All nature is but art, unknown to thee;
All chance, direction, which thou canst not see;
All discord, harmony, not understood;
All partial evil, universal good:
And, spite of pride, in erring reason's spite,
One truth is clear, Whatever is, is right.


From 'An Essay on Man: Epistle I' published in 1734 by Alexander Pope (1688-1744)



I continue to be struck by how stoic and accepting my Dad is about his predicament, whilst at the same time never giving up and doing all he can himself to gain physical strength and wellness to tackle his condition. He and Mum are a great example of how we can avoid wasting energy on wailing about "what if" and "why me", and put it all into positive thoughts and deeds. My sister and I have also found unexpected strength and courage because of what's happening at the moment. God works in mysterious ways indeed.

Dad's appetite is further improved, and they are now treating the blood clot in his leg. None of us dare to hope that things might move forward in this coming week.

Today's blipfoto is of one of the cotoneasters in Mum and Dad's front garden, whose tiny leaves have turned a gorgeous rich red.