It has been an amazing holiday with family.  Donnie and I feel so very blessed to have so much family that love each other so much.  It is such a joy for all of us to be together ANYTIME.

After Christmas, my brother Don and his wife Elaine (married since they were 17) came to visit from Memphis.  Then they left, and their son Michael (our nephew) and his wife Lynn and two darling girls Gracie and Laura Mae came to visit from Memphis.  Of course, this means big meals, lots of kids playing, adults catching up, and lots of laughter.  It was really wonderful!!  The Memphis girls LOVED to swim in the pool . . . especially “night swimming.”  They were so ADORABLE!!  We miss them already!!

Then New Year’s Eve, Lorraine (Donnie’s sister) and Robert surprised us by coming over from Brandon and taking us out to dinner.  Donnie had a really good time.  Then we were off to be with our church family to ring in the new year.  It was a lovely night, honoring God for all he has done in our lives in 2015, and the promises He gives us for 2016.  It’s the first time Donnie has been able to be with any of our church family since June, so you can imagine how special it was for him!!  We even celebrated communion, which was very special for Donnie, as he has not been able to go to church in months.  You can tell how happy he is in the pic, and that he is feeling better and better.  Also, this is the first time he has dressed up, and his pants fit!!  He even ironed his own shirt.  Now you KNOW he is feeling better . . . picky about his appearance 🙂  He looked so handsome!

On New Year’s Day, my sister Wendy and her husband Robin came to visit us from Naples.  She is from my “Fritz” side of the family . . . my family from my birth mother.  It was too short of a visit (our fault due to our awesome family visiting!), but it is always WONDERFUL to see them.  Robin always makes us laugh . . . what a character!  They are very special to us!

We feel so blessed . . . our family members are our closest friends.  Their love and support encourages us every day.  The legacy from our parents to love each other is a priceless one.  I pray that Donnie and I are passing that down to our children.

Donnie continues to improve.  He has had no nausea for 3 or 4 days, and has not been taking any nausea medications.  That is a first since September 1st.  He has weaned his extended release morphine to 15mg twice a day, but he is experiencing neuropathy, so we will see if he has to increase his dose again.  He does not nap much during the day, and even stayed up until 1 am on New Year’s Eve, so his stamina is improving.  His port site seems to have an infection, and he is on antibiotics for that.  Please pray for that problem to get resolved.  Overall, he is feeling much better, and food is starting to taste delicious (his words).  Can I have a hallelujah in the house!!!!!!!

Donnie and I pray that your 2016 is full of the promises of God, the abundance of His love, and that you open your hearts to Him.  We are so blessed by God, and pray the same for you and your families!

Much love,  Donnie & Tina