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