Sunday update - Ice, Cats, Peter, oh my!

This has been a doozy of a week.  Currently, I am hunkered down at mom's condo, waiting out the ice storm.  I would say "storm" is an exaggeration.  There is ice on the roads, the potential of more coming down here in a bit, and it is really cold outside.  Although I don't think it is near what was anticipated, Many schools, including mine has been canceled for tomorrow due to road conditions. The big concern was loss of power.  I don't anticipate that happening now.  I came to moms less out of concern for either of us and more as an opportunity to spend time with her.  It is mid-afternoon, and we are still in our PJs with the big focus being on her latest puzzle. So far, Storm Fern has been more fun than hardship for us. That is a nice relief.

On Thursday, as I was loading my car to go to work, I heard my cat, Lou, "crying" over at the neighbors.  I figured something was wrong, or he would have been at my feet.  I found him unable to stand on his back legs. It appeared he had been run over by a car. So we went to the vet to have him diagnosed with a broken pelvic bone.  I was told he could easily recover with some confinement and TLC for the next 3-6 weeks.  He's a great cat, so I took him home with pain meds and plans to help him recover.  The long and the short of it is that there must have been internal damage, as he did not recover.  I found Lou dead in his crate Saturday morning. I am sad.  I did not choose Lou, but he chose me.  Lou's the best cat I have ever had. He was amusing, cuddly, and low-maintenance.  I will miss him.  And no, I am not in search of a replacement cat at this time.

On Thursday night, while consoling my injured kitty, I evidently hurt him moving him back into his crate.  He thus chomped down on my thumb. I had two punctures that were screaming at me come Friday morning.  So I visited Urgent Care and received antibiotics and a Tetanus shot. Later that evening, Peter called to say he had been in a wreck.  It was a fender bender, doing some damage to his left front lights, but no one was injured.  It was his fault, which he readily admitted to.  He can drive his car, which is good. Yet we know it will eventually mess with his already very high insurance rate. 

My concerns for Peter continue.  He has applied for 23 jobs on Indeed.  He failed the Walmart assessment test.  He said not having work is hard, it make sthe days long.  He does work out 5 days a week, which helps.  I continue to ask you to pray regarding a job, friends, a sound mind, and openness to God.

I will close with a little picture tribute to Lou the cat.  This past Monday, Peter came over to watch a football game.  Lou chose to sit with him.  Considering most cats don't like Peter, and I was also an option, this was considered quite monumental.  Including one of those pictures here.

 

I hope this finds you safe, warm, and with electricity. 

The Sunday update - more about Peter

I am going to make a real effort to post to the blog every Sunday, even if it's very brief or just a picture. And since it's bedtime, this will be brief.

Peter's interview with the truck driving company did not happen due to the Verizon outage. Although rescheduled for this week, Peter decided not to go that route and canceled the interview.  He is still talking about truck driving down the road but for now just trying to get a job.  This past week, Peter broke a tooth that is going to require several thousand dollars to save the tooth.  This is the result of years of neglecting his teeth. There is very likely more dental work needed following this Having it pulled is the less expensive route but will no doubt contribute to other issues down the way.  I have a lot of mixed feelings as to how to help him financially through this.  He is handling it well and has a consultation regarding the root canal this Tuesday. 

Thank you for praying for Peter: a job; the completion of Medicaid forms and its acceptance; wisdom regarding and provisions concerning his needed dental work; wise counsel and friends for Peter; Peter's mind opened to believe and trust in God and his son Jesus.

Cool Story, real quick

In 2004,, while flying on an international flight to the US for summer furlough, I sat next to a young woman, a newly married preacher's wife on the airplane.  We shared stories.  She told of how she was returning home from her honeymoon. I shared of the challenging year we had been through in Uganda. She offered to pray for me.  I oftern recall that prayer and how it is one of those moments when I felt the tangible hand of God comforting and speaking peace over me. It was powerful and impactful. I had never forgotten her,  nor her name. 

This October I saw her name as one of the writers of a popular worchip song. Hoping yet uncertain that this was the same person, I began a social media search.  Finding her, I reached out to her and with multiple delays and messages back and forth we confirmed that she indeed was the lady that prayed with me on the airplane.  Tonight we reunited through a video chat conversation.  We caught up with where we are today and a cliffnotes version of the journey we have been on. She shared her story of how my October 2025 message of gratitude for what she did in 2004 had a similar powerful effect of encouragement to her during a dark and confusing time this fall. It was such a cool reunion.  Not often does one see a random airplane seatmate again, much less reunite with them 21 years later.

Peter

As a teen and young adult, Peter was obstinate about my taking his picture.  He didn't want to be in family photos, and if I tried to sneak a picture of him, he would try to bomb the picture by displaying his middle finger.  I actually have a collection of selfies of the two of us where his middle finger is prominent.  It actually became a joke between us.  Now Peter's elevated view of himself has him sending me pictures of himself frequently.  He is also a lot more cooperative about posing with Mom and me.  This Christmas, he even orchestrated some selfies of the two of us (without the bird flying). I will share a few Peter pictures and an update on him.

Peter called me on Tuesday to say he had been fired from his Lowe's job.  He said the reasoning was a no-show incident, and there had been some issues with not getting along with others.  He has owned it and said it has just pushed up his plan to go to truck driving school.  The positives of this development include his attitude.  He has admitted his own fault and says he will learn from it.  In addition, he has managed his money and has enough money saved up to continue life as is for 2 to 3 months.  He has subsidised housing, so loss of a place to live is not a major concern at this point.  Peter has an interview on Wednesday with a truck driving company that provides training.  He has been using his time to study for the CDL learning permit that he would need if he goes to truck driving school.  His thinking about money and plans often sounds very reasonable. I am so proud of Peter for the way he has handled a lot of things over the last year.  Another positive to the job loss is that his unemployed status will likely be a benefit as I apply for Medicaid for him this week.

There is a flip side that makes me nervous. Peter's actual diagnoses have changed over time.  I tend to believe Peter probably suffers from Bipolar I, which has a predominant manic component.  The medicine dose Peter has agreed to take has kept him from becoming extreme in the areas of mania and depression.  However, he does have a grandiose, elevated view of himself, a tendency to change course fairly quickly, and to obsess a bit over plans or ideas.  The grandiose beliefs are likely what created issues at work and make keeping a job challenging. Although Peter was positive in our discussion on Wednesday and even yesterday, this morning's call had the sound of depression.  All of this is normal for anyone in this situation, but because of Peter's past experience and diagnosis, my mind has a tendency to worry and wonder about what's next.  Peter expressed gratitude for the Avita housing and program, but he wants to be independent.  Again, reasonable thought.  Peter doesn't believe he has a mental illness, but that insomnia is the problem.  His medication helps him sleep, and that is why he willingly takes it. As for Truck driving. . . .  while it freaks me out, I know Peter has to figure this out.  I have seen him change course when he decides it's not what he wants to do.  And who knows, maybe it could work.

So there is a glimpse of what's going on.  I could say more, but hopefully this will give you an idea of how to pray.  There are a lot of good things going on with Peter.  Relationally, we are at our best, and he has certainly matured.  Yet we live on a roller coaster, and I am a bit nervous we are about to go loop de loop!. And it always encourages me to know we have friends praying on our behalf. Thank you!

Great trip!

Thank you for praying. Just knowing I wasn't carrying it alone was a huge help. Mom and I had a great trip with our friends. In keeping with tradition , we did shell seeking, played skyjoe, worked multiple puzzles, grazed On a yummy food and enjoyed a slow pace for a few days. We had a couple of beautiful days for seeking shells. Peter seemed had a good trip to and from Atlanta. He was in touch with me during  the course of it.  

I would appreciate prayers for Peter's medicaid and medicare issues. He doesn't seem to be focused on them and it kind of makes me hyperventilate! That kind of thing is not one of my own strengths , and knowing how much to get involved verses letting him handle is always tricky. Pray that God will make a clear path to steps need to be taken. And that I will know my part.

Christmas is a week away. So far, I've been able to enjoy this season.I hope you are as well. Really, I'm going to try to share more pictures and more updates , more often. But whether I do or not know that having people pray on our behalf brings me great comfort.

Happy wednesday to you.

I know, I know!!!

It has been months and "crickets" from me. Not the intent, but just what happened. Life has been moving along fast. We have been well. And yes, I am motivated to finally write again, because I have a request. I still have hopes of sharing some stories of the last few months, but at the moment, I'd like to give a quick update and some prayer requests.

Mom, Peter, and I have all been doing well. The medical issues I seemed to have in late July have all checked out fine. It looks like it was just a crazy virus. Peter has been working and seems to be managing life well. And mom has been relatively healthy and is staying active.

Tomorrow Mom and I head out on our third annual trip to the Christmas beach trip with our friend's May and Kevin adams. It started the year Peter was incarcerated. It is such a fun and relaxed time that he is no longer invited on the Christmas beach trip. His idea of a fun trip is just not the same as ours. Mom and I really look forward to this relaxed time at the beach with our friends. I have a hard time not being a little worried and feeling guilty about Leaving peter behind. He's been doing well but there's a fragility there.  Here are a couple of specific requests regarding Peter as well as the trip.

• Peter has plans to go to Atlanta on Saturday for basketball game by himself. He's trying to figure out parking and driving down there. I can't help it, It makes me nervous. Asking for God's provision for him while we are gone.
• Also praying the weather allow Mom to get out on the beach to look for shells. It is her favorite beach trip highlight.
• It appears Peter never got medicaid Reinstated, when his SSI switched over to SSDI. It would be really helpful if someone can help guide us through that process.
• Thank you for continuing to pray for his mental stability, and a spiritual turning toward the truth of God.

I'm going to take my laptop to the beach and really, I'm going to try to give you more than needy request. Thank you for being such a great support to us.

Starting September

This comes to you from Orange Beach, Alabama. I am starting off September by having a little Vacay with my friend Emily( Snow on the Beach, January/February 2025 post) and her three kids. After our January trip we started talking about my coming with her and the kids (Bently and Conner 5 and Ryleigh Kate 4) on their Labor day week trip to the beach. It definitely has a different flavor than our January trip. That one was cold and very relaxed. This one is hot and a little chaotic. And I am so glad I was included. Today we went to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Chick-fil-A.  Now is rest time before we head to the beach. I love a vacation with a rest time. One of my favorite things so far is my individual walks on the beach with each child that we did last evening. So fun to see their individual personalities outside the "pack." They really are like puppies when all together.  The kids are already talking about us doing it again tonight. Connor told me HE wants to be first tonight. I work with Emily and her kids attend our school so I interact with them there daily. This is another level. It's been fun to be brought into their family outside of school.

As for other family news. Peter and mom are doing ok best i can tell. I continue to see things in Peter that are concerning yet he seems to be managing his life without too much drama. And for that I am grateful. I do appreciate your continued prayers for him. As a mom we don't want our kids to just survive but to thrive.

Mom seems good to me. This fall she is giving up her flower job in the neighborhood due to balance issues.  She's decided it would be best not to climb up on curbs with the jugs of water to water the flower pots. Yet she will continue to grow her beautiful personal garden around her house.

I had some physical symptoms in mid July and early August that resulted in drs appointments and test. Some appointments remain but so far, test results do not reveal anything significant. I am grateful for that. I see the Lord using it for good as it has been a catalyst for challenging my thinking in several areas. 

Looks like rest time is over. time to go to the beach. Thank you for caring about me and my family. You are a gift I am so grateful for.

PS So I wrote that five days ago, but evidently did not hit the "publish "button. At this point, I'm back home. We had a great week at the beach with beautiful weather. We made it back home to Georgia on Saturday. I spent the seven hour drive throwing snacks and activities at the kids in the back seat to get us home without too much drama.  I will add a few more of my favorite pictures here. 

I

I did a 5 - mile round-trip walk on the beach to get to this pier.  It looked
so much closer when I started.  AND there was no open coffee stand! Meanwhile, Emily and the kids went for Doughnuts and Coffee.  So it was all good once I made it back.

Summer Fun

 One thing I love about my job in the summer is the wide scope for creativity.  This year's theme and my two co-workers with whom I collaborate the most have made this summer extremely fun and rewarding.  My two closest working co-workers (and now friends) are both named Emily. Emily Smith (remember the post, Snow on the beach) is the assistant director with whom I work to plan our school activities.  Emily Ludwig does a variety of support staff taskas nd works with me to make the ideas happen.  Emily L is extremely artistic and takes what I often dream up and brings it to life.  You would get bored if I shared it all, so I will show you two things.  The first thing is our entryway photo opportunities.  During the school year, we switch them out every 2 to 3 weeks, but in the summer, they change every Friday in anticipation of the next week's theme. This year, our theme was Around the World in 8 Weeks.  Here are our entryway photo ops.  And to clarify, if it is really artistically drawn or painted, Emily made it.  If it is over the top, it is likely a leftover VBS prop we found in the Mechanical room.

week 1 Adventure Awaits

Week 2 The Bahamas

Week 3 England

Week 4 Africa

                        

Week 5 Australia

Week 6 US Roadtrip

Week off - Gone Fishing

                                                        

Week 7 Mexico

Week 8 Disney

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So each week, the Emily's and I provided one or two craft activities, a food experience, and 2 or 3 special events that included movies with snacks, a special theme party, sensory room experience, or visitors. We also had worship on Wednesdays and the older kids who arrived early participated in morning stretch with theme-related yoga moves.  It is hard to choose my favorites, however,  I am going to pick one or two from each week so you know just how much fun we had. Unfortunately, I can't show you the kids enjoying these activities unless I have some good back shots!

During the first week Emily L and I set up a travel-themed play experience room.

For the Bahama's week, we had a Water Day on the front lawn with activities for babies to Pre-K

One of my favorites was the Tea party we hosted during England week.

During Africa week, we had an African Sensory/Experience room.  This was especially fun for me as we based places and activities on my experience in Uganda.

Australia had two highlights.  The Finding Nemo Sesnory room and a visit from the North Georgia Wildlife Zoo with animals akin to those in Australia.  Tom even brought a baby Kangaroo!

The fish tank  was made from shower curtains and had a gazillion bubbles
Outside it was the fish tank hose sensory play 

Emily's amazing artwork creating the EAC (East Australian Current) complete with sea turtles

The reef with a seaweed crawl

The highlight of forth of July week is always the all-school parade through and around the church and the snow cones that follow.

My favorite Mexico events were the paper Taco Bar and the Fiesta complete with dancing and a pinata made by our talented teacher, Vita.

This coming week we are excited about the annual Day School Dash on Thursday, where the kids run by classes around the gym floor with lap numbers determined by age.  At the end, everyone gets a medal.  This will be our 11th annual Dayschool Dash.  And on Friday, we will have a Disney Dance party with music and glow sticks to wrap up the summer.  This week is also staff meetings and open house, as our new school year will start July 28th.

I love my job!  Thanks for letting me share the highlights with you.