What Really Matters, According to Me

Daniel Jr. spent the day with Jen, his recreational therapist. Daniel, it should be noted, has, and was born with, Cerebral Palsy. CP is just a waste-basket term to describe any number of abnormal neuromuscular symptoms that can't otherwise be attributed to a diagnosed condition. Cerebral Palsy actually means 'shaking brain.' That hardly applies to Daniel, though. Neither does his brain shake, nor any other part of his body. Back to the reporting, though: Daniel spent the day with Jen. He generally enjoys his time with her on Wednesdays. They go to the "Y" and swim, then see a movie or have lunch. Sometimes they bowl or go to a video game store. Last week Daniel came home a little unhappy. He had had a discussion with Jen and felt like he didn't make his case very well when the two of them disagreed. Daniel is a little disadvantaged when it comes to debate. He is not gifted in the area of persuasive speech and doesn't argue well with anyone except his sibl...

At the beginning of 2009 we find ourselves on shaky ground. With the election behind us, we look forward with a little trepidation and concern over what will become of the economy. When one is employed by the local school district, college or some branch of the local, state or national government, one tends to feel secure in the regular arrival of a paycheck. We, however, are self-employed. Not only do we have to find potential projects, but bid them low enough to get the work and still make enough money to pay our own obligations and make payroll to support the families of those who depend on us for their regular paycheck, so to speak. It's stressful. And we haven't received our bailout check in the mail as of today... so I don't know how things will turn out this year. Honestly, we ask ourselves if we'll need to let rooms like so many families did during the Depression. Regardless: We are grateful for the wonderful family with which the Lord has blessed us. Nine child...