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!

Whatta Year ! ! !

Christmas week HOOK REHAB gave La Donna her final report ... she has completed all of her work/assignments, her progress has been extraordinary, and she is dismissed from all other services they can perform! We have nothing but the highest praise for HOOK REHAB, Dr. Ed Haskins (Director) and his wonderful staff! We recommend it to any persons whose doctors are willing to refer them to HOOKS and who can pass their needs assessment program.

Later (next year) she may pursue some in depth therapy to improve her walking ability, but she has demonstrated her ability to walk with and without her cane. She wants to be rid of the cane permanently.

Christmas was celebrated at her house with great joy. Each member of the family expressed at the dinner table (1) some gift they were most grateful for, and (2) what gift they would like to give Jesus in the next year. Almost unanimously the gift they chose to be most grateful for was the gift of still having MOMMO with us again this year. Last Christmas she was just surviving a 5-bypass heart surgery performed a week before, and then she suffered a stroke within the next month. She is a model of determination and perseverance, and as one member of the family has put it "There just isn't an ounce of 'quit' in that woman's body!"

When she awoke this morning, one of the first things she said was "I am so happy!" The joy is back and in spite of the lingering limitations she is positive and optimistic in her approach to life.

So all thanks to our Wonderful Creator, and also to HOOK REHAB and to our many friends who have stuck by us through it all.

LOVE -- POPPO

Happy Birthday, MOM! You're 80!!

Wednesday, December 17th was Mom's 80th birthday! She was showered with cards and letters from family and friends near and far. Even the President of the United States, George Dubya, sent her a card! Thanks to all of you who sent your happy birthday wishes! She called today in tears saying what a great birthday she had!

Lori and I fixed dinner and we had a wonderful time! Butchie (Art) and Fishie (Dave) were also there, giving Mom their usual hard time...lots of laughs were had by all. Later, Monte and most of his family (Caitie went home because she had a rough week) stopped by, too. And so it was, "Let the Wii games begin!!"

I don't know who likes the Wii the most: Gpa or the Grandkids. Well, really, I think Gpa does. He does Wii Fit almost everyday for his work out now since they don't go to the web. It's a great thing - that Wii is! What's even greater is that Mom/Dad and all there friends are staying young by playing it and having Wii Parties!

Last year at this time, Mom was just a few days post 5-bypass surgery. It was by God's grace that we got to keep her with us for some more time. As usual, we thank you for your prayers and your loving attention. And thank you for making her 80th birthday special for her...

Love,

Audi

GRADUATION DAY HAS COME

Monday, November 24th was a significant day in La Donna's stroke recovery. Dr. Ed Haskins and his rehab therapists met with La Donna, her family, and fellow members of her ORANGE TEAM to celebrate her completion of four months of intensive therapy and declare her GRADUATED with honors. Dr. Haskins indicated that La Donna had surpassed with flying colors the goals they had set for her, and noted her determination and perseverance as being chief factors in her recovery. He also said with a smile that her "perfectionist tendencies" had driven her to keep going when the work was hard until the results were satisfactorily accomplished.

Refreshments were provided for all in attendance, and her whole family expressed their profound gratitude for the marvelous work that HOOK REHAB had accomplished on her behalf. Her Physical Therapist (Shannon) confided that when she first came to HOOK REHAB they were in doubt that she would ever be able to walk again. But Shannon has worked tirelessly with her to the point that La Donna was able to walk a considerable distance without the aid of the cane. She walks with a four-wheel cane unassisted (with a family member trailing close by just to make sure she does not lose her balance).

After a week off from the rigors of intensive all-day therapy, she returns during the month of December two days a week for just two hours of speech and physical therapy. We are grateful to the staff at HOOKs, to the neighbors and friends who have cared for her so diligently. AMAZING ... OVER 3600 HITS ON THIS BLOG BY PEOPLE WHO ARE REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT HER. THANKS FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT.

LOVE -- POPPO

LATEST GREATEST NEWS

If you are ready for some great news, fasten your seatbelts because here it is coming.



HOOK REHAB has determined that La Donna will be qualified to graduate from her intensive training routine with them on Monday, November 24th! Her four days a week routine will be over (and she has earned it with her hard work and determination). She will return for a brief stint for specialized therapy three times a week, then two times and then one time a week (but each of those sessions will be abreviated 45 minute sessions in physical therapy, occupational therapy or perhaps speech therapy). NO MORE 9:00 - 4:00 ORDEALS AND SHE IS HAPPY ABOUT THAT.



Secondly, physical therapist Shannon has been able to get La Donna to walk on her own without a cane! It is marvelous to see this miraculous improvement. We still walk along beside her ready to catch her if she loses her balance, but she has been able to walk a considerable distance without any assistance. Nelson's promise that he would shave off his goatee or beard when she learned to walk by herself has been fulfilled. He is clean-shaven again (and of course La Donna appreciates that change as well).



Finally, Nelson picked up La Donna in his Delorean sports car (see it at http://www.st11.us/ on the MY TOY Page) but before that he gave Dr. Ed Haskins a ride -- actually had him drive the Delorean for a short trip. He was the envy of the whole office staff and they watched him perform. We just cannot express enough praise for him and his great staff for the wonderful work they have done for us.



LOVE -- POPPO

Mom Update

Mom is doing great. Wish I had another picture to share with you. My friend, Andrea, called me yesterday and said, "Your mom looked so pretty at church last week. She looks like herself again!"

Mom has walked into church for the last two weeks (no wheelchair!) Last week, Dad dropped her off at the door. This week, she walked from the parking lot! She also stood this week during the final hymn! So, I guess it is accurate to say she is getting back to her old -- I mean, young -- self!

Dad is reverting back to his old self, too. Since Mom is getting better, I see him lightening up a bit and doing more fun things. For example, he bought a Wii last week!! He set it up in the living room so he and mom can play instead of watch the stupid shows that are on TV. He also bought the Wii Fit program to help get them both back in shape. (I did it and it said I had the fitness of a 63 year old, which I highly disagreed with! Jack, my son, said, "You don't have the body of a 63 year old, but you do play video games like a 63 year old!" That, I could buy!)

Things aren't perfect, but we are adjusting to this new way of life. There isn't a day that goes by that I am so thankful that I have my mom...and that Dad has my mom! I don't even want to imagine the void -- well, I won't even go there. Nevermind that.

It's hard to believe that it has been 10 months since this whole ordeal began. God is faithful. He has provided us with blessings through this that we would have never imagined. Our faith has strengthened. Our family has strengthened. Our gratitude has grown. And we, once again, have learned that God gives us the grace when we need it (and only when we need it) to persevere through whatever comes our way.

Thanks for your prayers and keeping up with us...

Lots of love,

Audi

WE'RE OFF TO THE RACES !!

Great NEWS ... and Great PROGRESS --

La Donna's physical therapist (Shannon) brought in a wheeled cane for her to try out, and with it she made a wonderful transition in her walking ability. Her balance is much better and she is able to walk good distances without help (except to have a helper walking along side her to make sure she doesn't lose it).

Thursday night we traveled to Anderson to have dinner with some friends. She walked with her cane all the way into the restaurant (and back out again after dinner). Her friends sat in their car in astonishment to see her walk as she did.

Tuesday we had a family conference and Dr. Ed Haskins (head of the Hook Rehab Outpatient Facility) noted her progress and approved her for at least another month of therapy there. While her speech has improved, her right arm and hand have been very slow in making progress (and she is concerned about that). She has been taught how to stand at the kitchen sink and perform kitchen duties (to the delight of her husband), and she is able to count out her medications and take them with supervision.

We are grateful to God and to the Therapists at Hook Rehab for the progress she is making. We are thankful also for your prayers and concern. Any doubt about how much people care about her? Just look at the count of hits on this blog ... way over 3000!

Dustin and Garrett were home from Iraq!

Dustin and Garrett were home from Iraq for 18 days. Hit the "play" button if you'd like to see some photos of our time together!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Dustin and Garrett Home from Iraq!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Quick update

Hi Friends! It's been a busy week. Mom gave us a little scare last week on Friday...she had "heaviness" in her chest and her doctor had an ambulance come and get her and take her to the hospital! Well, they did test after test for two days and watched her. We were so pleased to hear that she is fine and received a clean bill of health! Don't know what that was all about, but we are tickled that she is okay!

The Cathcart homefront has been very busy! Dustin and Garrett, both, are home for an 18 day respite from Iraq. We have tried to squeeze 6 months into two weeks. We (the old folks - not Dustin and Garrett) are so tired! They wear us out! Not really...but it has been non-stop for awhile. Unfortunately, it will end all too soon as they return to Iraq on Thursday.

Well, it's late and I must go to bed! Hope all is well with you...

Lots of love, Audi

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