For my faithful readers, I apologize for not posting. The month of January, while usually time to reflect and predict better things for the new year has been stressful for me and for the Jackson family. It began with, continued with, and concludes around my sister Dorothy Edna Whitaker.
I have been her caregiver since the fall of 2023, placing her in two assisted living places, visiting her in Palm Bay Hospital and Holmes Regional Hospital, helping her through rehabilitation in Life Care Melbourne and Melbourne Terrace, and most recently, in Vitas Hospice Care. With regret, yet a blessing, she is now Home with the Lord, free from her suffering and debilitation, and I am both grieving and rejoicing.
Without the strength of the Lord, this would have been a devastating battle, but in His grace and mercy, I was honored to be with her in her last days. We would have celebrated her 81st birthday tomorrow. Instead, I post her Obituary on my next post.
In addition, actually the same day as her passing, our family heard of two cancer diagnoses the same day, my Verizon phone was useless for the week, making difficult discussions with my other sister difficult with dropped calls and causing intense frustration, and my adult kids, who could have been great helpers with all that was occurring, were out of town and out of touch.
However, in all of this, the prayers and sweet messages of comforting presence from friends made the week bearable, and in reflection, showed friendship and brought me comfort. I wish I were a better consoler. I need to work on that, telling others I care, empowering their recovery as they have mine. My bouquets of flowers, Facebook reminders of their prayers and love, and cards are treasured in my heart. I will try to remember those who need my caring touch which is there somewhere in my persona.
And so, a new year begins. We pray the Almighty Presence is with you all, dear readers. 
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