Cindy Swanson
3/24/03
A week ago tomorrow,I returned from an 11-day trip to Texas to visit my family. As many of you know, my father is suffering from cirhhosis of the liver,and I've tried to get down to visit my parents more frequently than in the past. I truly want to be a blessing and encouragement to my folks...they have given so much to me!
It was a good time,even though it was heartbreaking at times to see my dad in his weakened and confused condition. He is convinced that these people he "sees" are real...the hallucinations are part of the effects of the liver disease. But he knows all of us,and he was very happy that I was there.
On the first Sunday morning I was there, my sister Lisa and I sang "Midnight Cry," and my dad shouted "glory" after we sang! He said, "That's the first time I've yelled since I died!" We asked him about it later, and he's convinced that he died at one point. Of course, he didn't....just another effect of the disease. He does say some really funny things,though. One day he was singing the song "Jesus Use Me," and in the part that goes "for surely there's a work that I can do," he sang: "For surely there's a work that Cynthia can do!" My mom and I roared with laughter! :)
Lisa's husband,David, continues to grow amazingly as a preacher. I was really blessed to hear him speak. He is now officially the co-pastor of the church,and he has so much on his plate as he works a full-time secular job as well as spearheading the church's construction project. It is going to be a beautiful facility,and the church has such a sweet and loving spirit.
As my father's illness continues, I treasure more and more the times I am able to spend with him. I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents,and I thank God continually.
The pics are (top)me with my Dad and (below)me with my mother and my 12-year-old nephew,Nathan Walther. Both pics were taken during my March trip to Texas.
