Well, here it is the middle of summer and time is flying by. It's been a quiet time here in the Blue Ridge the past few weeks. Not many visitors and not much going on. But a lot of peace and quiet and beauty surround us as always. It's a pleasure to wake up each morning with another day to enjoy and appreciate all that God has given us.
However, we've had our share of heartaches already this summer. Daughter Dale was diagnosed with kidney failure the end of May. The doctors felt it was serious enough to begin dialysis immediately even though there were no symptoms other than fatigue. I am in constant contact with her even though there are 1000 miles between us and was concerned about her lack of motivation. It was when her labs were checked for her annual physical that the kidney function was discovered. Immediately we began to make plans for a trip west to be with her. We were in Wisconsin within a week of the diagnosis and before her first dialysis treatment.
Meeting with her doctor and other technicians who were administering the dialysis, we were told that without this treatment she would not survive to see another Christmas. With the treatment, she would live a normal life other than spending three days a week in the hospital. Surgery was performed to create a temporary entrance for the dialysis. It was in her chest, prone to infection and inconvenience in that she could not bathe or shower or get the tubes wet. She was not happy but was willing to go through with the process.
That was six weeks ago. Yesterday she met with the doctor who will create a permanent entrance for the dialysis - called a fistula - next week. It will be another surgery and will take approximately six weeks to heal and be ready to use.
That said, the results of her latest labs are showing improvement. She is no longer in kidney failure but a long ways from being normal. Sometimes I question the wisdom of going through the process of implanting the fistula but then I realize that the danger of infection from the current trail needs to be eliminated. The doctor who is treating her told us in the beginning there was little or no chance of her kidneys healing. But this week he admitted that the improvement was surprising and there was a very slim chance that they would be normal one day. I feel our prayers are being answered. I know that God can do anything and will continue to pray that Dale's life can return to normal.
Other than that, life is good. We will be celebrating our 57th anniversary this weekend with a trip to Charlotte, NC and the Billy Graham Library. This is a place we've wanted to see for a long time and should be a wonderful time.
The month ahead holds some fun times with the Moody family staying at nearby Smith Mountain Lake for a week and a visit to Chesapeake for Grandson Jake's graduation from welding school. Then the fall season will be upon us with cooler weather, the beauty of the mountains and a nice long visit with Dale.
Until next time......God's richest blessings as we trust Him for all our needs.
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Phil 4;6
Friday, July 18, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Thoughts On a Winter Afternoon
So far, we've had a cold but otherwise uneventful winter this year. Lots of "warnings" but none that ever come to pass. So it's been a bit boring here in the little town at the foot of the Blue Ridge. Oh, not for me. I have enough projects and plans in my head to keep me busy way beyond my expiration date.
Speaking of which, I have been more and more aware of just how fast time is passing these days. By the time my mom was my age she had made up her mind to stay in bed the rest of her life. A broken hip changed her life and kept her from ever walking again. Soon she was in a nursing home being cared for night and day. My dad spent his days at her bedside. Living in a senior apartment across the road from the "home" he dressed each morning and walked over to spend the day with her. It was a happy time for him. He enjoyed joking with the nursing staff and bringing in the treats that made mom happy. Mostly grapes and 7 up. Most days he ate lunch there with her and it was satisfying. The little apartment that was their home became just a stopping off place for Dad. His real life was there with Mom.
After a few years Dad wasn't doing so well. He really didn't have anyone taking care of him and his health was wavering. Occasionally he would push Mom across the road in a wheelchair and they would spend an afternoon at "home". But they were both beginning to realize this was not home anymore.
My sister was getting worn out from taking care of the paperwork and keeping a watchful eye on Mom's care as well as Dad. She had a growing family to take care of, too, and was working to help make ends meet. I spent as much time as I could with them. Flying back to Racine became a regular occurrence during the last years of their lives. While I was there, I would stay with my in laws and catch up with how things were with them as well. They were always a joy to visit and made me feel welcome during these visits.
I remember some special times that I spent with my parents. The first was before Dad was sick. He picked me up and drove me to the nursing home. Every day we went out to lunch together at a different place. It was such fun. Sometimes we'd be joined by my niece or my cousin and those memories will stay with me always. I think he was happy. Another time my daughter Cindy and her two little girls joined me in Racine. She flew from Florida, I flew from Virginia. We loved being together for that time. The little ones were such a joy especially for my Dad. He loved them. Erin and Heather, although very young, were perfect little great grandkids for my parents. Smiling and cuddling with these old folks they had never seen before was natural for them. I was so proud to have my parents together with my precious little ones.
Somehow, I always thought Dad would survive Mom and come and stay with us. He had so many talents and gifts that could be put to use. He loved gardening and would have been so happy with a yard and garden to tend - and we would have been so happy to have him here with us.
But this was not meant to be. The day came when Dad could no longer live in the apartment alone. My sister found a nursing home where the two of them could share a room and we felt comfortable moving him there. I went back and stayed with him for the first week he was settling in. He wasn't happy about leaving his home. And, surprisingly, Mom wasn't all that thrilled to have him as her roommate. They vied for attention when my sister's family would bring in their dog or when other visitors came by. It just wasn't the same.
I came to stay with them that week. I sat between them in the small room they shared. We watched TV and ate lunch together. I drove his car that spring week and brought it to the window of the nursing home. He was wheeled down to look at it and that seemed to satisfy him. He asked me how it drove and I told him it was great as always. It was a mess - inside and out. He just didn't have the strength or motivation to take care of the car during those last years. Eventually it was sold to be used by the police department as a surveillance vehicle. Dad would have liked that.
Every evening of that week, I went through their belongings and gathered pictures and little treasures that they had saved through the years. One thing I really enjoy is the typed program from their wedding reception. The type is faded and the creases are beginning to tear but the words are there. Songs and jokes and anecdotes about the "bride and groom". It's sweet to think of them that way. Young and vibrant - good looking too! They were so happy and so much in love.
In October we went back to Wisconsin for a last visit with Dad. He was in the hospital at this time and was very weak. I knew in my heart that Dad would be gone soon. I remember crying all the way across Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Three months later we got the call that Dad had passed away. We drove through a huge snowstorm to get back there to say goodbye to Dad. The weather was so bad that there was no service at the cemetery. In fact, the ground was frozen so hard that his burial didn't take place until spring.
Mom followed Dad 21 months later and they now lay side by side sharing a single marker for their graves. Although Mom and Dad didn't leave much in worldly goods there was one gift that will affect us through eternity. Through the witness and prayers of my parents, I was led to a personal faith in Christ. Then my Wally, my children and grandchildren. One day we will all be together again thanks to the faithfulness and love of this dear couple.
Being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Speaking of which, I have been more and more aware of just how fast time is passing these days. By the time my mom was my age she had made up her mind to stay in bed the rest of her life. A broken hip changed her life and kept her from ever walking again. Soon she was in a nursing home being cared for night and day. My dad spent his days at her bedside. Living in a senior apartment across the road from the "home" he dressed each morning and walked over to spend the day with her. It was a happy time for him. He enjoyed joking with the nursing staff and bringing in the treats that made mom happy. Mostly grapes and 7 up. Most days he ate lunch there with her and it was satisfying. The little apartment that was their home became just a stopping off place for Dad. His real life was there with Mom.
After a few years Dad wasn't doing so well. He really didn't have anyone taking care of him and his health was wavering. Occasionally he would push Mom across the road in a wheelchair and they would spend an afternoon at "home". But they were both beginning to realize this was not home anymore.
My sister was getting worn out from taking care of the paperwork and keeping a watchful eye on Mom's care as well as Dad. She had a growing family to take care of, too, and was working to help make ends meet. I spent as much time as I could with them. Flying back to Racine became a regular occurrence during the last years of their lives. While I was there, I would stay with my in laws and catch up with how things were with them as well. They were always a joy to visit and made me feel welcome during these visits.
I remember some special times that I spent with my parents. The first was before Dad was sick. He picked me up and drove me to the nursing home. Every day we went out to lunch together at a different place. It was such fun. Sometimes we'd be joined by my niece or my cousin and those memories will stay with me always. I think he was happy. Another time my daughter Cindy and her two little girls joined me in Racine. She flew from Florida, I flew from Virginia. We loved being together for that time. The little ones were such a joy especially for my Dad. He loved them. Erin and Heather, although very young, were perfect little great grandkids for my parents. Smiling and cuddling with these old folks they had never seen before was natural for them. I was so proud to have my parents together with my precious little ones.
Somehow, I always thought Dad would survive Mom and come and stay with us. He had so many talents and gifts that could be put to use. He loved gardening and would have been so happy with a yard and garden to tend - and we would have been so happy to have him here with us.
But this was not meant to be. The day came when Dad could no longer live in the apartment alone. My sister found a nursing home where the two of them could share a room and we felt comfortable moving him there. I went back and stayed with him for the first week he was settling in. He wasn't happy about leaving his home. And, surprisingly, Mom wasn't all that thrilled to have him as her roommate. They vied for attention when my sister's family would bring in their dog or when other visitors came by. It just wasn't the same.
I came to stay with them that week. I sat between them in the small room they shared. We watched TV and ate lunch together. I drove his car that spring week and brought it to the window of the nursing home. He was wheeled down to look at it and that seemed to satisfy him. He asked me how it drove and I told him it was great as always. It was a mess - inside and out. He just didn't have the strength or motivation to take care of the car during those last years. Eventually it was sold to be used by the police department as a surveillance vehicle. Dad would have liked that.
Every evening of that week, I went through their belongings and gathered pictures and little treasures that they had saved through the years. One thing I really enjoy is the typed program from their wedding reception. The type is faded and the creases are beginning to tear but the words are there. Songs and jokes and anecdotes about the "bride and groom". It's sweet to think of them that way. Young and vibrant - good looking too! They were so happy and so much in love.
In October we went back to Wisconsin for a last visit with Dad. He was in the hospital at this time and was very weak. I knew in my heart that Dad would be gone soon. I remember crying all the way across Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Three months later we got the call that Dad had passed away. We drove through a huge snowstorm to get back there to say goodbye to Dad. The weather was so bad that there was no service at the cemetery. In fact, the ground was frozen so hard that his burial didn't take place until spring.
Mom followed Dad 21 months later and they now lay side by side sharing a single marker for their graves. Although Mom and Dad didn't leave much in worldly goods there was one gift that will affect us through eternity. Through the witness and prayers of my parents, I was led to a personal faith in Christ. Then my Wally, my children and grandchildren. One day we will all be together again thanks to the faithfulness and love of this dear couple.
Being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
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