The archbishop’s Christmas in the UK
I am writing to thank you all for your prayerful support during the last few weeks. I returned from the UK on Sunday evening, having spent over three weeks there with Debbie because of my dad’s health concerns.
On Dec. 8th he was taken to hospital by ambulance with a very low heart rate and very high blood pressure.
Remarkably, this was the first time in his more than 97 years that he had been in hospital, so as he said, he has had a good run!
After we arrived, he also reported developing double vision. Although it is unclear what caused his first admission, it transpired that he has a few issues, the main one being a significant vitamin B12 deficiency, once known as pernicious anemia.
He was sent home a couple of days after we got there and was given numerous vitamin B12 shots to boost his system.
In addition, his cataracts are becoming worse and might be affecting his vision. He has a couple of eye operations in his future because of this.
The good news is that he is now feeling much better. He is back at home and basically doing most of the things he did before going to hospital.
I was told to buy him a new vacuum cleaner, because the existing one was not doing the job properly.
It was a very unusual Christmas for Debbie and me. We were able to join in with some of the celebrations here via Facebook.
The whole family came to our house as planned, just not us. I missed being in the Cathedral for the various services.
We were able to attend a Lesson and Carols service in the village of Cardington, where my friend David and his wife, Karen, live. It was beautiful.
We also worshipped at the church in my home parish several times.
Thank you again for your care and support. It is good to be back.
Archbishop David Edwards
PHOTO CAPTION: St. James Church, Cardington, Shropshire, where Archbishop David and Debbie attended a Lesson and Carols service while in the UK.
Photo credit: wikimedia commons
6 Comments
Welcome back! What a different Christmas you've had! So glad your dad is much improved to the point he's ordered you to get him a new vacuum cleaner!!! Take care.
So glad to hear that your Dad at 97 is still full of life! No doubt your presence and Debbie's also impacted his life in a positive and loving way! Blessings, love and best wishes to you!
Indeed all of your families have been in our prayers here in Kingston. Having a father same age and still very independent, and both of us being only children, means I truly understand the importance of being there and the reality that many travels will be needed. Bless you and Debbie in the future as God comforts and provides the strength needed. In Christ Jesus the Light of the Epiphany.
It's hard to live so far from parents, especially when they're elderly. It sounds like your dad is immensely sensible and caring, and determined to live with a positive attitude. Glad you had a good visit. Prayers that eye operation goes well when it happens.
Thankful for answered prayer, God is always so good. The gift of spending Christmas where it all began for you and Debbie seems like a great gift from God, and your Dad at 97, wow, cherished moments. I hope the coming year will be a blessed on for you David, on a side note your classes come into my thoughts often as I walk forward in what God's doing in Kitty and my life now. HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Happy to hear that your father is doing better and that your visit to the UK went well. Blessings in 2026