Time, that is! I have been accosted (and rightfully so) by several people regarding my failure to keep the blog updated. Not the least of which is my beloved wife and my faithful daughter Paige.
Please accept my apologies! I ask your forgiveness!
Life has been full lately with travel, work, care giving and just the daily routine. We are trying to get used to the new life in Dallas.
But enough of that, let's get to what is really important - Patti!
Patti is doing really well. Not only is she doing really well, but she is looking good doing it!! Her walking continues to improve. She limps a little on her right leg, but this is mostly due to limited feeling. Restoration of feeling to her leg is the next big physical step we are looking for. When you can't feel your foot and leg very well, even though they are working well, it is hard to trust them! She is still using a staff and is off the walker completely now. She has used the wheelchair twice in the last 6 weeks at the mall and at, where else, Wal-mart. But yesterday she said she actually prefers to walk around these places now. She has such a strong will and great attitude and they keep her going.
Patti's speech is making great strides also. We have noticed that in her speech exercises she is rapidly improving in her ability to say words and sounds rapidly and clearly. We have several word lists of mono and multi-syllabic words. There must be literally hundreds of words in the lists and we will go through them on pace where I will speak the word and Patti has to repeat it back on beat. She only misses two or three out of a hundred when we do this. She still has trouble pulling and saying the words when she needs them in conversation, but I truly believe that one of these days God is just going to "connect" the wires and she'll wake up one morning talking up a storm!
We have found a really wonderful lady named Mary to stay with Patti when I travel. She is also a great cook and Patti just loves her. God provides outrevery need!
Tomorrow is Mothers Day and we are looking forward to having Mike, Morgan and Aidan along with my mother June and brother Lynn over for the day. Mike and his family are on their way to Southeast Asia at the end of May to begin their new career. Talk about mixed emotions! We are so proud of them! Yet, we really will miss them. I think God's original intent for the Internet was to allow families and friends to stay in touch. It sure makes it easy! Too bad others have to pervert such a wonderful tool!
Have a wonderful Mother's Day! Be sure and take some time to thank God for your Mom! And thank you to all who continue to keep track of us and pray for us and for Patti's recovery.
Oh, I almost forgot! Two weeks ago Patti was out at the mall with her sister and a strange lady struck up a conversation with them wanting to know Patti's story. During the course of the conversation Patti and Theresa told the lady about the hole in Patti's heart that has been repaired and the fact that Patti was having some headaches prior to the stroke. The lady said she was experiencing the same symptoms and had the same hole in her heart. Patti told her not to waste any time and to get to a doctor as quick as possible. The lady then said, "I know that God sent me to you to receive that information. I'm catching a flight home tonight and will get with a doctor on Monday." So a small ministry through testimony on that day. I'm sure it is just the first of many!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Monday, May 08, 2006
Monday, April 24, 2006
Staffing Changes
This past Friday represented another milestone day for Patti. She has now graduated from the walker to a staff in public!!!!! What this means is that she is now walking so well she can navigate most of the obstacles she will come across in everyday life with balance assistance from the staff. She's not running up stairs, taking escalators or power walking, yet, but she is walking around demonstrating God's faithfulness every day!!
We are still working through our daily routines in our new environment. I must confess there are many days when we deeply miss our dear friends in Louisiana. Dallas is a big, wonderful place and it's where we need to be, but the pace of life and the overwhelming size make finding and getting together with friends a difficult thing.
Prayer requests:
1. Patti's ongoing recovery and strength. There is much work involved. Not only during the day at the rehab center, but she is doing exercises every night and by the time bedtime rolls around she is pretty much exhausted.
2. Sale of our home in Louisiana. Some limited activity, but the market is very soft there. Getting the house sold would relieve a lot of financial pressure.
3. Praise for God's faithfulness!
Forever in Him,
Mike
We are still working through our daily routines in our new environment. I must confess there are many days when we deeply miss our dear friends in Louisiana. Dallas is a big, wonderful place and it's where we need to be, but the pace of life and the overwhelming size make finding and getting together with friends a difficult thing.
Prayer requests:
1. Patti's ongoing recovery and strength. There is much work involved. Not only during the day at the rehab center, but she is doing exercises every night and by the time bedtime rolls around she is pretty much exhausted.
2. Sale of our home in Louisiana. Some limited activity, but the market is very soft there. Getting the house sold would relieve a lot of financial pressure.
3. Praise for God's faithfulness!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Insurance Update
We have a resolution! It turns out that the issue with Blue Cross was, as they described it, a billing issue!! Isn't God good! No matter how I want to complicate it, He always comes through!
Patti's rehab facility, CNS, and Blue Cross are now communicating properly and coordinating Patti's care so that we are fully covered under our policy.
Thanks for your prayers!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Patti's rehab facility, CNS, and Blue Cross are now communicating properly and coordinating Patti's care so that we are fully covered under our policy.
Thanks for your prayers!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Picture Legend
A good friend of mine asked for a legend for the picture below, so here it is:
Row 1 left to right:
Mike Jr., Paige Everett-Powell, Todd Powell(Husband), Stephen Everett
On the sofa left to right:
June Everett(My mom), Morgan(Mike Jr.'s wife) and Aidan Everett, Patti, Mike Sr., Abbey Everett-Bowman and Cadence Bowman. Abbey's husband Nick couldn't make the trip due to work - we missed him!
ALSO, you can click on the picture to see a bigger version...
AND, Mike and Morgan now have a blog and you can find them at:
http://everetthome.blogspot.com/
Mike
Row 1 left to right:
Mike Jr., Paige Everett-Powell, Todd Powell(Husband), Stephen Everett
On the sofa left to right:
June Everett(My mom), Morgan(Mike Jr.'s wife) and Aidan Everett, Patti, Mike Sr., Abbey Everett-Bowman and Cadence Bowman. Abbey's husband Nick couldn't make the trip due to work - we missed him!
ALSO, you can click on the picture to see a bigger version...
AND, Mike and Morgan now have a blog and you can find them at:
http://everetthome.blogspot.com/
Mike
Monday, April 17, 2006
Easter Weekend
Patti and I hope all of you had a blessed and happy Easter weekend! All four of our kids, all but one of our in-laws and both of the grandkids were with us. This came about as sort of a re-do of our planned time together last Thanksgiving which was so dramatically altered by Patti's stroke.
With travel and work schedules, everyone made it to Dallas in time to go to the Fort Worth Zoo on Saturday. What a great place! It was the first time for me. Even though I grew up in Dallas, my family always went to the Dallas Zoo. I haven't been there in years, but people here say it isn't close in quality and presentation to Fort Worth.
Saturday night we had dinner together at our apartment which, by the way, accomodated the crowd quite well! There were two highlights during the evening. First, we gathered around Mike Jr., Morgan and Aidan and laid hands on and prayed over them as they will be leaving to start a new career in Thailand at the end of May. Secondly, we presented Mike Jr. with a new guitar which comes as a gift from both sides of his family and from his church. Mike leads worship, writes music and performs as part of his outreach gifting.
Sunday, we went to church with Mike Jr. in Fort Worth, grabbed burgers afterwards and headed to their apartment at the Southwestern Baptist Seminary for lunch. We took the grandkids over to the seminary campus, which has beautiful grass by the way, and had a lot of fun as the adults did egg tosses, carries and rolls on the lawn! It was a great time together as a family and we enjoyed it tremendously.
Through the whole weekend Patti did great, as expected! She continues to improve her walking and talking and handiwork!
We are grateful to God for what Easter means to us through the ressurection of Jesus Christ and, this year, we were able to celebrate the restoration of Patti as well.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support for Patti!
Forever in Him,
The Everetts
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Children of a Lesser Blog
I can't believe it's been two weeks since I have blogged. The adjustment I've had to make has been very difficult. The daily pressure of work and travel each day transitions into caregiving for Patti and homemaking at night and time has become a limited resource making blogging a less frequent event. I hope to become more frequent over the next few weeks as my travel schedule settles down a little.
Having said that, there are some wonderful things to report.
First of all, Patti's progress is steady. We have made some medication adjustments that seem to be helping her accelerate her speech recovery somewhat. Her legs are growing stronger and she spends a considerable amount of time each day walking without assistance at the apartment. Charlotte is giving up more and more control to Patti each day. She is trying to reach out and flip light switches, help hold onto things like jars so Patti can open lids, and generally beginning to behave herself!
We are very encouraged and God continues to minister His peace and provision in our lives. There is still a long way to go and, no doubt, some difficult times ahead. But for those of you who may harbor any doubts, God is totally true and faithful and loves you beyond measure!
Our insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, is still wanting to reduce Patti's therapy each day by 70%. This is very strange as Patti's progress has been continuous and the therapy regimen is obviously very effective. Please continue to keep this in your prayers. Patti works very hard to take full advantage of every hour she has and this would make our life very difficult at this point. If she can't go to therapy each day then I will be required to reduce my work hours significantly or increase our care costs enormously. Either of those are not a good option. Just as, if not more, important is the recovery environment that therapy creates for Patti. It is challenging and encouraging and she comes home every day tired and spent, but satisfied that she has accomplished a lot.
Also, continue to pray for the sale of our home in West Monroe.
Forever in Him,
Mike and Patti
Having said that, there are some wonderful things to report.
First of all, Patti's progress is steady. We have made some medication adjustments that seem to be helping her accelerate her speech recovery somewhat. Her legs are growing stronger and she spends a considerable amount of time each day walking without assistance at the apartment. Charlotte is giving up more and more control to Patti each day. She is trying to reach out and flip light switches, help hold onto things like jars so Patti can open lids, and generally beginning to behave herself!
We are very encouraged and God continues to minister His peace and provision in our lives. There is still a long way to go and, no doubt, some difficult times ahead. But for those of you who may harbor any doubts, God is totally true and faithful and loves you beyond measure!
Our insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, is still wanting to reduce Patti's therapy each day by 70%. This is very strange as Patti's progress has been continuous and the therapy regimen is obviously very effective. Please continue to keep this in your prayers. Patti works very hard to take full advantage of every hour she has and this would make our life very difficult at this point. If she can't go to therapy each day then I will be required to reduce my work hours significantly or increase our care costs enormously. Either of those are not a good option. Just as, if not more, important is the recovery environment that therapy creates for Patti. It is challenging and encouraging and she comes home every day tired and spent, but satisfied that she has accomplished a lot.
Also, continue to pray for the sale of our home in West Monroe.
Forever in Him,
Mike and Patti
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Needed Down Time
This past weekend has been a time of resting and settling at our new apartment in Dallas. In fact, Patti even made me turn off my cell phone!
First of all, our apartment. When we found out that Patti was going to be forced into outpatient status by our insurance company, we went out three Saturdays ago to look for an apartment. After realizing that the usual apartment complex presented physical obstacles for Patti such as weather exposure, curbs, split levels and such, we decided that a high-rise apartment made a lot more sense. High-rises have better security, covered, underground parking, and other amenities that would make life a lot less complicated for Patti.
We found one in North Dallas and here is where God stepped in. The apartment we tried to rent was a one bedroom and very small as that's what we thought we could afford. The following Monday, after asking them to hold it for us, I put a deposit down on the apartment. Shortly thereafter, the manager came in visibly upset as they had promised the apartment to someone else and had already taken money for it. As I had signed the paperwork and given my money as well, they had a problem. The result? They put us in a two bedroom (three bedroom plan - third bedroom is an open small den area) for just a little more per month. So we are very pleased and grateful as God gave us much more than we expected. Also, the first apartment was about 100 paces from the elevator. This one is about 10 and it has a shower which is much easier for Patti to use. We are on the 11th floor looking East, right at West Monroe. (Although we can't see it from here.)
Secondly, a medical update! Patti is doing great. Around the apartment she has begun walking without the walker. She doesn't do this unless I am around, but she is doing very well with it and being quite careful. This shows marked improvement in her balance!
She is continuing in rehab on a daily basis. A really wonderful lady by the name of Eva drives the van that picks Patti up in the morning and brings her home in the afternoon. It is a full day for Patti and she is usually looking for a nap when she gets home. Charlotte is beginning to get very active and Patti is able to pick up blocks and move them into a box as a test. She is getting better by the week with this and all of the reports from the rehab staff are very encouraging.
Prayer requests:
1. Extended time in five days per week outpatient care. Our insurance company is indicating they want to reduce Patti's therapy hours. The Medical Director and staff at CNS, myself and Patti all think this is utter nonsense. Pray for favor with Blue Cross staff and for God's provision.
2. Sale of our house in West Monroe. Now that we have an apartment, rent and mortgage is a huge burden.
3. Settling down from the dramatic life changes of the last few weeks including the stress of adapting to outpatient and adjusting to accomodate work. Pray for peace and organized thinking.
Thanks for your patience, love and prayers.
Forever in Him,
Mike
First of all, our apartment. When we found out that Patti was going to be forced into outpatient status by our insurance company, we went out three Saturdays ago to look for an apartment. After realizing that the usual apartment complex presented physical obstacles for Patti such as weather exposure, curbs, split levels and such, we decided that a high-rise apartment made a lot more sense. High-rises have better security, covered, underground parking, and other amenities that would make life a lot less complicated for Patti.
We found one in North Dallas and here is where God stepped in. The apartment we tried to rent was a one bedroom and very small as that's what we thought we could afford. The following Monday, after asking them to hold it for us, I put a deposit down on the apartment. Shortly thereafter, the manager came in visibly upset as they had promised the apartment to someone else and had already taken money for it. As I had signed the paperwork and given my money as well, they had a problem. The result? They put us in a two bedroom (three bedroom plan - third bedroom is an open small den area) for just a little more per month. So we are very pleased and grateful as God gave us much more than we expected. Also, the first apartment was about 100 paces from the elevator. This one is about 10 and it has a shower which is much easier for Patti to use. We are on the 11th floor looking East, right at West Monroe. (Although we can't see it from here.)
Secondly, a medical update! Patti is doing great. Around the apartment she has begun walking without the walker. She doesn't do this unless I am around, but she is doing very well with it and being quite careful. This shows marked improvement in her balance!
She is continuing in rehab on a daily basis. A really wonderful lady by the name of Eva drives the van that picks Patti up in the morning and brings her home in the afternoon. It is a full day for Patti and she is usually looking for a nap when she gets home. Charlotte is beginning to get very active and Patti is able to pick up blocks and move them into a box as a test. She is getting better by the week with this and all of the reports from the rehab staff are very encouraging.
Prayer requests:
1. Extended time in five days per week outpatient care. Our insurance company is indicating they want to reduce Patti's therapy hours. The Medical Director and staff at CNS, myself and Patti all think this is utter nonsense. Pray for favor with Blue Cross staff and for God's provision.
2. Sale of our house in West Monroe. Now that we have an apartment, rent and mortgage is a huge burden.
3. Settling down from the dramatic life changes of the last few weeks including the stress of adapting to outpatient and adjusting to accomodate work. Pray for peace and organized thinking.
Thanks for your patience, love and prayers.
Forever in Him,
Mike
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Where We Are Now **Address Change**
This past weekend Patti and I moved to a new location, an apartment, in Dallas. Our new address is:
13330 Noel Rd.
Apt. 1125
Dallas, TX 75240
ALSO...Please note a NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS:
meverett@millenniumplans.com. You can reach Mike or Patti at that address as our old Roadrunner address is now gone. Also, you can click on the "E-mail Mike" link on the left side of this page to contact us.
With the move, a heavy workload, and adjusting to Patti's new "outpatient" status, I have just been overwhelmed the last few weeks. I am currently on the road to New Jersey and the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area. However, when I return on Friday, I will be taking some down time to catch up on personal stuff and will do a complete blog update this weekend. Thank you for your patience.
God continues his grace over us and his healing work in Patti. Please continue to pray for our strength and peace as we continue to adjust to changes in our lives.
Forever in Him,
Mike
13330 Noel Rd.
Apt. 1125
Dallas, TX 75240
ALSO...Please note a NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS:
meverett@millenniumplans.com. You can reach Mike or Patti at that address as our old Roadrunner address is now gone. Also, you can click on the "E-mail Mike" link on the left side of this page to contact us.
With the move, a heavy workload, and adjusting to Patti's new "outpatient" status, I have just been overwhelmed the last few weeks. I am currently on the road to New Jersey and the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area. However, when I return on Friday, I will be taking some down time to catch up on personal stuff and will do a complete blog update this weekend. Thank you for your patience.
God continues his grace over us and his healing work in Patti. Please continue to pray for our strength and peace as we continue to adjust to changes in our lives.
Forever in Him,
Mike
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Yes, we're still here!
I just want to let everyone know that we are fine. I have not blogged due to a brutal and time consuming schedule the last two weeks.
Patti was placed in the outpatient program on Monday of this week. That necessitated a move from her apartment with the rehab center to an extended stay suite which we are in right now. Monday afternoon Patti's sister Theresa and I helped Patti pack up everything and move it.
Prior to that, on Monday, I signed a lease on an apartment in North Dallas. Tomorrow, Thursday, we will have some furniture moved in and Patti will go "home" for the first time Friday afternoon. The Lord has provided many blessings in the midst of the storm of activity. I will detail those in my next blog, so stay tuned.
Thank you for your continued prayers and expressions of love! They are a lifeblood of encouragement for both Patti and I!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Patti was placed in the outpatient program on Monday of this week. That necessitated a move from her apartment with the rehab center to an extended stay suite which we are in right now. Monday afternoon Patti's sister Theresa and I helped Patti pack up everything and move it.
Prior to that, on Monday, I signed a lease on an apartment in North Dallas. Tomorrow, Thursday, we will have some furniture moved in and Patti will go "home" for the first time Friday afternoon. The Lord has provided many blessings in the midst of the storm of activity. I will detail those in my next blog, so stay tuned.
Thank you for your continued prayers and expressions of love! They are a lifeblood of encouragement for both Patti and I!
Forever in Him,
Mike
Friday, March 03, 2006
March Move - Maybe
Hi everyone! I'm really hoping to get more frequency here over the next few weeks, so don't give up on me.
This week has been a good week for progress for Patti and, there are some changes coming to our living circumstances as well. First of all, a Charlotte update!
In occupational therapy, Patti is now using Charlotte to pick up small, lightweight objects and move them from one side of a table to the other and set them down! Praise the Lord! She also reached out and shook hands with me the other day. Didn't quite get a grip, but the progress is verrrry evident!
Also, at current writing, it looks like Patti will be moved from inpatient care to outpatient care this Monday. This is a lot sooner than we anticipated and is causing some disruption as we try to figure out where to go. But, as always, God has an eternity full of answers if we wait on Him.
Since the beginning of this process, God's clear message to Patti and I has been to take Matthew 6:30-34 to heart which says:
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
So we have really worked hard at the "one day at a time" thing and God has been faithful every step of the way. Last week, while travelling on business, I got a call late Wednesday afternoon that Patti would be transferred to outpatient that Friday. I really blew my stack because my flight home wouldn't arrive until 9:30PM on Friday and I had this picture of Patti out in the alley of the apartment complex, sitting in her wheelchair next to her suitcase on a cold and rainy night waiting for me to pick her up after I get off the plane...and then with no place to go!! How's that for a strong faith!
So I called a few friends to start up the prayer chain. I didn't blog the information as Patti does read it from time to time and I didn't want her to lose her focus before we really knew what was going on. I started talking to our insurance company and the rehab center trying to coordinate efforts to get Patti's stay extended. The doctor at the center wants her there for another 4 to 6 weeks. To keep this down to a readable length, let me summarize the blessings that God has provided as I have calmed down, repented over my fears and lack of faith, prayed with friends and with Patti and moved back to a trusting and faithful posture before the Lord:
1. Turns out we don't have inpatient rehab coverage in our insurance policy! So the two months we have spent here have been strictly the grace of God. Insurance approved an exception based on medical necessity.
2. When we find the place to stay, God has provided furniture for us to use so we don't have to pay for a furnished apartment or pack up the furniture at the house in West Monroe.
3. We will have to stay in a temporary location such as an extended stay hotel. Turns out there is a really nice one just a couple of blocks from the rehab center and they have a room!
4. Patti and I are actually looking forward to the change as we have been living apart for four months. God continues to minister peace to us even in times of stress and change.
This week has been a good week for progress for Patti and, there are some changes coming to our living circumstances as well. First of all, a Charlotte update!
In occupational therapy, Patti is now using Charlotte to pick up small, lightweight objects and move them from one side of a table to the other and set them down! Praise the Lord! She also reached out and shook hands with me the other day. Didn't quite get a grip, but the progress is verrrry evident!
Also, at current writing, it looks like Patti will be moved from inpatient care to outpatient care this Monday. This is a lot sooner than we anticipated and is causing some disruption as we try to figure out where to go. But, as always, God has an eternity full of answers if we wait on Him.
Since the beginning of this process, God's clear message to Patti and I has been to take Matthew 6:30-34 to heart which says:
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
So we have really worked hard at the "one day at a time" thing and God has been faithful every step of the way. Last week, while travelling on business, I got a call late Wednesday afternoon that Patti would be transferred to outpatient that Friday. I really blew my stack because my flight home wouldn't arrive until 9:30PM on Friday and I had this picture of Patti out in the alley of the apartment complex, sitting in her wheelchair next to her suitcase on a cold and rainy night waiting for me to pick her up after I get off the plane...and then with no place to go!! How's that for a strong faith!
So I called a few friends to start up the prayer chain. I didn't blog the information as Patti does read it from time to time and I didn't want her to lose her focus before we really knew what was going on. I started talking to our insurance company and the rehab center trying to coordinate efforts to get Patti's stay extended. The doctor at the center wants her there for another 4 to 6 weeks. To keep this down to a readable length, let me summarize the blessings that God has provided as I have calmed down, repented over my fears and lack of faith, prayed with friends and with Patti and moved back to a trusting and faithful posture before the Lord:
1. Turns out we don't have inpatient rehab coverage in our insurance policy! So the two months we have spent here have been strictly the grace of God. Insurance approved an exception based on medical necessity.
2. When we find the place to stay, God has provided furniture for us to use so we don't have to pay for a furnished apartment or pack up the furniture at the house in West Monroe.
3. We will have to stay in a temporary location such as an extended stay hotel. Turns out there is a really nice one just a couple of blocks from the rehab center and they have a room!
4. Patti and I are actually looking forward to the change as we have been living apart for four months. God continues to minister peace to us even in times of stress and change.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Dictionarial Development
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
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
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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