A NEW NORMAL

I have often written about our friends "The Boersma's" and you all know we lost Dr. Dale this Spring after a LONG battle with ALS. In case you do not realize it yet, as Momma told Robbie during her final illness, "Dying is hard work" and certainly not for the faint of heart. Helen was Dale's faithful and loving nurse during the many months before his leaving. The day finally arrived that God long ago appointed and Dale took his leave to be with God in Heaven. A WELL deserved rest!

Not long after Dale's leaving, Helen told me, "Life will never be normal again." I agreed, but also told her, "You now have to make a 'New' normal." She has attacked the process of creating her new life with her usual energy and determination. I have been amazed and blessed to watch her progress.

Our mutual good friends, The Andersons, live just down the street from the Boersma abode. I asked Debbie where Helen was Wednesday when she did not come to small group. She replied, "I don't know-she's never home and the only thing I see of her are her taillights as they take off down the street." Helen is staying busy-going-doing-being with her huge host of friends and family.

One of the issues for Helen has been being alone in her house now-even with close neighbors. We talked about this and possible solutions. Yesterday we met with the Brinks Security man and a security system is being installed. We both agreed she will feel much safer with the system she has chosen. Suffice it to say, DO NOT GO TO HER HOUSE unannounced! With lots of bells and whistles in her system, you will not be able to enter her house in ANY manner without LOUD bells, sirens, and police escort ensuing.

She is being a "Good Grandmother" to her youngest grandchildren and has a grown granddaughter coming for most of the summer. I think in the future she will entertain doing medical mission trips with her doctor friends. Her nursing background will make her the perfect fit!

In a nutshell, Helen is not sitting and suffering. She certainly has her moments, but that is to be expected. Those moments do not last long and she is quickly busy with her many projects or with her many friends. Dale would be extremely proud of the "Love of His Life" as she tackles the process of "New Normal". She is a sweet blessing in my life and I am so thankful God "Threw Us Together". Here's to life as we co-mingle the past with the present to create the future.