My mom

Bright & early tomorrow (Monday) morning, my mom will be going to the hospital for surgery to repair a brain aneurysm. She will have to stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days followed by a fairly long recovery. She has known for several months about the aneurysm, and has explored various treatment possibilities, only to come to the conclusion that for her type of aneurysm, she has to have brain surgery. I wish it didn't have to be so - but without the surgery, the aneurysm will most likely burst at some point in the future, resulting in a stroke or worse! It has been a long road and a stressful few months as she has faced the possibility of this surgery. Despite it all, she has been quite brave and has tried to stay busy and active, not dwelling on this current health issue. I know that my mom would appreciate an extra prayer or 2 on her behalf over the next few weeks, if you think of it. We are all hoping for a smooth, complication-free surgery and a speedy recovery.

I love my mom and admire her total dedication to family. It seems that she is holding one of her grandchildren in every picture I take of her lately. This photo is no exception - Ms. Ella, Jared & Katie's 18 month old, is cheesing it up for the camera at my dad's little birthday get-together a couple of weeks ago.

I love you mom!