My daughter, Rebekah turns 21 tomorrow.  To say that I'm proud of her would be an understatement.  She is a fantastic young woman. 

I have watched her these past few years endure some difficult adversity... and emerge with a sense of who she is and why God has placed her on this earth.  While she isn't doing what she eventually hopes to be doing... she is perservering through this trial with grace and tenacity.  She is a leader.  She has a passion for protecting the underdog.  She wants the world to be a just place, and continues to work towards that in her corner of life.  She strives to make good decisions.  She is a Christian that wants to see consistency and godliness in those who would call themselves Christians.

Rebekah - Happy Birthday!  I love you!  Remember - God is good -  the world isn't always fair - but He is always just. 

God bless you on your birthday... and for all your years to come.

This past week, our family enjoyed a few days of time away (a much needed vacation after a pretty stressful month).  We headed down to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in TN - what a great time!
We enjoyed Pigeon Forge - (though "customer service" seemed to have been a forgotten term after a long summer of tourists...) but we LOVED Gatlinburg (where they definitely hadn't forgotten...).

On our last full day we took a zipline tour through the Smoky Mountains courtesy of Climbworks Canopy Tours (http://www.climbworkscanopy.com).  What a fantastic 2.5 hours!  We all couldn't say enough about how much we enjoyed it.  It wasn't "scary" - though the jeep ride to the top of the mountain definitely had its moments :)

If you're ever in the area - I would highly recommend these guys.  Professional, safe, courteous, and really nice people... a great experience through and through.

The funeral was over 90 minutes long - but no-one seemed to mind.  The city of Toronto sent a 10 person honor guard - Dad was involved with the Toronto Transit Commission as a volunteer for over a decade.  He was the driving force behind audible pedestrian crossing signals and Wheel Trans - transportation for disabled people. 

At the funeral, I spoke from the son's perspective.  A former detective for the Toronto Police filled in the gaps for the last 10 years, and then 2 people from the TTC spoke.  Sue Gerrard, one of dad's close friends sang (wow), Dave Williams led the worship and then there was a 23 minute video - mostly of dad's 80th birthday. Warwick Cooper, a Pastor from People's Church in Toronto preached an incredibly clear message.

quick update:   Dad is not well.  The cancer is spread throughout his stomach and thoracic cavity. We have a doc appt. tomorrow to talk about radiation options - but basically - he's decided  that if they can't guarantee it will help, he's going to reject the treatment (which is pretty brutal on the body).  I can't say I blame him.

Mom and I had a really good heart to heart this morning - as moms and sons do at moments like these. 

thank you for your prayers...

Nevertheless... The Lord who has walked with him through every season of his life will walk with him through the valley of the shadow of death and then to the place where he will, in the Bible's words, "dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
I've never been so proud of my dad... to talk to him now and see his faith - even in this dark hour...

thank you for your prayers...