Okay, quick break from the travel posts for a family update.

I think most people know that my parents are moving soon. At this point we're not sure where they're going to be, so it could possibly be in the same town, or it may be in another state. We also do not know when they're going to be out of the house, because my daddy had a stroke a couple of weeks ago.

Confession: It scares me. A lot. All I've really known up to this point is that he is expected to make a slow but full recovery. I love the "full" part, but it really will be very slow. It was a diabetic stroke, and it was classified as a minor one, but it has definitely affected him. It has slowed him down quite a bit and they even had to bring him a hospital bed to put in the living room because it was too hard for him to make it up and down the stairs to and from his bedroom. His right leg (I think) does not work very well and he has lost a lot of dexterity in his hands. He is taking several medications and has a physical therapist coming a couple of times a week to help him regain use of his leg and hands. When I talked with him a little while ago he just did not seem like himself to me. He'll get onto me for saying that, and maybe I'm just extra paranoid because I'm so far away and I can't do anything for him. At any rate, he has me a little worried, to say the least.

All of these things are putting quite a few financial, emotional, and spiritual strains on our family. There is not a lot that anyone can really do for the situation; the healing process will take its own timely course. But I am asking that you say a prayer for my family. Daddy always tells me how much he appreciates all the prayers for him. He has felt their power. In my family, we have a very strong testimony of faith, prayer, and the Atonement. We know that all our wounds can be healed by those means. These emotional, financial, and physical burdens we are experiencing can all be eased eventually. In the meantime, though, the simple blessing of peace and comfort may be the only alleviation we receive. As that comfort comes bit by bit, I am more and more grateful for each day that I am able to speak with my family and know that our relationships are eternal. I really love those guys.

Please, please take care of yourself. Take care of your loved ones. Let them know you love them. Never forget that God loves you.