Lifting A Fork Is NOT Therapy

ARGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!  I just got home from visiting Bill at the 'old place' and he DID NOT have any therapy yesterday or today. Peggy, his wife, was told that he would have it yesterday and today after she'd had a discussion with them on Fri. about just letting him sit in his room with the postage stamp size t.v. Really????? The only exercise that I've seen him getting is getting himself to the bathroom or lifting a fork to eat. AND for some reason,  ALL of his meals have had regular sugar on his tray and the food is salted. HELLO!!!!!  He IS diabetic and just re-hospitalized for having had too much fluid build up. I cannot believe the cost of this room that insurance is being billed for. For some reason they weren't "allowed" to move on to another place. I think insurance companies would come out much better if the care was up to par. I'm thinking that someone there needs to meet me. This is ridiculous!!!!   Okay, on to more calming things. I "exercised" Joel a bit today. We spent a couple of hours in Wal-Mart just walking around reading labels on what would be good to add to our air and alfalfa recipes. We are finding more and more that anything with any kind of flavor is a no-no. Thus, the Penzey's spices are becoming more and more useful and popular.   We made it to both Sunday school and church this morning. It was so good to be back in both. We are loving, loving, loving our class. I always come away feeling like I've learned something and am always blessed!  We also had Pastor Appreciation Day and had dinner on the ground. Someone did lots and lots of cooking!!!  Too yummy !   We are 27 days out from surgery and Joel is really doing well. He's even made 3 trips up and down our stairs today. Not all at once, of course. He went up the other day and I thought that I was going to have to practice my CPR. Visions of chest compressions were not pretty!  He's been sleeping in the recliner down stairs since coming home. He tried the couch the first night and it was too painful to try and get up from it. So, we've had a 3 wk. camp-out in the living room. Our dog loves it.   His scar is looking so much better. He's itching like crazy and feeling the twinges of the nerves healing. It's just amazing what all he's been through and how well he really is doing.   If any of you enjoy 3 part harmony music and want to hear the group that I sing with (The 2 1/2 Angels) we will be singing at a brand new opry starting in Floresville along with several other entertainers. Their first show is going to be Nov. 3rd at the Floresville Event Center. I will post more info. when it is closer to the date.  They've already sold 125 tickets and the place is suppose to hold up to 1000. WOW!!!!    I just opened an email about shopping at Sears. I am going to copy the info.at the end of this, as I feel that it is very important that we support a company that is so good to our military and we need to do everything that we can to get the information spread. GOOD JOB SEARS!!!   No updates on the others that I have asked prayer for.  Just keep praying. Find someone to encourage about something. It's amazing what change(s) will come from it. Love and Prayers to all! Suzie   Sears - Christmas shopping this year. I know I needed this reminder, since Sears isn't always my first choice. It's amazing when you think of how long the war has lasted and Sears hasn't withdrawn from their commitment. Could we each buy at least one thing at Sears this year? How does Sears treat its employees who are called up for military duty? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up for active duty. Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years. I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution. I suggest we all shop at Sears at least once, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement & feedback it well deserves. Pass it on. I decided to check this before I sent it forward. So I sent the following e-mail to the Sears Customer Service Department: I received this e-mail and I would like to know if it is true. If it is, the internet may have just become one very good source of advertisement for your company. I know I would go out of my way to buy products from Sears instead of another store for a like item, even if it's cheaper at that store. This is their answer to my e-mail: Dear Customer: Thank you for contacting Sears.The information is factual. We appreciate your positive feedback. Sears regards service to our country as one of greatest sacrifices our young men and women can make. We are happy to do our part to lessen the burden they bear at this time. Bill Thorn Sears Customer Care http://us.mc1135.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=webcenter%40sears.com 1-800-349-4358 Please pass this on to all your friends. Sears needs to be recognized for this outstanding contribution and we need to show them as Americans, we do appreciate what they are doing for our military!!! It's verified ! By Snopes.com<http://snopes.com/>; at: http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/sears.asp

Kin to Rip Van Winkle

Well......this day is gone. I laid down for a "quick" power nap at about 2 this afternoon and woke up over five hours later. I hope the term "beauty rest" really works. I am sure not feeling it. I had planned on getting lots done around here, but..................... as my mom would have said, "you can't unfall". I don't like wasting so much time. There is always something to do around here. I am one that makes 10 messes cleaning up one. Very unorganized. I am not bragging at all. It's just a fact. It takes me forever to make a decision. I did see Bill this afternoon.  Joel and I went by this morning, but he was sleeping so we left and went back early afternoon. He looks and sounds so much better but he said that he felt like he was getting a cold. He sure doesn't need that!  He has to stay off his feet.They were going to start some sort of physical therapy this afternoon. Joel's mouth is feeling okay. Now I am trying to cook soft 'alfalfa and water'.  I made some pretty yummy soup using some of the Penzey's spices our daughter sent us.  (If you aren't familiar with Penzey's, I recommend going to their website http://www.penzeys.com/  It is wonderful stuff! The closest store to us is Austin, but worth the drive!!!!!!) We did go outside our boundaries last night and got Joel a strawberry milkshake since his mouth was waking up and he knew it. I am still trying to figure out a way to build up Joel's stamina.The weight on the remote messes with the buttons, so I think that a couple of days of window shopping to start out would get the ol' heart pumping, legs awake and stronger, head clear, etc. I'm thinking that I am going to be awake half the night. Just hate getting my days and nights mixed up. I can't be too productive like vacuuming, laundry, etc. since others are trying to sleep. Guess I'll use the time to work on the country & gospel music show that I produce. I'm really enjoying doing that. Our next show is the 20th. Come on down. It starts at 7 at the Seguin Silver Center at 510 E.Court St. $5.00 admission, which 100% goes to the senior citizens. It's a great fundraiser! Haven't heard how our granddaughter is doing on her meds. for the Lyme disease. I did hear that Brayden (great grandson) still has the hole in his neck and is having to have it packed, but is doing well. Thanks again for letting me bend your ears. Y'all are the best therapy ever!!! Encourage someone! Love and Prayers to all! Suzie

We Didn't Waltz / updates

Things are slowly getting better.  We didn't get to waltz, but we did get to go to the Kingsbury Opry tonight and got to visit with so many friends that we haven't seen in several weeks. We enjoyed the music and fellowship and the change in scenery. Joel got a huge applause when we first walked in the door. VERY NICE feeling!  We weren't sure if we were going to make it. Joel had a little more saga added to his novel that he is working on. He had to have a tooth pulled this morning. His last wisdom tooth. He says now he is going to be stupid. If he's going stupid, he is still going to be amazingly smart. He's has always been a MR. FIXER of just about anything that we've ever had.  I hope this is it, as far as any more problems. I know it is like I am making things up. Really.....my brain doesn't work that well. ha!!!

It seems like we are falling apart and always have "something" to whine about, but OH MY GOSH!!!! We are so blessed. We have other friends that are in such need of prayer and are facing some serious days ahead. One good friend just found out that she has to start chemo next week. Her name is Agnes.

Also,  our grand daughter, Michelle,  has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.  She has been in and out of drs. for several yrs. now and treated for migranes, shingles, etc. Our son took her to a specialist in Nacogdoches that has been running tests. Given that the other possibilities were Lupis, Fibromyalgia, Polymyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, or Multiple Sclerosis, this is a great diagnosis.

There are some concerns due to the length of time she’s believed to have been infected, but the overall outlook is promising.  She is very fortunate she didn’t end up with encephalitis or meningitis. 

She started Doxycycline last night, which is one of the best treatments for Lyme, even in later stages.  We’ll have blood drawn and tested regularly.  There is a possibility that she’ll need a spinal tap in the future to check her cerebrospinal fluid for the Spirochetes.

My brother was still waiting this afternoon to be moved back to the rehab. facility. We've had phone problems the past couple of days, so didn't hear whether he was moved or not. I was there this afternoon and he was still waiting.

Please keep Joel and Bill on the prayer chains and add Agnes and Michelle.

Again, we have received another blessing from someone. I didn't know my heart could hold so much love, blessings, and gratitude. I am really really really humbled by such generous acts. I've gotten some of the sweetest emails, cards, and notes with God's reminders of how much He cares, Him being in control, His promises, etc. VERY UPLIFTING!!!  Again, Thank you seems so tiny, but I don't know what else to say. We love y'all and know that when we get to the point of being able, we will pass it on.

Keep encouraging someone!

Love and Prayers to all!

Suzie

Never Say Never Update

Okay, we are having to send my brother back to the place that we said that we wouldn't. His insurance (if you want to call it such) won't allow the change. But, I guess because we are on top of things, the other place is working more with his wife. They are going to pick up his lift chair that is a recliner so he can elevate his feet, they are getting a larger t.v. (which I know isn't a health issue, but at least he won't just be sitting in a dark room.). We will insist on his health concerns, rather than take "no" for an answer.  I sure wish that insurance companies had more compassion, or the facilities, drs, clinics, etc. would take any insurance. VERY frustrating!!!!

Well, we've added a bit more to our "book". (Maybe I should say novel.) Joel had to go to the dentist this morning and yep.........he has an abscess. Couldn't be something simple. It's a wisdom tooth and isn't straight and because he just had bypass surgery, he has to see a specialist. We went to get a round of antibiotics, which he will begin in the morning. Hopefully, this will be the last of his attention getters.  In the big spectrum of things, WE ARE STILL VERY BLESSED!!!!!  I can honestly say that I didn't get rattled with my typical "what next" thoughts that I usually have. We have been amazed at how God is taking care of things. When we got home, we had a check in the mail with a sweet note. Was I surprised? Yes and no. Yes, because I am amazed at how precious & caring our friends have been through all of this, and no, because why would God all the sudden stop taking care of us, when He's been so faithful to us through all of this? I just wish that Joel didn't have to have anymore painful things.

Back to my brother's update. We went by this evening and he sounded soooooooooooooo much better.  His feet are hurting him and they are a mess, but they are taking care of them. He has the cath. out.  He said that he was feeling so much better and thought that he was going to be transferred back to the rehab. unit tomorrow. 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS !

I've gotten several requests for me to keep sending emails, rather than visit the Blog spot. I don't mind a bit, so just let me know. Or, let me know if you don't want to get them.  Some people are getting them via of others forwarding them. I don't know how to control those.
Just don't want to be a pest or wear out my welcome. Visiting my Blog Spot really isn't hard. If I can do it.... anyone can! Just ask my kids. On the 'search' area type in
http://www.sharedjoy.blogspot.com/  then hit 'enter'. My blog will pop up. Or click on the highlighted address and then save it to your "favorites" and you won't have to keep typing it in.

Please keep Joel in prayer in the morning. We are praying that it can all be done with the one office visit and no other x-rays will have to be done.

Keep encouraging someone, especially a child!
Love and Prayers to all !
Suzie

"Last" Email - Going Blog

If y'all are visiting my Blog Spot (http://www.sharedjoy.blogspot.com/), you will find the same news that I have been emailing, but I am going to start using just the blog spot to keep everyone updated. I will send out special prayer requests by emails. That way you can choose to hear from me, rather than me pushing myself on you.  I do appreciate all the listening,  prayers, advice, suggestions, comments, encouragement, etc., etc., etc. (If you still want me to email, please let me know and I will.)

As for my brother....some parts are better and then some are worst. His breathing is so much better and he is feeling better, but now his feet are a mess. His feet are bandaged and he can't be on them. The excessive swelling caused break downs in the skin on his legs and feet and be diabetic only compounds the problem. He hasn't gotten back the blood culture results. His white count has come down some. Yeaaaa!!!!  He is still on oxygen.  We will be looking for a new place for him to go after he is released from the hospital. A place that can accommodate a large legally blind guy.

Joel seems to be a little lethargic today. He is starting to feel the little twinges of the nerves starting to heal in his chest. Maybe it's just the boredom. He spent the afternoon with the dog while I worked. Then, he went to the hospital with me to visit Bill.
He's been really good about using his breathing apparatus to strengthen his lungs and he's suppose to start doing a little more to increase his stamina. I think maybe taping some weights to the remote might be a good idea. Ha!  He doesn't have as much swelling in his feet as he has had. Yeaaaaa!!!!!!

I enjoyed my afternoon with the 2nd graders. They are so precious.  There are so many times that I wish that I had never retired. But then the classroom is so much more fun than being in the office. I loved, loved, loved my job, but I think it was mostly because of who I worked with.

Joel is still getting cards from a bunch of people. Thank you so much. They really do touch him in a special way. He's been brought to tears many times. I know that he's on an emotional roller coaster, but y'all are making HAPPY TEARS!

Remember to encourage someone especially a child.
Love and Prayers to all!
Suzie

Brother's Update

Bill was feeling a little better this afternoon. They've done more EKG's and a sonogram of his heart. He has an elevated white blood count, which is concerning. His feet are partially bandaged due to some open sores. He really needs lots of prayers. They've drained about 20 pounds of fluid off of him.  We took him an arrangement of eucalyptus with some 'Get Well' balloons to cheer him and the room up. He's been getting lots of cards and even got a pkg. of dog toys for his little dog. Thank you Tammy, Tom, and Austin. That meant a lot to him.  Please, pray that they will find the right treatments that will get him back on track.

I check on Chuck Conyers today. He got all the stitches out of his arm and the graft looked good. He then saw the oncologist that did some tests and if they come back clear, he doesn't have to go back for 3 months. Please pray that the test are all negative.

Joel has a tooth bothering him and gets to see the dentist this Thursday. I am not listing this as a "whine". When I start talking to other people and hearing their stories, or seeing how my brother is struggling, it makes me even more aware of how blessed we really are.  Our prayer lists could go on and on and on. Which brings me back to saying again......."our trials keeps us in tune with God." I am so THANKFUL that I am a Christian and can go to Him anytime knowing that He cares, He is in control, He loves me, and has a plan that I am a part of.  I can't say that I always like it, but I can say without a doubt that there has always been a blessing later. Some day when I have more time I will share on my blog spot my testimony along with some amazing things that have happened in my life. I have been told many times that I need to contact 'Guide Post' magazine. Maybe someday.

I am amazed at how many positive comments that I've gotten on my emails. Thank you so much! Knowing me, I will most likely repeat myself. 

I will be working 1/2 day tomorrow for 2nd grade, which happens to be my very favorite grade level. The kids are so much fun and so loving at that age.  Most of the time, they are trying so hard to please you. Very rewarding!!!!!!!  I hope that I will get to start subbing more and more. I've even thought about applying for a full time job elsewhere, but then think of all the "stuff" that I like to do when I want to do it and say, "naaaah".
Not that I won't if it comes to me having to. I'd just rather not.

Love and Prayers to all!
Suzie

My Brother's in Hospital

Well.... I just managed to somehow erase, cause to disappear, deleted, or whatever my whole email that I'd been working on....Did y'all hear the 'NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO'?
I'm really not a computer person and I get so stirred at things like that. Where do they go???? No one ever sends them back to me or comments, "oh, by the way, I found your email."  WHY?????????????????????????????????????????????

I don't know if I can repeat all of what I already said. Dog gone it!!! Actually, that should be....email gone it!!! 

My brother was sent by ambulance back to the hospital this morning and was admitted. He is now in Guadalupe Valley Regional in Room 140. He had a pretty rough weekend and just kept getting worse. He is in congestive heart failure and they are culturing his blood to see if there is any infection. They increased his oxygen, started meds to get all the excess fluid off. He'd gained nearly 20 lbs. since surgery and has been on a restricted diet and not really eating much of that. His legs are starting to seep fluid from the excessive swelling.  We were with him again this evening and he was able to sit up and eat his dinner, the swelling is already going down, and his breathing isn't so labored. They are going to be doing several tests over the next few days. His primary dr. saw him 3 times this afternoon. Makes me worry, but then I am so thankful that he is on top of things. He will not be going back to where he was.

Joel saw both of his heart drs. this morning. Both were very pleased with the progress that he's made. He doesn't have to see the surgeon again. Thank goodness!!!! It was 38 mi. one way from our house and the traffic was horrible. We even saw a wreck. Actually, we heard the wreck then saw the results. I said a quick prayer of thanks that we didn't get that added to our "stuff". The other dr. sees him, again in 3 mos. and gave him the go to start doing a little more walking and small tasks to help build up his stamina. I'm thinking like washing dishes, folding clothes, getting up to get the remote, dusting, .....okay maybe not dusting since he does have asthma, but I'm sure there are a few things. Right?  He still has limitations  on lifting, tugging, etc. because of the sternum being split and wired back.
Wonder what the wire will do for airport security??? It stays from now on.

I got my haircut today and was it ever SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO needed. I was really looking more like our dog. I was being frugal and kept cutting on it myself, but I can't see the back. Lisa, owner of Cut Loose is the best hairdresser in the world! She always does an excellent job!

Please remember our friend Chuck in your prayers. He sees the oncologist tomorrow.

My pillow is calling. I will catch everyone up tomorrow.  Thank y'all for visiting my blog spot.
Remember to encourage someone, especially a child.
Love and Prayers to all!
Suzie