When Krl and I went to Lubbock for Rian's graduation commencement, I had opportunity to visit some with Rian. His week had been a tumultuous week with the death of his friend, mentor, leader, and fellow educator Larry English. This was followed by the death of another family friend. Needless to say, Rian's week was filled with highs and lows.

Rian told me that Larry's memorial service was standing room only. It was scheduled after school and after work hours so everyone had opportunity to attend. It was pointed out early on that there was no body. Larry had donated his body to the Texas Tech Medical School for research on Lou Gehrig's Disease. It was to no one's surprise that even though Larry is gone, he continues to teach. There were many testimonials, by friends family and co-workers. Larry served as an Elder in the Greenlawn CoC in Lubbock and earlier this year a building was named and dedicated in his honor at one of his favorite outreaches in Mexico. When Larry delivered one of his final sermons before this horrible disease took his ability to communicate, he told the congregation that he was proud to be blessed with Lou Gehrig's and that he knew he would not be asked to bear more than he could. Never in his ordeal did his faith waver. He was asked how in the face of deteriorating motor skills he could continue to be unwavering. He replied that he was going to show the faith he had talked about. And he did. Several stories were related of special communiques that would continue to serve as communication between his children and him, long after he could talk. These are still in place today even though he is gone. A tremendous man who taught through one of life's most difficult situations. I am glad Rian knew him.

Maintenance Sunday took the entire day plus some. Saws, brushes, flashing, all needed to be replaced. Finally last evening between eight and nine they brought the monster back to life. Nine shifts until time off, and the little jolly fat man comes callin'!

We went to Abuello's, ate way to much, and then Krl made the mall for a brief while. We returned to St. Lawrence and finished settlements about ten thirty last evening. Krl is going to town and on to Abilene later today. I hope she doesn't get caught by the weather. Our forecast calls for the coldest temperatures of the year with a chance of a rain/snow/sleet mix. It is supposed to be in here until Friday. Oh well.

FATHER please bless this day and this week. I surrender it back to YOU. Use me, mold me, make me in YOUR way. I pray for healing, both physically and spiritual for all those near and dear. I ask YOUR blessings for all in this season.