March 4, 2012 - with picture of grandkids

Mrs. Doug said Bro. Dale got so emotional when she told him about the benefit.  She said he just cried.  But he was so glad to see her and Johanna and her family.  He was so thrilled.  The kids were climbing up in his lap and his face was lit up.  Here's a picture that Johanna sent me.

Mrs. Doug commented how much fun she had last night at the benefit.  She could tell everyone was enjoying themselves and she certainly did.  She said the only thing that could have possibly made it better would have been if Bro. Dale could have been there with her.  They were so appreciative of everyone coming and everyone's generosity was just overwhelming.  They intend to use the money to stay in Jackson as long as Bro. Dale needs it and get the therapy help that he needs. 

He is able to walk with just a 4-prong cane now.  He's having trouble with his right leg getting in front of the left leg when he tries to take a step, but they said that's normal and they are going to be working with him on that this week.  Today they had to get some laundry done.  Mrs. Doug said she put the basket in his lap to carry down to the washing machine and then had him hand it to her to put in the machine.  He is able to get around in the wheelchair by pushing with his left leg.  When he gets close to something he can grab hold of with his left arm, he'll pull himself along that way too.  And if he gets into a narrow spot, he'll back himself up and line up the wheelchair to get through it straight. 

Janice called today and instead of saying "well good" like he has been doing, he will say, "well...hmmm" or "well...uh huh" or "well...yeah."  She said he seems to be tired of saying "well good" and is trying really hard not to say it.  He also told Janice "bye" today.  Another time he was trying to say something and was getting really frustrated and he finally said, "I wouldn't..."  and it kinda startled him that he said it and then didn't finish the thought.  But the words are there and are starting to come out, slowly but surely. 

<sup>After mentioning the Greek word "koinonia" this morning in Sunday School and then the guest preacher mentioning this passage this morning, I thought I would share this passage tonight.  Our community truly demonstrated "koinonia" this weekend.  And what a blessing it was.  May God add to our numbers those who are being saved as a result. 

"42</sup> They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship (koinonia), to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."  Acts 2:42