Here is the latest… Date written: 9/2/25

Hi! I am grateful for so many things.

I was able to create my website this week. I decided to password protect it because of the sensitive information that will be on the homepage for the next few months. Here are the details so that you can log in:

www.generousinvitations.com
PrayingforMichelle

I will keep sending texts for the next couple of weeks. But for the first few months of my recovery, I will not be sending out text messages. Anytime you would like an update, you can check the website. It will be updated frequently with the latest news for how my surgery has gone, and how my recovery is going.

I was able to set up and begin using my new computer. Slowly I've been able to upload the necessary files and download the necessary apps, changing sayings and colors and so forth until it is starting to feel like home.

Another thing I'm thankful for is the wonderful support that I'm receiving from my family. Anita, Tim, and Alan have all been amazing in their encouragement and help, and I'm incredibly thankful for their faith in trusting me to the Lord.

Things are going really well with Alan bonding with the couple from church who are going to provide transportation for him when I cannot drive.

Another man from church has begun meeting regularly with Alan to encourage him and pray with him. I'm thankful for him as well.

We celebrated sweet little Anya's first birthday this week. A couple weeks ago she started to say a few words here and there. I think it has been encouraging for her that we have understood her because this week she's begun to talk to us and just expects us to understand all she is saying. We don't. But we try. She's absolutely adorable.

I've been able to have some special memories playing with Saoirse, too.  She's starting preschool soon. I am very thankful for her and how she is growing.

All this gratitude makes me think about a book I read a couple of years ago. I may have told you about it. It's called The Joy Switch, by Chris Coursey. He writes about the capacity for joy that is directly connected to our capacity for relationship. One of the things that activates the relationship circuitry in the brain, increasing our capacity for joy, is gratitude.

I'll be traveling again this week. This time I'm going to Auburn, WA. A friend from my Tuesday night Bible study is going to drive me and we are both looking forward to our time together on the way. A couple other friends are planning to connect with us while we are up in that area. I'm grateful!