March 19

Thank you for your ongoing prayers... they truly make a difference. Today was a much better day for Barbara. They're trying a different feeding technique, and she didn't urp up anything today. In fact, her whole disposition was so much better today. She smiled, and seemed much more like herself. Have I mentioned she has been crocheting again?!?!?! Well, she was crocheting again today. She has actually started a new baby blanket. I can't tell you how much it thrills my heart to see her doing that! I'm not exaggerating to say that it brings tears to my eyes. Back to the stomach issue - she is still not eating - doctor's orders - but things are starting to look a wee bit better. Keep up those wonderful prayers.

There are several aides there that have been praying with Barbara. Also, one particular nurse that has been very diligent about helping out Barbara's situation. I'm also still hugely grateful to our nurse practitioner for her extraordinary help.

So, pray a prayer of thanks for God's blessings

Pray for continued healing of Barbara's stomach,

Pray that we will be able to find the resources to remodel the bathroom here in the parsonage for Barbara's new needs.

March 17

A quick note to cry out for prayer tonight. We're very concerned that there is a serious issue with Barbara's stomach brewing. She cannot hold down anything - even meds put in her stomach tube come up rapidly. She is nauseated all the time and very distressed over this issue. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts.

March 16

It's difficult to think of things to say when I'm as frustrated as I've been this week. Actually, I thought things have gone quite well with the move to the nursing home. However, Barbara is a complete wreck emotionally, and that takes a toll on all of us.

She has now taken up residence at Miller's Merry Manor in Hobart. She will only be there 20 days, as that is what Medicare will pay. Beyond that, she'll be coming home one way or the other! Her room is nice, and as nursing homes go, Miller's is a very nice facility. I've also been pleased with the nurses and aids for the most part.

Yesterday, after they put Barbara in a chair, I wheeled her around the facility to see her environs. She seemed to be suitably impressed. We were also quite blessed to have Karen Johnson, our nurse practitioner who've we've seen since living up here, stop in to evaluate Barbara and serve as her overseeing physician. I am so extremely grateful that she was willing to do this as she is a very caring and prayerful Christian lady who we trust a great deal.

I don't know what to say about Barbara's depression, though. She has no appetite, and is still throwing up quite a bit. Please make this a big part of your prayers for her today. Also pray that her time at Miller's will help her to be able to function well once returning home. I dreamed (again) last night that Barbara just got up on her own and started walking. I'm reminded that this is not an uncommon miracle. I hope the Lord will strengthen my faith so that I can allow Him to work His wonder and grace through us more fully.

Moving Again...

Barbara is quite pleased that she has been accepted at Miller's Merry Manor in Hobart (just off I-65 on Ridge Rd.). She worked for Miller's at Hope, IN, in years past. This is the nursing facility that she most wanted to go to if she had to go at all. We checked it out and found it to be very nice. She will be moving some time on Wednesday.