Flowers from Friends

 It helps to get flowers from friends!  Ms. Bailee from church sent some flowers today, and they did just the job, brightening up the place somewhat, if for a short time.  It's been so wonderful to have the support of so many friends.  We've had nightly meals from Shobie, Laurie, Diana, the Edges, the Barretts, and desserts from Josh.  We've had flowers and gifts and prayers and shelter and love poured out on us during this time.  We're not alone.  I've compared Mom to Rey, from that last Star Wars movie, standing resolute before the onslaught against her, but she's not alone because she has all those others behind her. 

Madison had piano today, and she also had her small group, where they're continuing to learn about the Full Armor of God.  We've been praying that prayer a bit lately, praying for protection for our hearts and minds as we move forward in this challenging situation.  Uncle George is here, and despite his ability to get her out of the house and go for a ride to various places, the problem still persists, and even worse, she is not wanting to eat or go to a doctor.  We've made an appointment for Friday, because we don't want things to get so bad that we have to take her to the hospital.  She sits and wants to be alone, and cries about not being dead yet, and we're attempting to combat that with love and reasons to live.  It's most taxing on Mommy, who is doing her best not to take the cold shoulder and insults personally.  But it does wear you down, hence the prayer about armor.  I keep pointing to a season where things will be better.  Maybe that will be after a doctor's appointment and some medication.  The dream has been that this could be manageable, and that we could do things together.  But lately this doesn't seem likely.  

Madison did well on her algebra test last week, the one we were waiting to find out about.  But a slew of other grades came in and they were all A's.  I mean... wow.  She's killin' it this year with grades.  She's so focused, and in many cases, it's just easy for her.  She's enjoying science and the elements, and is ready for something a bit more challenging there.  She's doing well with algebra right now, and all her other classes too.  She's just having a good time too, getting to school early and talking with friends.  

She had some ice cream tonight.  I only had one Mickey Mouse bar left, but go ahead and have it, Madison.  You deserve it.  But we also popped in a seasonal game to try out, "Luigi's Mansion 3."  

We played that for a little bit, or at least I watched her play for a bit, entering a hotel that seemed nice and cheery upon entering.  Of course, all that changes when Luigi hears a scream in the night!  I think there's a way that I can join in, but we'll have to look that up.  Tonight, I was just content to watch her try it out and explore the mansion and get into the story.  It's definitely right there with this season, a fun and spooky little game that is helping to make our spirits a little brighter.