Sunday, July 31, 2011

Determination

A memorial service was held yesterday for a dear friend of ours.  Another friend and I were officiating this service.  Margie was determined to go to it.  We were pleased she wanted to.  We all had a grand time fellowshipping at the close of the service.  Margie did well and today (Sunday) is determined to go to church. Again we are pleased she wants to and has the strength for it.  It's almost 7:45 a.m. and she wants me to awaken her at 8.  She will begin her preparations for medication, breakfast and getting ready for departure around 10 a.m. I do not leave Margie alone since her seizures.  Our church has a picnic today after church but right now it is raining.  I am sure that will be replaced by better weather later on in the morning.  We do not plan on attending that.  It would be too much for Margie.  Thanks, dear ones for praying.  We appreciate it greatly.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

More appointments

Yesterday was filled with much activity.  Margie's eye check up, post hospital lab work, new appointments for neurologist, and the sleep clinic, were among some of the happenings of the day.  Margie is gaining strength day by day.  She is careful, but actually prepared our entire lunch.  What a blessing not to have to eat what I have prepared. We are so thankful.  I was able to finish my memorial message which today I have at 11 a.m. You all have been so good to us.  Myriads of phone calls and emails offering help for us.  It is humbling and so encouraging.  Thank you for praying.  God does answer prayer.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Post hospital checkup

Yesterday Margie's doctor reviewed the happenings prior to her admittance to ER last week and went over some suggestions for her to follow now that she's home.  We had a quick trip into Bellingham after lunch and it was good to be back home.  I also got a haircut while Margie waited in the car.  I have not left her alone since her seizure and hospitalization.  I will only do so when I and the doctors think its OK. I spent some time preparing for the memorial service on Saturday.  It seems time has been so short for that process. Today we are off again for the ophthalmologist for her regular check up concerning macular degeneration.  We appreciate your prayers.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Progress

We want to be optimistic and say Margie shows definite signs of progress.  She had a pretty good day.  The representative for Group Health called and suggested she see her family doctor.  She made an appointment and today we go there.  I forgot to tell you that last Saturday we sold our truck and trailer to our friends, the Dekles. Jon was the director for Child Evangelism Fellowship in Hawaii for many years. They are retiring and moving to Tennessee. He and Di will do ministry and the trailer was just what they needed. We are so happy the rig will be used this way after our delightful years with Shepherds.  Jon and I met yesterday to plan the memorial service for another good friend, Al Hickinbotham, who died earlier this month.  I do no leave Margie alone so have stayed with her since her release from the hospital.  Friends will help when needed and we appreciate this very much.  Margie is going to try to make it to the memorial service if possible.  We will see.  Thanks for your prayer ministry for us.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

First full day home

Yesterday marked a week since Margie went to ER for help.  We rejoice in what has taken place in those few days.  Yesterday she had a pretty good day.  She complained of being very tired.  I urged her to use the walker chair when needed.  Our friend stayed with Margie while I went for the double scope tests in Bellingham.  I returned from that around 1 PM and was pretty well wiped out.  I enjoyed the Lazy Boy recliner and slept soundly for awhile. It is interesting that the day before Margie was discharged from the hospital and she also slept in her new lift chair for some time.  It is almost 9 AM and Margie is still in bed.  She seemed very tired yesterday and I know she had a few "bumps in the road" as she slept last night and I suspect this is why she is still in bed.  Thanks dear ones, for praying.  We appreciate it so much. I am no comfortable leaving Margie by herself so I will call upon friends to help when I need to go get groceries, mow the lawn, etc.  Many have offered to help and we are humbled by it all and thank God for such dear friends and family.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

No rehab

Yesterday morning the doctor told me the paper work was being processed for Margie to go to REHAB at the hospital south campus.  Later he told me that the team had concluded Margie was much better and could go home.  I was (am) in the countdown for a colonoscopy and was unable to go get her.  God's providence is so wonderful. Margie's brother from Canada was visiting her at that moment in the hospital and offered to bring her home. What a blessing that was.  Margie did well, but was very tired.  She slept in her lift chair for quite a while. There was a misunderstanding regarding the important medication Margie is supposed to be taking.  I finally figured out that they had faxed the prescription to the local Walgreen's.  When I called, they said they did not have the medicine and would make a search in the county for it.  I called the hospital, concerned about it and later Walgreen's stated they had consulted with the doctor and an adequate substitute was found.  But I had another problem.  For the same reason I could not go bring Margie home, I also  could not go get the medication.  Our son, who was here working on one of their homes, took the extra time and got it for us before returning to his home in Stanwood.  The Lord is so good in taking care of these things for us.  And the text messages, phone calls and e-mails were abundant with offers for future help, if needed.  We are so grateful for this.  My brother in Anchorage also graciously offered to come down and assist in any way needed.  All of these things are overwhelming.  Thank you all for your care and prayers,

Monday, July 25, 2011

Delightful news

(later: please notice that the material below has changed:  Now she is coming HOME in about an hour to our house.  We will need God's help as we adjust to her care.  But we are so happy for joy of doing it.)
The Lord showers us with blessing sometimes too good to comprehend.  Yesterday Margie was SO MUCH better than previous ones.  The previous medication obviously caused the strange behavior. Now with the newer one the picture is much brighter.  We were still concerned however, with certain behaviors.  Today as I was writing our web page remarks and this blog, the doctor called saying that Margie qualified for REHAB at the South Campus of Peace Health St. Joseph's hospital.  Before this, Margie had called me and her voice was cheery and apparently back to her normal self. She was a little confused on the day of the week, but after a hospital stay this can be normal. So we are thrilled she will be able to fine tune and learn new motor skills at REHAB which will help her live a more normal life here at home.  I am sure we have much ground to cover yet before she is back to the place where we started last Tuesday, but are encouraged with what the Lord has done thus far. He gets all the credit for it all.  We cannot begin to thank you enough for your prayer support for Margie. It means so much to us.  I am unable to be with Margie today and most of tomorrow because I am in the countdown diet for a colonoscopy and endoscopy tomorrow.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Medication change

Poor Margie continued her problem of not being able to articulate her feelings, which resulted in ramblings and repetitive phrases. I printed all our emails for her to read, but she was incapable of processing them. It is unbelievable how she deteriorated in such a short time.  Her doctor and the neurologist saw her and at my suggestion and I am sure their own wise judgement, changed her medication.  We pray this will clear up her mind and she will be able to communicate with us again.  We deeply appreciate your prayers.  They and the Lord are our strength.  We enjoyed several visitors yesterday which was a blessing and Margie seemed to appreciate them as well.  We pray that today is better than the previous one.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Difficult days

My heart goes out to Margie who in her present state is obviously confused or the medication for seizures is causing her to hallucinate. It is not easy to see your loved one in this state. I pray this medication will either help her or the doctors will try another.  Her previous "seizures" which lasted generally a short time, have now changed into a pattern where one cannot know when it begins or ends.  Margie is lucid in many things, but the repetitive phrases over and over are disturbing. Basically one cannot have a two way conversation with her. She will answer questions but is not interactive like one would normally be (and especially her) in a conversation.  The representative for the Rehab Center, a part of the Peace Health - St. Joseph's complex, stated to us yesterday that Margie may qualify for rehab in their unit.  If so, she will be moved there and undergo 3 hours of daily therapy, spaced according to the ability of the patient. They will also continue to monitor her present problem of seizure like symptoms.  She also stated, given Margie's present evaluation, that she will need 24/7 care.  So--I have painted the picture for you.  Please pray with us for God's direction to know how to give her the best care possible.  We are so glad it is all in HIS HANDS.

Friday, July 22, 2011

A change

Margie "seizure" patterns changed and she could not converse or answer much beyond a simple "yes". It was sad indeed and the spells lengthened in time.  She had several visitors throughout the day. Occupation therapy was given her and it was determined that she may qualify for rehab in the south campus wing of the St. Joseph's hospital. Margie's incoherent speaking  concerned us greatly and it was very sad indeed.  Out of a seizure Margie was perfectly normal in speech, memory and all,  I had to leave to go home but called Margie later and Dr. Mackay (neurologist) was there.  I had waited all day for him but he never appeared while I was there.  The Lord helped me so much when Dr. Mackay asked me to describe how I saw Margie's situation.  As I spoke he said I was describing perfectly a person with seizures and he was going to start medication immediately. He thanked me for the apt description given.  At that point my heavy heart was relieved somewhat.  We just pray Margie will get help with the new medication.  Thank you for praying and standing with us during these difficult days.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Fewer seizures

I am grateful Margie had only two seizures (or whatever the doctor has decided they are) when I got into the hospital yesterday morning.  We believe it is because of you who are faithfully praying.  Margie had several tests yesterday.  Her lunch sat on her table until 4:30 in the afternoon.  She was away for tests and had no time to eat it.  Her supper came much later. Several visitors to the hospital and myriads of texts messages and phone calls occupied my day pretty well. Thank you all for your concern.  My two brothers also called, Ernie from Singapore and Harold from Alaska.  These along with so many and of course from our son Rawlie, were much appreciated. No results yet from all the tests.  We pray an answer will come today.  We sincerely thank you for your prayers.  The future is really uncharted and we need HIS direction.  Thanks.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Unexpected.

Margie had a seizure of some kind last night here at home. I called 911 and she is now in the hospital. I returned home at 3:30 this morning.  She will have tests today (as she did last night)  She is having multiple seizures (or what ever they are.  Please pray.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Long day

We know that a day always has the same amount of hours, but the expression "long day" expresses well how we were involved in it.   Margie saw her doctor.  To get an appointment the same day she called is a miracle.  She referred us to the proper place to schedule a CT scan. She wants to be sure her previous fall and injury to the head is not causing some of the falls she is still experiencing. Thanks for paying abvout this with us. We will make that appointment this morning.  We had several important things to do in Lynden and Bellingham so thus the "long day".  I am glad that Margie "held up" well.  We were mighty glad to be home however.  Our son concluded his day working on a rental house then came by our place to get his suitcase and a short visit and headed for his home in Stanwood, WA.  Lord willing we will see him again next Saturday.   Today I start my countdown for the colonoscopy and endoscopy tests on the 26th. The rigid dietary preparation, as many of you know, prohibits most of the "goodies" we enjoy.  Margie is still asleep as I write this but I am pretty sure her night went well.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Try again

After Margie's fall, we are going to try again to get an appointment and see if we can discover why she is falling so much.  There is doubtless some underlying reason.  We are concerned about the fall before the one she had Friday.  She hit her head in the bathroom that time and maybe it triggered something.  Only the Lord knows but we appreciate your prayers as we seek to find answers.  We will try to get an appointment with her doctor today, with the prayer she can make a referral to a specialist that may give some help.  Thankfully we were able to attend church yesterday.  Please pray as I research all the different Medical Call systems to determine which would be best for Margie to use to call if she needs emergency help.  There are a lot of them out there and of course each comes with its own price tag.  Thank you so much for praying.  We appreciate you so much.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Another milestone.

Yesterday our son treated us to a wonderful meal at a restaurant in Bellingham, WA for Margie's birthday.  We had a great time and delicious meal.  We were so thankful Margie wanted to celebrate her day this way. I was shocked to discover a charge in our banking of almost the amount of our Social Security payment.  I called the bank immediately and they are going to contest it.  I also called the company which charged us and explained that we received NOTHING from them.  It will be interesting how all this works out.  I know i surely does pay to balance ones checkbook. Today, Lord willing, we plan on attending church if Margie is up to it.  I have no reason to believe she did not have a good night but we'll see when she awakens shortly. Margie received many birthday greetings via cards and electronic cards and e-mails.  Thank you for remembering her.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Good and bad

The good part is that Margie had a very good night.  She is still resting in bed as she said she's tired.  This is her birthday.  Our son will want to take us somewhere for a birthday meal.  Margie said she would like that.  This in itself is a blessing for many times she prefers just staying home.  The bad news:  I spent hours yesterday (after painting) working in the lawn, cleaning out flower garden in front of the house and trimming and mowing.  When I finally shut down the engine on lawn mower, I heard Margie calling me.  I went quickly into the house and there she was fallen on the kitchen floor.  It was not easy to get her up because her legs were wedged between the cupboards and the microwave stand.  We don't have a clue how it happened, but the most alarming part of the story is the fact she was using he walker. Please pray we can help her somehow to learn to use it and not fall. I personally thought that one of the causes of the fall could have been the types of shoes she is wearing.  I told her this and she changed immediately.  Today she doesn't seem to be sore for which we are thankful.  We are seriously considering her seeing a specialist because of the other fall she had and if there is a head injury that could be causing this.  Thanks SO MUCH for praying.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Rain

Yesterday morning on the way to "work" (painting) it rained VERY HARD.  It was almost like the downpours we experienced in Brazil.  Margie had a good night last night.  She is pretty weak these days and her walking is shaky so she uses a walker.  It really is a big help for her.  I returned from painting (half day) and did the washing on Thursday instead of our usual day of Friday.  I also cleaned and mopped the bathrooms. Today Margie will fold the clothes and tomorrow I will do the ironing.  This morning I plan on another half day of painting.  Margie is up and doing pretty well for which we are thankful.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Off again

I'm off again to paint this morning.  It takes me a longer time to get the job done because we have so few days to dedicate to the work. We are happy that Rawlie and Gina are in no particular rush on these projects. We had a full day yesterday with my pre-op consultation for the double procedure of  a colonoscopy and endoscopy on July 26. Margie also scheduled a date for hers which will be in November.  then we drove and had lunch in Lynden and on to her physical therapy session.  In the evening we went to prayer meeting.  So it was a full day as you can see.  Margie just this minute awakened and told me she had a very good night.  We are so thankful.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Encounter

Margie showed a noteworthy improvement in her strength and well being yesterday.  We are truly grateful for this.  Besides an important trip to Bellingham in the morning, we went a few miles south to a mutual encounter point at a restaurant and met our friends from Brazil.who are here visiting their children.  What a delight to chit chat in Portuguese again.  It is wonderful that after being out of the country for 30 years, we can still converse and understand it.  Another nice thing about summer is that we returned home in the light which is always a plus while traveling. Today's schedule is also filled and we pray Margie will have a good physical therapy session this afternoon.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Too much

Have you noticed often that there is so much to do you can't get it done?  That's where we are today.  Maybe I will say more about it tomorrow.  Margie had a much better day yesterday.  I hope and pray her night was OK also.  I have reason to believe it was. I painted yesterday morning, returned home, had lunch and went to a neaby cemetery to conduct the burial of a dear friend.  His memorial service will be the end of this month. We have a very full day today and Margie will have to sta in the car for some of our stops while I shop.  She doesn't have the strength to do that much walking. Thank you for praying.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Full schedule

Our days seem to "stack up" quite full.  We are always amazed.  I need to do some painting this morning and I have a burial service in the afternoon.  I also need to get more medication for Margie at Walgreens.  Margie was able to attend the morning service with me but her afternoon was not as good.  She had a good night and we are thankful for that.  Rawlie is with us and will be working "from our home" today mixed with some other duties he has with the houses they are preparing for sale.  Thanks so much for your prayers on our behalf.  We appreciate it deeply.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Hope for better

We certainly hope and pray for better days for Margie.  Last night she did NOT have a good night. She wants me to awaken her at 9 if she is still sleeping.  I don't know if she will be able to attend church or not today. We pray she can. She was able to attend the George Fujimoto memorial service yesterday.  Pastor Dave Lunsford and I conducted it.  It was a blessed time and a pretty good attendance for Saturday afternoon at 4 PM.
Margie used the new walker at church and it helped her.  Thanks so much for praying.  We are praying these BAD NIGHTS will end.  

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Not too good

Margie finally got to sleep but at first it was hard.  She was awake for hours.  We are hoping she will be well enough to attend the memorial service this afternoon.  Rawlie, our son just sent a text message that he's on the way to Ferndale.  He will be working on the Conifer house but he will attend the memorial service for George Fujimoto also.  We just received word that our dear friend of many years, Irby Hicks ,passed away at 1 this morning. Laurel Hicks and her folks are long time members of the church. Thanks for praying for us and them.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Sleep

Thankfully the new medication Margie's doctor prescribed yesterday, worked and she had a good night.  Yesterday was a low day for her.  Her strength was low, she was shaky and definitely needed the walker.  I went to Walgreens and purchased a better one that has a handbrake and even a storage area and seat and back rest.  She learned to use it quickly and appreciates it.  I continued studying for the memorialk service this Saturday and got some good preparation for the message.  I am thankful for answered prayer about this. Today I will go paint more at the Conifer house.  Gina, our daughter-in-law is up to tend to business about their houses here and tomorrow Rawlie will arrive to work on the Conifer house, getting it ready to sell. Please continue your prayers for Margie that today will be an improvement for her.  Thank you.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Something new

MARGIE DID NOT HAVE A GOOD NIGHT. After Margie's fall, she told me yesterday that she wants more stability for her walking.  I plan on getting a walker for her today, the kind that has a hand brake and seat.  I believe this will help her.  We must do everything possible to keep her from falling again.  Yesterday Margie had another physical therapy session which really helps her.I worked on the memorial service message for Saturday afternoon. In the evening we went to prayer meeting and we were pleased with a good attendance. If Margie's condition permits it, I will do more painting today. We do not take for granted your prayers for us as Margie adjusts to all the things going on in her life.  We appreciate it greatly.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

To Lynden Again

Margie had a good night. Yesterday she saw her physician and she changed her medication and now we'll see how it works.  Today we take her to the physical therapost in Lynden.  I will be studying for a memorial service the pastor & I conduct this Saturday of a dear friend of ours.  Yesterday another dear friend entered the E.R. and he has a massive brain hemorrhage.  Last week we lost another good friend, whose service I will have the end of July.  One by one heaven is gaining more saints.  The weather in Ferndale is really beautiful.  It will change a little toward the end of the week weare told. Thanks for your prayers.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

We are thankful

Yesterday was a good day.  I painted and Margie was able to prepare our lunch.  I made some preliminary preparations for the memorial service on Saturday.  Our son was here for a short time and I made him a latte which he enjoys.  This morning early I heard a tremendous noise and it wasn't firecrackers.  It was Margie falling AGAIN in the bathroom.  It is miraculous that after these numerous times she has not broken a bone.  Thankfully I was able to get her up.  It was either that or call 911.  She goes to her doctor this morning.  I take her as she is just not that secure in driving with her eye problem.  I am glad to do it and take advantage of the time to shop for things we need or study.  Please continue your prayers that she will not fall again.   We appreciate it.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy 4th

We trust this will be a special day for you and all.  We are thankful for the freedom we still enjoy and thank the Lord for the freedom He gives us in Christ.  Yesterday we were so thankful to be able to attend the service at our home church, First Baptist of Ferndale, Washington.  Later in the afternoon Rawlie & Gina and another friend, Sondra, came for a visit.  Margie had a good day and last night I am quite sure she did alright, although she is still sleeping as I pen these words.  I have so much painting to do, I plan on doing that today if Margie is well enough to be b herself.  Of course she is as close as the cell phone and can call me if needed. Have a great 4th of July and our thanks to all who are praying for us.   We appreciate it more than words can say.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Good night

Margie started out the night in a negative way.  She was getting sick and nausea was taking over.  She feared the worst during thenight.  Thankfully she had a good night.  We are so grateful.  We are not real sure at this point if she will be up to attending church today or not. We hope so.  Our son and family are in town.  I painted at the Conifer house yesterday and they were there working as well.  It was nice to have the gang together.  Later in the day I watered the plants of our good friends who are away (they return today). I will be showing some of the pictures I took of their flowers. In fact I have a rose on the web page today.  Margie is getting use to the lift chair and is able to get out of it better than at first.  The chair tilts to a high position allowing the occupant to almost stand erect.  I installed the security pole slightly to the side at the front of the chair and she can grasp it for more stability.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Security

I guess the title of today's blog pretty well describes our work yesterday.  I occupied  most the day installing security grab bars, poles, etc, trying to help Margie in her mobility needs.  I think we now have things fairly well under control. Even with the new lift chair which basically brings a person to an almost upright position, Margie still needs more security as she leaves the chair to a standing position.  Maybe now with the relocated security pole, that will happen.  We pray it will.  We were called yesterday by a friend advising us that another dear friend of ours, Al Hickinbotham, passed away in his sleep yesterday morning.  I was asked to have his service which will be the end of this month. It looks like it will be a great day today with the sun shining brightly and warmer temperatures on the way. I hope Margie had a good night.  The last few have been sort of restless. She is still sleeping as I write this.  Thanks so much for your prayers,

Friday, July 1, 2011

Restless

Margie had a restless night and she doesn't know why.  She had a pretty good day yesterday doing several things arouind the house besides preparing our lunch.  I painted all day at Conifer house and in the late afternoon Margie & I went to a friends home where I put the finishing touches on the assembly of a patio set she had.  She needed help getting it set up.  Now that's taken care.  I then went to water the plants of another friend who is away on a little break in Oregon.  So yesterday turned out to be a busy day. We pray this will be a good day for you and we thank you for your faithful prayers for Margie's health.