Mr. Putter and My Dad

"It was fall, and juicy things were growing in Mr. Putter's backyard. Juicy apples, juicy tomatoes, juicy pears.
Mr. Putter walked with his fine cat, Tabby, among the juicy things, and he dreamed. He dreamed of apple pie and apple turnovers. He dreamed of hot apple cider with a cinnamon
stick, and stuffed red tomatoes.
But most of all, he dreamed of pear jelly. Mr. Putter loved pear jelly. He had loved it since he was a boy. Fall was his favorite season because of pear jelly.
And now it was time. "Tabby," said Mr. Putter, "it is time to
pick the pears."
Tabby loved when Mr. Putter said it was time to do something. She was old, but she still liked excitement. She followed
Mr. Putter into the garage, where he found a ladder for pear picking. Then they went to the backyard–where all the
excitement was."

"Mr. Putter had a problem. It was a ladder problem. Mr. Putter set his ladder against the pear tree. But he couldn't get up the ladder. Last year he got up the ladder. But this year he had cranky legs. Cranky legs, cranky knees, cranky feet.
He stepped onto the ladder, and his legs were so cranky he
had to get right off again. "One trouble with being old," said
Mr. Putter, "is being cranky." Tabby knew what he meant.
She had a cranky tail. Some days it was so cranky it wouldn't swish. It just stuck in the air like a stick. Cranky legs and
cranky tails are no fun when you're old. Especially if you
want pear jelly."....

For those of you who've never heard of Mr. Putter, buy them here. (I'm sure you'll want to find out how Mr. Putter manages to get his pears in spite of his cranky knees!) And please pray for my Dad's cranky knees while you're at it!

Speaking of my Dad, I figured it was time for an update.

After spending the last five weeks in two different hospitals,
my Dad was admitted into a local nursing home for continued therapy on his "cranky knees". As he has been steadily progressing, John and I have been talking with contractors, moving furniture, researching medical equipment, and even attending assorted therapies with my Dad in preparation for him to come live with us.
As I mentioned when my Father fell, it had become evident Dad will no longer be able to live on his own. However, over the last several months God had been preparing our hearts to welcome my Dad here. Back in December we seriously considered buying a larger, basement home in order to accommodate him, but have been unable to find the "perfect" house. As a result, we have decided to expand our own home, adding a 10x12 sitting room to the guest bedroom, and a private deck, swimming pool and jacuzzi to the back.
That being said, there still are a number of things that intimidate me as I contemplate caring for my Father in his old age, and even more things that tempt me to anxiety about having another human in this household. Yet, we are in faith to proceed.
Please pray for continued progress in my Father's health, strength in his "cranky" knees, legs and feet; and a complete recovery from the set backs he's been experiencing (his speech is not fully recovered, his right side is still significantly weakened, and he's having difficulty swallowing thin liquids). Also, I'd like to ask you to pray for emotional endurance and perseverance for him. Being in a nursing home is a depressing atmosphere and is sure to affect his countenance.
John and I would also appreciate your prayers! Prayers for wisdom in the many discussions and decisions having to be made; prayers for the provision of caretakers while we are
away or have meetings to attend; prayers for a speedy home expansion for Dad's comfort; and a smooth transition for all
of us into this new season of life.
Dad is scheduled to come home in about three weeks.
Thanks for praying!