"And in July we're going to go to that car show..."

"You bet, dad. Who else should come with us?"

And then he lists his family.

"Can I buy that pearl white baby T-bird, do you think?" he asks.

"We can sure try. If Gus is there, we can make him an offer."

"Do you know that movie, Romancing the Stone?"

"Yup. That's a good one, isn't it?"

"Uh huh. Michael Douglas is in it."

"You're right. Is that your favorite movie?"

"No. I still like Rebel without a Cause with James Dean best."

"Is that the one with Natalie Wood?"

"Yup. Max is baptized, isn't he ..."

and so it went.

I sat with him for a few hours this evening; listening to him breathe, coaxing him to eat, forcing him to drink, encouraging him to rest, and praying that he was pain-free.

Three things I'm thankful for:
1. He is getting awesome care, from a hospital staff that is committed to making him comfortable.
2. His memory was impeccable this evening.
3. God loves him and is preparing a place for him. That place? Will be full of sunshine, cherry trees in season, and have country and western songs playing in the background.

Shalom,