why does this make me say wow?

a must read

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/matthew_parris/article5400568.ece

pray for this man

our Father knows why - please bend the knee and stand alongside this wonderful tanzanian brother (and his family) as he faces dangers today. ask for strength and peace that passes understanding.

what fall looks like

last weekend we went to o-hi-o to see nine of our favorite people ... and discovered what fall looks like.

umm, yeah. felt like we were in a painting the whole time.

oh, and we discovered why it's called fall ... because that's what the leaves do. check out the sweet attempted catching going on here ...

and we were sad to say goodbye. thanks for a WONDERFUL time, spansels! we love ya!

held

our dear ruth is now at rest. she went home to her Father at 12:40 a.m. yesterday. her husband cradled ruth in his arms and released his Bride into her Father's arms. it was a beautiful and tragic moment. we rejoice in knowing her fight is over. there is no more pain. no more tears. no more exhaustion. ruth is now held close in Her father's arms.

and so are we ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOufqWodFNo

almost ...

a few weeks ago our cousin al was feeding ruth and got the impression that ruth was looking past her. she asked "do you see anyone you know?", surprising even herself with that question. ruth's answer: "almost."

well, almost is a lot closer now. we are gathered with the family expecting to usher her into Glory sometime today, maybe tomorrow. in some ways this has been four long months, and in other ways it's been just a blink since "cancer" was first on our tongues.

go to her blog and celebrate this precious life. http://ruth.apsley.org. play the song and read the comments as people say their farewells. she's almost there ... can almost see ... and will no longer have to imagine.