Wednesday Evening

Update on Don: He amazingly got out of bed about 6pm yesterday evening and ate some soup and applesauce. His headache pain is somewhat less as well.

I continue to be amazed at Don’s comebacks. We have spoken to neurosurgeon office, and neurologist. We are going to “stay the course”, unless Don takes a turn for the worse.

Don’s nurosurgeon is on vacation until Monday. We want him to do the surgery.

We are taking the taper a little slower. Don will not go down today to 2.5. We are going to keep him on 5mg. a few more days. We don’t want a relapse to happen on the weekend.

Your prayers for Don are incredible with what has happened and Don rebounding some.

He still has symptoms of relapse but they are not to the point where he needs to go to the ER.

We now have a plan in place if Don were to relapse. I have some people ready to help with Joshua.

I have had offers as far as Santa Barbara Ca. to help with childcare and support.

Thank you precious believers of God. for coming to our rescue. Thank you for reaching out to us. Thank you for your love and care.

Here we are at 7 months and feeling pretty weary again. Needing to lean on you all the more. Thank you for continuing to be” Christ” to us. We are so grateful to you!

I will post again later this evening to update you on Don’s condition.

Bless you





Jimmy and Retia Dukes


Just a quick story. I will update on Mom and Dad’s conditions and potential transfer tomorrow, because there is not any new information

at this time. Right now, I wanted to simply share a story with you that gives a good indication that Dad is returning to himself.

The new daily routine since last Friday is as follows:
6:15 / 6:30 – hit snooze.

6:40 – hop in the shower and get ready. Grab a Pop-Tart and some water (oh yeah – take my Juice Plus) and head to the hospital. Stop at Starbuck’s on the way to get Pop some coffee.

7:30 / 8:00 – arrive at the hospital with a tall Decaf for Pop to sip through a straw. Ask the nurse about how he did through the night.

8:30 – mix up Pop’s oatmeal and yogurt and feed him breakfast.

9:00 – therapy comes in to transfer Pop to the potty chair.

9:30 – clean up from the potty chair experience and shift Pop into either the wheel chair or a reclining chair in the room.

10:00 – go down to visit Mom. You can visit in the ICU of University Hospital at 10, 1, 5, and 8 for 30 minutes. I go down, and Pop has been going down about every other day since last Wednesday (a week ago) according to how he feels. I think he appreciates the chance to roll around in the wheelchair. I know he appreciates the chance to see Mom.

11:00 – help Pop get back into bed and get him whatever he needs and chat or answer phone calls for him or meet with people about logistics.

12ish – get Pop ready for a nap, leave to grab lunch, stop to get coffee, update the Caring Bridge site, and iChat with the family when I can.

about 3:00 – arrive back in Pop’s room with a “Double-Tall, Decaf, Non-Fat, No-Whip, One-Splenda Latte.” He sips it through a straw. That still makes me smile every time I write it or think about it. He hates straws. I get him or do for him anything he wants. We chat and are quiet together until about 5. Sometimes I empty his pee bottle.

5:00 – go see Mom again. Each time I visit, I tell her about her husband, her sons, her daughter-in-laws, and her grandchildren. I usually play her some messages I have on my phone from friends and from the kids. I try to sing her a song I know she likes. And I pray over her that God would let me look into her brown eyes again.

5:30 – give Dad a report on Mom. We talk about what his hankering is for supper. Then, I go grab a bite myself and bring him something back before the 8:00 visiting time for Mom.

7:30 / 8:00 – bring Pop food back. Guys hanging with me since we started this routine (and my wife one of the evenings she was here) usually feed Pop supper while I go see Mom.

8:40 – give Pop a report on Mom and get him ready for bed. We recap the day, look ahead at the day tomorrow, and I kiss him on the forehead. I am thankful to look into his brown eyes and tell him how much I love him.

9:30 – walk out to the car and head back to the apartment at Seminary. I usually call Jen on the way back, cause I like to hear her voice. I plop on the couch around 10 and watch Sports Center highlights before hitting the hay.

One night, I watched “Yes Man” – the Jim Carrey movie. Not only did it keep me up too late and make me even more tired the next day, but it just wasn’t that funny. I could have watched the trailer on YouTube. It would have had the same comedic effect. My advice to all of you – say NO-MAN to “Yes Man.”

Anyway – I wrote all that to give you the context for last night’s trip out to the French Quarter to capture Pop’s hankering and provide satisfaction for his particular evening hunger. I am about to, right now, drop off Bruce Young at the airport to return home from being here with me. Thanks, again, Bruce. It meant a lot to have you here.

Well, Bruce and I left Pop to go get a bite ourselves and bring him back what he wanted. We stopped at The Praline Connection. It is my favorite restaurant in the universe. A little hole in the wall on the far east side of the French Quarter just before the Quarter blends back into the urban-sprawl of the city. It is a soul-food restaurant with amazing red beans and rice, sweet tea, and sweet cornbread. And lots of other stuff, including the best pralines anywhere.

Near the end of the meal, I Google-Mapped “scallops” on my phone. About 12 restaurants came up in the downtown area. One call after another, I was told, “We don’t serve scallops right now.”

Now, I have to admit something that I am a bit ashamed to admit. I don’t even know what a scallop is. I couldn’t tell you. That’s really sad isn’t it? Especially considering I grew up here. Nonetheless, it was what Dad specifically requested. Some scallops cooked in lemon-butter. Since he was the one who got hit by an SUV, I thought he deserved whatever he had a hankering for, even if it meant driving to Baton Rouge.

11 phone calls later, Bruce and I weaved our way through the one-way streets of the Quarter trying to find The Pelican Club. They had scallops, and they said it wouldn’t take but a minute to make them.

Bruce circled the block, while I went in. Eventually, he parked cause we were low in gas. I say eventually, because it didn’t take just a minute to fix them.

That’s okay, though. Here’s why. I walked in and walked up to the bar, as I had been instructed to do by the person who answered their phone. Michelle, the bartender, brought me a menu. I told her I simply wanted some scallops to go. She said, “You are the one who called. We don’t normally do to-go orders.”

I interrupted her. I didn’t want the next statement to be, “So sorry. I don’t think we are going to be able to help you.”

I pulled the sob-story card out. I know, shameless right? Seriously, I told her, “I promise I am not trying to give you a sob story. I just want to give you the context for my to-go request for a delicacy like scallops” (whatever they are). “Mom and Dad were visiting town for some meetings, and they were struck by a car while crossing the street. Mom is in a coma. Dad is recovering from multiple fractures.”

As soon as I said it out loud, two thoughts came. One – what was she thinking about what I just said? Two – I just said that – my mom and dad were hit by a car. It is still a bit surreal to me at times. Especially when I step away to write. Writing is how I normally process and express. I am thankful for the chance to do it.

Anyway, she asked, “Are you serious?”

I said, “Yes. I am here, because my Dad just wants some scallops. I need to take them back to him in the hospital.”

Compassion was apparent. She told me she would ask the chef to do something special, since the only scallops they had on the menu was an appetizer with the word “artichoke” in it. I think Dad likes artichoke, but maybe not with scallops (whatever they are). She told me she would ask the chef to do some scallops in lemon-butter, a side of their special corn dish, and some grilled veggies. I really didn’t care about the sides. Pop has not been eating that much food. But, I was very grateful to Michelle for working with me on this one. She placed the order.

About 20 minutes later, I was walking out to meet Bruce and the car with a make-shift to-go sack of scallops (whatever they are), a special corn side, some grilled veggies, and some bread. VICTORY!!!

When I walked into Dad’s room, it smelled like a seafood restaurant. The smile on his face when he looked up at me was all the thanks I needed. Bruce had headed up with the delicacy to feed Pop, while I went in to say good-night to Mom.

It was good to see Pop more like himself. It was good to give him something he wanted right now, rather than the many things that he was dealing with positively but certainly didn’t want.

I will let you know tomorrow what the word is on Mom and Dad’s transfer to a long-term acute care facility. I will hopefully be telling you something about Mom waking up. I hope so. I pray so. She did open her eye briefly again today – her left one again. I am thankful.

Your prayers mean so much.

-jason









Norman Travis is in Lallie Kemp hospital and is in ICU with Poison in his kidney’s and is taking dialisas for this. Also his blood is too thin and they are concerned about this as well.
Norman Travis’ dad was Dennis Travis of Kentwood and His mom Pearl Dykes is from Roseland.

Faye Carney


I’m posting this obituary again because it now includes a photo of Mr. Sanford. I’m sure many of you know him from his years in education and/or church.

William Sanford Hyde
(October 24, 1926 – April 20, 2009)

William Sanford Hyde

U.S. Veteran Died at 12:50 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2009 at his residence in Chesbrough, LA. He was a native of Chesbrough, LA, a retired teacher, and a U. S. Army veteran of WWII. Age 82 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Gary Wieborg. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. Survived by his 4 daughters and 2 sons-in-law, Beverly “Tinker” and Robert Carroll, Erwinville, Brenda Hyde, Chesbrough, Julie and James Holton, Wilmer, Katherine Schultz, Chesbrough, 2 sons and daughters-in-law, William Dale and Carolyn Hyde, Wilmer, John and Leslee Hyde, Chesbrough, 1 sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and J.B. Crain, Roseland, numerous granchildren and great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife and mother of their children, Lyra Lawrence Hyde, parents, Frank and Zoe Hyde, daughter, Violet Darlene Hyde, brothers, Huey Hyde and Douglas Hyde, wife, Mary Louise Osborn Hyde.




Julia W. Brown
(November 6, 1931 – April 22, 2009)

Died at 2:14 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. She was a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 77 years. Arrangements are entrusted to McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood.

Wednesday

“Blessed be God,

who has not turned away my prayer,

nor His mercy from me!”

~Psalm 66:20~

I think this is one of the Scriptures Becky Lindsey and I are claiming this morning. Others are too. Read Becky’s update below.


Scott Lindsey

Just a word of praise! Scott came home on last Thursday. He is walking and talking. We were not given much hope for him to survive much less to be fuctioning at the level he is at. He is literally a walking, talking miracle. Scott has regained his long term memory and is slightly struggling with his short term memory. He continues to have some left sided weakness. We have faith that he will continue to improve. At our family conference with the medical team last week, we were advised that he is currently at 80% of his previous level of function.

Miracles happen through our faith in Jesus Christ. We truly believe that he is here today because God has a special purpose for him. Although we do not know what that reason may be, we are certain we will know soon. Prior to the surgery he was in EMT School with plans to go on to be a Flight Paramedic. He now wants to become a Registered Nurse and work in a Critical Care Unit.

We will see his Neurosurgeon on Thursday to schedule his surgery to have his right bone flap put back in. He had a Crainiotomy to allow the brain to swell without damaging the tissue during the critical days. It is now time for the surgery to replace his bone flap. The doctors froze his flap and will be replacing it soon.
The progress of modern medicine continues to amaze us.

Thank you all for your prayers. They have truly made a difference in our lives. Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

The Lindsey’s

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
THE ISRAELITES OF old, failed to “mix” their hearing of God’s word with faith (Hebrews 4:2)…
Did they believe in God’s existence? Yes.
Did they believe that God had promised them Canaan? Yes.
Did they believe in God enough to do what they were told? No!
Their faith was not obedient and, as a result, they were not allowed to enter their land of rest (Hebrews 4:3-6). The point is clear. If we want to enter heaven, our land of rest, we must do otherwise (Hebrews 10:39). Remember, Jesus is the “author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9). (Dan Winkler)
For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:

“ So I swore in My wrath,
‘ They shall not enter My rest,’”
although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.” Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience (Hebrews 4:3-6).

Have a wonderful Wednesday. Claim a Scripture for your day!

Anna Lee


Tuesday Evening


Momma is much better and at home. The improvement in her health has been dramatic! Thank you for your prayers for her and for the rest of the family.



Don Denton

Don is not well. He is in the process of a relapse. He can no longer eat. We are pushing the fluids. His headache pain is worsening.

He does not have a bladder infection. His inflamation is increasing the doctors believes. This will get allot worse before it gets better.

The doctors want us to “stay the course”, Don is in bed all the time now. Our signal to go to ER is when he can no longer tolerate liquids, seems dehydrated or his pain increases.

They want to wait as long as possible before the biopsy. This means we need to make this to Saturday.

Pray, Pray, Pray.

I am looking for help. I may need backups in case Don were to get sicker in the middle of the night. I have someone that can come right now.

I then would need someone to drive Josh to St. Louis or to Cox South when Don is transported to St. Louis. Call me on my cell if you can come in the middle of the night just in case my first perosn can’t. My cell: 417-399-8520.

Pray that Don can make it to Saturday.


Jimmy and Retia Dukes

WOW! It’s been busy. Quick note on me – Jen and Ella and Jen’s sister Lindsey flew home Monday morning. I so appreciated

them coming up. I can’t tell you how much the time with Jen meant to me and encouraged my heart. She is my wife and friend and encourager. She means more to me than I can ever say. I so miss her and the kids. Thanks for coming up babe.

I also am very thankful that Bruce Young, a close friend from our church family back home, flew up yesterday morning to hang until Wednesday afternoon. Thanks so much Bruce.

Like I said, it’s been busy yesterday and today. Mostly from meetings and phone calls about insurance and next steps for transferring Mom and Dad and insurance and logistics about the accident and touring the hospital they will like go to next and insurance and insurance. Did I mention insurance? Yeah – thankfully a family friend named Don is helping Erik and Uncle Danny and me wade through all the logistics. Thanks Don.

Visitors keep coming to see Mom and Dad. People keep calling. Folks keep messaging on Caring Bridge and Facebook and Twitter. Emails keep coming in. Dad seems encouraged today. The Seminary family has been continuing to provide food and an apartment and even washing my clothes. Thanks to the Seminary family (especially Mrs. Betty Lynn and Mrs. Carol for washing my clothes 3 times now).

Dad is in good spirits. As long as his mind is moving and he knows there’s progress being made with Mom and with their next steps, he is good. He certainly hurts each time he sees Mom. We wheeled him down again today. He spoke to her. He loves her so. I can’t imagine.

I am still torn up inside when I think about how it would feel to see Jen lying there in a coma after 10 years of marriage, much less 49.

He was telling me the other day about two aspects of their relationship that are special to him. Mom’s security and Mom’s humor. She has a distinctive laugh, and doesn’t take things too seriously. Her smile is beautiful and infectious. She knows how to make Dad smile and feel loved. He told me of long car trips filled with laughter as they listened to comedy on XM radio.

He also mentioned times of silence. You may know those times. I hope you do. When someone is secure enough in their relationship with you to simply be there. To simply sit with you. Maybe a reflective word from time to time. But mostly a warm and intimate and sincere and comforting and secure presence. He mentioned to me those same long car trips that also included silence. Not the cold, separated-but-right-here-next-to-you kind of silence. The that’s-my-wife-and-best-friend-who-loves-me-no-matter-what kind. The good kind.

Dad lights up when his therapists come into the room. They work with him with movements of two kinds. Movements from bed to wheelchair to potty chair and back to bed, and movements while on the potty chair. Which are still going well. And that’s a big deal when you are stuck in the hospital :o)

I am personally confused about Mom right now. Erik and my wife encouraged me to listen to the doctor, but I have gotten conflicting reports both yesterday and today.

The neuro-surgeon told me this morning that Mom is ready to be shifted from ICU to a long-term acute care center. He said she is progressing and making baby step improvement. The charge nurse last night told me that Mom’s condition right now is “not good” and she will probably need more time. The charge nurse this morning told me she is doing “poorly” and fighting off two infections.

The doctor Erik and I have been talking to who oversees her overall care in the ICU (and whom we trust a lot) told me this morning that Mom is doing “fair.” She is battling two infections, but they are minor. She is ready to be in long-term acute care, and in fact would probably be better off there. She is strengthening in her basic responses to voices and movements, even though they are very small progressions, and she is still in a coma. She said it seems hopeful, though.

Let‘s go with the last person’s assessment. That doctor who has been realistic with us the whole time.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers. Mom really needs it to fight these infections, even though they are “minor” according to the Doctor. Please pray for her protection, and for Dad’s protection, too, since he is seeing her at least once a day now. Please pray for wisdom for us with regard to all the logistics. And please pray for more of that time together for Mom and Dad…soon.

Erik and I love you all. Dad is more than appreciative for your words and prayers. He tears up every time we talk about it.

Hopefully tomorrow when I update, we will know where Mom and Dad will transfer to next and what the next steps are for Mom’s treatment with the infections. I will let you know.

-jason

Tuesday

“There’s far more here than meets the eye.

The things we see now are here today,

gone tomorrow.

But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”

~2 Corinthians 4:18 MSG~

Pray for Chance O’Hern while he is hospitalized this week. Pray for Alice as she stays with him and makes decisions.


Pray for my family as we continue to search for a diagnosis of Momma’s problems.



Don Denton

Tomorrow will be Don’s last day on 5mg. He will start 2.5 on Wednesday and will be completely off of the steroids this weekend. Yes!

Today has been a difficult day in that he is very tired, and more headaches today. Tonight he was not able to eat much at all and he was not able to eat lunch earlier as well.

On a positive note I believe that he is going to make it to this weekend. We then will keep praying that he can make it to surgery week. His admit date at Barnes-Jewish is May 4th. They will do further testing including an MRI to look at comparisons. And then sometime that week they will do the biopsy.

This Thursday is our wedding anniversary. I can’t tell you what this means in so many ways. Last October I did not think I would see this day. Although Don is too weak to go out and celebrate or do the usually things we would do to celebrate our anniversary, it does not matter.

This kind of event in ones life changes everything. Perspective on what is important changes too. Someone asked me today how has this changed me. There is allot to be said about that, but most important is that we have each other. We celebrate how far we have come and the journey together. WE will also celebrate the past, the now and our future together. It is a good thing in the Denton house that we can celebrate and we have so much to be thankful for.

It would be so nice to have some time to get away but I believe that day will come for us.

Don’s doctor up in St. Louis said he has only had one patient not relapse. I believe he is going to have to add Don to that list. Yes!

Just a note about the cat and then important prayer requests.

Funny thing, Saturday night the fire assistant chief called me. I had left a message about getting advice on getting a cat down from the tree.

This man came out to our house. He himself climbed up in our tree and coaxed the cat down with him and it took an hour. I was amazed.

I asked him why would he do this. He said he loves animals. He loves kids more. He lost his first child at a very young age. He now has a little girl. When he heard this was our son’s favorite cat, he could not say no. I just love how God reminds me that knows the number of hairs on our head. He knows everything. God celebrates his creation and he takes delight in us. Nothing is too small to God.

Please pray:

Don”s body will adjust to being off of steroids
and he will not be in allot of pain.

Pray that he will be able to eat.

Pray that he can make it to May 4th admit date.

Pray for Joshua. He knows his daddy is getting weaker. He can see it.

Pray that I will have the wisdom to make the right choices when it comes to questions, etc. with the doctors.

Please pray that I will have the wisdom and discernment to keep persistant with fighting the insurance company, that is how it feels. It in and of itself is a full time job.

One more big thing, Don needs this medication for nausea. The doctor has upped the dosage from 4mg to 8mg. to help him. The insurance company will only pay for 12 per RX. I think that is every 7 days. This makes it so difficult for Don. I have called and the doctors have called and the insurance company refuses to pay.

This makes me so mad and sad. I am furious that an insurance company can get away with dictating course of treatment. And sad that Don knows this an so he holds out on taking his medication. I so want to write a book when all of this is said and done. I don’t understand how this can happen in our country.

I am going to call the insurance company again, tomorrow and insist that they put it in writing to me that they will not cover what Don needs. If I have to I will take this further. The reason they would not pay for him to have more , is that he is not pregnant. Yep. That is correct.
This medication is for nausea and used for women who are pregnant and other uses too. The time it takes to do this kind of legwork, can be overwhelming. So pray for me too. I need it.

On a good note, I can see the end in sight and we are praying that Don can make it to the May 4th date.

I can see where prayer is working in a miraculous way. I have more hope and I believe we are going to find answers and that this will be treatable.

Bless you our family and friends.
Diane

Associational VBS Workshop at FBC, Kentwood tonight at 6:30.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
THERE ARE AT least three levels of listening:
1. No listening or nonlistening: This person has no awareness of the need to listen or to use a set of skills related to listening. He is not hearing impaired, so he believes he is a listener.
2. Focused listening: This listener is the type you do in polite conversation. The listener looks at the speaker with interest and doesn’t interrupt him. Most people prefer to speak, so focused listening is greatly valued and appreciated.
3. Active listening: This type of listener will paraphrase or summarize what the other is speaking and it helps the speaker feel more deeply connected. This type of listening fosters trust, communicates caring, and invites open dialogue. Also it can clarify miscommunication and resolve conflict. (Dallas and Nancy Demmitt)
“So then, my beloved brethren,
let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak,
slow to wrath.”
James 1:19
Haven’t you heard that God gave us two ears and one mouth?
Thanks so much for praying for the needs listed each day. You mean so much to so many.
Anna Lee

Monday

“But certainly God has heard me;

He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”

~Psalm 66:19~

Ora Lee Wilson shared that Dwayne’s niece will have surgery this summer. The doctors have determined passing out had nothing to do with the tumor. It was God’s way to get the family to take Annie Ford to the doctor while there was still plenty of time!


Majel Dean said Jesse’s sister, Patsy, is home, but still in need of our prayers.


Betty Simpson asked for prayer for Kay Simpson who was schedule to have surgery.


Please continue to pray for Mrs. Faye Price and her family. “Miss” Faye still has many health issus that are being addressed daily.


My mother, Dot Smith, continues to have tests done. Some problems are being addressed already. She will be better when the issues are all identified and addressed. Thank you for praying for her and for us as we take turns sitting with her.


Please add Rae Baker and her family to the prayer list. She has been in hospice and they have called the family to be with her. Thank you very much. Pam (Sellers)

< Pop saw Ella >
Yesterday afternoon, my wife, Jen, and her sister, Lindsey, and my youngest child, Ella, flew into town to see Mom and Dad and me for two days. I had dropped Chris off at the airport Saturday morning and headed in to be with Dad and Mom. Thanks to Chris for coming up to just be here with me. He was a huge help to me as well as with Mom and Dad.

I was excited, to say the least, to see Jen. We have not been apart from each other this long since we were married over 10 years ago. It was amazing to see her and Ella and Linds (or Dindy as her nieces and nephew call her). They flew in and we went straight to the hospital.

We don’t recommend bringing a four-month-old into a hospital, especially a trauma-care hospital. We typically avoid any medical facility when our kids are below a year old anyway.

But this was different.

Pop has teared up every time we have talked about Erik’s kids and my kids. He and Mom have been blessed with 8 grand-kids. Wow – when we all get together, it is a blast. Mom and Dad moved to Orlando about 21 months ago now, and they have become a daily part of my family’s life. Mom and Jen have become more than in-laws, and Mom means more to Jen than just the sweet “Ammaw” that helps with her grandkids. They have become friends. Jen misses her so. And the kids run to the door when Pop shows up, too.

That’s why this was different. We wanted Pop to see his little Ella. We wanted him to bask in the sunshine of her budding personality. And he did.

She loves his voice. Who doesn’t? His voice is soothing, inspiring, firm, and tender all at the same time. And when he speaks, Ella is captivated. Pop’s heart welled up to see Ella. He teared up when Jen leaned over to give an I-don’t-want-to-hurt-you hug. It meant a lot.

They don’t let babies in the ICU, or we would have taken her in to see Mom. Jen and Lindsey got to see her, though.

It is not easy seeing her right now. It wasn’t easy for them. You can tell it’s Mom. However, with the swelling and the tracheotomy and the shaved head and her beautiful, brown eyes closed, it makes you miss her even more.

She did open her eyes again while they were in there. Only for a brief moment, but she opened them.

I spoke with her doctor last night. He assured me that her opening her eyes for us yesterday, as well as the one time Mom opened her eyes for him earlier yesterday, was a very, very positive sign. What will determine how significant it was (whether it was a small response or just a reflex) will be if she continues to do it.

She did.

This morning, Jen and I were at her bedside, and she opened her left eye again. We had been talking to her, and she coughed up some stuff into the tube of her tracheotomy. We asked the nurse to suction the tube. When she did, Mom opened her left eye from the commotion. We hope it wasn’t just a reflex. We hope that she was taking a peak at who it was disturbing her, poking a tube down her throat and suctioning gunk out. We hope she was responding, even if it was, “Who am I gonna knock out for making my throat hurt after I wake up from this mess?” Any response – we’ll take it. She opened that left eye and peaked out.

We told her we love her so much. Jen has been watering Mom’s tomato plant back home. She updated Mom that there were some buds developing, and that the plant is now touching the roof of their back porch. Mom has a green thumb when it comes to tomato plants. I can’t wait to see her eating one of her tomatoes.

We told her Jimmy Dukes loves her so much. He was resting this morning. He was pretty tuckered out from a tough night’s sleep. Pop got a little disoriented last night and took his neck collar off and tried to get out of bed. Thankfully, he didn’t hurt himself. The nurses reminded him where he was.

He was embarrassed, so don’t tell him I told you. Seriously, pray for him as those fractured bones and his big-time road-rashed skin on his arm and leg continue to heal. He really looks forward to the day he can take off that #&@$% neck collar and can start putting weight on his legs (he doesn’t like the neck collar very much if you can’t tell).

Please keep praying for Mom. The doctors discovered an infection yesterday, which they are treating her for with a specific medicine. They don’t think it will be a big deal. Also, please pray for her skin to be protected. There is always great risk of skin breaking down when you are in a bed for that long. The nurses are working hard to prevent that. And, pray for her to wake up and be interactive. We are hopeful for the day.

While we know there is a real possibility she will deal with some long-term disabilities from the accident, we simply long to see her eyes and hear her voice again. She is an extremely beautiful and confident and compassionate woman. We have seen her beauty, we have been strengthened by her confidence, and we have been inspired by her compassion all of our lives. We are hopeful to witness her being herself again soon.

As for Pop – our time together has been rich. While I am not thankful for the reason I am here, I am more than thankful for being here with my Dad. He is one of my best friends. I listen to his voice and his wisdom. I am thankful that Ella is captivated by his voice, too. I am thankful he got to see her. I can’t wait for Mom and him to see all their grandkids.

Love yall. I will try to update tomorrow evening. Tomorrow is a big day logistically. I have meetings in the morning and afternoon about Mom and Dad’s benefits, the accident, insurance, and where they will be transferred next. Thanks for your prayers on that stuff, too.

-jason


William Sanford Hyde
(October 24, 1926 – April 20, 2009)

U.S. Veteran Died at 12:50 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2009 at his residence in Chesbrough, LA. He was a native of Chesbrough, LA, a retired teacher, and a U. S. Army veteran of WWII. Age 82 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Gary Weiborg. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. Survived by 4 daughters, Beverly Carroll, Erwinville, Brenda Hyde, Chesbrough, Julie Holton, Wilmer, Katherine Schultz, Chesbrough, 2 sons, William Dale Hyde, Wilmer, John Hyde, Chesbrough, 1 sister, Mildred Crain, Roseland, numerous granchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by 1st wife, Lyra Lawrence Hyde, 2nd wife, Mary Louise Osborn Hyde, daughter, Violet Darlene Hyde, brothers, Huey Hyde and Douglas Hyde.

This was one kind, gently man!

As you can see, staying at the hospital will have an effect the timing of my posts. I’ll get to the computer when I can. Thanks for understanding.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“All men shall fear,

and shall declare the work of God;

for they shall wisely consider His doing.”

~Psalm 64:9~

Please continue to pray for Momma and for my sisters and me as we take turns sitting with her.  She is in roon 4115 at North Oaks.

Don Denton

Today Don dropped down to 5mg of steroids and so far so good.

He has been very neauseated today.  But he is tolerating it and he was able to eat today.

. . .

thanks
Diane

SEREER OF SENEGAL AND THE GAMBIA (suh-RARE). Last month you prayed for
the Operation Christmas Child boxes’ distribution, when the IMB
missionary team and their partnering church presented the good news of
God’s love to more than 1,500 children and their families. Each of the
children also took home a storybook that begins with Creation and leads
to Christ. Pray for those who heard and are reading this book, asking
that God will stir in their hearts the desire to know more and that He
will lead them to those who can answer their questions. Pray that
through this, all the members of the household will have the
opportunity to be touched by the love of God given through His Son.



DEAF OF SOUTH AFRICA. “We rejoiced to hear that Deaf students at the
Filadepfia school continue to meet every Sunday and worship the Lord
with or without adult leadership,” writes the Deaf Evangelism Team.
“They keep practicing and reviewing the Bible stories they have
learned. Thank the Lord for the students’ steady hunger for God’s Word,
and pray that they will remember the stories well so they will be eager
to share with others.”



SOLI OF ZAMBIA (SOHL-ee). Missionary Kevin Rodgers took a trip to
Luangwa recently to do some teaching, and a baptism followed. Before
the baptism, he had each of the people share their testimony. One woman
shared that one day while she was just working at her home, she heard
the sound of a motor and felt drawn to go and see what it was. She saw
this white man coming in a boat. He was speaking in her language but
about something she had never heard before–having a relationship with
Jesus and how Jesus could change your life. She knew that there had
never been a time in her life when she had repented of her sins, for
she was a prostitute. That day, a few weeks ago, she prayed to receive
Christ. This past week, she was among the 12 who were baptized. Pray
for this group to continue to grow in their relationship with Christ.
Pray that they will reach out to others and share all that they are
learning. Pray for this woman in particular and the others to break
free from the strongholds in their lives. http://easternharvestteam.blogspot.com/



OBIE OF EAST ASIA (oh-BEE). D has no desire at this time to believe in
God or even to hear about the one true God. When her older brother
became a Christian, her parents became very angry with him. They were
upset that he would no longer worship their ancestors. This left a
lasting impression on D. She said that she would not go against her
parents’ wishes after seeing how much trouble her brother encountered
for following Jesus. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it”
(Mark 8:35, NIV). Pray that D will see a need in her life for Jesus.
Ask God to change her heart. Pray that she will have the courage to
follow Jesus despite persecution from her family.



LAST FRONTIER. What can we share about one Last Frontier people group?
Their daily needs are in short supply. Their medical needs go unmet.
Family members do not trust each other. Their freedom to travel at will
is limited. They know that their future is not bright. Possession of a
Bible will most likely result in a prison term. Gathering with other
believers is forbidden, as is sharing a story about God’s love. Knowing
these things, there are many requests we can make to our Father for
these people. But this week, please ask the Father to give the
believers among this people group joy. Pray that they will find His joy
in the everyday activities of life. Ask that they will experience His
joy as they work, as they seek to meet their daily needs, and as they
seek to worship Him even as it risks their personal freedom and lives.
May this thought be in their hearts: “You give him blessings forever;
You cheer him with joy in Your presence” (Psalm 21:6, HCSB).







INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, April 17, 2009

“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership
have righteousness and lawlessness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14a, NASB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global
Prayer Strategy, asking you to pray for godly marriage partnerships.

The Maldive Islands have one of the highest divorce rates in the
world (90 percent). Traditionally, weddings have been considered less
significant than birth, puberty or funeral rites. Ask God to send
additional godly families to live and minister in the Maldives as an
example of His design for marriage.

Married believers in Iran also strive to overcome deeply rooted
cultural norms. The way of Christ is a sharp contrast to the Islamic
worldview in which Persians are raised. Pray for husbands and wives,
fathers and mothers, asking that they will respond to all situations in
a Christ-like manner. Ask God to help them know how to live out their
faith appropriately in their homes and in the society.

Prayer requests take many forms, but the following two almost make
you want to help the individuals move from China to Niger or vice versa!

Three women in China sat, discussing how they desired to be married
but how the church was “slim pickings” when it came to available men.
Please pray that many more men will come to Christ and that women like
these three will wait patiently for a Christian husband.

Across the continents in Niger of Africa, there are Zerma men who
are following Jesus. Some of them have not married yet, but really want
to do so. There is a lot of pressure to get married and have children.
Ask God to show them what He wants marriage to be. Pray that these men
will be strong and not give in to the temptations of the world.

* Please pray fervently for godly partners to be found for those
longing to marry, resulting in relationships that demonstrate God’s
righteousness.

* Intercede for single Christians that they live in holiness and purity.


* If you are married, pray with your spouse and ask God to make your marriage a powerful testimony of His character.



KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee
should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
 
“IS IT REALLY possible for a
person to KNOW the truth…?”
 
There are so many opinions about what
the Bible teaches. “Is truth even attainable in the religious realm?”
 
These are common questions
today.  Consider a few observations from
Scripture:

  1. How can a person be expected to
    OBEY (    Hebrews
    5:8-9    ) Christ if he is incapable of knowing
    what constitutes obedience to Christ?

  2. How can a person be expected to
    ABIDE IN (    John
    8:31    ) the word of Christ if he is unable to
    learn and know Christ’s teaching?

  3. How can a person be expected to
    PROVE (    1 Thessalonians
    5:21    ; cf. 1 John
    4:1    ) what the Bible says if the truth cannot be
    distinguished from error?

  4. How can a person be expected to
    CONTEND (    Jude 3) earnestly for the truth if the truth is
    unattainable?

  5. How can a person be expected to
    BEWARE (    Matthew
    7:15    ; cf. 2 John
    7    ) of false teachers if there is no discernible
    way of telling whether or not they are teaching error?

  6. How can a person be expected to
    SPEAK (    Ephesians
    4:15    ) the truth in love if he is unable to
    differentiate between truth and error?

Yes, we can know the truth.  (Mike Benson at: http://www.forthright.net/)

“And you shall know the
truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32; cf. 2 Timothy
3:13-17).
Have a great Lord’s day!
Anna Lee

Saturday Afternoon Additionn

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

< a positive sign >
Mom is still in a coma. She is certainly looking more and more like herself, but she is still not responsive to commands. She is not moving her arms and legs like she did even soon after the accident. However, this morning, Dad and I saw something that increased our hope.

Mom peaked out of her left eye for about 15 seconds. The therapists had been working with Dad. The new morning routine yesterday and today. Move Dad from the bed to the potty chair. Then, from the potty chair to the wheel chair. Then, I roll him down to see Mom. That’s what we did, and he once again was thankful to see her.

I wheeled him into the elevator. We descended five floors. Security opened the doors of the ICU for us. We turned the corner to her room. I wheeled him into the room and to the side of the bed. He grabbed her hand.

We began talking to her, not about all that much, but simply calling her name and saying, “We love you so much.” After a minute or two of doing this, she opened her left eye about a 1/4 of an inch and appeared to look from left to right. She left it open for about 15 seconds, then she closed it again. She did not open it again after that during our visit.

It definitely made an impact on Dad.

We stayed about 10 minutes more, and then we wheeled back up to the room. They helped him slide on a “sliding board” out of the wheel chair back over into his bed. Still no weight on the legs or the left arm. Pretty amazing watching how tough he is and how hard he is working to do all he can at this point. But we have known he is tough and a hard worker. So, no surprise.

He got settled back into bed and began to talk to me. Really without prompting. Just spilling out thoughts, allowing me to revel in the moment with him. It was a special time, ranging from response to what just happened all the way back to the first time he told her he loved her. Then, a visiting friend walked in, and he moved on.

Pretty special listening to him share his heart. He is definitely hopeful.

Two big positive signs. Mom peaking out of a barely open left eye. Dad growing in his hopefulness

for Mom. I pray it will continue.

Mom is still in a coma, and the eye opening slightly certainly is a small sign. But it’s a sign. That’s more than we had yesterday. As Jim Collins said to me just a minute ago, “If anything, it reminds us to stay fervent in our prayers for Mom to wake up.”

That would be a very positive thing. Let’s keep praying.

Saturday

“Look around at the nations; look and be amazed!

For I am doing something in your own day,

something you wouldn’t believe

even if someone told you about it.”

~Habakkuk 1:5 NLT~


Please pray for Momma, Dot Smith of Roseland. She was admitted to the hospital because of several health issus. So far, the doctors have determined she has had a small stroke.




Pray for one of my former studentsw, Cindy Knight Edwards. She will soon have heart surgery and would appreciate your prayers.


Rachel O’Brian, daughter of Joan Hagan, has a food injuy. Joan fell and has multiple sprains, but no broken bones. Please keep these two in your prayers.


Chance O’Hern

“Chance will be admitted on Monday (20th). They are going to give him iv treatments for two days then cath him. I dont have a time yet. Please pray for him. I am praying God will deliver him from this and we can avoid heparin shots. I also ask you to pray that God will keep me strong through this for my children. (the two girls also)”


Don Denton

We arrived back from St. Louis this evening late.

I am seeing some things happen which clearly are from everyone praying. Our spirits have been so low at times as you all know.

We are into seven months with still no end results, but something is happening and I have to just say it. Just a few days ago, I thought I was going to have to take Don to the ER he was doing so poorly.

Don was in testing most of the day today and this was pretty intense stuff. He did not get sick. He did not get a headache. And he was able to make the trip home. He is exhausted, but amazingly he did not get a headache today. That is clearly God. Clearly.

I have seen this man so pale, weak, headaches and sick, sick , so sick he has not been able to eat for two days. And today, he ate and again, I have to say NO headache.

Thank you God. And something else amazing happened today. Actually a blessing beyond what we could have imagined.

The insurance company is no longer paying for some things, such as Don’s physical therapy. A very important test that cost $400., which we just don’t have. I have shared with you all our medical debt. It is very scary and the truth is we don’t know how we are going to get through this.

But someone provided for this test. As so many of you have reached out to us in this way. So many of you have sacrificed for us.
I can’t put into words, how this has so ministered to us. During this entire journey as we have not known and especially me since I have been handling everything now. I did not know at each turn, how on earth were we going to make this financially. I still don’t know. But everytime a need has come up some precious soul has touched us in a way that has humbled us, blessed us and meet a need.

It has been the hardest thing for me to share these kinds of things meaning our needs, mostly because of my pride and my not wanting to share. I have been hoping I would not have to share. I know it is pride.

This would be hard for most people I believe. So bear with me too. It is a place where God is teaching me some things.

Well, our precious family and friends, I will leave you tonight peaceful, thankful and so grateful for what God has done for us this day and everyday.

Well one more thing. There are people out there that continue to feed us, especially when I am so tired, or I have just gotten back from another long trip, or a day with doctors. People who think of my son, and bring homemade cookies, or muffins. People who touch us in these ways that so minister to us. People who fix my screen. I keep thinking I can do this and it is embarrassing at times that I have to ask. Again, God teaching me.

And then those who open their homes to us. Those who take care of our child, and our animals. Those who fix my flush and my garbage disposal that backed up in my new dishwasher just last week. Those who are taking care of us in so many ways. There are you precious people who give to us and I continue to learn how to receive knowing my God loves and Josh, Don and I.

Those who write letters and everyone who prays daily for us. We are changed people, I say it again. Thank you our family and friends. Thank you!

Good night
Diane





Rhonda Varnado Dugas
(February 24, 1953 – April 16, 2009)

Rhonda Varnado Dugas

“He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.” – Psalm 91:15. Rhonda V. Dugas passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at her residence in Greensburg, LA. She was a native of Greensburg, LA. Age 56 years.

Visitation at Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon Monday, April 20, 2009. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Stewart. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg, LA.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister who will be missed by her family which include her husband, Stevie Dugas, Greensburg; daughter, Jennifer Butler, Kentwood; son, Michael Dugas and wife, Cherie, Denham Springs; 4 grandchildren, Dara Butler, Dylan Butler, Josey Butler and Pryce Dugas; 3 sisters, Betty Stewart, Baton Rouge, Sandra Perkins, Clinton, and Cindy Young, St. Francisville; 4 brothers, Jerry Varnado, Greensburg, Jimmy Varnado, Kentwood, Robert Varnado, Greensburg, and Frank Varnado, Greensburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Audrey Varnado.

Pallbearers will be Cory, Benji, Eric, Tyler and Jason Varnado and Terry Day Smith. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dylan and Josey Butler and Pryce Dugas.


Friday

“Don’t think only about your own affairs,

but be interested in others, too.”

~Philippians 2:4 NLT~


Update on Don Denton

Don did Ok through the night. I am sooooooo
thankful!

We will go to St. Louis later today for testing all day tomorrow.

Please pray that he will be able to tolerate the tests.

Will update later to let you know how his day went.




Update on Jimmy and Retia Dukes

“for better or for worse.
in sickness and in health.”

49 years is a long time. No matter how you cut it, even when life can change so suddenly. 49 years of marriage today, and this situation epitomizes the two above phrases common to most marriage vows. Mom and Dad are living that out.

I will admit to you, being honest – I am struggling today to be hopeful for Mom. I know I shouldn’t be. It’s just the heaviness of what I see in Dad’s eyes today and what I can’t see in Mom’s and what I can’t imagine he is thinking.

I desperately hope she wakes up. Dad told me this morning he is trying to be hopeful, and that he is trusting and surrendering, no matter what.

When they married at 18, it certainly would be a stretch to say that Dad could have envisioned he would “celebrate” his 49th anniversary in a hospital bed with his wife in another bed, five floors down, and in a coma. I saw it in Dad’s eyes this morning, and when he shook his head and sighed (thinking I didn’t notice).

Your prayers for him and Mom mean so much right now. He especially needs it today.

This morning, Erik and I toured the hospital where Mom and Dad will likely be transferred first. It is here in New Orleans in uptown. Kindred Hospital is a national franchise and listed as Fortune 500’s #1 most admired private hospital (something like that), according to a banner in the cafeteria.

Four out of five physicians recommend it (I have always wanted to say that about something :o). Seriously, every doctor and nurse where Mom and Dad are now listed it as the top hospital for Mom and Dad’s needs at the present time. We will see once Dad is ready for rehab, whether we stay here in New Orleans or transfer them both back to Orlando. Erik and I are not sure what to do there or what we will be able to do. Please pray for wisdom for us on that one. Pray for favor with all the insurance stuff, too.

Mom had surgery on her tongue around midday. It was unexpected for us, even though we knew it would need to be repaired at some point. Glad they went ahead. I’ll let you know tomorrow how that goes. Not sure yet. She had either bitten it in the accident, or it had been eroded by one of her tubes in her mouth in the ICU. Not sure which. They had to take some of it that was damaged beyond repair out and sew it back together. Sorry if that is too graphic for some. Just letting you know what’s going on.

Dad had a great morning of therapy. He has had guests all day and hopefully will take a nap here shortly. He needs that rest. It looks like he will be transfered to that other hospital for long-term care and pre-rehab stuff probably early next week. We hope to see Mom transferred soon there, too.

Erik flew out just a few minutes ago. He is heading home this afternoon. He will be back next Friday. I will fly home next week for a few days. I am pumped that he will get to see my awesome nephews and his sweet wife! I will miss him, though. We’ve been leaning on each other a lot. I am more than blessed with my brother. Not only has he always been one of my best friends, but he has lived out and taught me the ways of Jesus like no other. I love him so much.

How awesome, though, has “the church” been in all of this. You all have loved us more than we could have ever imagined through this. I honestly can’t put into words how grateful we are. And I was blessed this morning again in several ways. With Erik leaving for the first time since the accident, Chris Mayberry (one of my closest friends) flew up from Orlando to be with me for two days. And, he brought several monetary gifts from some very generous and loving folks back home in Orlando as well as from Jackson, TN (they had mailed it to our home). He also brought underwear – pretty important.

To my love, Jen – I was overwhelmed watching my Dad see Mom again for the first time since the accident. I pray we will see 49 years together, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, no matter what. And I hope the same for all of the rest of you who are married. Cherish today. Relish in the blossoming beauty of your marriage. Forgive now if you need to. Reconcile and live in the abundance of the relationship most like what God desires with us. And love, selflessly, no matter what.


KOMpray

(Kids on Mission Pray)

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

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
WHY TELL PEOPLE to keep quiet about the most stupendous, incredible, world-shaking thing that had happened in their lifetime–that God had come down into human flesh and lived among them like a typical man…?
Because it wasn’t yet Jesus’ time to die: His ministry was not yet complete. And He knew how the jealous religious leaders would react–precisely the way they did: they sought to kill Him.
You see, Jesus’ identity was the stick that broke the camel’s back for the people who most wanted Him gone (cf. Matthew 26:59-68). His statements that He was the Son of God were what the Jews decided was the final proof of Jesus’ guilt before the Law: they claimed He blasphemed (“cursed, derided, slandered, and libeled”) God by claiming to be the Messiah, the Son of the living God. They could not deal with. He was everything they believed the Messiah wasn’t. And he was nothing they thought the Messiah should be.
Nothing inspired more derision, hatred, and revulsion toward Jesus than His claim to be God incarnate. And nothing brings greater disdain than that claim today. You can call Jesus a good man, a great prophet, a fine leader, perhaps the greatest man who ever lived. But utter the words “He wasn’t just a man, He was God,” and you may be in for a fight.
When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” they answered the expected ways: “a great prophet, Elijah, etc.” But Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (cf. Matthew 16:13-16). Jesus then told Peter this was the “rock” on which He would build His church. The “rock” wasn’t Peter himself, but rather the confession of Jesus being the Son of God.
Ultimately, that’s the line of demarcation for everyone. “Whom do you say He is?” is the question each of us must answer. How we answer determines where we will spend eternity. (Mark Litteton)
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).


I hope you took time to read KOMpray. If not, please do so now or later today. Your heart will be touched.

Have a fantastic Friday!
Anna Lee