My dear Friends.

Most letters I write for this magazine get little response (as far as I am aware!) but I carry on hoping I'm writing something worthwhile for at least a few people. However, last months letter was one of those exceptions to the general rule and a good number of you expressed your views on the church magazine. The result is the magazine will continue for the foreseeable future in its present format although changes may take place if someone else was to take my place as editor (e.g. my sense of humour is not shared by everyone!).

Another exception comes to mind - my letter of March 2006. I headed it 'A Tale of Two Grandsons and I wrote about Alex then 8½ and William 4 months old. Ever since nor a week goes by without one (and usually several) person asking me how my Grandson William is doing. You may remember he was born with several holes in his heart, then developed severe breathing problems and now has one or two other things to contend with!

William is my daughter's second child and he spent most of the first year of his life in hospital. He came home a few months ago but still needs close attention. The good news is he was able to come down and stay with us for 5 days last week with his Mum and Dad, older sister and much medical equipment. Because of a tracheotomy be cannot speak or make noises (its very strange to see him cry yet make no noise!). He is a delightful little fellow (yes, I know I would say that as he is one of mine) but he does 'win over' everyone who sees him. Yet he also knows his own mind - I wonder where he gets that from! William still faces more operations and the future for him is far from clear, but -I write to thank so many of you for your interest and prayers for William. Thank you so very much and if you do have time, please do continue.

When I wrote last March Alex was doing well especially at swimming and thoroughly enjoying other sports as well. This is still true of him but since then other things have entered his life. Last March the concern was very much for William. We are still concerned for him but Alex also now has his share of problems. Sadly his Mum and Dad have parted company and this has proved very difficult for Emily and especially for Alex who is quite a sensitive young boy. With William it is obvious that things are not easy for him, but with Alex, while he looks fine, inwardly he is hurting quite a bit.

It is a reminder that people seen from the outside may appear fine but you never know what is going on inside another person or what is going on behind closed doors Sometimes when we find ourselves in that situation we just cannot talk to anybody else, but usually to be able to share with one or two trusted friends, or a complete stranger who has experience in these matters, is of great help, especially if they pray with you and for you. For myself I have always found it such a relief and blessing to know that the Lord knows all about it anyway so I can talk freely with him knowing he loves me and any others involved.

So thanks for your prayers for William and if you have a moment or two to pray for Alex (and Emily of course!) that would be much appreciated by me.

God bless you all.

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