Our favorite, youngest son Stephen showed up for a visit this weekend! It is the first time he and Patti have seen each other since ICU in Monroe almost four months ago. Sweet reunion!
We hung out with him at Patti's sister and brother-in-law's house on Saturday, looked at Stephen's pictures of his Christmas trip to Europe, took it easy, and went to dinner together Saturday night.
Today, Sunday, we will head to Summerfields Baptist Church in Fort Worth where our favorite oldest son, Mike, is the worship pastor. After church we will spend the afternoon with Stephen at Mike and Morgan's enjoying each other and favorite grandson Aidan.
By the way, Aidan won't be our favorite grandson much longer as we found out this week that Abbey and Nick are expecting a BOY!!!!! This grandparenting thing is too fun! It's OK for Aidan though, as he will graduate to a new status as favorite, oldest grandson!
MULTI-SYLLABIC: Patti had a reputation at the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office for throwing out "five dollar" words that nobody else ever used or understood and, everybody always got a good laugh over those. Well, they will all be interested to know that her ability in that area appears to be blossoming out in full recovery! Yesterday while we were together with family she talked about how much she had improved since she was incapacitated! Yes, that's right, incapacitated! Six syllables and about five dropped jaws in the room!! For those of us who may be unfamiliar with the word, here it is:
in·ca·pac·i·tate
Pronunciation: "in-k&-'pa-s&-"tAt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to make legally incapable or ineligible
2 : to deprive of capacity or natural power : DISABLE
So when you're ready to come visit, be sure and bring your Websters! Patti may recover past all of our education levels!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Squeezing In An Extra Hour
An ambitious week for Patti this week! While I was travelling on business this week, (and failing to blog), Patti was inaugurated into what is called a "monitored program" at the rehab center. This gives her an extra hour of therapy every day. It's not a formal, one-on-one session with a therapist, but she is given assignments to work on for an hour and help is available to her from the appropriate therapist at any time. The focus of this hour will likely be speech and reading comprehension. It will also be a challenge to her stamina each day as the regular four hour routine is pretty strenuous by itself. So far, though, she has taken the challenge to heart and is working hard to get the most out of it she can.
Also this week, she made the transition to unassisted living at night. If she needs any assistance or help, she now will pick up the phone and notify the operator and they will immediately send someone to the apartment to help. This is a big step and, as I have mentioned before, a great confidence builder for Patti.
She continues to persevere with a strong, positive and willing attitude! God is truly ministering to her heart through His faithfulnes and encouragement. Many have said to me they are impressed with what a "fighter" Patti has been through this time and it is true. Every day she gives it everything she has to overcome her temporary limitations and recover her life. I assure you that no one is more impressed than I am! We have worked hard together to hold each other up, hang on to God, and stay positive in His presence throughout, and she is a constant inspiration to me!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Also this week, she made the transition to unassisted living at night. If she needs any assistance or help, she now will pick up the phone and notify the operator and they will immediately send someone to the apartment to help. This is a big step and, as I have mentioned before, a great confidence builder for Patti.
She continues to persevere with a strong, positive and willing attitude! God is truly ministering to her heart through His faithfulnes and encouragement. Many have said to me they are impressed with what a "fighter" Patti has been through this time and it is true. Every day she gives it everything she has to overcome her temporary limitations and recover her life. I assure you that no one is more impressed than I am! We have worked hard together to hold each other up, hang on to God, and stay positive in His presence throughout, and she is a constant inspiration to me!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Quiet Weekend
A long, cold weekend in Dallas! Patti and I got to spend most of it together as some light icing and very cold weather kept us inside. Even with just a little ice, we decided to not risk a fall by venturing out. That would be about the last thing we would need at this point!
Patti is doing really well on the walker. She is moving around steadily and with very little shakiness on her legs. She also finds that moving around on the walker is more tiring than the wheelchair, but she is developing good strength and endurance in the process.
We had the great blessing of visiting with some neighbors and LIFE group members from West Monroe, David and Carolyn Warner on Sunday. David and I went out and picked up some Mexican food that really hit the spot.
That was the BIG highlight of the weekend! Otherwise, we just spent the time quietly enjoying each other, watching the olympics and a couple of movies. Funny how at some times in your life you really appreciate the quiet weekends!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Patti is doing really well on the walker. She is moving around steadily and with very little shakiness on her legs. She also finds that moving around on the walker is more tiring than the wheelchair, but she is developing good strength and endurance in the process.
We had the great blessing of visiting with some neighbors and LIFE group members from West Monroe, David and Carolyn Warner on Sunday. David and I went out and picked up some Mexican food that really hit the spot.
That was the BIG highlight of the weekend! Otherwise, we just spent the time quietly enjoying each other, watching the olympics and a couple of movies. Funny how at some times in your life you really appreciate the quiet weekends!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Friday, February 17, 2006
Walker Rides Again
Well, the therapy crowd over at CNS has handed Patti more accolades and a promotion! She is now officially on the walker at the therapy center and at her apartment! Yes, we knew it was coming, but it's still nice to see it. She will still use a wheel chair to transfer from one facility to another and when she is out in public, but the day is clearly on the horizon when she will be wheel-less! This actually occured Monday of this week (I'm a little late, again).
Patti is also preparing to step down from 24 hour assistance at the apartment. She will always have someone available, if she needs help, by phone, but in the near future the overnight assistance will be removed. This will probably make for more peaceful nights as the TV in the den will finally get a rest. This is another significant step in the process of building confidence and independence.
Medical update: The medical director for CNS gave Patti a routine checkup on Monday and pronounced her in great shape! Interestingly, Dr. Johnson had made a point to listen to Patti's heart before the procedure to close the hole took place. She said as she listened to Patti's heart it was just a normal, quiet thump, thump. Before she was able to hear a whooshing sound from the hole. No noise is good noise! (pun intended)
So, here we are, three and a half months away from a major stroke, and Patti is walking well with assistance, speaking better every week, has significant restoration of movement in arm, leg and body, and working hard every day to progress and keeping a wonderful, cheerful and grateful attitude. God has truly been gracious to us! His hand of restoration and blessing is all over Patti and He has kept her, healed her, protected her and lifted her. I'm reminded of Psalm 3:3 which says:
But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
I've realized that when your head is down you are looking at your circumstances. You are looking at where you are with no perspective of a positive outcome. But when God lifts your head you are able to see the outcomes of His purpose in your life. You are able to see Him and look into the eyes of love that never leave you or forsake you. You are able to see the truth of His promises and allow Him to move you from where you are to where He wants you to be. In Luke 21:28 Jesus said:
But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
God has lifted our heads and shown us our redemption! And we are grateful to Him!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Patti is also preparing to step down from 24 hour assistance at the apartment. She will always have someone available, if she needs help, by phone, but in the near future the overnight assistance will be removed. This will probably make for more peaceful nights as the TV in the den will finally get a rest. This is another significant step in the process of building confidence and independence.
Medical update: The medical director for CNS gave Patti a routine checkup on Monday and pronounced her in great shape! Interestingly, Dr. Johnson had made a point to listen to Patti's heart before the procedure to close the hole took place. She said as she listened to Patti's heart it was just a normal, quiet thump, thump. Before she was able to hear a whooshing sound from the hole. No noise is good noise! (pun intended)
So, here we are, three and a half months away from a major stroke, and Patti is walking well with assistance, speaking better every week, has significant restoration of movement in arm, leg and body, and working hard every day to progress and keeping a wonderful, cheerful and grateful attitude. God has truly been gracious to us! His hand of restoration and blessing is all over Patti and He has kept her, healed her, protected her and lifted her. I'm reminded of Psalm 3:3 which says:
But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
I've realized that when your head is down you are looking at your circumstances. You are looking at where you are with no perspective of a positive outcome. But when God lifts your head you are able to see the outcomes of His purpose in your life. You are able to see Him and look into the eyes of love that never leave you or forsake you. You are able to see the truth of His promises and allow Him to move you from where you are to where He wants you to be. In Luke 21:28 Jesus said:
But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
God has lifted our heads and shown us our redemption! And we are grateful to Him!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Blogged Down!
Sorry for the delay in blogging! I was travelling this week and was unable to update.
The downside of travelling is being away from Patti. The upside, however, is seeing how much she has progressed while I was away! She gets visibly stronger every week. Charlotte is getting more and more movement. She can wiggle her middle, ring and pinky now. The thumb and forefinger aren't that far along yet. With her right foot she can now wiggle the same middle to outside toes with a little less in her big toe and second, but she can move her foot around normally. She still has trouble controlling the leg muscles smoothly, but it is definitely coming along!
Thanks to friends and family who visited with Patti this week while I was gone! Thanks to all those back home in West Monroe who continue to pray and encourage us and whom we miss so much!
Forever in Him,
Mike
The downside of travelling is being away from Patti. The upside, however, is seeing how much she has progressed while I was away! She gets visibly stronger every week. Charlotte is getting more and more movement. She can wiggle her middle, ring and pinky now. The thumb and forefinger aren't that far along yet. With her right foot she can now wiggle the same middle to outside toes with a little less in her big toe and second, but she can move her foot around normally. She still has trouble controlling the leg muscles smoothly, but it is definitely coming along!
Thanks to friends and family who visited with Patti this week while I was gone! Thanks to all those back home in West Monroe who continue to pray and encourage us and whom we miss so much!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Saturday, February 04, 2006
All Checked Out!
Patti has been successfully discharged from the hospital and is feeling great! She also feels a little like an ex-con as after a while hospitals can feel a little confining!
The doctor's exam and report this morning were excellent and Patti is back at her apartment and looking forward to getting back into her therapy program.
This procedure was, as I describe it, the last speed bump on the road to recovery. It is very strong protection against stroke recurrence and it will accelerate the process of getting Patti off of the various drugs she has been on throughout. She can go through her therapy and look forward to returning to a normal life down the road without having to wonder if the same thing is going to happen again with no warning.
We are grateful for so much and we are grateful for the application of technology that will provide so much freedom for Patti! Also, we had never met the doctor before yesterday. He came recommended from the physicians over at Zale-Lipshy. He was great! Very nice, informative, caring and, from all we can tell, very proficient at what he does. I thank the Lord for putting us with the right people at the right times!!
Forever in Him,
Mike
The doctor's exam and report this morning were excellent and Patti is back at her apartment and looking forward to getting back into her therapy program.
This procedure was, as I describe it, the last speed bump on the road to recovery. It is very strong protection against stroke recurrence and it will accelerate the process of getting Patti off of the various drugs she has been on throughout. She can go through her therapy and look forward to returning to a normal life down the road without having to wonder if the same thing is going to happen again with no warning.
We are grateful for so much and we are grateful for the application of technology that will provide so much freedom for Patti! Also, we had never met the doctor before yesterday. He came recommended from the physicians over at Zale-Lipshy. He was great! Very nice, informative, caring and, from all we can tell, very proficient at what he does. I thank the Lord for putting us with the right people at the right times!!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Friday, February 03, 2006
Digital Update
OK! As promised, here are some new pictures. Number one is from last Sunday, January 30th, after haircut and on the way to church. Numbers two and three are from a park outing with Mike, Morgan and Aidan recently.
Heartening News
Patti is out of surgery and everything is fine. The doctor's report is that everything looked and went as expected. The hole closed perfectly with no evident remaining leakage and there are no other issues with her heart they were able to see.
Thanks for all of the prayers. God's continued grace is evident to us through this time!
Patti is scheduled to return to the apartment tomorrow and will rest for a few more days before resuming a full therapy schedule, probably, on Wednesday.
Forever in Him,
Mike
Thanks for all of the prayers. God's continued grace is evident to us through this time!
Patti is scheduled to return to the apartment tomorrow and will rest for a few more days before resuming a full therapy schedule, probably, on Wednesday.
Forever in Him,
Mike
Thursday, February 02, 2006
All Checked In
Patti is all checked in and taking it easy in anticipation of her surgery tomorrow. Unfortunately, they wanted us checked in at 11 this morning, so we are having to deal with a long "hang out" time this afternoon and tonight. We've both decided we don't like being in hospitals anyway, and having too much time, well, just another opportunity to exercise patience!!
The procedure is scheduled for 9AM CST. I'll post later tomorrow after completion. Thanks to all for your prayers and support!
Forever in Him,
Mike
The procedure is scheduled for 9AM CST. I'll post later tomorrow after completion. Thanks to all for your prayers and support!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Random Updates
Patti heads out to dinner tonight with a few girlfriends from the area. She will really enjoy this as the next two nights she gets to enjoy hospital food again!
Yesterday they put her up on a walker at the rehab center and that is now her mode of transportation while she is there each day. She is still in the wheelchair at the apartment and when out in public, but she should graduate at the apartment in the next two weeks. Great progress! Thank you, Lord!
Ooops, forgot one! About three weeks ago, Patti and I went to do her grocery shopping at Wal-Mart. (Yes, we still go to WM at least once a week!) In my creative and supportive wisdom I thought it would be a good idea to let Patti use one of their electric carts so she wouldn't get so tired wheeling through such a big store. After trying to figure out how to position it next to the car so she could easily transfer on to it, we then had a brief driving lesson on how to operate the controls. After that, we had a brief driving lesson on how to operate the controls. After that,...well, you get the idea. If you have never driven one of these things, you should go to WM and try one out just for the experience!! They are not as straightforward to handle and operate as you would think! Anyway, to make a long story short, Patti managed to handle the device throughout our excursion into shopping excellence with only a minimal amount of difficulty. And, we only took down ONE aisle display! A couple of really nice people walking by pitched in to help us put things back together. After all was said and done, Patti allowed as how she would rather staple a skunk to her forehead than do that again!!!! (I'm probably not going to suggest we use it again, either!!)
Yes, I know I owe everyone a picture, but the excuse is the battery is dead on the camera and the charging cord isn't with me right now so I can't upload the pics. I promise to correct the situation in the next day or two!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Yesterday they put her up on a walker at the rehab center and that is now her mode of transportation while she is there each day. She is still in the wheelchair at the apartment and when out in public, but she should graduate at the apartment in the next two weeks. Great progress! Thank you, Lord!
Ooops, forgot one! About three weeks ago, Patti and I went to do her grocery shopping at Wal-Mart. (Yes, we still go to WM at least once a week!) In my creative and supportive wisdom I thought it would be a good idea to let Patti use one of their electric carts so she wouldn't get so tired wheeling through such a big store. After trying to figure out how to position it next to the car so she could easily transfer on to it, we then had a brief driving lesson on how to operate the controls. After that, we had a brief driving lesson on how to operate the controls. After that,...well, you get the idea. If you have never driven one of these things, you should go to WM and try one out just for the experience!! They are not as straightforward to handle and operate as you would think! Anyway, to make a long story short, Patti managed to handle the device throughout our excursion into shopping excellence with only a minimal amount of difficulty. And, we only took down ONE aisle display! A couple of really nice people walking by pitched in to help us put things back together. After all was said and done, Patti allowed as how she would rather staple a skunk to her forehead than do that again!!!! (I'm probably not going to suggest we use it again, either!!)
Yes, I know I owe everyone a picture, but the excuse is the battery is dead on the camera and the charging cord isn't with me right now so I can't upload the pics. I promise to correct the situation in the next day or two!
Forever in Him,
Mike
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