I think you guys would like my Dad.

He grew up during the depression, moving all over the west and midwest while his dad looked for work. He went to sixteen schools in twelve years, but still managed to come out with some kind of education, a love for travel, and the ability to talk to just about anyone about just about anything.

By the age of 19, he had literally traveled around the world. He's been a cotton picker, a soldier, a merchant marine, a truck driver, a chef, an industrial teacher, a bookbinder, a machinist, an analytical instrument repairman, and so forth (but never an Indian chief or a tinker to my knowledge ;-))

Yeah, he's an Old Guy, but definitely an Old Guy with a sense of humor and optimism. For example, two weeks ago he had to take an unexpected trip to the hospital. His somewhat tounge-in-cheek take on the whole thing: "I really enjoyed the ride in the ambulance. It was good to get out". :-)

At any rate, I bring him up because he is having to make a major change in his life this fall. He has been disabled for the last ten years, and has had to have a full time caretaker with him at home. Inevitably, though, his money is running out (in-home caretakers are very expensive) and he will have to sell his home and move to a nursing center. It is pretty heartbreaking to have to move him. Although I feel good about the nursing center (it is *excellent*: clean, warm, friendly, and only 15 minutes from where I live) it is still going to be a big adjustment for Dad.

So Rinkies, will you pray for him? That he will be able to keep his humor and optimism, and that he will find his new home compatible.

Will you pray for me too--especially this week as I have to tell his caretaker the bad news (a task I dread). I also need wisdom in making decisions about his house and patience for God's timing.

koala"finds it easier to give help than to ask for it"mom