How are your kids doing??

The answer to that question depends upon the day.  My kids are incredibly resilient.  They are so interesting to me.  They aren't as emotional as I am, and tend to take each step in stride.  Not that this has been easy, it has taken it's toll on them.

They talk openly with us.  They ask us direct questions.  We discuss the Plan of Salvation with them.  We tell them of any big news first, before talking to our parents, extended family and friends.  They say some incredibly mature things.  They will have to grow up faster than some of thier peers.

Sometimes they don't want to talk about it.  They really want to be just like everyone else.  This isn't easy when our mixed family has a blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy is standing beside a full african-american girl, and three girls of mixed races all pile together as siblings.  I guess we aren't like everybody else.  If you see them, go ahead and ask them how they are doing, and what they are up to but don't ask them for an update on thier dad.  It's hard for them to articulate.  You can ask me.  I'll tell you.

My kids have a testimony of God's plan for us all.  They know that a loving Father-in-Heaven will provide a path that will carry us.  Sometimes we have to be reminded but the faith is there, even when the fears creep in.

Thier Daddy has 14 tumors in three areas of his body.  He cannot play basketball with Andrew anymore.  He doesn't play tennis with us, or carry the little girls to thier beds.  He cannot join us in some of our activities, but he finds ways to be in thier lives constantly.  He does homework with them at night.  We used to study scripture together each summer morning on our deck.  He gave them father's blessings before they started the new school year.  He gets after them for slacking on chores.  He'll watch movies, sports, or cartoons with each child and talk and laugh with them.  He takes them swimming.  He tells them often how much he loves them.

Not long ago Ava was talking about someone who was sick and had to stay in bed for a long time.  I reminded her that her Daddy was sick too, and had to stay in bed for a long time.  She said, "yeah, but Daddy's gonna get all better."  That would be nice.