Do you remember that wonderful old hymn, Showers of blessing, Showers of blessings we need.Ky.has been showered with blessing this week in the form of much needed rain. My yard looks a little better, but the grass is still brown.

I have been showered with blessings this week also. On Tuesday, I was honored to speak at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville.  My dear friend, Elizabeth Hoagland, facilitates the book club there. It’s a real treat and very much a blessing to great new readers there as well as those who have followed my books from the beginning. One of the ladies who attended my reading on Tuesday is a true blessing to my heart. She heard me give one of my first talks after Troublesome Creek was published and has cheered me on since.

Today, I enjoyed another type of blessing as I did some catch-up housework. My maids (in the form of washer, dryer, sweeper, microwave, and dishwasher) were appreciated as I did my chores—especially my dishwasher. My old one had to be watched constantly and nudged through each cycle. I’ve had my Frigidaire dish washer for over a year now and every time I load it I’m thankful.

My biggest blessing this week, however, was Family Day at Oakwood, the residential facility inSomerset,KY., where my middle son, David Andrew, lives. Each year, Oakwood has a day of fun with game booths, great food, and lots of entertainment. Drew was all dressed up in new tee-shirt, shorts, and white sneakers. He looked so handsome. His special “buddy” Jerry accompanied him to all the special activities and to the food tent for hamburgers. It was a fun and festive day for all.

Drew has lived at Oakwood since 1987. It is home to him. Placing Drew in a facility was very difficult for me and for Drew’s dad and his brothers. We were sure that nobody could care for him as well as we did. Our great blessing is that Oakwood can and does.

Count your blessings, name them one by one. I do.