{changing jobs}

Well, I am starting a new job at a new place. Quantum change in my life. I've been in the ICU for 5 years now, and because of negative changes in the environment in which I am working, a recent assault by one of my patients, and various elements of family and babysitting, felt it was time to move on...which I'm not terribly good at, but excited nonetheless... Come November 4, I will be working in the Neuroscience Institute at The Children's Hospital full time for a while, then down to part-time when possible. The hours and campus are the same as Jonathan's, so we'll be able to ride together and eat lunch together. No weekends, holidays, or nights. It will be an improvement in many ways.

{zoo day}

Exhilarating fall weather, funny-looking animals, friends...all made for a great Saturday at the zoo. Not surprisingly, Jonathan, who is still wearing an arm cast, took some incredible pictures of fall foliage and us having fun. What was my favorite part? The little monkey with the moustache. That and the BBQ chicken pizza after the zoo, because you always work up an appetite with all that walking.

{cowboy chad and marshmallow kate}

A lesson in friendliness...This morning on the way to pre-school, Chad rolled down his window when we stopped at an intersection and said "Howdy" to the rough-looking man smoking in his work truck. The man's smile showed a row of missing teeth. Chad proceeded to ask him, "What's your name?" and "my name's Chad. I'm 3. This is my sister Kate, she's 2. I'm going to pre-school. Look at my backpack!" I'm thinking this is the last man I'd look to converse with. Kinda scary. When we start forward, Chad yells, "Well, mister, have a good day! Jesus loves you!" The man obviously was struck by that. I rolled up Chad's window to hear my son state matter-of-factly: "I like that man. He's a good man because Jesus made him too." Don't we change over the years?

After we came home, Katelyn thought she'd have a marshmallow feast. The pic says it all. She loves

maw-meyos and is into colors.

{family foursome}

...A picture of our little family surrounded by fall at Silver Dollar City...

{opposites reflect one another}

Well, vacation has ended and fall has begun. Many changes while much of the same. Sadness and happiness. I'm in my thoughtful spot right now. What do I make of life? I had a heart-wrenching day at work yesterday, caring for 2 patients whose lives, just that day, had been turned inside-out. How quickly their plans reeled out of control when that diagnosis was made. Who will be next? Why are some healthy and others sick? I am crying inside for a loved one who is facing the daunting challenges of MS. He keeps a brave face. He is dear to me though he may not realize how much.....And for another loved one who has just received a grim diagnosis. She tries to be happy for her little one, but I'm sure inside she is scared. I wish we lived closer to both families. My husband cut his arm the other day and faces major surgery for tendon/ligament repair on Tuesday. He is quiet. I looked into his eyes last night and saw the same fear I see in my patients' eyes.

The only solace I find in life is in the faith that my God knows and cares. Somehow all this works into a plan He's overseen our entire lives. There is a better place where no tears exist. As for now, I feel joy when I talk to relatives on the phone, as I teach Chad to read, when Katelyn gives me a hug, while I watch a movie with Jonathan... There is great happiness, but I would not acknowledge it as much were it not for sorrow.