This was a different beginning to the new year for us.  I am here at the farm while Howard remains a patient at Tatagwa View in Weyburn at the Mental Health Centre.  I am looking forward to the week ahead when I will be moving to Weyburn to house sit right next door to Clare and Jodi's.  Then I can visit Howard every day and perhaps take him for outings.

Our family is meeting with the Dr. and a social worker on Friday morning to discuss future arrangements for Howard.  He spent four days at home over Christmas and I was glad he could be with us for our family gathering on Dec. 22nd.  We went to church on Christmas Day in Torquay, then spent a quiet day at home before he went back on Dec. 26.

It was good to have him home, but he is not the same Howard and I don't think I could handle him at home full time if his condition doesn't improve.  We will look into the possibility of long term care for him.  It seems so sad but not as sad as some situations that people have to deal with.

A classmate of Laurel's from LCBI days lost her 48 year old husband in a tragic highway accident on Dec. 28.  Myron Berg, his wife Gigi (Gillian) and their four children ages 5 to 14 were returning to their home in Mission, BC from a holiday at Harrison Hot Springs. They were in a head on collision when a driver swerved into their lane to avoid hitting a car that was waiting to make a left hand turn.  Myron died at the scene, Gigi and the four children are in hospital in Vancouver.  She wrote a touching comment to the paper expressing her thanks to those who came to their aid and a tribute to her beloved husband.  I'll try posting a link to this article  http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/missioncityrecord/

If you scroll down the page you will find her comments on the right hand side of the page.  Sometimes it takes hearing about an incident like this to realize how blessed we are.  Even though life has changed for us, we still have each other and the wonderful family that God has blessed us with.

"Our Daily Bread" had such a fitting devotion for the last day of the year.  It was entitled "Rearview Mirror Reflections".  The author expresses the thought that we can see the hand of God best in the rearview mirror, by looking back at the loving ways that God has assisted, directed and managed our journey.  God's guidance in the past gives courage for the future.

We can certainly see God's guidance as we look back on 2010.  We so enjoyed a fourth trip to Norway plus a cruise on the Mediterranean with Todd and Kristy.  I had purchased Air Canada passes in 2009 that expired in April, 2010.  That was perfect for a trip to Norway for Easter.  Kristy tried to book a bus tour for the four of us but when that trip was cancelled, a cruise became a possibility.  A travel agent friend of Kristy's helped arrange everything and a Howard Johnson credit card took care of the rest!  It was a great gift for all of us, such a relaxing time spent together.  We'll never forget spending Easter at Lillehammer, Norway.

Howard's 75th birthday in August  was such a special time too.  Our four "kids" and their families were  home and were a great help in getting things ready.  Our farmyard became a campground  with four trailers and lots of activity.  The best part was that Ardis, Kris and family were able to join us.  All 16 descendants of Horace and Clara Johnson were together for the first time.  Howard hadn't been well in July so we weren't sure how this party would go.  We mainly concentrated on having immediate family present.  He was able to enjoy this big day which began with the yearly service at Salem.  Pastor Cicely was on holidays so the Johnson family led the worship service that day.  All visitors were invited to the farm for noon lunch followed by lots of visiting, coffee, homemade ice cream and birthday cake for Howard and Ardis, who turned 70 in September.  The younger crowd enjoyed playing volleyball with the "outlaws" defeating the Johnson team.  We have precious memories to cherish of this special day.

This fall Clare's neighbours mentioned that the lady who usually housesits while they are in California wasn't planning to do that this year. He asked Clare if he knew anyone who might be interested.  When Clare told us about the possibility, it just seemed the right thing to do.  I am so glad that I can be in the city for the rest of the winter, no worrying about driving on icy or snowy roads to visit Howard.  He has been lonesome so I can visit him often now, just a few minutes away.  God is good!  He even provided a house sitter for our home on the farm.  A fellow who works at Torquay customs, just four miles from our farm, will stay here on his working days.  He is commuting from Regina at present so he will appreciate the shorter drive to work in the days ahead.

I will close with a quote from this same devotion. "With the promise of God's presence and help in mind, you can move ahead into 2011 with utmost confidence".  (Joe Stowell)  Thank you for reading my blogs, sending emails, phoning and remembering us in your prayers.  I am so thankful for the wonderful support of family and friends.  My next blog will come to you from Weyburn.  Our phone number there, starting Tuesday, will be 842-4078.  We will have a Sask Tel bundle there too so I'm happy about that!