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!