That’s German for headache in case you’re wondering. It looks scary when you see it written in German, doesn’t it? And boy, do I have one!

Today has been a busy one! This morning started with Sandlyn's doctor's appointment. Her pediatrician put her on a round of antibiotics as she is dealing with another urinary tract infection. In talking to Dr. Harmon, he said that most definitely the infection in January (while we were in Minnesota) was a kidney infection rather than just a UTI. He was pleased that we were catching this one so early and could get it stopped before it went any further.

I am currently dealing with a headache. It came on yesterday and decided to stay for a vacation. This is the first one since the surgery. It’s been kind of odd in that it intensifies for brief periods and then just has an edge to it. Pain killers are helping me to sleep at night, just not getting rid of the pain. Still no fever, which is good. My left arm is tingling more with the headache and when I have to bend over to do anything or move around a lot, the headache gets even worse. The pressure in my neck and head is back. SO, even though we thought the rollercoaster ride was over and we were headed for the home stretch, apparently there is another hill to climb...hopefully, just a small one. We will take it one day at a time and cross one bridge at a time.....and see what tomorrow brings us.

My appointment with Dr. Pennington went well today, also. We had to wait a long time to get worked in, but it was worth it to get to talk to him and to get these stitches out. We also had put a call into Dr. Krauss' nurse in Rochester this morning to discuss these new headaches and tingling. She was able to call us back before we met with Dr. Pennington and told us that she would get with Dr. Krauss and would call us back in the morning with his recommendations. Dr. Pennington said he would be our contact here and if Dr. Krauss needed any imaging or tests done here, he would order them for us. Dr. Pennington was pleased to see me up walking around and said he would do whatever he could to help.

As you are praying, please keep these good folks in mind also: Mama & Papa Teel, Rick Lanning, Trudi (daughter of Carolyn and Wilson Legg). There are others, but these specifically need prayers for their health right now.

As always, remember to thank God and give Him the glory for the good things in your life!

Each day gets progressively better! I am still having problems with my gait and walking a straight line. But my home-based therapist...Sarah, that is...is keeping me busy. Her home-therapy was described by a friend of ours as "tough love"since it involves helpiing fold the laundry and emptying and loading the dishwasher.

I am working on my motor skills also, trying to not have to concentrate so hard just to hold a pen or pick up a glass of tea. My good friend, Joel, took me for a car ride yesterday afternoon just to get a breath of fresh air. Today, Sarah and I, are going to run some errands. It is good just to be out of the house for a few minutes.

You can only watch so much TVLand, Green Acres and The Waltons without going crazy. I am using my other spare time (sounds silly since that is all I really have) to work on Bible Class materials for next quarter for the Jr. High Class and to write Thank You notes (so many to send). The writing is "fun" as I watch the pen move across the paper focusing on each letter. It's hard to hold a pen with no feeling in the tips of your fingers.

Anyway, enough about me for now! Remember the wonderful blessings God has given you TODAY!

Wait, it’s the sound of the heels of my slippers clicking together. Not that my slippers are ruby red and shiny…They are actually grey with huge crimson A’s on them.

Dorothy was right, there’s no place like home. What a great blessing to be home with the kids! And, yes, it seems like it took a whirlwind to get here. The trip home was uneventful, just very tiring. The kids and Sarah’s parents met us at the airport with many hugs all around. At the house, we were greeted with a banner across the garage door and balloons lining the front steps. Thanks to our dear friends Chris and Denise Reid and their sweet daughters, Caitlin and Rebekah for this surprise.


I am feeling well for the most part, but having to really concentrate on some tasks. I find that I can’t go up the stairs without looking at my feet. I tried to go up a couple of days ago, and realized that I wasn’t getting any higher. I looked down and was simply treading (no pun intended) in place.

Through all this, I have learned a valuable lesson (actually, many lessons too numerous to mention here). Never take one moment or one thing that you can do for granted. Each and every part of your life is a gift. Each and every change is your opportunity to glorify God for teaching you to appreciate His wonderful blessings.
Take the time now to thank God for your life and the precious gifts He has given you. Our God is truly awesome and blesses beyond measure.

The plans are made to fly home in the morning. We leave Rochester at 10:00 and will be back in Alabama by 4:30. Can't wait to be there!

It snowed here today...beautiful, but glad to leave it behind.

Things are in the works for having some rehab start shortly after I get back. Dr. Krauss is writing a "prescription" for the therapy and it will be conducted in Birmingham. The concern is over my legs and left arm at the moment. We'll keep a watch on it.

Anyway, see you in Birmingham! Wooo Hooo!

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…” I John 3:1
Once again, our gracious Father has shown His unending love on my family. The “fog” of the surgery is finally lifting and all praise goes to God for His faithful care. He brought us to the place we needed to be and has continued to watch over us and bless the days.

I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of prayers, well-wishes, messages, and financial support we’ve received during this time. So many of you have been in constant prayer for me through all of this…I can never begin to thank you enough personally, so I thank God for you daily and ask His hand to be upon you. Thanks to those of you who posted on your personal blogs to have the prayers move across the country.

Several of you traveled with us to be at the surgery. I thank you for being there to hold up Sarah so she didn’t have to face this alone. You then held my hand through the dark hours that first night in intensive care and the following days. When awake, I had the opportunity to share quiet talks with some of you and have grown to love you more for your tender heart and desire to do God’s will. Others have given and given again to make this trip possible. I truly believe that God brings people into our lives so we might learn valuable lessons from their example.

I will never be able to personally repay the great debt I feel for God’s family who stepped up in prayer. He heard your prayers and has again answered. God guided the surgeons and those caring for me through this. The surgery is considered successful in that it has stopped the damage the tumors were doing. There will still be some “re-education” of hands and walking without a swagger…but, those things can be conquered like anything else. Please continue to pray for continued improvement.

Certainly, not last in my prayers of thanksgiving is my sweet Sarah! What an incredible rock of faith in my life. She is ever beside me cheering me on and pushing ever so gently when I get frustrated. Holding my hand through painful procedures and wiping my tears with her tender touch. This is truly one of God’s greatest gifts to me. I know that He kept her just for me because…well, just because!

Anyway, I will end this long posting with the words from a hymn called Day by Day…

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.

He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best-
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,

He Whose Name is Counselor and Power;
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure”
This the pledge to me He made.