LATEST MEDICAL UPDATE - by Poppo

La Donna was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration a few years ago and has been receiving treatment to prevent any further destruction of her right eye. Today (her birthday no less) she visited Dr. Janet Hummer at the Indiana Eye Surgery Clinic. A thorough examination revealed no concern for change. Her vision measured 20/30 in her effected right eye. As a preventive measure, she was given another shot in her eyeball and told she would not need to come back for seven months.

We are so grateful to Dr. Hummer and her expertise in diagnosing her problem and finding a solution for it. When La Donna mentioned to the doctor that she sure looked like she knew what she was doing, she received the reply “Well, I have given about 4600 of these eye injections over the past four years, so I guess I should have learned a little bit about this procedure.” We are grateful to God and His Angels of Mercy for the medical care that we have enjoyed.

HAPPY 81ST BIRTHDAY TO LA DONNA - by Poppo

Wednesday the family gathered for a dinner at Lori Fishers house to celebrate La Donna’s 81st birthday. After opening the gifts that were presented her, Lori and Audi said they had one other gift they wanted to share with Mom and Dad. Since Dad has had an interminable longing to take an Alaskan Cruise, they announced that Art Cathcart was arranging transportation and cruise arrangements for the Cathcart, Fishers and Chamberlin families. Now that is a birthday present that Dad can appreciate with his whole heart.

This day also marked the second anniversary of La Donna’s Quintuple (5) Bypass Surgery.

A Time Away from Home - by Poppo

Nelson and La Donna took a few days off to travel to Springfield, Illinois. There they visited the ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM … unbelievable experience! One could spend the most of one day in this marvelous place where the history of Abraham Lincoln and his family is graphically displayed. Several theatres and many rooms of Lincoln memorabilia give one the feeling of what it was to be living back in those days. Life-size wax figures abound throughout the display areas.

They also had a personal tour through the Lincoln homestead which was occupied for many years before the family moved to the White House in Washington, D.C. Surprisingly the Lincoln home is a large 3200 square foot structure within are many authentic Lincoln possessions maintained in excellent condition.

Finally they visited the LINCOLN TOMB in which the bodies of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd and three of his children are interred. The impressive structure is 172 feet tall.

Their trip was rounded out the next day when they visited a former next door neighbor now living in Morton, Illinois and a member of the Trombone Trio which Nelson participated in for three years while in college.

FAMILY FESTIVITIES

The past several weeks have been eventful at the Chamberlin household.

A couple of weeks ago Nelson's family came down to visit for a few days. Sister (Marge) came down from Adrian. Brother (Jack) came down from Traverse City. And sister (Corrine) and husband (Tom Baker) came down from Grayling. We spread them around at Audi's house, Monte's house and our house.

We had several days of renewing old memories, eating some great meals together, and worshipping at the Castleton United Methodist Church.

Grandson (Duane Fisher) and Great Granddaughter (Emma) came for a week at the same time and stayed at Lori and Dave's house. Lauren (Duane's wife) had to stay home in Jacksonville, Florida finishing up her chemo therapy.

Duane and his brother Eric went to Southern Indiana with their father (Dave) to hunt for deer. Duane got a nice buck and brought it back to Fishers where he had it butchered at Archers Meat Packing. The finished project was then donated to the local food pantry for the homeless and hungry.

Audi's twins (Garrett and Dustin Cathcart) returned home for a few days and we got to visit with them as well. Dustin is retired from the military, and is planning to spend several months visiting around the world including India and elsewhere. Garrett is located in Colorado training about 100 men to get them ready to take them to Afghanistan. He is committed to the military for the next several years. Both of the twins attained the rank of Captain. Garrett has served two terms in Iraq and Dustin served there for one year.

At this thanksgiving time we are most grateful to God for all of our relatives and the way He has provided for them all. We are truly a blessed people.

LOVE -- POPPO

On the Mend...

Hi all...It's been a busy month. It seems that Dad is finally getting some strength back and feeling better. That anesthesia + respiratory infection can really take it out of you!

God is good, though, and he and Mom are getting back to their old feisty selves! They've been enjoying the great social life of the Whispering Woods community, going to church, etc.

We've all been a little busy. We are so thankful that we CAN be busy and that God has been so good to allow us all the things he has. I hope this finds you all well - and feel free to give Mom and Dad a call. They'd love to hear from you or have a visit!

Love, Audi

Mom and Dad...On the Mend...

Sorry it's been awhile since an update. I guess you can assume that no news is good news. That's not a very good way to do life, though, is it? I need to work on that.

Here are things to be thankful about: Dad is driving again. They are staying at home by themselves again and doing fine! Dad is having more better days - still gets tired easily but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Through all of this, Mom's gained a even more independence.

Thanks for your prayers! Mom and Dad are making progress and we are so thankful!!

Love, Audi

Dad update...

Dad has a great doctor! We are sooo thankful for the present healthcare that our parents enjoy. Dad came down with a bad cough and feeling really "punk". In to the doctor, out with a couple of prescriptions and this morning he reports he slept well and the cough medicine really works.

We all have a duty to keep our eyes on healthcare reform. We need to remind our legislators that ALL life is precious, regardless of age, disability, etc. Call it a national plan, a co-op, or whatever you want...we need to be educated and alert. In all your spare time, friends, go to the link below and see what they have proposed for us. Pray for our legislators and your president whether you like them or not. The best thing that could happen is that they would go with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be successful in His eyes.

http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/AAHCA09001xml.pdf

United...

Last night, Monte, Lori and I had our usual Sunday night conference call just to firm up schedules and share our thoughts on how Mom and Dad are doing. One thing is for sure, we are UNITED in our efforts to serve Mom and Dad and get them back on their feet again.

I've been doing a study on the Psalms of Ascent and it just so happened that yesterday I was on Psalm 133 which starts out like this: How good and pleasant is it when brothers and sisters live in unity!

Being united isn't always easy but it certainly yields better results! And you don't have to think alike to be united, that's for sure!

While Monte is a "numbers man" leaning more toward what things look like on paper, the risks, and the pure facts, Lori and I lean more on our feelings and look at the "non-measurable" things of life.Thank goodness we have each other to balance one another out. Only the Lord knows what kind of lopsided decisions we might have led our parents into had we not had different perspectives.

As it is, Dad is approaching the 2 week mark from his last surgery. As his neck heals as and as his phlebitis runs its course, he now faces a nasty cold. Prayers that it might pass quickly would surely be appreciated.

Meanwhile, we try to focus on this unity thing on all fronts: at home, with family and even as our country struggles with tough choices regarding healthcare and government roles. My prayer is that we would be united in seeking God's guidance - looking to His word for answers instead of just using human wisdom - that God would use the "numbers people" as well as the passions of His people. I really pray that this country might turn back to the things that this country was founded upon...like worshipping Him and that Life in Him might be our main motivator for all we do. Wouldn't that be cool?

Thanks for your thougths and prayers, and for putting up with my ramblings! Audi

Quick update...

We had to make one more quick trip to the Riverview ER last night - our family must love that place - we've spent enough time there! Dad has phlebitis in his left arm - oww!! Painful!! Darn!!!

Well, the good news is it will only last a week or so (gulp) but he is not in danger. We were so excited to go to the ER and NOT get admitted! In and out in 30 minutes! That was a record for us.

Well, it's BACK TO SCHOOL for me today! Summer has been great! God really knew what He was doing when he opened the doors of Hamilton Southeastern High School to me. Not only do I love my job, but I love not going to work in the summer! It's been a godsend to be able to help Mom and Dad when they need me AND to hang out with Jack who is going to be THIRTEEN next month!

Thanks again for your calls, prayers, and FOOD!! Audi

Smooth as Silk...

I was talking with a friend the other day and we were discussing our upbringings. We both have parents that have been married 50+ years. Although things were not always perfect, neither of us could remember our parents yelling at each other, fighting, or acting dishonorable to each other. We thought that was normal but as we got older we found that our family life was probably more the exception than the rule.

I've often wondered why I've been so fortunate to have such a good life. It's not just luck...it's a combination of God's faithfulness and the faith that my parents, grandparents, and those before them had. It's not all about us...what we do affects generations to come.

It's not too late to invest in the generations to come. And your investment doesn't have to be limited to your family. I sat in Bandy's Auto Repair this week (for the 5th time in a month) and invested in our future for a good 45 minutes. I struck up a conversation with someone very much unlike me: black, without a high school diploma, convicted criminal (spent 9 years in the pen), to mention a few things. But we had even more in terms of common ground: we have kids, we love our kids, we follow Jesus, and we wish the world were a more peaceful place. We talked frankly about what it was like to be "black in a white world" and how it feels to be white and to be blamed for thinking certain ways that we don't.

By the end of my car repair, this gentleman and I grabbed hands, looked at each other in the eye and agreed that there is hope for the world...one person at a time. More conversations like this is what the world needs. Two people at a time investing in our future...

I'm grateful for my faithful parents. I can't help but believe that God is rewarding them (and therefore, us) for their lifelong faith. So glad that they invested in my future and the world's future. The blessings abound as a result!

Dad's transition to home has been as smooth as silk. It's so wonderful to have the 'rents back in the same place and getting back to normal! Thanks again for your calls, visits and prayers. Audi

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9

The Rock is Coming Home!

Dad had a good day yesterday. He was so much more talkative after surgery than the last time. He got out of recovery and into ICU at about 2:30 and was already asking to watch Glenn Beck on Fox News at 5:00! (A very good sign that things are getting back to normal).

He's done so well that this morning they decided to kick him out and send him home!

Last night, as Dad was recounting the events of the week and all things he is thankful for, and I told him, "You are a rock." Throughout the week, he has had peace with whatever the outcome. Really...peace with whatever the outcome.

In his weakness, he was so strong. He was not shaken. He was the leader - even in his weakness - he was the leader of our family. At one point, when worry seemed to be overcoming Mom, he looked at her and with all the love and firmness that he had he said, "LaDonna, it's time to let your Christian faith take action." My dad...he is a rock.

Do you ever wonder what you'll be like when you face death - or even worse, disability? I play it through in my mind sometimes, practicing my response. I try to walk with God during the mundane daily events of my life so perhaps when the big things happen it will be more familiar to continue to walk with God. And I think...it's taking hold for me little by little like it's obviously taken hold with my dad.

There is a proverb - wish I could remember where it's at - that says "The road to life (God) is vigorous and requires your constant attention." More than anything, God is concerned about our connection with Him. More than our happiness, more than our health, more than our wealth...more than anything, God's desire for us is to be connected with Him. He knows that being connected with Him is better than anything because when you are connected with him, the events of life that can threaten your happiness, health or wealth are only temporary. There is an end in sight, no matter what the outcome.

Thankful that my dad has led a vigorous life with his constant attention on the Lord, and thankful for you - who keeps us in your thoughts and prayers... Audi

Out of Surgery (again)...

Dad just got out of surgery and Dr. Dilly said it went just fine! We haven't seen him yet but he drew us "before and after" pictures and it looks like Dad's going to be in great shape.

Dr. Dilly expects Dad home by Wednesday. THANK YOU for all your phone calls, thoughts and prayers. The visits from our pastors have been so appreciated. All the offers of help are priceless. Family and friends are priceless! We are so blessed.

Well, I better "power down" so we'll be ready to go see Dad. Love to you all.... Audi

Out of ICU...

Dad got moved out of ICU last night and has a very nice private room now. He's in good spirits and looks great. Right now, he's sitting up having some lunch.

Surgery on his second carotid artery is set for tomorrow at 10:00, I think. We're thinking he'll be home on Tuesday or Wednesday.

We took Mama to church today and out to lunch afterward. She is hanging in there - patiently waiting for Dad to get back home. Putting up with her kids - bossing her around occasionally - drink this, do that, come with us here, etc... She's a good sport. We are sooo lucky to have her around.

Today at church, Dr. Schwein's sermon was "God as GPS". It was confirmation that God guides us and protects us. We have prayed for guidance and answers regarding whether Dad should have surgery and rehab and really, our answers have been crystal clear.

Thanking you for all your thougths and prayers again... Audi

Daddy Update...

Dad continues to do well. Okay, he continues to do great! He walked 525 feet today with the therapist and went up/down a flight of stairs. He finally ate something without having to revisit it again, if you know what I mean.

Dr. Finley, his physician of record/neurologist, came in yesterday afternoon and said "You look great! I know you may not feel great but you look GREAT!" Then he looked really puzzled and said, "You had surgery today, didn't you?" He looked so good it was confusing him!

Dad's nurses are great. We were so excited to see Becky, the RN who along with another nurse that practicially saved Mom's life while she was in CardioVascular Critical Care. She was so tickled to see Mom. She kept saying "Honey, you look so good" in her precious southern accent. I was surprised that she remembered us but she indicated she could never forget us! How sweet is that?

Even though we rejoice at Dad's great progress, we are heart broken at the same time because on Thursday, we got the news that my cousin, Dad's sister's son, took his life. He was a man that loved his kids. He lost his little girl a couple of years ago in a go-kart accident. He found the Lord after it all and although we don't know many details I can only imagine that being with Jesus is the only place he could find peace. No one will ever know how much he must have hurt. Please pray for my cousin Tommy's family...they have suffered more loss than any of us could ever imagine. They are heartbroken. We love them so much and it's very hard to be away when we would love to be there with them.

Now, tonight I'm going to get reacquainted with my family! We're having a Cathcart tradition: steaks on the grill, baked potatoes and a movie!

I love you all - and thank God for your prayers, concerns, phone calls and visits. Audi

Out of Surgery (once) Out of Surgery (twice)!

It's been a busy morning! Dad did well during his first surgery today. Yep, you got that right! His first surgery... And he did well during his second surgery.

After Dad's first surgery, he developed a hematoma that needed repaired. Dr. Dilley, his surgeon, said that there was a pencil sized artery that started bleeding after they closed him up. He went in snipped it, burned it, and cleaned everything up in there and Dad did just fine. Good thing they went back in because Dr. Dilly said there was no way it was going to stop on its own.

Dr. Dilley also said that he went in just went ahead and did the other carotid artery! "Oh, that's great!" we exclaimed. Then he laughed and said "Just kidding!" Okay, payback is ****! It's usually the Chamberlin's messing with the staff at the hospital but this time they got US!

Have a great day and rejoice! First thing Dad and I did this morning was sing "This is the day that the Lord has made" in our usual off tune voices. We are rejoicing and are glad in it!!

Audi

Off to Surgery...

Hi Friends,

Dad is in surgery right now as I type this. He was in such good spirits this morning. He said he slept so well and he seems so at peace with everything that has happened. He told Mom that he was okay with whatever the future held as well. How that I hope and pray that I will be just like him in the face of adversity. His faith really works for him.

He is going to have his right cartotid worked on today during surgery. Then, on Monday next week he'll have the left carotid done. The carotid arteries are the ones in your neck that supply your brain and his left one has some scar tissue from a previous surgery. That's what caused the stroke (which, by the way is resolving quite well). They are doing surgery on the right side first because it has some occlusion, too, and they want him to have a good artery before they work on the really bad one.

I'll give you another update when we get some news. His doctor was so encouraging and we are feeling very blessed that things have happened the way they have. His little stroke may have alerted us to a problem that could've been major in the future.

As usual, thanks for your prayers. We read the 121st Psalm before they took him away, which is a Chamberlin tradition. God is faithful and He's got our backs. Love to you all...

Audi

More about Dad

Hi Everyone...

It's been a long day but God is answering our prayers for wisdom and direction. Dad's doctor was in today and has confirmed that by definition, he has had a stroke. BUT it has been a mild one that has alerted us to a problem that needs to be corrected. Pending a couple of more tests, Dad will likely have surgery on his carotid artery. This probably resulted from scarring from the surgery he had eight years ago.

The good news is, 99% of the time, the surgery is completed without complication. After surgery, it's been recommended that he go to rehab for his arm/leg for 7-10 days. The therapists were very optimistic about his recovery due to how well he is doing.

Dad and I walked 3 laps around his floor today without any problem. Got Mom walking around, too! More importantly, his faith is as solid as a rock! I told him tonight if I can be like him someday that would be the greatest thing in the world. He is soooo okay with whatever comes his way. He has a faith in God like none other that I've known. It gives ME peace just to witness his life.

God is answering our prayers for direction. We're also praying for Mom's peace and of course, Dad's complete healing. We also give thanks for you - all of our wonderful friends and family.

Good night, friends. We are comforted by your thoughts and prayers. -- Audi

Dad Update...

Well, it's official. Dad is one of the cutest patients in Riverview Hospital. The nurse agreed that the gentleman next door is pretty cute, too, and indicated they are tied for first.

Dad is doing well. He is still having tests. He is walking and the right weakness in his leg is minimal. Just makes steps a little tricky or catching himself if he has a stumble more difficult. He has some fine motor problems with his fingers. We've been playing with coins - trying to pick them up, stack them, etc. HE CAN STILL TYPE so he'll continue computing!

His spirits are good. He talks fine and has no other problems. We are just waiting on test results. It will probably be a few days before we get out of here. Mom is fine - hanging out with us at the hospital.

We are certain that God has us covered. Life is good even in the midst of a storm. Thanks for your prayers!

Whoops...It's Dad This Time

Hi Friends...

Well, I just got Mom tucked in bed and thought I'd give a little update on Dad. News flies quickly in our world because of so many blessed connections, but in case you're far away - here's what went down today.

Dad woke up feeling like his hip was "giving out on him". He went about his business as usual, but when he was signing the credit card bill for a car repair he noted that his signature was unusually little and felt funny. He had a couple of falls and very wisely agreed that he should get checked out. Fearful that he was having a TIA or something worse, we called 911 and got him to Riverview Hospital pronto.

Preliminary tests came out encouraging although his symptoms are calling for a little more attention. I talked to his nurse tonight and she said he was doing well (speech/eating/swallowing/cognition) - just a little right sided weakness.

Of course, your prayers are certainly appreciated. We have already been showered with visits from Mom/Dad's neighbors tonight. We feel so blessed to have friends and family - lots of prayers - and good healthcare. I'll keep you updated. That's all for now... Audi

GRADUATION (AT LAST) ! ! !

FINALLY ... AFTER 19 MONTHS OF INTENSE THERAPY at Riverview Hospital, Community North Rehab Center, Tender Loving Care Home Therapy, and Harbour Manor ... LA DONNA IS GRADUATING MAGNA CUM LAUDE!

Pictured above are her final therapists (Donna Hulka [physical therapist] and Melissa Tenet [occupational therapist] who have given her Electrical Stimulation Therapy at Harbour Manor to loosen the tone (tightness) in her right hand and leg.
They have secured for her a portable electrical stimulation machine to use at home.

They have trained Nelson how to operate the machine on a daily basis and also taught him how to assist her in the daily exercises they have prescribed for her. They have been a joy to work with.

She is walking well with the rolling cane and is able to perform several chores around the home including making the bed, straightening up the kitchen, assisting in the cooking, doing the laundry, and doing work on the landscaping outdoors.

We are grateful to Harbour Manor and their excellent staff for the services they have provided her. We would highly recommend them to any who need their services.

My Dad...

I ran across a piece of art not long ago. I’m not much of an art collector (married one Art – that was the best) – but when I saw this piece of art I said to myself, “As primitive as it is, I have to have that on my wall!” Art is like that to me. There’s not much art that floats my boat, and I really don’t even think I have good taste. But when I see something I like, I like it.

This picture revived so many memories from my childhood. It was like a thousand flashbacks with no words that could accurately describe what I was feeling or remembering for that matter! Have you ever just felt a memory? That's where I was.

It was close to Father’s Day when I ran across this picture and the rush of emotion bombarded me. Thoughts of my dad and the life that he afforded my family and now, especially, my mom filled me with gratitude.

My mind flitted from one idea to another. I thought it would be so great to write a neat poem to my dad or write him a letter just letting him know how blessed I feel to have been raised by him. But the day came and went, they left on a vacation to Branson, MO, and there I sat. No poem. No letter. No nothing except for a card, a gift card, and Father's Day wishes.

I’ve thought for years on Father’s Day I’d write a cool poem or a great letter to tell him once again how awesome he is. Never happens. Now here I am, straightening up again and here comes that “piece of art” reminding me, again, of what a great dad I have.

I’m not much of a poet so there will be no poetry here. And I can’t seem to write when I’ve put myself on the spot. So, let me just say this…

“Dad, I love you! Happy Father’s Day, again and again and again. You were (and still are) a great dad. Your example prepared us for life with you and without you. You picked an awesome woman to be my mom. Now you care for her and thank her for it daily. People say for better or worse, but for you and mom, it just keeps getting better and better.

“We had fun as kids. There has NEVER been a day in my life that I have wondered if you loved me. I have always known. How many people can say that? You told me, you showed me and you lived it. I loved singing with you when I was young and when I grew up. I loved having “discussions” (arguments) with you about theology. Your willingness to let me speak my mind even when you knew I was wrong allowed me to grow in MY faith. (You knew you couldn't give me yours; doesn't work that way.) You and Mom have prayed me through my life and I don’t know where I would’ve ended up without your faithful prayers.

"You are the greatest dad in the world and I’m so thankful that you’re mine! Happy Father’s Day everyday, Dad. I love you!" Audi

P.S. The artist was me in 2nd grade (Mrs. Windell's class)

Single Handed Cooking

Simple and easy. Healthy but good! Mom made supper for us today as we tried out our first one handed cooking recipe.

It's been a busy time. Mom has started outpatient OT and PT therapy 3 x week. They are doing electrical stim on her arm and leg to try to help achieve some normal tone in her muscles. Her therapist is working on getting her an "e-stim" device for her to use at home everyday in order to facilitate speedier progress.

So, after therapy today, she came home and whipped up a delicious meal for us! Seven (Lori, David, Audi, Art, Jack, Mom and Dad) of us enjoyed the Corn Crusted Chicken sandwiches. But most of all, we just enjoyed being together and laughing at some good and not-so-good jokes!

Update

The following weekend, Mom beat Dad at Uchre 10-0 (with 2 loaners and 1 euchre)!

UP ANOTHER LEVEL

Look at this lady now ... climbing all fourteen steps up to our Bonus Room and back down again ... without any assistance! That is a 'NEW' FIRST for her.

She is gaining strength in her affected right side and is able to do some things she was totally incapable of doing not so long ago.

We are so grateful for the progress she is making (even though she doesn't seem to be able to recognize the great "strides" she is taking. Progress is way too slow for her to appreciate. But the fact that she is so persistent and competitive works in her favor.

She even takes time out each day to try to beat her husband in the game of Euchre. She whipped him 10-4 tonight after dinner.

We appreciate so much the work her Physical Therapist (PIA pictured above) has done with her. Another 1 1/2 months and the Home Care Therapy will be completed. We will miss Pia very much.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO POPPO

Today we celebrate Dad's 9th (yes, ninth) birthday.
On April 11th, 2000, while undergoing a simple heart catheter procedure at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, he straight-lined on them. His heart ceased to beat when his blood pressure elevated to 220/160 ... AND HE DIED!
Two attempts to shock him back to life with the paddles were in vain, so his cardiologist (Dr. Anthony Cossel) began to administer CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) on him. Dr. Cossel continued unrelentingly for ten minutes ... before his heart began to beat once again.
Within seven minutes a team of surgeons headed by Dr. Arthur Coffey were then assembled and ready to go to work on him. A triple by-pass surgery was performed on his heart. He laid unconscious and unresponding for seven days in the intensive care ward before he opened his eyes to see his family once again. 34 days in the hospital became the way of life for him before he finally came home again.
He died ... and got a second chance on life on April 11th (nine years ago today). So we celebrate his second life (and 9th birthday) today. But more than that, we celebrate God's goodness and grace that he has been given another chance on life.
Once one experiences a life-changing event like this, life can never be the same again. Every day ... every moment ... every second takes on added meaning and importance. We hope that nothing so dramatic has to happen to you before you realize how important every day is in your life.

LOVE -- POPPO

CLIMBING HIGHER

MORE MOUNTAINS CLIMBED ... This past week La Donna climbed the 14 steps (with the aid of her therapist) up to the Bonus Room in our Condo, and then back down again. This was the first time she had been up in the Bonus Room in more than a year (since before her heart attack one year ago in December). What an exciting thing it was to have her call me (I asked her where she was and she said "Up here. Come see me.") We love to see more mountains climbed in her life every so often.

This weekend will be another mountain climbed. We are taking our first trip away from home (just a one day trip) to visit our friends in Bardstown, Kentucky. "Cabin Fever" is being relieved for the both of us. How grateful we are to see the amazing progress she continues to show in her recovery from that devastating stroke. We are grateful to God and to His "Angels of Mercy" (therapists) for the progress we see.

LOVE -- POPPO

The Little Banquet

You've heard of The Great Banquet, right?

Most of you know that before Mom's stroke, she was THE entertainer. As long as I can remember, we seemed to be having company for dinner. On Sundays when I was growing up, the question was rarely "What's for dinner?" but rather, "Who is coming for dinner?" We always had dinner guests...old friends, new friends to the church, or people who had no family and were lonely. Mom was the epitome of "hospitality".

She had the "Martha" hospitality in that she opened her doors to just about anyone - just like Martha did with Jesus. But unlike Martha, Mom always had everything planned, prepared and ready so she had time for her guests. When they arrived, everything was ready so she was able to sit and enjoy their time with us like Martha's sister, Mary. Mom had a "Mary heart" with a "Martha mentality" - the best of both!

This Christmas, Lori and I gave Mom/Dad a "Little Banquet" for each season...one day out of each season to invite whoever they wanted for dinner. We'd prepare and serve while they just enjoyed their time together. Yesterday was our Spring Fling and Mom/Dad's long time friends, Jack and Betty Toombs and Mike and Adele Murdick came to the Little Banquet. What fun it was.

The bible places great value on "hospitality", starting in Genesis and continuing throughout. And banqueting - eating together - was one of the most common ways of showing hospitality and having fellowship with others. Lori and I commented after it was over that their time today must have been a little preview of what the Great Banquet will be like. Old friends, laughing and talking, praising God for all the things he had done, experiencing the joy that he desires to give us everyday.

I said, "How comforting it must be to know that Mom/Dad and their friends will all be together in heaven someday." You know them by their fruits. It is so obvious that God is the center of their lives. This "Little Banquet" probably did more for Lori and I than it did for our parents and their friends. It gaves us a delicious taste of heaven and the Great Banquet to come..

See pics below...

Make a Smilebox greeting

This morning, almost ceremonially, I took down the 2 stars that we’ve had hanging in our front window representing our two sons, Dustin and Garrett, serving in Iraq. As of this morning, they are both home! It is an unfamiliar but very welcome feeling.

Throughout this time, I’ve learned so much about my love for them, faith, and my relationship with Christ. Although one of my primary prayers was for their safety and that they would stay close to their faith, my utmost prayer was that God would be glorified throughout their time in Iraq and that God’s presence and power would be experienced fully.

In order to fully trust God I sensed that I had to give Garrett and Dustin to God; that is,trust Him with their lives. I had to dismiss my worry and be done with it. Then I realized I had to give Jack to Him as well. Before I knew it, I realized I had to give God everything. I really thought I had done this already but in the face of adversity, the truth often shows itself. I finally resolved that If I lost a son, my husband, my parents, my job, my home, anything… I would continue to trust God – depend upon Him – have faith that Him. He who overcame the world would help me overcome any circumstance that may come my way.

As God sewed peace through my troubled heart, I found myself feeling guilty for being at peace. Did it mean I didn’t love the Dustin and Garrett as much as everyone else? Shouldn’t I be overcome with anxiety and angst? Would I feel differently if it were Jack? God soon answered my concerns and told me to accept his gift of peace – and not to hesitate to experience his joy. He wants me to have peace and joy, especially when I asked for it so desperately. So I found that it was through troubled times that I learned how wide and long and deep and high God’s love was for me.

Sometimes anxiety would creep into my nights like a thief robbing me of the sleep that I so desperately needed. Initially, I took it as a cue from God to pray but have since realized that God never gives us anxiety. I became a little obsessive in praying at night – insomnia became my bed partner and praying became a form of brainwashing myself to trust God, almost ritualistic. Finally, one night God impressed upon my heart to just rest…just rest… And He taught me about being still…

To experience the abundant life that God wants to give me, I learned to keep my eyes on Him! As I fixed my eyes and thoughts on Him, he showered me with peace and joy. He let me live above my circumstances (and I had more on my plate than Dustin and Garrett being gone). As I pried my mind away from my problems and fears and conscientiously, intentionally, and vigorously focussed on Him, my path became amazingly easier to walk and delightfully full of “God moments”.

Many of you have “prayed me” to this juncture in our lives and I want to thank you for those prayers. My heart has been changed and continues to be changed as a result of your steadfast faithfulness to pray for us all. I thank God for you and pray that you will be blessed as I have been with God’s abundant love and peace. And I do thank God, the giver of all things, that Dustin and Garrett are home again.

Dustin is Home!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

More Good News...

Mom continues to do well. She went to the opthamalogist (sp?) yesterday. As most of you know, she has macular degeneration. She has been getting shots in her eyes. In some folks, the results are remarkable, practically making the MD go away. Others are not quite so fortunate.

PTL, Mom is one of the fortunate. Her doctor yesterday decided not to give her another injection because the MD is practically gone! Only one little spot.

Now, isn't God good? I remember when Mom was diagnosed with MD. It was scary. But, she was determined to take it one day at a time and give it to God. Who better could handle it? I would say He has handled it quite well!

It's hard to know why God heals some and not others. I'd say it's all in his plan of perfecting us. He knows what is best and what roads we need to take in order to be ready to go on to our heavenly home.

Dad's80th Birthday

Well, Dad finally caught up with Mom! We celebrated his birthday last weekend at one of his favorite restaurant's. I think we had 15 of our family there. We were missing Dustin/Garrett/Duane & family.

We did our traditional Chamberlin rendition of Happy Birthday (much to Dad's horror - see video).

We are soooo thankful for our mom/dad. It was a great celebration. What a wonderful man my dad is -- an example for our kids/families. We love you, Dad!

Raising Hands To The Lord

Another milestone in La Donna's development ...

OCCUPATION THERAPIST "MARCIA"
has been working on La Donna's hand and arm to facilitate some meaningful movement in them. The signals from the brain are coming through, but the tone (stiffness/tightness) has hindered the movement.

Marcia has worked so that La Donna is now able to lift her hand to her nose, and she is able to open her tight fingers a remarkable distance. How wonderful it is to have therapists so skilled in the healing arts that we continue to see improvement almost on a daily basis.

We raise our hands in praise to the Lord, but also in praise to His servants like Marcia in the healing ministry. She puts a real smile on La Donna's (and Nelson's) face.

LOVE -- POPPO

The Boys (Dustin and Garrett) are Coming Home!

For those of you who have kept up with Dustin and Garrett, we are excited to say that Dustin is scheduled to come home in late February and Garrett will be home in March! Don't send any more packages because they won't be able to get them after 1/31/09.

Lori (my sister) and I are now "official" Operation Love photographers. OpLove is a non-profit organization that does photo shoots of deployments, homecomings, and in-betweens for our deployed servicemen/women. We started with Kari, Garrett's girlfriend who is such a pretty, sweet girl, don't you agree?

My next official shoot will be in Oahu, Hawaii! It will be Dustin's homecoming! We are so excited to be there.

Thanks for all your prayers, cards and support while they've been away. Just a couple more months and they will be back in the USA!

A Bad Taste in Dad's Mouth

Mom has a ton of Christmas decorations and their house also was blessed with goodies to eat throughout the Christmas season. Christmas was definitely one of our best this year. However, you wouldn't know that from the look on Dad's face!

Aphasia (or more accurately, dysphasia), mom's speech disorder that intereferes with proper selection of words, can have a distasteful effect on communication.

Mom and Dad had this little decorative white star hanging around their house all Christmas long. It was on a little plate in the kitchen and one day, Dad inquired as to what it was. 'Cake," mom answered. Oh yum, Dad thought, I think I'll have a bite!

Dad took a good size bite and started to chew and immediately had a serious shock to his tastebuds! It was a spitting, mouth watering, "what in the world?!?" reaction! It was soap, not cake! It kind of smelled like the "Irish Spring" version.

Here's the funny part: We laughed and laughed and I finally asked Mom, did you think it was cake or did you know it was soap? She said she knew it was soap but the word cake came out! So imagine her shock when Dad took a bite of it?

This whole incident has given us countless laughs and continues to do so as I write this. So, my warning to you is, anytime you come to my mom/dad's house, make sure you confirm what you're eating. It might not be what you think!

P.S. Payback is hell. I got my mouth washed out with soap a couple of times. Now my dad knows how it feels! Ha!