Sept 9 (Sunday) - 645pm

As I sit here in Amsterdam my mind is in Alaska, and I find it's a good time to reflect on the things that have come to pass. I picked up my iPad and called Rich, and chatted with him and his sister Maryann using the Face Time feature.   The technology amazes me, as I sit on one side of the planet chatting for free to someone on the other side. Here it is 445am in the middle of the night, and there in Willow it is dinner time.

But what is by far even more amazing is the medical technology that has been employed to return both Rich and Jeannette from their near death experiences. Maryann who arrived last night was totally amazed at how much progress they both have made, and she has the unique perspective of having been gone for a while so the changes are all so apparent. Seeing it day to day the little things don't always make an indent and it's easy to miss out on the huge steps that seem to happen almost without noticing them. Jeannette is clearly doing better each day, gaining strength, and while she is still ill and has more surgeries in her future, the hope and progress is clear now to everyone. I am oh so thankful!

Her arm seems to be mending, and her one leg has been repaired with a rod, and while the final outcome on that has not been ascertained it is still clear that it is not the major concern at this point in time. She still needs the other leg to get fixed, with a knee replacement on the agenda, once she is strong enought to handle it. But in the meantime she is eating, getting stronger, and even getting out of bed. Small steps perhaps, but huge steps none the less!

As I talked with Rich tonight I could see his excitement--he had just spent the day in town with Jeannette and was looking at another iPAd so they can continue their day to day face to face chats. He once again thanked everyone for their support--the prayers, food, visits, and outpouring of well wishes and support has been an inspiration to both of them. Simply put, they are overwhelmed with all of it.--John