Merry??? Christmas

So I feel obligated to say "Merry Christmas!" yet to be honest I am not exactly feeling "merry" this morning.

You see, after sniffling and dealing with drainage for a couple of weeks, today I woke up will the full blown "shoot me now" cold.  It is Christmas day and I am sick.  I have never done well with being sick on Christmas, my birthday or any holiday for that matter.  In my world, it just should not be.  So that is the foundation for my less than merry mood.  Want more????

So Mom got the cold the day before.  So that one "stable, holds it all together for this family" person is not functioning 100%.  She missed the Christmas Eve service and dinner at my house. The traditional Christmas Eve dinner at my house was reduced to Peter in one room and me in another eating our dinner.  

Because of Flu and other illnesses Larry's nursing home has been on "lock down" for almost a week. He is not able to come home today for Christmas. Because mom and I are both sick, neither one of us is going to be able to go in (hands washed and masked, as I did last night) to see him.  He will spend today at the Nursing Home in the ordinary way without visitors (and he is used to a daily visit from family.)

Need more....

Peter has continued to act as if I am his maid and personal attendant.  The Batman PJ bottoms I gave him last night were completely rejected.  And honestly I am anticipating more of the same today with the gifts I have bought him.  And when tomorrow comes no doubt there will be request for more. Ever read "If you give a mouse a cookie"???  Yeah that is Peter.  And I can't help but think Peter acts as he does because I allow it.  And well that just makes me mad at me.

Did I mention that the cream curdled twice when trying to make my tomato soup for Christmas Eve. So I made chili.

So I can't honestly greet you with Merry Christmas today because it would be a lie.  However I can greet you with "Hopeful Christmas," because today isn't really about being "merry".  It isn't really about the family smiling around the tree. Today is about hope.  We recognize today that God kept his promise to his people from way back in Genesis.  He promised a savior and he sent him.  He sent his son Jesus to do what we could not do for ourselves.  Not only that but he  will continue to do for us what we can not to for ourselves.  And we will celebrate with him one day in all His glory and splendor without sickness and sin to mar it.

Christmas marks hope fulfilled.  It gives reason to continue to hope.

So whether your Christmas is Merry and Bright today or not, I pray that it will not be without HOPE.

Dad update

So I am sure that it is not coincidence that Thursday afternoon by which time many people would have seen my post and were praying, Dad took an amazing turn around for the good. He was shaving, brushing his teeth, walking the halls, and all in a much less agitated and confused state.  He was sent home Friday afternoon.  When I saw him that evening he was sitting in his chair watching TV.  He said he was tired but was fairly chatty.  There was some normal repeated conversation and some hints of confusion but nothing like what was happening in the hospital earlier in the week.

Due to some caring co-workers who sent me off when my concern and weariness was evident, I was at the hospital Thursday morning when the Doctor came.  I had an opportunity to express my concern for dad's mental well being.  As it often is, Dad was lucid during the doctor's visit and he was unaware of the behaviors Mom and I had witnessed. Basically the Doctor's conclusion was that what Dad experience is common among the elderly during hospital stays.  Mom and I also tend to think the numerous medications he was taking contributed as well.  

The report is that he has had a pretty good weekend.  He has a cough from the respiratory issues but he is doing the necessary breathing exercises to help with that.  He is now looking forward to a visit from his friend in Mississippi who is coming to do some projects around Mom and Dad's condo this weekend.

Thank you for your prayers.  I am convinced there is a connection between them and his amazing turn around. 

Dad

Wanted to share that Dad has been in the hospital since early Sunday morning.  He went in with a stomach blockage.  This is a somewhat common occurrence so it was not too alarming. Although that issue has not been totally resolved, it is better.  However meanwhile, respiratory issues developed this morning.  The most distressing part is his confusion and crazy talk.  It has been humorous in some regards.  In truth there are times we haven't been sure that he was really not aware or just being funny.  The nurses have told mom that it is certainly not uncommon for people in the hospital to show such confusion.  We have also wondered what is connected to medicine that he is on.  We have tried not to be alarmed but some interactions with him today have been somewhat disturbing.  Mom is staying with him the majority of the time.  She is an experienced hospital companion from many stays with both my dad and brother.  None the less, it has to be wearing.  Appreciate your prayers for clarity for the doctors, Dad's healing, and mom's stamina and strength. Thank you.  

Still in Shock!

So I am still stunned by what happened this evening.  I keep looking to see if I really picked up my kid to bring home for the night.  Let me provide a little background.

Peter is at Military school for the second year.  He has not been real happy about it especially about the fact that I have him board there when we live two miles away from the school.  I was advised that he would receive more discipline training by boarding.  I had said that being a day student was a future option but I did not promise it for this year like Peter claims I had.  Thus he was pretty rude during the first month and half of weekends home. Over the past month I have seen his attitude improving.  He has engaged more in conversations and been more responsive to spending time with his grandparents. (It helps a lot that they have cable TV for football game viewing and they provide him with food of his choice.) 

This weekend was homecoming weekend at the school. I was able to meet with some teachers yesterday and was told that he is a good kid. In general the teachers see Peter making real efforts at his work. Unlike last year he has been passing all his classes every week.  He seems motivated by the desire to come home for the weekend which requires him to be passing all his classes. When he was begging me to pick him up today before the mandatory homecoming dance, I asked him if he didn't like girls.  He quickly replied, "I like girls. I just have other priorities right now like my grades."  I then replied with "so you are planning to study Saturday night?"  I got one of those rare but beautiful grins as he said "no!" I had offered earlier to find him a date and he quickly declined. Often girls are "bused" in from an all girls school but when I picked him up this evening  he said the bus of girls didn't come.

Before I get to the shocker thing let me say I was already feeling proud and impressed with my son. Today I went to the Military Parade.  Okay so that you don't make the same mistake I did when I first heard about the Parade let me clarify this event.  Remove from your mind pictures of floats, clowns, candy, or anything that involves people walking down the street. The Military Parade does include the Military School Band and the boys marching. However it is primarily conducted on the football field (or indoor field in cold weather).  There is systematic movement, marching, and standing in formation as well as some shouting. Today's parade was longer than usual because of special recognition for Homecoming. Essentially those young men stood out on the field for close to an hour with very little movement.  For those of you who remember Peter, that is impressive.  Doing such takes patience and discipline.  I know I was getting antsy just watching it. This wasn't my first parade but once again I found myself really impressed with his ability to do that.

Count in 5 from the left to find Peter. Marching to the Field.

This shows 4 of the 9 companies on the field before the crowd.

Delta Company.  Peter is somewhere in the back.

Peter is in the Middle. Leaving after standing in the field an hour.

Impressive, right?

Okay so this is what happened.  Peter and I were driving home from the school this evening in the dark.  He was very anxious to get home to his couch and game system.  He even declined a stop for food or a Redbox movie.  We came down the hill rounding the corner just before our house.  Just as I realized something was in the road Peter shouted out for me to stop.  He saw before I did that there were 4 large folding tables in the middle of the road.  It was a close call as I swerved to miss them.  As I was rounding them he told me to stop as he prepared to get out of the car.  I said "what are you doing?"  He said "I am going to move them before somebody hits them."  He picked each one up moving them off the street up onto the grass.  He couldn't figure out why someone would put them there.  (I suggested that they fell off a truck).  He didn't understand why they were there but he knew that they shouldn't stay and took action to move them.  Now that may seem like common sense to you. You may be wondering why I considered it such a big deal.  Peter rarely thinks beyond his personal interest and to take the time and initiative to move something that did not immediately effect him was a big deal.  He was thinking beyond himself.  Thank God for Military School!

Larry turns 50!

Larry turned 50 yesterday and thanks to many friends and my mom's planning, it was two days of lots of grins!  Larry received somewhere around 70 cards/emails.  He is still going through them. And as was hoped he is having fun remembering stories written as well as other memories!  He remembers a lot for an "old guy!" I've had a lot of fun reading through the cards myself. On Sunday he got to go on his first outing since entering the nursing home (7 months!)  He and I had some close brother sister time as I maneuvered him (following careful instruction and practice with therapist) in and out of the car. We went to a Mexican restaurant.  Peter came.  The offer of free food is motivational! Larry  got to wear the sombrero and have fried ice cream.  He was grinning the whole time!  On Monday (the actual birthday) there were surprise visits (including one from a favorite cousin who lives in Kansas), decorations, and lots of teasing.  Thanks to all who sent birthday wishes!  It was indeed a pretty special day.

It's me again

Okay so I blog the way I do many things, with considerable inconsistency.  Well at least I am consistent about that! As some folks would tell you (or you personally know) sometimes I am not heard from unless I need something.  It is not one of the traits I am the most proud of but at least I admit it. Today I need some things, so here I am.

We need prayer. So speaking of inconsistency; Dad's memory, mood and energy level continues to swing.  It appears to be less related to the medicine than we thought.  Mom said he was more like his old self this week regarding doing task and projects and his humor seemed good.  Last night however I observed some significant memory recall problems. And this morning he didn't want to get out of bed because  he was depressed.  That seems linked to the fact that I had questioned the wisdom of a 10 hour driving trip that he has planned with my mom. (I offered to take him at a different time but that does not over ride the offense of implying he can't or shouldn't do what he has always been able to do.)  So I am asking for prayer for my dad, mom and myself.  Dad's safety is a concern as well as just the emotional side of aging that strongly effects him.  Mom deals with  him and the variances in his mood and memory daily.  I have volunteered to contact his doctor about our concerns regarding his memory. I also want to treat my dad with dignity. However I tend to get frustrated with his stubbornness and unknowingly offend with my responses.

We need memories.  Larry is turning 50 years old at the end of the month.  Mom and I are trying to plan some special events to commemorate it.  Knowing how much Larry loves to recall favorite memories, we are creating a "50 memories for Larry" book.  (And yes we borrowed this idea, it is not an original to us.)   We are asking for friends and family to send Mom or I (via e-mail or snail mail) memories of Larry.  We will compile a book with the memories.  Pictures are an added bonus if you have any to include.  Our target date is to have memories collected two weeks from now, September 22nd so we can get the book together by his birthday on September 29th.  I know it will be fun for Larry to hear from a variety of people from a variety of times in his life. 

I need children's NIV bibles.  I have some Ugandan friends who are wanting 3 NIV children's bibles for their children. They mentioned the New Adventure Bible: the NIV bible for kids. However I do not think they are limited to that.  Any extra childrens NIV bibles I can find I will send as I am sure they will know of others who would like to have them.  Books like that are not easy to find in Uganda and are expensive when found. Before I purchased any, I thought I would ask if anybody had a good condition NIV children's bible collecting dust on a shelf that they would like to donate.  If so, please let me know as I hope to send them to them next month

Now I just need a few minutes to gloat.  Today I ran 9 miles.  Yep, I who was always picked last on teams and failed jump roping in the 9th grade, am 9 miles into the target of 13.1  I am running a Half Marathon down at the beach October 11th.  I have been training for a couple of months. Each weekend I add a mile to my "long run."  Every run, I question my sanity. Then I reach my goal and wonder what I was whining about.  I realize that today was like running 3 - 5K races in a row.  Not too shabby for a non athlete.  I am not fast but as the saying goes "I am faster than the person on the couch."  The other evening I was running and startled when a lady came running up beside me.  As I was recovering and she was apologizing we began chatting.  I ended up running 3 miles with her.  She is 20 years my junior and an athlete.  Keeping up with her was pushing me.  Fortunately she was chatty and I was just spurting out stuff like " great" pant pant pant "wow" breath breath breath "really" huff huff huff.  At one point when I said I was going to have to quit she offered to slow down a bit so we could keep running together.  Lets just say her definition of slow down and mine were not the same.  Needless to say I finished my 4 miles faster than ever and I was too distracted by the conversation to realize how hard I was working. Haley seemed happy to have someone to run with and  I was excited to be "pushed beyond my comfort zone.  I had a better run today just knowing I could run a little harder than I thought I could.  

So that is pretty much what a I needed.  I will add that Peter is back at Military School.  He has been home this weekend.  He has not been a happy camper so fortunately for me, I get to take him back in an hour : )  This school year is wild and crazy.  My fabulous co worker of the past four years took a job at another preschool the week before we started back.  Shelley was my left brain and right arm. She made me look good. Add to her absence the fact that I have a full class of sweet but "busy busy busy" kiddos, school has a bit of a crazy feel to it. 

Well that is it for now, you know until  I need something else!

A Tuesday Tangent

Today's discovery  - I do not relax well.  

So I declared today my "day off" - a "do nothing day." Though I have only worked part time this summer (mornings at a preschool) the days have felt really busy with going here and there and doing this and that. Tomorrow I take Peter to boarding school for football camp. The day is full with social and work plans. The next day our city schools return thus the After School Program I lead will commence.  And since we start work at the preschool next Monday, I am trying to get a head start. All of that to say, things are gearing up. I did not work at the preschool yesterday or today so I got this great plan.  I decided to work hard yesterday to clean house, get needed school work turned in, and run errands so that I could hang out at home in my PJ's and do "nothing."  So yesterday I worked on school work, bought school supplies, and tackled the house including Peter's laundry.  I felt that the locker room aroma of his room required that it ALL be washed!  Okay so I was up into the wee (and I mean wee) hours of the morning cleaning house (baseboards, laundry, self cleaning the oven, vacuuming, etc) all with the goal of " I am going to do "nothing" when I finally wake up tomorrow!"  I had visions of lounging on my bed watching Netflix, reading, eating whatever didn't need cooked and having no time commitments all while clad in my PJ's.  Nice dream but the reality is that I just don't know how to do that.

I woke up and thought "let me just finish up Peter's Laundry." Followed by "let me put the dishes on the counter away so it is really clean looking."  This was soon followed by "ought to paint my toenails." I told myself that was leisurely right.  Those "just let me do real quick" was followed by cooking breakfast, putting soup in the crock pot, hanging a new calendar, making my bed, responding to e-mails, checking my bank statement, and well you get the picture.  I need to go to the post office before 5.  I tell myself walking would be "leisurely." And oh I am waiting for this guy to come buy the old lawn mower.  He was to be here earlier but was delayed so I am "waiting."  At some point Peter is going to need a Pizza.  And I get that need as it is his last night at home before going to school .  I am too cheap to resort to delivery and will probably go out to get one. I should go for a run because you know I am in "training."  And it just goes on and on

I have concluded that the problem is not that I have too much to do.  The problem is that I don't know how to stop doing.  I don't know how to stop and relax.  There is something that tells me I have to be doing.  I often blame it on others - too much work, Peter's request, etc - but the problem lies within.  I can even tell myself that "I want to do these things."  I will say "well it makes me feel better when the house is clean, recipe files organized, people's needs met.".  And it does but why do I need to "do these things" to make myself feel better?  

So next time you here me say how busy I am or that I never have time to relax, you will know the truth.  I just haven't figured out how to stop doing.

Since even writing this post has an element of doing something to check off my list, I think I will close.

Oh but can I tell you one funny thing?  I have always thought that  Peter and I are so opposite in every way. This summer though I have begun to realize that there are more similarities than I realized.  One of them is that neither of us likes to go to bed.  We are night owls who fight observing a descent bed time even when exhausted.  I slacked off with his bedtime curfews this summer because well I "get it."  Last night when I told him I was going to get the house cleaning done even if it meant staying up late, he asked if he could stay up all night.  Peter and I started the tradition of "all nighters" when he was about eight. It involves the TV and junk food.  He always looked forward to his one all nighter during the summer.  I know he does it now when staying at his friend Abe's so I didn't think much about declaring it an all nighter.  I said sure, especially since I was determined to get my housework done before going to bed.  At 3 AM he was watching TV and I was vacuuming.  I got to hoping that we weren't keeping the neighbors awake.  It was funny that when I had run the vacuum cleaner just a little too long for his preferences (I was deep cleaning), Peter said "Mom, are you done vacuuming.  It is 3 AM."  For some reason It struck me as funny.  We are so different and yet here we were two night owls acting like it was daytime. 

In Case you were wondering II

Yes Peter is returning to Military School for the 2014-15 school year.  As in similar fashion to last year, with only two weeks until Peter starts school, the money for this years tuition has shown up.  I am extremely grateful to the school and individual friends and family who have contributed.  And once again I am also in awe of God's provision of something that always seems so out of reach.

Larry is doing well.  Hey has recently traded in his nightly DVD watching for Hide and Seek books.  He is even checking off the found ones with a pencil.  Holding a pencil and maneuvering it is big progress for Larry. For the most part he seems happy.  Just last week I had two staff members tell me how much they loved my brother.  Knowing he is loved where he is makes it all so much easier to leave him at the end of a visit.  Some progress with the finances has been made but there is still hoops that need to be successfully passed through.

Recently Mom and I were quite concerned about my Dad.  He was struggling with health, energy and memory in a very significant and noticeable way.  The last two weeks he had a variety of doctor's appointments.  In this process a couple of medications were removed with another decreased.  This week, the "old" Dad emerged. He has taken on projects he wouldn't have considered last week and is not showing the memory problems either.  Wow. So it looks like maybe what was going on was related to being over medicated.  For those who have heard of my concern for my Dad, you know that this is a real relief.  We are hopeful that the renewed Dad will continue through future medication adjustments.

In case you have been wondering

It has been a few weeks so just just in case you have been wondering, here is a little update:

How was the Beach with 2 teenage boys?

 It was suprisingly easy and enjoyable.  I was really glad we took Abe as he pushed Peter to get out of the hotel room and is more chatty with me than Peter.  They had a good time and I had a good bit of down time.  Only regret was that we had to come home too soon! This picture was on the last evening. After late night TV and two days at the water park, we had to nudge Peter to keep him awake.

How is Larry?

My thoughts are that he is doing well.  He seems to be content in his new home.  We revisited the outdoor table for a Father's Day Chicken Dinner.  Between Mom, Dad and I, we try to visit at least once a day.  He has some really good care givers for which we are grateful.  There are still some unresolved financial issues.  Prayers that things will be sorted out in his favor soon is appreciated. Please pray that the paperwork will go through quickly at each crucial step and red tape wont hinder him getting the needed aid.

Are Mom and Dad settled in their new house?

I think one can honestly say that progress has been made. The boxes have diminished, one car fits in the two car garage, and we hung dad's dozen plus clocks along with a few pictures. They have phone and internet. As of this past week they have a working TV and after my emergency visit to their house, they now know how to work it.   Currently there are plans for some new laundry room cabinets and a re-do on the shower doors.  They are also looking at changing some flooring.  It is this last possibility that has stopped mom from unpacking any more boxes. There are few other purchases that are being shopped for. Things are settling and we are all very happy about their new home.  However Moving and settling is just a process and one that takes longer than a week! That is a fact that Dad often forgets.

During this move, mom traded in her desk top computer for a laptop.  And in that process, her contacts were lost.  So if you are a correspondent of my mom's - drop her a note so she can add your address back in!

Am I working this summer?

Yes I work mornings at a church preschool.  It is a fun and low stress job.  I actually serve as an aide for a three year old who was in my class this past year at the Special Needs preschool.  It is so fun to work with her as well as to help educate children and staff who are not as familiar with children with special needs.  It is fun to see the other children embrace my young friend.  Though I technically work 28 hours a week, I seem to be working all the time! I am not exactly sure doing what but I am constantly on the go putting gas in my car more frequently and wondering how I got things done during the busy school year. It has been fun to get my yard back in order and decorate my front porch. My house is in order at last.  Just needs a good deep clean and a few more cabinets and drawers sorted through.  I willingly am taking on a few "gigs" to supplement the income.  Later in July I will be dog sitting.  Last weekend, I had a new experience.  I can now add to my resume the job of "Cow Sitter."  Beings that my friends were only gone for the weekend, the essence of my job was to  stay in their beautiful farm house with the gorgeous view and periodically count the 15 cows, 1 bull and 1 donkey down in the field below the house.  It was a pleasant way to make a little money for porch decor and groceries to feed my ever hungry 15 year old.

How is Peter?

Peter is easier this summer than last but not without it's challenges.  He has been working out with the few other local students and coaches at the military School this summer in preparation for Football season.  I am grateful for this activity.  Funding for the upcoming school year is still incomplete.  Even though we did not know the money would be available until a week before he started last year, I find I am more anxious about the financial detail this year.  After having experienced the benefit of the Military School for Peter last year, I feel a desperation this year that he be able to return.  In spite of how God so marvelously provided for school last year, I do struggle to believe that he will do it again this year. 

Anything Fun Planned?

I plan to run the Atlanta Peachtree Road Race this Friday July 4th.  I had to cancel plans to run it last year so am excited to try again.  I am not near as prepared this year but am excited none the less.  Hopefully it will be the boost to keep me working towards the Half Marathon at Jekyll Island in October.  With that said - I better head to bed so I am rested come Friday.

Sally Ann has left the premise

Yep - Sally Ann has left the big house signaling the completion of moving Mom and Dad from big house of the past 20 years to the retirement condo of the future.  By the way Sally Ann is my mom's goldfish - a gift from Peter several years ago.  She was the last precious cargo transferred.  We spent four crazy days of loading cars, driving across town, and unloading.  The finale was my yard sale yesterday to sell surplus that needed to go so I could fit the stuff I took from Mom's.  Mom and Dad now have the huge task of trying to figure out what will stay in the condo and what will go into the next yard sale.  My house is still pretty topsy turvey as well but I am going to leave it behind.  Peter and his friend Abe and I are headed to the beach in the morning.  Yep - I am taking two teenage boys to the beach by myself for a few days.  I am either brave or crazy.  Right now I am just tired and looking forward to hanging out on the beach with a book.  It would just be nice if I could find the book I was going to read.  It is buried somewhere in the ruble of my house. Oh well, I guess I will have to read that one later!  

Thanks for all of the support and prayers. Thanks for continued prayers for Mom and Dad as they take care of new house details and getting settled.  And well I must say, I would appreciate prayers for a peaceful few days with the boys at the beach.  Grateful for all your support,

Mother's Day

So our mother's day wasn't exactly how Hallmark might portray it, but it was very sweet none the less.  I brought a picnic that we could share in the court yard of Larry's new residence.  It didn't rain, Peter came, Peter was pleasant and we were all together.  It was pretty special.

My Awesome Mom!

Peter's determination not to smile.

Peter's struggle not to smile.

Peter's inability to keep from smiling.  Love that smile!

Wanting

Do you ever get confused about your wants?  And I am thinking beyond simply knowing what it is that you want. I am realizing that my understanding of wants and especially how it fits into the life of a follower of Jesus can get pretty tangled.  I think there are the sounds of a variety of voices that include the following.  "If I want it, it probably isn't  a good idea."  If I want it, I probably won't get it." If I want it and I get it, I am not really sacrificing all for Jesus." "If I got what I wanted last time, I won't get it this time." "Don't say what you want, take what you get."  "What you want is so much more than what others have so its wrong to want it." "Its better to not want than risk being disappointed." "If you say what you want, someone might give it to you and then you are indebted to them." And we can't leave out the voice that yells out "I NEVER get what I want!" 

I have been discovering and sorting through some of this thinking recently.  How do my wants fit in with my trusting in Jesus for everything?  The truth is sometimes He answers our prayers as we want and sometimes He doesn't.  And the chorus of voices can create conflict in my mind about how I relate to Jesus when he doesn't answer my prayers as well as when he does. It also keeps me from bringing my wants before him. Recently a friend and I were talking about being okay in wanting God to do something then also being okay with what he does whether it is in line with what I wanted or not.  Sounds simple I know. I would like to think that I am free with God - letting my request be known and trusting him however he answers. Yet recognizing the "voices" in my head helps me realize that I have some twisted thinking that hinder this freedom.  

In response to this I have decided to share some of my "wants" or prayers, however you want to phrase it. I am often hesitant to publish a pubic list.  I think it is part of my twisted thinking which includes, " It is okay to make your personal prayer needs known in mass if you are a missionary but not if you are a preschool teacher in the US."  I know it doesn't really make sense.  There is a lot happening in my family right now. I thought if I listed my wants it might help me feel a little more organized about it.  And maybe there are things on this list that God would prompt you to also pray regarding.  

• Larry's stay in Rehab is becoming a stay in the Nursing Home with an indefinite end.  We want an easy switch over of the insurance coverage without complications.  I want him to have regular visitors. I want him to receive good care as well as have positive relationships with people at the Nursing Home. 
• My parents found a Condo that would allow them to downsize. It would also put them less than five minutes from Larry as well as me and their doctors!  We want their house which has just gone on the market to sell ASAP so that they can buy and move into the Condo quickly. Timing is pretty critical if this Condo is "the one."  The downsizing and move will be a large task.  I want to see them have support and help in this process as well as sustained health. 
• I want Peter to graduate from RMA in 2017.  I want the money for this coming school year so that he can attend as a boarding student. I want Peter to have good friendships and role models.
• There are other wants that I am not sure yet how to express so I will leave it at this for now.  

Where We Are

If you have been wondering -

- Larry is making progress with rehab.  He still has little use of his right leg but his arm strength is increasing.  He is progressing in his ability to feed himself as well as push his wheel chair down the hall.  Having gotten over a sore throat and a stiff neck, he seems to be in fairly good spirits most of the time.

- Dad has been given the go ahead to drive as well as return to work.  As he likes to quote our dear friend Helen, "he is kicking, just not very high." 

 - Mom makes her visits to Larry two times a day.  She daily continues to push Larry to practice skills in the areas that the physical therapist, speech therapist and occupational therapist are working with Larry. As always mom seems to take care of everybody and do it with a smile on her face.

- Peter will be home on Spring Break next week.  He continues to "get by" at school.

- Next year's Military School Application is on the table ready to be filled out (hopefully this weekend) as well as the financial aid application.

- I am in the throws of "whirling" as I work on a variety of year end projects for my preschool class.

- Running season is under way.  I ran a women's 5K in Atlanta with a friend this morning.  It was a lot of fun as we ran with hundreds of women through the streets of Atlanta.  It was interesting how many men I noticed came out on their porches to watch.  At the end every woman was given a flower, a t-shirt, and a glass necklace along with other goodies.  It was fun.  I have several other races in the line up for this spring.  I plan to run the Peachtree 10K Road Race in Atlanta with thousands of other in July and my big goal is to run in a half marathon at the beach in October.  As my coworker said, running has become "my happy place" and I am grateful for the physical ability to do so. 

- and yeah, the cat never came back.

Not the Cat

So I recently wrote about the three events in the family that had recently come our way fulfilling dad's theory that things "come in threes."  If the number really is three then I have decided that the Lost Cat does not count.  

Over a week ago dad came down with a cold.  A few days later mom took Dad to the Doctor. While the Dr. prescribed antibiotics, she also determined that something else was going on. Dad admitted to having limited vision in his right eye.  Test revealed that he had suffered a mini stroke that effected that eye. As a result he is currently restricted from driving, off of work and undergoing a variety of other test. 

Meanwhile Peter is still mad at my position regarding Military School.  I am holding my ground and seeking the funds for his Sophomore year while taking him peace offerings in the form of Oreos, Ramen noodles, chips and Gatorade.  I can tell he is struggling and sometimes it is really hard to be able to do little more than pray.  I have heard for years how prayer is the most important thing I can do for him. However as a "doer" and a "helper" sometimes it is really challenging to rely upon prayer when what you want to do is "fix it."

Larry is making progress though it is slow.  Mom said she likes the therapist who work with him and was encouraged by what she saw today. He fed himself most of his dinner this evening however it required a lot of effort on his part. Movement was seen in his right leg for the first time this week.  He is yet unable to readjust himself in his bed or sit up independently Larry's days as a resident of therapy are close to ending when he will become a nursing home resident receiving therapy.  There is a lot of paper work involved in that change.Our desire is that this process goes smoothly.  Mom says that for Larry to be able to return home he needs to be able to gain enough use of his legs and arm to use his walker. That is the goal that they are working towards.

And no, Felix Adidas Kitty never turned back up.

Threes

My dad says things often come in threes.

1) As stated in previous blog entries, Larry fell a couple of weeks ago requiring stitches in his head and a few days later was in the hospital with right side paralysis.  He spent 8 days in the hospital and underwent a variety of test.  The best that they can conclude at this point is that something happened to his neck in the fall.  (Larry has a lot of internal hardware that limits some test so they can not verify it.)  Last Monday he was moved to a local rehab that is connected to the hospital.  The center is a rehab/nursing home facility that he can remain at for as long as needed. Currently he can not move his right leg but is gaining some limited movement with his arm and hand.  He waved goodbye with his right hand when I left this evening.  Larry's left side has been his weak side for a long time. Through the extensive testing it was determined that what we thought was degeneration to his left side due to the Epilepsy was actually a stroke at some point in the past 20 years.  His inability to use his right side is causing him to use his left hand more. There is a lot that he cannot do including rolling over in bed and feeding himself. Tonight I applied a little tough love and worked with him to use his hands to feed himself his ice cream. (I have been watching the OT's at my school.) He works at operating his remote control and CD player. For some reason his speech has also been effected and he speaks with a whisper most of the time. This does make communication even more of a challenge. Larry is in a nice large room and crazy enough has a roommate named Larry, 20 years older, who fell recently and has right side paralysis. Mom is spending a fair amount of time with Larry due to the fact that he can do so little by himself. 

2) Last Friday I headed out of town to visit a friend because it was a closed weekend at Peter's school. (Peter has been keeping up grades enough that he has been home most weekends this Semester.)  Upon arrival I received a call that Peter had a gash at his left eye and was headed to the ER. Fortunately, mom was just down the hall at the hospital with Larry and was able to be with Peter through the receiving of 7 stitches.  God was gracious and his eye was missed by a centimeter only leaving a 2 inch (maybe) scar along side the eye.  The injury was the result of being pulled into some rough housing that he claims he was trying to stay out of.  Basically he was pulled off a desk however he has created a more dramatic story for when he is asked about the scar in the future.  Peter was home this weekend.  Tonight on the way back to school, next year came up in conversation.  He emphatically told me that he was not going back to Military school next year.  His reasons included the uniform, the schools poor athletic performance, and always being told what to do.  He concluded with the fact that I don't have the money. I chose to let him vent saying little.  I did receive the registration form this week with the payment amount and he is right, I don't have the money.  But I didn't have it last year either and God provided the funds.  I find it a bit distressing  that he doesn't want to go back.  However although there has been definite progress since he began Military school, what I see when he is at home indicates that he would quickly spiral downward should he return to public school next year.  I am praying for wisdom in how to handle this crossroad.  And I am asking God who owns a thousand cattle on a thousand hills to sell some of those cattle to pay for another year, preferably three years. (Thanks May for teaching me that!)

3) Last Sunday night after returning to town and visiting Larry at the hospital, I arrived home about 10:00 PM to be greeted by our mostly outdoor/somewhat inside kitty. He, like Peter must have been in the wrong place at the wrong time and had a big wound on his buttocks.  I was concerned about infection, overdue shots, and my inability to fit getting him help into the next days schedule so I decided to take him  to an emergency pet clinic. With protest, I got Felix Adidas Kitty into a box and in the car.  When I took the box out of the car at the clinic, he pushed his way out of the bottom of the box and being scared by nearby noises headed across a four lane road.  He made it across and I could see him in the Mall parking lot.  I jumped in the car to go get him and by the time I could get my car to the parking lot, he was gone.  That is the last I saw Kitty.  I have checked Shelters with no results. He does have a microchip so if found and checked for the chip, I can be contacted. At this point I simply pray that someone took him in and is caring for him.  I wasn't extremely attached to Kitty but none the less it has been distressing to know he is wounded and on the lam.  Every time time I pull into the driveway and start looking for him on the porch, I get that sick feeling realizing he isn't going to be there.

Three wounded.  Three situations in which I feel rather powerless to change things.  Three opportunities to trust God.

I went for a walk.

On day three of being snow bound,  I decided to go for a walk.

I head out through my neighborhood to the nearby post office.

 My Local Post Office

 What happened to

 "Neither Rain, Sleet, nor Snow"??

       

 I take the Long Way Home

Fountain at the Local College

As I am walking, I get a phone call.

 Larry took a fall at home and is at the Emergency Room just a few blocks from where I am.

3 hours and 10 stitches later and he is good to go.  

So I head out for home.  

I discover that while I was inside the hospital, the sun has come out.

A Revision on the Revised

So Peter and I were in the same proximity when I was taking a quick look at my e-mail.  Up popped a copy of my most recent blog post "A Revised Kid" with Peter's picture at the top.  I quickly moved on not needing to read it, when I heard, "hey, what's that?"  I don't think I even had a chance to answer before Peter said "you mean a revised young man or teenager." I lust laughed as I continued on to whatever it was I was looking for on my computer when Peter said, "You are going to change that aren't you?" I assured him that I would make a note that he did not agree with the title but felt that it should be more properly titled "A Revised Young Man."  I don't think he knows that I have a blog but he knew I had written something about him and had labeled him a "kid."  Evidently he wanted to make sure that he was promoted to higher status than that in whatever it was that I had written.

A "Revised" Kid

Many of you have traveled with me and Peter on our family journey and I am so grateful.  I am always in awe of those who tell me that they pray for us daily.  Wow.  My tendency is to talk a lot about what's going on when things are difficult and to become quiet when things are easier.  So the recent quiet can be something to be grateful for.  However for those of you who so kindly ask and fervently pray, let me give you a little snapshot of Peter today at 15 years 2 months and 2 weeks.  Let's begin with this:

.

Pretty impressive, huh?  This is Peter's official 9th grade photo for Riverside Military Academy . It is a long way from baggy britches with boxers showing and untied shoes.  Okay - not that we still don't see those red plaid boxers when he is home on weekends, but at least the pants aren't sagging.  Based on conversations with Peter, I think the uniform is a challenge for him - keeping it all in his possession and on his person in the right format. But he carries himself differently in or out of the uniform and it is nice to see.  Peter takes Weight Training, played on the JV football team and currently participates in Wrestling.  He also has chosen not to take ADHD meds that affected his eating and sleeping.  Let's just say, Peter is no longer the little skinny kid.  He isn't towering over me but has passed me and I don't think he is done growing.

Though Peter's school is just a couple of miles from our home, he was not home a lot during the Fall. "Leave" home is dependant on passing grades.  The occasions upon which he was home, I slowly began to see some changes.  Nervous about him being home 9 days at Thanksgiving, I was pleasantly surprised to have "a new kid."  There was no hostility.  He cooperated with what was requested.  He actually went to my parent's house 3 times during the week, more than he had been at their house all year. He laughed and generally seemed "happy." Some of that was helped by Auburn beating Alabama in one of the most incredible football games.  I really enjoyed him being at home.  Peter came home this past Friday for 16 days.  I have decided that I didn't really get a new kid, just the same one with a little more restraint and maybe a little more contentment. He has bugged me about Tablets, has wanted to do little that does not involve a TV or computer, talked me into doing things for him that I said I wouldn't, and gloated to my parents that I  said a cuss word. But in truth that is the kid I want.  The one who has his spark and spunk without the hostility. Last night he made no objection to my sitting on the couch with him to watch The Office.  He actually initiated conversation regarding it.  That would not have happened a year ago.

I am grateful for the difference that RMA has made for Peter this year.  Most of the staff that I have encountered has bent over backwards to help Peter and me as well  Two of the men who have direct authority over Peter, have indicated that they are impressed with him. One of those men has impressed me based on my interaction with him as well as things Peter has said.  It is obvious that Peter has respect for him and he certainly appears worthy of it. RMA provides the male authority, structure, and discipline that I am unable to provide. Repeatedly I thank God for the provision and ask if he would be so willing, to provide for Peter to attend at RMA throughout his High School Career.  

All of that said, I wrestle with the motherly concerns on a regular basis. Peter has made a lot of progress but there is no shortage of things to "worry" about.  And of course I am always concerned about "doing" the right thing as the parent.  You would think that the last 2 plus years of counseling would help me get past trying to be responsible for Peter's outcome. And certainly my counselor has tried!  Oh I think I am doing better than I was but it still can be a struggle to trust God with what he has started and alone can finish.

Well that is where we are as of today.  I am grateful for my "revised" kid.  I am grateful for the things God continually teaches me along the way.  And I am especially grateful for the people who have been supporting us in many ways all these years.

Peter the Military School Cadet

Peter completed the 30 day ROC (recruit on campus) cycle and was promoted to full fledged Military School Cadet.  I attended the Parade and promotion ceremony.

Where's Peter??????? They all look alike!

Oh there is Bravo Company - he must be in there somewhere.

Oh There he is.  I finally found him when I recognized the way he was biting his lip.  (My mom said, "oh he got that from you."  Hum, well I guess I do bite my lip. Maybe we are more I like than I thought.)

Peter actually let me take his picture!  That's progress.

Peter let a friend take our picture.  Now that is down right amazing!

Peter is home for the weekend.  I brought him home following the school's varsity football game this evening. To say he was eager to get home is putting it mildly.  The fun part was that he was talkative (for Peter) and answered my questions without moaning and complaining  The trip to Wendy's and home was fun. (Remember we live 2 miles from the school and even less from Wendy's so it wasn't lengthy but it was enough to satisfy me.) What was he most eager for?  A milkshake from Wendy's like the one he didn't get to finish the day I took him to school (plus chili and fries.)  Popcorn.  His video games -  "I haven't played video games since I went to school!" And his comfortable bed.  

Wow - Larry Update 2

This evening I went to dinner with my parents and Larry.  The only evidence that he had been through major surgery was the sitting pillow that he carries with him.  All I can say is wow.  Two weeks ago as we anticipated his colon cancer surgery, I had concerns as to how he would bounce back.  He has bounced back from this very well.  There are adjustments for him (and Mom) however Larry's spirits are good and he is recovering much better from this than he did from his broken hip in early May.  He goes to the doctor on Wednesday to have the last of the stitches removed and "talk about other things" as the doctor so told Larry. I am grateful for the doctor who has taken good care of  Larry thus far. We are also very thankful for the many prayers on his behalf and I do ask for your continued prayers as we meet with the doctor on Wednesday.