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Lifting Spirits

Posted by eph21920 on September 6, 2015 in Family, Life

You know it is going to be a struggle of a day when you wake up tired. That is what happened with my dad this morning. He got up tired and had no energy at all. He checked his vital signs and everything looked good – thank God! But he just had no enthusiasm to do anything. He went outside and got some fresh air, but that did not really help. He napped for a while and that did not really help either. As he would describe it – his get up and go just got up and went. We were to have dinner with my sister in the rehab facility, but my dad said he was just too tired to go. I told my sister this and we talked about how it might make him feel better to actually get out and do something. She basically said not to come without him. I told him we did not have to stay long – just sit with my sister for dinner. He finally agreed to go. We stopped at Olive Garden and picked up dinner, then stopped at the drug store for ice cream. My sister was in great spirits and was so happy that we all came. We had quite a feast. During dinner, I spotted a “Sorry” game on the bookshelf. That is one of the games that we like at home, so we decided to play. Part way into it the announcement came that visiting  hours were coming to a close. We didn’t even realize the time that had passed. We said our good-byes and headed to the car. On the way back my dad said that he really enjoyed the visit and was very happy that we had talked him into going. I think it is a blessing that spending time with loved ones can lift your spirits – both for my dad and my sister.

I Found God today in the positive effect of spending time with loved ones.

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Fantasy Football

Posted by eph21920 on September 5, 2015 in Children, Connected, Family, Fun

My grandson has set up a family Fantasy Football League. While I was visiting, he got me all set up with an account and showed me a little bit about the website. He has been sending messages to the group as he gets everyone rallied and excited for the league to begin. Yesterday was draft day. I had no idea what I was doing. I mean, I know about football and have been a fan and watched my favorite team. But this whole draft thing was intense. If you really follow preseason and the players, I am sure you would have an advantage. On the website, each player has a list of statistics. I wasn’t sure what they all meant either. And then there is the art of picking. I just went methodically in order of the positions it told me I needed. Really, I just looked at stats and picked what looked like good numbers. I knew a few players I wanted, but they were scooped up before I got to them. Today there was a lot of bantering and potential trading going on. Even though I am so far away from them, it felt like being there. It was a lot of fun and a good distraction.

I Found God today in being able to enjoy family time even though I am far away.

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Clarity and Wisdom

Posted by eph21920 on September 4, 2015 in Answer, Family, Knowledge

Last weekend, my dad started having issues with his heart. As he was monitoring his blood pressure, the pulse indicator showed an irregular heartbeat. He continued to check his pulse and it would go up to the 80’s then down to the 40’s, then back up again. My brother took him to the doctor on Monday who sent him over to the ER. He spent the night in the hospital hooked up to a monitor. The hospital cardiologist came in first thing in the morning. He diagnosed him with Bradycardia and said he was fine to go home. My dad understood him to say it was nothing to worry about and that a pacemaker would not correct the issue. Yesterday, we saw my dad’s heart doctor who came bounding into the room asking him which side he wanted his pacemaker on. My father told him what he heard the doctor in the hospital say and after some discussion, it was agreed to implant a small monitor device that would show exactly what was happening. When we left, my dad started questioning his decision. His heart doctor is well known as one of the best in the city. My dad had an appointment with his primary care physician today and it was decided to let him help make the decision. He really trusts this doctor. I prayed for clarity and wisdom. When we got there, the physician asked if he was scheduled to have a pacemaker. My dad told him what he heard the first doctor say. Before he even got to the discussion with his heart doctor, the primary care physician said that he disagreed with that doctor. He listened to his heart on Monday and heard it slowing down and speeding up. He listened again in the office and heard the same thing. He recommended that my dad get the pacemaker. I thanked God on the spot for a voice to help make that decision.

I Found God today in answered prayers for clarity and wisdom.

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Grateful for Support

Posted by eph21920 on September 3, 2015 in Family, Grateful

My brother has been staying with me and my parents for a couple weeks now. He was to be the head cook, bottle washer, and overall caregiver while while I was away. He was thrown right into the midst of chaos when my sister who was here fell and broke her leg. He is a lifelong bachelor and has lived alone for the majority of his adult life, so has never really had to take care of another person – let alone a couple. While he was overwhelmed at times, he got everyone fed, medicated as needed, hospitals visited, and things taken care of. He really stepped up to the challenge and did what needed to be done. He and his dog left this afternoon and headed back to the cabin for a much needed respite. I am so grateful for the blessing he has been.

I Found God today in the care and support given by my brother.

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Handling a Tough Challenge

Posted by eph21920 on September 2, 2015 in Answer, Family, Hurt, Struggles

My nephew just started his first college classes last week. He continues to live with his mom (my sister) as he takes courses at the community college. Only 3 days into it, his mom fell and broke her leg at my parents house while I was away. She has been in the hospital and now in rehab. This happened in another city about 1 1/2 hours away from their home. It was a tough start for my nephew as he was now on his own. His mom needed a few things from the house, so he gathered them up, and we met tonight after his class half way between the two cities.  I treated him to dinner and encouraged him to eat lots and take food home as well. It was great to talk with him. He joked about how he was living on pizza in the way of all good college students. He seemed to be right on task and excited about the classes. He was also stepping up to the challenge he is facing. He is making decisions about his money and taking care of himself. We talked about his mom and the care she will require once she gets home. I made sure he knew that he has lots of family support, even though there is some distance between us. Of course, he is worried about his mom and assured me that he is praying. I was so glad to see him and know that he is doing ok.

I Found God today in my nephew who is taking on a tough challenge and handling it very well.

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Improvement in Craziness

Posted by eph21920 on September 1, 2015 in Answer, Faith, Family, Home

Yesterday afternoon I made it back to my home state safe and sound after a wonderful trip to spend time with family and meet my new grand daughter. My sister picked me up at the airport and I called my mom from her house. The adventures there just seem to go on and on. My mom informed me that as my dad monitored his blood pressure and pulse regularly, he had been experiencing a slow heart rate the last couple of days and went to his doctor. The doctor recommended that he go to the emergency room, so he was there with my brother. My mom said, “Can you believe it?” I responded with, “Yes – yes I can.” I stopped by the house, dropped off my things, had a bite to eat with my mom, and went to the ER. My dad and brother were still sitting there in the waiting room. My brother went on home and I continued to sit with my dad. Needless to say, he was pretty frustrated and exhausted by the near 5-hour wait. Just as he was seriously considering leaving, they got him in a room. Once there, the communication and assistance went quicker. They decided to keep him overnight for observation. Once they got him admitted and hooked him up to a monitor, I said good night. I went home, ate a cookie that was made by a friend who I saw on my trip, had a talk with God, and went to bed.

This morning we got a call from my dad bright and early. The cardiologist had already been in to see him. He was diagnosed with bradycardia, but while the heart is continuing to beat regularly, it is not being recorded as such. The doctor said he is not in any immediate danger and it was ok for him to come home. That was great news! We all cheered on the phone. A little while later, he came home in much better spirits. He is following up with his regular doctor this week. He looked pretty good as the cuts and scrapes on his face from the fall are pretty much healed.

Also, it was decided that my sister with the broken leg would benefit most from going to a rehabilitation center for a bit before going home. She stayed in the hospital all day yesterday waiting for the approval from her insurance company. I talked to her this morning and she still had not heard anything. After we got my dad situated at home, I went to the hospital to see my sister. I was there for only a short time when she got word that the approval was received and she would be transported to the rehabilitation center. Once she was there, the people were super nice and got her all set up. She seemed in pretty good spirits and ready to get things moving. I was honestly surprised at how good she looked and was getting around all ready.

I Found God today in the improvement of crazy situations with my family.

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Family Fun Day

Posted by eph21920 on August 30, 2015 in Baby, Children, Family, Fun

It was a wonderful family day today. First thing this morning we went to church and my grandson was an altar server. I also got to see a good friend preach who I haven’t seen for about a year. Then we went to breakfast with my daughter-in-law’s family. In the afternoon we went to play mini golf and drive go-carts. It was hot and humid but a lot of fun. Then we went to a favorite restaurant for dinner and ice cream. The baby was great the whole time. She is such a doll. I look forward to cuddling with her the rest of the night. Well – maybe not ALL night…

I Found God today by enjoying time and a fun day with family.

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Close Friends, Lifted Spirits, Good Care

Posted by eph21920 on August 29, 2015 in Family, Friends, Grateful, Healing, Intimacy

I started this morning by making cinnamon rolls with my grandson. Then I headed off to see some friends that I haven’t seen for a long time. I met my prayer group for breakfast. Of course, there were lots of hugs and tears all around as we shared our significant moments with each other. One of the ladies couldn’t make it as she was working at the new shop that she and another opened. So after breakfast I stopped over there to see her and the new shop. It is a unique interior design shop with very cool things. We visited in between customers. It was great to see them all in person. Then I went to a party and was able to see a lot of friends all at the same time. I shared pictures of my grandkids and we caught up on what was happening with everyone. Most of my friends are in the same stage of life as me. They have older kids who are in college or marrying and have older parents who need some kind of care. It was encouraging to talk to them all. When I returned to the house, I talked to my parents who told me that my sister who broke her leg will be going into a rehabilitation center for a week. I was glad that was all set up and that she will be in a place that will help her to recover best. Later, we video chatted with them and they could see their great grandchildren. All in all it was a pretty good day. I laughed and cried with good friends, we shared common experiences, my sister is being well taken care of, and everyone spirits were lifted through video chat.

I Found God today in the intimacy of close friendships, lifted spirits, and knowing that my sister is in good care.

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Surgery, Concern, and Prayers

Posted by eph21920 on August 28, 2015 in Family, Friends, Grateful

I was so happy to talk with my sister today. It was good to hear her voice. She sounded more awake and aware and able to hold a little bit of a conversation. She told me the details of how the surgeon placed a rod in her lower leg from her knee to her ankle and put a plate in as well. I saw a picture of her whole leg all wrapped up. She is not supposed to put any weight on it for 8 weeks. She said she was able to figure out how to use a walker to get up and around a bit. One more night in the hospital and she should be able to start recovering in a more comfortable environment. Luckily, she can work remotely, so that is a blessing for sure. And her son just started college classes and is able to get himself around now, so he is pretty self-sufficient. Many people have expressed concern and offered to help in whatever way is needed. I was grateful that the surgery went well and that she can now begin the recovery process.

I Found God today in knowing that my sister’s surgery went well and that so many people are concerned and continue to pray for her.

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Daughter-in-Law’s birthday

Posted by eph21920 on August 27, 2015 in Baby, Birthday, Family

Today is my daughter-in-law’s birthday. It was such a blessing to get to spend it with her. He mom and niece came over for a bit bearing beautiful multi-colored flowers. She dressed the baby in a shirt that said, “Mommy’s Little Girl”. She said her husband – my son – wouldn’t like it because the little girl is HIS princess. But, my daughter-in-law said that she could claim the baby today on her birthday. One of the boys and I went to the store and got the things I needed to make a fruit pizza, which I have been promising. It is a large sugar cookie with a mixture of cream cheese and cool whip topped with sliced fruit and an orange glaze. My grandson gave me directions how to get there and even where to find everything in the store. We went out to dinner with my daughter-in-law’s family and that is always a good time full of laughs. It has been many wonderful years watching her grow. When I first met her, she was just into college and didn’t talk much. Now, the loving, selfless mother of 3, and just a beautiful example to her children and friends. I feel truly blessed that my son has her for a wife, that my grandchildren have her for a mother, and that I am blessed with her as my daughter-in-law.

On another note, my sister had surgery on her leg tonight. At the time of this writing, they said things went well and she is doing well in recovery. Thank you for your prayers!

I Found God today in the gift of being with my daughter-in-law and things going well with my sister.

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