ann kiemel

september 22.

it's my birthday!

it's my birthday!

but jan and i are not self-absorbed

on birthdays. we grew up twins, 

and who could give a party?  my

mother felt it was asking too

much for people to bring two

gifts. however.......

when we turned 16,

my mother threw her hands

in the air....and with radiant face...

announced: "we are having a

PARTY!!"

invitations went out. oh, the

smells that wafted through the

house.  nothing could wipe out the

sparkle in my mom's eyes. it was

a birthday royalle. 16 years.

the children and i have a

friend who is very close to us.

and debby is her name.  she

creates all kinds of glorious

events. for the family.  laughter

and tears when we get to see

each other. she orchestrated someone to come get me.

by plane. and because taylor is

in california, he was

chosen. my major foot surgery

is tomorrow.

and since i seem to fall on

my face with these feet, his presence has been essential.

i've eaten six bags of gummy

bears...and the rest is too embarrassing to mention.  but

fun?  it's been spectacular.

new pajamas and toasty, heavy

sweatsuit....and skyping colben.

we fly back to sacramento tonight.

staying with jan. taylor back to

monterey..tomorrow.  and i to

the hospital.

mountains rise.

trees sway.

roots are yanked out.

the world stops.

the surgeon walks in.

and another year dances before

me. fire and flood and surprise

miracles. four sons that make

courage burn in my soul.  and i

have the privilege of continuing

being a warrior at your side.

philipians 4:6

thank you for your prayers tomorrow

ann, debby

ann, taylor, debby