If the Shoe Fits. . .

It's a beautiful, sunny day in Chicago with temps of -16 to -25 degrees today. Although it is bone-chilling outdoors, our hearts are warm with a good feeling about Jenny's progress. Her doctor said the same on Saturday as she stopped by her room. Jenny has been confined to the bed with her leg propped on pillows since Friday afternoon. Her toes look pink and warm, so that means the blood is flowing OK, and they are not swollen. There was a glitch with the pain pump having a blockage, but they went to plan B, and that worked for pain control. She had two strong pain pills for Saturday night to help her sleep.

Jenny also had the tight stocking on her left leg, to prevent blot clots, and this was removed on Sunday morning. They are gradually preparing her to get up and use the crutches to walk.

Her Aunt Twila will leave later this morning, and we will stay until early Monday afternoon, if all goes well. We will return to the Eickhorst farm in central Illinois and travel back to St. Louis on Tuesday.

I'll share a special story here that again reflects how God has marvelously surprised us in creative and meaningful ways! Jenny wanted to purchase some type of "foot artwork" for Twila and me, as a remembrance of this time. She got on the Internet and googled this term. The name "If the Shoe Fits.ca" came up with the name Bett Lees McBride. Jenny sent her an e-mail and began corresponding about the type of artwork she does. Whimsical best describes it, and that's exactly what Jenny wanted. She ordered two pieces, each with a whimsical high heel with a name on each one.

In the process of doing this, Bett asked if she could pray for Jenny's upcoming surgery. Jenny was so surprised and said she would really appreciate that. Bett also offered to have her church pray for Jenny. The artwork arrived in the mail, and Jenny was again surprised to learn Bett lives in Hamilton, Ontario. Jen thought it was CAlifornia! Soon Bett's pastor called Jenny, and two cards arrived from their church. Needless to say, it was a powerful witness to how God works through people in marvelous ways!

Jenny matted and framed both pieces and surprised Twila and me with these on Thursday night before the surgery. They are absolutely darling, and we'll treasure them always. Bett also mentioned that their e-mail connections are not very good where she lives, so she was surprised that Jenny even found her. She did not have credit card capabilities, so she told Jenny to "just mail a check."

Bett is presently working on a book - a collection of narratives by family and friends recounting a particular pair of shoes in their lives and details surrounding them. So if you have a story, or if you would like some delightful artwork for a special occasion, please contact her at:

www.iftheshoefits.ca or (905) 548-0801

We would love to meet Bett and plan to talk with her after Jenny feels better.

Jenny may never wear high heels again, but she's on the road to recovery and hopefully back in to other shoes . Thank you all for your many prayers and support that continue to encourage us dialy. We praise God for his faithfulness and the hope that comes from trusting in Him.