did I ever mention I love my kids and their partners? Tomorrow, the Hudsons are bringing over some southern comfort - food, not the corn liquor. Do you get the picture? Thank you for every little and big act of kindness, even if it is a Facebook message, a prayer, a well wish, encouraging words, a laugh. It's all good. We feel the love. There is something else I have to get off my chest. I have been thinking about this all week. I told you about Judy's cousin, Gerry. When we flew to Vancouver in early March for a consultation at VGH, Gerry phoned Judy to tell her he had arranged accommodation with his in-laws, Adam and Shiela. We were fed, watered, entertained,transported, and treated like royalty. I already mentioned how Gerry and his wife, Dawn took me in when I was at a low point. They gave me a change of scenery and I got my mojo back. On Sunday, when we were sentenced to 4 more days in Vancouver, Gerry collected us and provided for our every need for the next 4 days. On Wednesday, he took a day off work, drove us to VGH, and patiently waited with Judy and I as we were slowly losing our minds. He let us know that if we had to stay longer, we would have a place to stay and we would be fed and sheltered. He was up at 3:00 am this morning to take us to the airport before he went to work. All of this, and Gerry/Dawn asked for nothing in return, just the joy of helping out. Does this remind you of someone? 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denari and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ Yes, there are good Samaritans and angels that walk among us. They may be not have halos or wings. They may just be a cousin from PoCo who has a heart as big as Texas.