Today is March 26th.
48 years ago, Helen and Dale were united in marriage in Kingsport, TN.
Maybe later today we can post a photo of then and now.
Doctor arranged with Rachel and I to get 48 roses for Granny.
Of course, He also wanted a rose bush for Granny (one to grow on)
Happy 48th Anniversary from all of your kids...
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thoughts from Joanna
The Lord has blessed me with time off for Spring Break, this whole week and Monday, to come and spend time with Mom and Dad. I have never been medically inclined, as each of my siblings will attest to after seeing me come close to fainting on more than one occasion dealing with something medical. So, I must admit that I was quite apprehensive about what I might have to do here this week. However, the Lord has been gracious to me. I have surprised myself at what I have been able to do this week with Daddy. I have always heard that you can do anything for the ones you love; and I now know that is true.
Besides helping take care of Dad’s needs, I have had the joy of reading to him as he did to me for many years. The book that we are reading was brought to him by a member in Mom and Dad’s church and is entitled A Change in Flight Plan. In this book, Paul Lanier, an anesthesiologist who was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 37 chronicles his journey of living with ALS. Lanier clearly wants to show others how he daily strives to use his “change in flight plan” (i.e. the Lord’s change in the plan for his future) to bring glory to God by revealing Jesus Christ to others through his suffering. What a challenge for us all when we are faced with that inevitable “change in flight plan” for our lives. The author is keenly aware of the fact that his suffering here on earth is temporary and strives to make the “temporary affect the permanent” by leaving a legacy here on earth. He wants others to see what it clearly means to live a life for Christ, no matter what your struggles are. I am talking so much about this book because in reading this book, I can see my daddy in this man. I know that it is quite miserable for Dad at this moment, but I have no doubt that the Lord is “letting the temporary affect the permanent” right now in Dad’s life. What a blessing it has been to read the countless number of cards, emails, and blog comments that constantly remind me of the person that Dad is in Christ and the legacy of a follower of Christ that Daddy daily leaves. I have no doubt that the Lord is using Dad’s illness in mighty ways, just as he is doing in the life of the author of the book I mentioned. What a blessing that is for me to see!
In closing, Mom has told me about the countless number of meals, visits, e-mails, and phone calls that she and Daddy have received. When I come here to visit, I am overwhelmed by the Body of Christ that has come together to minister to my parents at this time. Thank you all. Knowing that there are so many here that care for Mom and Dad makes it easier for me when I can’t be here.
Besides helping take care of Dad’s needs, I have had the joy of reading to him as he did to me for many years. The book that we are reading was brought to him by a member in Mom and Dad’s church and is entitled A Change in Flight Plan. In this book, Paul Lanier, an anesthesiologist who was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 37 chronicles his journey of living with ALS. Lanier clearly wants to show others how he daily strives to use his “change in flight plan” (i.e. the Lord’s change in the plan for his future) to bring glory to God by revealing Jesus Christ to others through his suffering. What a challenge for us all when we are faced with that inevitable “change in flight plan” for our lives. The author is keenly aware of the fact that his suffering here on earth is temporary and strives to make the “temporary affect the permanent” by leaving a legacy here on earth. He wants others to see what it clearly means to live a life for Christ, no matter what your struggles are. I am talking so much about this book because in reading this book, I can see my daddy in this man. I know that it is quite miserable for Dad at this moment, but I have no doubt that the Lord is “letting the temporary affect the permanent” right now in Dad’s life. What a blessing it has been to read the countless number of cards, emails, and blog comments that constantly remind me of the person that Dad is in Christ and the legacy of a follower of Christ that Daddy daily leaves. I have no doubt that the Lord is using Dad’s illness in mighty ways, just as he is doing in the life of the author of the book I mentioned. What a blessing that is for me to see!
In closing, Mom has told me about the countless number of meals, visits, e-mails, and phone calls that she and Daddy have received. When I come here to visit, I am overwhelmed by the Body of Christ that has come together to minister to my parents at this time. Thank you all. Knowing that there are so many here that care for Mom and Dad makes it easier for me when I can’t be here.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Games
It has been a while since we have written about Dr. Dale. Things seem to be progressing daily. Each day is filled with a routine to meet all of Dr's needs. We have devised a chart, with Dr. Dale's help, to keep us on track with this daily routine. It can be quite confusing at times, but I think Granny has it mastered.
It is nice to have people coming by to read, to talk, to pray, to laugh. It is nice to see smiles.
Thanks for that!
We have asked Dr. Dale about the back scratching contest and who may be the winner. He just smiles. I guess that contest is not over yet. So we asked about the foot rub contest. He just smiles and says Patty. Patty is the lady who sits with him at night. Granny just laughs. We all laugh. Doctor just smiles.
One day Granny was sitting in the recliner across the room from Dr. Dale. Dr. mouthed something and Granny thought he called her Betty. Wesley was watching the Flintstones and immediately thought Dr. Dale was referring to Betty Rubble. Granny then called Dr. Dale "Fred". A couple of days later, Granny looked at Dr. Dale and asked him if he knew who she was. Dr. Dale's response was "Betty". We laughed and laughed.
Keeping this in mind, Wesley walked up to Dr. Dale's bed yesterday. He looked Dr. Dale in the eyes and said "Do you know who I am?" You could only laugh. Dr. Dale even smiled.
In case you are interested, we are contemplating a new contest....arm wrestling. It seems Dr. Dale is able to do that motion with his right hand. Anyone interested?
Thanks again for all your love, support and prayers. It is truly treasured!
Rachel
It is nice to have people coming by to read, to talk, to pray, to laugh. It is nice to see smiles.
Thanks for that!
We have asked Dr. Dale about the back scratching contest and who may be the winner. He just smiles. I guess that contest is not over yet. So we asked about the foot rub contest. He just smiles and says Patty. Patty is the lady who sits with him at night. Granny just laughs. We all laugh. Doctor just smiles.
One day Granny was sitting in the recliner across the room from Dr. Dale. Dr. mouthed something and Granny thought he called her Betty. Wesley was watching the Flintstones and immediately thought Dr. Dale was referring to Betty Rubble. Granny then called Dr. Dale "Fred". A couple of days later, Granny looked at Dr. Dale and asked him if he knew who she was. Dr. Dale's response was "Betty". We laughed and laughed.
Keeping this in mind, Wesley walked up to Dr. Dale's bed yesterday. He looked Dr. Dale in the eyes and said "Do you know who I am?" You could only laugh. Dr. Dale even smiled.
In case you are interested, we are contemplating a new contest....arm wrestling. It seems Dr. Dale is able to do that motion with his right hand. Anyone interested?
Thanks again for all your love, support and prayers. It is truly treasured!
Rachel
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Doctor at Work
Believe on the.
Lord.
Our.
God.
It amazes me the help I get. Of course Helen gives me her all. She feeds me thru a stomach tube three times a day. She changes my dressings. She gives me a bed bath. She takes care of the needs of nature. She puts drops in my eyes. She scratches my back and rubs my feet. And add a dozen or more chores to that. What a wonderful woman.
Another marvelous person is Rachel. She has volunteered herself to be here every day to give Helen backup. I marvel that she is so very unselfish and giving. I cannot imagine anyone being so unselfish.
David comes every evening and also spends the night Saturday and Sunday to provide backup for Helen. The other five nights we have a lady hired.
I eat nothing but cans of tube feeding, but there has been a steady influx of food from all kinds of people. The fridge is laden with casseroles etc all the time David and Rachel and Wesley and Aaron eat here most every night.
We have a steady flow of company. Some come to read. Today our preacher, Dicky, brought a book and read a mythical version of history where the pharoah smoked cigars and spit on the floor. Between six and ten others have read from a variety of books including the Bible. And Jim, our neighbor has come twice and played on the piano a medley of familiar hymns.
Do you wonder when I saw the Lord is good.
Dale
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
To our oldest grand-daughter
Today is Lauren's birthday...23rd birthday. This is a simple message to Lauren from Loren....sent with a kiss!
Hope you have had a wonderful birthday Lauren!
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