October 26, 2012

Hello Everyone,  

 

I know it's been a long time since an update but we have been traveling back and forth to Tupelo so much I haven't had time to write much of anything.  I have finished my radiation treatments and am doing pretty good.  I am still tired from them.  That was the hardest part - the tiredness - and even that is getting better.  I will be on a cancer prevention drug for 5 yrs. which is common now days.  The main side effect of it is bone pain and that isn't pleasant.

 

Dale is doing great.  We are still going to therapy 3 days a week.  Billy Paul Spencer has been helping me out by carrying Dale one day a week when he can and that has helped so much.  I was telling Dale the other night that Billy Paul was going to carry him on Tuesday and he looked at me and said "Billy Paul" as plain as we could say it.  He repeats a lot of the words he hears you say.  HA!?!  He has got his new Grandson's name down pat "Nathan".  It's so sweet to hear him say it because he gets so excited when you talk about Nathan. When he is talking on the phone to our girls he will come out with a new word and then he tells them "bye" when they get through talking.  When he knows what he wants to say he is trying really hard to put the words together.   This is a big accomplishment to be able to get the words to come out.  If he can't get them out the first time he will sit there and then he will come out with the main word that let's me know what he is talking about. 

 

In Occupational Therapy they are still working on the right arm which has more movement.  He still doesn't have movement in the right hand but hopefully that will come back.  Last week they started to working with him on making a peanut butter & jelly sandwich but he ran out of time before he finished it.  I started to ask if they had any pineapple, he could make it a lot quicker.

 

In Physical Therapy he is walking for 20 minutes at a time and a lot of that time is spent outside if the weather permits.  They also have what they call an adult tricycle and he takes off on it.  At home we are walking outside and he is walking a long way down the driveway and back.  At therapy he goes up and down flights of stairs and he walks hills, so they put him through it there.  When we get home he is ready to eat supper, get ready for bed and be in bed by 8:30 at the latest.  It still takes a lot of energy for him to do 3 hours of therapy.  Thinking about it makes me tired and I haven't had a stroke.

 

We want to thank each of you for your love, prayers and concern for us.  We have truly felt your prayers and love.  Each of you are very special to us and we thank our Father for you each day.  

 

We love you,

 

Doug & Dale

"¹ When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion,

    we were like men who dreamed.
² Our mouths were filled with laughter,
    our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
³ The Lord has done great things for us,
    and we are filled with joy.

⁴ Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.
⁵ Those who sow in tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
⁶ He who goes out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,    carrying sheaves with him."   Psalm 126

September 26, 2012 - Nathan Dale

Here are pictures of the newest member of our family.  Born about 3 weeks early around 4 something Sunday morning weighing in at 6lb. 7oz.  As you can see he has lots of love surrounding him.   His name is Nathan Dale Van Iderstine.

Joan's son Kelson fell off his bike last week and broke his wrist s now he has a cast.  We have laughed of all the colors he could have he chose white and won't let anyone sign it.  He is one unique little man.

Dale is doing great since his fall and broken hip.  He is back to walking good and walked into church again this morning.  He can get up out of his wheelchair  & into his recliner by himself again.  In speech he is making great progress.  I asked him on Saturday what he had been eating for lunch and asked if he had been eating pineapple sandwiches and he nodded yes. I asked if he had been eating the grapes we had in the refrigerator and he sat there a minute and then he said  no, apples.  And said it just as plain as we could say it.  When he talks to the girls and  they get through talking he says bye to them.  He is really making progress. He wants to talk so bad, please continue to pray for him in this.  He wants to preach again so much.

I am doing good with the radiation treatments.  I have 10 to go.  They say the last 2 weeks are the hardest.  I known I've been sore and tired both and do expect it to get worse.  I'm usually sore the second treatment and then it's not quite as sore.  We have members of the church and friends driving us now and that is helping so much.  They are also bringing meals 3 times a week and with both of those it's a lifesaver.  By the time we get home from therapy on Tues.- Thurs. It's almost 6:30 each night.  That makes for a long day when you get up at 5:15.  If I'm really tired by the end of the week I take Friday off.  

 

So, that is what is going on with us right now.  We count our blessings everyday and are so thankful for everything Dale accomplishes.  We are so thankful for each of you who read the blog and are praying for us. We truly feel your prayers and love each do you dearly.

 

Love, 

Doug & Dale

 

 

I know Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug are ready to hold their new grandbaby!  I think this verse of Because He Lives is so appropriate to share because they are living proof of the testimony of this song.  

 

How sweet to hold
A newborn baby
And feel the pride
And joy he gives,
But greater still
The calm assurance
This child can face
Uncertain days
Because He lives.

 

Because He lives
I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives
All fear is gone.
Because I know
He holds the future,
And life and is worth the living
Just because He lives.

 

Colossians 1:27 "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

September 12, 2012

Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug got home around 7 last night.  The doctor put him on no restrictions and he will not have to have home health w/ this setback.  So that's good news!  He's taking a day off today and will start back on track with rehab tomorrow.  He is with a sitter today as Mrs. Doug still has radiation. 

Please continue to pray for this precious family.  Thanks!

"This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."  
Nehemiah 8:10

September 10, 2012

Bro. Dale & Mrs. Doug had a very good night!  Both were able to rest.  He had pain medicine this morning and is now preparing to get a bath and shave.  Mrs. Doug tried to talk him in to just leaving the "beard" so he would not have to shave anymore.  He just gave her "the eye."  Nurses will be getting him up and helping him walk this morning.  Then, they wait for the "next plan."

The Retirement Reception that is planned for next Sunday, September 16, has been postponed for now.  It will be rescheduled as to when we know Bro. Dale's homecoming and further progress.

Also, when Bro. Dale & Mrs. Doug come home, Sunday School classes are preparing meals for them.  The first couple of weeks are already planned.  Laura Clark will be talking with a contact person from each Sunday School class to schedule meals and times.  Anyone else who wishes to participate may do so.  She can be contacted at 682-9031 or 617-1610 for any questions or information.

1 O Lord, You have searced me and known me.  2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.  3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.  4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.  5 You have hedged me behind and before.  And laid Your hand upon me.

Psalm 139:1-5

September 8, 2012

As you all have previously read, Bro. Dale had a fall last Friday.  After further tests and admission to NMMC yesterday, he had surgery today.  The hip was fractured and 3 pins were put in.  He is doing as well as can be expected, still very sore.  He is in room #4402.  He will rest today and they will try to walk him tomorrow. 
Mrs. Doug started radiation last week and is still in "optimistic mode." 
As always, they both covet all prayers as they face each new day and what it has in store.


I would like to share this message that Bro. Dale wrote some time ago.  I read it from desk daily.  I just feel as if Bro. Dale is living this and he would tell you if he were able.

"We need encouraging words.  We need true words.  We need an anchor on which to solidify our hope.  We need God.
What frightens you?  What gets you down?  What makes you want to quit?  Look beyond the problem and see the Lord!"
"May God bless us as we seek and trust Him."

Sept. 2, 2012

(Update Mrs. Doug emailed me Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012)

Hello everyone, just wanted to give y'all an update of all that is going on with us now.  We were in Tupelo Friday afternoon and Dale was stepping up on a curb and he didn't get his foot up high enough and fell. We got him up but he had trouble standing on his right leg.  We went on home and it got to hurting worse and went back to Tupelo to have it ex-rayed and there were no broken bones just sprained.  They didn't do an MRI on it but it isn't swollen.  It still hurts to put a lot of weight on it.  Please, pray that it won't be any more than a sprain and that it will heal quickly.  He was doing so good with his walking and now this has set him back some, praying not for long.  His upper arm and shoulder are getting movement in them.  He has really come so far and is still counting on the day he can stay by himself.  His speech is getting better when I ask him something and then say the word that would go with the answer he will repeat it and then sometimes he will say things with a one word  that he is trying to tell me.  I am getting to where I can understand what he is saying and wants some of the time.  I really have to pray for patience in this.  Please, never take it for granted if you can talk and especially to your mate, it  is a cherished gift!

All the tests have been done and I will start radiation treatments this Tuesday.  I will have to take them for 5 weeks 5 days a week.  I have friends who are going to help us out by driving us there most days.  That will help so much.  I have started the cancer drug femara that I will have to take for 5 years.  So far I haven't noticed any side effects.  So, now we have the ball rolling on that and I' m ready to get this over with.  As you can see we are very busy as usual, but God is so good in giving me the strength I need.  I continually call out to Him and He hears me and comforts us.

Thank each of you for your prayers and encouraging words they mean so much.
We love you,
Dale & Doug

"²⁸ Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:28-31

Aug 22, 2012 - Supporting Their Rams

Hey, thought you might like to see how we spent our Friday night. Regretfully we lost.

 

I went to the oncologist today and got the final results.  The cancer has not spread and is not aggressive. The Dr. said the tests came back perfect.  I will take a chemo pill for five years and I go see a radiologist next week to get the radiation treatments started.  As far as I know now it will be for 5 weeks 5 times a week.

  

Dale is doing good.  He is getting more independent every day and is counting the days until he can stay by himself.  He still has a ways to go before he will be able to do that.  The Easley determination has set in.  We went back to Jackson last Wed. and got more Botox shots.  The arm and hand seem to be loosening up now.  Please pray for him that his sight will be completely restored and that his speech will return.  He seems to be more emotional about those two things right now.

Love you all, 

Doug and Dale

"1 But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, O Jacob,
    he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
³ For I am the Lord, your God,     the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;"  Isaiah 43:1-3

August 5, 2012

Hey everyone, we have had a busy week.  I think we went to Tupelo or somewhere everyday last week.  We had an eye Dr. appointment on Mon. They did the eye test on Dale we had tried to do earlier and weren't able to.  He was able to do it this time and it showed that when he had the stroke he lost the vision on the right side of both eyes.  While he was doing the test Dr. Powell was talking to me about what he thought the problem was from the way Dale described his vision to us.  When he finished the test it was exactly like the picture the Dr. had shown me.  Basically you could take a ruler and draw a straight line down the middle of Dale's eye and that would show you exactly how much of the vision he has lost on both eyes on the right side of the eye.  The good part is that the sight can come back to the eye, it just takes time.  On the right there was a small patch in the blackened out area that was lighter than the rest, so we can hope that it might be improving.  The other thing Dr. Powell told us is that people who have a stroke as severe as Dale's can be left blind.  So, we are counting our blessings for the sight he has. 

Dr. Rice the orthopedic surgeon called and talked to the neurologist and between them they decided it would not be safe to do surgery on Dale's shoulder.  Dr. Rice told me he did not realize how bad a stroke Dale had.  They are all seeing that by human standards Dale should not be here.  I want you to pray that as we meet up with all these Doctors that we will be able to point them to Christ.  We know that God has a purpose for Dale still being and He is not through with him yet.

I went for my first oncologist visit this week and really like my Dr.  I will go next week to have a PET scan done and then the week after that I go back to see Dr. Crook and we will decide which kind of treatment I will need.  There is one more test they are running on the tissue sample and that is to determine if the cancer is aggressive.  If it is the aggressive kind, I will have to take chemo.  If it isn't, I will take radiation and a pill for 5 yrs.

Dale is doing great in all his therapies.  His walking is getting better & better and he can walk further.  In OT they are using e-stim on his hand to get the fingers moving.  He is still having a lot of pain with that arm, so, make that matter of prayer.  He is learning to write with his left hand and is trying hard.  In speech he is doing great.  Neva is his speech teacher and she is so good.  She sends him home with homework on the weekend.  He still won't just start saying words to you when you're together, but in speech she will hand him a card and he will read it and you can hear him saying the word.  So, he is making great progress with his speech.

Today was a very emotional day for us and for the members of Vardaman,FBC.  Dale has been preaching for 50yrs. this year and he has decided it's time to retire.  He had planned to do this before he had the stroke but I think it would have been a little further down the road.  So, this morning we announced his retiring and resigned as Pastor of Vardaman, FBC.  We need your prayers as we adjust to this.  We have been at Vardaman for 26yrs.  It will still be our home church.  As we told them this morning, we are just moving from the role of Shepherd to being part of the flock.  Words can't express the love we have felt all these years.  It has been a wonderful ministry.  Thank you, Vardaman for 26 plus great years. 

We love you all,
Dale &Doug

There's no doubt in my mind that even though God has retired Bro. Dale from pastoring, God has given Bro. Dale a testimony and a ministry to share his hope with those around him.  To God be the glory and may God continue to use Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug to bring souls into the Kingdom of God.


¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.  
1 Peter 3:15




"5 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. ² Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, ³ because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. ⁴ For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
⁶ Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ We live by faith, not by sight....

 ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. ²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."  2 Corinthians 5:5-7, 17-21

July 28, 2012

Hey everyone, I'm sorry it has been so long since an update.  We have been very busy, which really sounds good considering how far we have come.  We have made a trip to Jackson since the last update I think.  We will be getting more botox shots for the arm and hand and if there is any to spare maybe some for my turkey neck. HA! JUST KIDDING!  Since then we have found out we can get the shots in Tupelo.  All we will need is for the Dr. to request them and we are working on that now.  Dale is on a new seizure med. now that seems to be working really well.  He had another seizure on July 5th and I gave him the med. he had been on before and he slept for a day and a half only waking up mainly to go the bathroom and eat.  

 

We have gotten him started on out patient therapy in Tupelo 3 times a week.  All the therapist who were coming here said it would do him good to get out more and well, we have only been home 1 day this week or at least I have.  We went to the Dr. today to find out what was causing all the pain in his right shoulder and he has what they call a frozen shoulder.  Surgery is the main way they treat it but I have read some on it and exercise also works well.  The Dr. today was saying considering how the stroke had effected the right arm would it be worth putting him through the surgery if he might not get use of the hand back.  Now, you know me, I did cut the Dr. some slack and not just tell right out that Dale would get use of that arm and hand but did let him know that I believed we could get some use of it back.  We know he can move it from side to side because he moved it out once at lunch to hold Reagan's hand.  He surprised us all and himself.  He is always surprised at what he can do now and very proud.  

 

We were walking today and he was not taking a step and stopping and moving the other foot forward, he was walking normally. Whenever we go somewhere that we are just going in for a few min. or where he can sit down he walks in now and doesn't use his wheechair.  He walked into chucrh last Sunday night and this Wed. night. We went after the Dr. appointment today and got him walking shoes and he was like a kid with a new pair of shoes.  After he got ready for bed and was ready to put on his house shoes he pointed to his new walking shoes and wanted to wear them.  

 

In PT they are using a machine that they put around his leg right below the knee and then a pad in the heel of his shoe, then they turn it on by a keypad and it makes his foot lift up, then they start walking.  They walk for about 15 min. or more and then she will do balancing exercises with him and then he finishes up on the bike.  When he gets through on the bike he is sweating.  Each therapist works with him for an hour.  

 

In speech he is still progressing.  I'll give you a few examples of what he has learned to do.  Yesterday the therapist laid out the numbers from 1-12 all mixed up and he had to put them in order.  He did without any problem.  The same thing with the days of the week, he put them in the right order and then they said them together.  She was spelling out the word finger and after she had spelled it he said finger.  What she was trying to get him to do was to point to the fingers on a picture of a boy so she was spelling the word finger and he told her what she had spelled.  Then she got out a book that had a picture of a car with a flat tire and then there were 3 sentences to the left of the picture and she wanted to see if he should read them and match the right one with the picture.  He could!  It is amazing what he can understand but is having such a hard time expressing.  Neva, the therapist, told him yesterday that the things he does and seems to forget will get further & further apart and the things he is struggling with in memory and speech will get easier & easier, but that it will take a long time and a lot of hard work.  So, we covet your prayers for the rewiring of the brain and with he speech, for patience for him and for me as I try to understand what he is trying to tell me.  It is so hard for both of us at times when he is trying to tell me something and I don't have a clue as to what he is talking about. He still doesn't try to start a conversation but you can tell he wants to.  I really think he thinks he can't but I keep getting him to ask for things instead of pointing or saying yep. 

 

I go next week for my first visit with the oncologist and will probably start radiation treatments within the next few weeks.  School will be starting also, so I need lots of prayers for strength to get through all of this.  I know I can count on all of you for that and I know My God has given me the strength to make it this far and He is going to carry me through this. 

 

I will try to keep you updated more often,  Thank you, for your prayers and support.

We love you,

Doug & Dale 

"⁴ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. ⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, ⁶ so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."  Romans 15:4-6


"¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:12-14

July 3, 2012

I called Mrs. Doug and she said that she had just gotten out of the doctor's office.  They said they like to get a 1 inch margin of what they cut around the tumor and they got over an inch all the way around and it all came back clear and cancer free.  So she's glad to get a good report.  She has an appointment with an oncologist (Dr. Croop) at the end of the month to do tests and schedule the radiation.  

They are really enjoying having all the girls and grand kids in town.  The doctor gave her permission to swim as long as it wasn't in the lake.  She said they'd just been having a ball.  Kelsen said the prayer at dinnertime and said, "Thank you, Lord, for the food, for my family and for this week." 

Bro. Dale will have an evaluation on July 17 for outpatient therapy.  He is able to stand by himself and move around on his own really well now.  Tonight at supper she was trying to figure out something he wanted and she said, "Do you want this?  Just tell me yes or no" and he said, "no."  She said that he's just doing great and he's enjoying having the grand kids there.  She said she can tell that they aren't bothering him at all.  She said she can tell that it's hard for him to not be able to talk to them.  But he's enjoying watching them and they come and talk to him and hug on him, so they are doing well with it all. 


¹⁶ But I call to God,
    and the Lord saves me.
¹⁷ Evening, morning and noon
    I cry out in distress,
    and he hears my voice.
¹⁸ He ransoms me unharmed
    from the battle waged against me,
    even though many oppose me.
¹⁹ God, who is enthroned forever,
    will hear them and afflict them— Selah
men who never change their ways
    and have no fear of God. 

²² Cast your cares on the Lord
    and he will sustain you;
    he will never let the righteous fall.
²³ But you, O God, will bring down the wicked
    into the pit of corruption;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
    will not live out half their days.

But as for me, I trust in you.  Psalm 55:16-19, 22-23

June 26, 2012

I called Mrs. Doug and she said she's been doing pretty good.  She said she had to call the doctor today because she kept hearing a sloshing sound when she moved around.  They said that was fluid in the cavity where they removed the lump and it would just absorb itself into the body and not to worry about it.

Overall, she has been a little tired from the surgery but she says she's not been overdoing it.  She said yesterday she didn't feel great and felt like she might have had a low grade fever, but today she felt a lot better.  She's thankful that she hasn't had to worry about cooking much.  She wanted me to be sure to thank everyone that has brought food.  It has been so helpful. 

She said that she wouldn't start the radiation until about 4-6 weeks out from the surgery because she has to be completely healed before she can have it done.  She will plan to have it after school and wants to be able to take Bro. Dale with her so he can start some outpatient therapy. 

She's looking forward to having all her girls come in on Sunday and spending next week with them. 



²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”   Matthew 11:28-30

June 24, 2012

Good morning, just wanted to give you a quick update. I'm doing great, feel good and not too sore.  Dale & I are planning on going to church this morning.
Dale is doing great.  We are looking forward to getting out patient therapy set up for him in Tupelo soon.  We are hoping to get some of it started before I start my treatments.  As far as we know now I will have to take five weeks of radiation  five times a week.  So, we are hoping to get him started in therapy there before I start.  He is really motivated now and is excited about getting further therapy.
Now, for the funny story I promised you.  The dentist suggested we get a water pic to help get the food that was getting stuck around one of Dale's teeth.  So, we got one and I was helping him use it.  Wait let's rephrase that I was using it on the tooth.  Bless his soul he's a trooper.  I was spaying the water around the tooth and decided to take it out and see if it had helped but there was one problem I forgot to turn it off before I took it out of his mouth.  I realized what I had done and turned it off and looked at him and he had water dripping off of his nose, eyelashes and hair and was shaking his head.  Of course like any GOOD wife I fell out laughing and wiped him down.  Then we tried it again, you wonder if he didn't learn anything the first time.  This time we got all the stuff from around the tooth but again I forgot to turn it off at one point and his shirt was all wet.  Then he got to laughing with me because I was laughing so hard.  You really need to pray for him having to live with me.  I keep telling him that as long as he keeps me around life won't be dull.  So, this is how we stay upbeat me and my craziness.
Love y'all and thank you for the prayers and support.
Doug &Dale

¹ When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion,
    we were like men who dreamed.
² Our mouths were filled with laughter,
    our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
³ The Lord has done great things for us,
    and we are filled with joy.

⁴ Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.
⁵ Those who sow in tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
⁶ He who goes out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with him.  Psalm 126

June 19, 2012 Day after Mrs. Doug's Surgery

Just received a call from Mrs. Doug.  She has been up since 7am, had shower, did usual morning routine and has sit down with a book.  She is feeling really great!  And those are her words.  She took her first pain pill a little while ago, since yesterday!  She said it hurts the most when she laughs.  And if you know Mrs. Doug, it will be hard for her not to laugh and be jolly!  What an amazing "WO MAN!"  She wants everyone to know how much they appreciate all the prayers, because they were truly felt.  She is anxious about her two week check-up and to be released.  All the girls will be here then and she is so excited that she will then be able to "play" especially in the pool!  Seriously, she expressed her thankfulness to all and says they love you all!

June 18, 2012 - Out of surgery

Janice called and said that Mrs. Doug made it through surgery fine and she was about to be out of recovery.  She should be out by now.  The doctor said that they did cuttings before and during surgery from her lymph nodes that came back clean.  They were going to do one more post-op.  The surgeon also said he was able to get good clean margins when he cut the tumor out, so he felt good about that.  She should be able to come home this afternoon.  Janice said she'd call with another update after they talk to the surgeon again. 

Thank you for your prayers!

"¹⁹ Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he saved them from their distress.
²⁰ He sent forth his word and healed them;
    he rescued them from the grave.
²¹ Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for men.
²² Let them sacrifice thank offerings
    and tell of his works with songs of joy."  Psalm 107:19-22

June 18, 2012 - Surgery for Mrs. Doug

Janice called and said that they took her back at 7:45am this morning and started the dye that takes 2 hours to work before they start the surgery.  Surgery will take approximately an hour and recovery another 30 minutes.  They won't know until after that if she will have to stay overnight or not. 

We also just got word that they have inserted a wire and beginning surgery.  They ask us to pray that the cancer is contained and that the surgery will be contained. 

Mrs. Doug emailed me late last night an update about Bro. Dale:

"This one will be short & sweet.  I will do another update later this week, as I have a very good funny to share with you in our latest events.  I promise you'll love it.
Dale is doing great with walking.  We are using 1-1/2lb. Weights on his right leg to exercise it before we walk and 3 lb. weight on his left leg.  He is tolerating this really well. Yesterday we walked 2 times and he was the one that let me know he wanted to walk.  We also walked twice on Friday.
In OT they are still working on everyday tasks of dressing and showering.  Then on the other day they work on the arm.  We still don't have movement in the right arm or hand but they say the hand is the last place to get movement. 
In speech he is making progress.  If he doesn't think about it he says words but if you try to get him to say them he has a harder time.  So, all in all we are making progress.  The thing I desire the most is for him to be able to talk.  Please, pray for this to happen:)
I have to be at the hospital in the morning at 6:30.  Then I have to go to radiology for a procedure and wait 2 hrs. So, I not really sure what time they will start the surgery.  Please, continue to pray and thank you already for the prayers you have offered.  I feel so at peace about this and I know it's because of all you praying for us.  Thank you so much.
We love you,
Doug & Dale"

June 10, 2012

email update from Mrs. Doug:

"Well, let's see where do we begin since the last update.  Dale's walking is getting better and better each week.  They are now using a one pound weight on his right leg to exercise it before he walks and a three pound weight on the left leg.  You can tell his right leg is getting stronger by how far he can kick it up.  The exercise with the weights before walking helps his steps to be smoother.  We are going to work on side steps so he can step into the pews at church and soon be able to walk in.
In OT he is still working on dressing skills.  He has this mental block about putting on his shirt right now and just get bent out of shape over getting it on.  The problem is how to get the right arm through the sleeve.  I had tried to help him and he let me know he didn't need my help so I left him with it.  A little while later I went back and the shirt was almost in a knot.  So, I helped him and told him that the gate belt we use around his middle, I was going to move it up about 12 in. and use around his neck if he didn't get over the shirt thing.  He laughed which is the way we usually end most of our disputes.  Even though he can't say a lot of words right now, he sure gets his message across.
In speech he is doing great.  I don't go see what he needs or answer him now until he says my name.  You'll hear him trying to think of it or trying to get it out.  It's just going to take this kind of persistence to help him learn all over again how to talk again.  The ST has stopped counting the number of words he can say now.  We re starting on two word phrases the days of the week and counting.  I have a hard time getting him to work with me sometimes but I just leave it awhile and go back later.

I don't know if all of you know it or not but I have been diagnosed with stage 2breast cancer.  I will have surgery on June 18.  After the surgery I will have to under go five weeks of radiation. I will go for 5 weeks 5 days a week.  I found the lump myself so it has not been there long and from all the test results has not spread anywhere else.  We covet your prayers as we weather this storm.  God promises us that  His grace is sufficient for us.  After I found out what the test results were Dale &i had a very emotional day.  We prayed together a lot that and cried together a lot that day. Through all of the emotions my biggest question was "what will I do about or with Dale".  The Lord pointed me to scripture after scripture about His care & love.  I hope one day to share our journey through the stroke and now the cancer.  I know God has a testimony in it.  It's just not quite ready to be shared.  Keep us in your prayers.
We have have had a great visit with our grandson Andrew for a few days.  We're have really enjoyed him being here.  We've fished, swam & everything you can imagine.
We love each of you & thank you for you prayers & support.
Doug & Dale"

"I know that my Redeemer lives,
    and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
²⁶ And after my skin has been destroyed,
    yet in my flesh I will see God;
²⁷ I myself will see him
    with my own eyes —I, and not another.
    How my heart yearns within me!"  Job 19:25-27


We look forward to the testimony of how the two of you see God through the trials you are facing and we pray for you to have sufficient strength, faith, and hope.  We are lifting you up in prayers and love you both dearly!  

June 5, 2012

Mrs. Doug called and said that the surgeon doesn't recommend a mastectomy at this time.  He said that as small as it is and since none of the tissue around it has been affected, removing the lump is all the he believes is necessary at this time.  He has given her some websites to look at to do a little more research and she will go back next week to decide what exactly she will do.  She will have 5 weeks of radiation following her surgery. 

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,    and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

June 4, 2012 - Additional Update on Mrs. Doug

Mrs. Doug called me tonight and it was good to hear the strength in her voice.  She continues to amaze me!  She said that they had an emotional day but she felt a deep peace.  Since she has not talked to a doctor yet, she doesn't know a whole lot, but she wanted me to share what she knows.  The mass is 1-1.5 cm and it is contained in the area, which is a good thing.  She will meet with a surgeon tomorrow at 12:30 and will hopefully schedule a surgery soon.  Her desire is to go ahead and have a double mastectomy and just go ahead and get it over with.  She and Bro. Dale plan to both go to the appointment tomorrow.  I asked and she said that they don't need anyone to go with them.  

She said that on Wednesday she plans to go to Meridian to pick up her grandson Andrew.  Bro. Dale will be staying at home for that trip and Ms. Linda will be staying with him.  Mrs. Doug said she's looking forward to having Andrew there to help her out.  She said he's wonderful with Bro. Dale.  I know he will be a big help and encouragement to them.  

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.  Isaiah 26:3

June 4, 2012 - Update on Mrs. Doug

I just received word that Mrs. Doug found out today that the tumor was malignant.  Stage 2 Breast cancer.  She will see a surgeon tomorrow.  I don't believe she's ready to talk about it, so if you'd like to leave a word of encouragement, please do so here.  Please pray for her. 

¹ O Lord, you have searched me
    and you know me.
² You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
    you know it completely, O Lord.

⁵ You hem me in —behind and before;
    you have laid your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.

¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
¹⁶     your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
    were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.

¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
    I am still with you.

¹⁹ If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
    Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;
    your adversaries misuse your name.
²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord,
    and abhor those who rise up against you?
²² I have nothing but hatred for them;
    I count them my enemies.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139

June 1, 2012

I spoke with Mrs. Doug.  She is home and resting.  She said she wasn't in any pain yet, but she's still numb.  The only thing that they could confirm today was that it was not a cyst.  They will know more when they get the results back on Monday. 

She did not hear back yet on Bro. Dale's tests that were done yesterday.

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”  Psalm 91:1-2

May 31, 2012

I just spoke with Mrs. Doug.  She said that she has a lady named Linda (who has been sitting with Mrs. Joyce Flemming some) who will be coming to stay with Bro. Dale tomorrow while she goes to have her biopsy done.  She doesn't currently have anyone lined up to help her with him Friday night or Saturday.  She will not be able to lift on him for at least 24 hours after her procedure.  She thinks she will be able to manage by letting him sit in the lift chair because he can stand from it.  But she will need help getting him in the bed Friday night and getting up Saturday morning. 

They went to Houston today to have a CT scan done on Bro. Dale's right arm (the one that he is unable to use) because there is a place in his upper arm that they are unsure of.  They think that it is the muscle that has dropped, but they aren't sure.  They should find out the results in the morning. 

Mrs. Doug said that she should hear the results of her biopsy on Monday, but she's going to ask as much as she can tomorrow.  Please continue to pray for both of them.  Particularly, pray for Mrs. Doug as she has this procedure done tomorrow.  Pray that God will give her peace and strength and a constant awareness of God's presence and His power. 

Psalm 121

¹ I lift my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not allow your foot to slip;
your Protector will not slumber.
⁴ Indeed, the Protector of Israel
does not slumber or sleep.

⁵ The Lord protects you;
the Lord is a shelter right by your side.
⁶ The sun will not strike you by day
or the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.
⁸ The Lord will protect your coming and going
both now and forever.

May 27, 2012

Here's Mrs. Doug's emailed update:

Hey everyone, sorry it's been so long between updates but with the last week of school and busy last week we just didn't get an update done.  A lot has happened since we last updated.  We now have the leg brace fitting good and his walking is so much better.  The therapist or I whichever is walking  only have to hold on to him with one hand now.  I am trying to work in walking twice a day when we are here during the week.  It will be so exciting to be able to walk into church.  The girls have all told him they want him to walk out and meet them when they come home in July.  We all decided that we needed to stay here this summer for vacation and the girls and the grans are coming here the week of the 4th of July for a week:) 

In speech therapy he is up to almost 50 words.  Today he said Buster his dog's name.  We have had a lot of fun with my name.  I tell him my name is not 'yep.' He can say both of our name names.  Today he said Doug & Dale just as clear as I can but when he wants me he says yep. HA!  I just keep reminding him to call me by my name.  He doesn't  try to talk or use the words he has learned yet.  Everyone I have talked to about people who have had strokes like Dale's says that one day it just clicks.  I know he gets frustrated, he did today and got upset because he couldn't say a word I wanted him to say.  There is one thing that one of the Dr.'s told us in Tupelo to be careful not to say "I know how you feel."  I have to watch myself about this.  When I say this to him I correct myself and tell him I can't imagine how hard it is for him and he nods that it's true that it is so hard.  When he isn't focusing so hard on what he is trying to say, what he is thinking just comes out.  I was telling him something about his little pickup and he looked at me and said "What".  So, when he doesn't think to hard about it, just comes out.  He is doing so good with his speech.  When he gets started on words and can't get the exact word out he starts rhyming words he can say and acting silly and we both laugh.  I have told him he would probably talk before the summer is over with me around or not have any hair one.  That is because when he is trying to tell me something and I have no clue what he is talking about and I finally guess one more thing, he will rub his head and slap his leg and say "shoot".  Could be worse.

We are going to have his right arm and shoulder checked out further and get a shoulder brace to help bring that right shoulder up.  He still has a lot of pain in that right shoulder and arm.  The botox shots have helped so much with the tightness in his hand and arm.  We still don't have movement in the right arm or hand.

Please, pray for patience for him and encouragement.  He wants things to go faster and we both know it's going be a long road.  He has been a little down the last couple of days. 

Now, I also need your prayers.  On Friday of this coming week I have to have a breast biopsy.  I found a small lump this week and went to the Dr.  Thursday and they decided they need to do a biopsy on it.  So I'm having it done next Friday. Pray that when I get there it will be gone or get a good report.  The problem I have is that they told me after the biopsy I couldn't lift anything heavy or pull on anything heavy for 24hrs.  I'm going to need some help with Dale for that 24hrs.

We have gotten into a good routine in the mornings. I get up and walk and he is usually awake when I get back.  After breakfast he goes about his usual routine.  He brushes his teeth and then he comes to the bar and shaves.  He uses an electric razor for now because if he used a regular one he would be shaving with the left hand and the blood thinner he is on might not be a good combination.    Oh, there is a bath thrown in there somewhere. HA   All in all we are truly blessed that he is as far along as he is.  There is so much he understands it's amazing.  Praise the Lord.

Love you,

Doug

Luke 18:27  “ The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” (words of Jesus)

May 13, 2012

Here's Mrs. Doug's latest update!

We've had a very busy and a good week.  No more seizures or any problems like that and for that we are very thankful.  On Tuesday we went to the eye Dr. and tried to see if we could figure out what his vision was like.  There was a test they tried on him that required eye and hand coordination and he wasn't able to do it.  So, they said for him to use his contact in his left eye for reading.  Now, this should be interesting me trying to get the contact in his eye and I'm sure he will be hollering "yep" before we get through. 

On Wed. we went back to Jackson to have the brace refitted and to get the botox shots.  Had to be there by 10:00 and I'm proud to say we were there between 9:30 & 9:45.  Which was good because it took over an hour to get the brace readjusted and then we were off to the Methodist Rehab.  Dr. Jones gave him 8 botox shots in his arm.  It was so neat, she had the needles plugged into a machine that when she stuck the needle into the muscle you could hear a static sound.. The static sound was the muscle spasming and she would give the shot there.  They are already helping with the tightness in the hand and arm.  It doesn't take nearly as long to get his hand in the brace he has to wear.  After we finished with all the Dr. appointments we went and ate a late lunch with his brother Larry and Barbara.   We had a good visit with them and enjoyed our time with them.  We headed home about 3:00 so, we had a really long day on Wed.

Thursday he was busy with all the therapy and getting to walk again after not walking for 2 weeks due to the brace not fitting.

On Friday Leigh Ann the Speech Therapist came and he said 38 words.  He was looking for her on Thursday and I guess he had stored up a lot for her on Friday.  He can say my name real clear now but prefers to call me "yep". I am working on him to get him to start calling me by my name.  I got him to say my name and then I got eye to eye with and told him my  name wasn't "Yep" and he laughed and laughed.

Everyone keeps asking me how I'm really doing.  I am doing OK, we have gotten a routine going and I'm enjoying him.  Before he had the stroke we would always drink coffee together in the afternoon when we got home and we are doing that again.  When I get home for school he is waiting for me and is smiling from ear to ear.  I'm very comfortable with where we are right now and I know it's only going to get better.  I'm not living in a fantasy world and think that it won't take a long time for him to recover or if he will ever fully recover or that it won't be hard and tiring but right now I'm comfortable where we are with what we have and look forward to a bright future together.  Last night I was talking to him and was getting him to say some words and my name and told him about how the Dr's. told me that they didn't he would ever be able to talk again and how I told them I believed he would and that he would preach again.  When I told him that he cried and it encouraged him so much to see how far he has come. 

I'm sure your tired of reading by now.  Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement and love.

We love you,

Doug & Dale

Such a fabulous update.  Thank you Mrs. Doug for your model to the rest of us of faithfulness.  You truly are a Proverbs 31 kind of woman and not only is your family blessed to have you, the rest of us are too!  

"¹⁰ An excellent wife, who can find?For her worth is far above jewels.
¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain...
²⁵ Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
³¹ Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates."

Proverbs 31:10-11, 15, 30-31

May 6, 2012 - update

Johanna said that Bro. Dale made it through the night as if nothing had happened!  Praise the Lord!  Apparently seizures are not uncommon after the kind of stroke and surgeries he has had.  He's actually had one before and had been on an anti-seizure medication early on.  Another one of his medications that he is currently taking has the side effect of increased risk of seizure.  Mrs. Doug will be calling his doctor today and finding out if he needs to go back on the anti-seizure med or come off the other.  Johanna said she would update again with what she finds out.  They are planning to be in church this morning! 

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” James 5:16

May 5, 2012 - Extra prayers needed tonight!

I spoke with Mrs. Doug earlier today and she had been enjoying her visit with Johanna and the grands, so she said she'd email me later with an update.  Johanna sent the update instead. 

"Cheryl, it's Johanna writing tonight. We had a little scare with Dad tonight.  It seems like Dad had a small seizure after he had gone to sleep. After about a minute or two, he came around and seems fine now.  We called 911, and they came out to evaluate him. Since we are here keeping a close eye on him, they feel like it will be okay to just check his vitals here and not take him to the ER to be evaluated.

 

As for how the week has gone, Mom took Dad to Jackson on Wednesday for a checkup. They were pleased with his progress, but they want him to come back next Wednesday to have a Botox shot in his right hand to help loosen it up.  They will also fit him with compression socks to help with the swelling in his legs.  His brace doesn't fit right now, so he isn't walking.  He should be able to start walking again next week.  He is still making progress with his speech, although his still doesn't try to use the words he can say to communicate. Steady plodding, but progress all the same!!

 

Johanna"

 

I hope to hear back again in the morning with an update on how he does through the night tonight.  Please pray for God's peace to fill them tonight, that they are able to rest and that answers will come to the many questions I'm sure this brings up.  Even though this is a surprise to us, God is still in control.  

 

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

April 27, 2012

Mrs. Doug emailed me this last night, so this update is from the 27th even though I'm posting it on the 28th!
I know everyone is still thinking of them and praying for Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug, so don't forget to leave a word of encouragement and remind them of that! 

Here's her update:

"Hey, we've had a good week.  Went to see the Cardiologist today and got a real good report there.  He was taken off of one of the medicines he was taking and Joe said everything looked good and we wouldn't have to come back for 6 mo. which is great news. 

 

In OT this week they worked on showering and dressing himself and working the right arm.  The right arm is still giving him a lot of pain..Please, pray with us about this.

 

In PT he was able to walk earlier this week and I walked him over the weekend and one day this week.  On Thursday when Braxton the PT came it was really hard to get the brace on and when they tried to walk it hurt where the brace was pressing in on his leg.  So, they were not able to walk that day.  We have an appointment in Jackson on Wed. and I plan to carry the brace and have it adjusted.  He is doing really good with his walking and standing.  His balance is getting much better

 

In speech he is saying more words each time.  It's so hard for him because you can see it on his face that he knows what he wants to say but just can't make it come out.  I'm always picking at him and saying something crazy to him when he get frustrated because I can't figure out what he's trying to say.  Most of the time after speech he is proud of all he has been able to say.  The speech is what is going to take the longest..  Not being able to understand him is the hardest part of it all for me.  If I could just know what he is trying to say would be wonderful.

 

Thank you, to each of you for all you've done and for your support and prayers.

We love you,

Doug & Dale"

 

²⁴ “‘“The LORD bless you
   and keep you;
²⁵ the LORD make his face shine upon you
   and be gracious to you;
²⁶ the LORD turn his face toward you
   and give you peace.”’   Numbers 6:24-26

April 20, 2012

Mrs. Doug and I had the opportunity to walk and talk together this afternoon.  She said that they had a good week.  She feels like Bro. Dale has really adjusted to their schedule well and seems to feel good about everything.  She said that even though she gets tired sometimes, she's always glad to come home.  They like to sit and have a cup of coffee together when she first gets in from work and talk about their day.  She feels like Bro. Dale is getting better at communicating and she's getting better at understanding what he's trying to say. Part of their routine every night before bed is she tells him that he has to say a certain number of words to her before she will help him out of his wheelchair into the bed.  She said he usually looks at her as if to say, "you've got to be kidding me" but he does it! One day this week, when he was on the phone with Joan, he said, "alright."  Every time the speech therapist comes, the amount of words he's saying is going up.  Yesterday he was able to say 16 words. 

The physical therapist showed her how to get the brace on his leg and she's been able to help him walk now.  He's doing really well with it, she says.  This morning he got her attention and was really proud of himself because he was standing straight and tall without holding onto anything.  He was balancing himself really well.  She said he's come such a long way with that and was very proud of him. Glenda has noticed how much better his balance is getting just in a week.  He's getting so much stronger over all.  They brought a lift chair for him, but it was kinda small and he didn't fit it so well.  But he's gotten so good at lifting himself that all she has to do is get him started and he can do the rest.  She said it's not a strain on her at all anymore.  And once he's up, he is able to turn himself and take a step to get into the wheelchair.  And when he's walking, his legs are not crossing over anymore.  He's just made so many improvements. 

This past Sunday, Mrs. Doug felt that the time was right to let him know that his father passed away 2 weeks after his stroke.  She said that of course he got upset to hear that, but he pointed up as if to heaven and nodded.  They know for certain that he put his faith in Jesus and is in heaven.  That is something I recall Bro. Dale mentioning on Wednesday nights as we'd come to his father's name on the prayer list.  That hope and assurance means everything.  She said that she could tell he was surprised to hear about his father's passing, but she explained to him why she hadn't told him prior to now and he indicated that he understood.  Mrs. Doug said that later in the week, they had to run some errands over in Bruce and as they passed the nursing home in Bruce, Bro. Dale pointed to it and then smiled and nodded as he pointed to heaven. 

Today they went to Calhoun City.  She said that before she'd take him anywhere he had to shave himself because he looked like a goat.  He is able to shave and brush his teeth and everything by himself now.  She's not having to help him at all.  And he does all of it with just one hand.  He's not using the right hand at all still.  It's still really stiff.  Mrs. Doug said that she tries to exercise it everyday but it's gotten to where it's really hurting him when they do that.  They have an appointment May 2 in Jackson to see about his arm and what options they have with it.  

It's so encouraging to hear such good reports with Bro. Dale's improvements.  We thank God for all he has done!  I can't help but think of the verse in Colossians 1 that Bro. Dale quoted so often:

²⁷ God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸ We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. ²⁹ I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me.  Colossians 1:27-29

April 14, 2012

Update from Mrs. Doug:

 

"We have had a very good week.  Had a wonderful visit with our daughter Janice last weekend, she left early Tues. morning.  I went back to work on Tuesday and was able to work all week.  It felt so good to be back at work.  We both are adjusting well I think.

Dale has had a very good week also.  He is getting better at walking and moving around.  I plan to meet with PT this week and learn how to put the brace on and walk him myself so we can start walking every day.  He is having a lot of soreness with his right arm and I think it is from the exercises the OT is doing with him.  All the therapists are coming twice a week now instead of three times. 

In speech he is learning to say more words.  He says 2 or 3 new words each time she comes.  He really tries hard.  I laughed and told him this week if he kept me around he would learn to talk.  We were sitting outside and he kept pointing towards the east to the back of our place and we sat there and I guessed Paul Edmondson's field, his field road, and Dale nodded yes.  Now, the part I missed in that conversation was the word road.  After playing 20 questions for awhile he put his head down and shook it and said "Shoot".  Then looked at me and laughed.  So,what he was talking about through this 30 min. conversation was the road to Vardaman!!  I didn't dare ask what about Vardaman. HA!

He seems to be content and happy with Glenda.  She is very good with him. 

Larry, Dale's brother came by today and visited for awhile.  He really enjoyed that.  We got out this morning and went to Spencer Parker's Birthday party, Fred's and the grocery store.  There's one thing about it now he has to go where I go.  Janice and I carried him to Walmart with us last Saturday and got tomato plants.  All of you that know Dale know how much he is probably enjoying this.  Well, at least it gets him out for a little while:)

Thank you, for the prayers and keep them coming.  Let's pray for speech and movement in the right arm."

 

 

 

 

^"22 I will proclaim Your name to my brothers;
I will praise You in the congregation.
²³ You who fear Yahweh, praise Him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor Him!
All you descendants of Israel, revere Him!
²⁴ For He has not despised or detested the torment of the afflicted.
He did not hide His face from him but listened when he cried to Him for help.   

²⁵ I will give praise in the great congregation because of You;
I will fulfill my vows before those who fear You.
²⁶ The humble will eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the LORD will praise Him.
May your hearts live forever!"   Psalm 22:22-26

April 7, 2012

Mrs. Doug called and said they've had a good but busy week.  Janice is in town.  She came in Wednesday and will be here until Tuesday.  Today they took Bro. Dale to Walmart to get tomato plants.  This afternoon they planted the tomato plants and he sat in his wheelchair and pointed to exactly where he wanted the plants.  He wanted to put them in the same place he had them last year.

Janice and Mrs. Doug walked him today by themselves up and down the hallway.  He did really well.  They couldn't figure out how to get his brace on, so he walked without it and did really well.  Mrs. Doug is going to go back to work next week, but she's going to try to come home when the physical therapist is there so she can talk to him about exercises they can do at home.  Next week OT & PT will only come twice a week, so they will have to start doing more of the work themselves to keep him on track.  Glenda, the lady that will be sitting with him, is going to help him with his exercises too.   Mrs. Doug said that she is such a blessing.  Bro. Dale seems to have adjusted to the idea that she's going to be coming and she's so good with him.  She's also really thorough about keeping notes on what any of the therapists say and what all he's done each day so Mrs. Doug can stay informed.  She also knows all of his traditional food preferences (pineapple sandwich and such) that he likes to eat everyday, so he's enjoying eating. 

Mrs. Doug said that Bro. Dale is learning more and more words.  Yesterday in speech the speech therapist got him to say 10 new words.  He works hard with the therapist, but he doesn't really try to initiate words in chatting. 

He and Janice are playing checkers tonight.  He won a set and she has won a set.  He knows what he's doing.    

Keep praying for Mrs. Doug to have the strength to face each day.  I could tell she was tired tonight.  Pray that at night when she gets in bed, she will be able to go to sleep and get good rest.  She admits that this has been hard, but she remains hopeful and trusts God to get them through this.  As they get into their routine and find their groove, we'll probably just do updates here on the blog about once a week unless there's anything in particular that they want to report otherwise.  Please keep them in your prayers each day though. 

"³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:30-31

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  Galatians 6:9