Category: Devotional

“But if we live in the light, as God is in the light,

we can share fellowship with each other.

Then the blood of Jesus, God’s Son,

cleanses us from every sin.

If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.”

~1 John 1:7-8 NCV~

It was good to have Mrs. Kathryn Kuss and members of her family in church yesterday. I also got to see Mrs. Ruby Thompson and family in Amite. Two ladies who lost long-time mates. God will walk with these families through the coming days.

The wake for Rev. Frank Danley is tonight at McKneely’s in Amite.

Daniel Larkin
(Died May 23, 2009)

Daniel Larkin passed away Saturday, May 23, 2009.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com.

KneEmail

IT WAS 1866 AND the United States was recovering from the long and bloody Civil War between the North and the South…

Surviving soldiers came home, some with missing limbs, and all with stories to tell. Henry Welles, a drugstore owner in Waterloo, New York, heard the stories and had an idea. He suggested that all the shops in town close for one day to honor the soldiers who were killed in the Civil War and were buried in the Waterloo cemetery. On the morning of May 5, the townspeople placed flowers, wreaths and crosses on the graves of the Northern soldiers in the cemetery. At about the same time, Retired Major General Jonathan A. Logan planned another ceremony, this time for the soldiers who survived the war. He led the veterans through town to the cemetery to decorate their comrades’ graves with flags. It was not a happy celebration, but a memorial. The townspeople called it Decoration Day.

In Retired Major General Logan’s proclamation of Memorial Day, he declared:

“The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country and during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.”

The two ceremonies were joined in 1868, and northern states commemorated the day on May 30. The southern states commemorated their war dead on different days. Children read poems and sang civil war songs and veterans came to school wearing their medals and uniforms to tell students about the Civil War. Then the veterans marched through their home towns followed by the townspeople to the cemetery. They decorated graves and took photographs of soldiers next to American flags. Rifles were shot in the air as a salute to the northern soldiers who had given their lives to keep the United States together.

In 1882, the name was changed to Memorial Day and soldiers who had died in previous wars were honored as well. In the northern United States, it was designated a public holiday. In 1971, along with other holidays, President Richard Nixon declared Memorial Day a federal holiday on the last Monday in May.

Children of God memorialize Jesus Christ each (Acts 20:7) Lord’s Day (Revelation 1:10) at Communion (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). They eat a very small piece of unleavened bread and drink grape juice from a cup. Worshipers focus not so much on these two elements, but upon what they represent (Matthew 26:26ff). The bread and fruit of the vine remind us of that great sacrifice that was made at Calvary nearly 2,000 years ago.

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.

See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth,

waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.”

~James 5:7, NKJV~

Please pray for a very sweet lady, Mrs. Francis Currier. She is in North Oaks.

Dukes Family

< Drago’s at last. >
Dad got to eat oysters at Drago’s. Erik and I had promised to take Dad to his favorite restaurant as soon as he was able to get out and go, and as soon as the three of us were all in town together to do it. Well, last night (Thursday) it happened. Erik and Dad and one of Erik’s friends, John (in town on business), and I had supper at Drago’s.

Like usual at Drago’s, Dad ate char-grilled oysters. Like usual at Drago’s, they were good. At least he said so. Personally, they are not that good. But that’s just me. Erik ate one or two. John ate a few, I think. Now that I think about it, I don’t remember him eating one. But of course, Dad ate plenty for all of us. I combined the four pictures I took into one and posted it here. You can see a larger version and each picture individually on my blog.

Erik and his wife and kids got into town around 5:00 yesterday evening (Thursday). Dad was super excited to see Erik’s four boys. I was, too. I absolutely love their smiles and energy and questions and red hair. They are super special. Erik will be with Mom and Dad over the weekend while I fly home again to see my family. I can’t wait to seem my beautiful wife, my amazing boy, and my enchanting girls. I will be back Sunday night.

Dad seemed like he had a good day yesterday. We awoke yesterday morning in time to make it to his Ortho appointment at the Ochsner Clinic. Great visit. They affirmed that Dad is making good progress. They affirmed that his left wrist is healing well. They affirmed that his right leg is handling weight well. They affirmed that Dad needs to get on with out-patient rehab and aggressively move forward in his occupational and physical therapy.

What really excited Dad was when the doctor told him that he could begin to progressively put weight on his left leg (WHILE STILL IN A LEG BOOT, THOUGH) while he is walking with his walker. This was good news, and meant that his left leg is beginning to heal. One concern was the angle at which his ankles were healing. The doctor said it was too early to tell at this point, but he may need to address it later if it causes major pain in his ankles and knees when he walks.

With regard to concerns, the only one was Dad’s elbow. The doctor said the repair job that the University Hospital surgeons did was awesome, especially considering “the bag of bones” that his elbow and the lower part of his upper arm was (bag of bones was his exact words). He told Dad that it was definitely calcifying and healing, but part of it was coming together where it was not together before. That part was forming a “door stop” of sorts that hindered Dad’s extension and flexion. It will probably have to be surgically repaired in about 6 to 9 months. We will have to see.

After the appointment, Dad and I headed over to see Mom. She was really tired and unresponsive. Dad was discouraged. We sat down together in his room, and I tried to recount to Dad the pattern I had seen in Mom over these almost-seven weeks. I was discouraged, too, I told him, but there has definitely been a pattern of Mom being responsive for about 4 days, and then taking a day to rest. About every fourth or fifth day since she woke from the coma, she had done this – kind of hit the pause button to have a day of rest. If God needed one every seven, then someone with a traumatic brain injury needed one at least every four or five days. That’s what I figured, at least. I reminded him (and myself) that we have to take this a month at a time. Looking back over this past month, Mom has made progress. However, her infection and her fatigue definitely was a cause for rest.

We are trying to get Mom moving forward with treatment. The Brain Injury Rehab Center in Orlando is reviewing Mom’s files to determine whether they will accept her soon. A local hospital here is reviewing them, as well, to see if they will accept her as a transfer if the BIRC in Orlando is not ready for her. We will see. Please pray for wisdom for both those reviewing Mom’s records and for us as we make these decisions.

After we left Mom’s place, we crossed the river and stopped at Super Wal-Mart to pick up a few items, and then headed to the Cafe in the Student Center on the Seminary campus. Dad enjoyed some Ethiopian Harrar coffee, and I enjoyed a white mocha. We also enjoyed hearing that the police report from the accident was finally descriptive of what actually happened. This will definitely help with logistics as we move ahead. Thanks so much to Chester Douglas and Jim Parker for all their hard work in pursuing truth with regard to the report. Y’all mean so much to us.

We sipped coffee and sat and talked for a few minutes with folks who walked up to offer welcome’s and get-well’s to Dad, while waiting for Erik and Erin and their kids to arrive. They did, and boy did Dad light up. They are the best medicine – his grandkids.

Joshua and James Christofer helped Dad exercise with his walker, walking around the atrium of the Student Center. It was fun to watch. Then, each of the four boys wanted a ride in Pop’s lap in his wheelchair, respectively. The older two took turns pushing. It was great to see them. I really love those nephews and my sister-in-law and my brother.

After getting Erin and the boys settled into the apartment, Erik and Dad and I headed to Drago’s. It was special. Watching Dad gloat about how good his favorite restaurant’s oysters are. The only thing that would have made it better would have been Mom, who is a vegetarian, sitting there with us eating a baked potato or something. Smiling at her man enjoying oysters at Drago’s.

That day will come.

Tonight, I get to see my bride and kids. Speaking of Jen – she absolutely amazes me. She already did, even before all of this. My love and fondness grows daily as she loves on the kids and keeps things moving at home without me, without complaint, with a joyous heart. I love you, babe.

Erik and Dad and I just finished some coffee together, this morning. I am uploading this from the Cafe in the Student Center. We are about to upload him in the truck and head across the river to see Mom. I am hoping she makes Dad gloat this morning more than those oysters did last night. I am hoping he will be encouraged.

Thanks for your continued prayers and your many notes. I AM TELLING YOU – THOSE NOTES GRIP DAD AND LIFE HIM UP. HE BRAGS ON THEM. Please keep them coming. He pulls them up, reads them, takes a break to wipe his eyes, and reads some more. You are encouraging him so much in that way. I am thankful for this site.

Erik will probably post at you over the weekend. I will fly back in Sunday night and post at you Monday. Love y’all.

-jason

Infant Mary-Margaret Hendry
(May 20, 2009 – May 20, 2009)

Infant Mary-Margaret Hendry was born May 20, 2009 and passed away on May 20, 2009 at 10:23 p.m., May 20, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.

She is survived by her parents, Travis L. & Hannah Lopinto Hendry, Amite; a sister, Emily Hendry, Mt. Hermon; maternal grandparents, Frank & Mary Lopinto, Amite; paternal grandfather, Patrick Hendry, Chesbrough; maternal great-grandmothers, Carolyn Bel, Bolivar, MO & Josie DePhillips, Amite; numerous aunts, uncles, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by paternal grandmother, Margaret Welch Hendry.

Private funeral services will be held at a later date.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Joy Forbes Sanders
(June 18, 1925 – May 21, 2009)

Died at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at her residence in the East Fork Community, LA. She was a native of Kentwood, LA. Age 83 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Shumock and Rev. Leon Dunn. Interment East Fork Cemetery, East Fork Community, LA. She is survived by her 2 sons, Paul E. Sanders and wife, Ann, Hammond and Roger Dale Sanders, East Fork Community; 4 grandsons, Steve Sanders and wife, Elisabeth, Shannon Sanders and wife, Lynette, Ricky Sanders and wife, Cindy, and Blane Sanders and wife, Denise; 10 great-grandchildren, Dale, Danny, Kristopher, Seth, Jesse, Cole, Garrett, Breann, Brayden and Logan Sanders; 3 great-grandchildren, Raelyn, Blaise and Kirsdyn Sanders. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie Mack Sanders; parents, Jessie and Nora Dykes Forbes; grandson, Nicholas Sanders; 3 sisters, Juanita Strickland, Vertie Tally and Nelvie Pritchard; brother, Hurlmon Forbes.

Thomas H. Anthony
(November 4, 1949 – May 22, 2009)

VIEW VIDEO TRIBUTE

Thomas Anthony a resident of Loranger was born November 4, 1949 and passed away at 4:17 a.m., Friday, May 22, 2009 surrounded by his family. Thomas was 59 and a native of Tangipahoa Parish. Thomas was a lifelong musician having started with his brother, Bobby and later playing with several local music groups.

Thomas is survived by his daughters, Tammy Anthony Baker and husband, Brian, and Tricia Mylet Anthony, both of Tickfaw; his son, Thomas Trent Anthony and wife, Brittany, Tickfaw; 4 grandchildren, Tyler Anthony Baker, Blake Matthew Baker, Brooke Catherine Baker and Tristan Elizabeth Miles; 6 brothers, Edgar Lee Anthony, Hezzie Anthony, Jr., Elzie Gene Anthony, and Ronnie Anthony all of Loranger, Bobby Lee Anthony, Hammond, and Kenneth James Anthony, Tickfaw; a sister, Alice Anthony Johnson, Pearlington, MS; and many nieces and nephews.

Thomas was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtis Louise Baham Anthony, his father, Hezzie Anthony, Sr.; his sister, Mary Maxine Anthony Hawkins, grandparents, Augustine Baham, Lizzie Anthony Baham, Millard Anthony, Sr. and Elizabeth C. Ard.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, May 23, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday, May 24, 2009 after 1:00 p.m. until Religious Services in the Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Frank S. Palmisano of Lighthouse Baptist Church officiating. Interment in the Driftwood Baptist Church Cemetery, Folsom.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy- 16W behind Grand Prix Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic

KneEmail

“The Lord is far from the wicked,

but He hears the prayer of the righteous.”

~Proverbs 15:29~

Beth G. Lee sent this birth announcement and the Kentwood connections.

After over 24 hours of labor, Jeremy and Sarah Purvis are the proud parents of Kendra Nicole Purvis. She weighed 8 lbs 12 oz, 21.5 in long. Jeremy is currently Student Minister @ Hixson First Baptist Church, Hixson, Tennessee. The proud paternal grandparents are Rusty and Becky Purvis. Kendra’s Great-grandparents are the late Edsel and Mary Ann Graham and the late Dr. Ben Purvis.

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

We were late to the Zephyrs game Tuesday night. I forgot to mention it in yesterday’s post. I bring it back up, simply to share with you something Caleb said that meant a lot to me. I thought it would mean a lot to you.

This happened Tuesday night. We had ordered Dad’s supper after taking him for a walk, and Uncle Danny was going to pick it up. Both Caleb and I wanted to see Mom again before we went to the game. We were also hungry. Smoothie King sounded good. The Peanut Power Plus is always a good meal replacement. Or a good snack. Or a good dessert. It’s just plain good.

Anyway, we were turning into Smoothie King, and I told Caleb that we were going to be late for the game, but I really wanted to drive back over to see Mom before we went. Here was his response:

“That’s okay, Daddy. Moms are more important than games anyway.”

I love that kid.

Well, speaking of moms, yesterday afternoon (Wednesday), after I had posted the last post on Caring Bridge, Caleb and I went to see Mom. She was very interactive. I helped the nurse change her bed dressing, and then we just talked with her. Caleb and I tried to keep it to shake-the-head and nod-the-head questions or multiple choice. It was fun.

We were about to go in order to get back over and take Dad some supper, so we closed our time with what has become our normal routine. We washed our hands thoroughly, and then leaned over Mom and told her how much we loved her. When we did, she looked straight at Caleb and mouthed, “Bye, I love you.”

Only thing is that this time she did more than mouth. She has been wearing that valve that is supposed to help her begin to get used to air going up through her vocal cords again. I told you she made some coughing noises through it, but no talking yet. Until last night. She didn’t just mouth “Bye, I love you.” She said it. Air was translated into speech and noise was shaped into words through the valve!!!

We were elated. I leaned down over her and said, “You just said that, Mom! Like, you really talked!!! Do it again! Do it again!!!”

She had a big half-smile and a proud look in her eye like, “Yeah. I did that.”

Caleb had a HUGE grin. We tried to get her to say more stuff. She really tried. She struggled to form words again, but she didn’t. We didn’t care. She “spoke.” We were thankful. It was awesome!!!

That was the great news. Now, the not-so-great news. The BIRC in Orlando won’t accept Mom until her infection resolves. We anticipated that. It is totally understandable. It just means we have to wait a bit longer to see when it resolves. The doctors have Mom on two different antibiotics, and their gut feeling is that within the next two weeks she should either be over it or show signs of being over it. Please pray it will be so. With Dad about to be shifted from in-patient rehab to out-patient rehab, being in Orlando would be best for him to have his own bed and his own bathroom and his own focus on being with Mom as we walk through this long journey together.

Don’t get me wrong. Being here has been amazing. The love poured out by family and friends here in New Orleans has been way beyond anything we could have ever imagined. Thank you so much to all of you from the Seminary and the surrounding church families. We can’t ever thank you enough. It has been such a joy to hear all of the stories from all of you of the many ways Mom and Dad touched your lives in their 30 plus years of being in this area. We’re not trying to rush away from this.

We are just trying to get Mom into a center that has been highly recommended to us that we believe will be the best for her health and recovery. In fact, we have in our church family in Orlando a young woman who has been through that very center and has recovered from a traumatic brain injury. She has been a huge encouragement to us, along with so many others. So, we are not trying to rush out of New Orleans. Just trying to get Mom toward her next step and the best care possible.

Besides, there is no Copeland’s or Praline Connection or an abundance of scallops (whatever they are) in Orlando. There is Mickey Mouse. Mom and Dad’s home. That brain center. Four of Mom and Dad’s grandkids. And my wife and kids. I miss them a lot. Mom and Dad do, too.

They miss time with Bill and Brenda. They miss eating out together and then chilling on the couch, laughing at some of those outlandish sit-coms Mom likes. Dad misses his shower head. It’s actually pretty cool – like a rain shower. Most importantly, they simply miss each other.

When we were trying to get Mom to talk, I asked her to tell me what she wanted me to tell Dad. She didn’t “speak” it, but she mouthed, “Tell him I love him.”

Dad could get discharged Monday. If he does, it will change a lot schedule-wise and need-wise. It will definitely be a positive, though, at least in one very significant way. Dad will get to see that woman who told me to tell him she loves him. Almost everyday if not everyday. That’d be special.

One thing I wanted to comment on and get some feedback from y’all. Many of you have left comments about the med-flight stuff for Mom. Erik and I really appreciate it. Here’s what we have found out from your comments and from some research over the last few weeks.

Angel Med-Flight is a free air-transportation service for patients who need high-quality medical care that they can’t get to easily. However, from what we understand, patients are required to be able to walk onto the plane and buckle themselves up. We were told by several sources that there is currently not a free flight service for patients who cannot get themselves on and off the plane without significant help. For example, Mom would need to be transported in a bed or stretcher. She would not be able to sit up that long and withstand the inertia of flying.

There are companies who offer this service and try to do so affordably. In fact, we are looking deeply into two options. The case worker from one of those companies is communicating with Mom’s case worker at the hospital, trying to get Mom and Dad’s insurance to pay for it. Also, we are working with an extended family member who has a friend in the med-flight industry. This is a promising situation, and they are offering the service at a fairly low cost. We are looking into both and trying to fully understand each option.

Please pray for us to have wisdom. And, pray for Mom to get remarkably better between now and when her infection resolves. That’s when she would be ready for the med-flight transfer to Orlando.

Thanks again to everyone who has been looking into this stuff with us and for us. It really means a lot. Please comment back with suggestions and helpful thoughts if you have them.

This afternoon will be fun. Dad’s facility gave us a pass again so that I can load him up in the Civic with Caleb and me and take him over to see Mom. I can’t wait!

He is in therapy right now. Two sessions were before lunch. Then a quick lunch. Then two more sessions. He will be tuckered out for sure. We are planning on making an afternoon and evening of it -seeing Mom, then grabbing supper with some family and friends before we bring him back.

Please pray for safety of travel and transfer in and out of the car as we go. Also, please pray that Mom would “say” something to Dad. That would rock the house!!!

By the way, Jen and I were talking last night on the phone about her day yesterday with the girls. She mentioned something that really grabbed me. I am sharing it with you in case it might encourage you, as well. I blogged about it on my blog. Even made a video about it for the girls. If you get a chance, click here to check it out. (http://jasoncdukes.wordpress.com/) Maybe enjoy the pictures, and then watch it again to especially listen to the words of the song. Please pass it on, also, to young women whom you think it might encourage.

I love and appreciate you. Post at you later.
-jason

KOMpray

http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=6686&LanguageID=1709

Be sure to notice the age of the last MK.

KneEmail

Eugene N. Strong
(December 15, 1919 – May 12, 2009)

The picture was not available when I posted Mr. Strong’s obituary.