This morning we meet our nephew, David, breakfast and great conversation at The Big Biscuit. An outdoor display of some of the aircrafts used in armed conflicts of decades past instigates a somber mood.

Next, the peaceful grounds of the Blessed Stanley Rother shrine bring quiet reflection before a noon Mass after which we begin the long drive to Wamego.

The biggest adventure of the day is driving through rain and hail so blinding that we’re forced to pull off the road for a few minutes. It’s scary, and, if the tone he uses when he says my name is any indication, Doug does NOT find my expressions of fear helpful for navigating through the storm. I regret making it more stressful for him, but I’m also not sure I’d do better in a subsequent storm.

Praise the LORD from the earth . . .

Lightning and hail, snow and thick clouds,

storm wind that fulfills his command

Psalm 148:7&8

Our dear friends, Devin and Jody and their three children welcome us with exuberant hospitality and a delicious summer supper which includes the most refreshing of fruits: chilled, sweet watermelon.

We’ll be here for two nights; a welcome respite after the long hours we traveled in the past two days.

Update on my Dad: He has been discharged. The cardiologist said his ECHO was normal. It seems that hypertension caused his trouble breathing. He has an appointment with his primary care doctor tomorrow. They will work on adjusting his blood pressure medication so hopefully this does not happen again.