First Ladies Symposium

Mrs. Perry and I took our junior high students to the Bush Library for a couple of presentations on First Ladies in the White House. It was very interesting and one very special former First Lady was among the distinguished guests, as was Lynda Johnson Robb (daughter of the late President LBJ). Thanks to Susan B., Tonya F., and Becky S. for accompanying us. Thanks to my students for behaving as ladies and gentlemen!

Thank You

Most of you know that my mom went in for what should have been a routine surgical procedure followed by an overnight stay in the hospital. It turned out to be anything but routine. After two major surgeries and five days in ICU (four of them on a ventilator), she is at my house and is recovering. Thanks to all who said prayers on our behalf. I don't think I could have made it through the week otherwise!

As I went to and from the hospital and waited for the ICU doors to open so I could see Mom, it occurred to me what an 'equalizer' that experience is! Illness and the need for critical care is not tied to socio-economic status, skin color, age, or anything else. I looked around that waiting area and saw people of all kinds--some rich, some poor, some young, some old, some black, some white, some brown. And what we all had in common was a sense of helplessness and in some cases, hopelessness! We were totally encompassed by circumstances that were beyond our control. It's not a comfortable place to be. And, yet---I felt a sense of peace at all times. Certainly I was anxious about my mom but I knew she was in good hands and I knew that prayers were being said. And I was humbled, truly humbled.

We are at our best when we realize that God our Father is totally in control of our lives. He has ways of reminding us of His sovereignty and of His grace and love and mercy. I'm very thankful that He loves me! I'm thankful that I had HIS peace to depend on during those dark days.