Possible Light at the End of the Tunnel

At this phase of our lives I'm not posting every day as I envisioned when I started this blog!  Working from home and caring for Carl's mom is pretty much the sum total of what is going on right now.  However, after a turbulent past week -- our first doctor visit after finally getting Alabama vs. Florida straightened out (Medicare & Social Security) ended in frustration. Mrs. V's new doctor immediately wanted to put her in Health South and felt she had not received nearly enough therapy in Montgomery.  So, we headed over, wheeled Mrs. V to her new room and...not a private room...she refused to stay, regardless of what the administrator and education nurse tried to tempt her with...she was not so nice, we were frustrated beyond words, and the three of us left in anger...much prayer was said asking for God to help us get through to her the need for assistance.  So, home we went without a word said between any of us the rest of the night.  Of course, Mrs. V was happy as a clam because she felt she had "won".  We have had alot of "confusion" and uncomfortable days and nights due to some "issues" (shall we say - won't go into what has been causing her problems in this public setting).  But finally after some advice/remedy shared via a friend of a friend, we tried it, it worked and PRAISE THE LORD, we have had a couple of better days and night.  And, the doctor, though also frustrated, ordered home health care to do an evaluation, which was held on Saturday afternoon.  We liked the male nurse who came and he helped her see that his coming and physical therapy coming out was to help her and not to try to "get rid of her" - her mantra since coming here.  So, home care will start Monday at 3 x a week and we'll see how much physical therapy will be ordered.  I would surely love to see her mobile enough and doing well enough by the end of the summer to possibly go to some form of day care - i.e., Senior Citizens Center, etc.  She could have more socialization and who knows...fun maybe...and we could start resuming a semblance of more normal life.  Last week we celebrated (not) our 37th wedding anniversary.  Since we were not able to go anywhere overnight or even out to eat, we've promised we will do some sort of celebrating at our very earliest opportunity.  We know God is still in control and there is a purpose in everything we go through.  Right now we are moving through moment by moment and just pray for patience and endurance to run this race of our lives.  Oh, and did I mention my sweet dad has anemia and had to have his first blood transfusion ever...guess that's what happens as you get older...our living parents are also getting older and things happen. God doesn't give us more than we can handle, but feels like it comes close sometimes.  But, we do have so much to be thankful for in other ways and just look to that when we think we've reached the end of our ropes...loved the sermon from Tim today. One point was to "move on" when we come to the waters' edge, step on out there and have faith that God will take care of us. The water will part and we can keep going...and the invitation song keeps running through my head..."The Battle Belongs to the Lord".  Yes it does and He will see us through.  Blessings to all.

Rejuvenation!

Tuesday evening brought some much-needed relaxation and time away from the daily stresses for time with "the girls"...friends who've either been there themselves, caring for an elderly parent, or just some compassionate, caring hugs.  Carol Fisher and Cynthia Poole hosted the mid-summer event at Carol's home with some light, but great tasting goodies, and time for laughing, talking, with the evening concluding with plans for the fall and coming year.  Here's some pics...so sorry for the quality from my cell; will need to start carrying my camera again...thanks, Carol for opening your home and sharing your heart with me and so many others.

Again, forgive the poor quality of pics, but hope the smiles can show through and give you some idea of the good time had by all.  If you're a Timberlane gal from college age on up, feel free to join us beginning in September, second Tuesday nights.  T.W.I.G.S needs more women who wish to participate in food, fun, fellowship and service.  Be watching for bulletin announcements of location and dates!  BTW, TWIGS stands for Timberlane Women in God's Service, and that's what we want to do!

Home is Not Quite the Same

Our home is not quite the same anymore...our office has been partially converted into a room for Carl's mother, complete with a hospital bed.  We are on Day 22 of our new lives with MawMaw in our home.  With her not being able to care for herself, one of us has to be at the house with her 24/7.  With my job being more flexible, here I am.  Carl tries to take over her care when he's home at night and on the weekends.  But I miss my job (never quite thought I'd say that these last few years) and I miss worshipping with my church family.  Carl is in charge of the sound room/audio visual, so it is more important for him to be there than me.  Thanks to those great guys who helps him out on Sunday nights and Wednesday nights though!  She wants a "female" here too, and doesn't like the idea of her grandsons being the ones to help her with certain things, you know.  But we FINALLY will be getting her in to a doctor next Wednesday, the 20th, and will possibly have a better idea at what we're going to be looking at down the road, and hopefully getting in some home health care and possible physical therapy - only if she would even benefit after this long with nothing to help her.  We don't foresee her ever returning to her tri-level house with all the stairs and living alone, but truly, only God knows what we're all in for in the days ahead. I'm trying to hold it together, but am having a difficult time not just running away some days.  God forgive me for my attitude and help me to be more compassionate and caring.

New on the Home Front

This weekend was full of life changes and emotions.  On Friday we went to see Carl's mother in rehab in Montgomery.  We had been told she would be released on Tuesday...so, we thought "good, she'll be doing great".  Not so.  Our thoughts of how she would look and be able to maneuver were totally not reality.  She was being released, but she was not/is no where nearly prepared to be on her own.  She's very weak and unable to even get up on her own or go to the restroom alone...so she has come to our home now for an undetermined amount of time.  And now after her traumatic ordeal, she does not want to be alone for any length of time.
 
The future is always unsure, as God tells us we should not plan for the morrow...and this holds a totally different meaning to us now.  Carl is an only child and his father has been gone for 23 years...we're it..we are her family and we will fulfill what the Bible teaches us to do.  Whether that means a few weeks or months, or for the remainder of her life, we will take care of this soon-to-be 93 year old, former Registered Nurse. Valeria Vinson loves to share with anyone who will listen, that she graduated from The University of Alabama, Bryce Hospital Nursing School June 1, 1941.  Worked her way through nursing training so she could make her own living...she would never have to depend on a man to take care of her.  She has nursed hundreds of people as a floor nurse, director of nurses, charge nurse, private duty nurse, head of recovery rooms.  She's traveled the United States while Carl's dad was in the Navy and wives were allowed to follow...she's now the widow of a Pearl Harbour Survivor and the mother of a wonderful son. 

She has become a more frail, humble, appreciative, less independent version of her former self, but she is family and we'll do our best to see her through this new journey of her life...and ours.

And to Other "Fathers" in My Life

David was the first "in-law" to come into the second generation of the family, when he married my niece Renee. But he quickly became a nephew with no "in-law" attached.  He is a strong husband, father and supporter of all that is right.  He has also taken on the role of patriarch of the Baldwin family since the death of his father and brother, and looks out for his mother, sister & family and runs a successful insurance business to boot!  I love you, David!

David, Kayla, Jared, Matt, (triplets) Renee, Theo, Janay (T-g/f)
The Baldwins

Next came Billy, my nephew by way of marrying my niece Rochelle.  Now, Billy, I haven't been able to be around nearly as much as David, but he's a great guy. Christian husband and father as well, he's a sports enthusiast and also loves his girls.  The last few years, he's had jobs that have had him working out of town, separating his family for months at a time, but he's been a trooper.  I love you, Billy!



(this picture is REALLY old - Hope will be a Senior this year...)
Billy holding Hope, Rochelle holding Allie
[I must say Billy & Rochelle haven't changed, her hair is just longer]
The Knightens

Next, I guess will be Jason - he's my nephew via my sister.  Jason is an awesome Dad and I am so proud of how far he has come.   I certainly won't go into all his struggles, but he is a strong young man, a hard worker and great husband and father. We are so happy he found Tiffany and the family they have been able to form together with his sons.  I love you, Jason!



Jason, Tiffany, Donovan, Logan
The Kirkleys

Then we have Brandon (always Heath to me) - he's Jason's younger brother. In the last couple of years, Brandon has become step-dad to some great kiddos - Megan and Dalton.  Also a very hard worker, Brandon has been considered the "quiet" one, but he has opened up so much since having Christy in his life.  We look forward to getting to know these sweet children more and enjoying happy times ahead.  I love you, Heath!

Megan, Dalton, Christy, Brandon
The Kirkleys

I was unable to get a picture of Brian and Alec. Brian is the step-son of my brother Philip, and he's a great dad as well.  We haven't been able to see or be around Brian since he was younger, but I keep up with him through his mom and through pictures (sorry I couldn't get my hands on one for this post).  Hopefully, we'll be able to resolve that issue and have more family time again.  I love you, Brian!

This post was dedicated to "fathers" within my blood family...if you're just joining my little blog world, be sure to check the earlier post on Father's Day, highlighting my own father and father-in-law, brothers, husband...

But here's also to those wonderful fathers and friends - some we see weekly, some just every now and then - but know you are loved and thought of fondly.  I was going to start listing names, but just knew I'd leave out someone unintentionally, so it's safer to just send out greetings to you all for a fantastic Father's Day 2011.  I love you all!

You Can Do It!

Thanks to some wonderful friends, I'm giving this one more shot to see how we do...just so you'll know, this will be an on-going hit or miss, so patience will truly be a virtue!

Love to all who may come across this site today and know that the following verse hits the nail on the head!

Blessings, my friends!

Throw in the Towel?

Apologies for the Father's Day post...I believe I will hold off on other posts until I can gain some additional knowledge in creating better looking material. It's the thought that counts, but these men from my Father's Day post certainly deserve something better...and poor Philip's picture dropped down below Ed's...oh, well...there is more to worry about than blog posts, so I'll sign off and wish everyone a wonderful day! At least God sent us some rain last night...what's up with all the smoke over South Georgia and North Florida? Evidently wild fires somewhere..."Father, please be with those in the path of such vicious rage and keep those fighting those fires (in Arizona as well) safe in your loving arms."
And borrowed from a friend of mine...TGIT=Thank Goodness It's Today!