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Hi everyone.  Things are going well here and Pat seems to be doing well.  She had the first therapy session yesterday and will have them for three weeks.  She is doing the exercises on her own and got up and walked for five minutes this morning already here in the house.  That left her a bit shaky but she made it through the night without the pain pills but still needs them nd will for a few days.  She is able to get up and down on her own so making good process.  Our dil is here helping us as well and will be with us for three more days.  Unfortunately the AC has quit working upstairs yesterday so well have to get the repair man out as soon as possible.  Gas we have the spare bed in my office so she could move down where it is cool.  

I am excited as just discovered that a browse I hane on my iPad has a button to push that splits Te screen so I can use it like my regular computer sceen to read in one window and post in the other, which I am doing with this posting.

Carol, it must just be a fluke that two shooting tragedies have occurred in your beautiful state as know this could have happened at ant theater in any state.

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday.  I am not going to church today as feel the need for another day to build my strength and also to be here for Pat.  I need to get in the kitchen and start thinking about meals.  Pat did enjoy one of the roast beef meals she had frozen that we heated for her dinner last evening.  I need to get a salad made and pursue some other ideas.  My dil is not a cook.

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Thank you, Judy, for posting It is Well With My Soul, one of my favorite hymns and very meaningful during this stressful time at work.  It is rumored, and only rumored, that the cut in our hours is due to the provincial goverment cutting back on funding to the organization that oversees home care here.  If that is true, it also explains how someone such as your sister, who clearly needs help, is not getting it. 

Larry, it is wonderful that you are so willing to step up to the plate, so to speak, and take care of meals while Pat is laid up.  One suggestion is to do a search online for one pot meals. Also, if you have a slow cooker (crock pot) it is handy for roasts and simple stews, soups, etc.

Thank you, Etta Sue, for the powerful devotional you have provided here.

I hope each of you have a blessed week ahead.

We had a change of message this morning and our speaker, Lee Strobel, put together a beautiful sermon concerning the latest incident in our area.  Both of the shootings are really less than l8 miles from our home so this does hit hard.  Some have forgotten the terrible church tragedy in the Co. Springs area - not far either but that church is connected to this area.   

Don wasn't up to going and I stayed for SS as well.  Then, I had to get groceries before it was hotter and now we are grateful for air conditioning.  How on earth did the pioneers live with their wool clothes?  I know that my mother always said we should drink hot beverages in hot weather and so that is still my preference - just because. 

Grandson was sent to Boston to play on a Canadian team as they were missing a player & he scored a goal and one assist - this is hockey.  He is growing up: a plane, a shuttle, a train and a bus to get to the hotel.  Then, the team lost the final game so he was invited to play golf on Cape Cod --- while we are in the hottest weather here.  These young people have such experiences. 

Have a beautiful Sunday.

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Another Monday!  This morning, we will attend the funeral service for son-in-law Jeff's grandma.  Grandma Wayland was 107 years old, and until about three years ago, lived alone in her own home.  She was a marvel.

It's looking to be another hot day here, as in such a large area.  Thank God for air conditioning--in buildings and in cars!  It would be really hard to go back to the days of only a fan or a water cooler, or rolling down the car windows!  Have we gotten soft?

I must go put some more frame corners in the vise--working on a big framing order.

See you later!

Hi everyone.  The AC repairman has been here already this morning and the problem is fixed  so the upstairs will be cool again for my DIL.  I know the bed in my office really isn't very comfortable but has served the purpose. She has many back problems so that uncomfortable bed hasn't helped her.  Pat has been up and had breakfast in the kitchen this morning.  I prepared the oatmeal with flax seed, blueberries and cream watered down for her.  That doesn't sound like very much but that is a challenge to someone who doesn't cook.  It is very tiring for her to walk to the kitchen and back and she was ready rest again for awhile but think she will pick up the Kindle Fire later today.  She is awaiting a call from the therapist who should be here later today.  I have my men's luncheon today and a meeting to attend this evening if I feel up to one or both.  I got up tired after a good nights sleep and every movement seems to use up my energy and leave me a bit breathless.  At least there is no pain but weariness so take things in small segments as needed and then rest between them.  Enough complaining for today.

Bonnie, I am confident we are going to be fine on the meal front.  I looked at some recipes that Pat has made and marked them.  We have decided to eat what Pat has prepared in advance and then I will get the crock pot out or attempt some other recipes.  Pat is handy to give me instructions when I need help so we will manage well.  The grocery store is handy, with a good deli, and I can always call for takeout orders from some of the local restruarants if I don't feel up to cooking. 

Carol, I am sure there were some powerful and healing messages preached yesterday not only in your area but many places in the US.  Your grandson is quite an athelete.

Janet, what a long life Jeff's grandma lived.  She must have been a marvel.  I don't even want to think of living now without airconditioning and central heat.  However, when we were growing up we just accepted it as there were no other options.  I so remember seeing how profusely my grandmother and my father would sweat on a hot day.  My mother also worked extremely hard everyday but she just didn't sweat in the same way of the other two. 

All of a sudden I had a pop up from AVG Anti-virus saying I had a Trojan virus threat and that I should quarantine it.  I did and then restarted my computer.  Then it said it was removed.  Why does people pay for anti-virus when free versions work? 

I have been busy today.  I got up.  Mowed my yard, trimmed some limbs and cut some weeds down that the mower wouldn't reach, swept up a dead mouse in the basement and put salt in the softener and swept the basement floor, water a hanging plant that my neighbor man gave me, showered and shampooed!  Just finished my second cup of coffee and made me a pitcher of iced tea. 

Later I am going to Kitty's.  Her desktop is sick again and she wants me to see if I can revive it!  It must be bad...she can't even explain what it isn't doing or is doing!!  But then this is owned by a gal that turned down the volume in the car on the radio instead of Off because she didn't know to 'push' the button turned it off!! 

Cloudy and overcast today with high humidity!  That is what makes it seems so hot!  There is a slight breeze but not taking care of the humidity!  My grass was tall in some places and still brown in others!  I keep looking for my Naked Ladies, Surprise Lilies or whatever they are called but I don't think they will show up until August sometime. 

That's it, Folks!!

A Miracle Inside the Aurora Shooting: One Victim's Story

Shooting Victim Petra Anderson

At Columbine, I have seen this before. But not up close.  As a church pastor in Denver, I have worked as a chaplain with several police and fire departments. I was privileged to counsel parents just hours after the Littleton Columbine shootings. However, in this new tragedy at the Aurora Theater Dark Night shooting, one of the victims was a 22 year old woman from my church, Petra Anderson (pronounced Pay-tra). Petra went to the movies with two young friends who are biking across America.  You and I have been inundated with news about what happened next. A joyful movie turned into bloody, unbelievable chaos. Petra was hit four times with a shot-gun blast, three shots into her arm and one bullet which entered her brain. This a bit of Petra's miracle story.

With awesome people from our caring and pastoral team, I spent all day Friday in the ICU with Petra and her family. Her injuries were severe, and her condition was critical. A bullet had entered Petra's face through her nose, and then traveled up through her brain until stopping at the back of her skull. The doctors prior to surgery were concerned, because so much of the brain had been traversed by the bullet. Many areas of brain function were involved. They were hoping to keep her alive long enough to get her into surgery. The prognosis was uncertain—if she lived, Petra might struggle with speech, movement, and thinking due to considerable brain damage. With Kim, Petra's mother (who is in the final stages of terminal cancer), we simply cried, hugged, and prayed.

It is pressed into my memory now. Motion and emotion...

Other families come and go into the ICU waiting room. Some sit with us, and we talk. Others are visited by doctors with "Family Advocates" in tow. The families listen, sob, and then are moved like stunned cattle to a more private space to grieve. We pray. Petra is finally taken into surgery, using two different surgical teams. One team of neurosurgeons will open up the back of her skull to remove the bullet and clean up brain damage as best they can. Another ENT-specialty surgical team will then work through Petra's nose by scope to follow the bullet's path up into her brain.  Their hope is to remove bone fragments, clean up damaged brain tissue, and reseal her brain to reduce infection.

If you have lived any of your days in a hospital waiting room, you know how long the enduring process is. It has a woeful pattern to it. Sit. Walk. Grab a drink. Sit. Walk. Answer a phone call. Sit. Walk. Hug someone. Sit. Talk to the FBI. Sit. Pick at the food. Sit. Walk. Go down the hall, but not too far because you're afraid to miss something. Back. Hug. Pray. Sit. Sit. A picture of a five year old waiting for next Christmas from January 1st comes to my mind. FOREVER. Only this feels worse: a heavy forever, with no promise of presents, Santa, or good news at the end.


Petra Anderson and her world class violin.

After the waiting drags for over five hours, tired doctors and nurses spill back into the room, one or two at a time. I look for "Family Advocates" but can find none. I exhale. The doctors update us: "It went well, and she's recovering now. We found very little damage to the brain, and got the bullet out cleanly. It went better than we hoped for." Each brings a warrior's smile, and a bit of information—information that we turn into hope as we regurgitate it over the next hours.  Still, the medical team remains professional and reserved, "Something might still go wrong. We just need to wait and see if she makes it for the next 48 hours."

Tears and thank you's abound. We are so thankful for these men and women. We hug. Everyone hugs. Then, round two. Sit. Wait. Pray. Fully dressed people cuddle into small snails and try to sleep on the floor. Some are shuttled to a room donated by the Holiday Inn across the street. Thank you, Lord, for every little thing. We sit. We pray. "We'll understand better tomorrow."

Petra is moved back to ICU. She looks, surprisingly, wonderful. With a small hole in her nose, and her arm wrapped, she almost looks uninjured. She is medicated and sleeping when I come to visit her on Saturday. I sit, talk, and pray quietly with Kim amid the darkened room, lit by glowing medical screens and power switches. Nurses, like quiet soldiers posted on guard, come in, march attentively through the machines, and go out.  These men and women really care. Finally, one of the surgeons comes in to check on Petra. He has had some sleep, and looks more like a movie star this time. As Petra sleeps, he retells the story of the surgery, and we ask questions.  The doctor reads the perfect script, as if he is on Hallmark Hall of Fame. He fills us in on the miracle. Honestly, he doesn't call it that, he just uses words like "happily" and "wonderfully" and "in a very fortunate way" and "luckily" and "we were really surprised by that."  Kim and I know a miracle when we see it.

It seems as if the bullet traveled through Petra's brain without hitting any significant brain areas. The doctor explains that Petra's brain has had from birth a small "defect" in it. It is a tiny channel of fluid running through her skull, like a tiny vein through marble, or a small hole in an oak board, winding from front to rear.  Only a CAT scan would catch it, and Petra would have never noticed it.

But in Petra's case, the shotgun buck shot, maybe even the size used for deer hunting, enters her brain from the exact point of this defect. Like a marble through a small tube, the defect channels the bullet from Petra's nose through her brain. It turns slightly several times, and comes to rest at the rear of her brain. And in the process, the bullet misses all the vital areas of the brain. In many ways, it almost misses the brain itself.  Like a giant BB though a straw created in Petra's brain before she was born, it follows the route of the defect. It is channeled in the least harmful way. A millimeter in any direction and the channel is missed.  The brain is destroyed. Evil wins a round.

As he shares, the doctor seems taken aback. It is an odd thing to have a surgeon show a bit of wonder. Professionally, these guys own the universe, it seems, and take everything in stride. He is obviously gifted as a surgeon, and is kind in his manner. "It couldn't have gone better. If it were my daughter," he says quietly, glancing around to see if any of his colleagues might be watching him, "I'd be ecstatic. I'd be dancing a jig." He smiles. I can't keep my smile back, or the tears of joy. In Christianity we call it prevenient grace: God working ahead of time for a particular event in the future. It's just like the God I follow to plan the route of a bullet through a brain long before Batman ever rises. Twenty-two years before.

While we're talking, Petra awakes. She opens her eyes, and sits up, "Mom." Movie-star doctor spins to grab her, to protect her from falling. The nurse assures him she's been doing this for a while. He talks to her, and she talks back. He asks questions, and Petra has the right answers. "Where do you hurt, Petra?" "All over." Amazed, but professional, he smiles and leaves the set shaking his head. I am so thankful for this man.

Petra is groggy and beat up, but she is herself. Honestly, I look worse before my morning coffee. "I'm thirsty," she proclaims.

"You want an ice cube, honey?" Kim replies.

"Please."  Wow. She lays down, back to sleep, a living miracle who doesn't even know it yet. Good flowering out of the refuse pile of a truly dark night. "Thank you, Jesus," I whisper.


Kim and her daughter.

Petra, you are amazing. Kim, you, too, are amazing. I am so proud of you both. But God, you are in a league of your own. (Duh.)

There is much ahead. More surgerys. Facial reconstruction, perhaps. And for Kim, chemo therapy to stretch every moment out of life. But life remains.The ending is yet to be written for this family.

One final note: I am told Petra will take her first steps today. Time for the miracle to go for a walk.

Oh God!  You are the GREAT surgeon!

What a blessing to read this, Judy. May God's blessings be with all the victims and with those who will be victimized by haunting memories for years to come.

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day, friends.

This birthday has really been one for reflection, gratitude, good memories, and uplifted faith.

Much love to all who come here.

Ruth Ann

Thank you Judy, for sharing that very real, and miraculous example of God's grace and care for his children.

What a wonderful example of how God plans ahead for all of the happenings in our lives!

I love reading how God works his miracles in so many different ways.  Something good seems to always come out of something bad.

Well, it looks like rain any minute but I haven't seen any yet.  I have already been to the pool and as I left the parking lot, a few drops hit my windshield but that was it.  Since I have been home, a gust of wind blew over my bistro table and umbrella.  I uprighted it and bungee corded the umbrella down so it won't open in the wind. 

At noon is our SAMS lunch from church.  Then this evening Ivalou, K Don, Barb and I are going somewhere to eat to celebrate K Don's birthday (May 31) and Ivalou's birthday (July 22).  I don't know what happened that we missed K Don's birthday!

It is so interesting that our Lord often directs the way a worship serice goes, even though the participants haven't had the time to compare notes ahead of time. The congregational was a great old hymn, and I had earlier in the week been very strongly led to the old hymn written by John Wesley, "And Can It Be", and then John Wesley was alluded to in the minister's sermon on prayer.

Two thoughts he left with us were: Prayer is objective - prayer moves the world. It is also subjective - prayer changes the pray-er.

Love and thanksgiving to our Lord and for such wonderful friends here at CP.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  We are in for a very hot and humid day here in Georgia.  I have been to coffee this morning and stopped at Kroger's to get a couple of items and a prescription and that will be it for the day.  Pat had the most painful day she has experienced so far yesterday but had physical therapy and it was stressed to her to take the pain medication on a 4 hour schedule rather than letting the pain get too bad before taking it as she had been doing.  The therapist taught her how to get in an out of the shower and to sit in her easy chair, although it is difficult for her to get out.

Etta Sue, glad you got rid of that Trojan virus threat.  I had to laugh at your friend not being able figure out how to turn off her radio.  We had our car for a couple of months and I had to ask the dealer how to insert and remove CD from the CD player in the car.  Once I knew it was very simple.

Judy, I saw one of the main doctors who treated many of the gunshot victims being interviewed on TV.  I am sure she and the other doctors helped save many lives by their knowledge and skill.

Ruth Ann, is today your birthday?  If so, Happy Birthday and if not I am just early for the time it occurs.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RUTH ANN!!  And many more!

I went for an eye exam, following a sleepless night--not a good combination, I find.  They dilated my eyes and the drops worked so quickly and so well, he wasn't able to complete the exam, so I have to go back tomorrow when my eyes are back to normal.  I was still awake at 3:45 AM, so am very tired and sort of disoriented today.  And I have so much to do--frustrating.

Mark wound up flying Jeff and Abby to Branson yesterday.  That's good as it gives him a few more hours' flight time.  I will be so happy for Mark when he finds a job in the aviation field.  He has certainly paid his dues!

Maybe if I can nap for an hour I will feel better, will try but don't feel as if I can sleep just now.  This HAS to stop!!

I just got the most wonderful phone call!!!  My grandson from Phoenix, AZ, whom I haven't seen since he was 5 years old is in this area and will be coming to see me tomorrow.  He's here for a reunion - I was so excited I never thought to ask "What reunion", but I think it must be military/Afghanistan related, since he served in the Army in Afghanistan.

Now I have to make this place at least somewhat presentable before they get here so consider me among the missing for the next couple of days. 

Thank you, Lord, for blessing our Jeanne with this visit!

I am praying for Janet, Larry's wife Pat, and for Jeanne's long-awaited visit with her grandson.

If I missed anyone or anything, please know that I am praying for each of you.

My turn to ask for prayer.  I had a nasty fall at home last night.  Tripped over the fan cord and went down hard.  My right knee is quite swollen. Had a dr appt this afternoon, and he thinks it is twisted and may be sprained.  Had an xray done too.

Thank you all. 

I'm so sorry you fell, Bonnie. Do take care.

Here at the apartments, they are in and out of our apartments checking fire alarms, if the floor is clear so as to help us avoid falls, whether the emergency pull cords work, etc. I take it seriously, for the surgeon who replaced my knee strongly urged that I work hard to avoid falls.

Actually, my birthday was yesterday, so with each celebration after the 23rd, I always laugh and say, well, till the celebrating is completely over, then I haven't finished that birthday, so maybe I can squeak in a few more days at 71, instead of moving on to 72. 

Yes, I don't blame you for rolling your eyes on that one! 

Jeanne, with you and Marilyn both celebrating reunions with long-missing family members, it seems you're both richly blest! Enjoy being with that grandson.

May our Lord bless and keep each of us in His wonderfully strong, gentle hands today.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It was a very hot and muggy day yesterday and today is to be the same.  However, think I am in the house for the rest of the day.  Pat is doing well except for the complications related to the strong pain medication, which I expect at least some of your can relate to.  The physical therapist just called to tell her what time she will be here today.  I just helped Pat with the exercises for the first time today.  I have some work to do in the kitchen and do a couple loads of laundry but otherwise won't hav a busy day. Our DIL needed to be back in North Augusta for a doctor's appointment this morning so she left a little after 5 pm yesterday but plan to return here tomorrow to spend a few more days with us. 

Janet, have you spoken to your doctor about the problem you are having sleeping.  Did you experience this when you were on your recent trip?  Put at the top of your list "get a good nights sleep" as that is the most important. 

Jeanne, what a wonderful surprise.  I bet he is also excited to see his grandmother again.  Enjoy every minute of it and I just bet he doesn't care if a few things are out of place in your home as that is not what he is coming to see.

Bonnie, so sorry to hear of your fall, which only takes a second to happen and a long time to recover from.  Pat and I are getting to the age that the idea of a fall is pretty frightening. 

Ruth Ann, falls are a serious matter for anyone and more so as we age.  Stacey is only 47 and her fall caused her to have to have a total hip replacement.  It is good that your apartment complex is so attentive to they alarms and potential fall hazards.  Hope you can squeak in a few more days of celebrating your birthday.  I hope I wished you Happy Birthday but if not I am doing so today.  You are a few months older than I am.

I had a wonderful day yesterday.  We had 20 at SAMS.  Nice company but kind of hard to talk and listen with so many talking at once! 

Then for the birthday dinner last evening, K Don's grandson, Aaron went with us and at Hibachi Grill, his daughter, Keri, and her grandson, Colt, met us.  So it was really fun watching Colt's antics...he's two!  He sure does know is animal sounds!  So cute.

Ivalou called this morning and asked if I could drive her to her massage this afternoon.  Sure.  I can take my book and read while she gets massaged and relaxed!  I may walk over to Meijer's and purchase some things.  And I asked if we could go to McD's so I can get a gift certificate for step-grandson, Donovan.  I am going to his 10th birthday party Sunday afternoon. 

It is bright and sunny today with a slight breeze.  It is remarkable how what little rain we have had has made my butterfly bushes really bloom....and the butterflies know it, too! 

LAst night I was so foolish.  See I have a new scanner, this one works and scans slides.... We have hundreds.  Do I need to say more?  Everything was neglected even bed till after 4:00 am.  No not a "J" night just a stupid Judy night!! LOL

Have a great day folks, I am back to the slides shortly!  Oh I found 2 very precious ones of Heather and Bonnie with their great grand parents!!  Still haven't found the one that started this quest though!

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Hi, friends, today's a "let Ruth Ann rest a bit" day, so in a little bit I'll be taking a sweet elderly lady to the doctor, and then laundry downstairs.

So, it's wonderful to have a "do what you need to do" day without stress of any kind.

Love to all and have a wonderful day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Praise God!  The Sleep Essentials pills I ordered came yesterday, with the guarantee of a good night's sleep the very first night you take them---and I did sleep!!  They are just natural herbs, valerian root, melatonin, etc.  BUT THEY WORK!! My, what a difference a night's sleep makes, I felt like a whole new woman today!  I was able to get the big framing order finished that I hadn't been able to force myself to work on, and I took it to Hugoton this evening.  The gal was thrilled with it, and I was so relieved!  Then I took my sweet daughter to supper, as she was the only one in her family at home this evening.  Good to have some time with her.

I will be back tomorrow---and thanks to those who prayed for me! 

Bonnie, sorry about your fall, am praying for you!

Thank you all for your prayers and concern. I can feel the love all the way here.

I too praise God for your restful night's sleep, Janet.

I'm heading back to the doctor today to see if he'll order a CAT scan for me.  The pain and discomfort when I walk is almost unbearable.  In the end, God will get me through this, but I have faith in my doctor since I know his hands do God's work.

Blessings to all.