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