It's been awhile...

Hi Friends! It's been awhile (as I was so kindly reminded of by my friend Bill Berry from Memphis). This is no indication of bad news. Quite the contrary!
Mom started her intensive rehab at Hook's (as an outpatient) and I must say they are working her hard! They are addressing all kinds of things through occupational, physical and speech therapy as well as working on memory and problem solving, etc. (I've threatened to join the memory/problem solving group myself.) Mom comes home exhausted but we have been able to see some improvements.
I've been "tied up" - enjoying the beginnings of an 18 day respite for our boys, Dustin and Garrett. They are back from Iraq for some R & R. We'll be celebrating their birthdays tonight at Maggiano's (yum). Right now, they are enjoying a movie with Brother Jack.
They look great and are in wonderful spirits. Dustin talks a mile a minute as usual. Garrett is enjoying being with his girl, Kari. Oh, and yes, I think they enjoy seeing the rest of the family, too.
More later...must go check some emails, do some school work, and then go celebrate the birthdays and homecoming!

Thanks for the prayers. Love, Audi

HELLO HOOKS REHAB

Today (Thursday, August 7th) La Donna graduated to a new level of rehabilitation. She was evaluated by the professionals at Hooks Rehab Facility on 56th Street in Indianapolis and they concluded she would make an excellent prospect for intensive rehabilitative care.



Dr. Ed Haskins presented a detailed evaluation of her condition at her family consultation and concluded that her determination and dedication to get well is quite evident and qualifies her for their treatment.



Today in the evaluation process she walked 130 feet on her quad-footed cane! They believe she is surprising in several ways (we could have told them that already).



She is looking forward to the more intensive care program which will take her on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and on Thursdays for one half a day. She will be a busy lady indeed.



Their facilities and equipment are much superior to anything we have seen before. Beside Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy, she will attend group classes. The family has been invited to attend any of her sessions except the group classes.



In a month they will bring the family in for another evaluation conference. Nobody is fooled into thinking the recovery fr0m her stroke is going to be an easy one or a rapid one, but she is going to give it her best effort and we will "leave the rest to God" (as Dr. Ed Haskins put it).



Thank you all for your prayers and concern.



Love -- Poppo

Moving on...

Remember a few weeks ago when I was struggling with God over anxieties about work, Mom's progress and all? My message from Him was "just trust me; you don't need all the answers now."

I guess He's finally decided it is time to let us in on His plan.

Mom's headed to Hook Rehab's very intensive outpatient program next week! She'll be going to therapy M, W, and F from 9 til 3:30 and maybe on Thursdays for a half day. Sounds like they're going to stretch, strengthen, increase, and maximize every smidge of ability that she has! They've got state of the art equipment and we really feel like the Home Health therapists have gotten her strong enough to participate in a program as rigorous as this.

We are so grateful for the team that worked with us. Some of them were so nice, I almost wanted to go work for them! (That would be you, for one, Carolyn!) Fortunately, I love my job that I have now and since I can't do two jobs at once, I figured I better stay where I know they'll tolerate me!

Now, it's time to move on, though, and trust God as we take a new turn in our journey. We'll certainly be updating you on the all the progress that we anticipate.

As usual, thanks for the prayers and more later...

Lots of love,

Audi

“WORLD TRAVELER” by Poppo

Last week Medicare and our Insurance Company got together and provided Mommo a new JAZZY SELECT SCOOTER (Electric powered wheel chair).

It is a sturdy (190 pound) piece of machinery that ably transports her anywhere she chooses to go – around the house, visiting in the neighborhood, etc. A Joy Stick on the left arm rest enables her to experience a new freedom to get around like she has never had since her stroke occurred. The plush carpet in her home made it nearly impossible to propel herself around in the manual wheel chair.

Poppo is relieved that he does not have to push her everywhere. Since the SCOOTER is so large he cannot pick it up and put it in his car, he carries the old manual wheel chair in the trunk of the car for those occasions when they need to go somewhere outside their home.

The SCOOTER STORE was great to deal with – lived up to all they promised including no charge for the $4,000 machine. Their technician (Tony Adams) came out to deliver the chair, fit it to La Donna’s needs, and train her in the proper use of it. We could not be more pleased.

If you know anyone who might be benefitted with such a machine, you should contact THE SCOOTER STORE at 1-800 723-4535.

More on storms...

Okay...We had storms again and Bear was his same ole self (shaky, pacing, panting as if life were about to end). Poor guy.
I forgot to tell you about Petey.
Petey is our 4 pound Maltese. He is the total opposite of Bear. He knows no fear. (He has little dog syndrome.) So, whenever we have a storm and the thunder rolls, Petey runs around, growls and barks as if to say, "Bring in on. I'll take you down just as soon as I find out where you are." It's ridiculous.
Petey is just down right stupid when it comes to his self image. He has attacked a 120 pound bull mastiff, he's nearly caught a squirrel twice his size, and he runs under cars while they are pulling down the driveway. He has issues. One of them being he does not understand his limitations.

I wonder where God would like us to be on the Bear/Petey scale. My guess is that he doesn't want us walking around in fear of our circumstances but he doesn't want us to totally ignore the dangers of this world, either. Isn't that what we often do, though? We're fearful, upset and even shocked (and in a tizzy) when things don't go our way and when things are going well, we are totally unaware of the enemy around us.

I had a hard weekend. Anxieties about work and my mom's progress among other things had me in a real tizzy. I begged God for answers and solutions. "Just tell me what to do!" I said. I wrestled with God all weekend.

Finally, I got it. "You don't need answers," he said. "Just trust me."

Is it really that simple?

Yes.

My friend, Vicki, read this to me over the phone this morning. I don't know the author but it's from a devotional book called Jesus Calling. I love how the author paraphrased God's word to us...

Keep walkng with Me along the path I have chosen for you. Your desire to live close to Me is a delight to My heart. I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not My way for you. Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain. The journey is arduous at times, and you are weak. Someday you will dance lightfooted on the high peaks; but for now, your walk is often plodding and heavy. All that I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction. Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at he the moment, there are sparkling suprprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you. It is truly the path of Life. (Psalm 37:23-24, Psalm 23:2-3)

I'll stay on this path but I'm going to make sure I don't walk it alone. That makes all the difference inthe world... in the storm and out of the storm.

Mom Update

Hi Friends...
It's been a while since my last update. We were in Florida on a wonderful vacation with friends. It was relaxing, fun and renewing. Like I said in an earlier post, "His mercies are new every morning..." I certainly sensed that on our vacation.
Mom continues to move along in her therapy. I was able to watch her "hand therapy" yesterday. It had been a month or so since I'd sat in on a session and the improvement was evident!
Well, since Mom is such a good driver on the Wal-Mart scooters, Dad is looking into getting her a scooter so she can scoot around at home. This would be very exciting.
Mom's spirits continue to be good. She gets out and about with Dad and we are thankful for every day we have with both of them. Thanks for all the prayers!! -- Audi

Getting around...

Mom is getting really good at getting around at the grocery store, Wal-Mart, etc. thanks to their motorized scooters. She's a really good driver and does a great job.

Mom and Dad have also been "getting around". They went to Boggstown last week with friends and had a ball.

This week, I'm in Florida so I'm "getting around", too! So, you all keep in touch with my mom and dad and make sure they're doing okay - okay? More later...

Audi

Trip to Corydon

Sunday June 8th --

Audi, Mom and Dad travelled all the way down to Corydon, Indiana for the Memorial Service of our long-time friend (Macon A. Ray). This was the first long trip La Donna had taken.

A former parishioner at the Corydon Old Capital United Methodist Church, Macon and his wife Linda have been life-long friends since their first acquaintance.

Macon was one of the driving forces of the highly successful Stephen Foster Story Show at Bardstown, Kentucky. Later he portrayed Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln State Park in Southern Indiana. He was widely known as a Lincoln impersonator because of his depth of knowledge of Abe and his personal appearance to so resembled Lincoln himself.

People of the Corydon community were delighted to see La Donna in her wheel chair looking so pretty and doing so well. Nelson was one of the featured speakers in the Celebration of Life for Macon Ray and was well received as well.

Audi drove her parents home and they arrived at 30 minutes after midnight ... but the long day was survived well by La Donna. Her strength and courage and determination is a vital factor in her continual remarkable recovery. We are all grateful for her progress.

Peace through the Storm

We've had some mighty storms in the last few days and if you knew our dog, Bear, you would feel sorry for him regardless of your like or dislike for dogs. He trembles with fear and sometimes even cries at the hint of thunder or lightning. This week, we had non-stop storms with 4 1/2 inches of rain in one day. Needless to say, Bear got no rest and there was no peace in the storm for him.

We tried to console him. "It's okay, Bear!" We hugged him. Loved on him. I even held this 45 pound dog on my lap. Still, no peace in the storm. His greatest relief was to go into a closet in the middle of the house and hide.

"What's wrong with him?" I wondered. He doesn't know Jesus! It's as simple as that. If he knew Jesus, he probably wouldn't be so rattled. Maybe a little up tight, but he would know the final outcome would be okay whether he lived through the storm or not.

It's hard to find Jesus if you're a dog, no doubt, but even if you're a person it's hard to find Jesus in the midst of a storm if you never knew him before. That's why the Bible tells us the way to life - to God - is vigorous and requires your total attention! In order to have life, especially in the midst of a storm, you have to have God.

Imagine being in the middle of any chaotic, frightful situation and looking for someone that you don't know. You may actually find him but how easy would it be to trust him if you didn't know them very well?

If there were anyway I could help Bear to understand what it's like to be under God's umbrella of protection, he wouldn't be so frightened in the storm. He may never know that peace but I hope you do.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

James 4:8

No News is Good News?

Hi Friends...

Well, it seems like my blog entries get further apart as time goes on. Perhaps that is an indication of the busy-ness of my life AND the fact that we are no longer in crisis! Both good things - and proof once again that God provides and handles things for us.

Mom continues to be like the tortoise in the Tortoise and the Hare story. Her therapists say she keeps plodding along - not at record speed but with good steadiness and consistency. We'll take that even though Mom would like a more swift results.

We're thankful that Mom says she enjoys life. Her biggest worries are about Dad and his shoulder pain. He's had a massage therapist out to the house which gave a little bit of relief. We'll hope for more.

This summer looks like it's going to be good. Mom and Dad enjoy time in their screened in porch and going to lunch with their friends. We'll have more time to hang out, hopefully, since I'm off for 8 weeks in the summer (YEA!)

Thanks for all the thoughts/prayers/cards and visits. And don't let me forget -- the meals! People have not forgotten Mom/Dad even though it has been 4 months since her stroke. You are good people and we love you all.

More later...

Audi

All the way from Iraq!

See? You can still have a stroke and have a "bum right side" and affect others on the other side of the world! Here's a picture of Mom's grandson, Garrett, in Iraq. The card on the package of cookies says "Made by Grandma Chamberlin with her left hand!"

It was a thumbs up welcome package - I bet they didn't last long - so we'll just have to get on it and send him some more.

Mom continues to be busy and make progress. All of our spirits are good and God continues to work good in our lives! Sing and make music to the Lord! (Ephesians 5:19)

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day was especially joyful for us this year because we had our mother with us! We had a great day. We promised Mom a year ago that Monte, Lori and I would sing in church for her on Mother's Day. We sang together as we grew up and it has been years since we had done so.

"It is Well with my Soul" couldn't have been more appropriate. It is the story of our lives and the attitude that Mom/Dad have taught us to have. Not always easy...but we have learned through our trials of heart attacks, job losses, debilitating diseases, strokes, divorce (and the list goes on) that God will always give us the grace we need to get through whatever trial comes our way.

"Consider it pure joy when trials come your way" (James 1:2) is not something that we instinctively. I'm working on it though, and try to remind myself to ask, "How will God use this to help me grow?"

Mom says she enjoys life, now. That was always one of my prayers - that no matter how far her progress takes her - that she can enjoy life. And she repeatedly says she does. Her sense of humor comes in handy when the words don't come out right. And during therapy sessions, she makes us laugh when everyone is going crazy over how well she does and she just rolls her eyes and flips her hand as if to say "Whatever!"

My momma is a blessing to all those around her. How thankful we are to have her in our lives!

Back to the Kitchen...

Well, I told Mom today, "Your vacation is over! It's time for you to get to work!!" So, we started our work on our One Handed Cookbook by experimenting with different cutting techniques. Cutting with one hand sounds easy until you try it! I've learned a lot already. For one thing, don't make things so difficult! Tear the tops off of those strawberries and then lay them upsidedown and cut 'em up! After we got the strawberries cut for tonight's dinner, we moved on to making Peanut Butter Cookies for Dustin and Garrett in Iraq.

Bowls don't hold still when you stir so we put all of the cookie ingredients in a 1 gallon baggie. Mom did it all...cracked the egg/measured the oil/cut the bag open. A brick covered in aluminum foil serves as her "other hand" and holds many things down quite nicely! After we got everything in the baggie, Mom squished and pushed and squeezed it until it was mixed up quite perfectly.

We made a pan of cookies for both Dustin and Garrett and they're vacuumed packed and ready to go! They'll be tickled first of all, just to get the cookies, but secondly because Gma Chamberlin made them!

Like a good cook, Mom washed and dried all the dishes by herself -- with me standing by as the "balance supervisor" - even though she did not require any help. I'm thinking she's going to be back to work quicker than she may think! Dad's gonna love that because I can just about guarantee he likes HER cooking more than he likes his own!

We also went to quilting club today and had a nice visit with the ladies. The food is always good at quilting club and as I write this, I'm feeling kind of guilty for not bringing some of that yummy dessert home for Dad. Oh well, next time!

It's been a great day! Thanks for your prayers and interest in Mom's progress. They're certainly working...

Love, Audi

Good Morning Friends!

Hello everyone! I hope you've had a good week! We certainly have! On Monday, Mom and I spent most of the day together. We went to the credit union, to Wal-Mart and had a nice leisurely lunch at the Olive Garden with my sister. Then we just went home and hung out for awhile.

Mom and I have a new project! (Wish us luck!) We are going to start working on One-Handed Cookbook! I have searched the web and googled everything I can think of and although there are a lot of PRODUCTS out for "one handers" there are few ideas out of how to do things one handed.

Mom is a great cook and it's one of my passions, too. So, I'm thinking that we can help ourselves and others, too. Don't get too excited! I'm notorious for great ideas and little follow-through! SO, if you want to pray for me, pray that we will get some work done on our cookbook so others can benefit as well.

Hope all is well. It seems like Spring is here and hope is all around!

Love you all -- Audi

Remarkable Progress

The good word this week is that although her progress is not quite fast enough for La Donna, her therapists are saying she has made (and IS making) remarkable progress. In a conference with her involved therapists, they marveled at the way she is improving.

She walked about 150 feet on the hemiwalker this past week and only had to have her balance corrected one time. Her speech (aphasia) is improving and her right hand is beginning to get a little bit more mobility.

Yesterday she joined the 30 Whispering Woods Residents for their monthly luncheon (this time held at Bravos Restaurant in Indianapolis). Her occasional trips outside the house help to brighten her spirits and negate her impatience as she hears her friends tell her how much improvement they see in her.

The people of Fishers United Methodist Church have brought her meals since her second week home ( and Nelson is learning to be an efficient microwave operator). It is wonderful to have so many great friends caring for her. Please be assured that she enjoys having company. It would be well to call her before coming to make sure she is not involved with any therapist at the time of your visit.

Update from the Cathcarts

Hi Friends! We've had a good week. Mom and Dad were over for dinner and the weather was so nice we ate on the screened in porch! It was beautiful out and so wonderful to have the parents back at our house! Mom and I were talking yesterday and we were looking forward to walks outside. Mom continues her therapy and is still making steady progress. Not as quickly as she would like, but steady...

My best friend was in town this week (she's a speech pathologist too) and she was so shocked by how great Mom's speech was. She kept saying "I give her an 85 - 90%!" She saw Mom about a month ago and reminded me that what she did then does not even compare to her speech now. Way to go, MOM!!

Some of you have asked about Dustin and Garrett, our twin sons, who are BOTH over in Iraq right now serving our country. Word from them indicates they are doing great. They are both in charge of the MITT (something to do with M____ I______ Transition Team). They are training 650+ Iraqi soldiers to take over. They are at different bases but have seen each other while Garrett was training on Dustin's base.

Dustin LOVES his job. He's been there since December and repeatedly says he has "no complaints." He's encouraged by the progress that they are making. He talks a mile a minute when he calls home and his enthusiasm is evident.

Garrett says he's fine, but he's tired because he's doing two jobs. (MITT plus his job last time he was there.) This is also his second tour in Iraq so he's probably not quite so enthusiastic! His tour last time was physically and emotionally costly. Anyway, he says that he is doing fine and he's safe. He's not on a base. He lives in an old meat packing facility. Has a roommate but that should change eventually.

We continually pray for their contentment and safe return to home and thank many of you for doing the same. Sometimes I feel so SELFISH because so many people are praying for our family! It is very humbling to say the least. Goes to show how needy we are on family/friends and most of all, Jesus!

Well, that's all I know for now! I'll write more later. Have much to do on this last OFFICIAL day of my Spring Break! Lots of love... Audi

Riverview Rehab Revisited (by Poppo)

Last week La Donna had to go to Riverview Hospital for an Ultra Sound on her thyroid.

After the test, I took her up to the third floor rehab facility to visit the therapists there. When we came in Sara looked up and fairly squealed in delight to see her. She was so happy to see the evident progress that La Donna has made.

We went around the corner to where Susan was working with a patient. When she saw La Donna she stopped therapy on her patient, came running over to the wheel chair where Mommo was sitting, hugged her and said, "La Donna ... I will never forget you as long as I live."

We had a delightful conversation with both of these great therapists, then went down the hall to visit with some of the nurses who had cared for her in the rehab facility. They were all delighted to see her and to note her progress. They had not forgotten her.

It was evident to me (Poppo) that even in her diminished state of a stroke, she had made a profound impression on all of these people. Thank God for the progress that surprised even the professionals who took care of her.

"Lefty" Playing Her Piano Again - by Dad

What a great family we have!

Monte (who owns his own construction business) brought in some of his men to refit our house with the equipment needed for her stroked condition – lowered bed from 34 inches high; removed some doors from hinges so the wheel chair could get through more easily; established a grab bar in the bathroom to help La Donna stand; refitted lounge chair to remove the tilt and swivel mechanisms to provide a more secure foundation for her sitting down and getting up.

Audi established her blog (lamentations3.blogspot.com) to keep all our friends informed about La Donna’s progress; has used her skills as a Speech Pathologist to help her overcome her aphasia (speech difficulties); and has guided us in all our medical decisions.

Lori has redecorated our house with a Spring Theme (to Mom’s relief); has spent a great deal of time sitting with her and caring for her; BUT MOST OF ALL, SHE HAS SET UP A PROGRAM WHEREBY MOM CAN PLAY THE LEFT HAND PIANO PART WHILE LORI PLAYS THE RIGHT HAND PART (RECORDED) ON THE ROLAND KR3 DIGITAL PIANO. She has provided a written musical score for the left hand so La Donna can get back into using her piano in a meaningful way.

And the original arrangement Lori has written so beautifully – “IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL” … is that not prophetic?

Love Thy Neighbor - by Dad

Let us tell you what real love and concern and neighborliness is all about.

Last week Denny and Donna Sheets (Adams and Marshall neighbors) came by to see La Donna. We always appreciate their visits … they are such genuine people.

Poppo decided he wanted to “show off” Mommo’s progress. So he got her up on her hemiwalker (see photo courtesy of Mike Delladio) and exhibited her walking across the room with minimal assistance. She is walking now with only occasional help to keep her in balance when the weak right side doesn’t want to do its thing.

As they walked along together in front of Donna Sheets, Poppo looked over to see the broadest grin overcoming Donna’s face. But that was not the best of it. He saw tears of joy and gratitude swelling up in her eyes.

For neighbors to be so glad for her measure of recovery that they would be moved to tears … that is what real love and concern and neighborliness is all about.

And when they attended worship at Castleton United Methodist Church Sunday, Denny and Donna were the first to race across the sanctuary to greet them. They never got rich serving in the ministry, but nevertheless they are millionaires. Wonderful friends like this cannot be bought with money. But they are some of the most priceless possessions a family can have. Thank God for neighbors and friends like this.

Mom: 101 Things Stroke Didn't Take from You

1. Your family
2. 58 years of marriage
3. Your home
4. Your love of music
5. Your ability to make us smile
6. Holidays with your family
7. Your purpose for living
8. Your noble character
9. Dad’s 100% confidence in YOU
10. Your hard work ethic
11. Your church
12. Your intelligence
13. Grandchildren who love you
14. Your ability to give godly advice
15. Your ability to pray
16. Your faith
17. Companionship with Dad
18. Shopping with Audi
19. Dinner plans with Jack and Betty
20. Friends who love you
21. Your ability to inspire
22. God’s plans for you
23. Your decorating ability
24. Singing hymns
25. Living in the USA
26. Reciting the Lord’s prayer
27. Memories of dating Dad
28. Family dinners
29. Back seat driving
30. Neighborhood get togethers
31. Mother’s intuition
32. God’s word in your heart
33. Your beauty
34. Your children’s thankfulness that you’re here
35. Communion with God
36. Snuggling with Dad
37. Daily phone calls with your kids
38. Visits by the Granddogs
39. Being pretty
40. Peace in the storm
41. Years of serving
42. God’s ability to comfort you
43. Spring weather
44. Days on the screened in porch with dad
45. Coffee and toast in the morning
46. Abundance of food
47. Your beautiful blue eyes
48. Your smile
49. Your humility
50. Your ability to discern
51. Forgiveness
52. Evenings with Dad
53. Freedom to worship
54. Church on Sunday mornings
55. Opportunities to witness
56. Afternoon naps
57. Quiet evenings
58. Your wisdom
59. Wealth of friends and family
60. Your cheerful heart
61. Your positive attitude
62. Your onery son-in-laws
63. Love that covers all wrongs
64. Joy in the morning
65. Memories of a Hawaiian vacation
66. God’s faithfulness
67. Victory over the grave
68. A song in your heart
69. Dad’s loving protection
70. Daily phone calls from your girls
71. More time with Dad so he doesn’t have to be alone
72. Your giving nature
73. All the lives you’ve affected
74. Hundreds of lives changed through Divorce Recovery
75. Ears that hear and eyes that see
76. The gift of salvation
77. Courage to continue on
78. Our united family
79. Peace that transcends all understanding
80. Gift of God’s son, Jesus
81. Eternal life
82. Victory over the adversary
83. 79 years of magnificence
84. Undying love
85. Motivation to recover
86. God’s amazing creations
87. Majesty and glory of God
88. Constant hope
89. Deep faith
90. Your heart for God
91. Patience while suffering
92. Your children’s honor and love for you
93. Grace for the moment
94. Your deep love for others
95. Your hospitality toward others
96. Your value in our world
97. Your value in God’s eyes
98. God’s ability to work in your life
99. Safety and security in God
100. All of God’s promises
101. Your heavenly home

Mom Update

We've had a good week. Mom has been busy this week with therapy and guests. She's had friends in for lunch, she's been to dinner at the church, and she came to my (Audi) church today @ Castleton United Methodist Church. You don't know how blessed I felt to see my sweet "mama" sitting in the congregation as I sat in the choir. It was also wonderful for all my friends who have prayed our family through Mom's illness to see how God has worked in our lives. Today, several times people asked "How's your Mom?" and I was tickled to respond, "She's here!"

Mom's getting around on her feet a bit more. Instead of rolling from here to there in her wheel chair, she's starting to walk here and there. On Friday when she walked with me, I did NOTHING except stand by for an occasional "balance check." She stood at the sink and washed a pan, stacked up clean dishes, and did her usual "straightening up" of things. Mom likes to have things straight and organized.

Dad is a gem. I can only pray that my husband will love me half as much as Dad loves Mom in 30 more years! If he does, I'll be one lucky woman! Dad's main struggle is wanting to do too much for Mom. The physical therapist explained to him Friday that instead of helping her so much, he'd be helping her more to let her do more by herself. "But I've always protected her and taken care of her!" he exclaimed. This will be a different way of taking care of her.

Along with the hope of Spring, we continue to have hope that God will continue doing great things in Mom's life. We keep praying and giving thanks for all that He's done so far!

SuperBowl Returns!

Hi Friends! We have an abundance of tupperware, really nice pie plates, casserole bowls, etc. that are looking for their true homes! We can't remember where they all belong, thanks to your overwhelming generosity and goodness.

Please use coming to get your bowls as an excuse to drop in and sit awhile for a visit. Mom and Dad are usually home and would love to see your smiling faces AND return your bowls.

Easter, this year, was especially good for the Chamberlin Family. We had a few empty chairs that we wished could have been filled (Dustin and Garrett in Iraq - Duane and family in Florida - Monte's family fighting a bug) but our "Momma's" chair wasn't empty! And for that, we were truly grateful!

Our family is blessed...and even though times are a little harder now than before, we are still Easter People! We have so much to be thankful for and will do our best to remember that!

Hope your Easter was full of hope and joy...

Audi

Perfection...

Wow...it's been almost a week since my last post! Perhaps that is an indication that life is getting a little bit back to normal or that life is crazy busy. Probably a little bit of both.

Mom continues to get better. Last weekend, I took her out for our first mom/daughter outing. We went to JCPenney and managed to spend a bunch of money! It was great to have someone to shop with again. (I hate shopping and I hate shopping alone even more!) After getting Chinese for lunch and home to work on some errands, we were both pooped and ready to retire for the night. So much, that we canceled our dinner plans with each other!

Mom has started back to church and has done a few lunches as well. We still look forward to Mom being able to walk around and be more independent physically. She does not like her present physical status. (Can't say I blame her!) On Monday, the doctor had lots of good encouraging comments - indicating that he expected her to do very well along those lines. The message was to "keep on". The road is long and hard but she can do it.

This week is Holy Week and no one knows better about long and hard roads as does our Jesus. I cannot even imagine the dread He was feeling on the night of that last supper or in the Garden of Gethsemane. But He knew the rest of the story and now we know the rest of the story. That gives us hope...

Well, the one thing we can be sure of: God's love is not a pampering love; it's a perfecting love (James McDonald). Even my precious, sweet little Mama has a little perfecting that God can do in her. My guess is that God is working in her and all of us throughout this journey. So, as usual, I just pray that we can all open our hearts to what God would like to do in us amidst the trials of life whether big or small.

Here's hoping you experience the deep, deep perfecting love that God has for you during this Holy Week...

Love, Audi

Making Plans...

Hi Friends...We continue on our journey with Mom. Each week she continues to show progress and we have hope of better things to come.

I think this has been a hard week for Mom. She's getting bored. You know how Mom was before her stroke (always on the go)...always cooking a meal and having someone in for dinner, visiting people who were "shut-ins" and being a Stephen Minister, going to Quilting and to breakfast with her friends on Thursday mornings. All this has changed and I think she's had her fill of "just sitting around" between therapy appointments!

This week she has shown more movement in her arm as she lifted it up over the arm rest of her wheelchair! Whew! That looked hard, but she did it! She's still walking in PT and today she walked with me as well. She also did some laundry with just a little stand-by assistance. Tomorrow, we're going to JC Penneys to see how much money we can spend!

Okay -- now here's our call for help! So many of you have said, "What can we do to help?" Well, things are starting to pile up at home for Dad. He needs to run errands...go to the grocery...post office...license branch...oh yes, let's not forget FRY'S ELECTRONICS! Would anyone like to come visit with mom for 2 1/2 hours or so during the day sometime? I told him I'd try to set up a schedule.

If you're interested, please either email me at audicathcart@sbcglobal.net or call me at 332-4158.

Now...I want to thank everyone AGAIN for all of their prayers, cards, calls, visits, and meals! Mom/Dad have been so well cared for. The food has been wonderful. Your visits break up the day. Most of all, there is no question that they are loved.

If one falls down, his friend can help him up.

But pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up!

Ecclesiastes 4:10

Thanks for helping Mom/Dad get back on their feet! Lots of love -- Audi

Beautiful Weather!

Wow...today it looked like Spring in Indianapolis. As a result, Dad took Mom on a stroll through the neighborhood. I know it must have felt good to breathe in some of that good, fresh air!

Mom continues her therapy schedule and is gradually adding the "normalcies of life" back in. She's started making more phone calls and got a perm Monday (thanks to Virginia). She looks like a million bucks! More later...