Thursday, May 29, 2014

More Ups and Downs

Saw a Momma duck and five ducklings on the creek right below our house yesterday.

Suddenly there was a screeching and flapping of wings as a hawk zoomed in out of nowhere.  Even as I clapped my hands to shoo him away (poor hawk, I know he has to eat too -- but not while I'm watching, please), two big black crows dive-bombed him.  There was smack on the water and a slapping of wings.  The hawk took off -- not very far -- with the crows after him.  Just then the Pappa drake came squawking down the creek and landed near his family.  But all the excitement was over by the time he got there.  A few moments later the hawk did make another half-hearted attempt while flying back across the creek but the crows were on him like a shot.  I stood and watched for a while and was happy to see that there were still five ducklings, but now swimming close to Mom.

Now I'm wondering, were the crows actually protecting the ducklings or were they just thinking of their own nests high up in the pine tree close-by, taking this chance to get at their enemy while his attention was distracted?


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The wild fires came very close to us a couple of weeks ago.  We were next in line to be evacuated and actually did receive the reverse 911 call  but just to tell us that the evacuations were over.  The fire fighters and all the resources available were right on top of it all even though the event was more dangerous than ones we have had in the past.  Nine separate fires all sprang up in various parts of the city, some looking suspiciously like arson.

Since the Cedar fires of a few years ago when so many people lost their homes, the various departments, which included the military, have seriously overcome the red tape which was hampering their efforts to work together and provide necessary equipment to fight fires.  There was much criticism back then, mostly derived from the entangling red tape and bureaucracy.   What a difference this time!  The work of all the departments was magnificent!  I think there were only three homes lost.

Most people unfamiliar with our wild fires do not realize the speed with which these fires move given the right environment.   We have had no winter this year, it has been a delight, but it is going to be a long, dangerous wildfire season.

For those who may not know, 911 is our emergency phone call, like 999 in Britain.  But the reverse 911 is when the authorities call you to let you know of imminent danger such as floods and fire.  A great idea!

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Now for some anxiety-ridden news.  Our granddaughter, Haley, not yet 13 years old, has just been diagnosed with stage five Crohn's disease.  Of course everyone thinks their grandchildren are amazingly special and gifted.  We're no exception.  But she really is!

It is barely three weeks since she was first admitted to the hospital.  Then after tests and medication for about ten days, the diagnosis was made.  She is on antibiotics intravenously and can only eat very limited food until the abscess is healed.  It was very large and had pushed through the wall of the small intestine, collapsing her colon.

It's a lot for a young girl to go through never mind the future implications, so we are asking that if you are a praying person, please pray for Haley -- and her mother, who has taken on the immense task of nursing her and administering medications as well as being Mom.

A month or so ago I asked Haley what her favorite flower was as I have been doing drawings for all the 'girls' in our family.  She said it was a deep, dark red rose.  I posted my drawings here on my blog not too long ago.

My sister Kay, sent her some drawing templates of tangles and Haley has created one as her favorite flower. It is now placed in her room along with mine.


Then just to top it all off, her step-Dad, my son Glyn,
brought her a dozen long stem roses while she was in the hospital.


Look at that smile!  She was certainly pleased to receive these!

She is surrounded with prayers and love as well as the unfailing love of her heavenly Father, so we are expecting the Lord to do wonderful things in her life.

Here's a thought for those of us who sometimes wonder why God doesn't just heal those who love Him.  If He did, I wonder how many of us would love Him for all the wrong reasons --  just for what we could get.

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD


9 comments:

Kay G. said...

Very glad that the wildfires were controlled before they got to you. I think firefighters are true HEROES. I have the utmost respect for the work that they do.
I most certainly will say a prayer for Haley and for her Mom.
I love that photo of Haley with her red roses, that is such a sweet smile!

Wanda said...

Oh my, Chris ~ so glad you didn't have to evacuate. Will be praying big time for your granddaughter. She is sure a darling girl, and very talented. Nothing better than getting flowers.

Scriptor Senex said...

Hi Chris, I'm not much of a one for prayer but I shall certainly be sending lots of healing thoughts Haley's way. The roses are lovely but the smile is even more so. I wish her all the very best. And am sending kind thoughts the way of your son and his wife.
I hadn't realised you were so near the wildfires - that's scary. Flamborough is a lot safer at this time of year!
All the best
John

snafu said...

That sounds rather nasty for poor Haley. Hope she gets better as soon as possible. That is a great rose you did. Keep you fingers crossed there are no more bad fires, but in your part of the world that maay be a forlorn hope. A bit like hoping for no rain in England when you go on holiday.

photowannabe said...

So happy to hear you didn't have to evacuate.
I knew you lived in Carlsbad and when I heard all the horrible news I thought about you.
Will certainly pray for your sweet Granddaughter.
God IS Good all the time and All the time God IS good!

That's a favorite saying from our pastor too.

Black Jack's Carol said...

Chris, Haley's smile is a heart-melter. After seeing her photo and reading your sad news, I can tell you she will be holding a steady place in my heart. Last night, I read up on Crohn's and know this disease will test her strength, as well as that of her mother and everyone else who knows and loves her. I also know that your faith in God is rock solid and I count on that to turn this story around to a much better one. Hang in there, Haley. You are deeply loved. You have just added a cheering section of two (Bill and I) from Yaletown, Vancouver to what I imagine is a long list of supporters.

ChrisJ said...

Thank you so much, Carol. I know you mean it from your heart and my heart lifts when I see your photos of Bill looking so great! God bless you both-- not forgetting Black Jack.

Alan Burnett said...

Glad you survived the fires, but I know such things pale into insignificance when compared to a sick child or grandchild. I shall buy a red rose as my personal contribution to the good wishes which I am sure are heading in her direction.

Morning's Minion said...

I will surely add my prayers for Haley.