Spending Christmas With Jesus

Pastor Scott from PFBC sent Trish this poem... I don't think she'll mind my passing it along.

John

I'm Spending Christmas with Jesus this Year

With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear;
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
I cannot tell you of the splendor or the peace inside this place
Can you imagine Christmas with our Savior, face to face?

I will ask him to light your spirit as I tell him of your love.
So then pray for one another as you lift your eyes above.
So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

The lights are on!

Just a quick message to say... THE LIGHTS ARE ON!!

Yes, after MUCH work by Jim & Sherrie (our friends & landlords) to get things to where it could happen; the power company sent some guys on loan from Montana over to hookup the secondary line to the house.

We don't have the rest of the ammenities - no phone, internet or cable TV yet - but we DO have a roof on the garage and the POWER IS BACK! The others can wait (for a little while, at least).

Thanks to ALL that helped. Whether with your prayers, labor, phone calls or just supportive thoughts... we appreciate it.

So many were involved in keeping us safe & warm, plus comfortable (enough) to make it through the blackout week! To Jim & Sherrie; Lew, Nash, Josh & Kevin (Lew's crew... I hope I got the names right); Momma T; Mom & Ralph; TL & Jimmy; our neighbors and friends (the list goes on & on)... Thanks so much!

And just in time for Christmas! We will forever be grateful!

Thanks again!
John, Dina, Elijah & Austin!

DAY 5!

The 4th full day without power came and went last night (or is it this morning) at 12:30am... So begins Day 5!

I know it may seem odd for me to keep posting about this, but since I'm still without power, work is the only internet access I have. Oddly enough hard to think about other things to write about.

That being said, you'd think I'd just wait until I do have something more to write about... but, I've been having (as the author of another blog I saw called Organized Chaos! wrote) the computer detox shakes, so the need to post outweighs the need for deeper content.

Thanks to nearly 2 full days of work from the power crews, the rest of the neighborhood has their power bamore thanks to the Samdal's, for helping out with a generator... we now have a few of the basic comforts of home.

No fridge yet; but that's only because we'd already thrown EVERYTHING out! However, we do have a microwave when needed, and plugged in the TV for some video games. We were even able to pickup a local TV station (reception was a bit snowy, reminding me of the old rabbit-eared tv's of my childhood... good memories!) and watch a movie together.

Many years ago, Dina started the tradition of making gingerbread houses. Last night, for the first time since the power went out - We turned some Christmas music on the radio; plugged the Christmas tree in; and built some (Sorry for the poor picture quality. Pretty dark in the dining room).

What a ball! I think I can speak for the 4 of us if I say we were able to forget about the power for a bit. Close to normalcy! At least for a little while.

Are you ready?
John:)

Baby, it's cold outside!

A little less cold (for me, least) today... but that's only because I'm at work where the power is on! At home - depending on where in the house you are - you can frequently see your breath! Brrrrr!

But we're toughing it out.

I've got lots to do here at the office, but in case anyone read the Friday post... I figured it deserved an update... and since it's lunch hour, I've got a minute or two. I received and replied to an e-mail from family friend, Mariye, so with a little help (stealing a portion of my reply), here it is.

Short and sweet, but none-the-less, an update.

We're still at the house toughing it out... and although a little cold, we're trying to make this holiday season and its' traditions stay as "normal" as possible.

We already ended up (mostly due to the tree being pulled out of the house) missing both Trish's Christmas shindig on Saturday morning & my Mom's on Saturday evening. Dina's adamant that we won't let this storm take us out of our house too, so we're sticking it out.

Say a little prayer for luck to be on our side.

If the neighborhood gets power back (maybe today), then the contractor can get in there to hopefully get power restored to the house, while they complete repairs to the garage (Thanks to Lew Samdal at Samdal Construction for keeping us near the top of their list).

God Bless!
John

What a storm, huh?

So you're one of those people that has power? Obviously you are... since you're reading this li'l note.

At our house, as well as all of my local family's (Trish, TL & Tony) and I'm sure many of yours, things went dark during the big windstorm Thursday night.

Maybe your neigborhood, like mine, looked - or still looks - like one of these pictures I pulled off King 5's website. I know it may be surprising, but I didn't personally snap any pics of our local neigborhood (more on that in a bit).

Anyway, for those of you not currently in the NW that haven't heard about the storm... it got a little drafty here late Thursday.

Then it got a more blustery.

And then it blew a tad harder.

And then it started just blowing so hard, you almost thought it could blow the house down.

Well, it may not have blown the house down, but all over the Puget Sound, it certainly blew the tree(s) down! Lots of them right into, and sometimes through, a house. Waking up Friday morning... with no lights, no heat, and a job to get going to I climbed right over the debris from the tree that fell through my garage and... What? I hadn't mentioned that?

Oh, right... that was the 'more in a bit' that I'd mentioned earlier.

Welp-o, just after midnite on Friday, I woke up - startled by something. I wandered out of the bedroom to explore what had caused it. Whatever it was, it had apparently stopped since their wasn't any ongoing noise.

Next thing I know my neighbor was banging on the door. I (still half asleep, I think) answered the door with something like, "What can I do for you?"

"Are you alright?" he asked. "A tree just totaled your garage!"

So, that's what woke me up. It had stopped, that's for sure! It had stopped once the tree finished falling right through the garage roof. The tree, and ancient-looking one that stood just 6 or 8 feet from the garages corner, just couldn't stand the ferocious winds any longer.

That being said... for us at least, all is well (last reports, still no power at the other family members houses either... but at least no trees through the roof). Everyone was safe and sound, however probably without power for quite a while to come. I'll throw some pictures on as soon as I can get ahold of some (my Boss, Jim, and my son, Elijah both snapped some).

Yes... safe and sound, with Dina & I sleeping only 15 feet or so from where it fell. Even the cars; which were parked outside the garage in the driveway, 5 feet away; were spared! Believe that? Dina & I have discussed it, and we certainly felt Dad watching over us on this one that's for sure.

My youngest, Austin, summed it up the way the rest of us have been since... "We are Blessed!!" People tend to look back and forth between you and then the 100+ foot tree rather inquisitively. How can you be 'blessed' when that just happened to your house.

Well, we know that a big chunk of the roof (it was a brand new roof, too!) is gone. And we know that the entire front wall of the garage is about to leave the other 3 walls company, and fall off into the driveway. And we know it must be around 40 or 45 degrees at best in that house.

Yes, e know ALL these things... and we feel blessed!! It missed our children... our real valuables. It missed us in bed, oblivious & asleep. It missed the living area of the house altogether and missed everything of value (not like there's that much of value) in the garage. No need to replace the washer/dryer combo we'd been given, or the foosball table, or the weedeater. All our safe.

How could you feel anything but blessed?

Make no mistake. It's no fun being freezing cold if you wake up during the night. No fun missing the ballgames, or missing out on Christmas movies & specials. Missing out on Dina's home cooking. And a running hot water heater & a washer/dryer combo to keep us and things around us clean. Missing days of seeing Christmas lights in the neighborhood.

But given the possibilities of what could have been... I'll be glad with the outcome & continue to feel, for lack of any better words... "Blessed!"

A guy came down to pull the tree tonight (causing us to miss out on both family Christmas gatherings scheduled for today). That was a bummer, but what can you do? It's not like you plan something like this. Fiscally by the way, you don't ever want to pay to have a tree pulled out of your house. Whatever you'd guess it'd cost is probably wrong... the actual more than doubled my expectation.

We had to evacuate (as did neighbors on each side) while he & his crew did the job. So we headed off to find a hotel to use as home for one nights sleep. We found one... which was no easy task, and settled in for the night.

And for this one night we're warm. Eating warm food, doing laundry, showered, and feeling a little human again... but only for this one night. Tomorrow, we head back into the trenches to tough it out with those still in the neighborhood!

Power is still out, and the power guy on the block today told the neighbor (it's being told at least, 3rd hand so take it with a grain of salt) that it's probably going to be 3-4 weeks for power to be restored on our block.

As now there's only a hole where the tree once was. And a lot of 'firewood' left behind to clean up!

God Bless! Be Safe! Pray Hard!
Johnny:)

Say an extra prayer for us, too... selfish as it may seem, we really want to be able to wake up in our own house on ChristMore morning! It's a tradition we'd like to keep going!

Are you ready?

That's right... it IS almost here. So I need to know, are you ready for Christmas?

"Sure, I'm ready! I've bought the presents for the wife, husband, kids, grandkids, etc. Sure, I'm ready!"

I don't need those answers... nor do I need to know if you've planned all the parties and meals. Or whether the lights are up or the tree is trimmed. I've no need to know what you found for Aunt Martha, or what your nephew Tim's answer would be if you ask "boxers or briefs?".

"Sure, I'm ready! I've volunteered to pass out candy canes at the local school. Sure, I'm ready!"

It's not important how much you get (or give for that matter). It doesn't make any difference how much is under your tree Christmas morning, or if you've taken time for every Christmas tradition of the past. All of these are part of the Christmas season, but the cliche' about Jesus being the Reason for the Season, still holds true.

"Sure, I'm ready! I've donated food and gifts for the needy. Sure, I'm ready!"

Have you taken time to recognize if there’s any obstacles blocking the Lord's way into (or more deeply into) your heart? Are you spreading His message of Peace, Love & Hope that the world needs so much?

"Sure, I'm ready! I've rang the bell at the local grocery store. Sure, I'm ready!"

I recently read an illustration from the comic strip "Jump Start" that went something like this.

Clarence is dragging his Christmas tree down to the curb, when he's approached by his neighbor Joe who says, "Hey, Scrooge, what are you doing?"

"This must look strange, huh, Joe? It's not even New Year's and I'm dragging my tree to the curb."

"What's the rush, big guy?", says Joe.

"Something weird has happened to the holidays, Joe. Charlene & I are totally stressed out, and my son isn't even playing with his new toys. How come the holidays seemed so much better when we were kids?"

Joe's answer? "Because back then we referred to the Holidays as Christmas!"

"Sure, I'm ready! I've decorated the church, the house, the office, and the car. Sure, I'm ready!"

For most of us, Christmas brings out the best we have to offer. Others are afraid to be happy. Nurturing fears & hurts. Not ready to celebrate & rejoice, because they won't let Christ set them free. If there was ever a time for rejoicing, it's Christmas. The Lord came into our world... a babe in a manger.

Now that's a reason to celebrate!

So, once again I ask, ARE YOU READY? How about starting fresh & new today... Living each and every day like it's Christmas Day!

Merry CHRISTmore!
Johnny:)

What can I give him poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring him a lamb.
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what can I give him? I'll give him my heart.
-Christina Rossetti

Ponderisims...

I've been a bit (quite a bit) under the weather lately, so the best I can offer for now is a copy of an e-mail from the archives of the One & Only, Buddy Ellis.

More from me in the future, but for now... ENJOY one from Dad!

Things That Make You Go Hmm...

Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

Gardening Rule: When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.

The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.

I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.

Life is sexually transmitted.

Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.

Have you noticed since everyone has a camcorder these days no one talks about seeing UFOs like they used to?

All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.

In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.

How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?

If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about him?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!

If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?

Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet Soup?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

Does pushing the elevator button more than once make it arrive faster?

Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?

Do you ever wonder why you gave me your email address?

brrrRRRRRRRR?

What a week this has been around the northwest, huh? When the high temps are only 30 or so, I'd say it's a tad chilly. The summer provided so much wonderful weather though, that I guess it's only fair that fall is wet, snowy, windy & (most of all) cold.

It's definitely feeling like Christmas-time, that's for sure! As I mentioned previously, Dina & I took the boys to get our tree... it's up and decorated, and with the lights on the house; the snow on the ground; it's felt like the middle of winter - and it's not even December yet.

I stopped by Momma T's the other day, and her tree's up & ready as well. Heck, in a couple more weeks she'll most of us kids & grandkids together at the house for the first of many celebrations this season.

While I'm glad to have the Christmas season underway, and looking forward to the celebrations; I'm also moving through each day with a bit of trepidation. A touch apprehensive of what those celebrations will bring! Tears or Laughter? Joy or Sorrow? Probably a good chunk of each! So many feelings pouring out, so many memories being brought to mind!

So, am I cold? On the outside I am for sure. But to have been able to enjoy a week of smiling faces brought on by Snow days & Sledding, Christmas trees & lights... I'm toasty warm on the inside! What a great way to begin the season, don't you think?!

Hey Dad... Can you see the smiles? I can most certainly see yours!

God Bless! Time to get started with your Merry CHRISTmas!
Johnny:)

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, rolls, pumpkin cheesecake pie... the whole enchilada! Well, almost. There wasn't any Spam (many of you probably think that's really something to be thankful for!!)

Either way, with or without Spam, I'm still adjusting my belt from the wonderful dinner Dina made Thursday (or it could be from all the leftovers I've had since).

That being said, I'm sure that nothing we enjoyed comes remotely close to comparing with the feast or the celebration that Dad enjoyed. We can only imagine!

Here? Well, Thanksgiving Day has come and gone; but that doesn't mean that we've stopped being thankful! Not in the slightest.

As Dina, Elijah, Austin & myself drove down the road yesterday (on the way to the traditional cutting down of our Christmas tree), we passed by a church. A church we've only attended once - so not much for memories, right?

WRONG! The one time we attended there was when Dad was preaching.

I caught Dina glancing over as we passed by... obviously she was remembering too! I said something like, "everywhere we turn, huh?" To which she replied, "that's a good thing!"

We can find things to be sad about, and let them get us down in the dumps; have a little pity party and wallow in our sadness... or we can turn those things into wonderful memories to be thankful for! I choose the latter.

Momma T & I were chatting a couple days ago about all of the great tear-filled moments of memories we've each been going through. As we talked, it reminded us that all that shows is that our immense love for Dad.

By having so many things around us... people, places, smells, sights and more... that cause us to remember Dad - tears or not - obviously it's due to the fact that those things remind us of soooo many great moments that we shared with or because of Dad.

Does that makes sense? I guess I'm just trying to say this: Even if the memories may bring tears to our eyes, we'll take 'em! Those tears are a gentle reminder of how much we miss him, and yet an even stronger reminder of not only how much we love him, but how much he loves us, too!

Thanks God for all of these gentle reminders... and Thanks Dad, just for being Dad!

Happy Thanksgiving, Dad!
Johnny:)

Brain itch?

Have you ever been in the car on the way somewhere, and just before you get there you hear a song that you just can't get out of your head?

Then all day long you find yourself humming bits and pieces of that song?!

I did some checking - and according to Prof. James Kellaris of the University of Cincinnati College of Business, that's called a "cognative itch."

Continuing, he says that "certain songs have properties that are analogous to histamines that make our brain itch. The only way to scratch a cognitive itch is to repeat the offending melody in our minds."

I'm having one of those days today. Only, it wasn't a song that got stuck in my head: It was Dad!

I was running a little behind schedule, hustling to work, and heard a song (okay, so it was a song that started it) that got my mind wandering off in thoughts of Dad. Nothing specific. Just a memory of days gone by.

None-the-less, it stuck with me. I made calls to customers, and thought (as well as talked) about Dad. I'd get an e-mail and think about Dad. I talked on the phone some more... Dad. Ate lunch... Dad.

It appears that some days are just going to be like that.

I think about him every day in different ways. Sometimes it's a ball-game on TV; an episode of NCIS or CSI; or a conversation with a co-worker, customer, family member or even stranger. Whichever one it is... they all hit me like a ton of bricks!

I'm probably not the only one either. Trish, as well as my brothers and sisters, our spouses & children, Dad's close friends & fellow pastors... probably even a few of you. I'm sure those thoughts sneak up on many of us!

They sneak up on me in waves of emotion. Waves that, even though they may bring tears, feel awesome because they keep me remembering! I love to remember! Memories that are so sweet! I can see his captivating smile everywhere! Not because of pictures I see - but because the memory of that smile is so strong!

Furthermore, Kellaris says there are very few ways to get rid of a cognative itch. "Replacement strategies rarely work, because as we search our memories for a replacement tune, we're likely to come up with another", he admitted.

I guess as I think about it, it's not a bad thing... in fact, give me a lifetime of "cognative itches."

I want to keep this song stuck in my head forever!
God Bless,
John:)

A Lesson from the Geese

Funny the places God finds to teach us something, isn't it? I received this e-mail from a customer this morning. Wonderful lessons learned from God's magnificent creations, huh?

Dad was such an encourager (like I'm telling you something you don't already know), that I'm most certain he would have pushed the 'forward' button on his computer had he been here to do so.

That being said, I will forward it (so to speak) on his behalf.

Happy Monday!
Johnny:)

A Lesson from the Geese

FACT: As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for the bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock has at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on it's own.
LESSON: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

FACT: When a goose flies out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone. It quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front of it.
LESSON: If we have as much common sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others. It is harder to do something alone than together.

FACT: When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose flies to the point position.
LESSON: It is sensible to take turns doing the hard and demanding tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent of each others skills, capabilities, and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, or resources.

FACT: The geese flying in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
LESSON: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek. We need to make sure our honking is encouraging and not discouraging.

FACT: When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two other geese will drop out of formation with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their flock.
LESSON: If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by our colleagues and each other in difficult times as well as in good!

~ Written by Angeles Arrien ~

Job 12:7-9 (NIV) says:
"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you.

Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?

Look around... you can see God at work everywhere. If the animals are willing to listen to God's plan for their lives, shouldn't we?

Isn't God GREAT?
JE

Keep Smiling, Dad!

I can hardly believe it's been so long already! That's right, it was one month ago today that Dad left for the streets of heaven.

Man, I sure miss him!

I still expect to see him walk through the front doors at the office to visit at any minute. Or see his smiling face when I walk into Rotary (sorry, fellow Rotarians, for my infrequent attendance lately... that's still a hard place for me to be).

I miss him so much!

When my phone rings, I think it might be Dad calling from the mall, where he's found a great deal on something none of us needs - but he's so excited by the price he just had to buy it (maybe even 2 of them).

Gosh, I miss my Dad!

And then it hits me... AGAIN! He's gone! No longer can I hear the familiar calming sounds of his voice. No more can I wrap my arms around him & feel the saftey and love in his embrace.

By the way, have I mentioned how much I miss him?

His voice; his hugs & kisses; the smell of his cologne; heck - I'd even settle for a few e-mails, jokes or just one of his songs. A little To God be the Glory! or Amazing Grace or how about one more verse of Happy Birthday.

I know that he's in, as they always say, "a much better place"! He's not hurting, or sad, or missing anything or anyone. He's worshipping at a level that makes worshipping here on earth seem like taking a nap, I'm sure.

But me? I just miss him!

Will it get easier? With time, we know it will. For now... a month has felt both like forever and like nothing more than a blink in time. The moments fly by, yet time seems to also stand still.

I'm sooo happy for Dad. He's made it to his final destination. He fought the good fight & won the battle! I rejoice in his victory!! The saying 'the grass is always greener' on the other side holds knew meaning for me now. Dad found that greener grass; the golden streets; the bluest skies!

Can you imagine how HUGE his smile must be?

Keep smiling, Dad!

I'll close with the words Ron Shepherd spoke as he left Dad's bedside 32 days ago (the day before his passing)...

"See you another day!"
Johnny:)

By the way, they also always say it's harder for those left behind. I definitely agree with that one! Those left behind to miss him...
and I DO MISS HIM!

Then again, maybe I've said that already?

A carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?

Darryl, Dad's friend & former co-worker stumbled across this gem of an e-mail that Dad had sent him more than a year ago. Well worth another look! -JE

You may never look at a CUP OF COFFEE the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling.

It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee.

The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity--boiling water--but each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the
boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however.
After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "

When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.

If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you can get better and change the situation around you with God's help. How do you handle adversity? When the hours are the darkest and the trials are their greatest, do you ask God to elevate you to another level?

When adversity strikes, ask yourself... ARE YOU A CARROT, AN EGG, OR A COFFEE BEAN?

I found my smile!

Here it was, a quiet Friday afternoon at work. My wife Dina had made sure I was leaving a "li'l early". Said she had something planned for the family to do after work.

All of us need a little bit of that... a li'l something!

Over these past 4 months, everything (and I do literally mean everything) has revolved around Dad, and for good reason!

However, now that that chapter has been completed; we each have to find our own little something.

My wife & kids jumpstarted ours with a little home-planned kidnapping! The "li'l early" was needed to get me in the (already packed) van and head for a weekend at the coast.

What a great time it turned out to be!

A nice view combined with some breaks in the icky weather for some time to find lost smiles! We shopped for Christmas decorations, and saltwater taffy, searched for sand dollars & seashells, walked on the beach and waded (sometimes unintentionally) in the surf.

But we did smile... yes, we smiled LOTS!

While winter sneaks in and the weather gets nasty, don't forget to do what you need to do to find your smiles, too!

As Dina reminded me this morning with a note tucked in my lunchbag: Smile - Remember to do that more often. It's nice to see it on you. Dad would be proud of her blindsiding me with this little getaway.

Thanks God, for surrounding us with family & friends to help each other in our healing! Do you have your smile? If not... FIND IT!

God Bless,
John:)

Did ya miss me?

I figure I've waited long enough for most everybody to quit checking the blog by now.

You're still here?

I'm a little surprised by that! You do realize that 9 days ago, I made my final official post...
I guess that makes this my first unofficial post.

I've heard some very nice things from many of you about the impact these pages have had on some of you. Imagine being in my shoes! For just under 4 months now (117 days, for those of you keeping score), I've been attached at the hip to these pages. Stopping abruptly was needed, yet extremely difficult for me.

So why am I back? It's a little different this time around. I'm not here to give updates on Dad, nor asking for prayer or support as I have in the past. In fact I may just ramble on & on... who knows?

The reason I'm back... me, and only me!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not being self-centered or anything. If you're reading it; that's great! I just mean that my writing will be more the therapy that I spoke of previously.

So often I find myself thinking, or dreaming, or talking (I think you get the drift) to Dad, that it seems appropriate that I go back to putting it on paper in an effort to work through things in my own life & mind.

Today, I don't actually have much to post - I just wanted to come back! But from here on out, I'll stop by when I do...

I hope that some of what you read causes you to reflect, to change, gain strength, or just plain smile. If not, then I'm sure you've got to have better things you can be doing - besides, like I said, it's for me now anyway (kidding, only kidding)!

Feel to stop to check it out anytime you like. Posts will probably be less frequent and, more often than not, be only minutely about Dad (unless you're good at reading between the lines).

If you have an anecdote to throw at me, or some thoughts or interjection to share with me, feel free to e-mail me at my home address by clicking here.

In the mean time... Keep on keeping on!
John

Hang Loose!

As I sat down to type, I decided that maybe a neat little poem would say the words I wasn't sure that I'd be able to find today.

As I searched various websites, page after page, I found lots of poems; teary poems; beautiful poems… poems to fathers both here and gone.

But none were about MY dad.

I guess that means that once again; for this one last time; the words will be my own. Hopefully inspired by the One that has inspired so many of Dads’ words in years gone by!

This morning Tricia Lynn sent me an e-mail that, in part said, “Life feels kinda weird going back to normalcy”. Normalcy - What is that really? According to Merriam Webster it’s the state or fact of being the way things usually are; Normality.

I have a feeling that normalcy may not be something that I will ever experience again… if somehow it is, it will be through new routines, new practices and new customs. Things can never be as they ”usually” were?

There will, most certainly be healing. God will provide that in time. But there will always be a void. A void left by the passing of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather & friend!

I went to pull a scripture and ran across Proverbs 27:11

Become wise, dear child, and make me happy; then nothing the world throws my way will upset me. (The Message)

Then NOTHING... will upset me!

Dad strived to live his life that way. People always commented on how carefree he would be, even in the midst of turmoil. Dad had developed a 'Hang Loose' mentality that went waaaayyyyy beyond he & Trish's annual trips to Waikiki. It was a way of life.

Richard Carlson (author of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff) says:

If you think of strangers as being a little more like you and treat them not only with kindness and respect but with smiles and eye contact as well, you'll probably notice some pretty nice changes in yourself.

You'll begin to see that most people are just like you--most have families, people they love, troubles, concerns, likes, dislikes, fears, and so forth. You'll also notice how nice and grateful people can be when you're the first one to reach out.

When you see how similar we all are, you begin to see the innocence in all of us. In other words, even though we often mess up, most of us are doing the best that we know how with the circumstances that surround us. Along with seeing the innocence in people comes a profound feeling of inner happiness.

God willing, this will be my last official post on the blog. I thank you for allowing me a forum to have my own private (okay, not so private) therapy sessions here within these pages. I may sneak back in to continue my therapy as time goes by; for anniversaries, birthdays... who knows?

I do, however, want to leave you with a couple of words as I go. None of them my own.

Don't sweat the small stuff. Do a Toyota Jump now and then. Keep on Keeping on! Strive for the Prize! Enjoy the kid that we usually keep tucked deep inside!

But most of all...

Hang Loose! The Best IS Yet to BE!
Johnny:)

Sunday Night Check-In

For many years, Dad has sent out an e-mail every Sunday night before bed to all of the family members (young and old).

Primarily, it was an update on the previous weeks events, as well as a reminder on the events to come.

Well bless her heart, Trish has kept that alive with "Sunday Night Check-Ins" the past couple of weeks (Thanks Trish!)

Anyway, so many people I've run in to have asked "how are you all doing?" The opening paragraphs seem an appropriate statement of where we are as a family, so I thought I'd pass it along, including a line or 2 thereafter and one from the closing!
_____

Dear family,

I don't know about you, but the past week was painful, tiring, difficult and lots of the time it was a blessing.

Sounds weird, I know, but God sure is helping me deal with our man being gone with a touch from someone, a kind word, a phone call, a visit... God's word has never let me down and some friends have sent sweet verses and I have been reading and I just feel His peace deep down in my heart.

Mostly, I am concentrating on the fact that Buddy is in a better place known as heaven and even though I do not know exactly what will be there, I do know that I am looking forward to seeing it someday too.

Hugs to all and please... Keep loving each other, keep God first and keep telling others about HIM.

Love and smooches,
Mom, Momma T, Grandma, Grammy, Trammy Tish
_____

Sounds like Dad, the Great Encourager, has left us with a GREAT replacement, huh? Keep us all in your prayers, and specifically Trish as she takes care of some of the "necessary bookwork" that is required at this time.

In God's Love...
Johnny:)

Need a Sermon?

Would you like to hear Dad preach (again - or for the first time)?

High Pointe (the church where Dad was preaching his final 2 weeks in the pulpit) has links online. The volume level's pretty low, so you'll need to crank up your speakers.

Well worth the listen, though. A couple of great ones! Even the titles (in light of what ended up happening after the 7-16 sermon) are so inspired.

The God of Second Chances (7-16-06)
Dare to Dream (7-9-06)

If the links above don't work, you can go to the High Pointe "Experience the Message" page by clicking HERE.

God really gifted him with an ability like very few others I've heard (although, I may be a little biased).

Enjoy!
John

Champs!

Congratulations to the 2006 Cardinals

World Series Champs!!

Cards close in on crown!

Well, Dad has his crown on... now his once beloved Cardinals are closing in on one of their own.

It's most certainly not near as nice a crown, but it would certainly be a nice tribute, and a heck of a memory for us to hang on to this year.

Being from southern Illinois, Dad has always loved the Cards! They were the home team.

As the years flew by and he made the northwest home, the Mariners became the home team, but the Cards always remained his team!

So 4 down in the best of 7 series. Cards are up, 3 games to 1.

Just one more win to bring it home! Go Cards!

Johnny

Thanks!

Just a quick note to say "Thanks" to so many and for so much!

I wish that words could express the gratitude that I (and I think I can speak for the entire family) feel for the consistent prayers, kind words, cards, notes, financial and emotional support that we've received over these past 100 days.

Dad may be gone, but definitely will not be forgotten. And you can play a BIG part in keeping that memory alive. Make The Best is Yet to Be! a part of what you do for those around you.

As the need for this blog wanes, the need for that same kind of fervor towards others continues to grow. When Dad had his aneurysm, help came from near and far. We felt it!

However, we also heard many stories from others in need. Some of those stories even came from friends & family that were dealing with ongoing health or spritual battles of their own.

When Ron closed the celebration at FBC Saturday, he told us to use a bit of Buddy when we said our goodbyes as we left. I'm saying to take it a little bit further. There are lots of buddys in need out there!!

Somewhere is a person that needs your prayers. Someone who needs the consistency you've given to reading this blog daily. Someone that may need a hand... emotionally, physically, or financially.

We know that ultimately the Best IS Yet to Be... but what about before we get to heaven? Is that phrase applicable RIGHT NOW?

It can be... If we use our prayers, time, talents, abilities & successes to help others. Make a difference! Whether in your home, neighborhood, church, school or workplace!

That's the best way I can think of to use a "bit of Buddy".

Honor his memory by doing your part to make sure that, even while here on earth, the Best is Yet to Be!
John

Forever Friendship

Here's an e-mail I received this morning... it's one that Dad would have forwarded, so I felt it belonged here!

Johnny:)
_____

Sometimes in life, you find a special friend.

Someone who changes your life just by being part of it.

Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop.

Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world.

Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door... just waiting for you to open it.

This is Forever Friendship!

The Dash

Someone sent me this poem a while back. I read it one day at Rotary; shortly after Dad started this journey; not knowing it would be so appropriate these few months later.

It reflects Dad in so many ways!

Johnny:)

**EDIT**
Posting the e-mailed poem mentioned, apparently stirred up a claim of copyright infringement from the author. Maybe if I'd included a link to it rather than the entire poem itself? New at this blogging thing and the legalities that go along with it, so really don't know.

Anyway, in a letter, the Blogger Team notified me that I had 3 days to remove it (subject to a claim of copyright infringement, regardless of its merits) so, with that being said - the poem has beem removed in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

If you'd still like to read it... you can find it on the authors' website at The Dash
-JE

Where Heroes Rest!

As Pastor Scott said during the graveside service at Tahoma National Cemetery, the body we laid to rest today was "merely a tent".

Folded away to be replaced by an eternal building.

God-made, not man-made!

To quote a bit of the scripture Scott read from:

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (The Message)
That's why we live with such good cheer. You won't see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet!

Cramped conditions here don't get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going.

Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we'll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming.

Dad was ready for that homecoming!

To continuing using Scott's words (I don't think he'll mind), "Buddy is no longer here. He Has departed. He fought a good fight. He finished the course. "

"He kept the faith. He has received his crown of righteousness. He has entered his rest. So, that leads me to ask this question, What about you and me?"

This post wasn't intended (okay, so maybe it was) to be a soap-box sermonette. As many of you that know me well could attest; my life has not always been much of a testament to the Lord. I am striving, with God's help and grace, to make a changes in my personal relationship with Christ.

You can too!

If you're not a Christian, you can have that glow that Dad had... you can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer.

God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart.

"Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If it does, I invite you to pray this prayer right now, and Christ will come into your life, as He promised.

If you are already a Christian, then live each day of your life letting your light shine for all to see, giving glory to your Father in heaven, and knowing that no matter what life brings...

The Best is Yet to Be!

You're right Scott, I bet Dad is up there leaping & shouting, "It's true, it's true!"

God Bless you all!
Johnny:)

A.W. "Buddy" Ellis

July 12, 1939 - October 17, 2006 (67 years young)

Buddy was born in Cairo, IL, to Arlin and Frances Ellis, where he lived until his graduation from Cairo High when he left to join the Navy. The Navy brought him to the NW where he married Patti (divorced in '79) and had 3 children; Jim, John & Tricia Lynn.

After his stint in the Navy, Buddy was ordained into the ministry, and left the NW to attend California Baptist, and then Ft. Worth Theological Seminary. Buddy married Trish in 1982 and included her 2 children, Tony and Tina into his family.

He pastored for a total of 44 years, including his retirement years where he continued to preach nearly every Sunday.

Buddy was an excellent speaker & mentor. Always happy & care free. He loved to smile, and was a friend to all who knew him - his influence on others continuing throughout even his final 93 days after the aneurysm.


Closed casket viewing: Thurs., Oct. 19, 2006 4-9pm
Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood.

Graveside with Military honors; Fri., Oct. 20, 2006 10am
Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.

A celebration of his life! Sat., Oct. 21st 11am
First Baptist Church of Lakewood; 5400 112th St SW

Dancing in Heaven!

For those of you unaware, Dad left this world yesterday afternoon, and by now he's dancing & singing down the streets of Heaven.

Imagine living in the place where God lives! No matter how we stretch our imaginations, we can't comprehend what it must be is like.

But Dad can! He no longer has questions for Heaven; they've all been answered. His crown is finally in place, and his rewards received. He's seen the glorious face of God and walked the streets of gold - no longer having to endure death or mourning or crying or pain.

Yesterday, when my wife told Austin that Grandpa was in Heaven now he replied, "Finally! Now he feels all better!" Oh, that we could all have that pure understanding!

I searched for scipture but kept coming back to one used in a previous post. My wife reminded me that Gods' word is worth reading time & time again, so here it is:

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (The Message)
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. 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.

A friend recently wrote Dad a note saying, "I'll miss your coming by my office to put your face under my sunlight lamp on a cloudy Northwest day. You are now in His Light 24/7!"

I couldn't say it any better.

Enjoy the SONSHINE, Dad! I look forward to seeing you another day!

God Bless you all!
Johnny:)

Merry ChristMORE!

We have Christmas music playing this morning. Oh, how Dad loves holiday celebrations! We know that the season ahead will always be difficult without him here to share in the fun.

He's always loved Christmas morning... as much (if not more) than his grandkids do, I think!

Celebrating JesUs' birth... He adores the music, the lights, the laughter - and the list goes on & on. My youngest son, Austin, renamed Christmas at our house last year. Since más means more in Spanish, he decided that ChristMAS should be known as ChristMORE! I expect that in Heaven; it's been known more like that forever.

Momma T, along with my brother Tony and I, were talking this morning about what the birthday celebration in Heaven must be like. I'm sure it's not the same type of party (you know, priorities are different there), but we figure Dad will most certainly give God some great ideas for upgrading it.

As for Dad's current status; I'll use Tony's words in saying, "Sure shows us how healthy Bud was before this happened". That's the truth, for sure. Dad's heart rate & respirations, although wildly irregular from time-to-time, tend to be running in the 100-120 & 15-20 ranges respectively. Meds, soothing touches from the loving family members closeby, as well as the hand of God are keeping him calm & comfortable.

Oh, how we miss his voice and his touch already!

Merry ChristMORE, Dad!
Johnny

The Best IS Yet to Be!

We have a journal that our friend Barb gave us a million years ago... okay August 1st, but seems like a million years.

Anyway, we've been writing Dad little notes along the way. Some of you reading this may have even written in it when you stopped by for a visit.

Last Saturday, TL wrote something that I've been given permission to use a bit of here. It really says a lot about how God has used Dad, even in the past 3 months, to make an impact on the people he comes in contact with.

-----

Sat 10/7/06

I've been thinking about your motto lately - "The best is yet to be". It's always been used in everyday life. You give it to me through all my tough times as a way to say 'We'll make it through'.

What I've realized though, is that's not what it's about really. It's not about what's on the other side of this hurdle or that one while on this life on Earth. It's about what we have to look forward to in Heaven (yeah, I know - duh!?!)

It may have taken me a while but I can fully appreciate it now, Dad.

Thanks! I love you with everything I have!

Love,
TL

Remember... "The Best IS Yet to Be!"

-----

Dad used that phrase a lot. I can also find solace in the true meaning tucked inside. Thanks Tricia Lynn for helping me realize that too!

Are you 100% sure that the best is yet to be in your life?

If not... talk to your pastor, or e-mail us at PrayforBuddy@yahoo.com and we'll get you pointed in the right direction.

I know... Do you?
Johnny:)

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (The Message)
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. 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.

Has it been a while?

Has it been a while since you got an e-mail from Dad? That was a rhetorical question... Obviously, it has been!

If you were one of the many that Dad shared e-mails with, I'm sure that's left quite a hole in your in-box. It has in mine, most definitely!

I've always been so good about keeping my in-box cleaned up. You know... A place for everything and everything in its place. As a result of that behavior, I have no e-mails from Dad other than some saved ones from way back in June.

My sister on the other hand, isn't quite so quick at clearing hers out (thank Goodness) so she has a few saved. Following (if you've rec'd it previously, read it again) is a copy of the most recent one she received... sent at 8:04 PM on 7/15/06.

The subject seems so appropriate. Dad always worked & prayed hard for others and their relationships with JesUs! The last e-mail he shared w/TL was no different.

The U in JesUs!
Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God even stuck U in the name of His Son.

And each time U pray, you'll see it's true
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.

You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?

The stones split away, the gold trumpet blew,
and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.

"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."

So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?

It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know, but it all starts with U.

--Author Unknown

Home Sweet Home

It was quite a long (extremely) path; taking nearly 90 days; but Dad has finally come home.

Nowhere close to the circumstances we'd hoped & prayed for, but home none-the-less!

Delay after delay made today no different than the other transport days we've experienced. Plans were to head that way in the late morning, but that kept getting pushed back. Finally, the ambulance showed up & Dad headed this way.

After getting all settled in, the Hospice nurse got there and finally finished up showing us the "how to's" for Dad's care and the various comfort measures (i.e., medicines, positioning, etc) around 10pm. Whew!

Dad's respirations continue to be much higher (yesterday, as well); in the 30-35 bpm range versus 20 a couple of days ago. Fever's been running about 100 degrees, but with meds he seems to be resting pretty comfortably.

Continue to pray! Prayers of comfort, and prayers of praise for the gift we've had... the gift of time!

God Bless!
Johnny:)

Every day is a gift, that you've been given! Make the most of life every minute you're living. - Chris Rice; Life Means So Much (Rocketown Records)

Waiting again!

What's new, right?

Waiting, waiting and more waiting! Jimmy flew up this morning and joined Trish, TL, Michael & I, (Walt & CC also came to offer extra moral support) for todays events.

Things went off (or came out, as it were) without a hitch. Dad, while still non-responsive, had the endotracheal tube removed and is breathing unassisted - albeit high - in the neighborhood of 20 breaths per minute (normal's about 12 in adults) with a oxygen saturation level running right close to 100%.

The external shunt was also removed, along with pretty much everything other than the monitors (which will be unhooked tonite). Speaking of monitors, his BP & heart rate are steady as well, which means the move home should happen (after a little more waiting) tomorrow.

We got to meet with the Hospice Coordinator today to get some of the particulars of what to expect. While the changes happening are a bit (okay, A LOT) overwhelming, we keep plugging along towards the goal.

We've strived for the same goal all along - Dad being healed. The only thing is... the finish line appears to have moved considerably skyward!

Once again, I think I'm speaking for the entire family in saying thanks for all of your prayers for Dad and the rest of us!

In light of the ongoing changes, please keep praying. More specifically; pray that the transfer itself be smooth & that the hospice team's able to get us up to speed with regards to what we need to do to help Dad remain comfortable.

God Bless the Prayer Warriors!
Johnny:)

Tuesday Came Early

For those of you that weren't in church today (Dad would say, "where were you?"), it's Sunday; not Tuesday. However, due to the lack of improvement in Dad's condition, the family consult meeting was moved up to noon today.

It appears that Dad will be having the endotracheal tube removed tomorrow and - if all goes as planned - be headed home.

Yes, due to the aforementioned lack of improvement, Dad will be heading home with the support of family & friends; under the guidance of a team from MultiCare Hospice & Palliative Care Services.

Please pray for Dad's comfort during the tube removal and transfer home.

God Bless!
John

Look! Up in the sky...

It's a bird; It's a plane; No, it's SuperNurse!

Okay, that doesn't really have anything to do with today's post... but couldn't we ALL benefit from having a SuperNurse now & then.

It's been a rough few days around the various Ellis households lately. Not only does Dad continue to struggle with his medical issues, but his Mom ended up in the hospital with congestive heart failure on Sunday.

When it rains it pours, huh?

Last I heard they were able to place a stint in the damaged area, and she's awake and recognizing family members at this point in time. Add another Ellis to the prayer list!

Now for the million dollar question... What about Buddy?

Dad hasn't rebounded from the infection(s) that brought him back to TG last week. We (wife Trish; daughter Trish; son Tony; grandson Michael & I) had a family consult with the staff (a wonderful thing they offer there) yesterday, so I'll pass along a little info from that.

The fever continues to bounce up & down (in the 102 neighborhood, last I heard), and they've still been unable to figure out exactly why. The Neuro folks have indicated they DON'T believe it to be a neurological issue... which leads us back to the Infectious Disease folks. They are aggressively treating the infection and hope to be able to get it under control soon.

They took Dad off the sedating meds yesterday and have received no response on his part, as of yet. The sedation they're using was 'short acting'; which means when you start or stop it... there's supposed to be an immediate effect or response. That means he should have been able to offer some nods, or something; but none so far.

Dad's seems to be having some pain... you can definitely see when it hurts. It breaks our hearts to see him in pain. Especially since (for those who know him well, I'm sure you'll agree) he's kind of a wuss when it comes to pain.

He’s been a tough cookie, though, and has repeatedly shown us that during these past 3 months or so. We've been happy that up until lately - we're pretty sure he hasn't had much (if any) pain.

That being said; some short-term goals were established (Dad would be glad about that... he loves for people to set goals). I whispered to Dad yesterday (funny, my sister told me this morning she had said almost the same thing to him yesterday, too) that if he & God had any more miracles up their sleeves, now was the time.

Now is definitely the time!

We have another meeting scheduled with the staff for next Tuesday; to re-evaluate where things are going from there.

In the mean time, pray for Dad's comfort and healing. And pray for Trish & the rest of our family… and the difficult decisions that we may, very possibly, be facing in the very near future.

God Bless all of you for your support and prayers!
John

October already?

Wow! It's hard to believe it's been nearly 3 months since this all began, isn't it? And yet, here we are! Today is day 78, I think, and Dad continues with his struggles to get well.

The shunt had indeed failed, and it was obvious (due to the high fever) that there was infection somewhere.

To start things off, Dad was whisked into surgery to have the shunt removed & an external one put in it's place, allowing the normal drainage of Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) to continue while the infection(s) clears.

Antibiotics (several at once) were also started right away, to get a jump start on any infection, while waiting for results from the labs, cultures and other tests.

The doctors also opted to intubate so that the airway would be protected during surgery and recovery. Abscesses had formed in Dad's stomach that also needed to drained.

What a weekend! We're definitely a long way from those wonderful days of last weekend (see picture below left)!

Dad's still in the ICU at TG (see picture above right). I'm not sure what the duration of this stay will be, but from what I understand - the plan is to remove the Endotracheal tube once he's stable enough to do so; and wait for the infections to clear before inserting a replacement shunt.

What then? I think only God has that answer!

Pray that God fills Dad with renewed strength to make it over the new & on-going hurdles he faces!!

God Bless!
John

On the road again!

...just can't wait to get on the road again!

Yes, Dad is back at TG again today. Okay, last night actually.

With his heart rate zooming; fever consistently over 100 & his blood sugar double what it should be; the decision was made to head for the hospital & get everything back under control.

While Dad was on the way, the rest of us; Trish, Trish, myself, Walt & Martha (thanks for being there, you two); hustled for the hospital. You'll have to ask one of us for the rest of that story... it was quite a fiasco in & of itself!

Trish & Trish spent the night with Dad in the ER since no beds were available to admit him. This morning his heart rate's still way too high & he needs to be in a monitored bed, so he's heading for the ICU.

Obviously, he's dealing with another infection; looking like the shunt is the culprit, although possible that he's dealing with some other infection along with it.

Saturday & Sunday were such wonderful days... Pray that the physical repairs can be quick ones, and Dad can get back to that level real soon!

The Best is STILL Yet to Be!
John

Ever feel like a Yo-Yo?

Up then Down; Up then Down!

I'd been stalling on my next post... waiting for some real good news (after all, I did say there'd be more good news to come, right?).

Well, after 2 days of waiting, and more ups & downs, I figured I needed to get an update out whether there was any real good news or not.

Things have been, once again, pretty sedate since the last post. Monday, Tuesday (and so far Wednesday), Dad's given very little in the way of verbal responses.

For the most part his replies; mostly nods & shakes of the head; have been given with his eyes closed, and lots of time has been spent sleeping.

A low grade fever yesterday, but today his vitals are once again holding strong.

John (the PT guy) has been by to work with Dad on his range of motion. They're hoping he'll soon be more responsive and able to participate a little (okay, a lot)! In the mean time, they're teaching Trish what to do to help keep him loose & limber and she's passing it along to us.

What's causing the lack of responsiveness or the increased sleepiness? Nobody knows! Hopefully this time around it's brief and not detrimental to his recovery.

Keep him & the doctors and nurses that are caring for him in your prayers. Dad that he's pulls through stronger than ever. And the staff that they can discover & resolve the issues Dad's struggling with.

Pray on!
John

Strike up the Band!

Today feels like the perfect day for a parade! Well, there's definitely at least reason for celebration.

Last time I wrote about "where've you been"... since then, miraculous things have happened (did anyone pray for a miracle?)... we've had a couple of the best days I can remember in quite a while.

It started yesterday, with a pretty busy first full day back at Orchard Park. Dad, as I've mentioned before, usually has "issues" with moving.

Not so, this time! Trish & I got a single word from him again on Friday night. "Yup" was the word of choice this time, but it was a blessing none-the-less. Now, Saturday morning was another story altogether! Lots of words! Sentences! Heck, darn near whole conversations!!

Yes, Dad's ability to talk seems to be returning. Slowly, but surely, he's speaking. Pretty wispy, but real words. It was wonderful, to say the least! I'm told by evening time, Dad was pretty worn out... so there wasn't much late night jabbering going on.

Today started pretty quietly as well, although Trish had Dad giving all kinds of appropriate answers to questions she asked. Memory is still a BIG questionmark. It seems to come & go a bit, which makes it tough to tell where he's at.

As the evening progressed, Elijah and I got some real solid responses to a few questions working the old memories. While we had to talk him through "where were you born?" & "what high school in Cairo?" (we got no answers, but Dad did agree with the answers given), but when I mentioned that he joined the Navy after high school, he said he remembered that. I asked what ship were you on? He thought abought it for a bit, I added it was the USS... ? and he said, clear as a bell, "Oriskany!" For those of you that don't already know this... that's the right answer!

He's struggling to figure out who everyone is (himself included), but I told him we've got time for that. Thanks to God for that time!

Isn't it AWESOME that after all of his ups and downs (I guess, in pastoral verbage that'd be 'hills & valleys') with God's strength, Dad's back to plugging right along towards recovery.

More good news to come... PRAISE GOD!
Johnny:)

Where've you been?

As Nancy walked in this morning to see Dad (she's hanging out while Dad awaits transfer back to Orchard Park), his eyes were open which was, in and of itself, a good start. As she greeted him with a ‘hello’ he responded with a whispered, "where've you been?". I realize that's not much to write home about, but they were the first words he's spoken in at least a couple of weeks.

No more words since then (so far), but what a wonderful beginning to the first day after the shunt being put in. I'm told that the PT folks came by today and had Dad (with full assistance) sitting up on the edge of the bed to see if he could support himself but to no avail.

One good thing out of that though... his vitals didn't change drastically either. Not long ago over at Orchard Park, they sat him up and his BP dropped to almost nothing. Nice to see that there was improvement in that area, too!

Don't get me wrong, Dad's not made any significant levels of recovery as of yet. I point out what few changes have occurred to let you all know where things stand (no pun intended), and to continue to be optimistic the way that Dad brought me up to be.

Dad continues to be very un-responsive to verbal commands of any sort, very immobile on his own, and very sedate. His eyes seem to be working rather well at this point, and will follow movement from time-to-time.

The neuro-surgeon (Dr Harris) made sure to pass along to the family last night that the recovery process from this point, could be very lengthy. As we've been told previously, it's a marathon... not a sprint, and Dr Harris' comments that any level of recovery could take ‘weeks or even months’, was a good reminder of that!

So... Where've you been?
Johnny:)

Surgery Completed!

Dad got quite an early start to his day this morning.

Before most of those reading this posting (probably even before the one writing it) were even awake, Dad was already on his way back to TG for the surgical implantation of his Cerebral Shunt.

With some worries about his lingering fever, surgery went on as scheduled. By 10am, the surgeon had returned to the waiting room to let the waiting Trish's (both Momma T & Tricia Lynn were there) know that all had gone as planned.

He's expected to stay at TG "overnite", which leaves us to assume that sometime tomorrow; he'll be going back to Orchard Park.

Examples of possible complications for the shunt include malfunction, failure, and infection. Risks also came along with the PEG tube, however most significant would be the various infections that can occur.

Now, we ALL wait. I told Dad last night (I'm confident he can hear us & knows what we're saying whether he can acknowledge it or not) that we were expecting a miracle today! So, just pray for that miracle!

Or pray for God's will to be done; or for comfort for Dad, Trish, TL and the rest of the family. Pray for those missing their friend (myself included)...

Just whatever you do; Talk to God! I know dad is!

I can comfortably say that the one place I know Dad has complete clarity would be in his continued "conversations" with God.

PRAY HARD! If Dad could talk to us all right now; he'd be telling every one of us to do the same!

Still looking for a miracle!
Johnny:)

The PEG is in!

With the fever under control, the wonderful staff at TG was able to complete the PEG insertion yesterday. All went well, and now all meds, nutrition & fluids are currently being given through the PEG tube.

Today, running only a slight fever, Dad's heading back to Orchard Park for a day and a half or so. Yes, it seems odd to us as well; but that's the way the system works. He should be there midday today or thereabouts. Then settle in for Wednesday, and Thursday morning head back to TG for the next procedure.

What's next? Turns out Dad has developed Hydrocephalus; an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain; which they think is causing increased pressure inside his skull. To relieve that, they are inserting a Cerebral Shunt. The short version definition from wikipedia.com is a one-way valve used to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain and carry it to other parts of the body.

The thought is that relieving the increased pressure could help with some ongoing issues that've been hampering any recovery. Not sure how long that'll keep him back at TG, but would imagine an extra day or two. We'll keep you updated as more is known.

Johnny:)

Still Waiting...

Tests, tests and more tests!

Dad's still resting comfortably, but the fever continues to hover around the 99 to 101 degrees, and they still haven't been able to figure out the cause as of yet.

Stool cultures negative (Praise God for that) so far. And doesn't look like the C-Diff was the culprit either.

So...

Tests, tests and more tests!

It's beginning to look more and more like it'll be late next week before we get out of TG. Some folks have said, "Sorry, to hear Buddy's back in the hospital." Talking with Trish a few minutes ago; I found that all of us seem to feel exactly the opposite... we're relieved this is where he's at.

The attentive care, more tests, the staff, the attentive care... it's all very comforting (I know I said attentive care twice, but that's the part we're most pleased by).

They put an NG tube back in this morning. That will allow food, fluids & some of the meds to go that way until the PEG is in place. It's looking like that probably won't happen until next week sometime.

Keep Dad in your prayers!!
Johnny:)

5 yard penalty!

While we all know this is not a game... given Dad's love of sports, I thought the Delay of Game signal was befitting.

Still waiting on test results regarding his condition, but we know one thing for sure: The PEG is not happening today!

Spoke to Trish at Dad's bedside this morning & she said that the Doc's were gaining control of the fever (up around 103 last night) and diarrhea, but mostly allowing Dad to rest.

A few more tests today (EEG being the biggest one), then the expectation is that he'll remain in the hospital for a few days to keep stable, get the PEG procedure done and obtain results from the numerous labs, tests, etc. Then, most likely early next week, return to Orchard Park.

Keep an eye on the blog for updates. When I know... you'll know!

Prayer... Just Do It!
Johnny:)

James 5:15-16
15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Slight Change of Plans

Well, nothing ever seems to go as planned, does it? Today was no exception!

Over the past couple of days, Dad began running a fever (again). He had eaten a little Sunday morning (very little), but has not eaten anything since. The fever, combined with the onset of loose stools, presented the potential of delaying the PEG procedure planned for today.

As the day progressed, the fever continued to rise (a bit over 103 at the high end), as did the frequency of loose, watery stools (more commonly known as diarrhea). Since the facility treats such problems orally or by suppository; they had no ability to take care of either issues he was facing.

So, off to the hospital he went. Since his PEG was scheduled to be done at Baker Center, he was sent to Tacoma General (Baker is across the street). Upon entering the ER, they took a chest x-ray; sent Dad for a CT scan; started a full lab workup (blood & stool) and started antibiotics.

The initial diagnosis is Clostridium Difficile, aka C-Diff; a bacterium which is the most significant cause of Pseudomembranous Colitisa (a severe infection of the colon). According to Wikipedia, antibiotics (which Dad had been taking for a UTI) can cause disruption of normal intestinal flora, leading to an overgrowth of Clostridium Difficile. Treatment method is to stop any antibiotics and instead begin specific anticlostridial antibiotics.

Pray for healing, and that none of the issues at hand delay the PEG. We won't know whether that's going to happen or not until later this morning. I'll try and update the blog once more is known.

Johnny

PEG scheduled

Well, the IV is coming out soon.

No… Dad has not resolved any swallowing issues, but IV’s; although one of the fastest ways to deliver fluids and medications through the body; are not intended to be used for long periods of time.

Since Dad continues to have considerable difficulties swallowing, especially liquids, we’ve scheduled a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (aka PEG).

Sounds bad, but it’s not!

For those that don’t know, Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy is the procedure for placing a tube; in Dad’s case a gastric feeding tube, or 'G-Tube'; into the stomach through the abdominal wall. The procedure is primarily used as a long-term means of providing nutrition & fluids for patients who, due to poor control over the swallowing muscles, cannot obtain enough orally, and to avoid the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Dad can & will continue to eat & drink as much as he wants, but with the PEG tube in place, will no longer be limited by either his ability swallow or his appetite. The nurses at the SNiF will instead be able to supplement any lack in calories or hydration, as well as any necessary medications directly into the stomach through the PEG tube.

At this time the scheduled date is Tuesday, the 12th. Dad will have to be transported offsite for the procedure. Dad will be sedated, with the insertion itself taking about 20 minutes, the tube kept within the stomach by a balloon on its tip.

Once out of recovery, Dad will be transported back to the SNiF. For about a week, the abdominal wound must be covered with sterile dressings until it's healed. The procedure is supposed to be a low risk, in & out kind of deal.

Please pray for continued comfort & strength for Dad as he forges on!
John

8 weeks and counting!

Hard to believe it (at least for me) but it's been 8 weeks since Dad's aneurysm! Sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago... others it seems like moments.

I can still see Dad back in mid-July at the Rotary BBQ, standing on the Olson's dock on Lake Lawrence, saying "see you tomorrow, right?" I did see him "tomorrow"... only, it was in the hospital.

Thanks to all of you that have come by to visit Dad and support the family. Hopefully more will do the same! It's a blessing to know how many are still faithfully praying for Dad.

You're probably saying, get on with the update already. Okay, but not much new to report.

After losing 30 (or so) pounds, Dad gained weight this past week for the first time. Only 2 pounds, but that 2 pounds was enough to get us excited! He's continuing to have extreme dificulty swallowing (especially liquids of any sort), so the fact that he's been eating enough to gain weight is a true blessing!!

Liquid is still being provided by IV that we hope and pray, combined with continued nourishment, will give him enough strength to be awake more frequently.

I know it's tiring (trust me, I know)... but please continue to pray for Dad! And stop by to see him for a bit, if you'd like!

God Bless all of you for your support!
John

Want to come by for a visit?

While Dad isn't necessarily any more alert or responsive than we've mentioned in previous posts, the family has discussed it & we figure hearing and/or seeing happy voices & faces of friends would probably be a good thing!

For obvious reasons we're not giving out our phone numbers here, but if you've already got 'em, call 'em... or call 253.840.2744 and leave a message (or e-mail the PrayforBuddy address if you'd rather) to schedule a visit.

Be advised however, some folks have a little bit of a hard time seeing Dad for the first time in such a different light... so please be prepared!

Positive & uplifting visitors only!

Who knows, maybe one of you will light a spark to some old memories?

Thanks!
Johnny:)