This Is Nick

It is good for us to have trials and troubles at times, for they often remind us that we are on probation and ought not to hope in any worldly thing. It is good for us sometimes to suffer contradiction, to be misjudged by men even though we do well and mean well. These things help us to be humble and shield us from vainglory. ~ Thomas a'Kempis, Imitation of Christ, Chapter 12

This is Nick. As dear Squirl informed you, I am alive and "kicking"-although not kicking very high at the moment. With the help of many friends, especially readers of this blog, I was able to pay January's relatively high electric and gas bill for my house. I was also able to pay a portion of the mid-February bill, but not enough to keep Louisville Gas & Electric from shutting off the utilities Monday a week ago.

Out of desperation, especially since I need electricity to operate my C-PAP and oxygen generator, I moved to my mother's house. Mom remains in the rehab. center. I talk to her daily and saw her last Saturday, when a friend drove my son and me to the center to join in celebrating Mom's 83rd birthday.

Unfortunately, I had to leave Alex at the house because Mom won't have a cat in her house. I have been able to find rides to my house to see and feed Alex about every other day. I saw him last Sunday. He was outside, catting around, but came running to me when I called him. He is healthy and was most happy to have me fill one of the three food bowls on his table with his favorite cat food.

I thank each of you for your help and concern. I shall write and post updates as I am able to obtain Internet access. Blessings and shalom to you all!