post op day 4 continues

Having others pray over you is the most wonderful thing.  I can almost feel the healing taking over me.
My legs are now free of the pain that plagued me, and I've been without nausea all day!  I am extremely careful about what I put in my mouth, and I'm reading labels like crazy to make sure I don't make any critical mistakes.
Today Wendell drove me to the Greater Butler Mart where I stopped at Rite Aid to get more Ensure.. I'm using the Immune one, though there are 2 more choices.  For now, I need to build my immune system, and this fits the bill.  Calories are low, carbs are sort of high, but it hasn't touched my blood glucose so far.  Today I was 98 and when I got my shower, I hopped on the scales to find I have lost a total of 10# since Feb 10.. just about a month ago.
It's a start in the right direction.   I plan to keep using the Ensure for a few weeks till I feel stronger, then move to one of the other ones for maintenance.  It's expensive, but worth every penny.

I went to the Dollar General for some badly needed supplies, and they were very kind to pack my bags to make them very light for me to handle.

Next stop was the grocery-  This one was a bit more difficult as I needed some heavier things like cat food and a gallon of distilled water, and a case of sugar free peach snapple.  They unloaded my cart for me, and one of the guys took my groceries out and put them in the car for me.  Nice. 
I bought some different things this time.. like fresh frozen salmon.  I'm looking for a good recipe.   I've never baked salmon before.  I also got a bag of plain fresh frozen cod fillets.  I think I can manage that one pretty easily.  I got some bread crumbs that are seasoned, but not with fat.  I also bought a package of ground chuck for Wendell and chicken breasts for me.  Our diet is changing for the good for sure. 
I am still not eating much at a time, and I don't think it's going to change much in the near future.
Tonite's supper :
2 oz very lean roast pork
1/2c spring salad with my wine vinegrette spray (no fat)
2 oz baked potato (Wendell does a super job baking them)
1/2c carrot wheels seasoned with butter buds and splenda..
It was a lot for me to eat, and I told hubby we'd wait a while for dessert.  Oh, yes.. we are having a special dessert:
thin sliced angel food cake with fresh thinly sliced strawberries and bits of fresh chopped orange .. we may even go for the SF cool whip which, incidently, is actually very low in fat! 
The secret is the portion control.. not a lot of anything, but a wide variety of different colorful foods.
I thought our salads were fantastic- the color in the spring blend leaves, the bright red of tiny bits of red pepper, the slivers of fresh sweet onion, and tiny shavings of fresh carrot.. not a lot of anything, but really so delicious.
Tonite, I'm going to try to make Tapioca pudding- with splenda and skim milk.  Yeah.. I know I'm lactose intolerant, but I have lactaid tabs I can use for such occasions.. (smiling and feeling proud of myself here )
Lots to do.. trying not to overdo.  Tomorrow is the kitchen table that is a real mess.  Since this all started, I have been too sick to tidy up like I did before.  Well, as long as I feel pretty good tomorrow, the table is definitely on the agenda.
If anyone is heading for Sams Club.. I have a request..

Post op day 4

Nausea is at bay.  I'm praying it'll stay right where it is and not poke it's ugly little head out to surprise me again today.  It was an uncomfortable evening yesterday. 
This morning, I'm enjoying my coffee - the key word here is "enjoying".. finally able to appreciate a good cup of coffee and actually drink it rather than simply sipping a half cup or less to ward off that caffeine headache. 
Very cautiously, I am going to say I feel pretty good today.. and perhaps after lunch we'll go to the grocery to get those couple of items we need for this week.  I intend to get a few more bottles of Ensure just to make sure I'm doing as well as I can.
I just have to remember to not overdo it, as I could end up taking one step forward and 3 backward.  Don't want that either.
It will be such a blessing to get through the day without nausea.  I keep thinking about how a month from now, this will all just be a bad dream.. :)
The point of today is just 'I'm progressing and feeling better little by little'

Post op day 3

My Day 1 post op was supposed to be one of "mild flu like symptoms"- something very easy to tolerate and requiring no particular medication, just rest.   Right.
More like being slowly run over by a steam roller starting from the head and working it's way down my body to my toes over a period of about 2 hours and lasting until today, which is Day 3.
I just thought they underestimated the amount of discomfort.  But I had a call today from the short stay department as a follow up to the surgery- something done routinely for every patient.  As I answered the questions.. yes, my IV site is healing, no, no drainage on my dressings, yes, I had a bit of nausea , and so forth.  My one statement to them was 'you really shouldn't underestimate that 'mild flu like symptom thing' on the 1st post op day'.  I explained to her how it started with severe muscle aching from my neck, down both arms, then to my torso, pelvis, and then both legs and clear to my toes.  The ache was bad enough to hobble around like I'd had some major abdominal surgery.  The woman said, no.. it shouldn't have been that bad and asked me to talk to Rachel, the head of the short stay department.   As I explained this to Rachel, she reminded me that when you get a general anesthesia (intubated and put to sleep), they use a drug that actually paralyzes the entire body so that they can control whether you live or die with precision dosages.  In almost every case, the patient wakes up and takes deep breaths and the drug leaves their system and feeling comes back.  Over the next 24 hours, the patient usually sleeps a lot due to these meds they got with anesthesia, and being up and walking, deep breathing and coughing, the drugs simply wear off.   In my case, my body didn't want to give them up for some reason.  She suggested that this be noted as a bad reaction to anesthesia and if I had a medic alert bracelet, this should be noted so the anesthesiologist would be aware.  If things keep going as they are, the medic alert bracelet will have to be a placard I carry over my shoulders 24/7.  Better yet, I should have it all tattooed on my belly so there is never a question.
Eh?
Now to today...
I am improving.  Each day is a bit better than the last.  That muscle pain is leaving the same way it came, but over a longer period.  This morning my arms ached, but tonite, I am only aware of leg aches.  It's now just an annoyance.
Nausea seems to lurk behind the corner daily, and I think I need to just cut back a bit on food yet again.  Tonite, indigestion is on the bill, and just another bump in the road, though an irritating one.
I took one pain pill this morning, and I believe it's time for one more.  That's an improvement over every 4 hours.
I restarted my Plavix on Sabbath.
I've also been up most of the day today, and though I layed down several times, I only napped once for an hour.. another improvement.
My desire and plan was to do a short shopping trip today, but found I just wasn't up to it and as Wendell keeps saying  'don't push it'..
I realize that this all sounds like I had some major surgery.. it would be normal to document all these things if that.  But I had just a lap chole, something that people go into the hospital or satellite surgery centers as out patients and go about their business directly after.. that's NORMALLY.  Obviously, there is nothing normal about me. 

So here is the scoop- to my children and siblings:
Next time you have general anesthesia and they ask if you or any family member has ever had a bad reaction to anesthesia, you have to say YES.  Sorry 'bout that.

Post op day 2

Well, perhaps not THAT good.  :)  but  I do notice a certain difference today from the direct aching of yesterday and the pinching keyholes.
I feel a tad stronger, though still aching, just not as much or as many muscles are involved.  I believe staying home and inside is on the agenda today.  Looking to returning to worship next week. 
Sad that we missed that Civil War exhibit at Brookville yesterday.  I really was looking forward to it, but , well, I doubt I would have appreciated it much.  We shall go another time.
I made coffee.. still not up to the whole cup, but it's good.

It's raining today again.  The forecast is for 3-5" snow by this evening. 

Bearly awake

Right now I'm bearly awake and moving.  I've nearly finished that half banana I started this morning..heheheh.. I am not eating much yet.
The flu like symptoms they warned me about for today is more like a bus hitting me head on.  I'm soooooooooo sore.  Glad it's all over and hoping I'll be a bit peppier tomorrow.  Today is like sleep 2 hours, up an hour to get a drink, use the potty, or grab a cracker, back to bed for a few hours, and so on over and over.  I'm exhausted.. going back to bed

Recuperating

Very special thanks to JJ and Keith who got me to the hospital Tuesday and brought me home then and yesterday too.  And for Amanda and John who , though they were physically exhausted, stopped for groceries for me so I could have something easy to digest over the weekend.
The surgery seemed like a whirlwind.  I had only been off the Plavix for 4 days, so the risk of bleeding was very present during and after surgery.  All went as planned and quite well.   Not sure why I was in recovery for 2 hours rather than the 45min-hr they suggested.  Afterward, before I went home, the anesthesiologist came to talk to JJ and me about a situation that happened in the OR- he said I anesthetized easily, but I am very difficult to intubate.  He gave me copies of his note from my chart to give to the next guy who has to intubate me- let's hope NEVER.  :)

Last evening was pretty good.  Once I got home, I went directly to bed, did not pass go, did not collect $200.. oh, wait, that's Monopoly.. let's see...... I went to bed and ...hmmm I dont' remember much for the next few hours.  I got up later on and had Jello, and drank half of a bottle of Ensure.  Not bad.  I'm finding I don't want to eat/drink much at any one time- seems to aggravate my belly.  I'm learning a whole new way of eating.
As of yesterday, I've lost 8 # since Feb 10th.  This is a good thing- but I wish nausea was not the main reason.  Dressings are dry.  YAY!  They are 4 tiny little patches like small bandaids. 
This morning I feel much better, though I am just not sure how long I'll be on my feet.  I seem to use up all my energy just having a cup of tea or coffee, or jello like last evening.  Haven't had a pain pill since last evening, but I probably should 'just because'. 

I may have a half banana this morning , compliments of my best friend Sandi and Rick.  In next post I shall get that picture on the blog.  The potted flower is gorgeous, and the fruit is perfect!  Every piece just grown to perfection.  Thanks to both of you!

I want to thank you all for prayer all week too.  It works and does so very well.  God is merciful and He is the Great Physician whom I love and trust.  Thanks, Vince,  for being there for us yesterday as well.

More later.. I need to go back and lay down again

Surgery day

I'm going to have my gall bladder out today.  It's been a rough week or so with nausea and pain in my abdomen.  What was thought to be from metformin, is not at all, but cholelithiasis- gall stones and sludge.  UGH.
I look forward to no more nausea, but I know there will be some pain after surgery.  It is to be a laparoscopic surgery, so there will be no incision per se. 
The risk factors make me a bit unnerved.  I need the plavix to keep my blood from clotting and causing another stroke, but I need to be off the plavix to keep from bleeding internally post surgery.  Acckkk!
Pray all things would be within normal limits for this time period at least.
I'm thankful for my family who have been so supportive along the way.  I've been asking a lot lately, and promise I won't ask too much after this is all over.
Remembering Amy and the kids too- they have had a variety of illness at their house in the past week.  Praying for a reprieve for them.
Cousin Keith was hit by a car- needing to uphold him also, and his dad as he recovers from his surgery last fall.
Remembering Jane too as she looks to likely having another surgery on her hip- she has much pain.
Happy that springy weather is upon us- not all that warm, but present.
Gotta get myself ready to go..

The bariatric surgeon's office called this evening and has accepted Wendell into their program! He will have his surgery !!Follow along with us on the DOWNSIZING blog at your right.

BARIATRIC SURGERY

If you are interested in what we learned at our education session last evening, check the DOWNSIZING blog at the right. We learned a lot about bariatric surgeries and have pretty much decided which is for us..

Well, tonite I called the surgeon for Wendell. He has to go to an education session in Cranberry next Wednesday and apply .. fill out forms and get information for the various testing he needs.
Insurance requires 6 months of supervised diet with his PCP and he's already got 3 under his belt. Just 3 more to go. By the time we get everything in order, we should be ready to go .. he will get a call from the doctor's office to let him know if they will accept him for the surgery.

WENDELL ARTHROSCOPY

Wendell is doing well post surgery..home and not even using the crutches.. He has a cane that he's using for balance, but the pain is so much less. He had a bad tear that the doctor repaired.
Thanks, JJ, for providing his transportation and moral support too..

THUMBS UP !

If you don't think prayer is not effectual.. read on...
I did a lot of complaining about my thumbs this week and last night had so much pain and soreness and frustration, I had to share it with you all.. and though I feel sorry that I have been complaining so bitterly, you have apparently heard my request for prayer..
This morning the swelling is down and the pain is substantially reduced with just general discomfort. I picked up my coffee cup gingerly this morning and immediately noted that there was no sharp ripping pain in my thumbs or wrists. The redness is gone..and the joints have cooled down. Indeed, even my shoulders and back are more settled today.
I thank you all for prayer and I thank the Lord for the relief.
It is 2:30am.. I'm awake and don't plan to go back to bed at this point.. I've slept 6 hours and am feeling so much better. I have paper work to take care of for work today, and then after seeing my dear patients, I'll do some general cleaning of my office areas and get things back in order. Next week Kathy will be covering for me (her regular day) and I'll just do some clerical work.
Today JJ will be picking Wendell up for his surgery on his knee. Keep them all in prayer please.. the surgeon, anesthesia, etc.. all those who will be caring for him.
On to the day.. early as it is.. good to get a head start..

NEW BEGINNINGS

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
John 1:1-4

I'm up early- it's a new day- you might say the first day of the rest of my life. These verses from John keep running through my head this morning.
We have a lot of 'beginnings' in our lives. Learning to walk, speak, drive, etc.. then new births, marriages, friends, and jobs.. All of these have one thing in common- in the beginning, they were the start of something new and special. God certainly is weaving a beautiful tapestry with our lives. He has given us so many new beginnings, and all things come from his wonderful hands.
Today I'll be at the hospital again- gainfully employed. It's my regular weekend off, but one of my co-workers was so kind to change days with me so I could be off yesterday to be with Mandy and John on their special new beginning. So I am fulfilling my obligation to my co-worker, and then be off again on the Sabbath.
We plan to be in church then, so ask that you all would uphold us in prayer again - that we would both be healthy and able to make the trip down to New Kensington. God has already provided new tires for my car, and a full tank of gas.
All is cleared on all sides for Wendell to return to work on Monday- 6 weeks post operatively.
He will be on light duty for 4 more weeks, and his boss says he'll have him do some painting for a while. He still has to be very careful- his sternum is just beginning to heal, and could snap easily if he isn't. He's moving around pretty well, and able to do some little things- like mowing grass on the lawn tractor.
I guess you could say it's a new beginning for him- new coronary vessels, and returning to work anew for this season.
New beginnings tend to make my heart joyful.. that's the way it should be.
Have a glorious new day, everyone... be thankful and pray without ceasing!

WEARY......

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable." Isaiah 40:28

I'm starting to feel weary. I'm so thankful that God doesn't and is able to keep me going. After 2 evenings at the hospital, and a 3rd one today, I do feel the effects. It doesn't seem to matter whether I'm overworked or have had 2 easy nights there (which I have). I've been the lone secretary on my unit that is usually tended by 2 secretaries. It hasn't been bad. Quite the opposite. But my body gets so tired from the regimented up at 8am and to bed at 1am the next day, with all the activity in between.
Wendell has gone to see the cardiologist- his first trip out by himself. It was sort of a force play in that if I got up at 6:30am to go with him, I'd not have had enough sleep to make it to midnight tonite. Hopefully all will be well physically with him. I see no reason for any other choice. He's done very well, and though he doesn't care to do his walking, he needs to do this to return to his job in another 8 weeks hopefully.
I have been in contact with a cousin from my mother's side of the family. He sent me some old pictures with identifications. This is such a delight to me. I haven't done much with the family history for quite a while. I'd been compiling photos to put on another blogsite,listed to the right of this posting- IMM BEST CONNECTION - when his e-mail arrived. I have been seriously considering posting my mother's journals online in yet another blog. It would be time consuming, but like the photos, I'd be doing only a little at a time.
I need to get moving on my day. It will be another long one. Enjoy the sunshine and keep praying !!!!

SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS....

"then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit"
Leviticus 26:4

It's 3am. Why I awaken at this hour so many nights, I wonder. There is gentle rain falling in these wee hours of the morning- something that normally would put me to sleep soundly.
And yet, here I am.
We needed the rain that came yesterday afternoon and evening, and there is more to come today says the weatherman. Work day at the church had to be cancelled.
Yesterday afternoon Wendell was wrapped up in a fleece blanket with a heavy comforter and a flannel shirt. He was cold. It was nearly 80 degrees. I wouldn't have thought much of it, but he said he was chilling. I looked for a thermometer, but couldn't find one and had to leave for work- I was already pushing the clock pretty closely. I'd noticed he was pale at breakfast, but then he does look pale by times. I was feeling pretty shaken by this event, so I decided to buy a thermometer on my way to work and ask JJ to stop by the house on her way home and check him out. As a second thought, I decided to call her at work on my way and make sure she didn't leave before I got there, but the cell phone was disconnected- the bill came this Tuesday and I hadn't paid it yet, but there it was- no service. It would have been a minor annoyance normally, but with Wendell convalescing, he could still develop infection and need more hospitalization if that were the case- he could go down pretty rapidly. So my nerves were becoming a bit tattered in light of this fact and that if I had to wait to get to the hospital to see JJ, I might just miss her. Prayer is always the answer. And the various verses I have hid in my heart started coming to mind .. "I will not leave you nor forsake you", "Fear not", "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you".. and they go on. I don't remember much of the drive into the hospital- my stomach was in knots wondering "What next?".. but still hanging on to the promises. I told JJ what I needed and she quickly and cheerfully agreed to check her dad on her way home.. and then I asked her to call me to set my mind at ease- but to use the department phone as mine was not in service because of the bill. She assured me she'd call, and I gave her the new thermometer and headed up to my department.
I was chosen to mentor a new secretary. She's a delight and will be a good one for my unit. This was to be her last night of orientation, so I was able to sit back and just be there in case she had any questions and make sure she did the job correctly. God is merciful in that I wasn't sure I'd be able to think straight until I heard all was well at home- he provided another secretary to do the work while I sat, observed and made suggestions on how to do things in a more orderly manner. She asked me how my past week had gone since I'd been her mentor last Monday. I told her about the fire and how I thought I'd done well with all the joking that went on after. Then I told her about Wendell and how he'd been chilling, and she told me her father in law had open heart surgery 6 weeks ago, and has had the same thing! Well, now, maybe it isn't infection then.. maybe a quirk of post op recovery for open heart. She offered so much reassurance. By supper, we were laughing and giggling at silly mistakes we make when we transcribe and when we answer the phone. ("5Main- Unit specimen".. I'll never live that one down! ) JJ called shortly after supper to say all was well on the homefront, his temperature was 97 something, and that my cell phone works fine. I was happy and relieved to hear he was okay, but then , confused about the cell phone..... she said the bill was paid and service was restored. Well, what does one say but Thank You ... and then the tears start to well up..
I don't think I know anyone who has a family that is so supportive and comes together so much and so often when another member is having a hard time. It is only the hand of God who is making provision for us.
I have really experienced 'showers of blessings' yesterday. Prayer answered, Wendell is okay, the cell phone is in service, and He sent me Kelly for reassurance, and we are getting the rain we have needed. Who could ask for anything more?
Sometimes I just am so awestruck at the things that happen around me.... how God takes what I see as catastrophe and turns them into good. I can only see such a wee tiny piece of the tapestry He weaves. Sometimes I just don't understand why things happen, but I know that things are always under His control, and though I can't see it, there is purpose to it all- and He just keeps weaving.. adding new threads and removing others and making things perfect.

LIFE IS GRAND

"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise." Psalm 57:7

Good morning! It's Wednesday. Already I have had 2 little girls sing Happy Birthday to me!
It is just the best part of my day so far. I'm certainly looking forward to a far less exciting day today.
As you probably can imagine, I was awake during the night and staring out the kitchen window looking for any sign of fire. Satisfied there was none, I went back to bed praying there would be no cry of alarm during the rest of the night. I slept peacefully thereafter.

VNA called yesterday to affirm that Wendell didn't have to do the monitoring any more. Of course, this morning he again registered 88% for oxygen saturation, but by now you would surely think that they would understand that the readings are incorrect. I retested him after it transmitted, and it read 97%. Pretty good. We may hear from them again, but hopefully this time it will be to come to remove the monitor.
With his changes in insulin, his blood sugars are fairly stable most of the time. He'll be continuing checking 4 times a day until it evens out all day.

The sun is shining brightly this morning. All is well again. Keep praying!

GOOD BYE LADY IN THE BLACK BOX!!

It is Tuesday, April 18, 2006. After almost 4 weeks, Wendell has been to see his PCP for a followup visit. All is well. He increased his insulin morning and evening again. He'll start it in the morning. The doctor also decided he didn't need the VNA monitor any more, and they were calling them to let them know today. Good bye lady in the black box..here's your hat, what's your hurry?.. hehehehe....... We should be done with it tomorrow! YIPPEE!
He can start making short trips any time he feels ready now. Hooray!!!
I came home tonite and heard the tv in the bedroom. I stopped to tell Wendell good night, and noted the oxygen wasn't on. He had his CPAP on and was trying to use it. He really needs to try to get used to that thing. It's not so bad....really. Next week he sees the Pulmonologist for a follow up visit. They will determine whether he has to keep his O2 or return it. They will be testing him in the office, so he has to prove himself able to go without it.
God is so good and has blessed us over and over. Keep praying that he will keep improving.
He needs to do more walking.. and needs encouraged to do so. It will be the key to returning to his old job at the park. The guys there are just waiting for the day.
So we have all good news to report this time.. More later..
Have a super duper day all.....and ........Keep praying!!!!!!!!

IT'S 3AM

"Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth." Psalm 54:2

It's 3:30am. I have slept approximately 2 hours. No, I don't have any pain, nor do I have a good reason for being awake, but I am. Fortunately for me, I'm not gainfully employed today, and so am not concerned as much with sleep tonite.
Perhaps it's the sounds of the night that keep me awake- or the absence of them. New sounds in our home make me feel uncomfortable sometimes- the sound of the rhythmic hiss and pft! of the oxygen generator in the hallway for one. Or perhaps I just didn't 'wind down' from my busy evening at the hospital. Or perhaps it was just my C-PAP mask that wants to leak and wakes me frequently- that's probably it.
Yes, I'm tired and feel a bit weary. I have much to accomplish today.

As long as I'm here, I'll update on Wendell. He's doing very well. Yesterday he didn't feel much like walking, so he didn't, but I'll see that we walk today. Each day he's a little stronger.
We should hear from the VNA nurse today and she should remove the monitor that demands our undivided attention at 9am sharp every morning- at least I hope so- he still is using the oxygen at night, and they may want to continue monitoring him? I don't know.. don't see why they need to.
His incisions are looking more like scars now, and healing well.

I've lost 11 pounds. This week has been a lot slower for me weight-wise, but I stick to the diet just like Wendell does. The scales yesterday showed a 3# weight gain for him, but there is no way that can be correct.

I'm feeling a bit more weary..... better head back to bed.

THEREFORE MY HEART IS GLAD...

"8 I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices, my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand" . Psalm 16: 8-11

I love the Psalms. They can meet about any occasion in my life with a message. There are Psalms that support me when I grieve, when I'm happy and just want to praise God for all the blessings He gives to me, or just to read to raise my spirits when I feel low. When I'm in trouble, there is comfort and reassurance in the Psalms.
We sing the Psalms (as was meant to be done) and in singing them over the decades, the words have been bound to my heart so that I can bring them to mind in most any situation.

Good morning! Hope your day is a bright and cheery one. It should be in the low 60s today- ahhhhhh......SPRING HAS SPRUNG !!!!!!
Yesterday was a relaxing one for the most part. Wendell and I took a walk outside. Each time he walks, there is improvement- a little farther each time, a little longer walk time-wise too.
Yesterday he opted for not 'wearing' the oxygen, but carrying it with us as he walked. No shortness of breath noted. Now, THAT'S an improvement. We walk slowly, no power walking here, but each step strengthens the muscles that will enable him to return to his job in another 9 weeks and in 2 weeks, we'll be making the trip to church again, Lord willing.
He was tired after the walk, and spent the rest of the afternoon napping and restoring his energy.

Today and tomorrw I'll be working at the hospital in the afternoon. Wendell will be on his own during that time. I haven't asked anyone to come to stay with him, but he'll be able to manage alone for an evening or two.

Amy isn't feeling well - fever, aching, etc.. add her to your prayer list, if you would. She has the kids to care for and home-school. They might just have to take a sick day today. Paul is to be working and she'll need a lot of strength to get through today.

I talked to Nicki last evening- she promises pictures as soon as they get to Brendon's house.
She's headed for Chicago again for continuing treatment. Uphold her with prayer too, please.

Last evening Mandy said she and John have finally set a date for their wedding ceremony. It'll be May 5. They are taking the following week off for a honeymoon up near where Valentines live. We are so happy and delighted for them- please remember them with prayer also.

That's the news for today.... gonna be a busy week again- keep praying!

GRACE AND PEACE TO YOU

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ". I Corinthians 1:3

It's a peaceful day here aside from the morning monitor demanding that Wendell weigh himself. Breakfast is over- moving right along into the day. The sun is shining and the world seems so full of life. It was 27 degrees this morning, but the promise of the local weather forecaster is a beautiful day. Tulips are starting to poke their heads up out of the ground, and daffodils too. Oh, how I love spring! - everything green- everything new again!

Wendell's weight is staying the same today- mine too for 2 days. His blood sugars stayed under 200 all day yesterday, and he's starting out with a 116 this morning.
The C-PAP yesterday was okay- not great, but just okay. He's trying. It sometimes takes time to get used to wearing a face mask blowing air at you while you try to sleep. He will attempt again today.

Amy let me know last evening that little P3 accidently touched a heater in the garage and now has a blister or two on his hand. He was pretty upset. Poor guy. These things happen, and it's all a part of growing up- I'd wager he'll not get too close to that heater again.
I hope you feel better today , P3 !

I got an email from my sister in law Mary Lou, to let us know that her brother Ed had passed away yesterday. So very sorry to hear the sad news. Our prayers to comfort you and your family are on the way. Only He can give that peace in a time when you are feeling such a loss.

When it gets a little warmer this afternoon, Wendell and I will take a little stroll outside. He tries to go out every day, but some days it's rainy or just too cold. Gotta get the muscles built up and that includes the heart muscle. Walking is THE ULTIMATE exercise for that, and it'll do us both good. (Maybe I should locate a couple potato sacks for him too??)

Easter is next Sunday. This would be Palm Sunday today. We don't celebrate Easter per se, or as the rest of the world does. I grew up with my Easter basket and corsages, and new dress for church. My children didn't get much of that. I'd changed my opinion of the 'holiday'.. it is so mercenary and leaves one bewildered and unfocused. Instead, we celebrate Christ's resurrection every day of the year. We are given the gift of eternal life if we just believe what is written in the scriptures- that Jesus died and was raised from the dead, and those who believe will have life eternally. Oh, how wonderful this Good News is for all of us!
I know I'm going to hear about how deprived my children all felt growing up when I refused to give them an Easter Basket. Well, it is sort of like Christmas- If I told you when you were small that there was a Santa, you would have been disappointed later to know that the person doesn't exist- it would have been a lie; and if I told you then that there was an Easter Bunny that brought you a basket of goodies, you would later have been disappointed to find out otherwise also- yet another lie. And then if I told you that there was a man who died and was raised from the dead.... you would likely NOT have believed me since I told you the other 'lies'.. or perhaps doubted in your mind. It was not a seed I wanted to plant. Yes, I hear you.."but Mom, it didn't make YOU an unbeliever".. that's grace.
I become horrified when I hear about children taking their Easter Baskets to have the minister/priest bless them... what is this? It's certainly not scriptural. Worldly Easter traditions have permeated our sancturaries.. the focus is NOT on Christ, but on chocolate bunnies and baskets of other confections!
I'll get off my soapbox now.

Have a super duper day, everyone.......Keep Praying!