It's been quite an intense and tough week. April, Clint's fiance, has been in the hospital since last Thursday. She increased her medication with her Dr.s orders and ended up with a drug overdose. She couldn't move. We were very worried. They didn't know what it was for several days. The final conclusion was drug overdose, stomach flu that she didn't know she had and stress. She is home from the hospital and actually in her new home (ours =) which is already set up for her situation. They say her body needs time to rest and she should recover. Her family and ours want to give her that rest and have all pitched in taking care of the kids. Clint has been solid but both he and I cried (ok I cried but he wanted to but was being strong) when we saw April get up for the first time. It was like a stroke and it made me so sad to see someone so young going through struggling just to walk. I'll tell you this, she is tough and she will make it.
Now for what the Lord showed me. About 10 days ago I came to a point that I thought I couldn't make it. Life was getting so very hard and I was grieving for all the losses in my life. Satan had his hold on my mind and I was having trouble getting back to the guiding thoughts I needed for strength. Well, like so many of you know when you are at that point and continue asking for help from the Lord, he gives it.
The day I was so down, I was given a beautiful bracelet that said "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I was such in a care giving mode and I could not get it on after several tries that I put it in my purse and forgot about it until I saw my sister. She reminded me that the Lord is near and will help me and strengthen me. I said I don't even have the strength to put this bracelet on. She took it from me and fastened it. I can't described the feeling I had. It was like a warm embrace by the Holy Spirit. And as I have worn the bracelet since I kept repeating what was written on it and I again reminded that not by "my" strength but by "Christ's" strength can I do all things.
I feel great now,
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
No Hook =(
I was going to only give you a funny story about Keith trying to give everyone around him his " going to work" good shoes. Ok, I will. So there he is asking all the guys in the family if they would like his shoes; each trying so hard to be able to take them for Keith's sake. By the time he asked the 3rd one, I finally stepped in to tell Keith that most men do not wear a size 12 wide! We laughed at that. =)
But.......................................MSA awareness month is coming up and I am trying to make you and others aware of this disease. So I thought I would call a news station or two and ask them to write or tell a story about MSA. I called and when I told the news writer a little about our story, she said she was sorry but that the story had no "hook." She basically said it wasn't exciting enough or bad enough or enough people involved in a fund raiser to make it "newsworthy." I thanked her for her honesty and that I understood, but I really didn't. MSA has affected our lives so much. I wanted to shout, "Do you know how it is to live with MSA?"
Anyway, the following is a post by a friend who is part of the MSA network of friends. I thought I would just let her words speak for me. Basically it is asking everyone to vote for this short film talking and showing a woman's mother and the progression of MSA. A warning, however, I watched it and it was hard. I don't even want Keith or our kids to watch it. But if you can, I know it will raise awareness of what those who have it and the caregivers living with MSA deal with daily.
Thank you all. We love you
Pam Bower
But.......................................MSA awareness month is coming up and I am trying to make you and others aware of this disease. So I thought I would call a news station or two and ask them to write or tell a story about MSA. I called and when I told the news writer a little about our story, she said she was sorry but that the story had no "hook." She basically said it wasn't exciting enough or bad enough or enough people involved in a fund raiser to make it "newsworthy." I thanked her for her honesty and that I understood, but I really didn't. MSA has affected our lives so much. I wanted to shout, "Do you know how it is to live with MSA?"
Anyway, the following is a post by a friend who is part of the MSA network of friends. I thought I would just let her words speak for me. Basically it is asking everyone to vote for this short film talking and showing a woman's mother and the progression of MSA. A warning, however, I watched it and it was hard. I don't even want Keith or our kids to watch it. But if you can, I know it will raise awareness of what those who have it and the caregivers living with MSA deal with daily.
Thank you all. We love you
Pam Bower
Thursday, February 2, 2012
I miss my husband
Maybe I should post later, but this is how I feel. Oh I know Keith is here and I am grateful but I just want the old times back sometimes. I just want him to take out the garbage, drive the car, take charge of our lives, help with the move, be able to get his own water, napkins, pills, coat, etc and cook. He is a good cook. =) In other words, I'm whining!
I suppose I am tired with the move. Truth be told, on all the other moves I did all the packing anyway. But I could always call Keith to move boxes from here to there. You know what I mean. It's hard doing it alone. Thankfully so many friends have offered to help move on that Saturday. I just want to make it as easy for them as I can by having our things all boxed up.
On a happier not, Keith had a birthday that just wouldn't quit and it was fun. His "farkel party," was great with about 30 friends showing up to celebrate Keith. I am continually surprised, though I shouldn't be, by the wonderful comments I get about Keith. Often people tell me how he has impacted their lives in a positive way. You have shared your tears with me in compassion and I know you care and are so sad that Keith has this disease. Your thoughts and prayers are our treasure. We thank you for caring in tangible ways.
All I can say is, "You gotta love this guy." And I do!
I suppose I am tired with the move. Truth be told, on all the other moves I did all the packing anyway. But I could always call Keith to move boxes from here to there. You know what I mean. It's hard doing it alone. Thankfully so many friends have offered to help move on that Saturday. I just want to make it as easy for them as I can by having our things all boxed up.
On a happier not, Keith had a birthday that just wouldn't quit and it was fun. His "farkel party," was great with about 30 friends showing up to celebrate Keith. I am continually surprised, though I shouldn't be, by the wonderful comments I get about Keith. Often people tell me how he has impacted their lives in a positive way. You have shared your tears with me in compassion and I know you care and are so sad that Keith has this disease. Your thoughts and prayers are our treasure. We thank you for caring in tangible ways.
All I can say is, "You gotta love this guy." And I do!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Feb. 25th, 2012...............Moving Day
For those of you who don't know, we are moving to Everett, WA. As you can see, moving day is Feb. 25th, about 6 weeks from now.
Through the generosity of my sister and her husband, we have been invited to share their beautiful and large home. As we speak, they are building an additional bedroom equipped with a handicapped bathroom to accommodate Keith's . Also, living in Everett we will be closer to anticipated future hospital and dr. needs. We cannot thank them enough.
Bittersweet it is. Granite Falls is the longest place we have lived. Going on 16 years, we have thoroughly enjoyed it. We've met so many wonderful people. You have given us such overwhelming love and support, it will be hard to find that again.
The Lord has guided us through this decision and we feel good about it. But you better come and see us sometime. =) You WILL be welcome. If you knew my sister and brother-in-law, you wouldn't even hesitate. They are generous and display an example of God's love that I have seen few times in my life.
Until later, and maybe even in Everett,
Through the generosity of my sister and her husband, we have been invited to share their beautiful and large home. As we speak, they are building an additional bedroom equipped with a handicapped bathroom to accommodate Keith's . Also, living in Everett we will be closer to anticipated future hospital and dr. needs. We cannot thank them enough.
Bittersweet it is. Granite Falls is the longest place we have lived. Going on 16 years, we have thoroughly enjoyed it. We've met so many wonderful people. You have given us such overwhelming love and support, it will be hard to find that again.
The Lord has guided us through this decision and we feel good about it. But you better come and see us sometime. =) You WILL be welcome. If you knew my sister and brother-in-law, you wouldn't even hesitate. They are generous and display an example of God's love that I have seen few times in my life.
Until later, and maybe even in Everett,
Saturday, January 7, 2012
God is near in the midst
I know it isn't easy, but I feel compelled to record what is happening while we live with MSA. Both the good and the bad.
However, I must say that God is here in our midst. Through it all we have found great peace knowing that we are not forgotten by our heavenly Father.
We certainly have our ups and downs. Keith is doing well. He walked down the ramp using his walker. And this morning I glanced over at him thinking he was having trouble getting up from his chair only to be happily surprised to see he was doing exercises he hadn't been able to do for weeks =) He is in doing the elliptical right now. I better go see if he needs help. Too late, here he is already done and ready for a snack. He has earned one indeed!
All for now,
However, I must say that God is here in our midst. Through it all we have found great peace knowing that we are not forgotten by our heavenly Father.
We certainly have our ups and downs. Keith is doing well. He walked down the ramp using his walker. And this morning I glanced over at him thinking he was having trouble getting up from his chair only to be happily surprised to see he was doing exercises he hadn't been able to do for weeks =) He is in doing the elliptical right now. I better go see if he needs help. Too late, here he is already done and ready for a snack. He has earned one indeed!
All for now,
Friday, December 30, 2011
12 to 14 hrs a day
How do we wrap our minds around Keith basically sitting in a chair for 12 to 14 hrs a day with getting up once every hour? He is one tough guy because he does it day after day.
I'll tell you it is the biggest mental challenge we have had so far. Movement has always been so much a part of our lives and now this. I particularly struggle with it. I think more than Keith but then I am more selfish than he is. Were not for our faith in the Lord, we couldn't make it through this MSA struggle. It saps Keith of strength both physically and mentally.
BUT, and there is always a but. God has given us the Holy Spirit who acts on our behalf. Good thing because we are tired. We pray for and have faith that we will keep getting the strength we need to continue.
As I talk to you I hear how some of you are also dealing with difficult times. Know that you have encouraged us as we watch how you have dealt with them. Thank you for reminding us about Job's story in the Bible. How others told him to curse God. He did not and in the end was blessed. His life was restored twofold and he had more in his latter years and lived a long life. Not without a lot of pain and suffering first. That's the part we don't want to go through and as we do I pray that we may remain strong like Job. But come on, Job, really? How many of us are a Job? Comparing us to Job just seems too lofty.
On a lighter note, I asked again for meals from our church family and friends during Jan and Feb. It's not so much the food we are missing (well sort of) as much as the company when you guys bring meals to us. It is a distraction from our predictable day.
MSA is wearing us down but God is bigger than MSA!
I'll tell you it is the biggest mental challenge we have had so far. Movement has always been so much a part of our lives and now this. I particularly struggle with it. I think more than Keith but then I am more selfish than he is. Were not for our faith in the Lord, we couldn't make it through this MSA struggle. It saps Keith of strength both physically and mentally.
BUT, and there is always a but. God has given us the Holy Spirit who acts on our behalf. Good thing because we are tired. We pray for and have faith that we will keep getting the strength we need to continue.
As I talk to you I hear how some of you are also dealing with difficult times. Know that you have encouraged us as we watch how you have dealt with them. Thank you for reminding us about Job's story in the Bible. How others told him to curse God. He did not and in the end was blessed. His life was restored twofold and he had more in his latter years and lived a long life. Not without a lot of pain and suffering first. That's the part we don't want to go through and as we do I pray that we may remain strong like Job. But come on, Job, really? How many of us are a Job? Comparing us to Job just seems too lofty.
On a lighter note, I asked again for meals from our church family and friends during Jan and Feb. It's not so much the food we are missing (well sort of) as much as the company when you guys bring meals to us. It is a distraction from our predictable day.
MSA is wearing us down but God is bigger than MSA!
Friday, December 16, 2011
More fun!!!!!!!
33years ago, I married the best man ever. No I mean the greatest guy ever, not his best man =)
Yes, we are feeling happy and loved as we go into this holiday weekend. I know gifts shouldn't be the only things that make you happy but I must admit, they definitely add to the joy in our lives. I'm just being real and grateful. I think it is the caring that shows when we receive them. Thank you from us.
Ok, ok, I will stop trying to justify and just accept and have some fun. It has been so heavy around here that we can change that now. In fact, Keith and I are going to try to see a movie, the first time in about 2 years. Wish us luck. I've been informed by Keith that he would like his own bag of popcorn. The guy asks for nothing, so of course he WILL get his own bag =) He is so non-materialistic he doesn't even know what popcorn at theaters cost. If he did, he wouldn't get it. I'm not going to tell him!
Have a wonderful weekend. I know we will. =)
Yes, we are feeling happy and loved as we go into this holiday weekend. I know gifts shouldn't be the only things that make you happy but I must admit, they definitely add to the joy in our lives. I'm just being real and grateful. I think it is the caring that shows when we receive them. Thank you from us.
Ok, ok, I will stop trying to justify and just accept and have some fun. It has been so heavy around here that we can change that now. In fact, Keith and I are going to try to see a movie, the first time in about 2 years. Wish us luck. I've been informed by Keith that he would like his own bag of popcorn. The guy asks for nothing, so of course he WILL get his own bag =) He is so non-materialistic he doesn't even know what popcorn at theaters cost. If he did, he wouldn't get it. I'm not going to tell him!
Have a wonderful weekend. I know we will. =)
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