I had seen halos in painting and on statues, but never did I expect to see one in real life. Then my aunt fell.

Dorothy, Dad's Downs syndrome sister, has always been a big part of my family. When Grandpa and Grandma needed someone to take care of her for a day or a week, Dorothy would often show up at our front door with her suitcase. A couple years ago she and her suitcase moved in for good. Grandma, at age 87, reluctantly realized she was no longer able to care for the baby of the family. We knew this was coming, so adjusting bedrooms and schedules we made room for a sixth person in the family.

Little did we know when we woke up on February 22nd that our lives would have to adjust even more that day. While getting ready for just an ordinary day of working at the DAC (Day Activity Center), Dorothy was thrown to the floor with a seizure. She had only experienced a couple before, but this one was different - a wall got in the way of her head. Tears, a trip to the emergency room, and an ambulance ride to Fargo followed. Dorothy had broken her neck. We thanked God for protecting her spine through the ordeal and prayed for good and safe healing while she was put in a halo for three months.

More moving furniture. More adjusting schedules.

Now it is spring. In a month and a half, my farmers' market sales will be starting up full swing. This year I had planned to present several new products to my customers. As I sit watching over Dorothy sleep after yet another exhausting seizure, look into her frightened eyes as she wakes with a start, and read a story to her I can say, "Yes, God. You have a different and better plan."