Our early April arrival in Minnesota from Florida was a momentous homecoming to be sure, but going home, to our home, was a day of ecstatic joy, thankfulness and relief. Joy had done remarkably well in her physical recovery and although still needing a walker or my arm to steady herself as she walked, she could climb the stairs in our three level townhome, one of the major requirements for making the homecoming possible.

I often write about finding joy or peace or trust in the sufficiency of God’s provision, in the midst of suffering and despair. Since that is truly our experience, when I come across descriptions or validations of such experience, I choose to take the opportunity to share these thoughts in the hope that they can be an encouragement to you as well.

We have had a good week despite the turmoil going on in the world around us and in some of the lives closest to us.

In last week’s post I focused more on Joy’s search for lost memories and understanding of this same time period from two years ago, and while that was one of our dominant topics, I also feel compelled to share more of the wonder we experienced last week as we joined in observances of Christ’s Passion and glorious resurrection.

April 4th, will mark the two year anniversary of our MedFlight home from Ascension Sacred Heart in Panama City to Abbott Northwestern Courage Kenny in Minneapolis. It is beyond my ability to find words that can express the joy of that day and the anticipation and relief of returning to Minnesota. There were many challenges ahead, but we were home, praise God, we were home.

This Sunday, Palm Sunday, is the start of Holy Week recalling Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem followed by his final days with and words to his disciples, the agonizing pain, suffering, and death of his Passion, followed thankfully by his victorious resurrection on Easter morn. On Palm Sunday 2024 I wrote a blog entry reflecting on the suffering Joy/we were experiencing at the time.