A "Surprise" Visit

Scott and Adam

I tried to surprise Tracy for his birthday by bringing Adam to Missouri this past weekend on the train. However, I let it slip and the cat was out of the bag! Regardless, Adam still came for a visit and traveled in the same passenger car with me as I had been visiting my sister in Illinois.

The night Adam arrived he sat on the couch and announced, "I feel like shooting something. You know, target practice!" Phew, I thought he'd gotten a new job with the post office.

So on Saturday we went over to his cousin's house in Triplett where Tracy, Scott and Adam walked the old railway bed looking for rabbits. With nothing bagged, the guys returned and Scott and Adam shot their .22s to their hearts' content. Inside, Scott's mother and I chatted over a hot cup of tea, something we rarely get to do.  

Grandma and Adam

Another item on the list of things to do besides working on his taxes was getting a haircut. Adam had cut his hair himself, which didn't look too bad. But, let's say it needed a little trimming up!


While Tracy was growing up his mother cut the hair of all the men in the family. Nothing like Grandma taking the clippers to your scalp! He definitely looked  better afterwards.


While Adam was here we played several games of cribbage, making sure he didn't win any matches. We made precious memories as we discussed theological issues and the morning's sermon, which had provoked much thought. As I think about this I ask, "God, what have you done with my son? God's work in Adam has been an amazing work of redemption and is a captivating story.

Karen, Adam, and Tracy

Monday morning we took Adam to the train station in LaPlata to say goodbye for another year or more. What sustains us during these tearful moments of parting? Humanly speaking not much. But, our hope is that we will one day have our children with us forever. One day there will be no more separation, and because our children know the Lord, we will be together with them in eternity. This strengthens and buoys our faith. What a hope!