The latest news on Brent Kennedy is that he is still in a coma and has no brain activity.   See this post for the story. Brent is 55 years old. I've been going back and reading old emails from him this afternoon.

I've really been having trouble this year getting into the Christmas spirit. I usually am quite busy this time of year, and have little time, but this year it is different. There is more depression, and I struggle with that a lot. I need to start back on my medication for a short time. The anniversary party kinda wore us out. And I am afraid Brent is going to die. That's really got me down. I am praying for him, and even asking God to spare his life. But sometimes God says no. He knows what is best in this situation. His family, of course, had no idea this was about to happen. I hope Robyn got a chance to tell him just how much she loves him.

And then there is the situation that came to a head last month. "I think it would be best if we didn't talk anymore." A few nights ago, I was lying awake praying for him, when I just felt like I didn't even know exactly what to ask for. I reach that point sometimes. So I just asked God to "please help". When exhaustion sets in, that's all I can do. But I know God understands. He knows exactly what to do. I realized that even as I would doze off, I was still praying. I wake up often at night, and the first thing on my mind when I would wake up that night was to pray more. I know when that happens, God is telling me I need to pray. I just don't always know why. Maybe some day I will.

But the caroling was fun Sunday night. It helped to lift my spirits a little. I think my hearing will recover. I had a 7 year old screaming Jingle Bells in my left ear. Seven year olds can be a tad bit loud. Especially this one. He told me his teeth were cold, so we snuggled up to keep warm. I guess I should have told him to keep his mouth shut and his teeth wouldn't get cold   

Yesterday I had a big disagreement with my dad. But we talked a lot by email, and got everything worked out. There were some things going on in our family that he was not aware of and didn't understand. He told me he was glad we had our talk. I was really upset yesterday, but feel better about it today.