Many things have happened since the last posting. For two reasons I asked to be relieved of my job as Santa at the River Ridge Mall. One was my back. I am in extreme pain and nothing seems to be helping. I have had 2 epidurals, chiropractor adjustments, and various home remedies to no avail. Over the past several weeks while working as Santa I have noticed June being slightly depressed. Several days when I was not working, and sitting with her more during the day, she seemed more upbeat. I asked the Boss Lady in charge of the Santa program if I might be relieved. She was gracious to do that, and my sitting with June in the afternoons and early evenings has made a difference in her.
For a few weeks during the night Boots (our dog) has been upset over something in the closets in our bedroom. We have previously caught two chipmunks in the house, and a “flying” squirrel. Because of Boots insistence that something was in the closets, I placed stick pads inside the closet doors. This morning about 12:10 BOOTS was very active at my closet door. One night last week I put her in her kennel because of her behavior, and threatened to do so this morning, only to note that one of the stick pads corner was visible outside the closet door. That meant something inside had moved it. Cautiously I opened the door, and there stuck to the pad was a small flying squirrel. He now is in squirrel heaven, and my brother Ron is going to put in ceilings in the two closets which i hope will stop their entrance into our bedroom. How they are getting into the wall of the house is beyond my understanding. I have blocked every visible crack or hole.
We are expecting Gail and Darryl along with Wayne, Andrea and the twins this weekend. Christmas early for the family. Saturday night we have AT HOME or OPEN HOUSE to which we have invited friends. I don’t know how many will visit us but we are planning a simple get-together from four o’clock to seven o’clock pm. Sunday I am to be Saint Nicholas for the children’s sermon at Our Savior Lutheran Church, and Santa Claus Sunday night at Forest Road United Methodist Church. Next week I have two Santa appearance and then I can shave my beard.
We are encouraging people who know others dealing with Dementia issues to give our book as a Christmas gift. There is still time to order by clicking on this link “A Long Dark Night — A Caregiver’s Journey With Dementia” at Create Space eStore: https://www.createspace.com/3699557. There is also available my autobiography if you want to know something about my life and ministry: The Miter – Autobiography: https://www.createspace.com/3723824.
We pray this Advent season has been a blessed preparation for you as we approach the celebration os the Gift God gave in Himself as Jesus. Happy Jesus Birthday.
Scott Bell said,
January 30, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Bishop Phil, Wanted to let you know I love you and think and pray for June and you often. My life sure goes by quickly does it not? I am doing well teaching my kids on the mission field here in Youngstown, Ohio. I love what I do and know I am in the will of God – if it was not for the hardships and some poor choices I would not be here – goes to show things do work together for good.