Getting Ready for Christmas

Well it's hard to believe that Christmas is around the corner. . . guess because I am not quite ready for it to be here yet! Mom & Dad are doing fantastic. . . they are enjoying the season, although I know he was disappointed he didn't get to go to church last Sunday due to the icy conditions. We are hoping this weekend they can get out and also go to one of our shows - A Christmas Experience. It's a live musical and theatrical production with over 150 cast & crew. . . it is so amazing and this year he is especially looking forward to it because not only is most of my family involved in some way, but his great niece Katy Mong is portraying Mary and his grandson Matt is portraying Santa Claus - it's gonna be so cool. So I will try to snap some pics for the blog.

Thanks for checking in - nothing really new to report - but no news is good news in these days and times right?

Our love to all for a BLESSED Christmas. . .remember the reason for season is Jesus!

Great Thanksgiving!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Dad is doing wonderful and the whole family was able to get together at my sister Pam's house for dinner. Sunday was an amazing day for mom & dad as they watched their grandson Matt Bartgis speak the message at our church The Living Room - it was so moving, dad cried thru most of the service! Matt will be heading to Australia in January to attend Hillsong Bible College for 2 years for his pastoral and creative arts degree study. We were all blessed to share that moment with him Sunday and I know dad would do anything he could to try to fly to see Matt graduate in 2 years. . . maybe his miracle will come by then and we will see that all happen. Until then, we thank God everyday for dad's health and the miracle of dad's "mind" that he restored and we just enjoy everyday as it comes. Dad sends his love to all and of course says to tell you to stop in and see him - it would be the best Christmas gift he could receive!

Healthy & Happy at the Kisner House

Thank you God for our healthy parents! Mom & Dad have been darn near perfect with their health this fall. . . not even a sniffle! I know God is blessing us with this extra protection for them and I also believe in the healthy products that they have both been taking now for a year. . . they really are strengthening their immune system and keeping them germ free!

Dad and mom are still doing life with a smile & we treasure every day with them. It's so hard to believe that it's been over 2 years since dad walked or drove a car or just did life on his own. . . but we have all been so blessed by the journey we've been on and even in spite of the losses and changes we have had to face, we still have so much to be thankful for. . . so I thank all of you for your unending prayers for mom & dad.

We look forward to the holidays ahead and are so appreciative of every second we have with our parents. Thanks to the friends and family who still stop in for a visit - oh how mom & dad enjoy those. . . especially now with the colder weather putting an end to the evening front porch times.

We will never never never stop having faith for a miracle for Dad - so don't you either! Remember, faith isn't something we can see, it isn't something we can explain. . . it just is - because HE is. Come on - so many people give up way too soon - thinking their miracle is not gonna happen and you know what - I think they just give up way too soon. Not this family - we believe in the power of God and we know his miracles are for today as they were for yesterday. Father, I thank you that you are a God of miracles and that our FAITH in you can produce them. I am SHOUTING OUT with a voice of TRIUMPH - I believe you can heal my daddy Shug - and I can't wait to see the glory you will receive as hundreds if not thousands will bear witness and proclaim that YOU are who YOU say YOU are and YOU can do what YOU say YOU can do!

Nearing the 2 Year Anniversary

Wow folks. . . it's hard to believe that on October 16th - we hit the 2 year anniversary of Dad's stroke! Sorry I haven't posted much lately. . . I am not even sure if anyone still checks this site - if you do, let me know so I know whether or not to continue it. Just in case your out there anyone. . . Dad and Mom are doing great. Nothing much new to report in dad's health - he continues to have the best attitude in the whole wide world and mom continues to be the most loyal, loving wife I have ever had the privilege of being around. Her unending love and compassion for her husband - the way she cares for his every need is so beautiful. They are the epitome of what the marriage covenant is. . .in sickness and in health. With winter upon us. . . please don't hesitate to stop in and see dad, because we will not be able to get him outside as often as we were used to. Keep us posted on your family too - dad loves hearing updates on everyone!

Love to all - still believing with all my heart that God will heal dad one day! Although dad's stroke has changed all of our lives. . . what we have learned and what we have experienced in these 2 years as a family has been one of the most rewarding and special of my lifetime. I never understood the love and bond of a family til now!

Great Family Celebration - Dad still loves a party!

My brother Tommy's daughter Ashley got married last month in Florida with her family and her husband's family. So they had a wedding reception this past weekend for the rest of the family to celebrate their marriage together. . .dad and mom enjoyed being a part of it as you can see by all the pictures. His granddaughter Nikki (Timmy's oldest daughter) is giving her pappy a smooch to his delight. . . then there's Davids girls who are surrounded their pappy. And finally a wedding party picture. Baby Camden was asleep and missed out, but the rest of the crew is there! Beautiful Bride & Handsome Groom! Congrats!

Awesome Saturday!

Helped mom get dad up early today and ready to watch their Nate play when WVU kicked off the season at noon today. After my son Brady's football game in Ranson, we went back and got dad ready and took him to my sister Pam's for her grandson's birthday party. We had a great day - fun fun fun! Pappy and granny really enjoyed the day and we did too! Have a great Labor Day weekend! Off to church in the morning!

Football Fun!

Last night we decided to take Dad to my son Brady's football practice. It was a beautiful evening and the place where they practice is so beautiful - mountain views and lots of trees. . . just a nice place. So he and mom and me and the kids met Rob out at the football practice and enjoyed a nice evening watching our Brady play ball. Dad enjoyed the company of several youngsters and old friends who came by to visit him. Hope this weather stays like this for a while! In the picture is my oldest son Robby and my husband Rob is in the background. . .

Enjoying the Last Days of Summer

Well it's hard to believe another summer is about to end. . . but dad and mom have been enjoying them as much as possible. They have been getting out in the evenings as much as possible to sit out front and they enjoyed coming to church today in such beautiful weather! Dad has been feeling really good these days - so much to be thankful for because when I read all of the statistics on stroke victims they paint a totally different picture than what we see in dad. Even though dad has yet to recover the use of his left side and requires full-time personal care. . . his mind and humor is almost 100% (sometimes he loses track of time - but who wouldn't staying at home every day1) his doctor says his vitals are excellent, heart is good, blood is good, blood pressure good. . . he is beating all the odds of repeat stroke with very little if any health decline. And yes - if you are wondering if I still believe that Dad could walk again one day - absolutely! I will never stop believing that God can give us a miracle - in fact, last February I decided to add to my faith by fasting something that I love in order to pray more passionately for my dad. . .I gave up chocolate. It's not been easy at times, but everytime I feel tempted to devour one of my favorite things - I say a prayer, focus on dad's healing and the desire is gone.
Join me in believing God will give dad a miracle - wouldn't that give the world something to talk about when dad rises up and walks the face of the earth to tell his story! We serve a God of the impossible - never say never!

Family in Town!

After dad's shower tonight we were having dinner and to our surprise, Aunt Wanda and Uncle Walt who recently moved to Tennessee, stopped by with my Uncle Calvin. For those of you who are trying to figure it all out - Wanda and Calvin are my dad's sister and brother. Our cousin's wedding reception is this weekend so everyone's in town to celebrate that. We enjoyed catching up and of course, having a few laughs. Mom and dad are doing just fine. Stop in and visit when you can. Especially if you feel like laughing - mom and dad are pretty good at the "funny" side of life now!

I am so very sad to share some news from mom's side of the family. Today we received news that mom's sister Rosy's great-grandson- just 5 months old - passed away. Words can not express the sadness we feel for them all. . . Steph and Jason - we love you and are praying for your whole family. Only God can sustain us thru these unexplainable moments in life. May the peace of knowing your baby is with God in heaven sustain you as you try to face each day.

Shell shocker - LOL!

Well mom and dad have just been hanging out lately, nothing special. Until 2 nights ago when the "shell" shocker happened. About 4 a.m. my parents were awakening by a crashing noise - her big glass globe of seashells fell off the stand they were on and broke all over the floor. Mom said it scared here to death - dad just laughed when mom told the story. That's about the only excitement lately. I just returned from a family vacation this week - and been getting back in the swing of things. I really missed my parents and appreciate so much my brothers and sister filling in for me while I was gone. We had an amazing week at the beach and at our church conference in Virginia Beach - it was a refreshing time! Stop by and see the folks when you get a chance!

New Furniture!

Mom and dad finally after years and years of the same ole stuff. . . broke down and got some new furniture! Now mom can sleep a little better in the living room with dad at night on this new sofa that is also a double recliner. They also got a new recliner chair for dad - as you can see in this picture of him he is enjoying! They are having a good summer. Mom enjoyed going to her oldest brother Paul's birthday party dinner Sunday and seeing all her siblings. Dad's health continues to be steady and stable. . . his blood is so healthy he continues to back off of the amount of coumadin that he has to take to keep his blood in the healthy area. That makes me happy! Me and my family are leaving on vacation Saturday thru the following Saturday and it will be so hard to not see him everyday. I have not left him & mom for more than four days since his stroke. But we are headed to a beach vacation/church conference week at Virginia Beach and we are really looking forward to it. If you get the chance while I am away, stop in and keep dad company for me!

Summer Loving

Dad is loving summer. Picnics with family, sitting out watching traffic in the front yard and beautiful weather. July 4th we went to Aunt Becky & Uncle Tommy Sowers house for a picnic for my mom's side of the family. He enjoyed himself - as you can see in the picture of him sitting outside by their pool in this blog. He has been feeling pretty good these days and enjoying life. Mom is doing well too. Mom & Dad's grandson Matt, who is my sister Pam's son, left for Australia yesterday and dad can't get him off his mind. Matt will be there for a week visiting Hillsong Church & Hillsong International Leadership College. . .dad always dreamed of visiting Hillsong and he is so excited that Matt is there with some of the leadership of our church.

Please continue to pray for our Aunt Kelley Kisner (dad's sister-n-law) who is getting ready for another dose of Chemo on the 20th. She is battling Lung Cancer. We appreciate all of your prayers for mom and dad too.

Great Checkup!

Well Dad's checkup went really well today! We hadn't been to see the doctor in a while so it was good to get dad there and see how he was doing. We are scheduled for a full chem panel blood work day next week just routine stuff, but other than that- the doctor thought dad's only problem was that he was too "sweet"! ha ha. . . What he was referring to is that dad has gained some weight since his last appointment. Dad has a sweet tooth - from fruit to dessert. . . that is his downfall! He wants him to really try to watch what he eats because he doesn't want dad to get too heavy for us to manage taking care of him. He was talking to dad about eating veggies again - we laughed and laughed of course knowing how dad feels about that subject. On a funny note, dad is just full of love and humor - he was cracking us up - when the nurse asked dad if he had been feeling bad. . he said well, no - but sometimes I am bad! ha ha. . . then as she was leaving the room he told her to check on his birth control prescription - lol! I just love his attitude - he doesn't let his paralysis keep him from enjoying the life that remains in him. He is fun to be with and around and he just exudes joy all the time. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers - and please remember our Aunt Kelley Kisner (dad's sister-n-law) in your prayers too as she is undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer right now. Love to all!

Loving Summer!

Dad is loving summer for sure - we are getting him out in the evenings to sit out front and enjoy the traffic and they drive by. It's amazing how many people dad knows still, as is evidenced by the number who beep as they drive by- if you are one of those folks. . . please feel free to stop by for 10 minutes or more when you see he & mom sitting out front! He'd love your company. . .

We have a doctors appointment Wednesday - his check up. We haven't been to the doctor since probably October. Dad has really been doing well considering all that he has been thru - so many stroke victims have reoccurrences of stroke or other medical complications, yet dad remains very healthy despite his immobility.

He made it to church yesterday and enjoyed every second of course. . . I'll post back after his appointment and let everyone know how he is. Mom is doing very well also. Love to all!

Just One Day at a Time

Sorry we haven't be able to post lately - it's just been a busy start to the summer for me and my family. Mom and dad are doing very well. Mom is feeling great - back into a regular workout schedule at the Wellness Center. Dad is doing fine as well. Just a daily routine of getting up into his recliner around noon and hanging out there til evening and then back to bed. He gets out on the weekends to church and that's about it for now. He has a doctors checkup next week on Tuesday so we'll see how that goes and up date ya all. Hope everything is doing well. . . stop by and see mom and day if you can!

Doing Great This Week!

Howdy folks. . . just a brief post to let you know everyone is feeling better these days. Dad is over whatever he had last week - even went to church Sunday. Mom started back to the Wellness Center this week and she hasn't had any more headaches. Dad has had a great week - he enjoyed a visit from his buddy Dave Rogers, who brought him a state championship hat & shirt from the MHS boys team he coaches. They talked about old times and enjoyed a great visit. Hopefully now that school is out after today - we can start getting dad outside to sit and enjoy watching folks drive by - with all the rain and our busy schedules with school. . . it's been limited doing that.

Thanks for checking in!

Feeling a little under the weather

Hey everyone - hope all is well with you guys. Sorry I haven't posted in a while. . . these last two weeks have been so hectic. Mom had some problems with some terrible headaches. .. ended up in the ER for a catscan and blood work and today Dad is kinda feeling under the weather as well. The headaches for mom lasted over a week. . . but have seemed to subside for mom - they have ruled out anything serious and she has been nursing them with Aleve per the doctors orders. Yesterday I took mom for a follow up on her Bone Marrow test and we received great news that the test did not indicate any kind of cancer or other serious disease, but that her abnormal blood count at this time is unexplainable or attached to anything of great concern. We will continue to see Dr. Jones every six months to monitor her blood disease and make sure that nothing changes. In the midst of all the headaches, she had an EKG and they heard a new heart murmur. She will see her heart doctor - Dr. Skyles on June 11th for a followup on this. Dr. R thinks at this time it is "innocent." Now on to dad, he started feeling under the weather last night. He is sick to his stomach. I took him for his regular INR blood level test and he threw up on the way there, on the way back and when we got him into his chair. He hasn't really had an appetite for the past 24 hours either. . . but I was still able to generate some laughter from him here and there!

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with dad's sister-n-law Kelly and Uncle Calvin. Aunt Kelly has had her first round of Chemo, and another is schedule the first of June. We are believing for the best for them!

Getting Out for Some Fun!

Well we had a great spring day last week. . . on Wednesday my sister Pam brought dad and mom to a special awards ceremony at the high school where they were doing county-wide award presentations. My middle son Brady was receiving the Student of the Year award for Tomahawk Intermediate, which was based upon the student with the best GPA, standardized testing scores and perfect attendance. We were so proud of him and so excited that dad and mom could join us. He was able to see so many friends - people whom he served alongside in public service over the years - he got lots of kisses and hugs. . . so you know he was loving life! He also came to church for mothers day yesterday and enjoyed that a bunch.


Today mom went for her Bone Marrow test at the hospital. Dad was very worried about her and crying some this morning. She is all done now and although it was a bit painful, she is resting now at home. We should know something on the results by weeks end or early next week. Thanks to all who have been checking in. We also ask for prayers for dad's sister - n - law Kelly (his brother Calvin's wife). She has been diagnosed with Lung Cancer and we are believing that God will heal her too!

Love to all!

Staying Afloat!

Despite the massive amounts of rain we are getting around here - dad and mom are "staying afloat". Both of them are feeling well - mom's back is feeling much better now. She say her Hematologist last week and her Lymphocyte levels are still high so they have decided to do a bone marrow test next week to just rule out anything serious. All her other numbers have come down on the blood tests though so he really believes that he is just in the "ruling out" all things phase with this bone marrow test. She saw here family physician Dr. Reisenweber last week also regarding her back and some abnormal blood pressure readings. Dr. R prescribed simply motrin three times a day for her back and really we think the blood pressure readings were just "white coat" syndrome because she gets so nervous when she is seeing the hematologist.

Dad is as happy as can be. . .still full of humor and the most pleasant attitude about life and his situation. I never ever hear him complain or get upset that "this tragic life change" has happened to him. Thanks for all your prayers of support and love. . . we continue to have faith in our Lord and Saviour that one day our dad will walk again. Please have that same kind of faith with us to believe for a miracle!

We love you all!

Enjoying the Great Weather Today!

Mom & Dad were able to get out today and enjoy the beautiful weather while Pam cut their hair. Tommy got them out a little on Friday as well. It's so nice to be able to take them out for a bit of fresh air. They are both doing well. . . mom has been having a little bit of back troubles. She actually has a scheduled doctors appointment Tuesday with Doctor Jones to see what her follow up lab results are. After her last tests came back normal - the doctor wanted to repeat the test again this month. So we will be able to let him know about her back pain to just have him check and make sure there is nothing other than just routine soreness. Must be the beautiful spring weather that is bringing out lots of visitors this week to see dad and mom - they have really enjoyed all of the visits from friends and family this week! I will post again next week after mom's doctors appointment. Stop in and see them if you get the chance!
And yes. . . we still remain confident that our father's future is going to be full and great and that God still can perform modern day miracles! Believe with us!

Celebrating Easter with Family

Wishing you all a very blessed Easter Sunday! Dad had a big day. . . first he and mom went to one of the Easter Services at The Living Room and enjoyed that very much! Three of their grandchildren were a part of the services - 2 were in the choir (Michelle & Rachel) and one portrayed Jesus (Matt) in an illustrative song (human video) so it made the service even more special! Afterward we headed up to my sister Pam's for the Kisner family dinner - full of great food and family fun. The kids had an easter egg hunt and then the older grandkids serenaded mom & dad with some great music. . . Daniel & Matt on guitar and voices by Matt, Daniel and Rachel and a few of us who chimed in on the chorus. Hope everyone had a great weekend. . . hope you can see how wonderful mom & dad are by this picture of them - I think mom looks especially beautiful...her dedication to working out at the Wellness Center 3 to 4 times per week is really showing-her face just looked so full of color and health!

Dad was so happy to see his sister Wanda on Friday and Saturday - she was in town visiting before she heads to Tennessee to reside with her son and his family there. Dad was a little sad after she left - he's afraid he won't see her again - which we assured him he will that she will be back to see him - but at their age, he worries about both of them too much.

Mom is scheduled for a blood test again tomorrow... she will then see her hematologist at the end of the month to discuss if the results have remained the same and if her lymphocitosis has improved or not. Dad has a blood draw Thursday.

We'll keep you all posted! Remember if you can - please stop in to see mom & dad or give them a call some time - they love company!

Springing into Easter

Hey everyone - sorry it's been a while since the last post - not a whole lot going on. We are just hanging out and doing life! Dad and mom enjoyed church yesterday and the weather was really nice when they were out. We took dad for a blood draw Thursday and it was really pretty that day too. His coumadin levels are a little high so we are backing him off of his medicine a little - which is always a good thing because the less he has to take, the better!

Dad is looking forward to seeing his sister Wanda this weekend - she is coming for a visit before moving to Tennessee. We have a fun Easter Weekend planned - church and dinner at my sisters house. We'll take some pictures and post them!

Love to all!

All is Well!

Dad and mom and still doing well. Mom is working out about 4 times per week at the Wellness Center and dad is hanging out at the house enjoying his favorite programs on tv. It won't be too long before we will get to enjoy the spring weather and evenings out front watching cars drive by. If you get a chance to stop by and see mom & dad - they are always up for company and seeing loved ones! Thanks for checking in and continue to believe with us for a complete miracle healing of dad - all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us!

Doing Great!

We are having a great week! Not a whole lot to report. Dad is really anxious about the impending warmer weather on the way - he can't wait for evenings out front watching traffic and seeing people he knows drive past! Mom and dad are both feeling well. . . they went to church Sunday and we took dad to his regular blood draw on Monday. Mom continues to work out 4 times a week at the Wellness Center and she and dad keep finding all kinds of great movies on tv to enjoy. Yesterday he was so thrilled to finally watch October Sky on tv. . .he has been wanting to see that one. Thanks for checking in and please continue to believe for a miracle this year in 2009 for dad. We have faith that God is able to do abundantly more than we can think or imagine. . .we pray that you will believe with us for something miraculous to happen in dad's body this year and to God be the Glory! Love to all!

Celebrating Answered Prayers!

Hey Family & Friends. . . thanks for checking in today. We wanted to share some great news with everyone about an answer to our prayers for mom. Back in February mom had a routine blood test and when the results came back with some abnormal readings they sent us to Doctor Jones, an oncologist/hematologist for a second opinion. We went to see him about 2 weeks ago and he felt that her readings were pointing him to a diagnosis of CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia). So they did a more thorough test - a flow cytometry test and we just got the results back today - her blood does not show any sign of the disease afterall and they were pretty much normal. This is an answer to our prayers. . . we believe with all our hearts God heard our prayers. Because she does have the lymphocytosis (elevated lymphocytes) they will be watching her for other infections and will retest her in April to make sure the test results stay normal, but for right now, my mom and dad are celebrating answered prayers. We didn't post the information earlier because dad was full of faith believing that this second blood test would come back in our favor - he was right. He didn't want to put it out there that mom might be sick until we knew for sure - I know some folks may have heard about it "thru the grapevine" but please know that if you didn't know about the blood tests, it was just that dad and mom chose to keep it under wraps for the most part until we knew what we were up against! Needless to say my daddy was very upset when we first got back from Dr. Jones' office with the initial news of what he thought it was. . . but now he is one happy man! Mom couldn't be feeling any better - she worked out at the Wellness Center 4 times this week and has been really doing well - so this news was so confusing to us when we received it. We'll keep you posted on the next appointment and those test results as well. . .but for now, we are just thanking our God for this wonderful news today!

Getting Out & Loving the Weather!

Hello everyone! What a beautiful few days we've been having around here! Dad and mom are well. . .Saturday we were able to get dad and mom out to a basketball game at the Rec Center to see one of my boys play in a playoff game. Even though Brady's team didn't win, dad enjoyed cheering for him and seeing him play well. It was so nice to get out in that warm weather. Plus, as always, whenever we take dad anywhere - lots of people know him and Saturday was no exception - lots of his friends came by to see him when he was at the Rec Center. Today they were able to come to church for the first time in few weeks, they had to miss the last 2 Sundays because of the weather. So they were so happy to be there and enjoy their church family. Dad still is a greeter at the front door - so it's always so good for him to have the chance to shake hands with everyone and do something that he loved so much before the stroke. Tomorrow I will be taking him for his Blood Draw at the hospital to check his INR. Looking forward to a great week - oh yeah, dad's been growing a mustache - it's cute. See if you can see it in this picture I took early last week!

Believin' for a miracle in 2009 - God we are ready to give you all the glory for Dad's healing - you have already blessed him so much with his mental health - we just pray now that you complete the healing and allow dad to regain feeling and strength in that leg and arm and his stomach muscles. Keep believing and praying with us!

Weathering the Season!

Not a whole lot to report from Kisner Central on Tavern Road in Martinsburg. . . except we are ready for warm weather! Due to the snow early Sunday, Mom & Dad ended up staying home again this Sunday and didn't head out to church. We did get out last Monday for dad's blood draw and everything came back normal. Hoping this weekend when it warms up to get dad to a basketball game of the boys. Dad is feeling very well these days other than he left leg gets sore because of lack of movement - I really wish we had a therapist to work with him, maybe when the warmer weather comes we can look into it again.

Mom will start back this week to the Wellness Center - she took February off due to winter weather. I am sure that will get her back in the swing of getting out - she really has only gone to the bank and grocery store lately and I know last week when she came to my house one day to get my kids off the bus for me, she was nervous to be driving on Route 9. Dad said she has become nervous about driving anywhere but her normal little routes to the grocery and bank. . . so when the weather breaks we might have to take her out a little bit and get her feeling comfortable with it again.

Hope everyone is doing well! Thanks for checking in!
Mary Beth

Listen Up People - Shug Is Fine!

Growing up I don't know how many times we played the "gossip" game - where you start at the beginning of a circle or line and tell a story and by the end of that line. . . the story is all mixed up! Well people, I have got to tell you - that is exactly what is happening in this town of ours this past week. I have had at least 25 people text me or call me to ask if dad is okay because they had heard he passed away! It seems all folks have been hearing only parts of the news story last week of Preston Gooden's surprise passing and that he was a former sheriff - and I guess that's the one piece of information that is getting passed from person to person - and due to dad's stroke, I think most people assume it was dad. . . but let me assure everyone - my daddy is as healthy as a stroke survivor could be. . . he is laughing, eating, enjoying his life at home with mom and we are blessed to have him in our lives. I appreciate everyone's love and support - but next time just check the blog or call us- we'll be glad to set the record straight! And no worries - dad has not let this little misunderstanding upset him at all - he's amazed at how many people remember him as sheriff and is appreciative of so many people's concern. All is well. . . my dad says hello and he loves you all!

take care. . . mbb

Alive and Well!

What a week this has been! I can't tell you how many people were in great fear for my dad this week. First it was the scare with the fire at Heartland Nursing Home. . . many people didn't even know that dad had left the facility last June and is now living permanently in his own home. So we received many concerned calls for his well-being during that evacuation and whole ordeal. Secondly, on Thursday panic ran throughout beauty shops and in various circles throughout town that my father had passed away Wednesday evening. That could not be further from the truth - dad is alive and well! The misunderstanding was because another "former sheriff" Preston Gooden had passed away and there was a lot of news coverage about it - mentioning him as a public servant and former sheriff and you know how things can begin to spread from one piece of information and be misunderstood. . . so I just wanted to assure everyone out there that dad is doing fine! He didn't go to church today only because he was having some trouble again with his bowels and was afraid he would get to church and need to use the bathroom and be too far from home to avoid an accident. I am happy to report that he successfully relieved that problem this evening with the help of Nurse Jeannie and my brother Tim. So we should have a great week. I need to take him for another blood draw tomorrow because his INR level was too high last time, so they have held his medicine a day to see if that gets it back where they want it or if they need to adjust it again. We have to be careful with that because we don't want his blood to be too thin!

Thanks for checking in and help us spread the word that dad is alive and well. . . he is full of laughter and peace. We are looking forward to Spring and warmer weather though, so we can start sitting out front again to watch planes, trains and automobiles!

Doing Great This Week!

Dad is having a great week - so is mom. Not much to report. There was a fire at Heartland - the nursing/rehab facility he used to be in last year. That worried him a little this week, but he feels better knowing everyone there is okay. I will be ready for spring so we can start getting him outside more than just on Sundays. Hopefully only a month left of winter. Hope everyone is doing well - stop in and see mom and dad when you get the chance!

Love to all and thanks for your continued prayers and support!

Time for Family

Sunday dad had a great day - after church he and mom went to my Aunt Annie's house for a special dinner. My sister Pam took them. This was a meal for most of mom's siblings to get together and kind of spend time with my Aunt Nora - it's the first they could get together since Uncle Charles passed away in December. They had a fantastic time, I know it was really good for my mom to be around her family like that. Growing up we were together with mom's family all the time - they are a close knit group and now that everyone is all grown up with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, it's hard to get the gang together as much.

Dad has a little cold - nothing like the ones before. He is just a little bit hoarse and has a little cough. He feel pretty good otherwise. We wish we had someway of getting him therapy for his left side, but it's really hard to work it in. We spend all our time with his hygiene and helping mom, that we always run out of time for exercising him. He really needs it - I think I am going to see if his doctor would reconsider therapy for him - in a therapeutic way this Spring. It would really help him to stay in shape with what his has left.

We are still believing for a miracle in 2009-dad has not given up the faith - he is still full of faith and yes, laughter. The man laughs and laughs and laughs. . . but like they say, laughter is great medicine!

Thanks for checking in - please feel free to stop in and see mom and dad when you get the chance.

Enjoying the Great Weather Today!

Wow are we ever glad for warmer weather today. We were able to take Dad to the McCormack Center for his monthly INR blood test. I know he enjoyed the fresh air. He has also been having a week of difficulty with his bowels not moving, but praise God - this afternoon Nurse Jeannie successfully helped him to relieve himself. He is one happy camper now. He has been bummed all week because his favorite "british comedys" on the PBS channel have not been airing. He loves those shows - he calls them his "soaps". Anyway, if he is up to it tomorrow he may get out for a birthday party. We'll see how the day goes - if he does, I will be sure to take a picture of him for the blog! Have a blessed weekend!

Great Week - Mom's Celebrates Birthday Sunday!

Happy Birthday Mom! Sunday, February 1st is mom's birthday. They will celebrate by going to church and I'm sure watching the Superbowl later on. This has been a quiet week with the bad weather. Mom stayed in during most of it and really, dad had a good week. We gave him a shower today and he got into his chair for the day. That's his routine most days... we get him out of bed mid-day into his recliner where he stays most of the day til after dinner. He has these British comedies that he likes watching - laughter truly is medicine to him. He does so much of it these days and thank God for that. Both of them are feeling well and enjoy their visits from friends and family who stop in to see them. . . if you are in the neighborhood - feel free to stop in and say hello! Keep believing with us for a miracle for dad in 2009!

Great Week!

Wow - it seems like forever since I last posted. Sorry about that - it's been a busy week. Mom and dad are doing very well. They went to church today and I think they were happy to get out and enjoy seeing all of their family and friends. Mom started back to the Wellness Center middle of the week and I think she feels good to be back in the swing of her exercise routine again. With her being sick and then the weather being so bad, she had not made it there in a few weeks. So they both seem to be good now and happy. Thanks for checking in on us - keep praying and believing with us for a miracle for dad!

Doing Better!

Well Dad seems to be doing much better. He and mom did stay home this weekend where it was safe and warm. . . and to make sure they were both over this cold they both had. They are still coughing some, but feel much better. Dad was having some trouble with his bowels over the weekend and didn't want to do too much -but that has been resolved and he sounded so much better this morning. My niece Michelle (david's daughter) went to the grocery store for mom today and I know that made mom's day! So just wanted to give a brief update and let everyone it was nothing serious and they should be back to their old self soon. Thanks for checking in!

Dad's Catching a Cold

Dad's catching mom's cold I guess. Mom ended up going to the doctor on Wednesday morning and they didn't see anything in her lungs but they did put her on an abuterol inhaler and antibiotic. She has rebounded very quickly. She felt so good she made 2 pots of soup, cookies and homemade noodles! But sadly, dad has begun to have the congestion and cold symptoms. We gave him a shower today and got him back in bed to rest - he slept all afternoon. Mom has already started him on some Mucinex and we are going to nurse him back to health quickly - we pray! Say a prayer for him to get rid of it quickly! Other than that - everyone is doing well and staying inside where it's warm. Still believing for a miracle in 09!

Out For A BallGame!

We had a great day today - I got Dad and Mom and took them to see a basketball game at the middle school - they got to watch my son Robby & my brother Timmy's son Ryan play against Spring Mills Middle. Robby & Ryan play for Hedgesville Middle. My son Robby is standing, Ryan has the ball in his hand and of course there's pappy & granny courtside! Dad enjoyed seeing many friends there and of course seeing his grandsons play a great game and win! All is good - mom still has a little cold, but is fighting is well. Have a blessed day!

Another Year Older!

Well dad had a great 73rd birthday on Friday. He enjoyed a day full of visitors and then several of us gathered there that evening to share some "canadian style" sundaes. . . yummy! He was in great spirits for his birthday and has had a great weekend. He got out to church today and tomorrow we are planning to take him to the middle school basketball game so he can see both my son Robby and my brother Timmy's son Ryan play for Hedgesville against Spring Mills Middle. We thought since it was during the day it would be easier for him to go to - I think it's going to be great. Saturday my brother Tommy's son J.T. was involved in a car accident just one mile from their home - a vehicle hit J.T. head on coming from the opposite direction trying to pass in a non-passing lane. God protected him - because it really could have been bad situation if he had not had his seatbelt on and an airbag that deployed. He is very sore, but it appears he will be just fine. Thank you God for keeping us safe! Thanks for checking in with us - I have to say dad has had so many wonderful visits this past week - in addition to his old friend Sherman, the next day the Butler boys came to see him, then Mary Kackley and it seems like every day some friend from his past showed up to spend time with him. That has meant so much to he and mom. We love you guys! I'll try to get a picture of the boys tomorrow with their pappy at the game for the blog.

Shug Turns 73 Tomorrow - January 9th!

Probably by the time most of you read this it will be dad's birthday - he turns 73 tomorrow January 9th! What a difference a year makes. Last year on his birthday he was home but he was not fully there with us in his mind. The miracle of his mind did not come til February. I remember celebrating with him, but I don't think he really fully would remember it if you asked him. Oh well- what's one birthday when your celebrating 73! Dad had a great day today - we started the morning with a shower, the bathroom and getting into his recliner where he spent most of his day. Most has a little cold she is trying to fend off thru rest and medicine. She seems to be fairing well so far. If you get a chance - give dad a call or stop by and give him a happy birthday hug!

love and prayers to all!

Great Grandchild #6 Arrives!

Congratulations to my brother Tommy - he is a grandfather again! Tommy's daughter Ashley gave birth to son - Camden Thomas, weighing 9lbs.1ounce. He becomes mom & dad's 6th great-grandchild! They are very happy and excited to meet this new addition to our family. Dad is doing well and so is mom. Mom got out and did her workout at the Wellness Center today before the bad weather comes tomorrow. We gave dad his shower before that and he got into his recliner afterward for the day. He was so blessed today by a visit from his longtime friend - old Sherman the German! Sherman Potter is one of his great friends and he was so happy to see him this morning.

Dad and mom enjoyed getting out for church Sunday. Our pastor talked about 2009 being a year of miracles in the life of our church, and church family. . . and that's exactly what we are all believing for in dad this year! Have faith with us for that which can not be seen or imagined, but only thru God can it be accomplished.

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe it's 2009! We have been blessed to make it to another year. . .with dad and mom healthy and taking things one day at a time. Dad and I were able to get out today and go over to the McCormack Center for his monthly INR blood draw. It was so pretty out - a little cool, but the sun was shining. It was nice to get him out and see some people. Dad has been enjoying all of his new movies he got for Christmas. Today he was watching one of his Don Knotts comedies. I know dad has been working out his left arm and really trying to believe for more progress in his body. I really want to try to get him back to doing regular exercising, but it's so hard because when we are there, we are always helping mom with his hygiene and personal care, the physical therapy gets backseat. But we are believing that 2009 - is going to be the year for even greater things for dad! With a positive attitude and faith to believe - all things are possible! Thanks for checking in - happy new year!