Yesterday after church Alan and I drove over to visit Iris…I mean to pick up my car, which Kathy and Carl had borrowed until they were able to buy another one (a sleek, black Hyundai Sonata) last Thursday.
This living so far away from our kids and grand kids is tough! 
Praise God for cars, jet planes, kids, and grand babies to visit!
Iris wasn’t exactly sure what to do with Grandpa,
but Grandma knew exactly what to do with Iris!
We were also eager to see how Carl and Kathy were faring.
Carl broke his ankle and leg in four places seven weeks ago but had gotten a “walking cast” last week, so Alan wanted to check out progress.
A “walking cast” doesn’t mean Carl can actually walk on his foot yet, but it does mean that he might be able to walk in several months if he’s a very good patient and does well during his thrice-weekly, strenuous physical therapy sessions.
This is very gross (so look at the picture below instead if you have a weak stomach), but you can see why he’s not just dancing for joy yet. (The back side of his leg is just as bad with a long scar running down it too.) 
(Picture was a gift from Mikki Cooper to remind us of our little Iris.)
Carl was supposed to be leaving today for a two-week video shoot in Israel, but he’s had to give that up (although he’s been invited to go with them again in October if his foot can handle it).
Iris empathizes. 
She’s just daydreaming about the day when her daddy can carry her around!
Meanwhile, even though he has to use a wheel chair, Carl’s been back at work full time to take care of his family! He’s a brave man!
Kathy’s holding up great too. Alan and I are really proud of both of them!
All our lives—even the happiest of lives—are full of challenges, aren’t they?
But I wouldn’t trade mine for anything, would you?
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise him all creatures hear below.
Praise him above, ye heavenly hosts.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”
Amen!
Hooray for a walking cast! That’s very exciting!!! Go C and K!
Iris has enormous eyes.
Cute girl.
Iris does! Have you seen pictures of Amelie’s eyes? They are also huge and round.
Just got back and am so relieved about Reid. Sounds like I may have a very happy post to share tomorrow!
You are right, life can be extremely hard. I empathize with Carl, because I broke my ankle in two places and had to have surgery on it to place screws when I was in my forties. Not fun. I really believe that most Christians (and probably all a time or two) make the mistake of thinking that the goal for ourselves and others is comfort. I think we can learn that life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful. A grateful heart is a mentally healthy mind.
I agree with you so much…on all these points! I often find myself with struggling with wanting those I love to be “happy” when God calls us to be faithful, whether or not life is happy. And, I really think having a grateful heart is key to contentment and the ability to experience peace and happiness in the midst of all the tumble of life. I’m so sorry about your broken ankle. Carl had to have screws, etc. too. Intensely painful…for a long time! He’s much better now, although he still gets some shooting, nerve pains, which I hope heal eventually.
Gorgeous pictures of Iris! And Carl’s got quite the battle scars! I’m glad everyone’s hanging in there.
Thanks, Andrea! Iris’ eyes make me think of Elijah. He has huge, round eyes too!
What a blessed life you have. I (STILL) want to be just like you when I grow up–going from kid to kid, grandkid to grandkid.. and helping, rejoicing, consoling, advising, wondering, and loving it all.. You are an awesome grandma for all of those little ones and their parents!
Yah, well I’d like to have been just like you before I grew up! I love your wit and sense of humor. You make me laugh every time I read one of your crazy, wonderful posts!