Saturday Evening

Dukes (4:51 P.M. Saturday)

Erik and I are in Pop’s room with him right now. He is eating strawberry jello and acting more and more like himself. We went to McAllister’s Deli and got him a yummy baked potato. He ate about a 1/3 of it. He was thankful for non-hospital food, which is funny cause he’s only been able to actually eat it for two days now. I imagine we’ll be grabbing take-out for a while to come.

Those of you who know Pop know that he is pretty picky about food and very selective of the great food he normally eats. How can he help it having been in New Orleans for so long. His favorite restaurant is here, and Erik and I intend to take him to Drago’s as soon as he is able to do something like that – probably will be a long time before he could get in and out of a car.

Honestly, he is simply thankful to be alive and look in our eyes and see visitors and hear of the love from all of you. He is moved to tears when we tell him how many visits there are on this site. He wells up when we tell him of the comments that you all have left. Thank you so much.

Dad is doing pretty well today. He’s not a pain in the neck at all, but his neck has caused him some pain today. His arm, too. He’s been very himself, with occasional ins and outs from the pain meds. He has definitely not lost his sense of humor. He has definitely not lost his sense of listening to God, either. He told me a moment ago – “I just simply sense the Lord whispering, ‘Peace.’ And I trust Him.”

He said to Erik and me today, “It is really amazing what people have done to show us how much they love us.” And it has. Erik and I can’t thank you enough.

He is moved every time he talks about or thinks about Mom. He desperately wants to see her. I look forward to that time with both anticipation and pain. I know he will struggle seeing her. I know also how deeply he loves her and how much it will mean to him.

Jen and I were beginning to talk the other day about how we will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Their 49th wedding anniversary is next Thursday. It would be awesome if they could at least see each other that day. Erik and Erin will be married 10 years the next day – April 17th. Then Mom’s sister and her husband have been married over 55 years I believe on the 18th. Not sure of the exact number.

All this to say – pray for Dad to continue to get rest as he prepares for intensive rehab. Our friend, Don Richard, prayed today something very meaningful for Pop – “Lord, give Jimmy the grace to receive ministry.” Very important, because Dad is one of those sheep that Jesus describes in Matthew 25 who has not kept score of his good. He has simply given love as freely as it has been given to him without notice or reward. Erik and I have been blessed to witness it.

Mom is pretty much the same. Let’s continue to pray for her to “come alive again” tomorrow in some way.

We love yall so much. Very sincerely – your outpouring of love on Mom and Dad and Erik and Erin and their kids and Jen and our kids and me has meant so very much.

We’ll update again tomorrow. Have a HAPPY EASTER!!!

Reuben Lee passed away about noon today. Please be in prayer for the family.

Helen Louise “Sis” McGehee Morse
(August 10, 1916 – April 10, 2009)

Died at 5:15PM on Friday, April 10, 2009 at The Hospice House in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Hammond, LA and a resident of Amite, LA. Age 92 years. Graveside Services will be held at 10:00AM Wednesday at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Services conducted by Rev. Gaylord Dodgen. Survived by 2 sons, Larry W. Morse, Amite, Charles M. “Chuck” Morse and his wife, Janet, Hammond, 1 grandson, Sean Etherage Morse, Hammond, 1 sister, Anna “Webbie” Ory, Fluker, a number of nieces, Preceded in death by, husband, Aubrey E. “Hoss” Morse, She was a member and Sunday School teacher at Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Yellow Jacket Club at Southeastern Louisiana University. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church, 501 Walnut St., Amite, LA 70422. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.