Thanks Ken - I know that it is impossible to really understand until they've been through it themselves. Thanks for being such a friend to Annie. These last few years have taught me things - important things - that I never could have learned any other way. Do I really trust God indeed, or do I just ascent to the pleasant notion of trusting Him? Do I really "set my mind on things above rather than things on the earth"? This is a trial by fire for all of us, and in my case, much dross has come to the surface. The fire is incredibly painful - can I bow in honest humility and really believe that even this is working together for good to those who love God - for Annie - for me - for all of Annie's friends on this forum? Can I truthfully say with Paul, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain"? Do I pray as I ought? As I say, the Lord has revealed much dross in me.
Thanks again. Grace and peace to you my friend.