Tom was sitting on the porch swing when I came home late last night after a double shift at the winery.

The look on his face let me know something was wrong, but several long seconds went by before he was able to tell me what it was: his father had suffered a stroke that morning, and the prognosis wasn't good.

This morning we received some positive news, but much prayer is still needed. Would you mind stopping a moment right now and saying one for our sweet Pop, Ken Shallue? While you're at it, please slip in a few extras for Tom, his mom, and eight brothers.

Thank you so, so much.

 


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Just a fraction of the Shallue clan gathered in Florida last week, related by birth or marriage to that wonderful couple in the middle. 

 

And now, here are a few of the sweet!s I listed from the past week…

 

Tuesday: your mom and dad finally finding a good doctor and getting treatment of their summer colds; being able to stay home all day and move closer to getting caught up on things

Wednesday: getting re-blonded; watching your son try to lasso a stray cow in the brush at night; a beautiful full moon right at dusk 

Thursday: horses and new friends on your country road; an offer to ride a neighbor's horse; a 5-hour lunch with a friend at a restaurant overlooking the lake; your stray cow watered, fed, and taken to a good pasture; your puppies in the house for hours with no accidents

Friday: running into neighbors you rarely see on your morning walk; a block of time for writing; putting out the fire you started on your grill before it has a chance to spread (whew!); watching two more episodes of Breaking Bad with your hubby

Saturday: time for a walk with your puppies before heading to work at a winery on a beautiful morning; a couple celebrating their 10th anniversary dressed in their wedding clothes; another couple celebrating their 60th wedding annniversary at the winery, even if they're not dressed in their wedding clothes; tons of prayer for your father-in-law, who you discover had a stroke earlier in the day, but your husband didn't let you know because he didn't want to upset you while you were at work

Sunday: positive news about your father-in-law; love and prayers from friends for your family; attending Mass with your husband and son

 

Thank you again for your prayers. I hope you have a week full of sweet!s and remember not to take the blessings in your life for granted.

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29 responses to “Fathers-in-law, prayers, and other blessings”

  1. Rae Sinor Avatar
    Rae Sinor

    Continuing to pray for your Father-n-Law and a full recovery…..He’s been thru so much, praying for his strength! And for all of yours as well! XOXO

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  2. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, sweet Rae!

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  3. Debbie B Avatar
    Debbie B

    Prayers on their way for everyone. I hope the good news continues. Love your moon shot. I stopped near on open field and got a great shot of the light on the grasses growing, but my moon looks like a white blob 😦

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  4. Lissa @ lafcustomdesigns Avatar

    What a sweet looking man, Barbara. I’m sure his manner is the same. Sending love and prayers to all. my friend.

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  5. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you so much, Lissa. He truly is a sweetheart.

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  6. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you very much for your prayers, Debbie. This moon shot doesn't do the beauty of it justice, I know… it's always a challenge to get the topography to show up without the sky being black for me.

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  7. JillsyGirl Studio Avatar

    Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers to all of you!

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  8. Gail Avatar

    I did stop and pray for Mr. Shallue and all his loved ones. I hope the news continues to trend in a positive direction. Please keep us posted.

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  9. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, Jill! I truly appreciate it!

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  10. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you so  much, Gail!

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  11. Lady Fi Avatar

    Sending you all prayers and healing thoughts.

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  12. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you so much!
    Sent from my iPhone

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  13. silverneurotic Avatar

    I’m sorry to hear about your FIL. For sure I’ll be keeping all of you in my thoughts today.

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  14. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you do much!!
    Sent from my iPhone

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  15. lisleman Avatar

    Sending prayers – that’s a big clan. It’s always tough and sad. I do think the support of each other makes a big difference with coping.

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  16. Wolf Pascoe Avatar

    I’m saying prayers for Tom’s dad. I hadn’t read this when I posted the John Lennon quote and added “most of the time.” I’m so glad you just had the reunion.

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  17. pauline Avatar

    Keeping you and your loved ones tucked in my prayersleeve. Keep finding sweets – it’s the best antidote to sorrow.

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  18. Agnes Avatar

    I hope he is feeling better Barbara.

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  19. Bella Casa Avatar

    Hope to hear a positive update soon.

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  20. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    It's just a waiting game right now. Thank you for your prayers, Jan.

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  21. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, Agnes. He is resting, but unfortunately, the doctors haven't offered any hope. I know you've been through something similar and understand how tough it is to let go. Thank you for your sweet thoughts.

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  22. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you so  much, Pauline. And I am finding sweets even during these days overshadowed by sorrow.

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  23. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you for your prayers, Wolf. I love that Lennon quote. It's perfect. We feel so blessed that we had the reunion and the chance to spend time with Pop so recently. We think he had an idea something was about to happen. Just another reminder that God knows what he's doing. 

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  24. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I agree. I know those 9 boys gave him fits at times when they were growing up, but they are surrounding him and supporting him and mom now. Blessed sorrow. Thank you so much for your prayers, Bill!
     

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  25. Agnes Avatar

    I wish I could say something smart, Barbara.

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  26. Suldog Avatar

    Prayer said, Barbara.

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  27. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Sometimes there are no words. I understand! Thank you, Agnes.

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  28. Hilary Avatar

    I’m sorry to hear about your father in law, Barbara. I’m sending my best, healing thoughts to the patriarch of the Shallue clan and to the whole family. Hugs to you and yours.

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