I think that things went well. In the beginning, when thanking the people (hardly an empty chair) for coming to share their joys and sorrows regarding their friend, that their home and family and their friends were important to Jean and her husband who died seven years ago, and that I wanted the people to imagine that they were sitting at their friend's kitchen table, or in their living room, or on the back deck, so to feel free to make a comment, ask a question or speak as they felt moved to do. I asked their daughter, who spent time in Hong Kong and Shanghai and has spent several years with an interest in Buddhist concepts, whether she would like to include some Buddhist readings ... and she said not, but that she appreciated the offer. When I asked whether she'd like to speak, as the males did, (equal time) she said that she feared that she'd break down and cry, and even before the gathering, she demurred, but when I offered, during the gathering, she came and spoke of her mother ... and for part of her talk, I stood with my arm around her. One of the boys made a montage of slides of various family members, involved in various activities (a substantial portion of it, eating) and played his trumpet, and another played a piece on the keyboard, along with the speaking. I said that there's been scarcely any civilization where they had no belief in a spiritual power that takes an interest in our world, and that now, with many saying that science has made all of these superstitions unnecessary, so many have placed religion on a back shelf in the closet of the spare bedroom ... but even the modern folks say that they are spiritual (but not religious) - whatever that means. But I felt that we should make it a part of ordinary living - like salt that adds flavour to soup, or leaven which makes bread more tasty and interesting. That when God made the world, s/he took a great risk, in giving us free will, which I deeply appreciate: not wanting to be like an ant, part of a line, following a predetermined path. While God doesn't hit us over the head with a 2 X 4, forcing us to follow, s/he seduces us - tells us that s/he loves us deeply, and wants us to love, in return ... ... and to go out and build a world the way that s/he would like it to be. What a wonderful challenge, privilege and responsibility that God wants us to be involved in - to be co-creators with Him/Her of the beautiful world that it can become, tomorrow. Built on concern for and help to others, understanding, compassion and love. Starting tomorrow, and the day after - but really beginning today: right now. We have a sick old world, and we need to work hard not to build walls, keeping people either in, or out: but separating them, whichever. How much more creative to build bridges of understanding. The daughter said ... that her mom would have been so pleased. ole joyful

I say prayers for everyone in that situation whenever I am reminded of them. Like I said, I was only at the blood center and the families and friends all touched my life. It was scary at times, especially when he had a fungal infection that was not responding to antibiotics. His flesh was coming off and they didn't know what it was until the culture came back. Once they got the right stuff treating it, everything turned around. That was the infection that delayed his transplant, but as I said, he is nearly ready to return home now and was able to drive out for the day on Thanksgiving. It was great. I wish I could be there in person so you could see and feel the hope. I'll send all I can by angel wings.

I hope that the evaluatioon may turn out to have been a false alarm ... but if cancer is found, that it may have been found in time to be treated effectively. Prayers going for your friends Bretr and Bobbi ... and for you. ole joyful

Here's an update sent this morning. ----------------------------------------------------- Want to say "THANK YOU" for the prayers, God is working--he had hives, they gave him Benadryl, which completely cleared up the hives and the Dr's were amazed, they thought it would only help with the itching. He had a rough night but this morning woke up hungry. The dr's said he is producing the toxin but all of his "numbers" were up/potassium, kidney, etc. so they are pleased but will keep a close watch on him until Saturday so he is still not out of the woods but at this point he is much better and God is answering the prayers.