Monday Afternoon

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

Monday, April 13, 2009 12:26 PM, EDT

Hope you all had a HAPPY EASTER!!! It began very well for us. Erik was able to talk to Erin and the kids via phone. I was able to iChat with Jen and the kids. I got to see their beautiful smiles and see their wonderful Easter duds that Nana (Jen’s mom) got them. Thanks Nana.

We were very appreciative of Clay and Carol Corvin – Mom and Dad’s long-time friends – who invited us over for Easter lunch at their home. It was special. Great food and great company. Their daughter and son-in-law and two granddaughters were there, too. One of the granddaughters connected especially with Erik. It was fun watching a father of four boys play with a little princess :o)

Erik and I were very encouraged yesterday by music. We played Phil Wickham’s song “True Loved Died” and Paul Baloche’s song “Our God Saves” on the way to the hospital. Appreciate those songs a lot. Two lyrics in particular:

“When blood and water hit the ground, walls we couldn’t move came crashing down. We were free and made alive the day that true love died, the day that true love died.” (Phil Wickham)

“Our God saves. Our God saves. There is hope in His name. Mourning turns to songs of praise. Our God saves. Our God saves.” (Paul Baloche)

We also played Mom the song “Wonderful, Merciful Savior,” as sung by Selah. Very special. “Who would have thought that a Lamb could rescue the souls of men.” And He did. I know He can touch Mom and awaken her, too.

I got to pray with the guys who led our worship gathering back at home yesterday morning. That meant so much. Thank yall for calling and letting me pray with you before things began there.

We spent most of the day with Mom and Dad at the hospital. We really appreciated the visitors who came by. Chuck and Rhonda Kelley – thanks for the Easter Gold Brick. Dad really enjoyed it and enjoyed your company, so. Thank yall so much for how you continue to love on Mom and Dad.

Erik and I got to the hospital yesterday and saw Dad first. He had had a rough night Saturday night. Lots of pain and discomfort trying to sleep. Like he got hit by a truck or something. Seriously, pray he will get rest and peace every night. Those are lonely times for him, too. He longs to see Mom. We are trying to work it out with the doctors and nurses for him to see her by Thursday – their 49th anniversary. Today, they said they thought he probably would be able to if we can get him in a “Trauma Chair” to roll him down there.

One thing that was really fun yesterday, and indicates that Dad is progressing, I have to tell you about. Those of you who know Dad know that he kind of likes coffee. Starbuck’s sent him a Gold Card before they even released the Gold Cards. Makes me laugh. Anyway, he really wanted some coffee. It had to be decaf. A friend, Tom, went and got him some. Because of his neck and his neck collar, he had to drink it out of a straw. Now, not only would Dad never drink coffee out of a straw, he doesn’t drink anything out of a straw. But he did. Proof is in the picture in this journal entry!!! Whatever it takes to enjoy some Starbuck’s.

Dad’s brother works at the Radio Station here. They have mentioned Mom and Dad multiple times. Danny (Dad’s brother here) told us he has been blown away by the response of so many people praying and sending their love – many of them don’t even know Mom and Dad or know them very little. BIG THANKS to Uncle Danny for all he has done for Erik and Mom and Dad and me during this time. I know he is hurting, too.

Today (Monday), Dad continues to get better. The therapist came in this morning and worked with him some. Did some resistance exercises with his legs. He got Dad to sit up on the edge of the bed. He still can’t put weight on his legs and won’t be able to for at least 5 to 8 weeks, they are saying. However, the therapist was really pleased. They are going to fit him for a more comfortable, long-term neck collar, too. He is resting today and in good spirits. He continue to think about Mom a lot.

Yesterday, Mom was about the same. They told us they were going to put in a tracheotomy and the PEG tube we mentioned in an earlier entry. She got bumped for the procedures for some incoming traumas. There were several shootings in the city yesterday. So, the day was pretty much the same for her. Erik and I sang and prayed and wept over her. Special time of worship.

Early this morning they did put the tracheotomy and PEG tube in. She looks more like herself and is less likely to get infections and injuries now from all the tubes and stuff she had. She has been breathing on her own since the accident, with only occasional help from the machine. Now, she is breathing on her own through the tracheotomy. That’s awesome!

She is still in a deep coma, but the neuro-surgeon said she is seeing some progress. They think within the next week or two they will move her to a long-term acute care facility. Please pray that we can work it out to move Mom and Dad to facilities near each other. The two best options for them, respectively, happen to be right across the street from each other. That would be great.

So many of you had communicated that you were joining in on the prayer that Mom would wake up on this Easter Sunday. Well, she didn’t. That’s a bummer. But thanks to all who prayed that she would.

We are trying to stay positive for her. I am going to post on my blog some thoughts I have had over the last week later today or tonight. I will let you know when I do in case you want to read it.

It’s been hard, but it’s been good to see the church being the church. Thanks for loving our family.

Because He lives, we can face tomorrow.

Reuben A. Lee
(January 28, 1941 – April 11, 2009)

Born on January 28, 1941 in Liverpool, LA and a resident of Kentwood, LA. He died on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at his home. Survived by his companion, Sara Walker, sons, Chris and Jim Lee, Amite, and Justin Lee, Kentwood, grandchildren, Mandy and Kristi Lee, Kaitlyn Newman, Cassie Knight, Peyton Walker, and Weslynn McElwee, sisters, Ethel Felker and her husband Neal, and Georgia Yarborough, and a brother, Pete Lee and his wife, Sandra, and his former wife Mary Lou Lee, 2 sisters-in-law, Patsy Lee, Greensburg, and Sarah Lee, Zachary. Preceded in death by his parents, Hardy and Zylpha Allen Lee and brothers, James N. Lee, Ray Lee, and Luther Lee. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10 a.m. on Tuesday until services at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Burial at Centre Cemetery, Greensburg, LA.