Tortoise Toddling Tuesday

I just about finished my updates for the day and now they are gone,...G-O-N-E,...No where to be found....not a trace... and worst yet, not a clue about what all I covered. RATS ! RATS!! RATS!!!  Now, I am going to feel like I'm repeating myself. My computer skills are so pitiful. I have a son that is over the top smart especially with computers and is always bailing me out of troubles or just stuff that is so simple to him and hard enough for me that I feel like throwing the computer across the room. (NOT really, I am not at all a violent person, just frustrated!) Some day I think that I am going to find all my lost emails in a pile next to all our missing socks. I have a computer that "eats" emails and a washing machine that "eats" socks. This has been another SLOW moving day!!!! But at least we are moving towards our goal. I'm about to the point of counting freckles on our dog. ...... We saw Bill today and he is doing better. He even wanted me to go get him a diet caffeine-free coke, which I did. (I did okay it with nurse.) Joel stayed and visited with him while I ran to the store.  (I guess to compare scars. )  He'd had a morning of physical and speech therapy. The speech is for the mini strokes that he has had.  They also got him a bigger bed that has an air mattress which is suppose to help the pressure sores heal better. He said that it is uncomfortable but he knows that it's suppose to help him. He's not been sleeping well at all since he's been there but is going to talk to the Dr. about it. Hopefully, they will be able to help him get better rest. He has to see a wound care specialist in the morning for the tear & pressure sores and some open wounds on his legs and feet.  He says the pressure sores are more painful than the surgery site. OUCH!! He was upbeat about Bro. Steve (our pastor) visiting with him this morning. He is still without a bigger t.v., so is just sitting and waiting for ?????? While we were there, the dietitian came by and talked with him about what he likes or dislikes and offered to try and get him things that he likes or if he wants more of some things, etc. The only thing different that he asked for was diabetic sugar and wheat bread. Amazing that the patient would be asking for a healthier choice than what the facility has been offering. hmmmmmmmmm???? Joel has had another good day. After we left visiting my brother, we went and read a few more labels at H.E.B. and let him walk around for awhile.  He ran into several people that he knew and got to visit with them.  After our "exercising" , he catnaps in the recliner off and on the rest of the day. I am working 1/2 day tomorrow. YEAAAA YEAAAAA YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. I love, love, love  working with the kids. The dog will babysit Joel. Our dog has joined the 'watch what we eat' saga. She was suppose to level out and hold at her last weight but she's gained 6 lbs., so is now classified overweight. I guess her snacks will be green beans from now on. Joel just discovered a huge opossum crawling up our pecan tree. Yeaaaa!!!! Another varmint.  Now, not only will I be watching where I step, slapping at what, I think, is crawling on me, but looking up worrying about something jumping on me. I can just envision my new style....... snake boots, bee keepers attire, and a golf umbrella. If it ever comes to that,  I'll have to spruce it up with some bling. Please remember my friend, Agnes, in your prayers. She had her port put in today and begins her chemo Thurs.  And continued prayers for Bill and Joel. Until later.  psssst! DON'T FORGET TO ENCOURAGE SOMEONE.  Love and Prayers to all! Suzie

Mundane Monday

This has been one long day. I've fought sleep all day. But then I also fought being productive in any other way, too.  I did go to the 'Rehab' center where Bill is and let them meet me. I did find out that there have been changes in what is put on the meal trays and diet substitutes have to be requested. SO, I REQUESTED THEM. Why does the government have to mess with stuff that is just common sense stuff? Really is scarey that some of these people are trying to run our country when they can't get something so simple as "to sugar or not to sugar". It's up to the patients whether to eat it or not. BUT the positive note, they won't serve him pie, cookies, or cake. It will always be fresh fruit. OH, THANK YOU!!!! I'll sleep well tonight.

I did find a special cushion for him to sit on to help get the pressure off of a sore. If you ever need any special health items, go to Parker's Drug Store on Court St. I've always found any special need item there. And they were very fair in price. And they will order stuff for you.

Joel's had a good day. He's been up and down the stairs several times and didn't end up panting like he'd run a marathon. He was suppose to have his teeth cleaned tomorrow, but the dentist office called and didn't want to do it so soon after his surgery, so he will go in Nov.  WE ARE GETTING THERE !!! Yeahhhhh!!!

Maybe I will be more awake tomorrow and have updates. I hope that I'm not getting sick!!! My pillow is already calling me and it's only 8:20.

Keep on encouraging. (Every time I type that phrase, I think of my friend, Diane,  and just smile. She is one of the biggest (not in size) encouragers I've ever met.) I'll tell y'all about her later.

Love and Prayers to all! 
Suzie

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