Calling all Bookworms!

Hello, I hope there are some book-lovers out there.

My dad has been trying to get started and work as a full-time author for years. He hasn't had much success (if any), but he hasn't quit. He has written several works, mostly Christian Fiction. I just uploaded one of his books, Achor on a website called, "Authonomy". Anyone can upload their stories there and anyone can read others' stories there as well . . . as long as one has an account. If you do, or if you would like to, please go to authonomy.com and check out my dad's book, Achor.

If you need more persuading, here's a synopsis:

The writer Jack Silver is puzzled when he sees the archaeologist Dr. Hamilton covering up an area he just excavated.

Jack Silver is a writer who loves being with his family and studying archaeology. When the archaeologist Dr. Jay Hamilton writes to him, asking for his help in an upcoming dig, Jack is encouraged by his daughter, an aspiring archaeologist herself, and welcomes the opportunity.

Dr. Hamilton is aware of Jack’s insightful knowledge of all things biblical ever since they went to school together, and wants to hear his opinion on exactly what spot of the Valley of Achor the dig should be directed. During the meeting, Dr. Hamilton invites Jack Silver to join him on the excavation. With Dr. Hamilton’s permission, the Silver family decides to join him.

Dr. Hamilton is overly excited to start digging, even willing to risk breaking Israel’s sacred Sabbath laws. On Saturday night, an earthquake hits Israel; the epicenter being at the Valley of Achor. Jack knows Dr. Hamilton is there and goes to see if he is alright. Jack is baffled at seeing Dr. Hamilton covering the area he just excavated instead of digging further; what happened?

Please go and check it out!

Expected Shock

I don't know if anyone still checks this, but just wanted to use this space in order to ask you all if you could pray for my Cuban relatives (Dad's side of the family).

My grandmother, Dad's mother, died last night sometime after 19:00 (7pm). She had breast cancer for about a year. She fell as she was in the bathroom on Thursday evening, was unconscious, and was declared dead last night (Saturday night). She was 88.

Don't worry about me: I'm ok, as in the death didn't really hit me and we were expecting it 'cause of her cancer and age. Of all my grandparents, she was the one I had the most communication with; but it wasn't very much. Sure we wrote letters back and forth, but that was probably no more than 4 times a year . . . if that. (as far as my other grandparents are concerned; dad's father died before dad came to the States and met mom, mom's mother died about 8 years ago--I met her once and that's it--and mom never knew who her father was, so he's as good as dead). So yeah, that's how it is.

Dad seems to be ok (again, he was expecting it), but still; pray for him, his other siblings, and the rest of the family there, please.

Shew, first a brother-in-law on February 23, his wife on March 15, an uncle on June 5, and now his mother last night (June 19). . . and he found out about his mother this morning: on Father's Day . . .

. . . Jesus is coming soon.

New Move

It's quiet.

Too quiet.

Something is missing.

The apartment feels emptier.

Today is a major day in my family (oh, and I was baptised 14 years ago today, but that has nothing to do with what I want to say). Julia has begun to go under the care of Dove Pointe (an organization in Salisbury, MD; dedicated to provide quality services to citizens with disabilities in the area).

I took her to her 1st (official) day in their Vocational Day services. She never liked going there, but after a while, she was ok. She had already spent some time there before.

As she was there, two men from Dove Pointe's maintenance group came by to help move Julia's furniture to her new home. I also bought some stuff that Julia would need for her "new place." We set the furniture up in her room and everything was put in its place. Now, may the time of adjustment begin. . .

Wow.

That is all I can say.

After 4 months of caring for Julia (basically on my own), it's over.

The room Julia and I shared now has only 1 bed and what feels like a ton of space. My clothes are all that's in our closet. Instead of her random vocal sounds and her occasional slaps, silence has taken control.

I'm not listening to see what Julia is doing. I'm not going to listen to any more claps (signal that Julia is done using the toilet and needs to be wiped). Julia is not going to come up to me anymore, "asking" me to give her a bowl of Fruit Loops (her favorite cereal). I'm not going to bathe her tonight; not for a long time, if ever again.

The feeling is surreal.

Yes, I have been away from my family many times; but my family has never been separated: at least not like this. I was in college, dad was on the road, and mom and Julia were at home. Now, mom is dead, dad is still on the road, I'm in our rented shelter (it ceased to be Home a long time ago), and Julia is in her new home. . . sheesh. I never minded being away from home, but that's because I had a home to return to. All I have now are family members scattered to the four winds. Wow, what a situation.

But you know what? God is still very good--at least we're all still alive. As long as there is life, there is hope.