Dr. visit today

Lauren and I went to see the surgeon, Dr. Meyer, today for my post-op checkup, and he took the sutures out and said everything looks good. I feel better each day and I do not think I am having the pressure in my head I had before surgery. The back of my head is partially numb and tingly from surgery, and I have minor pain, but no headaches. We had to wait for 1 hour for the appointment, and my neck didn't hurt that whole time, so that is great news! Now that the sutures are out, I must be careful for the next week or so to keep pressure off of the back of my head, so I will still have to continue to sleep with a couple of pillows and on my side, which I do anyway. All in all, I am very encouraged at how things are going. I will return to the doctor in 1 month and have MRIs done in about 3 months. My prayers are that the syrinx in my spinal cord will have gotten smaller, and hopefully the symptoms lessening that were caused by it.

Please also pray that I will start to sleep sounder; I think the pain meds are interfering, making it seem as if I am awake most of the night, but I do have dreams so I know I am getting some sleep and I feel rested. Oh, one more prayer request: I will be off the steroids by Thursday, going through a weaning-off time since coming home from the hospital, so please pray that I do not get any rebound headaches. Dr. Meyer warned me that it could happen and that he would have to put me back on the steroids, but I haven't been having headaches even with cutting back each day on the dose, so I am hoping that all goes well. As I said, each day gets better and I feel stronger, and I have your prayers and God's grace and mercy to thank for that. We serve a great God and He is ever faithful!

So thankful

My new normal is slow and easy, and I am grateful for each night that I sleep and each day that has less pain. The meds work well and the pain varies; it is the stiffness and numbness in my head that feels odd, but my neck is fine. I feel like I am wearing a tight cap on the back of my head, but I know this will pass. One thing that is very irritating is the stiff substance that was used with the electrodes attached to my head during surgery. I can't get it out of my hair, and it snags and pulls. I thought I was getting a small chunk a minute ago, and I did, along with a clump of hair, so that's not good! But I am so thankful that the surgery went as it should, and I know as time passes I will be able to tell what the results are.

I am so encouraged by the cards, visits, emails, calls and food, of course, that so many people have showered me (us) with. God is with me through you, and that is how I feel His presence now. His promises remain true and He uses His people to fulfill them. I have never felt alone nor have I felt sorry for doing this, because He gives me comfort and strength.

Erin, Sara and Lauren; thank you for being here always. Your love and help have been like a comforting shawl wrapped around me. Erin is back in Minneapolis now; thank you, John, for going it solo with the boys while she was here. Seeing the boys on the webcam is the best medicine - so is having Maya here. She keeps me smiling!

My sister, Karilyn, is headed to AZ today to get our mom, who is moving across the street from Karilyn and Bruce in Wisconsin. Please pray for my sister as she travels and for them both when they fly back to WI in a few days. Please pray for our mom, Doris, as she adjusts to her new, much cooler climate and new home that Karilyn and Bruce have prepared for her. Thanks to Gary and Chuck, our brothers, and their wives, as they helped collect a few things to make her house a home. What a relief it is to know she will be well taken care of now.

Fifty-five alive: 55 Things I love (with no rhyme or reason); Updated to 59!

Fifty-five Alive: 55 Things I love (with no rhyme or reason) Updated to 59 as of Feb. 1, 2013

59. All of our children and grandchildren now living nearby ~ thank you, Jesus!
58. Our grandson Ben, number 4 grand!
57. Snowfalls that don't stick around too long but are so pretty when they happen
56. Our new home, a cottage in a lovely new neighborhood
55. The sound of our grandchildren's voices, their sweet smiles, and their hugs and kisses
54. The smell of autumn leaves
53. Freshly-baked Pumpkin Bread
52. Sunday dinner after church
51. Apple Cider
50. the first pot of chili for the chilly weather
49. fall-scents candles warming the rooms
48. the first snowfall
47. Visiting a pumpkin farm
46. Getting the ok by the doctor to lift Maya!
45. Crisp fall days
44. Hallmark movies that make me cry
43. Sunday afternoon naps (somehow different from just regular naps)
42. Crickets chirping - a sign of fall weather on the way!
41. The Mitford series by Jan Karon
40. zucchini bread
39. Lucy just howled in her sleep!
38. watermelon on a hot day
37. The first day of school
36. Tylenol
35. Skyping with Mom and Karilyn - thanks, girls!
34. going for a morning walk
33. the Black-eyed Susans blooming by our garage
32. celebrating the removal of sutures with a brownie and a glass of raspberry lemonade!
31. sweet corn
30. cello/piano music
29. PBS "As Time Goes By"
28. airplanes that bring loved ones close
27. the comfort of my own bed
26. the smell of food wafting upstairs that Erin and Sara are making for the freezer; yum!
25. pillows
24. Home Sweet Home
23. webcam - I tell all the grandparents I know about it!
22. snowmen (it's in the 90s here today)
21. Lavender, any time, any place
20. The sunflowers dancing in our garden
19. "ZuZu's petals! Zuzu's petals!" (Jimmy Stewart, "It's a Wonderful Life")
18. the smell of rain
17. naps
16. Rocky Road ice cream
15. reading, hearing and praying the Word of God
14. getting mail
13. Focus on the Family (without it, my kids would've probably joined a circus)
12. fresh, cool breezes that waft through our windows, blowing the lace curtains
11. picture frames (they hold the ones I love when I cannot hold them in my arms)
10. garden tomatoes and mayo on whole wheat toast
9. CampNanaPapa (the grandkids' room at our house)
8. baby handprints on our mirrors and windows
7. slumbering in the hammock with a soft breeze
6. wicker furniture on our porch and patio to relax in
5. freshly washed bedding on a summer night
4. brownies, for their scent and taste!
3. a good night sleep (let me here the Amens!)
2. peonies, for their scent and beauty
1. the wall paint in our bedroom

There'a no place like home

I got home today before noon, and it feels so good to be here. Sara and Maya came by for lunch and I was able to get a much-needed nap in this afternoon. I see Lauren has done a good job keeping up the blog! I hope he can rest in the days ahead, too. It will be so good to have Erin come in tonight. My head hurts, of course, and I don't really feel like doing much, but as the days improve, I will tell you about the wonderful women in ICU and at the floor I was on. I praise God also for my surgeon, Dr.Meyer. Thank you for all of the prayers, emails, calls and food. We are so blessed.

Monday the 17th

Good evening,
Laurie remains in the hospital. The Doctor saw her this morning shortly after 8. All is looking good. She was able to have no bandage today. She showered without help (other than the shower chair to sit on). We took a couple longer walks and the blood sugar levels seemed to be more stable. Her spirits continue to be good. I think it is likely that she will be discharged on Tuesday. Tuesday evening (late) Erin will arrive from Minneapolis. Her sister (Sara) will be at the airport to meet - greet and drive Erin here. The hospital was busy today (I'm pretty sure it had something to do with it being Monday). I think I prefer the hospital atmosphere of Saturday and Sunday. I find myself this evening a bit tired and ready to wrap things up so I can get to bed. I'd like to be at the hospital before 8 tomorrow morning so I'm with Laurie when her Doctor arrives to see her. Sleep well.
Lauren

Sunday

Hello,
This morning Laurie was okayed to have a shower and wash her hair (obviously with help). Sara was with me so she was able to help her mom with drying and brushing her hair. Much better to have Sara's assistance than mine. I think the pain and discomfort was a bit less than yesterday. Monday she will be seen by her Doctor and will learn if she goes home Monday or Tuesday. I'm voting for Tuesday. Even though she is doing quite well, I think she could benefit from a longer stay. She did get a decent night's sleep last night, so we'll hope and pray for that again this night. Take care one and all,
Lauren

Today was a good day

Good evening,
Laurie was moved from ICU to a regular room on the 5th floor about 3:00 pm. She is doing quite well considering the surgery she had. She is needing sleep. Last night with her pain and the activity of an ICU, she had little sleep. Laurie is looking forward to tomorrow when hopefully her hair can be washed. The Doctor ordered that the surgery area needed to be dry for at least 48 hours. Again Laurie was blessed with nurses that were caring beyond belief (found out they are Christians) Praise the Lord! Thank you one and all for your thoughts and prayers!
Lauren

To my daughter's

Erin and Sara,
Thank you for your love and care expressed and shown today. Love ya lots,
Dad

Praise God

Good evening to family and friends,
The Doctor says surgery went well with no surprises. Surgery was nearly 3 hours. I was able to see her in the ICU a little after 12 noon. As the afternoon hours moved along, Laurie was more alert and seemed to be doing okay. I am thankful for everyone's prayers, kind thoughts and warm wishes. Laurie will be in ICU overnight and if things check out in the morning, she will be moved to a regular hospital room. The Doctor says she could maybe go home Monday or Tuesday. As I think about the details of the day, I am very thankful for God's hand in all the details. Each nursing and medical staff person working for Laurie were a perfect match! The volunteer staff hosting the surgery waiting room was kind - caring - and easy to visit with. The waiting rooms had coffee that was alright. I had a great parking spot (when you arrive by 5:45 there are many good choices). Thank you Steve for coming in the 8:00 hour to visit and pray. Thank you Julie for coming this afternoon. Our Lord is Awesome, Our Creator is indeed the One and Only Wise God!
Lauren

It is what it is

"It is what it is" has been going over and over in my head lately, with a Biblical perspective. Tomorrow is surgery day, and I am very much at peace with it. God has heard the prayers of the Saints and He has given me "the peace that passes all understanding, in Christ Jesus" So no matter what, I am ready to go through with this. Lauren and I met with the surgeon yesterday, and he went over everything about the surgery, including the risks. While hearing that was sobering, it is not what I purpose to focus on, nor am I focusing on being a Pollyanna (who I loved, by the way) but to focus on what God has been teaching me throughout all of this. I do not intend to be preachy, but to instead just pass on what He gave me this morning, in the words of my Jesus: "Love each another as I have loved you." This is profound in itself, but what I really love is before He said this, He told us "As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you only obey My commands, You will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be complete." John 15:10-12

I can't help but quote Dr. David Jeremiah again, for God has been using his writings for me lately. He says, "The center of joy for the Christian is Christ. The joy is Christ's joy. It is simply the life of the Lord Jesus Christ being lived out in an individual. Christian joy is letting Christ live his life through you so that what He is, you become." When I was saved, God gave me this truth in Philippians 1:6; He who began a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. I am far from complete, but my job here on earth is to obey His teachings and love others as he loves them, and He takes care of the rest. My joy cannot come from my circumstances, but from the joy that is in Christ Jesus.

I write all of this to process it myself, and if it gives you insight, then He is doubly blessed. We may make plans for our lives, but God is ultimately in control and He alone is sovereign, so I say "It is what it is" because I give this surgery and recovery to Him; I have no expectations except that which is in His hands. I certainly hope to feel better eventually, and I know there will be way too many days when I complain about it all, but it is still in his hands. (As the boy's father in the Book of Mark said, "I believe; help me in my unbelief!"

That all said, thank you for all of your prayers. I can't tell you how much they mean to me. Maya and Sara came by this morning and I was so happy to be able to lift her up, since I won't be able to do that for awhile. But I told Sara that when I am home I will teach Maya how to climb up on the sofa! Oh yes, I showed Lauren how to update the blog, so I know he will give it a try when he gets a chance. Sara took a "before" picture so we'll put that on w/ an "after" picture eventually.

P.S. I have to be at the hospital at 5:45 a.m. Friday and surgery will be around 7:30, lasting about 2 1/2 hours. I will be in ICU overnight and then in a room, hopefully being able to go home Monday.
P.P.S. Aunt Sandy, "thank you to you" and your Bible study ladies for the card and prayers!

A Jack-Be-Little Pumpkin growing on the vine for the JEMS

A beautiful day

This morning I woke up with energy (thanks, God!), which is not how I usually wake up, considering the meds it takes to help me sleep! So I got up at 6:30 and Lucy and I went out to deadhead the flowers that have been crooking their fingers at me for weeks. It was (and is) an absolutely beautiful morning, cool enough that I needed a sweatshirt at first. We got right to work, me with my shears and Lucy with her nose, and we both got a lot done in a couple of hours. As I was finishing up the deadheading and trimming, I noticed that my little corner of the garage where I keep my gardening things was quite messy and dusty, so I straightened and swept and now I can at least see what's there; I love clay pots and saucers and gardening tools and gloves. If I could have my own shop, it would be a gardening shop. I would love a gardening shed, where I could putter with plantings and sit in a wicker chair and sip lemonade - ah, the things of dreams! This has been a particularly good summer for all things growing, and we have been so very thankful to God for the recent rains!

The picture I put in my header is of the view from our kitchen window. The window boxes there are such a pleasure to see, and I have Lauren to thank for keeping them well-watered this summer, along with all of the other pots and plants. He has been tending the vegetable garden, too, weeding and picking the few prizes we have so far, mostly zucchini. Jack's pumpkins, called Jack-Be-Little, of course, have tiny little pumpkins growing, and this fall we will save some for him, Eli and Maya to have. Lucy seems to have taken our other Golden Retriever Kiska's fancy for cherry tomatoes; Lauren caught her eating one yesterday. (Lucy does eat a lot of things, a lot of them not food!)

Thank You, God, for giving me this great peace today. It is like a gift, one that is the kind you want to keep tucked away so that you can savor it slowly (like chocolate, which, to be honest, I never eat slowly!). I know the Saints are praying, and I love you all for it.

I put these prayer requests on the GBC prayer chain this weekend, and I want to share them here and ask you to go to the Father on my behalf. Thank you, thank you.
What to pray for today:

• Peace, not panic ("Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give to you.")
• To be able to let things go that I feel like I want to hurry and get done, since I won't be able to lift things or do a lot for quite awhile ("Be still and know that I am God.")
• To trust God that He has directed me to this particular neurosurgeon (I never thought that I would have to see a brain surgeon!) at this particular time ("For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you...")
• God's guidance for the surgeon and the rest of the surgery team (He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.)
• Healing and protection from infection or unforseen problems (You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes, with Your right hand You save me.)

Praise God that He alone is Sovereign!

Summer Fun! (click it)

The Dog , The Motorcycle, and The Pond

I've thought about how to keep this short, but I don't think that is possible, so bear with me. A few days ago, we decided to make a quick trip to Minneapolis to help John and Erin out with the new patio they are creating in their backyard. Erin and John had previously done the ground work of digging out the dirt and then John and his Crew of Mighty Men had put down the paving stones. When we arrived, there was still a lot of finishing work to do, so Erin, John and Lauren got to work and I played with Jack and Eli - a big job but someone has to do it, right? :) I was happy for the chance to be with all of them before surgery sidelines me for awhile.

In the afternoon, Erin and Lauren decided to take a break and walk their dog Maisy and our dog Lucy. Lucy is an extremely shy dog; we knew this when we got her last fall at age 7 months, and she has come a long way since then, but she is very much afraid of loud noises. They were just outside Erin's house going toward the corner when a motorcyclist was riding by and saw them, and he "popped" it, making a very loud noise. Lucy took off in the opposite direction, pulling loose from Lauren and dragging the leash behind her, running at top speed. She headed toward the park that is only a block or two away, and Lauren took off running after her. Jack and I soon followed, but she was nowhere in sight.

We searched, we called, we prayed, but there was no sight of Lucy. After John and I drove around the neighborhoods, I asked him to drop me off back near the park. I walked along the creek that borders it, calling her name over and over, but no Lucy. As I rounded a bend and came along a pond, some people were at a high end of the pond and pointing and looking. They saw me and called, asking if I was looking for a dog. After I said yes, they told me she was in the pond! I I called and called, but I couldn't see her because of the tall reeds and grass surrounding the pond. So I waded in, not sure where the ground was going to drop, getting wet halfway to my knees. I reached the edge and looked, and there, about 20 feet or so was Lucy! I called her and she swam to me and I was able to get her. out, so glad to see her and I'm sure she was glad to see me! Soon, the rest of the gang was there and we were able to get Lucy home, where she got a bath (Maisy got one, too, even though she stayed home!).

All of this excitement gave us a lot to talk about, needless to say. Jack and I were talking about it later that night when I was tucking him in to bed and reading him stories. We prayed and thanked God for bringing Lucy home, and Jack told me he got scared when I cried as we were looking for her. I was able to tell him that as hard as it was to have Lucy lost, it would be so much harder if he or Eli or Maya got lost, and that they mean even more to me than Lucy. We talked about how much God loves them, even more than I do, and that God is always with us.

There were many Bible passages that came to mind as we searched and after Lucy was found. I thought about the parable of the lost son, and how his father rejoiced when he returned. I thought about the parable of the lost sheep, and how the shepherd will leave his flock to find one lost sheep and when he finds it, joyfully puts it on his shoulder and carries it home. I know that Jesus taught these parables to show how much God rejoices when someone who is lost comes to Him and repents, and I am so glad He could use a lost dog to remind me this. I wish I could say I shared all of this with Jack that night, but he was drifting off to sleep, safe at home where he is loved and cared for. But we will, no doubt, have the opportunity to talk about it all in our future chats on the phone or a web cam, and I am grateful for the windows God gives us to share about his love for us.

The patio is looking good; Erin and I had a chance to get a few shrubs to put in, and it is going to be a wonderful space for them to relax and play with the boys and Maisy. We are back home and Lucy is napping - no doubt glad to be home. I have a doctor appointment tomorrow for pre-op tests so I would love your prayers that all is well so that I can have surgery on the 14th. I'll keep you posted, and I so appreciate your prayers. As you pray for me, please also be reminded to pray for those you love who are lost and need a relationship with Jesus. God is so amazing that He can use a lost dog to remind us that He desires us to pray for those who need him.