Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Friday

“Lord, when doubts fill my mind,

when my heart is in turmoil,

quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer”

~Psalm 94:19 LB~


Vacation Bible School will be from 8:30-11:30 June 8-12 at First Baptist Church, Kentwood. Pray now for the children who will attend. Share the time and dates with others who might be interested in attending.


KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray


Prayer requests

“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” Luke 18:16b

Eraser of sin
One day, a man called Mr. B got very sick. He is one of the Moko* (MOH-koh) people of the Pacific Rim. When a Christian worker learned that Mr. B was sick, he went to visit him. The family was friendly and invited the worker into their home, but they were not very interested in hearing about Jesus.

The worker shared stories from the Bible when Jesus healed the sick. Then he encouraged Mr. B to “Call out to Jesus for healing.” Mr. B continued to resist, but he didn’t get better either. Finally one night, Mr. B asked God to help him in Jesus’ name. The next day, Mr. B was sitting up, eating, and feeling a lot better. Mr. B told the worker, “A doctor visited me last night—it was Jesus.”

Mr. B is now reading the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and telling his friends and family the stories. Mr. B calls Jesus the “eraser of sin.”

It isn’t acceptable to be a Christian on Moko Island, and there are no known Moko believers. Mr. B and his family are learning a lot about Jesus but haven’t decided to accept Him as Savior—YET! Please pray for them to let Jesus be their healer, eraser of sin, and Savior. Pray that they will be some of the very first Moko believers.

*people group name changed


MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Pray for Papa, Gramma, and my cousins. God help them not to be sad while we live in Central Asia. JACK, age 6 (Central Asia)

My culture is normal like a typical Americans culture. Please pray for the youth of South Africa. SARAH BETH, age 13 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My best friend from school is hindu please pray for her to believe in God so she can get saved.

Every Sunday we go out to a Zulu Baptist church. The roads are very dangerous and we have had several hi-jackings targeted on us. Where we live is very dangerous. Please pray for our safety when we go out to town and go to tell the Zulu people about God. Please pray for the Zulu people to come to Christ. MARIAH, age 14 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My prayer is for people who don’t know Jesus to know Him. Help us to be safe traveling. Amen. HP, age 10 (East Asia)

Please pray for me and my friend. I don’t really have any Christian friends. KATIE, age 13 (Northern Africa and the Middle East)

I have two best friends in my preschool class. Three times a week, I ride on my mommy’s bike to go to school. My two best friends sometimes come with their moms to visit us or we play at a playground together. My mom talks to their moms and we all eat yummy treats. Now, one of my best friends is 4. He is moving to another class. I will miss him very much. Pray we can still play together and that I can tell him that Jesus loves him too. Pray that I can continue to make good friends in my second language. Jesse, age 3 (Western Europe)

Catherine D. Conerly
(August 7, 1918 – May 28, 2009)

Mrs. Catherine D. Conerly was born August 7, 1918 and passed away at 9:15 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the St. Helena Parish Nursing Home, Greensburg.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

Baptist Press

May 28, 2009

GEORGIA–Ga. to become 1st state with embryo adoption law. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30568

OKLAHOMA–Sex-selection, cloning bans enacted in Oklahoma. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30569

WASHINGTON–Assisted suicide claims 1st victim in Washington. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30570

ILLINOIS–‘Inland hurricane’ gets D.R. from 10 states. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30571

TENNESSEE–SBC seminaries send forth graduates. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30572

MISSOURI–Family of 4 graduates together. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30573

MISSISSIPPI–19 inmates earn degrees at Parchman. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30574

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Richard Land): Justice Sotomayor: more for some, less for others? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30575

VIRGINIA–WORLDVIEW (Erich Bridges): A world without newspapers? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30576

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
A SAN DIEGO minister and his wife claim they were interrogated by a county official and warned they will face escalating fines if they continue to hold Bible studies in their home…
The couple, whose names are being withheld until a demand letter can be filed on their behalf, told their attorney a county government employee knocked on their door asking a litany of questions about their Tuesday night Bible studies, which are attended by approximately 15 people. “Do you have a regular weekly meeting in your home? Do you sing? Do you say ‘amen?” The minister’s wife answered yes. She says she was then told that she must stop holding “religious assemblies” until she and her husband obtain a Major Use Permit from the county, a permit that often involves traffic and environmental studies, compliance with parking and sidewalk regulations and costs that top tens of thousands of dollars. And if they fail to pay for the MUP, the county official warned the couple will be charged escalating fines beginning at $100, then $200, $500, $1000 “and then it will get ugly.”
Dean Broyles of the Western Center for Law & Policy which has been retained to represent the couple, said the county’s actions not only violates religious land-use laws but also assaults both the First Amendment’s freedom of assembly and freedom of religion. “The First Amendment, in part, reads, ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise therefore,'” Broyles said. “And that’s the key part: ‘prohibiting the free exercise.’ We believe this is a substantial government burden on the free exercise of religion.” He continued, “If one’s home is one’s castle, certainly you would think the free exercise of religion, of all places, could occur in the home.”
Broyles confirmed the county official followed through on his threat. He also said that the minister and his wife are continuing to hold Bible studies in their home.
“And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20


Make today special for someone! They will be blessed. You will be blessed even more!

Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

Get your tissues ready!

Dukes

< keep your head up. >
It’s a phrase that brings several memories to my mind. When I would be down from time to time growing up, I can remember looking up into Dad’s eyes when he would say it to me for encouragement. In basketball as a child, I can remember my coach admonishing my friends and me to keep our heads up while dribbling, instead of looking down at the ball, so that we could see what was going on around us. After today, I have a new memory.

My mom keeping her head up in physical therapy.

She struggled to do it. She kept it up with a slight quiver and a noticeable grimace, but she kept it up. Dad and I cheered her on. When we did, she opened her eyes a bit wider and showed us a small half-smile. I took a picture.

Mom really had a good morning. When we got to her facility, her roommate had been moved to another room. We weren’t thankful Mom was alone in the room, necessarily. The other lady had been very, very sweet. She told me every time I was in there she was praying for Mom. However, because of some special needs, she had an oversized bed. Like REAL BIG! Dad could hardly be wheeled into the room, there was such little extra space.

Her bed took up so much room, that the physical therapists had elected to do Mom’s therapy in her bed the last three days, rather than lifting her out of the bed, into the wheelchair, and rolling her down for more in-depth therapy in the training room. We were not pleased with that, because Mom had been making progress. We didn’t want that to slow down, unless something related to her health caused it. So, we asked if they could for sure get her up today. When we got there, they were preparing to come and get her up. Her roommate and her oversized bed had been moved to another room.

The speech therapist came in first. Then, the nurse came in. A bit of speech therapy and some medicine, and the physical therapists came in. Charlotte, the speech therapist, paused her therapy and said she would rather finish it with Mom sitting up in the wheelchair in the training room. She could do more with Mom there. We were cool with that. More is better right now, because Mom seems to be catching some momentum therapy-wise.

They lifted her out of the bed and into the wheelchair with that special lift. Mom seemed kind of sleepy and out of it at first, but she began to awaken as we neared the therapy room. She kept her eyes closed a lot. She mouthed they were dry. We asked for eye drops, which they ordered. In the meantime, they got to working with Mom.

Dad and I sat outside the door watching. It was quite a show.

The physical therapist, Rosalie, got Mom situated and then took turns working with her with Charlotte (the speech therapist). When Charlotte tried to give Mom thickened cranberry juice, Mom didn’t seem to like it much. I told Mom that if she would get all those muscles and systems going again to swallow and talk, I would go get her a Venti Black Iced Tea, sweetened with classic sugar, light on the ice. Charlotte looked up and told me I could go get her one right now, that she would thicken it and give it to Mom.

I headed to get her one. While I was gone, Charlotte plugged Mom’s tracheotomy. When she did, she did talking exercises with her. She got her to say “ahhh” again. And then, she moved beyond “ahhh.” She repeated a few other sounds, while Dad cheered her on. Then, Charlotte asked Mom, “What’s your husband’s name?”

SHE SAID, LIKE MADE THE SOUND THROUGH HER VOCAL CORDS, “Jimmy.”

You can only imagine how much that meant to Dad. To hear her say his name – what a relief to her that word and that sound from that woman!!!

Mom went from there, saying a few sentences. They were muffled, though, so Charlotte nor Dad nor Rosalie could understand what she was saying or asking. They didn’t care. All three were thrilled that Mom had “talked.”

When I returned with the black iced tea (I didn’t get a Venti – Charlotte said she could only have a little bit), they were still chattering with excitement. “Yay Mom!!!” I exclaimed.

Rosalie worked her hard. It was great. I asked Mom several times if she was okay and thankful to be getting the workout. She nodded yes each time. She expressed pain and discomfort from the time to time, but when asked affirmed it as evidence of stiffness, not warning sign of an issue. Rosalie worked her arms and hands and fingers. She worked her toes and feet and legs. Then, she asked Mom to sit up.

Mom couldn’t on her own. She didn’t have the strength. She tried, but she couldn’t. So, we helped her lean forward to sit up straight. At first, Rosalie stretched her forward, leaning her forward with her elbows bearing the weight sitting on top of her legs. She kept her stretched there for a while. Then, she asked her to sit back up straight on her own. Again, Mom tried, but struggled to do so.

So, Rosalie got some help. She put her right foot up in Mom’s chair with her right leg behind Mom’s back. She and her training partner then helped Mom sit up straight, using Rosalie’s leg to lean Mom back and straighten Mom’s back and shoulders up. Then, she worked out Mom’s shoulders, trying to stifle the stiffness with assisted up and down movements. Mom seemed to enjoy it.

She had worked her for a while in that position, when she asked Mom to try staying in that position on her own. Remember – the trainers helped her get in the position in the first place. She’s not there yet to sit up on her own. But, this was a big step! If she could stay in that position once put there, then that meant she could work toward getting to that position on her own. They asked her to keep her head up.

She did.

You can see it in the picture. They then held up her up, letting her rest. They asked her to do it again. She did. They rested her again. They then set her up and asked her to do it one final time for the day. She did. Then, they leaned her back into the wheelchair.

Everyone, including Mom was both exhilarated and exhausted. What a great indication of her progress! We were pumped!!!

They got Mom ready to head back down to her room and lift her back in her bed. We waited with her for a while. She went to sleep. We left for a late lunch.

I am sure Dad has told himself to keep his head up on many occasions since the accident. Today, Mom not only kept her head up, she lifted Dad’s, as well. And mine. And all of yours who love her and have been praying for her continued healing.

Answered prayers everyday. God is so near.

We are going to keep Mom in the LTAC she’s currently in for now rather than moving her. One of the reasons for that decision is due to limitations insurance-wise. Another reason is because they’ve responded to us. They’ve been more communicative and attentive and clean since we communicated our concerns and brought to their attention our frustration about their lack of cleanliness and lazy care. We’ve decided to stick it out to see if the changes stick it out, too.

And we really appreciate the therapists. They have been great all along. They were amazing today, tearing up and cheering like Mom was a part of their family.

Please keep praying for Mom and Dad’s healing. Please pray for Mom’s infections to be eradicated. The meds and the prayers I know are hard at work. Thank you.

I pray that Mom’s progress and Dad’s courage and God’s nearness through all of this inspires you to keep your head up, too. I know it has had that effect on me. That’s an infection worth spreading.

We’ll post at you later.
-jason

Thursday

“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,

But to Your name give glory.”

~Psalm 115:1a, NKJV~

Grady Brecheen is recovering from surgery at home now. Please continue to pray for him.



LESSONS FROM PRISON

These are some of the frivolous lawsuits filed by convicted prisoners across the United States (which are subsidized by taxpayers).

~ An inmate, calling himself a sports fanatic, complained that, as a result of cruel and unusual punishment, he was forced to miss the NFL playoffs — especially the “classic ” between Miami and San Diego, San Diego and Pittsburgh, and Dallas and San Francisco. (Arkansas)

~ An inmate complained because his meal allegedly was in poor condition. He claims his sandwich was soggy and his cookie was broken. (Brittaker v. Rowland)

~ An inmate who murdered five people sued after lightning knocked out the prison’s TV satellite dish and he had to watch network programs, which he said contained violence, profanity, and other objectionable material. (Jackson v. Barton)

~ An inmate sued to be given Reeboks, Adidas, Pony, or Avia hightops rather than the inferior brand sneakers issued by the prison. (Brown v. Singletary)

~ An inmate sued for not receiving his scheduled parole hearing, though he was out on escape when the hearing was to be held. (Young v. Murphy)

~ An inmate sued because he was required to eat off of a paper plate. (Procup v. Strickland, et al)

~ An inmate sued because he didn’t like his mail being stamped in a way that indicated it was being sent from a state prison (California)

~ An inmate who was a murderer sued for $25,000, claiming a “defective” haircut resulted in lost sleep, headaches, and chest pains. (New York)

We get quite a different picture of a prisoner in the New Testament by the name of Paul. While he wasn’t afraid to demand his rights (Acts 22:25; 25:11), neither was Paul one to whine and complain and mope while in prison (and he hadn’t even committed a crime!). Listen to this positive statement which came from Paul’s pen as he sat in chains:

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly….. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” (Philippians 1:12-14, 18b).

This passage is an encouragement to me in those times when it seems that life is treating me unfairly. If Paul could maintain such a positive spirit and joy in the midst of such difficulty, surely I can do the same. There is much to be thankful for!

“Father, help me to truly understand that what matters most in life is not being comfortable, being stress-free, or even being treated fairly. What matters most is that I am living in a way that brings you the glory and draws others around me closer to you. Please help me to do that. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Live today in a way that brings glory to God and draws others closer to Him.

Anna Lee

Wednesday – Midday

Lorraine Schexnayder Hudspeth
(February 24, 1932 – May 25, 2009)

Lorraine Schexnayder Hudspeth

Edward “Ed” Cutrer
(February 3, 1925 – May 25, 2009)


Mr. Edward “Ed” Cutrer a Veteran of WWII, was a recipient of a Silver Star and a Purple Heart, was born February 3, 1925 and passed away at 4:15 a.m., Monday, May 25, 2009 at the VA Medical Center, Biloxi Division, Biloxi, MS. He was 84, a native of Montpelier and a resident of Amite.

Mr. Ed is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bruce E. and Mary D. Cutrer, Amite; a daughter-in-law, Linda “Puddin” Cutrer, Amite; a sister, Mary Rogers, Greensburg; 2 brothers, Joe Cutrer, Greensburg and Ray Cutrer, Chicago, IL; 2 granddaughters, Keeli Cutrer, Amite and Heather Cutrer Koepp, and husband, Geoffrey, Amite; a grandson, Bruce E. “Binky” Cutrer, II, Amite; a great grandson, Garrett Wayne Koepp, Amite: and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John T. and Hazel Redmond Cutrer; wives, Louise Henry Cutrer Murphy and Cinderella “Cindi” King Cutrer; a son, Joe Wayne Cutrer; 2 sisters, Annie Mae Albritton and Myrtle Louise Ficklin; and 3 brothers, Hollis, Walter, and Dewitt Cutrer.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Sunday, May 31, 2009 from 12:00 noon until Religious Services at 3:00 p.m. with Bro Sam Leto officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 1-800-873-6983

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 and Bond Eye Clinic.

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

< being renewed. >
Yesterday (Tuesday), the morning began with me picking Dad up in his truck and crossing the street that they didn’t make it across April 4th. Still a bit surreal every time I cross it. We headed over to get some coffee in the Cafe in the Student Center. I tell you what – so many people (faculty, staff, and students alike) have come into the Cafe to see Dad. It really touches his heart each time.

This morning (Wednesday) we went over to the Seminary cafeteria to grab some regular type breakfast before we stopped by the Cafe to get Dad some coffee. A group of his Orlando students are in town for a workshop this week. They told me that the folks who work for the Seminary guest house have been looking at them funny, because they have been asking about Dad so much. Well, they finally got to see him this morning at the Cafeteria when we went in to grab some of Sheila’s and Ms. Alice’s grits and eggs. It meant so much to Dad. They all gathered around him, like 20 of them, with a look of admiration and support. Very thankful.

Back to yesterday, when the visiting was over in the Cafe and the first cup of coffee for the day had been consumed, we headed to see Mom. When we got there, they were bathing her. We sat in the hall and waited.

When we went in, she was so lively. Still not moving much as a whole, but parts of her body are definitely showing signs of progress – except for turning her head and moving her feet and shifting her legs and slightly lifting her arms and wiggling her fingers (which is AWESOME – more everyday!). She even began to mouth a few full sentences to us yesterday, unprompted. Dad and I focused in to try to read her lips. Here’s what we could discern:

“I need some pain medicine. My bottom hurts.”
“I need to go to the bathroom.”
“Can I get over in a small chair?”

This one she said in the context of needing to go to the bathroom. She didn’t want to go in the bed. Good sign!

Finally, right before we left, she mouthed to us:

“Will you bring me some strawberry ice cream?”

We will deliver some to her today.

We are about to head that way, so I will wrap up. Just giving you an update on the logistics real quick. We should hear today news about moving Mom to another facility here in town. If we can, we will. She is not ready yet for the Brain Injury Rehab Center (the BIRC) in Orlando. They are now very familiar with Mom’s situation, and they are working with us to move toward eventually getting her there. In the mean time, we are trying to stay focused with the medical staff to help Mom’s infections and bedsores resolve. They are really a hold-up for her overall progress. The BIRC confirmed that. Please pray with us for wisdom and for the open door to move her to a facility that we feel like will work with Mom more attentively and strategically.

Dad had been a bit discouraged over the last few days, so I thought it would be fun for us to go for a drive and breathe some fresh air. After we left Mom’s yesterday, we did just that. You can read about it and see some pictures on my blog (click here to visit there). The picture attached to this post is of a steeple that was damaged from the wind and surge from Katrina. The church family is still “renewing” their campus from that storm.

We are thankful that Mom and Dad are being renewed, as well.

I will post at you later. We are about to “walker” Dad out to the truck and cross the river to see Mom. He walked with his walker more yesterday than he rode in the wheelchair. Great stuff! Keep praying. We are seeing prayers answered everyday. Mom mouthing full sentences, for instance. Dad’s heart being refreshed yesterday, for instance.

Thank you.
-jason

Don’t forget to check out Jason’s blog (http://jasoncdukes.wordpress.com/).

Wednesday

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,

that it cannot save;

nor His ear heavy,

that it cannot hear.”

~Isaiah 59:1~


Don Denton

We have spoken with Don’s doctor and she wants us to come back to St. Louis this week. Don will see his neurosurgeon and his neurologist on Friday at Barnes.

His neurologist wants to have another lumbar puncture done again. So, we will head up to St. Louis on Thursday.

I have barely unpacked from our last trip. The good thing is that this is just for a day. We will head back home on Friday too.

We continue to pray that this treatment will be what Don needs and we pray for wisdom and discernment for his doctors.

I will keep you all posted.



Lorraine Schexnayder Hudspeth
(February 24, 1932 – May 25, 2009)

Died at 10:03PM on Monday, May 25, 2009 at her residence in Amite, LA. She was a native of Welcome, LA. Age 77 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment Ferguson Cemetery, Bunkie, LA. Survived by husband, Charles T. Hudspeth, Amite, 2 daughters, Renee Ann Miller and husband, Ivy, Montpelier, Lisa Ann Bateman and husband, Jim, Syracuse, UT, 3 sons, Stephen Hudspeth and wife, Misty, Rosharon, TX, Francis J. Hudspeth, Gray, Charles T. Hudspeth, Jr. and wife, Jewel, Bolivar, 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, Enola James, Neederland, TX, Alice Eaton, Delaware, brother, Irving Schexnayder, Donaldsonville. Preceded in death by parents, Walter and Aimee Schexnayder, 3 sisters, Doris Sigman, Vivian McCready, Gloria Prewitt, brother, Walter Schexnayder.


Edward Cutrer
(February 3, 1925 – May 25, 2009)

Mr. Edward Cutrer was born February 3, 1925 and passed away at 4:15 a.m., May 25, 2009 at the VA Medical Center, Biloxi, MS. He was 84 years.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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 and Bond Eye Clinic.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
AN ANCIENT LEGEND tells of Al Haffed, a wealthy man who owned a large farm…
One evening a visitor related to him tales of diamonds that could be found in other parts of the world. The vision of all this wealth made him feel poor by comparison. so he sold his prosperous farm and set out to find treasure. The search proved fruitless. Finally, penniless and in despair, he committed suicide by jumping into the sea.
Meanwhile, the man who had purchased his farm one day noticed the glint of an unusual stone in a shallow stream on the property. To his amazement he pulled out a huge diamond. Later, when working in his garden, he uncovered more valuable gems. Poor Al Haffed had spent his life traveling to distant lands, seeking for jewels he could have found on the farm he had left behind.
Don’t overlook what you have! Contrast what you are with what you might have been but for the grace of God. (Allen Webster)
“Not that I speak in regard to need,
for I have learned in whatever state I am,
to be content.”
~Philippians 4:11~
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Lord, I have called daily upon You;

I have stretched out my hands to You.”

~Psalm 88:9b~

Mrs. Faye Price continues to have ups and downs at Kentwood Manor. Pray for her and her family. It has been almost six months since she had surgery. As you pray for her, pray for her family as they continue to faithfully assist in her care on a daily basis.



Pray for Tiffany B. Currier, daughter of Sim and Pam Bankston, as she has some serious surgery today in the Atlanta area. I know the family will be most thankful for your prayers.


Walter Green Harper is now in rehabilitation in Hammond. Pray for him as he progresses following surgery.


Jimmy and Retia Dukes

< first meal. >
Dad and Erik and Erin and their kids and I hit the ground running this Monday morning. Well, Dad wasn’t really running. Rolling maybe. But, Erik and his family hit the road to head back home earlier than most college students like to schedule their first class of the day. Pop and I got out of bed about the same time that they left. We got ready, headed to grab some coffee and breakfast, and hit the road across the river to see Mom.

We were up so early for two reasons – we both tend to wake up early like that, and we were scheduled to meet someone from Ochsner hospital here in New Orleans who was evaluating Mom’s “complex case” (as she put it). Windie was a huge help and had a huge heart. She spent quite some time talking with Dad and me, reading through Mom’s chart, talking with the doctors and nurses, reading Mom’s chart, talking with the therapists, reading Mom’s chart, and reading Mom’s chart. Did I mention reading Mom’s chart? It is now an epic piece of literature that rivals War and Peace in length and matches M. Night Shymalan’s works with regard to mystery and complexity. Needless to say, it took Windie a while to read through it.

Over three hours later, she came again to see Mom and Dad and me in Mom’s room. The speech therapist was finishing up with Mom, and Windie didn’t want to interrupt her (having been a speech therapist prior to her current position), so she asked us to step out into the hall. Windie told us that in her opinion, Mom is not ready for “rehab” at this time. She is, rather, in need of some aggressive acute care skilled in progressing Mom to rebound from the various setbacks that have come upon her since being at her current facility. She told us that she would call us with her suggestions later, and that Ochsner could give us a decision on a possible next step for Mom by sometime tomorrow.

We are praying for wisdom and insight, as we are trying to figure out the best next step for Mom. Should she go to more attentive acute care? Is she ready to shift toward more skilled care and therapy? Can she move to Orlando? When do we have the cranium piece replaced? Is that even possible with her current infections and situation? Price Is Right or Seinfeld reruns for Mom’s TV viewing? Important questions as we move forward. At least all but the last one.

Seriously, Dad and I watched a little TV with Mom this morning while we interacted with her. Regis and Kelly. Then, Price Is Right. Then, the beginning of the rescheduled-from-yesterday-due-to-rain-out NASCAR race. She smiled quite a bit during Price Is Right. We have watched that together in the past (before the accident a long time ago), and I always used to make Mom laugh imitating the contestant’s uber excitement. I mean, come on! Six leaps and a knock-down hug over a silver coffee urn that they picked up on clearance at Marshalls because someone (who was fired) hit “20” for quantity instead of “02” when they incorrectly ordered it?

She did light up when I asked her if she wanted me to take her to actually attend the taping of the show when she gets better. Like eyes real wide and a pretty smile and a sweet glance at me. Anyone know Drew Carey? Give us a hook up?

I digress. This isn’t CareyBridge or Caring Is Right, is it?

More fun to report, though. Mom continued to progress some this morning in her speech therapy practice. She didn’t “say” anything, necessarily, but she did mouth some stuff and make a few sounds. She made an “ah” and “buh” and “duh” and “fff” sound. On top of that, Dad and I got her to mouth seven out of eight of her grandkids’ names. The only reason she struggled with one of them, and she did try to mouth it, was because she is struggling to even mouth an “L.” We also got Mom to open her mouth wide multiple times, and we got her to blow three kisses in a row on several occasions.

That is a BIG DEAL, because that’s the way Mom and Dad always depart one another. They say, “I love you,” and lean in and give three straight quick smoochers. I do it to Jen, too. Didn’t mean to at first. Just habit I learned from them I guess. Now we do it from time to time just for fun. I like kissing her, too!!!

Mom held my hand. Not only that, she lifted BOTH ARMS!!! She lifted her right arm with control and moved her fingers. She lifted her left arm with a lot of quivering and slightly gave those fingers an awkward wiggle. Not sure if that was due to lack of strength or a long-term disability. Either way, we’ll take it!

Mom also mouthed several questions unprompted. The speech therapist saw one of them, and she was excited at that.

The therapist’s main goal today was to see how Mom would tolerate eating a little bit of easy-to-chew and easy-to-swallow food. Thankfully, we arrived in time to let the therapist know that Mom is a vegetarian. I can only imagine what Mom would have done if she had tried to stuff a sausage link or a hamburger in there. Oh man. Talk about a setback. Thanks to Jen for reminding us to remind her.

The tray arrived around 11 with some bland red beans and rice (no andouille sausage) and some steamed carrots and some thickened-like-honey sweet tea. The tea was her favorite. The beans – she mouthed, “More salt.” The carrots – couldn’t chew them. Overall, it was a good attempt. Her speech therapist concluded that Mom was not ready to tolerate that kind of meal yet, simply because of the amount of pain it caused. Mom really, really, really tried to chew and swallow it, grimacing the whole time. In the end, it was a fruitless effort.

Chocolate pudding was tried next. Success!!! At least for three bites. So, we will be trying yogurt and pudding and applesauce for “pleasure feedings” for this week. That was the conclusion. I am thinking some strawberry Marble Slab ice cream would be a real pleasure feeding. Maybe I can sneak some of that in.

In the end, her speech therapist concluded that she thinks Mom’s real issue now is her tongue. Her tracheotomy was too big, and they changed that over the weekend. Mom is more comfortable now. It was too big and impeding her vocal and swallowing activity, they determined after a test last Thursday. If you remember, Mom bit her tongue in the accident, and it had to be repaired. That is probably a bit of the issue – still healing AND hasn’t been used in some time. When we asked Mom to stick out her tongue, she grimaced BIG TIME. I asked her if that really hurt. She nodded. SO, pray for her tongue to heal and to strengthen. One of those parts of our body we don’t think much about and take for granted.

As lively as Mom was this morning, she did demonstrate some cognitive and clarity issues. Which is to be expected, by the way. We surely don’t know where Mom will return to cognitively. I am simply trying to give the whole picture.

She is clearly still struggling with processing speech requests. There is often a significant delay between her hearing the command, “Say such-and-such,” and her actually saying “such-and-such.” She at times drops out of interaction and just looks down. You have to repeat things multiple times to get her back into the interaction. Her therapist asked her how many grandkids she has, and she did not answer correctly. She seemed more like herself this morning, though. A continuation from Saturday and Sunday no doubt. Erik and Erin and Dad took such good care of her this weekend.

When we left Mom’s place, Dad and I went to grab lunch and ended up here at Starbucks. I graded some final papers from the college class I teach, and Dad made some phone calls. He just ordered his second cup of coffee (this visit). He had one early this morning, too, remember. That’s really all the update you need on him. That means he is three-quarters of the way back to his four coffees a day. Who cares about the walking stuff.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR MOM AND DAD. Pray for Dad to continue to heal and have strength to get back to walking and moving. Pray for Mom’s mind to continue to heal and gain processing ability. Pray for her tongue and throat and vocals to strengthen. And, I didn’t mention them much, but pray for her two infections to be eradicated by the meds or even healed outright. Pray for her arms and legs and neck to regain strength. And pray for wisdom – for the neuro-surgeons who will decide when to replace her cramium piece and for us regarding facilities and care.

Once again this morning, Dad and I spent some time reading the Caring Bridge Guestbook while we were waiting for Mom to come back to her room from a scan. We were blown away. You all mean so much. Your prayers and notes are HUGE and push Dad forward and make Mom smile. We love you. Thanks for your love.

I will post at you tomorrow.
-jason



Vita Fontana Tomm
(January 19, 1922 – May 22, 2009)

Vita Fontana Tomm

Vita Fontana Tomm, age 87years, a resident of Independence, LA passed away at Belle Maison Nursing Home in Hammond, LA on May 22, 2009. She was the beloved wife of James J. Tomm for 58 years and the mother of Jacqueline Tomm Landry and son-in-law, Kenneth J. Landry, Jr of Metairie, LA. She is survived by two grandchildren, Jaimee Landry Boyd and husband Kenneth S. Boyd of Golden, CO, and Kenneth J. Landry III of Arlington, VA. She has one great-grandchild, Evelynn Vita Boyd. She is preceded in death by her parents, Vito and Josephine Fontana, Two brothers, Jake (Eola) and Roy (Nancy) Fontana and a sister, Carmella Talia (John). Surviving siblings are Nat Fontana (Lydia), Josie Orth (Andrew), Anne Bertucci, (Frank), Rose Ricks (Jerome) , all residing in Metairie,LA and Augustine Taylor (Charles) of Baton Rouge LA . Vita owned and operated Vita’s Beauty Shop for over 40 years. She was a very special individual who had many talents. She was a friend to everyone and always put others’ needs ahead of hers. She had numerous friends and was loved by everyone who knew her. She will be sadly missed by all. The family would like to thank the staff of Belle Maison Nursing Home who provided such special care and love to “Ms Vita” while she resided there. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass officiated by Father Paul Yi. Mass will be at 11 a.m. at Mater Dolorosa Church in Independence, LA on Wednesday, May 27th, 2009. Visitation will be held at the church prior to Mass from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment will be at Colonial Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vital Hospice, 19184 Dr. John Lambert Drive, Suite 101, Hammond, LA 70401 (985-340-3184 or 866-938-4825) or Mater Dolorosa Catholic School, 509 Pine St., Independence, LA (985-878-4295). McKneely Funeral Home of Amite is in charge of arrangements (985-748-7178).



Joseph “J.B.” Gulotta
(June 7, 1938 – May 24, 2009)

Joseph

Died at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2009 at Walthall County General Hospital in Tylertown, MS. He was a native of Independence, LA and a resident of Tylertown, MS. Age 70 years. He was a dairy farmer and later retired as a rural mail carrier out of Independence. He and his wife owned and operated Ellen’s Antiques in Ponchatoula. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Tuesday until religious services at 11 a.m Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Luke Walters. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. Survived by Wife, Mary Ellen Vickers Gulotta, Tylertown, MS, 2 daughters, Deborah Ferrara, Hammond, and Sandra Walters and husband Luke, Zachary, 4 sons, Joey Gulotta and wife, Michelle, Kentwood, Alan Gulotta, Plaquemine, Vick Gulotta, Tylertown, MS, and Chris Gulotta, Sr., Kentwood, 19 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 4 sisters, Mary Vaughn, Prairieville, Diane Navarra, Independence, Shirleen Accordo, Tickfaw, Margaret LeBlanc, Independence, 1 brother, Gerald Gulotta, Independence. Preceded in death by parents, Buster and Eva Gulotta, sister, Charleen Kirkland.


Daniel David “Dan” Larkin
(January 2, 1988 – May 23, 2009)

Daniel David

Daniel David “Dan” Larkin who was very devoted to family & friends, who had a “Servant’s Heart” was always willing to help others, was born January 2, 1988 and went to be with Jesus at 3:50 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2009. He was 21, a native of LaPlace and a resident of Amite. Dan was a proud member of Troop #340 Boy Scouts of America, Amite Chapter were he complete all merits up to Eagle Scout.

Dan is survived by his mother, Sharon Kay Fountain Larkin & father, Harold Steve Larkin, both of Amite; 2 sisters, Brandy Bowman and husband, Preston, Ft. Campbell, KY and Monica Larkin, Amite; a brother, Timothy Larkin, Amite; maternal grandmother, Cleovis Fountain, Destrehan; paternal grandparents, Stella McKenzie, Thornfield, MO and H. H. “Red” Larkin and wife, Roxanne Larkin, Hammond; also numerous nieces & nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Immanuel Baptist Church, 1503 Pecan St., Hammond, LA at 6:00 p.m. with Bro. John Cook officiating.

In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to Amite Chapter #340 Boy Scouts of America.

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

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

Have a terriffic Tuesday. May you see God’s blessing in your life today.

Anna Lee

Monday

“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
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

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.

“…Do this in remembrance of Me…”
1 Corinthians 11:24



I hope this devotional serves as a reminder why we have this holiday. It’s not about BBQ! It’s about honoring those who served our country and helped to provide the freedoms we often take for granted.

Remember the reason for the holiday! Remember what Jesus did too!
Anna Lee

Sunday

As we think about the Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions, the mission trip for our church members to Canada, and the lost people in North America who need to be told about Jesus, I think this verse is very appropriate.

“Finally, brethren, pray for us,

that the word of the Lord may run swiftly

and be glorified,

just as it is with you.”

~2 Thessalonians 3:1~

Dukes

Blowin Kisses

Yesterday about lunch jason dad and I went to see mom. She was very bright and responsive. She moved all extremities some and her usual nodding her head and smiling. The speech therapist came in just after we arrived and she worked with mom some. Dr. Kelley (Ms) and Ms Vanee were with mom and she was actually already getting some speech therapy. Thanks Ms Rhonda you still have it and she has been practicing some this weekend. Thanks also while I am talking to you for thinking of my family’s food needs this weekend. A thanks to Ms Jane Hunter also. (PS Ms Hunter makes the best pork tenderloin and chicken and sausage gumbo on the planet). Anyway my taste buds digress. Ms Kelly taught me some things mom could practice on. The speech therapist had been with mom earlier that day for a swallowing study and she did ok with thick and solid not real well with liquids especially thin liquids. The therapist will feed her on monday. Yeah more progression. She has had a great weekend I asked her to pucker up and blow dad a kiss and she did. It was great she wouldnot do the triple kiss pucker but it will come. She is for sure positively progressing please keep PRAYING!! Erin and I went back last night to tuck her in and she was again smiles and brightness she enjoyed Erin’s chatter and we had a great visit. She got to see Joshua and James Christofer this am. We went early and she was very bright she responded to them and they were pretty unfazed by her condition. They just saw “Grandma”. They told her they loved her and she responded with a smile. We then took them to the zoo and then pop, Erin and I came back to see her this evening and she was again doing great but tired. Erin told her about dad walking over a half mile today in the student center after our trip to the zoo with the boys, and she rolled her eyes! She is in there people! Her personality is intact. Oh yeah we had voodoo barbaque for lunch. The brisket is great but the corn pudding is divine!! It is on St Charles and if you are here you have to try the corn pudding. Anyway, my taste buds again, Mom is progressing. The Infection Np today stated that her blood was clear but she has Pseudomonas in her lungs but it is sensitive to Levaquin which she has been on for a few weeks. She is running a low grade fever so he will check blood cultures. Please pray for her to have peace and hope and strength as God, the one true God, heals her body and mind and restores her to us. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Pray that they will continue to care for her as well as they have the last few days. Pray that we can move her as soon as possible to a better facility.

Dad is doing great he as I said before he walked over a half mile today and would have walked more but did not want to push it. This morning when I went to get him up and ready he had bathed, had breakfast and was dressed waiting on me. He had already done his home exercise program from therapy. He is doing well and will start rehab week after next. Please pray for his patience and peace for him as this painful process plays out, especially with mom. He has started to work and will teach an internet class if it fills in a few weeks. Jason and I have enjoyed this time with our father tremendously. He is so full of wisdom and generous grace.

Thank all of you for your kindness to us. Thanks to Sandi Byrd for keeping our boys this weekend twice so Erin could go with dad and me to see mom. Thanks for the random starbuck’s cards and other food cards. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers even people we have never met who stop us in the mall or pull over and get out of the car and introduce themselves to just say they are praying for mom an dad. The church being the church is how we were intended to live. I am challenged to slow down be controlled and be the church in every way I can. Thanks for the challenge and keep it up.



Dentons

Well as you can see I am up very late. Just a quick update. Joshua and I have been at the ER at Cox South from about 8pm this evening till 2am this morning when we all arrived back home.

Don has been more unstable with his walking since he got back from Barnes. And this afternoon Don fell and hit his head on the nightstand.

After talking with a Barnes doctor we took Don down to Cox South for CAT Scan. Don is OK.

We firmly believe that one of Don’s new meds is causing this kind of reaction. We will talk with his neurologist on Monday to see about getting off of this med or changing it.

So, all three of us are exhausted. I am going to bed.

Please pray for Don that we can get this resolved, which I believe we will be able to.

We were so hoping to be in church tomorrow for the first time in a long time. I have so needed to be there. We are going to miss being there again.

We are so thankful that the fall did not injure Don. And hopefully come Monday we will be able to do something about this medication.

I will post soon.
Diane



Baptist Press

May 22, 2009

IRAQ–Chaplain conveys hope in the face of tragedy. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30545

MISSISSIPPI–Trustees affirm NAMB’s ‘crucial’ role in SBC. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30546

COLORADO–101 new missionaries appointed in Denver. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30547

TENNESSEE–Baptist Press, SBC media receive awards. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30548

TENNESSEE–Study called slanted regarding pro-homosexual mainline clergy. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30549

TENNESSEE–MARRIAGE DIGEST: Same-sex laws jeopardize religious freedom, experts say; … http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30550

TEXAS–School district upholds Bible distribution. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30551

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Sara Horn): Remember the sacrifices you don’t always see. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30552

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): Signs of hope. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30553




LOVING SOMEONE YOU CAN’T STAND

Doctor: “I see you’re over a month late for your appointment. Don’t you know that nervous disorders require prompt and regular attention? What’s your excuse?”

Patient: “I was just following your orders, Doc.”

Doctor: “Following my orders? What are you talking about? I gave you no such order.”

Patient: “You told me to avoid people who irritate me.”

Unfortunately, we don’t always have the option of avoiding people who irritate, people who hurt us, people who offend us. In fact, sometimes those who irritate us the most are found right in our home (or in our church building). So how should we deal with them?

Milton Jones has written a wonderful book entitled “How to Love Someone You Can’t Stand” which I highly recommend (you can find it at Amazon.com). In this book, Jones lists six godly principles which are derived from Romans 12:

(1) Manage Your mouth — Bless and don’t curse (Rom. 12:14)

(2) Put yourself in the other person’s place and try to understand their feelings, thoughts and position (Rom. 12:15)

(3) Never, never, never take revenge (Rom. 12:17)

(4) Plan ahead to do something beautiful (Rom. 12:17)

(5) Don’t just win the war, win the peace (Rom. 12:18)

(6) Make room for God (Rom. 12:19)

The bottom line is that we do not overcome evil with evil by retaliating and seeking to “get even”. The only way to overcome evil is with good (Rom. 12:21). It is never easy to respond to those who do us wrong in a way that is godly, but it is only by following the example of Jesus Christ that we can truly have an influence on the world around us.

“But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps…” (I Peter 2:19-20)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Pray for holiday travelers and holiday activities.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“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

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)


Joy Forbes Sanders

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)

Thomas H. Anthony

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
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
THREE PEOPLE WERE visiting the Grand Canyon — a painter, a preacher, and a cowboy…
Looking over the massive canyon, each one verbalized his observation:
“Incredible!” the painter said. “I’d love to paint a picture of this!”
The preacher waved his arms and cried, “Glory! Look what God has done!”
The cowboy exclaimed, “I’d sure hate to lose a cow down there!”
What do you see when you look at your situation? An illustration of God’s handiwork, or just someplace to lose a cow? (Stan Towler)
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,
whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report, i
f there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—
meditate on these things.”
Philippians 4:8
Rain or shine, make the most of this day the Lord has provided for us.
Anna Lee

Friday

“Rejoice always,

pray without ceasing,

in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18~

Grady Brecheen’s surgery went wll yesterday morning. He will be hospitalized for about a week before he is released to come home. Please keep him in your prayers.

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

Infant Mary-Margaret Hendry

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 Travis, 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.

Donald Ray “Donnie” Fairburn
(August 10, 1958 – May 21, 2009)

Donald Ray “Donnie” Fairburn was born August 10, 1958 and passed away at 5:30 p.m., May 21, 2009 at his residence in Denham Springs. He was 50, a native of Covington and former resident of Amite. He is the son of Mrs. Evelyn Cox Crawford of Denham Springs the late Bobby Lee Fairburn, Sr.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, May 22, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, May 23, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. until Religious Services in the Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Walter Mixon officiating. Interment in the Allison Cemetery, Folsom, LA.

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.

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, Shannon Sanders, Ricky Sanders and Blane Sanders; 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.

Don Denton

If you are not up for a long read, you may want to bypass this one:

I wanted to update you all. Don is getting stronger everyday. He started back with physical therapy. Our physical therapist is Dot H. at SBU. She is helping Don now since our insurance company is no longer paying for much needed physical therapy.

Our insurance company is changing as well and we will have to meet our “out of pocket” all over again this year. This means twice in one year. It is such a hard hit when there is a catastrophic event such as ours.

Now that this is out of the way. We are so glad to be home from the hospital again. Don is making strides. WE are hoping to see changes in the way of his dizziness; the medication he is on will have one more week before we can tell if there is a difference.

Joshua is readjusting to routine again as well. He seems to be doing well with this.

I can’t believe summer is almost here. This first five months of this year have been met with hospital stays each month. We are also praying that this was the last hospital stay for Don. He so wants that too.

Since late winter Don, Joshua and I have been dreaming about this summer and what we would do. We have hoped to go to Texas to see my sister in law Lynn and brother. She herself has battled four occurrences of cancer. She is a special aunt to Joshua. We have dreamed of taking a camping trip and hiking again. All of these are losses we have to work through. Hopes and dreams each of us live for as a family that come to a hault. And my dream of a big vegatable garden this year, which is theraputic for me. All of these dreams are places we are having to “let go”. I have a choice in what I am going to do with this. So a new way of looking at our life has come about and it is a good thing.

Now I find myself talking with Josh about ” our first lemonade stand” in our driveway this summer with Joshua. He is so excited. He can’t wait till he has his first lemonade stand. I just love it. I love the wonder in Joshua eyes and his “happy go lucky” skip he has when he walks. He is a delight to us. God is so good to us. And in the “big picture” this is what life is about. Life with each other and relationships. Not living on what it could have been, but what is right here and now.

And Don, he is an amazing person to watch. He continues to push through the challenges that face him each day. I am amazed at his character and his patience. I have never experienced someone in my life that has the determination to rise above this terrible disease as best as he can to “be present” with Joshua and myself.

As I have said many times, this very hard event in our life has brought the worst and the best out in me. It is a ever present reminder of how I have to “come to and end of myself” each day. Letting go of what was and learning to take on a new way of life for us has it’s challenges.

Loss and waiting are my two least favorite places to be in my life. All I can say is that God is full of grace and mercy. I don’t deserve God’s grace or mercy. Yet, I know it is there for me. I have been faced with more challenges and obstacles than I could have ever imagined.

But the one Constance is that we are a family and God IS with us. We have each other. Don is with us! And in that I give thanks to God! It could be so much worse.

I have to learn to quit complaining. Some days I just feel so sorry for myself. So pray for me in this way.

It is easy to fall into the pattern of “being a victim”. What a test for me. I hate tests! Don’t we all. I was rushing to get in my car this morning…as I am house watching a friends home, taking care of her garden, cat, fish and snail. And it came to me. I don’t like my life right now. And this small voice said….look at what you have! It is everything you ever wanted. It is so true. We have everything we could have ever imagined barring this illness and the unbelieveable medical bills. That part of it we could do without. Perspective helps me to see the big picture.

Well I have rambled on again. As you can see, when I don’t write for days, I then write a book. Sorry for the length of this one.

Thank you dear, dear precious ones in Christ. Thank you for your love and steadfast prayer for Don, Joshua and I. We are most grateful to you.

My email address has changed: dianed4@windstream.net

Bless you
Diane

Thanks to all who purchased tickets for the fish dinner. You’re helping a team go to Canada next month for a mission trip. They will be doing VBS, sports camp, revival, etc.

There is a bloood drive tomorrow at FBC. Call the church office today for more information.

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee