Struggling a little.

Thought you would enjoy some sweet pictures of Dad and Mom at Jesse's 12th birthday dinner, last Friday night.

Dad has still not lost any more weight, but he is having some of his problems return. He is starting to have a hard time with the food going right through him again. We are trying a different medication, thinking maybe he could have a bug. He has only been taking it for a few days, and it may take a few more before we know if it is going to help. He has also started choking again when he eats. Now this is probably very alarming to all of you, since this is how this whole thing started almost a year ago, we are concerned, but feel it is probably scar tissue from surgery. Because of these things, Mom and Dad have decided not to wait until January, when their appointments at MDA have been scheduled. They will return to Houston before the end of the year to address some of these issues.

All that said, Dad's spirits are up, as well as Mom's. They are enjoying the Christmas season. Dad is getting ready for his annual Men's Christmas program, where he plays Santa. He really gets into it, and has spent days planning out what he will say. When I was a kid, I used to think my Dad was so silly, and couldn't believe he would do stuff like this, but now, I still think he is silly, but I love it.

Please pray for Dad's bowels to slow down so that he can absorb the needed nutrients from what he eats. Pray about the Dr's appointments coming up, that once again, the Lord will give them wisdom and guidance as they look at Dad and his symptoms. Pray about this choking issue, that it is nothing but scar tissue and wisdom on what to do about it.

Also, one last thing, each month, right after Dad hosts the men's fellowship/meeting out at the ranch, is when they have seen a significant weight loss. This Thursday is the Christmas program for the Men's group. The good news is that they are having it at the church, so no mowing or setting up the pavilion, etc. (which is what Dad usually does), but still, as he prepares for this Thursday, he is still using extra energy. Please pray that we will not see another big weight loss after this is over this week.

Thanks so much.

In Him, JJ Ford