A Few Bullets

All is well in my world. These are just a few of the highlights of the past week or so.

- Another 4.2 lost last Thursday at WW. I hope to add to that this week, but it might not be but a little.
- Lads to Leaders was wonderful. My girls did great, and almost all of them placed in speech. The kids really did well in everything. Addi led her song, and she was adorable. She will be really good by the time she can compete.
- Today is Alex's birthday. He is 17. Hard to believe. He is a good boy.
- We celebrated Billy's 50th Birthday on Sunday night with a little gathering after church. I think, from his face, that he was surprised.
- All the grandkids seem to be well- TODAY. Addi, Levi, Hannah, and Lila have all had first one thing or another in the past few weeks.
- Hannah is talking big time. She is really a funny little girl and makes some wild faces. She also says something like "Where is he?" or "Where did it go?" and she throws her hands back to her side so cute.
- Lila is also talking, a lot. That might not be so good.
- Addi is going to do great in ball this year. She is fielding well, and hitting great. We are excited about her ball year.
- Levi is doing better at church. He made it through both services on Sunday, with a little entertainment from those around him. He volunteered "I love you, Granna" the other day, and I melted.
- MaMa and PaPa are doing pretty good. MaMa is still taking therapy, and seems to be improving. We are thankful for small signs of improvement.
- Daniel likes his new job, thus far. He and Mandi have a new dog and it has "separation anxiety", so they have it on medication. Quite funny, I think. She is a year old and never been away from her mother. I did not know dogs went through this type of mental stuff. I think she has torn up a door or something, so we will see how the new Grand Dog works out. Maybe she will adjust.

My love to you all!
Susan

HIGH SPEED, BABY!!!!

Well, despite everything that we tried, we have never been able to get DSL at 927 Hathcock Drive. So, in desperation, we decided to try Verizon High-Speed Wireless. WOW- it is WONDERFUL. I knew that come Fall my online teaching load was going to increase tremendously, so I dreaded the thought of having to get to work early, stay late, or go to the church building to handle the correspondence. While we are not thrilled to have to pay additional money, we are pleased, so far, with the results.
Tomorrow we leave for Nashville. We are almost packed. Addi has been with us today, and she is counting the hours. We pray that we have a safe trip and that our kids have a good time.
MaMa is still doing better, and that is wonderful. She is getting good therapy. We talked to the therapist on Monday and she said that she had actually got her onto her feet. She also implied that it was going to be a long road to see if they could get her mobile. Their goal is to get her where she can get to the bathroom. That, of course, will help the nurses. They were very puzzled about her hands, as we have been. I had not noticed, but her fingernails are bruised and black- she also has one nail that is completely gone. We don't know if this happened while she was thrashing about or what. She has had such a hard time. Kim and Paul took the kids on Sunday, and that was a dose of good medicine for her.
David and I went to Decatur to the Penney's Outlet yesterday. We had a good day and picked up a few good bargains. We stopped at the Cullman Wal-Mart coming home and they had some great buys. We bought men's dress pants for $3.00 a pair. David bought a few pair to work toward getting in and we bought Daniel 3 pairs.
I am at the 44 pound mark. Did any of you see the new show about thinking yourself thin? David has been making fun of me because I have tried to "incorporate" some of the ideas into my WW program. One of his main points is to eat slow and chew your food. He said you need to put the fork down between each bite. Now, I have always been a really fast eater. Too fast. I have slowed up the past few days, and I can tell a difference. I have read that it takes the stomach about 20 minutes to tell the brain it is full. The second show will be on Sunday night. Who knows- maybe this guy is onto something.
I better run. Have a great evening and I will post after Lads.

Sunday Morning

It has been over a week since I blogged, so I will write a brief post this morning.
This is Spring Break week! It is also Lads to Leaders week! Two great events. The only thing is, when I get back on Sunday I will be tired to face a new week that will involve test materials, etc. But, I will not let that thought keep me from having a good week.
Addi and Levi are seemingly over the flu, but now Hannah has a temp. We hope her problem might just be a cold or virus.
MaMa is doing some better. She is more responsive and is taking therapy. They still have her in the unit with PaPa, which kind of surprised us since she has so much medical stuff going on and since she is bed bound. I hope they keep her there as we like the nurses.
We had a "Transplant" shower for Mary last night. A few of us managed to pull together a party very quickly (Thanks Becky for the use of your home)and we "showered" Mary with pajamas, gowns, and panties. We actually kept it a surprise. We love Mary and we pray that the transplant comes soon. We didn't plan a real big event, but it was nice. We felt bad because Mary is not going to get to go to Nashville, so we tried to cheer her up. I think it worked!
I am still working on the weight stuff. This last week involved a lot of meals at the building, and they were all wonderful. I still managed a small loss on Thursday, but have added some to the loss since then. I have moved into a new range of numbers, meaning I loose one of my daily points. This week will also be a challenge with Lads, traveling, good food, etc. I also will not weigh this week as we will be gone, so that works into the mental part of eating. I am going to try to be good- so if you see me with something I don't need- shame me.
I cleaned out my closet yesterday. It was much needed. I had a bunch of old, ratty clothes that needed to be taken out. My closet was so full that the good stuff was getting wrinkled. I just did the racks, not the floor stuff or the shelves. I filled 3 LARGE trash bags (33 gallon size) and really could have added some to it. It looks better and now I can see my stuff.
I hope this is a great week in your world!

A Kinder, Gentler Post

Well, I've decided my blog posts must have become depressing as my comments have soared to a big, fat zero. I will try to "lighten" up.
Speaking of "lightning" up- I hit the 40 pound mark this week. I am cautiously optimistic. Truly, the "diet" or whatever you want to call it has not been bad. I still have my moments of weakness, but so far I have been able to, as Dr. King said,"Overcome". I jokingly told someone that I knew that Bible scholars have tried for centuries to figure out what Paul's thorn in the flesh was- I am thinking cellulite. What else besides added weight causes one to be so burdened? You guys know I am kidding- but cellulite is a flesh thing.
My blood pressure tonight was 105/55. It has always run low, but I think it has dropped with the weight loss. I think when it gets too low that you die, so I am going to have to monitor that. Again, just kidding.
The snow was very pretty this morning. Bandit played and romped like a kid on a ski slope. He was so funny. Fortunately, according to our area weather men, there were not any travel problems(except for the 20 some odd accidents and the one fatality in downtown B'ham). Seriously, the weekend guy made the statement that there had not been any road problems, and this statement came immediately after the news story about all of the skidding and so forth on the interstate. They showed footage from their weather cameras of some of the accidents and I don't think those drivers heard the news that the roads were clear and there were no travel problems. Give me a break weather people.
Well, tomorrow starts our spring revival. I look forward to a busy week, but a good week we hope.
My sweet Addi has the flu. If I could have it for her, I would. She is such a sweetheart. They started her on Tamiflu and Kim thinks she might already be perkier. I hope the rest of the family is spared the dreaded flu virus.
I hope you all have a great week.

Saturday Evening Post (Isn't that a magazine or something???)

Well, it looks like I have become a Saturday poster. Things here are up and down, for certain. PaPa is back at the nursing home after being at UAB for almost a week. He had some pulmonary issues, but seems to have improved. He was really sick for a couple of days. His issues seem to be increasing, but so far he has managed to bounce back. When he was admitted last Saturday, he was having a really hard time breathing. They brought him in through the ER, which everyone knows what the ER at UAB is like on a Saturday (not to mention the flu, etc.- there were 2 separate car accidents that killed two 16 year old boys- not a fun place to be in the waiting room) so it was a number of hours before they got him to a room. Once he was in and settled they let me and David in (Billy and Mary had been there, but they had already left) to see PaPa. I went to his bedside and called his name, and for a minute, just a minute, he knew me. Even David said- He knows you! It was brief, but his eyes were so blue and sweet, and I knew that beneath the Alzheimer’s there was still our PaPa.
MaMa has had a terrible week. They moved her back to the Psychiatric unit (which is like being transferred from one hospital to another), but we had our thoughts as to whether she was really well enough to be transferred (as did her Psychiatrist, it seems). Anyway- they moved her on Tuesday, I think it was, and then in the middle of the night on Thursday night they moved her back (did not even call us). She was having trouble breathing, and she is swollen terribly. Anyway, they are looking at possible heart issues at this point. She is much calmer, but pitiful. The psychiatrist called David yesterday and pretty much told him that he felt it was a medical issue at this point, and that he would recommend that there be a consideration of putting a DNR on her chart. That alone let me know that he felt that her problems were serious. He more or less said that at this point the physical therapist did not seem hopeful about her future mobility, and with her medical problems they were hesitant to sedate her for any future treatments. We are in the dark as to what is really going on with her physical condition. Her hands are almost in a fetal position, at this point. She is much clearer mentally, and she is no longer yelling and screaming. David said yesterday that he tried to get her to move her feet and hands and she could hardly budge them. Please pray for her. The decline has certainly been swift, to say the least. I would never have dreamed that PaPa would be in better condition physically than MaMa. Old age is not always graceful.
On a happier note- I have now lost 37 pounds and praying to reach the 40 pound mark this next week. David is also doing very well. We went to Lloyds tonight, and we split a meal. Funny thing- when we left we were both full despite it being half a meal. It was still a generous portion. Today I stacked up some jeans and shirts that were too big. Now don't get excited- these same clothes have been packed away before. I am going to try my hardest to make these changes life-long. I think Weight Watchers will help with that. I needed some accountability- when you go and weigh each week, you keep that goal in mind. I have also developed a love for the new microwave vegetables (I am not a big veggie lover, but I like most all of these), and I have really keyed-in on whole grain cereals in the morning. Just pray for me that I will be able to press forth. The stress and strain of the past few months are the types of situations that I think trigger my eating (then again, so does happiness- so go figure).

When Do You Feel Blessed?

This morning I put clean sheets on our bed (now I am not a "dirty" person, but changing sheets is not a weekly occurance I am afraid to admit), and I thought about how blessed I was to have a good bed. Many people sleep on dirt floors, but I have a new mattress that is a "back supporter", that is about 10 inches thick in cushion and padding, and that cost as much as some people, in some countries, make in their lifetime! Now don't get me wrong, my mattress did not cost thousands of dollars, but I have read that in some countries people might be fortunate to make the equivalent of $300.00 American dollars per year- so it would take them about 4 years to buy my mattress. Aren't we blessed? Have you thought about the things that make you feel most blessed? Here are a few of mine- feel free to list some of yours-
1. The blessing of knowing Jesus as my Savior and the opportunity to worship freely and unharmed
2. The blessing of a wonderful husband
3. The blessing of my children, and their mates
4. The blessing of 4 beautiful, healthy, smart, grandchildren
5. The blessing of my extended family and the fact that we can all be together in one location and no one is fussing or fighting or talking ill about one another
6. The blessing of going to a store and filling my buggy with food and anything else that I truly need
7. The blessing of employment- yes, we all tend to complain about our jobs at times, but what a blessing it is to have a source of honest income
8. The blessing of having had good parents who provided me an education so that I could make a living
9. The blessing of sight and sound. I am so thankful to be able to see my beautiful grandchildren and to hear their noisy chatter (well, it is actually above chatter level at this point!)
10. The blessing of health and life. I awoke this morning to no aches or pains, and what a blessing that is.
11. The blessing of each of you who read my silly old blog.
Remember- Count your many blessings name them one by one, and it will surprised you what the Lord has done.

A Special Day

Today would be Mother’s 96th birthday. It’s hard to believe that come June she will have been gone from us for 10 years. I was blessed to have a wonderful mother. I wonder if people ever quit missing their mothers. True, time heals, but at times I still want to call her to tell her something special, and then I remember that she is gone. Mother had a lot of pride in her family, and I think in my heart how I would love to share the past 10 years with her. So much has happened- weddings, babies, graduations, jobs.
So, on this February 16th, I remember a special woman. Happy Birthday, Mother.
On another note...MaMa is still very bad. We had hoped that maybe things would start to improve, but they haven't. They could not give her a treatment Friday because she was so aggitated. We understand they are moving her to another section of the hospital, possibly a medical unit, but we are not certain. Billy was there today and they told him they were moving her. We are not certain what is going on, but being the weekend I guess it will be Monday before we know what is up. We think they are trying to see if there is something medical going on. They did all kinds of tests in Jasper, and could not find anything medical. I think they are barking up the wrong tree, but perhaps they might unearth something. For some reason they say when a person hallucinates, that something medical is usually going on. One of the nurses told David that she had not been working all that long, but MaMa was in the worse shape of anyone she had ever seen on the unit. Billy said she was yelling that the house was on fire while he was there. I simply can't express how bad this all is and how sad it all is at the same time. I hope that something works, and soon.

A Day for Love!

Today is Valentine’s Day. I have found great amusement in my middle schoolers and their delight at bringing their so-called boyfriend or girlfriend a balloon, candy, or stuffed animal. Oh that love were as simple as a balloon or a red teddy bear.
I awoke to beautiful card and a new Bible. I had warned David that I did not want (let me re-phrase that…I did not NEED any candy), so he obliged me. I bought him an Allison Krause CD and one of the secretaries put it in a basket with some gum and a small bear and, get this, hand sanitizer (David uses A LOT of hand sanitizer). It turned out cute.
I can’t imagine my world without David. He is just the best. He loves me and I know it. We have such a great time together, even after 31 years. I love spending time with him.
So, Happy Valentine’s Day my love, and thanks for being my perfect Valentine!
For my children on this day, let me say- Your mother loves you beyond words. Kim, Josh, Daniel, you are my hearts. Also, Paul, Katie, and Mandi…how did I get so lucky. And then for the baby Valentines- Addi, Levi, Hannah, and Lila…I thought I had loved as deeply as I could love, and then you came along. I found a new “chamber” in my heart called the “Granna Chamber” and it is as big as the world full of love for the four of you. I pray that you will always know love and kindness in this world.

On another note…please continue to pray for my mother-in-law. She is having such a hard time. She was so bad that on Monday they could not give her a treatment. She did get a treatment on Wednesday, and the doctor is now giving her fluids because she is not eating or drinking. They cut her hair off to keep her from pulling anymore out. She does not even look like herself to me, she is so aged and pitiful. The doctor said it could take a number of treatments before she sees improvement, and in reality, it could be that she does not improve. We certainly hope not. Thankfully she was sleeping some yesterday, although fitfully. The nurses are having to sit over her to keep her from coming out of the chair. I just don’t know how long a body can physically endure the type of situation that she is currently in. On another note, PaPa seems to be doing fairly well, and for that we are thankful. He doesn’t know any thing or any one, but he seems content. Every so often he will say something that makes you wonder if he is having a lucid moment. He still smiles on occasion, and that is worth so much. We are thankful for Cherry Hill and for the wonderful care they give. Having a place for PaPa that seems to be as good as it can be has made it easier.

Happy Birthday, Mandi and other thoughts

Today is Mandi’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Mandi! Mandi is such a special member of our family and we truly owe her a debt of gratitude for marrying Daniel! (Just kidding!!!!) Seriously, Mandi has made herself a member of this tribe and we truly love her. She is sweet, funny, caring, beautiful, and smart. I hope your birthday is a great one.
Jasmine celebrated her 18th birthday on Thursday. We enjoyed eating with her at Olive Garden. She is a beautiful, sweet, young woman. How time flies.
I lost 2.4 pounds this week. Not bad for an emotional week. Bobby’s passing has been hard on us. His funeral was truly appropriate and I think David just did an outstanding job delivering the funeral message. Daryl led the singing, and he did so well. It was almost like I saw him let the emotion come as he sang the last word. Bobby and Charlene had talked a few weeks ago about dying, etc. and Bobby had told her that he wanted Daryl to led the singing and David to speak. I know that was an honor to both of them as they both loved Bob deeply. He will be missed. Daniel made the statement that Bobby was the first member of the couples that we have been close to through time to pass. Bobby was just 60 and at this point in my life that seems so young to die. Please remember Charlene and the girls, as they truly adored and loved Bob and his passing will certainly leave a huge void in their day to day lives.
On other notes, MaMa was transferred to UAB yesterday afternoon. We are hopeful that at least we will be able to have some communication with a doctor now. I would not recommend the psychiatric part of Brookwood Hospital in my top 100 list. It has NOT been a good experience. How can a doctor continual tell you he is too busy to call, etc. The nurse said he did not usually talk to family until discharge. We find it hard to believe that he could possible have another patient in the condition that MaMa is in, which seems would warrant talking to the family. We were also not all that pleased with the nursing care. Please remember MaMa in your prayers. She is going days without sleeping, she is so tormented, yelling, thrashing, pulling her hair, and just pitiful. She has thrashed about until her arms are solid black (I guess other parts may be as well but her arms show), and we just don’t know how someone can physically continue to go without sleep without their heart giving out. It is a sad condition for someone so special.
David is continuing to deal with Medicaid, trying to get his powers in order to sell the house, etc. He has had a lot on him in dealing with the business end of the nursing home. It seems that it is something every day. I truly don’t know how unorganized people handle this process. My dining room table, bar, desk, all look like they are covered with Medicaid and nursing home business. Please pray for David- handling business of this nature is not on his top 5 list and the end is not yet in sight. I guess we would all be just as well off to be paupers.
Love to all!

The Weekend

This morning as I was getting ready for church, I begin to think about the events of the weekend. David and I went to Albertville on Friday night to spend some time with Charlene and the girls. They were, of course, surrounded by their family and were having all of their physical needs met. The table was full of food, ladies were in the kitchen cleaning any dish that became empty, and others were making certain that everyone had something to drink. Charlene has a lot of strength, but she is still so hurt. She told us, “Angels visited our home last night”. I begin to think about that this morning and I thought what a sweet way to look at death. I also thought about the old saying, “Here today, gone tomorrow” and I thought about how untrue that statement really is- it is really- “Here today, gone today”. Bobby and Charlene had eaten supper, watched television- just normal things even though he was not doing well. And then, about midnight, Bobby fell to the floor. Charlene got to him, and he was still responsive. She dialed 911- they got the call at 12:01 a.m. and arrived at 12:12 a.m. By the time they arrived, Bobby was no longer responding- they worked on him for almost an hour before given up on reviving him. Charlene and the girls told us that Bobby had preached on Sunday and had taught his Bible Class on Wednesday night, although he certainly was not able to do so. They said it had taken him 20 minutes to get into the building on Wednesday night, as he could only walk 10 steps without stopping. He was having to use oxygen to help with the breathing. After Bible Class they said he got sick, and it took about 45 minutes for him to get to the car. He even admitted that he should not have tried to go to church. What dedication and determination. Bobby was waiting to see a specialist, but because of their health insurance he was waiting on referrals, etc. He could not even see who he needed to see as that doctor was not on their list of “approved” physicians. They had finally got him an appointment with a pulmonary specialist but he could not see him until the end of February. There is something wrong with that picture. Charlene said she would really like to call their insurance company (Aetna) and give them a piece of her mind, as she felt that if Bobby could have seen the proper doctors they might have been able to start some type of medication or treatment. Of course it might not have made any difference, but if he had been seen at least they would have felt that everything that could be done was being done. They had also been held up by a doctor that had not forwarded their information to the other doctor. Charlene said she had tried to move mountains to get everyone coordinated so that Bobby could be seen by the proper doctor. I can imagine her frustration, as I have witnessed what David has been through in the past few weeks with his mother and trying to get her the help she needs. So, while we can’t second guess what has already happened, it is hard to see people have to go through so much because of “red tape”.
We went to see MaMa yesterday. I had not been since I had been sick, so I had not seen her. I have never seen anything more pitiful in my life. David seemed to think she might have been just a little better (quieter), but it that was better, oh me. She is just pitiful, pitiful. I have seen her bad, but never this bad. She was strapped in a chair, all slumped down, and had to be just the saddest looking thing I have ever seen. I pray she will pull out of this. I think she has been so bad that she has bothered some of the patients. One of the old ladies told me- “She want be quiet- she just keeps saying everything”- like she was telling on MaMa (this is the old lady that MaMa said scratched her, and we believe she probably did). I guess the old lady thought I could make MaMa be quiet. Mental illness has to be one of the worst things to watch. We have analyzed and tried for years to make sense of it, and the reality is that if it were something that she could help or fix, that she would. She can’t- and this time we are just praying that the treatments work and that she is able to regain some degree of “normalcy”. Please pray for her.
We will not be attending the lectureship this year. Since the funeral will not be until Tuesday, and with MaMa not doing well, we decided to cancel our reservations. Perhaps next year will be better.
I love you all-
Susan

Sad News

This morning our phone rang at about 4:00 a.m. I assumed it was either the hospital or the nursing home as we have become accustomed to those middle of the night calls. I could tell, once David answered the call, that it was someone else. As I stirred into consciousness I recognized the sweet, little, shaking voice on the other end of the phone as Janell Satterfield. She was calling to tell us that our dear wonderful friend, and her father, Bobby Joe Norris, had died at about midnight. Bobby had been having some heart problems and Janell had called earlier in the week to tell us that he was having problems. Our hearts are heavy. Bobby and Charlene and their family have been dear friends of David and myself since before we married. Bobby preached at the Hatt Church of Christ, and he also worked for some years as the full-time caretaker/director at Indian Creek Youth Camp. During those years we developed a friendship that has withstood the test of time, distance, and being busy. Although we did not see one another often, we talked on occasion and for certain we knew we were there for one another. For the past years Bobby has preached for the Alder Springs Church of Christ near Albertville. Bobby, Charlene, Christine, Janell, Jeannette, and Rachel have all been part of our lives. We have shared laughter and tears and our times together were always special. Bobby and Charlene were a true couple, and their love for each other was so evident. They enjoyed their time together, and much as David and myself, if they had the opportunity to go and do something, they wanted to be with one another. Bobby was a great lover of the truth, and he had dedicated his life to preaching, often at little “country” congregations that barely paid enough for a family of six to survive. I guess when I think about Bobby, I can’t help but to think about his little “sayings”, such as “Ignorance gone to seed”. Our loss is Heaven’s gain, but right now our hearts are heavy. We have lost a dear friend. David will help conduct the funeral on Monday. Arrangements are being made today. Please remember the family, and us, in your prayers.

Random Babling

Well, I have almost made my first day back at work. I thought earlier that I wouldn’t. As soon as I get home- I am going to bed. My staff has been very supportive- and have pretty much left me alone. I have accomplished several “desk tasks” so I have not been totally unproductive. I will tell you- this WP stuff has been rough. I have 0 energy at the moment. I am, as my Mother used to say- “Weak as water!” I hope tomorrow will bring me a better day.
On a happier note- I know I have been out a week, but today I have had several people comment on my weight loss. Okay- 28 pounds is not that much on me, but I can tell a difference and apparently so can about 5 or 6 of my co-workers. When people comment, it does help to motivate you to stay the course.
I am moving on. I guess I will try to give the BOE another hour or so of work.

Mental Illness- What a Nightmare!

Well, I think I am better. Not well- but better. I am still just so tired. It seems like every little thing wears me out. I am going to try to work tomorrow as I plan to be off for the FHU Lectureship the following week. I hate being sick. I am so tired of TV, and our Internet is so slow that it is only frustrating.
The weekend has been rough. We knew MaMa was on a “high”, but boy is she. David, Billy, and Mary are with her in the ER at Brookwood, trying to get her admitted. From what Mary called and told me, I can imagine the ER will be glad to see her go to a room. She is loud, and wild, among other things. How sad mental illness can be. This is a good, Godly woman, who would for the world not want to be like she is at this moment. She is quiet and unassuming- just the opposite of the mental illness that overtakes her at times. She has never wanted to draw attention to herself, and now she is doing just that. One of the blessings of her disease is that when she does improve, she does not remember the things that she had done. The nursing home called last night and then again this morning- they were at a loss as to what to do. They are limited in being able to restrain someone, but that is what she really needed. David has been in a nightmare trying to get her a bed somewhere where they do the treatments that she needs. Apparently there is no short supply of people needing beds on psychiatric units. Then, Mary said if they got her a bed it would probably be where someone would have to stay with her. We might be able to arrange that for a day or two, but sadly we all have to work. I have just been too sick to sit with anyone. Hopefully we can get her back with her doctor at UAB and get something done (the unit at UAB is closed because of a virus, the unit at Princeton is full, and now the unit at Brookwood is full.) My poor husband has a lot on him at the moment. He is dealing with the legalities of having both parents in the nursing home, trying to get the paperwork needed to sell the family home, and dealing with Medicaid on a daily basis. I know a little of what he is going through, but not to the extent. We should have handled some of this years ago, but no one thinks that things like this will happen. Pray for us and especially pray for MaMa.

The Walking Pneumonia or the Boogie Woogie Flu

Well, as you can tell by the time on this post, my walking pneumonia has me walking. I am still pretty sick. I got up and googled the disease, and while most sites say many patients will not be bed-ridden, I have been pretty much off my feet since Tuesday. I have no energy (common symptom), and the cough worsens at night (the cough syrup helped but was making me a zombie). The one symptom that I do not have is loss of appetite. Why do I never seem to have that problem?
I did not make it to WW last night, but I did my own weigh-in based on what I weighed when I came home last Thursday night, and I have lost 7 pounds this week. That puts my total at about 25. Let’s not get excited yet- although I am back in pants that I could not wear. David is doing well on his plan and I can already tell a great difference in his appearance. Kim said that Sally, Robin, and Brianna were at WW last night to join. It is helpful to have the troops all working on the “project”.
I am going to have to miss the survivor weekend, and I hate that. I have missed very few things during the years, but I know that I am in no shape to head to camp. I just pray that I get to go back to work on Monday as I have used 4 sick days this week, and I don’t want to use any more.
Keep me in your prayers. I know this is not something that serious, but I am really hoping to see the sun come out soon! I am not used to having anything that lasts more than a day or two, so I am an impatient patient. I just hope to get some energy back, as I am tired of dragging. Google said it might be a week from the start of antibiotics- I hope not, although I am on day 4.
I hope all my church family enjoys the weekend. Survive for me- I will return next year the Good Lord willing!!!

Tag

I was tagged by Kim :
The Rules: Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
Share 5 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog.
-OR-
Share the 5 top places on your “want to see or want to see again” list.
-OR-
Share 5 things you never pictured being in your future when your were 25 years old.

I guess I will do random and/or weird, or maybe a combo:

1-
Random #1- I have never had a manicure or a pedicure (that might count as 2)
2-
Random # 2- I have never had a permanent
3-
Top 5 want to see- Greece- the Equator channel on HD has had the most wonderful documentary on areas of Greece that are not touristy- they are unreal!
4-
Top 5 never pictured- That I would have the family that I have today.
5-
Top 5 never pictured- That as a preacher’s family, we would be at the same congregation for (in July) 30 years! What a testimony to loving people and a husband who is extraordinary!

As a side note- I finally gave in and went to the doctor yesterday. As I have stated on the blog several times, I have had a bad cough since the week of Thanksgiving. I just have not been able to shake it. I would have better days, and then some days that were really bad. As most of you might remember, MaMa had walking pneumonia right before she went into the hospital at Thanksgiving- well, guess what I have- yep- Walking Pneumonia. It hit me Monday night in the Galleria big time. I had been okay most of the day, and I started coughing and honestly felt as if though I was going to hit the floor. I hope that I have not infected others, but as the doc said someone gave it to us. They do a blood test for WP and he said I had a good old case. I got a shot and medicine. I also got some cough syrup that would put an elephant to sleep, I believe. I am already better, and if I continue to improve, I plan to go back to work on Friday.
Also, I don’t know if I will get to go to WW tomorrow night, but I am going to try. I have lost about 23 pounds since I started my latest venture. I will be honest, if you have the fortitude to follow WW, you will not go hungry. You also get flex or as I say “cheat” points that come in handy for eating out, etc. So you can really have a splurge or two a week and if you follow the plan, you will still loose weight. Really, it is just sensible eating, but I am so not sensible about food! I have also discovered some neat little Swiss Rolls made by Mrs. Freshley (I believe that is the name- they are were the Little Debbie cakes are at Walmart but they are just $1.00 a box!) that have 200 calories for the 2 rolls and after you eat them you have your sweet tooth and chocolate tooth in check. Try them- they are really good. Let me know what you think if you do try them.

Prayers Needed

As an update to the post below- I got up and listened to the program this morning. Bubba and Speedy conducted the program. Bubba explained what happened-
Sherri was home with the boys (she had not gone to Tennessee with Rick). She put the boys in front of the TV to watch a movie, checked the doors, and went to take a shower. When she got out she realized that Bronner was missing and found an open door. She immediately went to the pool and apparently found him and got him out. She called the next door neighbor who is a doctor. The neighbor began to try CPR and worked on him until the emergency personnel arrived. They tried everything, but he apparently was already dead when Sherri got him out of the pool. They did not say if the pool was covered. This will be a hard thing for this family to deal with. The funeral is tomorrow and Rick is scheduled to speak. While I would never consider going, they have encouraged the listeners to attend.

I am feeling kind of sad today. When I got to church Josh asked me if I had heard that Rick Burgess’s youngest son had died. I was speechless. For those that do not know, Rick is part of the morning radio duo, Rick and Bubba. I have been a devoted listener for many years, even before they were so popular. Their local radio program is now syndicated nationwide, and they are heard in many states. Rick has 5 children, a daughter and 4 sons. The youngest, Cornbread, as Rick referred to him, was Bronner, age 2. Apparently Bronner drowned in the family swimming pool last night a little after 7. To my understanding, Rick and Sherri were in Gatlinburg (Rick was speaking at a religious conference for young people, I believe) and I was told that one of the grandmothers had the younger children at their own home. I feel so for this family, for Rick and Sherri, and for that grandmother. I can’t imagine the guilt that you would feel, even though this was a tragic accident. Young children can vanish in the flash of an eye, or the amount of time an adult could take a trip to the bathroom. While I don’t know these people, I very much feel that I do. What a tragedy. My heart aches for their loss. Remember them in your prayers- they will need them. Josh said he heard Rick talk to a caller this week that had lost a child and Rick stated that he knew that must be the hardest thing in the world to go through and he prayed he would never know that pain. There are no guarantees in this life. None of us come with a warranty, not even the young. Tragedies such as this should make us all want to give our children and grandchildren an extra hug.
Also, please remember Betty Garrison and David's mother, Betty, in your prayers. Betty Garrison has had a bad week and is still at Princeton. Betty Courington was not doing well today when we were there to visit. Her emotional state seems very unstable.

Snow and Weight Watchers

Well, while I did not wake up to a winter wonderland, it was fun to watch it snow for a short while this morning. Bandit, our beautiful, sweet, lovable, furry, border collie, was covered in snow, and perhaps the cutest thing I saw. I know Addi and Levi had fun and I have not received a Hannah report. Josh is in the woods hunting, so I hope this is his lucky day, as I need to re-stock the freezer!
I started Weight Watchers on Thursday. I think I will enjoy this group as they seem pretty low key. Funny thing, I went to WW over 20 years ago over in Fairfield, and the lady running the “weigh-in” was the same little old lady. I thought she was old then, but I guess that lets you know something about the way we look at age, because she was probably about the age I am now.
It seems kind of sad to pay a company to “motivate” you to eat right. You know, I have a great life. I have a wonderful God, a wonderful church, and a wonderful church family. I have a wonderful husband, the best kids, kid-in-laws (and their parents), and grandkids in the world. I love my sister, my brother, and their families. I love all of David’s family, and consider them my own. I have a great job, a wonderful principal that I work under (who loves to feed me, but is luckily on WW herself), co-workers that are like family, and I work with the greatest kids in the world. I have a second job that is amazing and has afforded me the opportunity to meet so many people and establish friendships through my position. And yet, despite all of this, the one thing I can’t seem to control is my weight. I had a happy childhood (for all the psyco-analysts out there), and suffered no abuse. I was accepted in school and seldom suffered much teasing. I do not eat a pound of bacon at a time- I do not raid the refrigerator at night (I seldom eat ANYTHING after the evening meal)- if I ate a half gallon of ice cream I would be sick, and yet this weight thing has been my lifelong battle. Now granted, I am not an exercise buff, and when I do eat I know I eat the wrong things and too much of it, but I am surrounded by skinny people who do the same thing. I have no health problems, my BP usually runs about 100/55 (yes, you read that right) and my cholesterol is 100 (yes, you read that right as well). So, why can’t I conquer this weight problem? I have lost a little over 20 pounds in the past month, and I feel really good. Why can’t the “good” feeling continue to rise over the “I want to eat” feeling?
Well, enough self-pity. I am off to walk on the treadmill. We dusted it off a few days ago and David has been walking (he is also back on the “program”). So, please pray for us as we once again try to take off the pounds and keep them off.

This and That

Well, we are a week into 2008 and it has been busy at the Courington’s house. We keep thinking we will have a let-up, but that has not been the case. I have tickets to the Pompeii exhibit (Thanks, Lisa!) and I can’t even find a date for us to go. I had thought we would go on MLK day, but they are not open on Monday.
David went hunting with Josh yesterday (according to David, the big one got away despite 2 fired shots), and I had to go get the food for today’s Bible Bowl. I also enjoyed the time out by checking out after Christmas bargains. Target has really had some great deals. We went to the Target on 280 Friday night and between Marty and Susan and us, we filled the back of the van. They had almost all of their Christmas toys on for 75% off the mark-down price. If I had been smart, I would have shopped for next year, but I only picked up a few odds and ends. They also had a dozen wash cloths marked down to 74 cents! I stocked up for me and the girls. I truly love bargains.
I haven’t blogged about my latest weight loss efforts, but I might as well. I decided prior to the holidays that I was not going to gain weight this Christmas, and I succeeded. I have actually lost about 18 pounds in the past few weeks. I had lost and was doing so well prior to the time that PaPa went to the nursing home and MaMa came to live with us. It seems like our world kind of took an upside down turn during those months, and it was very hard to concentrate on dieting. I gained back all but about 10 of the 50 I had lost. I planned to start WW last Thursday, but due to the weather I did not go (found out they met anyway). I am going to start this week. I need some accountability. I might get Paul to put me a weight loss ticker on my blog- you know, one of those that shows how many pounds you have lost- not how much you weigh!!!!!!!!!!! We have been enjoying watching some of the new weight loss programs like Biggest Looser, and the National Weight Loss Challenge. Thanks to our new DVR we can record and watch when we can. Also, thank to the new 47 inch High Def TV I can see how truly yuk fat looks on hd! Cellulite shows up very well when it is life-size!!!
I hope you all have a great week!

Happy New Year!

Well, I have been blessed to see the beginning of another new year. I pray that 2008 will be a great year. Every year is filled with ups and downs, we just pray that the “ups” outweigh the “downs”! We brought in the New Year at Kim and Paul’s house with the young adult class from church. They had plenty of food and fun and fellowship and we enjoyed being with them.
2007 was a busy year. We saw the arrival of Baby Lila (the best baby in the world) in October, so that was one of the definite highlights. Hannah celebrated her first birthday in August, and hit the floor running! Addi and Levi are growing and going. They are all smart and beautiful, and as David jokingly says, “Not an idiot in the bunch.” Being a grandparent has to be one of the greatest things in the world.
We pray that this year will see Mary get the “call” for her liver transplant. She is #6 on the list, and we learned from Lisa that #7 received his transplant during the holidays and is doing well. This is not a list that one wants to be on, but liver transplants have come a long way. People generally do very well. Mary’s particular disease has only had an effect on the liver, so her general health is good, which means she will have an advantage over someone that has other health problems. I anticipate that she will be the Queen of Liver Transplants!
We are looking forward to a busy winter and spring, and last night when we got in bed David began to run down a list of all the things on our docket, making me tired to think about it in one lump! We will handle it as it comes.
We are praying for each of you in this year of 2008. We cherish our family and friends and we feel of all men most blessed. Life is good.

Christmas Eve

Today is Christmas Eve, and as always on this day I think of family. “My” family has always had their celebration on Christmas Eve, so it has a place in my heart as a special day. It is a day that I think back to those that have gone on, especially my parents. Mother, although certainly not a social butterfly, was determined that we would celebrate the holiday as a family. The tradition has sense been moved to Patsy’s house. We have managed to keep the tradition together, despite a few years of moving temporarily to other locations. My own kids do not think they have had Christmas unless they have been at Patsy’s. One year Lisa and Norman hosted the festivities, and while a good time was had, my kids wanted to be at Patsy’s. Perhaps the most memorable Christmas Eve was one we had at my house because Joe was in the hospital. A sudden ice event happened, and Lisa, Norma, and Leslie found themselves sleeping on our couch due to the closed interstate system. Santa still managed to find these displaced souls and left a bit of “habushi” under the tree for them.
I pray we are all well tonight, as a stomach virus has hit Kim, Addi, and Levi. I know if they can’t get well, the year will not end on a happy note. I think they are better, according to the last blog report.
Well, until tonight…..Merry Christmas to all, and to all a great day!

Susan's Ramblings

Well, I am sitting at work thinking about all of the things I could be doing if I were not here. This is one of those “lost” teaching days. There are children here, more than usual I think, but everyone is showing movies and just praying for 2:50. I have taken down all of the Christmas decorations and have up the “Winter” stuff and the January calendar in the media center. It seems kind of funny to take down the Christmas tree before Christmas.
Yesterday was David’s birthday. Poor fellow, he has certainly been having some rough weeks. We went to Cracker Barrel and then to get Katie’s birthday present. Happy Birthday, Katie! We love you.
David was supposed to get up at 4 this morning to take his mother to UAB for a treatment. The clock did not go off. He woke up at 5:30 and went to running like he was in a race. He managed to get her there, albeit late. They did not seem to think he was late. He called and told me that MaMa was in pretty bad shape, almost non-responsive. They are talking about hospitalizing her. Please pray that she will pull out of this depression.
In other notes, for several days my Arky dog was not to be seen. Yesterday he was on the other side of the exit- something he NEVER does. He was still on that side this morning, so I don’t know what is up with him. If he is not careful, he is going to meet the great dog-maker in the sky.
I read an interesting article in the Birmingham News the other day. It was about “Baby Baubles”. It seems there is this new mentality among new mothers that their significant other should provide them with some type of diamond, or expensive jewelry for having their body go through 9 months of “agony” and for the distress of delivery. Many new mothers, according to this article, are presented this “gift” in the delivery room immediately following delivery. Have you ever? What a “it’s all about me” mentality. The only gift I wanted was a healthy baby, and thankfully I was blessed with 3. I did get roses after Kim was born, but when the boys came along we decided that the flower money could best be used to buy formula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so excited about the holidays. The kids are so much fun. I am excited about being with my own kids, as well. I can’t wait to see the grands riding their new gifts. I also look forward to Christmas eve and Christmas day more than I can tell.
Tomorrow is our 31st anniversary. It seems like just a few days ago- my how time passes.
Happy Holidays to my one or two faithful readers!

Update

I want to give a brief update to my limited readership, concerning our sick folks. As of last night, PaPa was much improved. The bleeding must have been coming from his esophagus, but there was no major problem when they scoped it. They put him on some medication that will coat the esophagus. He has also had blood and potassium. So, for the moment at least, things are better in his corner. Two days ago we never believed he would make it back to the nursing home, but it appears he will. He even spoke in some sentences last night, something he hasn’t done in a long time.
As for MaMa, while she is up walking (imagine that), she seems to be having a bout with depression. I suspected that the whole time, but as I blogged earlier, we could not get the medical doctor and the psychiatrist in the same picture, so in light of all of her physical problems of the past few weeks, the psychiatrist suggested we go the medical route. Now listen to this- one morning prior to her going to the hospital, she told David that there was a baby in the bed with her. When David told the psychiatrist, he said that sounded like a “physical” problem that would cause her to be delusional. I wondered about that….but I am not a medical person, but it sounded like a mind problem to me. Now, all of a sudden, she is walking again, but she is very confused. I don’t doubt she has leg issues, but I kept saying the way she was shuffling looked like a classic case of someone that was depressed. David is trying to arrange her a treatment, which is not as easy as it sounds. Her doctor has changed from Princeton to UAB in the past week, and UAB has required a whole list of test for people taking these treatments. We think she has had everything done during her hospital stay, but they have not sent them to UAB as requested. I hope that by Monday the paperwork will be in place and he can get her there for a treatment. I am certain that these tests are simply to cover liability because shock treatments are still very controversial and not done in many facilities. As horrid as it sounds, they are the only thing that has kept MaMa as functional as she has been.
So, please continue to pray for the Couringtons. God never created two better people, and to see them have to go through so much is hard.

The Trials of Life

Well, it is 4:30 a.m. on Friday morning and I am at the computer. I have had a night of coughing and reflux. I don’t know what triggered the reflux, but that added to the coughing has brought me out of the bed. I can almost count on one hand the number of nights that I have not been able to sleep for varying reasons. I guess I can add the stress of the past few days to the causes. All that aside- today will be no go to work day for me, although I feel much better since I am upright and the drainage problem has slowed. That may be the culprit for the reflux, or it could be the fried flounder from Nikkis (which was too good to be bad!). I am going to have to go by school and fax in a book order that is due today, but that is okay. I was in a meeting all day yesterday, and when I got back to school at 3, I was bombarded. I had left my clerk and Dr. Martin (my intern student) to man the ship, and they both looked like they were about to come apart when I got back. We had several teachers out yesterday so some of the kids ended up being “housed” in the library. I think it was a real experience for Dr. Martin as she has been out of the classroom for decades. And then we all know how kids act when they are under the direction of a sub, or someone they do not know! If I had known how things were going to go, I would have stayed at school. Fortunately, the principal has never before had to resort to using the library as a classroom, and she was in and out all she could be. My clerk and Dr. Martin did not even get lunch, which does happen to me from time to time.
We went to see PaPa at the 5 o’clock visit last night. He is so pitiful. As I looked at him, I realized that what is waiting for him on the other side is so much better than the here and now. It is hard to see someone as good as he is have to go through the physical trials of this life. He does not seem to be in pain, and he is not unconscious, but he is just pitiful. He opened his eyes when we came in, but then drifted back into sleep. Billy and Mary went at the 8 o’clock visit and they said he was more awake. He is scheduled to have an upper GI test (the light) today. They are going to try to determine where the bleeding is coming from. He has also had a mild heart attack, and his kidney function is not good. Unless something changes, it appears that he is on that slippery slope that many elderly people find themselves on. Pray for his comfort, because at this point that is what is important to us. Also, MaMa spent her first night at Cherry Hill last night. She was discharged from Jasper yesterday, and they let David carry her to Cherry Hill in the car. Somewhat ironic that PaPa was there the night before, and now she is there and he is in the hospital. We do not know if the placement will be permanent, but if her mobility does not improve, she cannot be left alone. She seems to be fairly clear mentally at times, but then again she has her moments. The hospital at Jasper diagnosed her with dementia. I am not certain- after all the years of emotional problems, and the treatments necessary to deal with the problems, it would be hard to say. Some things that she has done in the past few months have been out of character- such as washing dishes without any soap- but who can say. If it is dementia, I think it is an early case. While David has had to recite her medical history numerous times in the past few weeks, we wonder if anyone is really listening. There is a disconnect between the medical doctors and the psychiatrist, so we don’t know if anyone really understands. We have stated so many times in the past few months that we miss Dr. Retan beyond belief (Dr. Retan has retired- he was one of a kind). TOday is MaMa and PaPa's 61st wedding anniversary, if I counted correctly.
On another note, Aunt Marie is in the nursing home for rehab. She had to have her big toe amputated, due to infection. She has had a lot of pain, but seems to be recovering well according to Mike. She is going to have therapy. She is still sharp as a tack, and if anyone can recover, she will.
This has been a long post-
I will close with a funny. Wednesday night after church Addi told Kim that she wanted to call Leslie (her new best friend). Kim told her no, that she could not call Leslie every night. Addi threw herself on the pew, and with her most dramatic voice said- “What are you trying to do? Break us up!” We all got a good laugh over that.

Happy Birthday, Addi!

Well, 5 years ago today, our world changed forever. The birth of Addison Rae Kelsey made me a grandparent. I would never have dreamed that being a grandparent was as great as it is! Addi’s day of birth was marked with tears and joy. I think if we had known then how serious the events of the day were, we would probably have all had to been admitted to the hospital. Thankfully we have a wonderful God, and good doctors who saw us through some difficult hours and days. I can hardly believe that was 5 years ago- time does indeed fly. Our next big adventure for Addi will be starting school. It seems as if though I have blinked my eyes and the little girl with pigtails and a Rainbow Brite lunchbox has been replaced by someone very much like her! I have been so fortunate. I have a wonderful family, and the 4 grandkids are icing on my cake. Happy birthday, Addi. You will truly never know how special you are to me. I love you!!!

Thanksgiving

I am Thankful.
This time of the year is a great time to truly reflect on those things that we have to be thankful for. I have so many thankful moments. I try not to take my blessings for granted, but sometimes I think we get so wrapped up in the day to day that we forget what a blessed people we are.
Please remember my mother-in-law in your prayers. She is having a very hard time the past few days. David is trying to get one of her doctors to return his calls. He is not certain what route to take with her. When we came in last night she was laying in the hallway. When I walked in the front door all I could see were her feet and they were not moving. It gave me a scare. She seemed not to have anything broken, but she can’t walk. Fortunately the wheelchair that my mother had was at the church and David went and got it. That chair has saved several folks- and for those who knew my mother, you would know that would make her proud. We are beginning to believe that it might be her depression. Depression has so many symptoms, and it can certainly affect the physical. She is sleeping 16 hours a day, she is confused, and she can’t seem to put one foot in front of the other. David has certainly had his share of nursing duties in the past few months. MaMa had a horrible case of the shingles, and then walking pneumonia. Being the caregiver is a stressful job.
In happier news, the kids Christmas picture adventure was a success. The pics are very good, and EVERYONE was cooperative. Levi and Hannah acted as if though they knew just what to do!
I am thankful for all of you.

Blogging Bullets

Blog Bullets

I know that I have been negligent on my Blog duties, and I apologize. I am going to Blog by Bullets to update-
· We had a great revival with David Powell
· David was in revival at the Oneonta Church this week. I managed to go every service. Now I am paying the price- I had to hunt clean undies this morning (is that TMI?)
· Lila is beautiful and such a sweet baby.
· Addi, Levi, and Hannah are wonderful. I can’t wait for the holidays.
· Paul did not pass his NBC this time- this was his first try. Since I am not a NBC teacher, I can’t personally attest to the process, but I do know from others that it is not a give away. We know he will make it this next time, especially since he has feedback and knows what area to key in on. We are very proud of Paul, and this is certainly not failure.
· Kim seems to be over her infection. We are ever thankful for that!
· I start a new internship class in a few weeks. I will have one student that has her doctorate and teaches at UAB. That will be interesting.
· Work is going well- it is always busy and interesting.
· I am looking forward to Thanksgiving. We should have a big crowd and lots of food.
· Addi played her last soccer game of the season last night. Her team won by a score of 3-1. She is turning into a good athlete. She really enjoys sports.
· David had to have a CAT scan, but all is well.
· I love you all!

Happy Birthday, Kim! Happy Birthday, Lisa!

Today is my daughter's 29th birthday. Bless her heart- she has been having a rough few days. She is fighting a staph infection, and of course with all of the publicity lately, that makes it even scarier. We are confident that all will be well, but we are also an impatient people that want things to be instant! I have always been the family "fixer", and when it is something that I can't fix, I feel bad. All that aside, I am thankful to God that 29 years ago he blessed me with my daughter. She is my heart. I love her so much, and I am very proud of her. She is no longer my little girl, but a grown woman with 3 children of her own, but in my heart she will forever be my first baby. I don't know how I got so lucky in this life to be so blessed. Thank you, God- You have blessed me more than I could ever deserve.
Today is also my oldest niece, Lisa's birthday. She has also been a very special part of my life. Her birth was one of my first real memories. I was so proud of her (and I still am!!!). Then when Kim was born on Lisa's birthday (Kim waited 3 weeks in order to hit the 28th!) that made October 28th even more special.
So, happy birthday to 2 special girls. May life grant you many, many years of birthdays!
I love you, both.

Cracious, Granna

Cracious, Granna- yes, I know it is Gracious, but Addi doesn’t. She informed me that she “speaks both English and Spanish”. I had the honor of taking care of Levi and Addi while Kim was in the hospital. They were really good, and overall both would have received an “A” in behavior. Levi pretty much entertains himself while he is at home. We cheated and watched some Sponge Bob, but Bob acted pretty good. Addi told me at least 50 times how much she “appreciated” me for keeping them. These accolades came in the form of:
You are the best Granna.
There’s no one else like you, Granna.
Thanks, Granna for helping us.
Thanks, Granna for washing my soccer uniform.
Thanks, Granna for fixing me some chocolate milk.
You're so sweet for doing laundry.
You're so sweet for buying me a milkshake.
The list goes on and on.
Right before Lila arrived home, Addi told me “Cracious”. I had tears in my eyes. That was the sweetest thank-you I ever received.
Lila is so sweet. I am so in love with her already. Addi and Levi have accepted her as if though they truly understand that she belongs to them. Hannah can already say her name (Hannah is an advanced talker for her age. She makes me think of Kim.). Lila will have plenty of folks that love her. How sad to think that any baby would not be wanted. Cracious, Addi, Levi, Hannah, and Lila, for being my sweet grandchildren!
Thanks, Paul, for updating my header photos!

Siblings and Family

I found myself thinking about Addi and Lila today, and wondering about their bond as sisters. Addi loves Levi, and he absolutely adores her, but having a sister is so special. Kim has brothers, and I don’t think for a minute that she would trade one of them in for a sister, but, in reality, it is different. I imagine that growing up she had moments when she would have liked to have had a sister in the mix. She has great sisters-in-law, so that is nice, and perhaps has helped to fill the sister void. I don’t know if boys have the same feelings about siblings as girls do- then again I would not know! I have a sister. She is special. I hope that Lila loves Addi as much as I love my sister. I love my brother, but I need my sister. Addi and Lila will be such great friends, I just know. Life will hold many adventures for them. Please remember Kim and Lila this week. We are on the home stretch, and things are looking great. We are thankful for an uneventful pregnancy, and this time next week we hope to be giddy in love with our newest grandchild!

Childhood Memories

Okay, if you read this, you are tagged to list your 20 favorite childhood memories. Childhood is considered age 12 and under. I had fun thinking back to some of these events. I could have listed many more. I think I had a good childhood. I had people that loved me, and that means the most.

20 Favorite Childhood Memories

1. Snow cones at decoration day at Freewill Cemetery
2. Becoming an aunt at the ripe old age of 8 (almost 9)
3. Watching the Red Mountain Fireworks in the front yard with Daddy
4. Setting mousetraps on the stove (yes, on the stove) and turning the lights out and watching for the mouse to take the cheese (using the pilot light for night vision!), also with my Daddy
5. Mother buying me a bicycle for no reason
6. Barbie Dolls and the shoe box of Barbie and Ken clothes that Patsy made me one Christmas- I especially loved Barbie’s blue corduroy coat with the little buttons
7. Chatty Cathy Doll
8. Going to Kresses in North Birmingham to buy crayons and coloring books
9. The North Birmingham Library
10. The Lewisburg Skating Rink
11. Spend the nights with Cathy or Teresa, or Cathy and Teresa
12. Going to spend the night with Aunt Willie Ross and Norma Jean
13. Fresh Air Farm Summer Camp
14. The Girls Club
15. The Fultondale Swimming Pool
16. Going cave exploring with my brother
17. Fairmont School
18. Mrs. Self reading the class, “No Time for Sergeants”
19. Getting my ears pierced
20. New school clothes and “Merry Moc” Penny Loafers from the Sears Catalog (new clothes were not an every day thing in my childhood. My first day of school dress was beautiful- a plaid dress with a yellow pinafore made by my sister. I will try to post a photo!)

The "List"

Well, it is official, Mary is on the liver transplant "list". This is not exactly the kind of list that one would want to be on, but it is a list of hope. We are very optimistic that Mary will get a liver, soon, and that she will be able to resume an active, healthy life. She has many years ahead of her, and she needs to feel good, and not have to itch herself to death!
Please keep Mary in your prayers. Add her to your prayer list at church. We know the power of the Almighty, and we are confident that Mary will be fine.

How I wish.....

In just over three weeks, the Good Lord willing, baby Lila will join our family. I am, as with the past three, excited to welcome this little one to our family. I can’t help but to think about the people that I wish could be here to welcome her, especially my mother and Lila Mae. How proud they would both be. My mother loved her grandchildren beyond words. She hung on every bit of news about their lives. She was so proud of their accomplishments, and she surely thought they were all beautiful. Mother was proud of Kim, and was so excited that she had met such a nice young man. She so wanted to be at their wedding, but that was not meant to be. The song about “holes in the floor of heaven” is a sweet song. I don’t know how Heaven works, but in my heart I want to think that Mother knows the good parts of our lives. I want her to know about Addi, Levi, and Hannah. I want so to share their cute stories with her, and yet I can’t. She would find them to be even smarter than her own grandchildren! Lila Mae loved my children so much. She would be honored that Kim and Paul have chosen to honor her by naming this new child, Lila. So, Baby Lila, Granna is waiting. I pray for your safe arrival for both you and your sweet mother. I am eager to smell the sweetness of a newborn, to hold you in my arms, and to look at the future through your eyes.

New Sister/Cousin Shirts

I am going to try to post some pics of Addi and Hannah's shirts I made. Levi's is blue, without bows, of course. I think they are cute- even if I did them myself!
P.S. After I put the photos on, Hannah's shirt looked as big as Addi's- it is really a size 2, I promise!

Art Linkletter Should Have Met Addi

Well, Paul posts all the cute sayings, but I am going to beat him on this one.
Yesterday David and myself and all the kids and grandkids met for lunch at Barnhills. We had a great time. As we were finishing lunch, Addi told Kim that she needed to go to the bathroom. Kim told her to wait just a minute, to which Addi replied that she would go by herself. Kim told her that she would not go by herself, and stated, “You can’t go to the bathroom by yourself, someone might try to get you.” To which Addi replied, “If anyone tries to get me, I will tell them that I already have an owner.” How funny.

Happy Birthday, Josh!

Happy Birthday, Joshua David Courington. It seems hard to believe that 26 years ago I was at St. Vincent’s wondering what to do with a little boy! We were so proud of you then, and we still are today. This birthday means that you are ½ as old as me- the only time that will happen unless I live to be 104 years old! Who knows????? May God Bless you with many birthdays.

Do I Make You Proud?

Taylor Hicks began his reign as the American Idol by singing,
”Do I Make You Proud?”, a song that he admittedly did not like, but I did. I got to thinking about my children, and boy, do they make me proud. Kim, Paul, Josh, Katie, Daniel, and Mandi….all so active for God. Kim and Paul, teaching and working with Lads to Leaders, Josh and Katie, also teaching and working with Bible Bowl and other good works, Daniel and Mandi, working with the church at Glencoe. David had the opportunity to spend some time with both Josh and Daniel at Polishing the Pulpit- because they were there. Josh had worked a hard day, yet he still found time to do something good. Daniel made the trip to Birmingham 2 days, and Mandi came after school one of those days. They have such good hearts. I know, the Lord willing, that I have sons and a son-in-law that will one day serve as Elders in the church. How wonderful that I don’t have to worry about them frequenting bars, or other places where so many other young adults find their “place” in life. I love you all.

Arky Update

As some of my 3 devoted readers may remember, I blogged about Arky, the Arkadelphia exit dog, many months ago. Arky was the big black dog standing on the side of the Arkadelphia Road exit. When I moved back to the new school, in September of last year, on the first morning there stood Arky (the name I gave him- I bet he has 10,000 names that others have given him). Well, today is August 29, 2007, and Arky is still there. How can a dog survive a year on an interstate???? He is so fat that he waddles. This morning he had pizza, biscuits (he has biscuits EVERY morning- up to 10 or 12), several containers of water (which he never seems to knock over- I guess he has learned the value of water during the drought), endless donuts, left-overs, and you name it. He goes into the shrubbery until the light changes to red, and then he comes out to see what has been left. He has become very picky, only eating what he really likes- I have noted that on bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits that he will open the biscuit and eat the bacon and egg but leave the cheese. The other morning as I came up the ramp I saw an Alabama State Trooper car pulled over- my first thought was that something had happened to Arky- wrong thought. The trooper was out feeding and watering Arky. I am amazed that some radical animal lover has not reported his hiding place to some animal organization. I hope people continue to leave Arky alone. He may get hit by a car tomorrow, but he is living the high life today. Even the grass mowers just move his water bowl and food when they mow. If you have a chance, check him out. He is truly a “Wonder-Dog”!

Primary biliary cirrhosis

Yesterday Mary had her port removed. The treatments did not help. She will go on the transplant list within the next week or so. They have told her that she has to be within 45 minutes of the hospital, and she will be on call 24/7. It is a scary time, but also a time of hope. How fortunate that we live near UAB where they are experts as liver transplants. Mary's condition is so rare, that they have only done 4 transplants for this same disease. Our family has certainly had their share of "rare" liver problems.As most of ou know, Kim suffered from AFLP (Acute Fatty Liver in Pregnancy), which is also very rare. I had a virus attach my liver several years ago, but fortunately I recovered. Obviously Mary is not blood related to Kim or me, and what Kim and I had was certainly not related, but all this liver stuff is scary.
Please remember Mary in your prayers. She is brave and strong, and that is to her favor. Also, the reality is, someone must die and donate, and that is a scary thought. Below is an excerpt about PBC.
(PBC) is a disease characterized by inflammatory destruction of the small bile ducts within the liver. PBC eventually leads to cirrhosis of the liver. The cause of PBC is unknown, but because of the presence of autoantibodies, it is generally thought to be an autoimmune disease. Other etiologies, such as infectious agents, have not been completely excluded. PBC has a worldwide prevalence of approximately 5/100,000 and an annual incidence of approximately 6/1,000,000. The prevalence and incidence appear to be similar in different regions of the world. About 90% of patients with PBC are women. Most commonly, the disease is diagnosed in patients between the ages of 40 and 60 years.

Choosing Cheerfulness

Well, it is Saturday and I have been busy washing, cleaning, hemming pants, and mending rips.
David and I went to Polishing the Pulpit last night, and we enjoyed it. I went to 2 ladies classes, and during the second one, Becky was there so I enjoyed her company. We don't spend much time together, anymore. Melony Webster spoke on choosing cheerfulness. I needed to hear that one. I have needed it today. We are so blessed, and yet sometimes we let things overshadow all the good.
I need to go vacuum the pool, so I may do that. I have also read all my daily blogs. It is nice to keep up with everyone, and to read what they have on their minds and in their hearts. It is kind of like reading someone's diary- only one they have edited, I am certain. If not my first 2 paragraphs would have been full of much more detail, if you know what I mean.
Have a great weekend, and be CHEERFUL!

Tidbits

Well, the first full week of school is behind me, and I have spent the last 3 days in training. We have a new circulation system, and I am here to tell you that I am about brain dead from the training. We spent 3 SOLID days, and the information was OVERLOAD. I really don’t know if I remember anything. I guess it will be one of those learn as you go type things. I had to do some programming with HTML language- something I have NEVER done, so that was a challenge (and also unbelievable that it was required considering this program set B’ham City Schools back MANY dollars). Our old program was only 2 years old, but the company bailed and we were basically left with a skeletal program. Oh well, enough of that.
Tonight we went to Golden Rule in Irondale to eat. About the time we got our drinks the lights went out because of lightning. David and I had food- but everyone else was just waiting. We actually ate in the dark. David went and got a flashlight right toward the end. It was interesting. We truly could not see what we were putting in our mouths. Everyone was using their cell phones to try to see. How funny!!
We have a funeral to go to tomorrow. Some people that come to church at Sylvan Springs had a 20 year old son to die. He had a bicycle wreck and they thought he was okay. Apparently he had gone to bed and they went to check on him some time later and he was blue. They called the paramedics and when they got there he had a faint pulse. They carried him to the hospital but he died. He was their only child (not that that makes any difference), and I know this is a tremendous shock to them.
Tomorrow is also sweet, baby Hannah’s big first birthday party. That should be fun. She is getting so big. Wednesday night she was walking every where. She is still a little wobbly, but she is about to overcome that. My bed calls…..I am getting old.

Mary, Mary, not contrary!

My sister-in-law, Mary had a port put in today so that she can take some medication to hopefully relieve her itching. For those that may not know, Mary has a liver condition that is going to eventually require a transplant. We are hopeful that it might be some long years down the road, but some of Mary’s problems, and blood work numbers indicates that the problem may have worsened some since it was last checked. Mary has taken some medications that may have caused the numbers to worsen. Have you ever noted that every single drug advertisement says something like…”Don’t take this drug if you have liver problems.” Some of the drugs that Mary has taken to TRY to get relief from the itching might be culprits in making the numbers higher, as well. I don’t know if any of you out in Blog Land have ever itched- but I have. It is not like a mosquito bite- it is sheer torment. Back before the doctors realized my gallbladder was bad (anyone else out there had this misdiagnosed????), I almost itched myself to death. As a matter of fact, at one point I spent 5 days in the hospital on a Benadryl drip (boy was that a trip!). I can sympathize with Mary. While I don’t think I know what she is going through to the extent that it is, I know it is more than just itching. I also know that Mary is being very brave. She is smiling, and laughing, and well, just being Mary. What she is actually facing is very serious. I love Mary. I don’t think the 2 of us have ever had a cross word. If we have, I don’t remember it (so don’t remind me, Mary!). So, all you Bloggers, pray for Mary. She is trying to work, but it is hard. She has no sick days, and she is the “insurance” carrier in the family. Hopefully she will feel better in a few days. I love you, Mary!

So Disappointed

I am not a huge fan of reality television, but I do love "Little People, Big World." As a matter of fact, I know too much about these people. I love Amy- she is so real. I love it that she is always loading the dishwasher, and that the laundry is all over the house. The kids are so messy, it seems real. They also fuss and fight. Molly, the only girl, stands her ground with the 3 brothers. Matt's parents crack me up- especially when his dad says, "I have had it up to here with these dwarf people!" The kids attend a private, church-related school. Amy worries about money (although I believe those problems have been taken care of by the income from the show), and Matt is always starting projects (some he finishes, some he doesn't). Well, the other day, Matt was arrested for DUI. I am crushed. I feel like my cousin committed a crime. Matt- what were you thinking???? You know your little body will not tolerate much alcohol. You already have a hard time driving a vehicle- and then you add alcohol to the mix. Shame on you, little person. You have disillusioned me with your awful act. What if you had an accident and left Amy to fend for herself, or worse yet, what if you have hurt someone else! You need to be ashamed little person.....As Gomer would say...."Shame, Shame, Shame!"

I also read that this was not his first arrest- he was arrested in 03 but underwent an alcohol program.

For All You Moms Out In Blog Land

I blog hopped to this site. Check out some of the cute items. Addi, Levi, Lila, and Hannah may get something off of this site for the holidays. I liked the white with the blue snow flakes. I thought it might be something they could wear all winter, perhaps. Kim, Katie, and myself will have to look through and pick something out. It is August 1st and I am thinking about Christmas.
Also, Happy Birthday to my "baby", Daniel, who is 23 today. Poor thing- he is celebrating in Gatlinburg. Addi was worried about Daniel just being with Mandi on his birthday. She has a big party mentality. So sweet.

http://www.babyfacedesign.blogspot.com/

He fought hard....

Baby Chandler lost his hard fought battle a little after 11 last night. The infection in his tiny body was just too much for him to overcome. He struggled his whole life, but had made some progress up until last week.
The family needs prayer at this time. It has been a very emotional and physically draining situation.

Baby Chandler needs our prayers

Chandler Ferguson is critically sick. They needed to do surgery last night, but he was not stable enough. He has the intestinal problem that hits preemies, and it is not good. Please pray for him.

Is God There?

In the light of the past week, with the sad events that have made many of our blog community so sad- I thought this might be good reading.
I love you all.

Is God There?
May 5, 2004
by WAYNE JACKSON
When the hardships of life take their toll, sufferers may be tempted to question whether God is at all concerned. Yet the following truths reveal that the faithful child of God is ever in the mind and care of our loving Creator.
Emma was a sweet, four-and-one-half year old girl, the utter delight of her parents. Now, she is with the Lord. Emma was killed in a tragic automobile accident. Many grieving souls, with sincere faith, struggle with these sorts of tragedies.
Does God hear our pleas when we pray for the protection of our loved ones? Does he intervene providentially on behalf of his children? If so, why do these heartbreaking things happen? Why?!
Our souls agonize with those who are subjected to such horrors. How do we assist them? It is not easy, but here are some principles that may help.
Instead of trying to make sense of individual episodes of tragedy, we need to focus upon several fundamental truths.
It is absolutely paramount that we establish our confidence in the testimony of the Scriptures. Unless we are convinced that the Bible is true, and we can trust its message, there is nowhere to go for any meaningful resolution.
We must, therefore, immerse ourselves in the evidences that build faith in the integrity of the Word of God. This will be the foundation upon which all else rests. If we desert our faith, we have solved nothing. Rather than having a single problem, we then will have two; and infidelity is of far greater consequence.
Is the Creator sensitive to out prayers? Yes. Jesus himself depended upon prayer (cf. Lk. 22:44). He prayed that if God so willed, the “cup” of suffering might pass from him; but it did not. There was a higher purpose to be served (Heb. 5:8-9).
Though Christ taught that the Father lovingly listens to us (Jn. 15:7; cf. Jas. 5:16-18; 1 Pet. 3:12; 1 Jn. 5:14), that does not mean we will be immune to the common difficulties of life. Were that the case, no child of God would ever die!
We are citizens of a planet cursed by evil, and we, like all others, are heir to its hardships. Prayer will provide the Christian with comfort and the strength to endure, but it does not exempt us from trials.
Is it true that God is able to intervene in the lives of his people to bring about, in a providential (i.e., non-miraculous) fashion what is best for them? Yes.
If we could only see “behind the scenes,” we might understand that what is now perceived to be quite “bad,” from our limited vantage point, may turn out to be “good” in the final analysis.
That is why Joseph ultimately could say to his brothers, after much heartache, “And as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good . . .” (Gen. 50:20). The events of our lives must be measured in terms of eternity, not time.
Paul petitioned the Lord that he might he able to visit the saints in Rome (Rom. 1:9-10; cf. 15:30-32). God moved in mysterious ways to bring about the apostle’s request; it actually involved Paul spending four years as a prisoner (Acts 24:27; 28:30).
It is very clear that our Father can operate in our lives. But precisely when he is directing matters, we cannot know (cf. Philem. 15). God can intervene; but some things may “just happen.” We can only resolve to glorify the Lord – under any circumstance.
The Bible makes it clear that it is not possible for us to scrutinize the ways of our Maker and subject them to meaningful analysis. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!” (Rom. 11:33).
We are not qualified to be the Lord’s “counsellor” or to tender judgment upon what he is doing (vs. 34). This was a major lesson that Job, the patriarch of Uz, had to learn (cf. 42:1-3).
We are not the first to struggle with the mysteries of crushing blows in our lives. The early saints were similarly confronted with such hardships, and yet they maintained their faith.
During the reign of Herod Agrippa I, James, the brother of John was killed for the cause of Christ, and yet, Peter, on the same occasion was delivered from prison and spared the malicious intent of the ruler (Acts 12:1ff). Why? Surely the Jerusalem Christians puzzled over this matter.
Four companions in the gospel – Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke – arrive in the city of Philippi to do mission work. Two of them – Paul and Silas – are whipped and thrown into prison. The other two remain untouched. Who can explain it?
Why was it the case that Epaphroditus, Paul’s helper in Rome, who had become so desperately ill, was delivered from his illness (Phil. 2:25-27), while Paul himself, who was afflicted with some grievous “thorn in the flesh,” was informed that he must abide in that condition (2 Cor. 12:7-9)?
Why these seeming inequities? We do not know. But the New Testament writers record these events with no apology. We will never be able to “figure out” why some of us today appear to have it so well, while others are forced to endure agonies. We must simply have confidence that out Father is working a plan that he knows far better than we. We must wait for the clearer picture.
Based upon what we know of God’s goodness, as revealed in the Scriptures, we must conclude that whatever he does, or allows to happen, ultimately is “right” (Gen. 18:25). The life of faith is a life of trust. We are not promised exemptions from suffering; we are promised that whatever bad happens in our lives, through it all the Lord loves us supremely (Rom. 8:35ff).
Finally, whatever the difficulties and mysteries of this life, we can take hope in the fact that the trials we now endure are but a prelude to glory (Rom. 8:18ff). We will understand things much better in the “sweet bye-and-bye.”
But we are not there yet! We’re still in the hard here-and-now.

My #1 Son-in-law

My #1 son-in-law, the famous Paul Kelsey, has given my blog a much needed facelift. I am so excited- I have blinkies and everything!!!!! Paul, you did a great job. If you need a blog revival- see Paul as he may be going into the business. Just kidding, Paul. I know you don't need another job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blog Poem

I never kept a diary for more than a week,
To keep a journal I did not seek.
So what makes Blogging such a wonderful treat?
Perhaps it’s because it’s such an easy feat!

Oh that today I could look back on the past,
And see what I was doing when I was a mere las.
So for all of you Blogging parents in mass,
Be certain to save a paper copy of all that has passed!

For there will come a day and it won’t be long,
When you won’t be able to recount that child’s silly song.
But if to the paper Blog you can once again roam,
Then the memories will be relived in your present day home.

So, though the computer and blogging is today’s current art,
Remember that not too long ago we thought typewriters were a great start!
And, although you may not believe that I am this smart,
There will come a day when you will wish you had taken my warning to heart!

My List

Okay….here goes. Some of this is a wish list! By the way- there are only 50 things here.

1. I love my life.
2. I love God, and I am so thankful that He loves me.
3. I love David more than words can tell. He writes me the sweetest cards, because the ones in the store do not meet his approval.
4. I never intended to marry a preacher.
5. My children and grandchildren are my world. This includes my children-in-law. I can’t imagine life without a single one of them. I also have fears as to how I would handle anything bad that might happen to any of them. My mother also had these fears, stemmed by the fact that her sisters and brother lost children.
6. I love my whole family. While we might not be Norman Rockwell material, I think we do pretty well.
7. I need my sister, more than she probably knows.
8. I love my job. I never dread going to work, other than getting out of bed.
9. I am the “Principal’s Pet”, and have been for the tenure of 5 different administrations.
10. My life would not be complete without my daughter. She is special.
11. My “boys” are now men that would make any mother proud.
12. The day my mother died made me realize how important it is to tell those around you that you love them. She was special.
13. I like for my house to be organized, but it really isn’t. I have also learned that having a clean house is not everything in life.
14. I went back to school and received my Masters at 50. It was not easy.
15. I love teaching for the University of West Alabama. Dr. Snider is one of my favorite people, and he is my boss.
16. I love my swimming pool and cannot stand for the water not to be crystal clear with no leaves. I spend more time cleaning than swimming. No bugs, please!
17. I wish I could successfully loose weight and keep it off. This should really be like #4 on my list. I wish it were as simple as “want to”. I also hate that I have passed the ‘fat gene” along to others. Then again, someone passed it on to me!
18. I think there are 2 places in the world that are the most wonderful- 1. Indian Creek Youth Camp, and 2. Freed Hardeman University
19. I cry easily.
20. I will never live with any of my children- despite all of the nice things I have said about them. I should never say never, but let me tell you, I mean never if I have life and breath and can do otherwise.
21. My gray hair will not cover, despite the fact that the bottle says it will.
22. The day Addi was born was one of the happiest and scariest days of my life.
23. When Levi pats my back, I get tears in my eyes.
24. I love Hannah’s fang tooth. Her grin lights up a room.
25. I haven’t read a book in over a year. Pretty sad for a librarian.
26. I love to find a bargain.
27, I love to monogram with my new machine.
28. I miss having a “best girlfriend”- when Glenda moved to Georgia our relationship changed.
29. I like eating out- that is part of the problem with #17.
30. I do not like conflict. Sometimes I keep my mouth shut to keep things from escalating.
31. I wish people would do what they say they are going to do and not make excuses.
32. I wish I had more money so that I could help my kids out more.
33. I love being able to give more to the church now that I have a third job.
34. Sometimes I look for small imperfections in things, and then let it drive me crazy. For example, if I buy a new dress and it has a tiny little flaw, I will think that everyone sees it.
35. I don’t like water marks on my stainless sink. I have them, anyway.
36. I sometimes leave things in the refrigerator until it gives off fumes (seriously). When I clean out the frig, I vow to not do it again, but I do.
37, I wish I had insisted that my children take more responsibility in cleaning, and cooking.
38. I wish my mother and father could see my grandchildren. They would be so proud.
39. I am not as adaptable as people think I am.
40. I miss being alone at times.
41. I am not as kind as I need to be.
42. I love my dog, but I don’t understand people that think animals are like their children. None of my children ever dug a 4 foot hole under my steps!
43. If I could only eat at one place for the rest of my life, it would be the Fish Market.
44. I do not want to be buried. I want to be cremated, but David and Patsy are not too keen on that idea. Then again, maybe I will be here when the Lord comes and that will be a non-issue. I also want to be scattered at ICYC because it is my happy place. Just pour me off the point.
45. I think Blogging brings people closer. We all say things on our Blog that we would not say in public.
46. I need to be a better Bible student.
47. I am excited about baby Lila. I also miss Lila Mae so much. I never had anyone outside of my family that loved me like she did. She would be excited over baby Lila and have someone make her a quilt!
48. I am not going to make it to 100- so this will be 50 things!
49. When you start making a list, you realize that some things are not in the order that they should be.
50. I vowed I would never do one of these lists.

Please, Call me by name!

In February, when we attended the Freed Hardeman lectures, we attended church on Wednesday night at the Estes congregation. Tom Holland always speaks on Wednesday night, and it is always a treat. When they made their announcements, it was announced that one of the members had just been diagnosed with colon cancer. I could tell it was someone who was a faithful, active member, simply by the way the announcement was made. As we were exiting the building, there was a lady standing in the back. Everyone was crowded around her. She looked to be about 50 years old, and she was crying. I could tell by the conversation that I was hearing that she was the lady in the announcement. Everyone seemed so concerned. One man stated- “We are praying for you.” The lady kindly replied, “Thank you. Please, call me by name when you pray! I don’t need generic prayers right now.” In other words, she did not want to be clumped with all of the other sick- she wanted her name brought before the throne of God. She wanted God to know that people were praying specifically for her. I don’t know the lady, or her outcome, but I do know that she understood that prayer is powerful. Will you help me as we pray for this people- and call them by name?
Melody Ferguson
Chandler Ferguson
Denese Billitz
Phillip Hammock
Chad Vernon
Bayley Maddox
Teale Yielding and Baby
Betty Garrison
Wayne Courington
Virginia Barnes
Eva Gaither
Would you like to add others to this list?