Family news

Much is happening in the next couple of weeks as Jim, Kim, and Bob will all be having surgery.

Jim's surgery will be next Tuesday, Nov. 15. It will be very extensive and will take upwards of seven hours. Apparently two-thirds of his esophogus will be removed and half or his stomach!! They will then be re-attached and he will have a long recovery period. Jim will likely be hospitalized for 10 to 14 days and have a two-month recovery time at home. My sister Barb is flying there from Texas for three weeks and will spend time with Jim and Kim as well as our folks in Palm Springs.

The following day, Nov. 16, Bob will have a minor surgical procedure whereby he'll get a "fistula" in his left arm, providing a permanent vascular access to the receiving of dialysis. Until now, he's had a more temporary porta-cath.

And the next day, Thursday Nov. 17, Kim will have surgery once again--this time to remove lymph nodes under her left arm. Anticipating this and the limitations this may bring has been difficult for Kim. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

I actually plan to fly out to Regina to be with Tim and Kim and help with the children. Kim's surgery will just be day-surgery, but she and Tim will appreciate a couple of extra arms around to help care for the children, cook, etc, and give lots of hugs!!! And it will be great to be with Barbie too, as she celebrates her 40th birthday on the 16th!!!

David, Ann, and the boys are in the midst of a very busy semester at SUNY (State University of NY) in Fredonia. David's teaching and doing a lot of performing and Ann's in her second year of her M.Mus. program. They did get a little break last weekend and drove to Niagara Falls for a family outing. They're only an hour from the falls and it is a favourite family spot. They sent us a number of pictures and here are just a couple.