FAMILY TIME

I had the opportunity to visit my family in the Seattle area. I don't get there too often, but it is nice when I do.

Our brother Jack came to our sister's house. We had a great time together on Father's Day.

My sister was able to get a couple of tickets for the Seattle Mariners-Chicago Cubs baseball game. We went together and had a fun time. I am a fan of both teams, so it was a win-win night for me. My heart was leaning towards the Cubs and unfortunately they lost. The cool thing was that "Cubs Nation" was represented very well.

I also got to see my college roommate, Joyce. I haven't seen her since "pre-accident", so it was good to catch up with her.

I am beginning some writing on my recovery and it was nice to begin interviews with my family. Due to my coma and brain injury, I don't remember anything from early on. They filled me in on some interesting items. It doesn't freak me out, but it does confirm how God has been at the center of this entire journey.

They all confirmed too how well they were taken care of by many people from Lakeside Church. People were incredibly generous and it meant a lot to my family. The acts of giving were tremendous acts of love. Thanks Everyone!

It is good to be back in EDH and my kitty Spike is glad his mommy is home.

Two Years and Counting

On June 18 of this month was the two year "anniversary" of my run in with a car while I was on a bicycle. I was actually the one run into. It has been an interesting two years, but I am trusting God that He has more life left for me to live.

I praise and thank God for all that He has done in me and for me over the past two years. It is not a journey I would have chosen, but it is incredible to know that whatever path He has us on, He is right there with us.

I am grateful for: the healing that has taken place; for the progress in my brain and with my memory; for the love, care, generosity, patience, forgiveness, mercy and so much more from my family and friends; for the opportunity to volunteer at Mercy Gen. Hospital in Sacto. in their Acute Rehab. Dept. (where I was a patient a couple of years ago); to help with PARTY (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth); as well as to be able to live a life that has purpose, meaning, and that I am capable of interacting in.

God has been incredibly good to me. As year two proceeds and I have the opportunity to continue to heal, grow, and interact, I do so with a grateful heart.

Thank you for being a part of the journey.

Blessings, Kathi

THE EYES HAVE IT

One of the things I tend to notice about people is their eyes. When someone has, what I think, are beautiful eyes that stands out to me.

The eyes can say a lot: there are looks of care, love, compassion, fear, anger, uncertainty, and more.

I imagine that Jesus had incredible eyes: love, forgiveness, compassion, mercy, grace, and so much more were most likely seen in His eyes.

Jesus also saw people. He would see the woman who needed to be healed in the midst of a crowd.

How do you think Jesus sees you? The same way that you see yourself? I believe that Jesus sees us with the same eyes and perspective that He saw people when He walked on earth.

I'm glad that God and I don't see myself the same way. I tend to see myself in a critical light; as one who keeps making mistakes; I see my shortcomings; as well, I see myself too often as unloveable -- among other things.

I am seen with love, forgiveness, grace, compassion, and with my frailties and imperfections in sight, but I am seen through the blood of Jesus.

I want to see as Jesus sees, not only myself, but how He sees others. He sees them as sheep without a shepherd, with unconditional love, in need of forgiveness and grace.

Thanks Jesus for how You see and the fact that You do see us and what we are going through. You not only see us, but You walk with us in the midst of it all.