Changes:
I am sorry it has been so long since I have written. The biggest change in our lives is that we are now officially in the middle of a remodel! After months of "any month now" with our former contractor we changed contractors. It is special to us that we had a two week window to meet the new contractor, Rick. His friend Lee dated a former co-workers of Chuck's for only two weeks and we happened to meet Lee during the two week period and he contacted Rick for us. It is hard to find contractors willing to work with the VA and we are thankful Rick is. Glen is the main worker on our house and we absolutely love him. We moved out of our bedroom and bathroom into our guest room and guest bathroom, most of our stuff is boxed up and the work began nearly four weeks ago. (If we had of gone with the original contractor we would have had to have moved out of our house for three months).
Thankfulness:
I reread my blog recently and remembered our hard Good Friday last year when Chuck got the power chair. It has been nearly a year since then and Chuck has not had to use the chair!! He is weaker than a year ago but still uses the walker to get around our house and the scooter when we go out. We are thankful. This Good Friday I am so sorry I was not able to grab a camera. Some of you may remember birds built a nest just outside our patio door last year. On Friday a bird visited the nest, kicked it apart and proceeded to place pieces of straw in his/her beak. Not just a couple of pieces of straw but more than 20!! The bird appeared to have a straw mustache! It was so fun to get to watch and to know that the nest was being torn apart not by a passing animal but by another bird to build a new nest.
Please Pray:
We have noticed that if Chuck is tired mentally or emotionally it affects his phycial strength and ability to function. The remodel involves a lot of VA red tape and requirements as well as requires many decisions and it is taking a toll on Chuck. Please pray that he will rest well. His legs tighten at night and waken him with muscle spasms. And pray that he is able to navigate the remodel peacefully and without too much energy expenditure. Chuck is barely able to walk with his walker in the house and his shoulders hurt from the force he is having to use. And as always we ask that you would pray as
God leads you to prayer. We are so humbled and thankful for your prayers. We would also love prayer that the remodel will proceed smoothly without setbacks.
Easter
My favorite quote I saw posted this year is: "After the death and resurrection of Christ Pilate was still in power, Herod still ruled, and the Roman soldiers still rode their horses through the streets of Jerusalem - but everything had changed." Chuck and I celebrated Easter yesterday because our church meets Sat. night. Sunday's I catch up and get ready for workers to be in our house for the week. Today Chuck rode his scooter to the laundromat; a first for him to ride that far on regular roads and I drove. (Our wash and dryer were supposed to be available after a week or two and it had been three weeks since I had done a wash and we had a lot.) It was so sad at the laundromat; people preoccupied and weighed down and not knowing the reason Easter is celebrated. Jesus is alive and conquered death! I think it was my favorite quote this year because it reminds me to remember that no matter how weary we are or how hard it is for Chuck God is still victorious, faithful and present with us.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving Month
Happy Thanksgiving Month to each of You
I love the Thanksgiving season and I love how people are posting something they are thankful each day this month on Facebook.
I believe in being thankful. I believe it is good for us. I believe it pleases God. And yet, I am always aware of what a struggle it is for me. When I want something in my house "just so" and then remember how so many people want enough food let alone a safe shelter I ask God to forgive me and to help me be more thankful. Recently I have been aware of my struggle to be thankful as the sound of Chuck's walker has gotten louder. I am so thankful someone invented walkers and Chuck is able to use one. Yet the sound can be grating; I know it is louder because Chuck is having to put more weight on his arms and so the sound is a reminder of loss. This Thanksgiving season I am reminded of how much I have to be thankful for and yet also of how very much we live in a fallen world and experience losses we were never meant to experience.
We are very thankful my brother Albert's body was found at the end of Sept. and that his skeleton was intact and unharmed by animals. So many families do not get closure when a loved one is missing and we are thankful that we were able to have a graveside service for him and spend time together as family. We continue to be thankful for the amazing miracle of Rita's rescue after 49 days and how God is helping her walk the path she is now on.
We are thankful for "our" deer. The autumn is usually the only season we get to see bucks and we have seen more this year than any other. This week a buck decided to rub his antlers on a small pine tree - this meant watching him get a branch stuck in his antlers and then vigorously rubbing on the tree to dislodge the branch. Before the branch was dislodged many other branches were broken off and the tree was bent over to the ground. Now our pine tree has a totally different silhouette. We actually like the new one (although we do miss some branches from other trees which have been pruned by deer in the past). Not only do we get a front row seat to the mini-drama - the buck seemed close at about 35 feet but we get to interact in the drama and encourage him with lincreasingly loud sounds to stop once the branch was dislodged. I told Chuck instead of spending money on tickets for concerts we can spend money on plants and have our own personal showing to a deer drama!
Our house remodelling is a drama in itself. If it were a show we were watching we would call it a comedy but since it is happening to us sometimes we fail to see the humor. In other words, no progress yet unless like Thomas Edison we are finding multiple ways that will not work.
Please pray that God would encourage us as Chuck is slowing down and life is a bit harder. Please join with us in praying this prayer from Eph 3:14-19. "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strenghtened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints, what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Thank you for your faithfulness in lifting us up.
Again, Happy Thanksgiving Month to Each of You!!
I love the Thanksgiving season and I love how people are posting something they are thankful each day this month on Facebook.
I believe in being thankful. I believe it is good for us. I believe it pleases God. And yet, I am always aware of what a struggle it is for me. When I want something in my house "just so" and then remember how so many people want enough food let alone a safe shelter I ask God to forgive me and to help me be more thankful. Recently I have been aware of my struggle to be thankful as the sound of Chuck's walker has gotten louder. I am so thankful someone invented walkers and Chuck is able to use one. Yet the sound can be grating; I know it is louder because Chuck is having to put more weight on his arms and so the sound is a reminder of loss. This Thanksgiving season I am reminded of how much I have to be thankful for and yet also of how very much we live in a fallen world and experience losses we were never meant to experience.
We are very thankful my brother Albert's body was found at the end of Sept. and that his skeleton was intact and unharmed by animals. So many families do not get closure when a loved one is missing and we are thankful that we were able to have a graveside service for him and spend time together as family. We continue to be thankful for the amazing miracle of Rita's rescue after 49 days and how God is helping her walk the path she is now on.
We are thankful for "our" deer. The autumn is usually the only season we get to see bucks and we have seen more this year than any other. This week a buck decided to rub his antlers on a small pine tree - this meant watching him get a branch stuck in his antlers and then vigorously rubbing on the tree to dislodge the branch. Before the branch was dislodged many other branches were broken off and the tree was bent over to the ground. Now our pine tree has a totally different silhouette. We actually like the new one (although we do miss some branches from other trees which have been pruned by deer in the past). Not only do we get a front row seat to the mini-drama - the buck seemed close at about 35 feet but we get to interact in the drama and encourage him with lincreasingly loud sounds to stop once the branch was dislodged. I told Chuck instead of spending money on tickets for concerts we can spend money on plants and have our own personal showing to a deer drama!
Our house remodelling is a drama in itself. If it were a show we were watching we would call it a comedy but since it is happening to us sometimes we fail to see the humor. In other words, no progress yet unless like Thomas Edison we are finding multiple ways that will not work.
Please pray that God would encourage us as Chuck is slowing down and life is a bit harder. Please join with us in praying this prayer from Eph 3:14-19. "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strenghtened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints, what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Thank you for your faithfulness in lifting us up.
Again, Happy Thanksgiving Month to Each of You!!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Miscellaneous
On the Road Again!!
Chuck is on the road and once again he is with his brother Bob. When his fellow traveller and pack mule dislocated her elbow Chuck asked Bob if he would like to take a trip with him. They left from Seattle for Spokane Thur. and on Fri. met their great aunt and her husband for the first time! (Grandpa Carl's sister) So special! Today they will arrive in Montana at a friends and then continue down to southern Ca. to see family. Please pray for their safety as they travel. Also, please pray for Chuck's heels. They have been painful since his long trip last year and were just starting to do better so we are hoping this trip does not interfere with his heels continuing to improve. We are thankful Chuck is still able to use the walker....slowly....in the house and the scooter allows him to be mobile outside. We appreciate all your prayer for healing, for encouragement as we deal with daily challenges and of course for the prayers you are led to pray.
Mystery!
Where are our baby birds? One morning our babies were gone; the nest was not disturbed but it was only 5:00 a.m. which was earlier then the time the parents usually started feeding. Maybe it is better not to know so that we can hope! About a week later I opened up the doors early in the morning. I came back to our office after an hour or so and there was a young bird trying to exit out our window. I helped guide it to the door and off it flew. When I returned to the office there was one feather lying on the window sill. The young bird's visit and feather felt like a gift and an end to the story.
Empathy and Appreciation.
In the last year and a half or so I have gotten to experience in a small way some of what Chuck goes through. First, I fell and broke a bone in my foot and had to wear a cast for a few weeks and then a boot. Next I experienced separated cartilage and rib pain which made me aware of some of the pain Chuck experienced when he broke ribs nearly a year ago. Then 7 and a half weeks ago I dislocated my elbow and learned to function with one arm for a few weeks. I am now in physical therapy twice a week for my elbow and pleased with my progress. This week my neck "froze" - I am not sure of the proper term - all I know is that Wed. morning I could not move when I work up. I was groaning and moaning and trying to lift my head. Chuck woke up to my saying "Jesus" "Jesus". I was really wondering what I was going to do because the bathroom was calling my name loud and clear but my body was not moving. Chuck joined me in praying and I was able to get up but I was unable to drive that day because I could not turn my head. It reminded me of when I had whiplash. All Wed. I had to hold my head when the car stopped or started or went around corners. We are thankful it only lasted one day and that Chuck could leave Thurs.as planned As I struggled to move I once again appreciated my husband's attitude. I know that he is having to work harder that he has ever had to work just to get out of bed and to do simple tasks that most of us do without giving it a second thought. After each injury I have had in the last year and a half my first thoughts are of what Chuck goes through and how much I appreciate his attitude. I am glad I have had glimpses of some of what Chuck experiences but I hope this season is over for me! I often am comforted when I think about how Jesus knows what it is to be human. He knows what it is to be unable to move because He could not move when He was on the cross. He has experienced our difficulties and understands and cares and prays for us.. We are so thankful for His comfort and strength.
I hope you are enjoying the last days of summer. Thanks again for praying for Chuck.
Chuck is on the road and once again he is with his brother Bob. When his fellow traveller and pack mule dislocated her elbow Chuck asked Bob if he would like to take a trip with him. They left from Seattle for Spokane Thur. and on Fri. met their great aunt and her husband for the first time! (Grandpa Carl's sister) So special! Today they will arrive in Montana at a friends and then continue down to southern Ca. to see family. Please pray for their safety as they travel. Also, please pray for Chuck's heels. They have been painful since his long trip last year and were just starting to do better so we are hoping this trip does not interfere with his heels continuing to improve. We are thankful Chuck is still able to use the walker....slowly....in the house and the scooter allows him to be mobile outside. We appreciate all your prayer for healing, for encouragement as we deal with daily challenges and of course for the prayers you are led to pray.
Mystery!
Where are our baby birds? One morning our babies were gone; the nest was not disturbed but it was only 5:00 a.m. which was earlier then the time the parents usually started feeding. Maybe it is better not to know so that we can hope! About a week later I opened up the doors early in the morning. I came back to our office after an hour or so and there was a young bird trying to exit out our window. I helped guide it to the door and off it flew. When I returned to the office there was one feather lying on the window sill. The young bird's visit and feather felt like a gift and an end to the story.
Empathy and Appreciation.
In the last year and a half or so I have gotten to experience in a small way some of what Chuck goes through. First, I fell and broke a bone in my foot and had to wear a cast for a few weeks and then a boot. Next I experienced separated cartilage and rib pain which made me aware of some of the pain Chuck experienced when he broke ribs nearly a year ago. Then 7 and a half weeks ago I dislocated my elbow and learned to function with one arm for a few weeks. I am now in physical therapy twice a week for my elbow and pleased with my progress. This week my neck "froze" - I am not sure of the proper term - all I know is that Wed. morning I could not move when I work up. I was groaning and moaning and trying to lift my head. Chuck woke up to my saying "Jesus" "Jesus". I was really wondering what I was going to do because the bathroom was calling my name loud and clear but my body was not moving. Chuck joined me in praying and I was able to get up but I was unable to drive that day because I could not turn my head. It reminded me of when I had whiplash. All Wed. I had to hold my head when the car stopped or started or went around corners. We are thankful it only lasted one day and that Chuck could leave Thurs.as planned As I struggled to move I once again appreciated my husband's attitude. I know that he is having to work harder that he has ever had to work just to get out of bed and to do simple tasks that most of us do without giving it a second thought. After each injury I have had in the last year and a half my first thoughts are of what Chuck goes through and how much I appreciate his attitude. I am glad I have had glimpses of some of what Chuck experiences but I hope this season is over for me! I often am comforted when I think about how Jesus knows what it is to be human. He knows what it is to be unable to move because He could not move when He was on the cross. He has experienced our difficulties and understands and cares and prays for us.. We are so thankful for His comfort and strength.
I hope you are enjoying the last days of summer. Thanks again for praying for Chuck.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Drama
Catching up:
Drama I
Two days after I typed my last blog entry I misjudged an edge of a sidewalk and fell!! I kept getting closer to the ground as I took a few steps and tried to regain my balance while dodging the cement tire stop just off the side of the sidewalk. I landed in a parking space beside my car and knew immediately I had injured my arm. Three teenagers came over and asked if I needed help and called 911 for me. They were so sweet and stayed with me. A young army guy came and supported my back after I was able to sit up. I felt cared for as I did not have to wait alone for my first ambulance ride while experiencing a great deal of pain and wooziness. An interesting coincidence; one of the teenagers who waited with me turned out to be the niece of the ambulance driver. They hadn't seen each other for a couple of months. A friend came to ER and stayed with me and we tried to reach Chuck. Chuck was at a men's barbecue and someone reached him with the news just before they put me under to relocate my dislocated elbow. Chuck and I are both glad he was not there at the beginning. I argued with the medical personal about cutting off my favorite summer blouse and I won! (It has really wide arm holes and I knew it could come off without my arm having to move). Then later after they put me out they discovered I was chewing gum. They were unable to remove it because I clenched my teeth and had a discussion about whether they should proceed or not. (I can hardly believe my friend got to witness the discussion). Both times (blouse and gum) Chuck would have been vocal. He would have encouraged me to let them cut off my blouse and he would not let them have proceeded till my gum was out. He arrived on time to see the x-rays and be impressed with how far the bone was out of the socket ( three inches or so) and how good it looked after it was put back in. We mistakenly thought a dislocation would heal easier then a break but it turns out with a dislocation ligaments and tendons have to heal, as well as nerves. It looks like physical therapy is part of my future again. We have been quite the pair for the last three weeks.
Drama II
Baby birds began hatching last week. There were three eggs laid over three days and the birds also hatched over three days. After only a couple of days we became aware of hawks! We saw 4 baby hawks and also adult hawks. The baby hawks cry for food; we have seen them dance on the ground for food and waiting on tree limbs. And many times we watch both babies and adults or just the adults totally focused on the nest by the patio door. Mama hawk wants to feed our baby birds to her babies and has come quite close to the house. I believe our babies will be ready to leave their nest next week and we are wanting what the next chapter will be like. We have so enjoyed having this experience. We have been amazed at how diligent and alert the parents are. Lots of scriptures have come to mind as we watch this story unfold. Lots of prayers have gone up for protection from the hawks. Even visitors end up praying after they watch the drama.
And speaking of prayer we would love you to continue praying with us. Please pray for wisdom; the plans for the bathroom remodels need to be finished this month. We are thankful for the input from friends and family. It is a very big project and we want to make wise decisions and make sure nothing important is overlooked. Also, we would like wisdom as many people suggest certain vitamins, or treatments to Chuck. We want to be open to God's leading but know we cannot and should not follow all the suggestions we are given. Heal pain disturbs Chuck's sleep as well as his ability to position himself comfortably and we are still asking God for better sleep for both of us. (His difficulties can wake me and of course I have been disturbing him while trying to find a comfortable position for my arm). We continue to pray that as we walk through this that we will grow closer to the Lord. We know He can either still the storm we are in or He can give us peace in the midst of the storm. We will continue to ask for healing until He tells us not to and as we walk through this we ask for strength, peace and joy. We are so thankful for all the prayers that lift us up. ~ pauline
Drama I
Two days after I typed my last blog entry I misjudged an edge of a sidewalk and fell!! I kept getting closer to the ground as I took a few steps and tried to regain my balance while dodging the cement tire stop just off the side of the sidewalk. I landed in a parking space beside my car and knew immediately I had injured my arm. Three teenagers came over and asked if I needed help and called 911 for me. They were so sweet and stayed with me. A young army guy came and supported my back after I was able to sit up. I felt cared for as I did not have to wait alone for my first ambulance ride while experiencing a great deal of pain and wooziness. An interesting coincidence; one of the teenagers who waited with me turned out to be the niece of the ambulance driver. They hadn't seen each other for a couple of months. A friend came to ER and stayed with me and we tried to reach Chuck. Chuck was at a men's barbecue and someone reached him with the news just before they put me under to relocate my dislocated elbow. Chuck and I are both glad he was not there at the beginning. I argued with the medical personal about cutting off my favorite summer blouse and I won! (It has really wide arm holes and I knew it could come off without my arm having to move). Then later after they put me out they discovered I was chewing gum. They were unable to remove it because I clenched my teeth and had a discussion about whether they should proceed or not. (I can hardly believe my friend got to witness the discussion). Both times (blouse and gum) Chuck would have been vocal. He would have encouraged me to let them cut off my blouse and he would not let them have proceeded till my gum was out. He arrived on time to see the x-rays and be impressed with how far the bone was out of the socket ( three inches or so) and how good it looked after it was put back in. We mistakenly thought a dislocation would heal easier then a break but it turns out with a dislocation ligaments and tendons have to heal, as well as nerves. It looks like physical therapy is part of my future again. We have been quite the pair for the last three weeks.
Drama II
Baby birds began hatching last week. There were three eggs laid over three days and the birds also hatched over three days. After only a couple of days we became aware of hawks! We saw 4 baby hawks and also adult hawks. The baby hawks cry for food; we have seen them dance on the ground for food and waiting on tree limbs. And many times we watch both babies and adults or just the adults totally focused on the nest by the patio door. Mama hawk wants to feed our baby birds to her babies and has come quite close to the house. I believe our babies will be ready to leave their nest next week and we are wanting what the next chapter will be like. We have so enjoyed having this experience. We have been amazed at how diligent and alert the parents are. Lots of scriptures have come to mind as we watch this story unfold. Lots of prayers have gone up for protection from the hawks. Even visitors end up praying after they watch the drama.
And speaking of prayer we would love you to continue praying with us. Please pray for wisdom; the plans for the bathroom remodels need to be finished this month. We are thankful for the input from friends and family. It is a very big project and we want to make wise decisions and make sure nothing important is overlooked. Also, we would like wisdom as many people suggest certain vitamins, or treatments to Chuck. We want to be open to God's leading but know we cannot and should not follow all the suggestions we are given. Heal pain disturbs Chuck's sleep as well as his ability to position himself comfortably and we are still asking God for better sleep for both of us. (His difficulties can wake me and of course I have been disturbing him while trying to find a comfortable position for my arm). We continue to pray that as we walk through this that we will grow closer to the Lord. We know He can either still the storm we are in or He can give us peace in the midst of the storm. We will continue to ask for healing until He tells us not to and as we walk through this we ask for strength, peace and joy. We are so thankful for all the prayers that lift us up. ~ pauline
Monday, July 9, 2012
Nesting
Thanks and Prayer Requests: We absolutely loved our cruise to Alaska. It was supposed to rain 5 out of our 7 days but we only had one day of light rain and sprinkling a bit on one other day. In fact, when we checked the weather in Juneau on our phone it said it was raining and we looked outside and there was no rain! Our hill is no longer the place where plants are sent to die but the landscape is much improved. And, we are making tiny steps toward the bathroom remodel. Chuck has faced growing weakness and is seeing symptoms in his right arm/hand now. We are so thankful for your prayers. Part of the symptoms of ALS is exhaustion because a person has to use more energy to complete any movement. As Chuck is facing more symptoms and more weariness we are so aware of people praying for him/us. A friend of a friend is here from Korea. He does not speak English but has spent time in prayer over Chuck and would like to pray for him again next Sunday before he heads back to Korea. Please continue to pray as the Holy Spirit leads you to pray. We are praying for healing, better sleep, the ability to walk in God's peace and have His joy be our strength and for a deepening relationship with the Lord.
Musings
A week ago while I was going through the checkout stand a nursery worker gave me a large fuchsia basket that was looking a bit straggly. I put it on a small table just outside our patio door so we could enjoy it from our dining table. Yesterday a pair of birds built a nest in it. How special for us to watch them work. We are amazed at how quickly and skillfully they built a nest that is noticeable only if one really looks for it. We are thankful that over and over God uses nature around us to remind us He loves us. God cares for the birds and He says "how much more He will care for us". The other side of my musings....will the birds desert the nest because of our comings and goings and my carefully watering the plant to keep the leaves green and camouflaging the nest? We've decided that we will not tiptoe around or worry about disturbing them. Their nesting choice is closer to predators or near our activity. If our activity will scare them away we would rather it happen before the mama lays eggs. If anyone has experience and wants to make suggestions please feel free...meanwhile we will enjoy the miracle of watching birds in our fuschia plant and give thanks.
Musings
A week ago while I was going through the checkout stand a nursery worker gave me a large fuchsia basket that was looking a bit straggly. I put it on a small table just outside our patio door so we could enjoy it from our dining table. Yesterday a pair of birds built a nest in it. How special for us to watch them work. We are amazed at how quickly and skillfully they built a nest that is noticeable only if one really looks for it. We are thankful that over and over God uses nature around us to remind us He loves us. God cares for the birds and He says "how much more He will care for us". The other side of my musings....will the birds desert the nest because of our comings and goings and my carefully watering the plant to keep the leaves green and camouflaging the nest? We've decided that we will not tiptoe around or worry about disturbing them. Their nesting choice is closer to predators or near our activity. If our activity will scare them away we would rather it happen before the mama lays eggs. If anyone has experience and wants to make suggestions please feel free...meanwhile we will enjoy the miracle of watching birds in our fuschia plant and give thanks.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Celebration!
Prayer: Thanks and Requests
Thank you so much for praying for our trip to Ca. The first day of our trip was amazing and we were so aware of people praying for us. We were especially thankful for the perfect gas station in Oregon where Chuck was able to park close to the bathroom and not have to use the scooter. Then that night we used a cheapie coupon for a quick stop-over and the hotel ended up having the best handicapped bathroom Chuck has used yet. He had a glorious shower in the morning and we were so thankful. On the way back our trip was not so refreshing but we were aware of God's protection. Chuck accidentally got in an exit only lane that exited off I 5 onto 14 headed toward Lancaster and Palmdale. No big deal except the right lane exited onto the left land of the new freeway at the beginning of rush hour and the Suburban's engine died. Chuck was able to barely fit onto the left shoulder. The Suburban shook each time a vehicle whizzed by. Chuck had recently gone on AAA because our vehicles' mileage have crept up (like our age!) and so he phoned to ask for help. I have never asked God to send angels to protect us but I did that afternoon. Soon a California Highway Patrolman squeezed in by Chuck's window. He informed us he would stop traffic and and a 2nd patrolman would push us to the right side which was wider and less dangerous. So, three lanes of freeway traffic came to a stop and a patrol car with a special bumper pushed us across the empty freeway. Then the AAA tow truck arrived. The driver was a delightful little wizened Mexican man who reminded me of an agile monkey as he climbed up and down. The law required us to ride in the tow truck. The driver helped me help Chuck make it up into the high cab. It was even more of a challenge later for Chuck to exit the cab and the driver was so kind and helpful. Our gauge had said we had 49 miles left in the tank but the driver suggested he take us to a gas station and try putting gas in our car before towing us to the dealer. At the gas station I enjoyed watching his agility as he climbed up and down again and gassed up the Suburban while it was up on the large tow truck. The Suburban started immediately. We were so thankful to the driver and as we were giving him a tip I told him that I had prayed the Lord would protect us and send angels. He got a big smile on his face and pointed to his name tag which said Angelo! So thanks to each of you who prayed for our safety while we were on our trip. I know it has been quite awhile since I wrote on the blog and am thankful for the prodding of friends who are asking us how to pray. We want to say thank you for praying for Chuck's TMJ and shoulder pain. Both are now minimal. His sleep quality is poor because it is more difficult to turn or move. Also Chuck's legs tighten during the night and then he can get cramps if he straightens them too quickly. Chuck's left arm/hand have been losing some function. We are so thankful that he is able to use his walker but even though he is weaker. Chuck asks that you continue to pray for healing and also for encouragement. And for those who asked, we have made zero progress on the bathroom remodel. That will be our first priority when we get back.
So why is today's blog titled Celebration? When we get back from where? The why is an early 40th anniversary celebration. The where is an Alaskan cruise! The when is we leave on June 9th and return on June 16th and then celebrate again in Aug.!
Thank you so much for praying for our trip to Ca. The first day of our trip was amazing and we were so aware of people praying for us. We were especially thankful for the perfect gas station in Oregon where Chuck was able to park close to the bathroom and not have to use the scooter. Then that night we used a cheapie coupon for a quick stop-over and the hotel ended up having the best handicapped bathroom Chuck has used yet. He had a glorious shower in the morning and we were so thankful. On the way back our trip was not so refreshing but we were aware of God's protection. Chuck accidentally got in an exit only lane that exited off I 5 onto 14 headed toward Lancaster and Palmdale. No big deal except the right lane exited onto the left land of the new freeway at the beginning of rush hour and the Suburban's engine died. Chuck was able to barely fit onto the left shoulder. The Suburban shook each time a vehicle whizzed by. Chuck had recently gone on AAA because our vehicles' mileage have crept up (like our age!) and so he phoned to ask for help. I have never asked God to send angels to protect us but I did that afternoon. Soon a California Highway Patrolman squeezed in by Chuck's window. He informed us he would stop traffic and and a 2nd patrolman would push us to the right side which was wider and less dangerous. So, three lanes of freeway traffic came to a stop and a patrol car with a special bumper pushed us across the empty freeway. Then the AAA tow truck arrived. The driver was a delightful little wizened Mexican man who reminded me of an agile monkey as he climbed up and down. The law required us to ride in the tow truck. The driver helped me help Chuck make it up into the high cab. It was even more of a challenge later for Chuck to exit the cab and the driver was so kind and helpful. Our gauge had said we had 49 miles left in the tank but the driver suggested he take us to a gas station and try putting gas in our car before towing us to the dealer. At the gas station I enjoyed watching his agility as he climbed up and down again and gassed up the Suburban while it was up on the large tow truck. The Suburban started immediately. We were so thankful to the driver and as we were giving him a tip I told him that I had prayed the Lord would protect us and send angels. He got a big smile on his face and pointed to his name tag which said Angelo! So thanks to each of you who prayed for our safety while we were on our trip. I know it has been quite awhile since I wrote on the blog and am thankful for the prodding of friends who are asking us how to pray. We want to say thank you for praying for Chuck's TMJ and shoulder pain. Both are now minimal. His sleep quality is poor because it is more difficult to turn or move. Also Chuck's legs tighten during the night and then he can get cramps if he straightens them too quickly. Chuck's left arm/hand have been losing some function. We are so thankful that he is able to use his walker but even though he is weaker. Chuck asks that you continue to pray for healing and also for encouragement. And for those who asked, we have made zero progress on the bathroom remodel. That will be our first priority when we get back.
So why is today's blog titled Celebration? When we get back from where? The why is an early 40th anniversary celebration. The where is an Alaskan cruise! The when is we leave on June 9th and return on June 16th and then celebrate again in Aug.!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Catching Up
Prayer Requests: Today I want to start out with thanks. Chuck goes to physical and occupational therapy and last week the strength of the grip of both hands had increased in strength since when he had started a couple of months ago. Whether it is due to therapy or God sovereignly touching Chuck we are very thankful both to God and for people who pray. Chuck and I are driving to San Diego leaving May 1st and returning home around the 11th. Please pray for our protection and safety on the road and also guidance and refreshing.
Catching up:
Nearly three weeks ago we left for Penticton, Canada for my brother Albert's memorial service. The trip ended up having two focuses for me. The first focus was more about "us" than I would have liked. While Chuck was driving the motorized lift for the scooter activated which means the scooter headed towards the tailgate. We are thankful we were not on the freeway but in a little town and able to stop very quickly. The tailgate would no longer open and so I climbed in the middle seat (rear seats of Suburban are removed) and leaned over to see what I could do when I felt a snap and something give and knew I had hurt my rib. After retrieving the controls and backing up the scooter we were able to continue on our way. That night we arrived in Penticton so that we could be rested for a family gathering Fri. night but instead the next day Chuck had one of his worst days physically since the disease started. He was unable to go to the family meeting and I fought pain my whole time in Canada. I was thankful for Tim and Lorin, our brothers-in-law who helped with some of the logistics for Chuck and the scooter. I got to see a number of people I had not seen for over 40 years; 40 years!!!....that is mind-boggling to me.
The second focus was Albert. He has been missing for over a year. For the last year I have been so thankful and in awe of the miracle that Rita was rescued after 49 days I have not grieved for the loss of Albert. It was good to celebrate his life and his legacy but it is also painful time.
Why are we going to Ca.? Shanon is nearly finished with nursing school and we will be attending her "pinning" this Friday! (In the old days this was called "capping"). We are so proud of her and can hardly wait!
Catching up:
Nearly three weeks ago we left for Penticton, Canada for my brother Albert's memorial service. The trip ended up having two focuses for me. The first focus was more about "us" than I would have liked. While Chuck was driving the motorized lift for the scooter activated which means the scooter headed towards the tailgate. We are thankful we were not on the freeway but in a little town and able to stop very quickly. The tailgate would no longer open and so I climbed in the middle seat (rear seats of Suburban are removed) and leaned over to see what I could do when I felt a snap and something give and knew I had hurt my rib. After retrieving the controls and backing up the scooter we were able to continue on our way. That night we arrived in Penticton so that we could be rested for a family gathering Fri. night but instead the next day Chuck had one of his worst days physically since the disease started. He was unable to go to the family meeting and I fought pain my whole time in Canada. I was thankful for Tim and Lorin, our brothers-in-law who helped with some of the logistics for Chuck and the scooter. I got to see a number of people I had not seen for over 40 years; 40 years!!!....that is mind-boggling to me.
The second focus was Albert. He has been missing for over a year. For the last year I have been so thankful and in awe of the miracle that Rita was rescued after 49 days I have not grieved for the loss of Albert. It was good to celebrate his life and his legacy but it is also painful time.
Why are we going to Ca.? Shanon is nearly finished with nursing school and we will be attending her "pinning" this Friday! (In the old days this was called "capping"). We are so proud of her and can hardly wait!
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