FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND FELLOW CHRISTIANS
When I reflect on where I was on December 30, 2011 and where I am now, I know that it is truly an example of God’s healing power. Many people might now know that there are angels in our midst, but we know there are because we have personally experienced the manifestations of the angel power.
On Decembers 30, 2011 at Reed Arena when I had the stroke, we were surrounded immediately by friends and fellow Christians who have remained faithful to minister to us throughout these seven months. Gene Bickham prayed a prayer for my healing in the emergency room with Dora, Zanna, and Pat Norton gathered around my bed. My ongoing recovery is the result of God’s healing power, your prayers, and the prayers of your families, friends, and your church members whom you engaged to pray for me. I truly appreciate your faithfulness in remembering me and praying for me.
Our daughter Nita, a registered nurse, who lives in Miami, Florida came immediately providing comfort and medical experience as we walked minute by minute through this trauma. We will always be grateful to her and her family for her presence during these critical days with me. My niece, Dr. Robin Fabre Ellison from Tyler, came immediately to pray with us and to help provide the medical knowledge and understanding that was important in communicating my medical condition to everyone. We appreciate Robin’s family for allowing her to spend several days with us. Nita and Robin were truly a God send for me, Dora, and our families. Our grandson Bill and wife Kellye from Nashville came to pray and be with me and the family while I was in ICU. Dora’s nephew Patrick and his family were faithful caregivers during all of my confinement.
I left the (SNF) Isles at Watercrest the middle of April to come home for continued recuperation with the help of Traditions Home Health and the Comfort Seekers. Our dear friends, Gerald and Sandra Wynn, and our nephew, Patrick Schilling, moved me from Watercrest. They remained with us until the medical team arrived from Traditions Health Care. Robin came back for several days helping to take care of us until Nita and Steve arrived from Miami. Steve and Nita remained with us while we made the transition to Traditions Health Care and the engagement of Comfort Seekers who would provide daily care for both of us.
Dora fractured her Sacroillic and Lumbar on April 1 and was not able to stand nor sit for weeks. Our good friend Sandra came to our house every day from the first of April until the middle of April taking care of Dora. Her husband Gerald was always there to take care of vehicles, pick up medications, and run errands. Lying flat on her back was the only way she could be comfortable, but she believes this time in bed allowed her spine to begin healing. She did not experience any pain from the back injury, but when she tried to sit up and put her feet on the floor the pain radiated down both legs causing excruciating pain. She had to lie down in the back of the SUV when being transported to doctor appointments by good friends, Sandra, Judy Sanders, Pat Landry, and niece Robin. We could not have made it through these seven months without the constant support of family and dear friends.
My cardiologist recommended that I go to Austin for the Lariat procedure. Nita flew from Miami on May 16 to take me for the procedure on May 17. Nita and I returned to College Station on May 19 around 2:00 p.m., and at approximately 9:00 p.m., I developed severe pain in my abdominal area which required a 911 call. EMT transported me to the nearby CS Med Center where I received excellent exploratory exams and procedures by the medical staff in an effort to determine the cause of the unbearable pain. All of the tests indicated that the pain was not caused by the Lariat procedure but was a severe pancreatic attack as a result of large gallstones in the bile duct. The gallstones were removed on May 23, and I returned home on May 24 with my private nurse (Nita). Dora had recuperated enough to be with me during the emergency room time and some hours during the day but was not strong enough to take care of me. We insisted that Nita return to her family and work in Miami on Friday, May 26 because we had Home Health and the caregivers from Comfort Seekers coming for several hours a day taking care of our needs.
In July, I was discharged from Home Health and was referred to the College Station Medical Center for outpatient physical and occupational therapies. Since Dora was also referred for physical therapy, the three therapists synchronized our appointments so that we can go at the same time. We attend therapies two days a week and only have to travel a few blocks to the CS Med Center Rehab. At home I walk without any support, but I use the cane when we go out to the grocery, Walmart, therapies, doctor appointments, or to eat out.
With the prayers, visits, dedication and commitment of our good friends Sandra and Gerald Wynn, Robin, Nita and Steve, nephew Patrick and family, Dora’s sisters from Louisiana, friends from our church family, our pastors (Troy Allen, David Strawn, Bill Killion, and David Rowland), SS classes, and colleagues from the Large Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, we were able to get through this difficult time. We appreciate the prayer chains that you implemented through the members of your churches extending throughout Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and many other locations.
Dora is now able to drive us for any doctor appointments and run any errands. We are basically self-sufficient now with the daily support of our caregivers who do chores in the house and outside in the yard. Lee is a true caregiver who loves to care for others. Curtis is a senior nursing student at TAMU who brings medical knowledge and nursing skills to assist me. Lee and Curtis keep bird feed in my bird feeders and sugar water in the humming bird feeders. When the caregivers arrive in the mornings, they assist me as I shower and get dressed for the day. Bending is something that is uncomfortable for Dora with the back injuries. Dora and the caregivers have gone through the cabinets and closets in all rooms removing items that should go to goodwill. Dora and caregiver Lee provide me with excellent meals that stay within my diet restrictions. When Curtis is here during a meal time, he cooks my hamburgers, drives me to Walmart, Sam’s, and Lowe’s, accompanies me to the doctors, takes me for haircuts, waters my fig tree, and feeds my birds. He and Lee do an incredible job of maintaining the home and landscaping. Curtis helped Derry change out his old computer, monitor, and printer for new ones. He is readily available when Derry needs some help on the computer or when communicating with foreign techs on the telephone. Lee is also a great help to him on the computer or telephone.
Two weeks ago Dora and I attended Sunday School and church for the first time. We learned that our church needs to assess the restroom situation in the auditorium area for the handicapped. We will try attending church this coming Sunday since Curtis will be with us during that time to assist Derry if needed. Dora’s sisters, Bobbie Adams, Elaine Cook, and Janice Branch with Dora’s niece Tam Brooks from Louisiana came for a weekend visit recently. We thoroughly enjoyed their visit laughing as the sisters reminisced about fun times during their childhood. We toured the LAMS facility where I worked for 17 years and visited the George Bush Library.
Dora and I are ready for any of you to come to College Station for a visit. We have the beds ready and always have food available. We look forward to your visits and ask for your continued prayers. God bless you and your families!
In Christ!
Derry and Dora Magee
August 4, 2012
The Prayer Link 