Hodge Podge...

And I thought last night was cold! Right now, on my patio, it is 10º F outside. I'm telling you that is just wrong, folks. We finally got our snow during the night. At our house we received 4 inches but up in the mountains, like Mt. Timpanogas, received 42" of new snow. The skiers and snowboarders are estatic. But my poor mom is less than thrilled.

She had a doctor's appt. today. When I arrived V was just getting her wheelchair out of the van and mom was in her winter coat but wrapped all around in blankets. Just a small piece of her face was visable! She looked like a multicolored eskimo peeking out.

She has gone from "I really think you need to take me home earlier, Claire. It's okay if I leave here now." (Said around the first of November.)...to "Well, yes, I'll be glad to be home with you and Jim, but I'll be sad to leave all this (waves hand around her room)." So I asked her if she wanted to stay and she said, "It might be better, I just don't know." Let me just say, for the record, I. will. be. EXTREMELY. happy. that. she. is. home. No more running back and forth!

Last night was the first night that she slept the night through, at least until 5:30 a.m. The other three nights she had stayed up all night. It would be so lovely if she would sleep through the night once she is home and then I would use the agency during the day, rather than at night. We'll see. One night sleeping through does not a habit make. *grin*

Our Christmas tree is up with all its 1500 lights! No, it isn't decorated. Maybe tomorrow. But I have bought all the bedding for the hospital bed, including the mattress warmer, as well as an electric blanket. It took going to 3 different stores before I got everything I wanted. Who would have thought buying sheets for a twin bed would be so hard. Well, I guess in reality it's only hard when you are not wanting to spend $59.00 for A sheet...a TWIN sheet! God was good though!

Let's see, what else. Ahhh, yes, Pilot called regarding his tickets. Asked me to do some searching while he was working today. After the doctor's appt. I ran back home for about 20 minutes and got online and searched cheap fares. My oh my!! I emailed him a few (they are hard to find) and he used those to do his own search when he got off work. Bless his heart, he remembered that one of the airlines offers a discount if you are military and he got a great deal!!! And he is coming home two days earlier...on the 22nd! That is SO much better! This set of parents is elated (and the mom may just be over the rainbow happy!).

I really kind of feel like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders. It is such a relief! I'm actually beginning to get excited about decorating my home for Christmas. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year but it was looming larger and larger in my mind to where I thought I was going to shut down. However, I managed to buy ribbon to decorate my banister over the weekend. While I interviewed the last agency lady, my best friend, C, dropped by and hung my garland and made my bows and then hung them. It was wonderful!

After the lady left, we managed to get my upstairs mantel down too. Just getting started really helped to lift my spirits and then seeing the movie last night, The Nativity, helped bring me back into focus.

That's what it's all about, God entering His creation to bring us back to Him. He left heaven to become a man. For you and for me. Almighty God choosing to become one of us. Wow!

Things falling into place....

Brrrrr! It is cold here in my neck of the woods. More progress was made today. I signed the contract and made out the check (cough, cough, cough) to the agency for the caregivers whom Mom will use. I pretty much have booked through Jan 6, 2007. We also accomplished the actual order of the wheelchair, the hospital bed and the walker so they are now "in the works" to be delivered on Friday. I also managed to buy the heater for Mom's room. All in all I feel we are almost set. Tomorrow after her doctor's appt. I need to get the linen bought for the bed and then I think I'm all done. I think.

To top off my day my good friend C called and asked me if I wanted to attend a free screening tonight of the movie The Navitity. I jumped at the chance. Pilot Dad was at Bible Study Fellowship so I joined in on a girl's night out. Excellent movie and I loved the music. I didn't have time to re-read my Bible about this event before I went but that was okay. There were a couple of times I thought, hmmmm, I need to check that detail. I like movies which cause me to go back to God's Word to verify what I was seeing. I recommend it.

I so appreciate how God anticipates our needs and then gives us just the right thing at just the perfect time. The fellowship with C and her daughter was sweet, and time away from the hecticness of my schedule to sit and enjoy a good movie was $riceless! :)

I have been constantly reminded during this whole 3 month situation that man plans his steps but God directs his ways. "The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). This truly brings me great peace.

Thank you to each of you who have been praying so faithfully. To know that one is being lifted up before His throne of grace is such a comfort.

Decision time!

Pilot Dad is off to work, the snow is falling with more expected tomorrow, I have my banister railing decorated, as well as my upstairs mantel, and I have chosen a personal care provider!!! I'm at peace with the decision and that is important. (Pam, I think you would be pleased with how I did!)

I am still overwhelmed with the amount of care I will be providing all by myself but that just may be nerves on my part until I have actually had a few days of doing everything. You know, just getting used to it all.

Sunday, after church, I talked with a really good friend who is in, and has been in this line of work for a number of years. She offered some very helpful suggestions which I am going to heed. One of them was to establish the "ground rules" up front. She meant I should make sure, from the get go, I have someone at night for the first two weeks. My precious mother has not been sleeping through the nights on many occasions, the last two nights especially. When she isn't sleeping she needs to have someone who can talk with her, take care of her, rub lotion on her legs and feet, etc. That way I can sleep and be able to function through the day.

It's going to be a whole new experience when she comes home. And I will have to be very structured and organized. Not as much spur of the moment happenings. We can adjust, and will adjust so that is okay. In the long run it will be much better for me. I'm about to burn out...I know, you have all told me to take care of myself, and I have been trying to do just that, but it isn't easy...so coming home will alleviate a lot of "extra" out of the house stuff. Since I've been gone so much my home has been neglected so with her being home I'll be able to get more accomplished. And, I'm hoping she will eat better here at home. On the whole, she has enjoyed my cooking...LOL!!

I have a ton more stuff to do. Tomorrow I get the Rx for the hospital bed so I need to go order that (if the roads aren't too bad), I still need to check on the portable heater for her room so the rest of the house doesn't need to have the heat set at 90 degrees. *grin* Sue comes in the morning to clean and we will be cleaning her room in depth. It should be sparkling clean for her big arrival Saturday afternoon.

Oh, I need to make a note...I need to call her hairdresser and resume her regular Friday afternoon slot for getting her hair done. That always lifts a woman's spirits, right? :)

Enough rambling for now. I'm going to bed. Now that the big item on my list is done I should sleep well!

Goodnight everyone! Sleep well and God bless!

Looking forward...

The dishes are done, the pie eating began and football is still going. An excellent meal, even if I do say so myself. We were to have friends over but she came down with the flu. So it ended up just Nana and us. It has been a day of reflection for me. This is the first time to have Nana home without my sister here to help with her. I think it is just so overwhelming to me because she cannot do anything by herself. And, I don't really understand how the care is going to work. I do much better when I understand or have experienced something already. But this is so new. Having in home care is something which none of us have had any experience. Tomorrow I will begin meeting with a couple of agencies and will ask my questions. The one thing I do know for sure is I have to have help. No doubt about it. We'll give it try until January and then reassess our situation. My sister will be coming back out then.

I know, I know, I need to take my own advice about not worrying about tomorrow from my previous post! And, I can honestly say I have turned my "worry list" into a prayer list. I'm making a start. It feels like I'm in over my head, just trying to keep my head above water. Pilot used to describe how he felt sometimes er, most of the time, through pilot training. The weekend was when he felt he could actually breathe a smidgeon but come Monday he was back with the feeling his head was just above the water. By Friday he felt like maybe he could keep his nose above water enough times so as not to actually drown. That's how I am feeling. It's called PANIC. My focus needs to be redirected so I am riveted back on my Lord. He is where my strength comes from.

For I know that He is in control. I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely (Psalm 16:8-9). In the Lord do I put my trust (Pslam 11:1). But You, O LORD, are a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head (Psalm 3:3). Your words were found, and I did eat them; and Your word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts (Jeremiah 15:16). Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations...I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me...O how I love Your law! It is my mediatation all the day...How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Your testimonies are the joy of my heart. (Psalm 119:89-111).

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us [me], Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for your friendship, everyone!


Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!


"And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, "Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen." ~Rev 7:11-12

Overheard on the radio...

Don't worry about tomorrow for God is already there!

Turkey Humor

This made the rounds last Thanksgiving but I think it is funny enough to post again. Humor is good for us. It releases those endorphins and other good things!

Being a helper...

Many years ago I came to understand what it meant to encounter God. When God reveals truth to you, by whatever means, that is an encounter with God. That is an experience of His presence in your life. God is the only One who can cause you to experience His presence.

Some of you faithful readers will remember our experience when we were reading through the Bible. Pilot had been going through some difficult times trying to coordinate the knowledge he was learning, to flow through his eyes and to cause his hands to perform the needed maneuvers when he was learning to fly jets. It was my turn at reading and Pilot Dad and I were reading in Exodus 35, verse 31 and following, to be exact. It says, "And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship....so as to perform in every inventive work...He has filled them with the skill to perform every work..."

It was as if I had been struck by lightening. No kidding! I looked up at Pilot Dad and said, "That's it! Here it is...right here in Scripture." He looks at me wondering where on earth I was going with this. I asked him, "Do you believe that it was the Lord which called Pilot to be a pilot? Do you agree that He alone has been the one to lead him every single step of the way? Sometimes in seemingly impossible situations, like this very one where he is struggling now?" Pilot Dad responded, "No doubt about it." "Then, we need to change our praying! You see, if God is calling Pilot to a specific job then God will 'fill him with wisdom, understanding and knowledge' so as to be able to perform his needed maneuvers!" I knew then, deep down in my heart that Pilot would make it because it would be God enabling him to grasp every single thing which he needed to learn and master to be a pilot. That was my encounter, face to face with God.

Well, tonight I've had another one, equally significant to me. We have been looking at our roles as husband and wife, and what God calls each of us to do. I began reading Genesis 2:18-22 which talks about God making "him a helper suitable for him." I began to think about the word "helper." Then I read how God is described in Psalm 10:14, "You have seen it, for You have beheld mischief and vexation to take it into Your hand. The unfortunate commits himself to You; You have been the helper of the orphan." Next, came Psalm 118:7, "The Lord is for me among those who help me; Therefore I will look with satisfaction on those who hate me." And, finally Isaiah 41, 10, 13-14, "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." And, "For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.' 'Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel; I will help you,' declares the LORD, 'and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.'"

I began to consider how does God view the role of "helper." I began to look through the verses again to see the different actions God was fulfilling and I began jotting some of those down. Such as, "strengthens, encouragement, sensitive, faithful (stand by my man), etc. Then, I was struck again when I came face to face with the Lord. I thought of how it is Almighty God Himself who is "helping." The Creator of the universe is willing to be a helper. God, Himself, is my example as a helper!

Earlier, we had discussion about how Christ was the example of servant leadership for husbands and He was a 'perfect' example. Then someone said how the church then would be the woman's example (imperfect as it is) for being submissive to her husband. But I thought that wasn't a very good example. If God can provide a perfect example for husbands to follow, then it seems only natural that He would provide a perfect example for wives to follow. And He did...Himself!

What excuse do I have to not help when Almighty God Himself helps us? None.

Now, (LOL) don't think I haven't understood my role as a helper for 31 years of marriage but I just never had put God into the context as being my example of a helper. Wow!

Just hanging around!

Something humorous was needed to lift my spirits tonight. Isn't this a great picture?!


(Click on image to enlarge.)

Faithfulness...

Think about the excitement of your children when they get to go to Disneyland. Or you have just rewarded them with something that they have been wishing for. If you don't have children, then think about when you have seen other children jump up and down for joy, or think back to when you were a small child and something excited you so much you just couldn't contain your enthusiasm and joy.

Have your mental pic in mind? Now, think how you enter the presence of God. Do you show as much enthusiasm? Or are we more excited to watch our favorite tv show than we are to keep our daily appointment with God?

If we have to put "daily quite time" on our little to-do lists, as if the unspeakable privilege of spending time in God's presence is something we need to be reminded of, maybe what we really need is a reminder of just how great this God is...this One who invites us to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

Take a look at Isaiah 40 and see what truths about God's greatness you can find. Here is my list:

• His Word stands forever.
  He is the Sovereign Lord, who comes with power.
  His right arm rules for Him.
  He has a reward in store for us.
  He tends His flock like a shepherd.
  He cannot be measured but instead measures all things.
  His mind is far beyong our comprehension.
  Even mighty nations are like a drop in a bucket compared to Him.
  He is incomparable. Compared to Him, all the people of the earth are like grasshoppers.
  He sits enthroned above the earth.
  The entire universe is like a little pitch-tent for Him.
  He rules over the rulers of this world.
  He is Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe.
  He is great in power, mighty in strength.
  He is the Everlasting God.
  He never grows tired or weary.
  Those who wait on Him will soar on wings like eagles.

Can you imagine knowing someone like that and they tell you to "stop by anytime and let's talk," do you think you would need a reminder to take him up on that offer? I don't think so!

Isn't is amazing to know that we have such a mighty God? Not only is He faithful, He backs up that faithfulness with His greatness. What good is a true friend who has no strength to help you when the chips are down? God not only loves us, He is able by His power to address our every need.

Consider...

Ahhhh! God comforts the afflicted...and afflicts the comfortable.


If God were small enough for my finite mind to comprehend, He would be very small indeed.

Laughter...

Laughter is medicine for the soul, but sometimes, amid the stresses of the day, we forget to take our medicine. At least I know I do. Instead of viewing my world with a mixture of optimism and humor, I can allow worries and distractions to rob me of the joy that God intends for my life.

If your heart is heavy, open the door of your soul to Christ. I'm not talking "religion" here. I'm talking about a personal relationship. He will give you peace and joy. And, if you already have the joy of Christ in your heart, share it freely, just as Christ freely shares His joy with you.

I find it helps when I go through my daily activities to approach life with a smile on my lips and hope in my heart. And laugh...every chance I can get. After all, God created laughter for a reason...and He knows best. So laugh!

Each day, each moment is so pregnant with eternity that if we "tune in" to it, we can hardly contain the joy. ~Gloria Gaither

Joy is the keynote of the Christian life. It is not something that happens. It is a gift, given to us in the coming of Christ. ~Elisabeth Elliot

A happy heart is like good medicine. ~Proverbs 17:22

Dear Lord, laughter is Your gift. Today and every day, put a smile on my face, and let me share that smile with all who cross my path...and let me laugh. Amen

Need a laugh today?

(click on image to enlarge)
Thanks, and a tip of the hat to Gayla!

Meeting...

I cannot begin to tell you how at peace I was when we walked in to our meeting this morning. My personality hates confrontations and I can get physically ill from just thinking about having to confront. But the Lord was gracious throughout it all.

They listened intently to our suggestions and will implement them all. They have even hired two CNA trainer/co-ordinators to come in and evaluate all shifts of the CNA's while they are working. They will evaluate on the job and give recommendations to the aides. Walkie-talkies will be given to all aides, as well as a portable phone for the nurses to carry with them while on their med routes. Also, a baby monitor will be installed in Mom's room and the nurse will have that monitor in her possession at all times.

They would really like to move mom right across from the nursing station but we are hesitant to do so at this time. We will see how the monitor works.

They were surprised at our not wanting Jose fired but are willing to comply. There will be obvious disciplinary actions taken, as well as more in-depth training. And, he will never be assigned to Mom again. We feel she will not feel secure enough with him.

There were other issues which we addressed also, since we had a captive audience! ;) All in all, Jim and I were pleased with what they said and with the time frames presented for things to be accomplished. I truly felt the Lord went before us and paved the way.

Last night I received a phone call of a dear friend who has moved out of state. She is in town until Wednesday and wanted to do lunch with another friend. These two ladies were part of my prayer group which prayed for our children's class all the way through highschool, one day a week. So after the meeting I was able to meet with them and it was so encouraging to my spirit. I love how the Lord takes care of us so inimately!

Now, it's time for me to head back over to Mom's. I'll catch ya'll later! Thank you for praying!

Pilot!

Congratulations Pilot on both jobs being well done today! We are proud of you!

Self-evaluation...

A man can only see his true self when he stands in the shadow of Christ.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

...what is man, that you are mindful of him? ~Psalm 8:4

Personality Cocktail...a little levity needed today...

How to make a Pilot Mom

Ingredients: 5 parts intelligence 5 parts courage 3 parts beauty

Method: Layer ingredientes in a shot glass. Serve with a slice of caring and a pinch of salt. Yum!

Username:

Personality cocktail
From Go-Quiz.com

Thanks, and a hat tip to Redhead Editor! :)

How much more?

I don't even know where to begin. It is totally incomprehensible. I am beaten down and growing more weary by the minute. How much more can her little body take? I can't even begin to tell you the lastest...

At about 3:30 this morning we were awakened to the phone ringing. It was the nurse over at the center. It seems the aide left her unattended in the bathroom and when he came back he found her on the floor. She had tried to get up off the toilet by herself by holding on to the grab bar. Thinking she had locked the wheels on the wheelchair she tried to transfer to it by herself. Since she isn't strong enough to actually lock the wheels, it just looked locked. The chair moved and she fell face down.

We all met at the emergency room by 4:00 a.m. where they found (among all her hurts from Sunday's fall) a deep gash on her forehead, from her right eyebrow up. It's about 5 in long. It looks like a backward L. The doctor put in 10 stitches. She also fractured her scapela on her right shoulder...just above where the arm attaches to the shoulder. And, add all the new bruising and some other scrapes and cuts.

I do not know what to do with her. She looks absolutely awful. And, I know it could have been worse. But how much longer can her little body take all these falls?

It is now 11:00 a.m. and we are headed back to bed.

Martin Luther...

I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess. ~Martin Luther

Holes in My Quilt

Holes in my Quilt

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with
all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles.

An Angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a
tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged
and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each
square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the
challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole
here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the
bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and
empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the
light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose, each in turn, holding up
their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me,
and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly
fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been
trials of illness, and death, and false accusations that took from me my
world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with
the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and
begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and
guidance in my life.

I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time
offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin
beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to
accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An
awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at
me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes,
creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with
warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over your life to
Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light
in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there
was more of Me than there was of you."

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through.

Wal-Mart Brings Back "Christmas"

I know, I know, some of you could care less whether or not it is "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" you hear in the stores. However, around this time last year it did bug me and some of my fellow blogging friends. You can read the post from last year here.

I am happy to say that persistence pays off. Many other people felt the same way I did and made their voices heard by Wal-Mart. You can read about Wal-Mart's response here.

For Pilot :)

God is limitless...

"Am I a God who is only in one place and cannot see what they are doing? Can anyone hide from me? Am I not everywhere in all of heaven and earth? ~ Jerimiah 23:23-24 TLB


Lord, forgive me for putting my limits on You - a limitless God. Amen.

The ride continues....

My sister left early this morning to fly back home. It was a wonderful time together sharing in the care of our mother. How I have apprecitated having her here, along side of me, to sit with, to pray with, to make decisions with, to cook with. Her hands were feet were constantly ministering to me in innumerable ways. Too many to even count!

I arrived at Mom's and found her sitting in her wheelchair highly distraught and cold. It was very visible from across the room that she was shaking uncontrolably. I asked her if she wanted her sweater on and she told me yes. But the main thing she wanted was to get in bed and get under the covers. She was so cold. Lunch was being served but she wanted none of it. Not even the hot soup.

I get her on the bed with the help of an aide. While covering her up I feel of her and wonder if she might have fever, her teeth are chattering so much, she can't keep them still. The aide runs and gets the thermometer and puts it under her armpit. Oh yes, 101. She complained of her hips and legs hurting so bad. Would I just take away the pain in her legs and hips she kept asking. At one point we have this conversation:

Mom: Oh Claire, move my legs.

Me: Okay. Do you want them bent more with a pillow?

Mom: No, I want you to move them.

Me: Okay. [I go to move them over in the bed just a little.]

Mom: What are you doing, Claire?

Me: I'm moving your legs like you asked me...

Mom: NO! I want you to move them over there..[waves her hand in the general direction of across the room]

Me: What? I don't understand Mom...

Mom: Just get my legs off of me! Move them over there!

Me: Mom, I can't do that...they are attached to you, Mom.

Mom: [fed up with me] Oh Claire!

I went and rounded up the nurse to see if she could have a pain pill. The nurse came and gave her one. Mom continued to moan and groan, calling my name every few seconds. Finally I was able to get her to go to sleep for a brief time. When she awoke she looked at me and asked, "Are your legs feeling better?" :) At which I responded, "Oh yes, my legs are fine. How are YOUR legs?"

It's another UTI. And, she's anemic, and her potassium is way down. They won't give her any blood right now, nor the shot, because they fear it will be too much for her heart and system to handle. So they are going to monitor it. They began the antibiotic for the UTI right away.

I told her I had to come home and feed Pilot Dad so he could head off to Bible Study Fellowship tonight. Then I will be back for her dinner. In fact, I need to run...

Five Factor Personality Test

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have low extroversion. You are quiet and reserved in most social situations. A low key, laid back lifestyle is important to you. You tend to bond slowly, over time, with one or two people. Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness. You're generally good at balancing work and play. When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done. But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is low. You're a pretty conservative person, and you favor what's socially acceptable. You think that change for novelty's sake is a very bad idea. While some may see this as boring, many see you as dependable and wise.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Thanks, and a hat tip to Jessica!

*SIGH* More prayer needed....

*~*~*~*~*~*~*UPDATE*~*~*~*~*~*

It has been determined that the woman across the hall from Nana is the one who helped her off with the lap buddy. This same lady was found in mom's room this morning trying to "help" her with the phone and other things while mom was still in the bed. People saw her and came in and got her out of there quickly this a.m. Then later, the DON was going over note reports from over the weekend. The lady from across the hall came up and told the nurses that she had fallen this weekend. She kept insisting. That kind of makes sense to us, because she tried to "help" mom yesterday evening and then mom fell and this woman never reported it. She is kind of pyschotic...one of the aides divulged as much even though they were not supposed to tell that. The center is taking care of reporting it and are moving her from that room, maybe even to another facility.

Mom has slept most of the day but we did get her to go down for physical therapy to help limber her up. She is obviously is in much pain but can move. Her therapist checked her out thoroughly for any broken bones, like pelvic, hip or elbow breaks.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


"In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and He heard me." ~Psalm 120:1

"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee." ~Psalm 102:1

"For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." ~Psalm 91:11

"O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee. Let my prayer come before thee:incline thine ear unto my cry." ~Psalm 88:1-2

"I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations." ~Pslam 89:1

"O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day." ~Psalm 96:1-2

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." ~Psalm 121:1-2

We received a phone call from the care center last night around 10:00 pm. It seems that someone took the lap buddy off of Nana and helped her to the bathroom and then left her. Mom, in her confused state, thinking she can do everything by herself, then pulled herself up out of the chair holding on to the grab bar. Then, for reasons only known by mom, turned and tried to walk to the door of the bathroom without any help, without her walker. She fell and on to her right side (not the left, which is where the 3 pelvic breaks were) and hit the hard floor. There is a large hematoma located just at her forehead and temple area on the right side of her head and torn skin on her elbow and, of course, tons of new brusing.

Will you again join in prayer with us. Of course, our hearts desire is for her to be healed so she can come home. However, we truly desire the Lord's will in all of this. So pray the His will, will be accomplished. If that means calling her "HOME", then, so be it.

Also, pray that they will be able to determine which aide left her unattended. Last night there still seemed to be some "confusion" around this issue. Marsha and I are headed over there shortly to meet with the staff and the director of nursing. Pray for wisdom and discernment as we discuss this with them. May He give us insight in how best to address this latest situation. Pray that the Lord would ease Mom's physical discomfort today. Thank you so very much.

Dinner at home Saturday night...

Home for dinner with the family! Two very good days in a row where she could recall names and knew what we were talking about. Tracked very well. Now she is off IV's but blood work will be run on Monday and, she has a follow up appointment with her regular Doctor, not the care center's doctor, on Wednesday.

We showed her bedroom to her today with all the furniture rearranged as the home evaluator suggested. Marsha and I are going shopping Monday for new bedding and curtains before she leaves to go home on Tuesday. *sigh* I am really going to miss her. As will Mom. Oh how I rejoice that she has had two good days with Mom where Mom has known what's going on with us.

Thank you to all of you who have prayed so faithfully and diligently! We have told her (again) that she will be coming home Dec. 2 and she is so excited. That news brought tears to her eyes. :) My heart is full and overflowing! 

She is IMPROVING!!! :D

Being on the IV has made such an improvement! She is still forgetful but she isn't argumentative and beligerant. It's like she has moved up the scale to the previous confusion level which is much more easily handled. By tomorrow (Sat) I am praying that she will be even better. She was much more alert today and able to track with our conversation. Oh how I praise the Lord! There was even significant change from lunch to dinner time!!! Can you imagine?!

Here's Nana taking a stroll around the P.T. room with walker. She is the one in the purple sweater. :)
They began working on the steeper stairs today and she did wonderful.
Here she is concentrating intently on one of her exercises.

Dehydrated?

I'm asking for prayer from all you prayer warriors! You see, mom is doing so well physically now. She is even practicing on stairs during her physical therapy. The main problem is the mental condition. She doesn't remember what you tell her for more than a few seconds. She is beligerant which is totally unlike her. In fact, she has no inhibitions in telling people what she thinks.

We have tried almost everything we can think of to help mom get over her confusion and delirium. We asked the nurses to do another urine test to see if she had a UTI. Yep, she did. Seven days on antibiotic. Felt better but was still not mentally with us. We asked for more blood work, which they did. They adjusted medicines so her sodium level is more in-line.

The only other thing we can possibly think of is she is still dehydrated. So today we talked to our favorite go-to nurse, Rick. I told him that we (Sis and I) really wanted to try an IV on her for several days. In fact, I told him to tell the doctor that we were/are VERY insistent on it and would not take no for an answer. After her doctor's appt. this afternoon at the plastic surgeon's office (where he said she should heal completely after a few months, without ANY scarring!!!) and then on to Olive Garden for a late lunch/early dinner, we took her back to her place ("...which has no food, I'll have you know!") where Rick put in her IV.

This is where you all come in. To pray, within His will, that the IV's will work and she will return to her old self mentally. If this doesn't work, then I'm willing to begin the steps of accepting this change. But, I at least, want to feel like we have done EVERYTHING possible for her to regain her sharp mind. I cannot begin to express our gratitude for each of you who are praying along with us for her recovery.

Tomorrow, Friday, the P.T/O.T man comes to critique our home and tell us what we need to move/rearrange etc to make it more conducive for her with her wheelchair and walker. Since her grandson, my sister's son, will arrive tonight, hubby will have some strong help to make any necessary changes. :)

Thank you everyone! She will be home Dec. 2!!! Pray for wisdom, discernment, patience, and understanding for me!

A little bit of heaven on earth...

My heart is humbled beyond comprehension. I've cried tears of joy since I heard. You see, once in awhile the good Lord allows you a glimpse into the kind of person your wee baby has grown up to be. Today He allowed us to see a very warm and compassionate heart in our son for another human being.

Pilot is now out of trainng and at his new base and is in need of acquiring some items to make his place a home. Things like a washer and dryer and a new bed. He has been shopping around for good deals. While at this one store, where he bought his bed, he became engaged in conversation with a particular gentleman. This man used to be in the Air Force but had suffered a stroke. He understood things but had a difficult time communicating back to you. Pilot ended up staying in the store talking with this man for two hours. They then parted ways. The Lord moved within Pilot's heart and he began to pray. When Pilot was convinced he was being led by the Lord he returned to the furniture store and went to the salesman who had helped the other gentleman. Pilot paid for the man's bed under the stipulation that the store was not to tell the man who had paid for it.

Can you imagine the man's surprise and joy when he returns to pay the balance of the bed and it is paid in full? Can you imagine our joy when hearing how Pilot chose to be obedient to the Lord's leading?

Sometimes, we do get a glimpse of heaven on earth, don't we?

Are you an island?

Tonight as I left my mom's room the nurse, Eke, was standing at her cart which has all the meds to be handed out and the patient's needs listed. Just a few minutes earlier I had listened to an aide explain why something wasn't going to happen this evening, a couple of the residents went rolling by in their wheelchairs talking, some patients just sat outside of their doors observing what was going on in their "neck of the woods."

As I thought of my mother and the very pronounced change in her memory and behavior I stopped next to Eke and gave her big hug. I proceeded to say to her, "Thank you, Eke, for all that you do for each of these patients! I just was thinking how each person has their own story and you are the one who deals with them day in and day out. Often I think of you and the other nurses as unsung heros and tonight you just may need to hear a song."

Each person, from the housekeeping staff, to the kitchen staff, to the hard working aides, to the nurses play such an important part in the healing process. Oh, and I cannot forget the O.T. and P.T. therapists. Their job can be very difficult when they are dealing with very confused elderly people.

I thank the Lord for endowing these people with a heart of compassion and caring for others who are in need of encouragement and healing. Each person has value to them and they regularly let them know.

The way I see it is no one is a whole chain. Each person is a link. But take away one link and the chain is broken. Nobody is a whole team. Each one is a player. But take away one player and the game is forfeited. Likewise, nobody is a whole hospital. Each one is a part of the staff. But take away one person and it isn't long before the patient can tell.

We need each other. You need someone and someone needs you. We are not isolated islands. To make this thing called life work, we have to lean and support. Relate and respond. Give and take. And confess and forgive. Reach out and embrace. And release and rely. In other words:

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality." ~ Romans 12:10-13

Since none of us is a whole, independent, self-sufficient, supercapable, all-powerful hotshot, let's quit acting like we are. Life's lonely enough without our playing that silly role. Let's link up and help one another.

My question to you for today is, who needs your help today...your understanding, your encouragement, your acceptance?

A telephone conversation...

One phone call out of eight phone calls within 1 hour. Ya just hafta love her!


Riiinnnng, riiing, ring

Me: Hello?

Mom: Claire?

Me: Yes, Momma?

Mom: Well, it just occured to me that I am over here at the Air Force Academy in our room and you might not know where I am. I thought I had better call and let you know.

Me: Oh, Momma! I know exactly where you are at all times, sweetheart!

Mom: You do?! Oh I am so glad. I was just afraid you would have problems finding me.

Me: Nope! We'll be there shortly to pick you up, okay? You make sure you lie down and rest so you won't be too tired for our big evening out, okay?

Mom: Yes, I see. So you will be here at what time?

Me: At 5:00.

Mom: Well, okay, but if you can come sooner just do that. Don't worry about anything, Claire. We can just go out to eat.

Me: That's right Mom. We are going out to eat...at 5:00. We'll see you then, ok?

Mom: Okay. I'll see you then. You are sure you know how to find me?

Me: Without a doubt, I know how to find you. I love you, Mom.

Mom: I love you. Good-bye.