Keith

I know he's not perfect but he he sure is a good guy. He's not house bound yet but closer than he has ever been in his life and handling it better than most.

I asked him if he is getting bored or wants to go somewhere (of course I knew the answer because we know each other pretty well like I've said before) and he said, "I kind of like it in my house." I knew he meant it and we talked about how I have to get out of the house at least once a day and prefably 3 times, 2 times to go somewhere and once to be outside in the fresh air. Anyway, back to Keith. I said, "Are you bored?" He said , "No." I knew he wasn't because for the first time he has been forced to concentrate on himself. He has always thought of others first and still does, but he must do his exercises to be able to walk and talk and keep that wheelchair as far into the future as possible to be used only when absolutely necessary. He also has an additional list of books he has been wanting to read since he began coaching, not to mention, the movie list.

Just wanted to let you know that we are enjoying our time together. Have a great week.

Thanks for visiting. We had 7 visitors yesterday each keeping the visits under an hour. I think Keith played 5 games of Farkel. =) He was tired but slept well.

Blessings

What a wonderful blessing Keith and I received this week. Mike and Shannon came by and put up a tv stand on the wall. Also fixed the blinds and put in a light bulb. I was working and came home to see it. Keith said they were very fast and Shannon even cooked for Keith. Thank you both.

Also, I want to thank Michael for coming by and leaving us some excellent "goodies."

Andy, it is always fun to share a cup of coffee with you after you have helped in our yard. Even if you can't work because of the rain. =)

Come by and visit. Remember, staying 20 minutes is OK. Like I said before, it is hard for Keith to concentrate after about an hour. He is still exercising and doing his speech. We are so thankful for texting as Keith is able to have many easier conversations with his family and friends that way. We still don't want to let him off the hook from talking however, because he needs to. Also, I want to hear his voice. Even garbled at times, we laugh at what I think I hear him saying. It can take me several times asking, "what?"

I know I said good news would follow and it has but new developments also happen. After testing a sample of Keith's hair, the results came back showing that he is very toxic with heavy metals. I will explain more as we learn more but for now it is like his body is stagnant. No good nutrients can get in the cells and the toxic stuff can't get out leaving him with no energy. He is one of the worst cases seen, but not impossible to treat. So, Keith starts a detox after we can get his body to even accept it.

Add to his heavy metals toxins, he was dx with gluten-intolerance and dairy allergies. Now begin new diets.

Sorry for this news but we do have hope. The Dr. we are working with is excellent and is willing to fight this MSA with us. She says the detox may take up to 2 years. She is challenged by his case and very honest.

Enough for now. Thanks for listening. And yes, I am putting a list together. Right now, I need my broom handle fixed. I was sweeping the grass after I mowed, and the broom went flying off. Makes it impossible to sweep.

Love to all of you,

Pam

A List

Don't want to, don't want to, don't want to. Should, should, should.

Just finished reading from a man who cared for his mom until she died about a year ago from MSA. He has stayed with the MSA support group to offer help when possible. He talked about a few things we should know or do. One of them was to not be afraid to ask for help. It sounds so easy and if I were in most of your shoes, I would say the same thing. Then why do I find it so difficult?

I want people to already know what is needed around here; that is, " the husband stuff." Fixing broken things, weed-eating, repairing the roof, changing light bulbs, carrying heavy items, raking, moving grandkid toys (and sometimes moving grandkids =), mowing (oh wait a minute, I do the mowing and enjoy it), etc.

I know it is not fair for you to have to try and guess my list and no, the things above are not specific, just examples =), but that is the best I can do now.

Still, I will consider making a list of things I need done but it is hard. I don't want to ask.

Just turned around from the computer to see Keith trying out the walker and then the cane. Not a fun sight.

I promise, good news to follow. Just had to get the list situation off my chest.

Love to all,

Pam

Heart

All of you have taught me so much. Especially about heart. I often struggle with what it means to feel so strongly with your heart. So many of you have shown me your heart that I thank you. It has helped. There's more about the heart, but I am still pondering.............................................

I was thinking that I just had to be stronger and simply re-define our marriage. It is what it is, now get on with it. But, while I was so sternly telling myself this, the words "For better, for worse, and in sickness and in health." came to me. There you have it. Marriage is not only the beginning part of our vows, but as Keith and I are finding out, they encompass so much more.

I am ready for this new fight! Bring it on! Of course, nothing can happen without the indwelling Holy Spirit working in me.

Thanks you all for your love and prayers.

Fun things have been happening too. Keith's parents visited for 12 days and were very fun to be with. They were troopers and must have played 100 games of Farkle!

Thank you Nikki for coming yesterday, bringing funny movies, and giving Keith a run for his money in Backgammon. I hear you won 2 out of 4 games. It's better that I do. =)

Ernie, thanks for bringing beautiful plants. Thank you Clint for pressure washing and mowing. We have great kids.

So, until later,

Pam