Prayers For Bro. Dale

February 29, 2012

2012-02-29T22:09:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug emailed me the update tonight:

"Yeah, the trech. came out today! It took about a minute to take it out and he tolerated it well. It feels strange to him because he keeps feeling where it was. They have the opening covered with gauze and said it could close up in a day or it could take a week or so. He has tried talking to see what his voice sounded like. It doesn't sound much different he just doesn't have to strain as hard to get his voice sounds to come out. I can hardly wait to see what it will be like when he realizes he can talk again.

In PT they had him walking behind a shopping cart which gave him much more control over the right leg. I told him he looked great behind a shopping cart and that I thought he could do that well. I also told him while he was shopping today to pick me up some popcorn. He just looked at me and smiled and at the therapist and shook his head. He was able to walk a lot farther today than he has since we have been here. They also had him use his right leg while sitting in his wheel chair to pull himself along. This made him use the muscles in the upper part of his leg.

In OT the worked on sitting and standing. They also worked on moving from the wheel chair to a shower bench.

When he wakes up in the mornings he throws back the covers and throws that left leg off the bed and is ready to get out of bed right then. I have to remind him that we have to wait for them to come help him get dressed and move to the wheel chair.

Tomorrow is their evaluation day and I will get a report on how well they think he is progressing. I have had each of them to say they can tell he has made progress. They each have said that they can tell he still has trouble when you tell him something to do with it making a connection.

I know y'all will enjoy this story. We have just finished supper and gotten back to our room and Mr. clock watcher wanted to go to bed as soon as he got his teeth brushed and started pointing at the clock and at me. I told him they were cleaning up the dining room and would be here in a few minutes. That wasn't soon enough. He kept on and I told him to go to the door and get somebody. He did! He went to the door opened it and sat in the door way until the nurse saw him and asked him if he wanted to get back in bed. He nodded and said u-huh. Then he came back in the room and is waiting on them. Each day is something new!

Thank you, for all your prayers. We love you."

Yay!!! Thank You, Lord for this great report. We praise You and thank You for your help in our times of need. Amen.

"¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills—
   where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the LORD,
   the Maker of heaven and earth. ³ He will not let your foot slip—
   he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.
⁵ The LORD watches over you—
   the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
   nor the moon by night.
⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
   he will watch over your life;
⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
   both now and forevermore." Psalm 121

February 27, 2012

2012-02-27T20:13:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug called and said Bro. Dale had a good day. They are planning to leave his trach capped tonight to see how he does with that. If he does well, they are talking about taking it out sometime this week. They got him up around 7:30 this morning and didn't get back into bed until about 3:45! He was give out after a full day of therapy. He took a nap and by 5 was ready to get up and go to supper.

In speech today, they mentioned that he is doing so well with the puree diet that they are going to start him on more solid foods tomorrow. Today he had his first slice of pineapple since November. He lapped it up! (For those who may not know, Bro. Dale LOVES pineapple and has eaten a pineapple sandwich for lunch just about everyday of his life prior to his stroke!) Also during speech today, she used music, with short familiar songs like Happy Birthday and Row, Row, Row Your Boat. At one point, he said, "happy" and it seemed to shock him so much that he could say it that he didn't say it again. The therapist said it's normal that it would shock him because it's common for a stroke patient to think they will not be able to get to the point of saying more than just a couple of words. Also, they have been using some word pictures and such for him to match. He does well as long as there are just a few, but when it gets to be more than about 3, he gets frustrated. But she's going to give him some picture words that he can use to give signals, such as a sink if he wants to wash his hands or a toothbrush, etc. That will give him a base for his communication that will reduce some of the confusion. He has already gotten into a pattern of using a few hand signals, such as waving his hand in a horizontal line, it means turn the volume up on the tv, NOT change the channel. :)

In OT, they taught him to use what they call a slide board. They slide it under his hip and then he slides on it to wherever they are wanting him to sit. Today they had him sitting at a table. So he can move himself from the wheelchair to a seat by himself.

In PT, they had him stand straight up and bat a balloon back and forth for about 20 minutes. They also walked him this afternoon with his right leg (the calf and ankle) wrapped in an ace bandage. They had him do that for about 15 minutes and then had him lay down and worked on his feet and legs for several more minutes. They are going to start walking him earlier in the mornings from now on because he was pretty tired by the time they got to PT today. They do 30 minutes of each type of therapy in the morning and then again in the afternoon. He has a break from about 11-12 that he can rest without laying down. Today they went out on the deck and enjoyed the beautiful weather for a little while.

Mrs. Doug said to tell everyone that the best times for a visit would be from 11-1 or any time after 3:30.

Mrs. Doug wanted to share a verse tonight. She read a devotional that said we often avoid the hills for the flat ground, but it's when we must walk up the mountainside that we are strengthened and learn to depend on God for our strength. The scripture that went with it was Exodus 15:2. As well as this prayer:

"Dear Father help me to learn to depend on You daily. Show me your mercy and grace, I pray." She said they are learning to do that daily.

"² The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2

BROTHER DALE'S BENEFIT: All first pre-ordered benefit t-shirts are ready and can be picked up at Cotton Ink. Their hours are Monday - Friday 7-5 and Saturday til 2. Thanks to everyone who has bought tees and dinner plates, who plans to cook, serve, who has donated auction items, or work in any way to make this benefit a success!

February 25, 2012

2012-02-25T22:08:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug emailed me her update tonight, so I'll just copy and paste it for you to read:

Greetings from Jackson,

We have had a good day. Had physical & speech therapy today. Dale is getting stronger already in his walking. Today they walked him without a brace of any kind on the right leg. He didn't walk quite as far as yesterday but held himself taller and had much more control of his upper body. He also got to pet 2 dogs today. One of them was about as hyper as Buster. They were long haired. He really enjoyed getting to pet them. I wish you could have seen the look in his eyes when he was petting them. The lady gave me some pointers on how to handle Buster when we get home.
When anyone says OK to him now he will answer back OK, except to me.HA! He can also say yeah & no sometimes. I haven't talked to the speech therapist much yet so don't really know what all he is doing in there. He is really trying hard to do everything they ask him to do. The young man that had him in physical was about an inch taller than Dale and made that comment to Dale that he was a little taller than Dale was. When the guy stood Dale up the next time Dale stood as tall and straight as an arrow and was as tall as the guy. Dale just grinned when the guy told him he was as tall as he was now. He was able to move his right leg on his on when he was walking today.
This morning I got out his electric razor which he has never used one and he shaved himself with it and did a good job. I can't wait to see what happens next week with a full week of therapy. There will be one speech therapist assigned to him and we met her and she seems really nice.
We've had company yesterday & today. Always enjoy the company it helps pass the time and is great seeing everyone.

To each of you who reads the Blog and prays for us daily and hourly May God's richly bless you and thank you so much. There just aren't words to express what we feel for each of you. Whenever I mention any of you to Dale he gets emotional & so do I.

We love you all,

Dale & Doug

"¹⁶ “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!

²⁰ “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. ²¹ Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. ²² For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. ²³ As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. ²⁴ But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you." 1 Samuel 12:16, 20-24

Heavenly Father, we find our hope in the fact that You are pleased to make us Your own, even though we are frail and weak. Forgive us where we fail you. We ask you to continue to heal Bro. Dale so that Your great name will be known. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

February 23, 2012

2012-02-23T19:17:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale had a good day today. They had him walking with a half walker and a lower leg brace (different from the air brace he had used before). This one is more like a metal boot. But there was nothing from the knee up. He did really well with it. He would get tired and have to sit down, but he did great with it.

The speech therapist said he'd gotten a little frustrated while he was being evaluated. He was trying to say so much but could only get "well good" out. He was clearly rattled by it. But the therapist said she knows where to start with him from there and they will get him past that point.

The OT had him matching all kinds of shapes. Then he'd have to pick up some pegs and put them in a peg board.

The respiratory therapist will come in tonight and she is hoping to find out more about how soon the trach can come out.

He got back to the room about 3:30 and Porkchop came to visit for a while. Bro. Dale ate all of his meals in the dining room today. There were other people there that they had a conversation with and Mrs. Doug said Bro. Dale seemed really comfortable and would nod and say, "uh huh" a lot. He also got a chance to spend some time outside and enjoy the pretty weather. They have a deck on the 3rd floor that they can go out on with tables and sitting areas. She's hoping to get him out there as often as possible.

The sink in his room is such that he can roll right up to it in the wheel chair. She showed him how to adjust the water and he washed his face and brushed his teeth. He even leaned over and spit, which is something he's not been able to do. Mrs. Doug said that when he brushes his teeth, he seems completely normal with the speed and accuracy that he has with it.

Thursdays are the days that they do staff meetings and patient evaluations and report to the family. They will do his first evaluation like that next week. This week they will do individual evaluations as they get started.

"6 “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.
⁷ “What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”
⁸ Then the word of the LORD came to me: ⁹ “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you." Zechariah 4:6-9

Dear Lord, Just as you did with Zerubbabel, we pray that you would empower Bro. Dale with your Spirit so that he can overcome the mountain in front of him. See this recovery process through to completion, Lord. Bless him so that all will know that the Lord Almighty is God and He is able. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

February 22, 2012 - Benefit Information

2012-02-22T22:48:00.000-06:00

FBC Vardaman is hosting a benefit for Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug on Saturday, March 3rd at the Vardaman High School Gymnasium. Plates can be picked up at 5pm or stay for the live entertainment, and the silent and live auction. Tickets for the benefit are on sale now for $10 each. BBQ chicken or pulled pork. Tickets can be purchased from Tammy at the church (thru Noon on Friday) or see Sherri Williams at Bancorp South in Vardaman. DEADLINE FOR TICKET SALES IS FRIDAY, FEB. 24. T-Shirts are also available for $10. If you pre-ordered a t-shirt, it can be picked up next week at Cotton Ink on Main Street in Vardaman.

If you have an item you'd like to donate for the auction, see Whitney Casey, Sherri Williams, or call the church.

For more information, call the church office (662-682-7458).

February 22, 2012

2012-02-22T17:35:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug called and said they arrived around 11am in Jackson. He made the trip fine. He slept most of the way. But he has been awake and alert the rest of the afternoon. They did some preliminary evaluation stuff and said for him to get ready to hit the ground running at 8 in the morning! Before therapy, he will start eating in the dining area, which will be good for him to adjust to being in a more public place to eat. She said he needs to get used to that because they certainly don't intend to be living out of one room for the rest of their lives. But for now, the room they have is really nice. Mrs. Doug said it's really a big room and she has a couch bed to sleep on, which looks better than the one she has been sleeping on in Baldwyn. She will have a meal ticket to eat in the cafeteria while she is there and a parking pass.

They hope to get the trach out soon and then the feeding tube. They also said they will be able to evaluate his sight. Really, they will be able to work with his whole body in therapy to improve all areas. He has insurance coverage for 4 weeks, and they told her that when it comes time for him to go home, they will make sure they have everything they need in terms of additional therapy or home health. It's going to be really exciting to see how far he will be able to come while he is there!

Today while they were unpacking, she handed him his Bible that he used to preach from and he held it closely at first. Then after a while, he started reading it a little while and then put it down. A little while later he would pick it back up and read it some more. She said she's pretty sure he is reading because he uses his finger to mark where he is. He seemed to be enjoying reading it.

"⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

February 20, 2012 - pictures

2012-02-20T15:57:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug stopped by this morning and said that they will be heading to Jackson on Wednesday! This is great news! Thank You, Lord! She also emailed me some pictures that I wanted to post for your viewing pleasure. Bro. Dale looks great, but what man wouldn't with these two good lookin' girls by his side?!?

With Addie Beth Watkins

Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug

Love these smiles!

“Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. ⁶ You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you." Nehemiah 9:5b-6

February 19, 2012 - with Addie Beth!

2012-02-19T13:05:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug reported that she talked to the lady from the Methodist Rehab in Jackson last night and they will be evaluating him this week. She said it's very possible that he will be there by next weekend. Once he is there, they will work with him doing intense rehab 5days a week and an hour and a half on Saturdays. They will want her to stay with him as much as she is able. And they expect that he could be ready to come home in as little as 3 weeks!!! Mrs. Doug said she believes they will be back in church by Easter Sunday! I cannot wait to see him there!

"³⁷ When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
³⁸ “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
³⁹ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
⁴⁰ “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”" Luke 19:37-40

Thank You, Lord for your marvelous works and blessings displayed through Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug. Let us not keep silent as we share the light of Your hope with a dark and hurting world all around us.

Yesterday, Tony, Tammy & Addie Beth Watkins came to visit and Tammy got this picture of Addie Beth napping beside Bro. Dale in his bed. It is so sweet, I just had to share it!

February 17, 2012

2012-02-17T16:55:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug called and said that she met with the team of therapists this afternoon. They made the referral to the Methodist Rehab in Jackson and should be hearing from them on Monday or Tuesday. They will have someone come to Baldwyn to evaluate him. Mrs. Doug will need to be present for that. It doesn't usually take that long once they are referred. They could be in Jackson as early as the end of next week, depending on how quickly the evaluation is done, but by the next week for sure.

He is tolerating standing in the frame for 30 minutes at a time without his blood pressure dropping. And he was able to walk up the parallel bars 3x with only 2 people helping him, where it used to take 4. They are not using the weight cast on his right leg anymore, so he is controlling the movement in that right leg now. They are still using the electrical stimulation to strengthen the movement on his right leg.

The OT has been working with him on getting dressed. He is needing minimal amounts of help to get his shirt and pants on now.

The speech therapist has been working with him on matching pictures and words. He was able to match them, which means he's able to read. He got a lot of them right, but he did miss a few. He is able to stick his tongue out now and move it from side to side. Today she was using words like "black" and "white", "husband" and "wife", "cream" and "sugar," "hot" and "cold," "young" and "old." He was able to say "white," "old," and "no." This is an improvement from his "well good" that he has only been able to say prior to now.

His blood pressure is leveled out and holding steady instead of fluctuating. His stitches are out and the scar on his head you can barely see anymore. Mrs. Doug said that once his hair grows back, you won't be able to see it at all. She was amazed. She's going to send some pictures soon of him. The doctor that replaced his skull wanted them to come back on March 5th for a CT scan, but she's hoping that follow up can be done in Jackson so they don't have to drive him back up for that.

Mrs. Doug has told Bro. Dale about what is ahead and she could tell he understands and is excited about it. She said that there is a couch bed in his room in Jackson that she could stay on, but if need be, she will be able to stay with Barbara and Larry. She is planning to stay down there with him for the first week or so, but doesn't know yet how it will be for longer term.

God has done marvelous things and we are so thankful for answered prayers! Thank You, Lord, You are good!

"¹⁷ You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted;
   you encourage them, and you listen to their cry," Psalm 10:17

"⁵ But I trust in your unfailing love;
   my heart rejoices in your salvation.
⁶ I will sing to the LORD,
   for he has been good to me." Psalm 13:5-6

February 14, 2012

2012-02-14T19:09:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug called and reported that Bro. Dale will be having his stitches taken out tomorrow. Also, soon they will be meeting with an ENT about taking the trach out! They are trying to get an appointment set up. They might be able to get that done in Tupelo, if there is time before he goes to Jackson. They capped off the trach this morning around 9 and left it capped until about 4. They will be having a meeting of the whole team on Friday and hopefully will find out if he is ready for the referral to the Methodist Rehab in Jackson. He does still have the feeding tube in but he is only taking his medications with it. Hopefully they will be able to take it out soon also.   They kept him in rehab today a long time today. And when he got back today, he wasn't as tired as he has been. But he did work up a big appetite!

Mrs. Doug said he made her a Valentine today in rehab with red construction paper and a white heart doily. With a black ink pen they had him fill in the heart and write "I Love You. -Dale" He was really proud to give it to her. She told him it was the most special Valentine she'd ever gotten and he teared up when she said that.

Continue to pray for Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug, especially as they gear up for a new stage of recovery. Pray for Mrs. Doug to have strength and wisdom as she continues to travel back and forth and tries find balance between work, home and being by Bro. Dale's side. As he is becoming more aware of everything, it's that much harder for them to be apart. We thank God for their example of love and commitment "in sickness and in health." What a blessing they are to us and each other. And we thank God for His deep love for us.

"³ He was despised and rejected by mankind,
   a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
   he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
⁴ Surely he took up our pain
   and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
   stricken by him, and afflicted.
⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,
   he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
   and by his wounds we are healed.
⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
   each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
   the iniquity of us all....
¹² Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
   and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
   and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
   and made intercession for the transgressors." Isaiah 53:3-6, 12

"⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

February 13, 2012

2012-02-13T21:45:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug called to let me know that Bro. Dale had a good day. She said she didn't really have much to report otherwise. She is staying in Baldwyn tonight so that she can meet with the doctor in the morning. She will be able to report more after that. We are always thankful for a good report! Please continue to pray for both of them to be strengthened for the journey. We are praying for a good report with the doctor tomorrow and that together he and the team of therapists would have the wisdom they need to know how best to meet Bro. Dale's needs.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:15

February 11, 2012

2012-02-11T20:41:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug is staying in Baldwyn tonight. She hadn't planned to stay, but Bro. Dale didn't want her to leave. When she said she was going to, he shook his head no. She asked him if he wanted her to stay and he nodded yes. So, she decided to stay. She said he's had a rather emotional day. He was so glad to see her come in this morning and he motioned for her to sit down and he held her close.

She said that his stitches looked really good and they are going to see about taking them out next week. They don't do therapy on the weekends, but she had him working. :) She said she had him lifting his right leg up and then bend it and pull it toward him. She had him repeat that 10x. He wanted to stop after about 5 and she told him no that he had to do 5 more! She said his right hand was not looking as swollen today and it was more relaxed looking so she rolled up some washcloths and put in his hand to help him keep it flexed.

He got a call from Janice and Johanna today. He is still not able to say more than "well, good" but he is really trying. But he has learned to control his voice better when saying that so that it is very clear and he doesn't cough as much. That's without the speaking valve on the trach. They only cover the trach when he's in therapy and they can monitor him. Mrs. Doug said that even though the speech therapist at Baldwyn is doing so much with him, they really specialize in getting the speech better in Jackson, so she's looking forward to seeing what he will say next!

^"1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
   and make his face shine upon us,
² that your ways may be known on earth,
   your salvation among all nations.
³ May the peoples praise you, O God;
   may all the peoples praise you.
⁴ May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
   for you rule the peoples justly
   and guide the nations of the earth.
⁵ May the peoples praise you, O God;
   may all the peoples praise you.
⁶ Then the land will yield its harvest,
   and God, our God, will bless us.
⁷ God will bless us,
   and all the ends of the earth will fear him." Psalm 67

February 9, 2012

2012-02-09T22:10:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug said Bro. Dale had a good day today. He was watching T.V. when she got there, but he was really glad to see her. She said his incision looks great. She didn't get there in time to talk to any of the therapists, but the nurses said he did great today. He ate all of his supper while she was there. She was surprised because they had some stuff that she knew he wouldn't have eaten at home. (I forgot to ask her if he's gotten any pineapple sandwiches yet! I'll have to ask her next time I talk to her!) :-)

At one point while she was there, he started motioning with his left thumb and index finger and she finally figured out that he was making a cutting motion. She asked him if he wanted her to cut his fingernails. He nodded yes and seemed satisfied once she was done.

Sherryl Mallory went with Mrs. Doug today to help her drive since she was kinda tired. Also Robert Lee & Edna Easley came by to see him. He knew who they were and was glad to see them. Mrs. Doug told Bro. Dale about the benefit that the church is planning to have for them on March 3rd and he got really emotional. She could tell that it really touched him and meant a lot to him.

The benefit will be Saturday, March 3rd, starting at 5pm at the Vardaman High School gym. The dinner options are smoked chicken or pulled pork. You can call Tammy at the church office (662)682-7458 or see Whitney Casey or Sherry Williams for tickets. They are $10 each. There will also be an auction, so if you have items that you would be willing to donate, you can let one of them know as well. There will also be live entertainment.

"³¹ “As for God, his way is perfect;
   the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
³² For who is God besides the LORD?
   And who is the Rock except our God?
³³ It is God who arms me with strength
   and makes my way perfect.
³⁴ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
   he enables me to stand on the heights.
³⁵ He trains my hands for battle;
   my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁶ You give me your shield of victory;
   you stoop down to make me great.
³⁷ You broaden the path beneath me,
   so that my ankles do not turn." 2 Samuel 22:31-37

February 7, 2012 - Additional Update

2012-02-07T20:46:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale had a successful attempt at covering the trach opening during therapy today! Thank you for praying! God answered our prayers! They did not leave it covered for as long as they will later, but it was for at least 30 or 40 minutes. (The respiratory therapist wasn't able to be in therapy with him today. They will leave the valve capped longer when she is able to be there.) He did great with it. His oxygen level remained stable and he was able to make some vocal sounds. It didn't seem to bother him at all that it was covered. That is a great start! They will probably try to leave it capped longer tomorrow.

The resident doctor came through this morning and after all of them met together, they decided to wait a week to recommend him to Jackson. This will give him more time to work with the trach and to recover from the surgery. He will just be that much stronger in another week as well!

When they came to get him up today, they were short handed on lifts, which they usually use. They asked him if he could move his right leg and he moved it from the hip down this time! During therapy, when they stood him up, he rocked himself back and forth, shifting his weight from one leg to the other all on his own. They were not making him do it this time. When they put the air cast on, he was doing some of the movement on his own this time, but he still was not able to move it completely on his own. They were helping him some, but he was definitely doing some of it on his own! When he got back to the room and he got back in bed, Mrs. Doug was talking to him about what all he had done and she could tell he was so excited. He was clearly aware that what he had done was a big deal.

When he was eating today, the speech therapist and occupational therapist were there watching him and they had him wipe his mouth with his napkin and so things that we usually take for granted that he is having to relearn. But he was doing great with it!

All in all, they had a great day. Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement! And thank You, Lord, for all You have done and continue to do with Bro. Dale! You are worthy of our praise!

"³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6

February 7, 2012

2012-02-07T10:26:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug called and asked that we be praying for Bro. Dale this morning specifically during therapy. They will be capping the trach and monitoring him during therapy to see how he tolerates it. They will be able to monitor his oxygen and make sure all his levels are staying where they should. She asked that we pray that he is able to pass the test!

She said the doctor was very pleased this morning when he checked him. The doctor asked him if he could put pressure against his hand with his right leg and Bro. Dale was able to do it and then he lifted his right leg up off the bed! The doctor was excited to see that. The doctor told Mrs. Doug he saw Bro. Dale moving his right arm as well! Currently he doesn't seem to be able to control that movement, but there was definitely movement there.

" ²¹ Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. ²² If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:21-22

February 6, 2012

2012-02-06T18:34:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug called and said Bro. Dale had a great day today. He was able to move his right foot and leg several times. The therapist asked him to move it and he lifted it from the knee down to his foot and kept lifting it up and down. She got him to put it down on the floor and asked him if he could slide it back and forth and he did it! She said that uses a different set of muscles and is an excellent sign! The physical therapist was very excited to see him doing that! And he knew what he was doing, it wasn't just involuntary movement!

They asked him if he was able to move his right hand or arm and he picked it up with his left hand and let it drop as he shook his head no. So he has no control over that yet, but Mrs. Doug just reminded him that God is faithful and he will get there!

The speech therapist said that he was eating something and then he stuck his tongue out and was able to make a clicking sound with his tongue. He kinda got tickled when he did it because he knew it was a big deal. He's getting pretty good at feeding himself. He's been eating like a horse! They brought in a biscuit and gravy and some mashed potatoes and some meat and some apple sauce. He ate every bite!

Mrs. Doug and I marveled at what great things God is doing. I hesitated to use the word "amazed" at what all Bro. Dale is now able to do since it is an answer to our prayers and we know that God is able to do greater things than this. But we agreed that what God does is amazing and that's just how we know it's God.

^"1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion,
   we were like men who dreamed.
² Our mouths were filled with laughter,
   our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
   “The LORD has done great things for them.”
³ The LORD has done great things for us,
   and we are filled with joy.
⁴ Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
   like streams in the Negev.
⁵ Those who sow in tears
   will reap with songs of joy.
⁶ He who goes out weeping,
   carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
   carrying sheaves with him." Psalm 126

February 3, 2012

2012-02-03T19:36:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug called and said that they got back to Baldwyn this afternoon. He's doing really well. They gave him a swallow test and he passed it! They brought him some apple juice with honey in it that was really thick. He loved that. They had to make him drink it slowly. He was ready to down it! Then later they brought him a supper tray with pureed potatoes, english peas, and ham. He did well eating it. Mrs. Doug fed him the first few bites and then he wanted to try it. She said with him learning to use his left hand to eat it was kinda like watching a kid learn to use a spoon. But he was determined and he got about half of all of it eaten. They brought him salt to season it with too, so she figures it was pretty good. He sure enjoyed it. They said that soon he will be able to eat more solid food. Tonight they brought him some sweet tea with the thickening stuff in it and he did not like being told he had to drink it slow. But after Mrs. Doug threatened to take it away from him, he agreed to sip it slowly. He did get strangled a little a few times, but he immediately was able to cough it up and recover. So the only thing he is taking by the feeding tube is his medicine. All other nourishment will come through the meals.

She said that they will not be able to remove the trach before he leaves Baldwyn. They are not equipped to do it there. They will be able to do that in Jackson, so she's not worried about it. They believe that he could easily tolerate the 3 hours of physical therapy at this point. They will have a meeting on Tuesday and evaluate whether or not he meets all of the criteria necessary to get in at the Methodist Rehab in Jackson.

He has not been up a lot this week, but Wednesday they had him up on the side of the bed and were trying to get him to support himself with his right hand instead of his left. He started doing his crunches where he would lean back as far as he could and sit back up. He hasn't been up much else, but they will get him in the chair tomorrow. Dr. Bevering said on Monday to get ready for boot camp to start back up!

He has been doing some occupational and speech therapy today. They would have him open his mouth as wide as he could, smile, count on his fingers. And after he would do an exercise, he would say, "well good." He hasn't been able to say anything else yet, but it's there. He's just got to figure out how to get it out. She can see the frustration as he tries to say more or communicate, but it will come with time.

He has come so far and his recovery can be measured in larger steps now for sure than at the beginning! God is working and answering our prayers. Thanks be to God!

"⁵⁷ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

February 2, 2012

2012-02-02T18:14:00.000-06:00

Johanna sent word about Bro. Dale:

"I thought you might like to have a picture to post on the blog. They have put in a smaller trach tube today, and they will cap it off later to simulate it not being there. If he tolerates that well, they will remove it completely, although I am not sure when that will be. We also found out that he will be going back to Baldwyn tomorrow! We praise God that he is doing so well!!"

Bro. Dale is in Rm #4425.

"²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

February 1, 2012

2012-02-01T10:47:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug called this morning and said that Bro. Dale was sitting up and alert when she went in to see him. She said he looked so good. He's not had any pain medications since 2pm yesterday and his oxygen levels have stayed good without him needing any oxygen. He should be moved to a room later today. She will call once he is moved and let us know what the room number is. They are hoping to take the drain tube out tomorrow. The pulmunary doctor will come by at some point to talk to her about his trach. It's looking like he will be able to have it removed soon. They expect that he will back in Baldwyn by Monday.

While Mrs. Doug was in there with him this morning, he motioned for her to stand back a little and he covered his left eye and was testing his vision with his right eye. She asked him if he could see her out of the right eye and he nodded that he could.

She quoted to him some scriptures. She quoted Psalm 23:

¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

However, when she got to the end of it, she mixed up the words a little and he was looking at her like she wasn't saying it right. She said, "I didn't quite get that right, did I?" He shook his head no.

She also quoted to him John 3:16:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.

As she quoted that one, his lip quivered.

And then she quoted Phil 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.

When she quoted him that one, he just smiled and nodded.

Thanks be to the Lord that God has answered our prayers and strengthens us for all that life brings us!

January 31, 2012 - One more update

2012-01-31T19:36:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug called and said that she was able to go in and see Bro. Dale at the 6pm visitation and he was awake, alert, and able to respond by shaking his head yes and no to any of her questions. She told him that his head looked back to normal now and he nodded and smiled. He hasn't had any pain medication since 2pm and is on no oxygen. His blood pressure is a little low, but the doctors are not concerned. She's going to go back in at 9pm and see him once again and if he's doing as well then, which she expects that he will, then she plans to go on to Tina's house and spend the night. She will be there for the first visit of the morning. They hope he will be able to move to a room as early as tomorrow.

God is good all the time, and today he has certainly demonstrated his goodness to us today! Thank you, Lord for hearing us and answering our prayers!

“You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.” Psalm 86:5

January 31, 2012 - Surgery is complete!

2012-01-31T10:16:00.000-06:00

They are finished with the stitching and Bro. Dale is in recovery. They will keep him there for about an hour or so before Mrs. Doug is able to go back and see him.

1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
   my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
   He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
   and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

January 31, 2012 - Surgery went well!!!

2012-01-31T09:39:00.000-06:00

Jason just called. The surgery went well!! They are still stitching a few things up, but said that the skull fit back perfectly. Once the stitches are complete he will go to recovery for about an hour and then to ICU. He will stay there overnight.

1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
   his praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul will boast in the LORD;
   let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
   let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
   he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
   their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
   he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
   and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
   blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
   for those who fear him lack nothing.   Psalm 34:1-9

January 31, 2012 - Surgery has begun

2012-01-31T08:47:00.000-06:00

Porkchop called saying they got him to sleep about 8:22 and they were starting the surgery. Mrs. Doug said she expects it to take about an hour and a half, with the bulk of the time being spent stitching him back up. Remember that they will have the abdomen and scalp to stitch.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!” Psalm 91

January 31, 2012 - They just took him back for surgery

2012-01-31T07:42:00.000-06:00

Jason just called. They just took Bro. Dale back. The surgery should last about about an hour and a half once he is put to sleep and they get started. Please pray for him, the doctors, nurses and all involved!

¹⁴ Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And 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. ¹⁶ Therefore 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." James 5:14-16

January 30, 2012

2012-01-30T19:16:00.001-06:00

They are supposed to arrive at the hospital at 5:45 in the morning. He will be coming by ambulance. The surgery will be 2nd Floor on East Tower of Tupelo Hospital. He will be listed under Roy Easley. Mrs. Doug will be able to wait with him for a while before surgery. During the surgery, she will either be in the waiting room on the 2nd floor or the ICU waiting room, she's not sure yet. Once he's out of surgery he will go to ICU. The surgery should begin around 7:30. I will post updates once I hear that the surgery has begun and once it's finished as well.

Johanna and children are here. She's going to be able to stay all week and go home on Friday.

He's been up for most of the day. He's been able to stand up longer and support himself more, with the harness on him still. From the waist up, he's completely unsupported and able to stand straight and tall.

Speech therapist reported that she had given him a tablet and asked him to write his name and he wrote it really clearly with his left hand. Then they played tic-tac-toe and she won one and he won the next two. He really started concentrating and acted like he wasn't going to let her win again.

All reports are that they are doing whatever he's asked them to do and been really cooperative. They said that Thursday and Friday he had been a little more sleepy and acted like he might not have felt as good, but he seemed better today.

Mrs. Doug shared too that there is a lady there at the nursing facility as a patient who Mrs. Doug believes needs to hear the gospel and that God is wanting her to share with her. Mrs. Doug asked us to pray that God would give her the words to say and that her heart would be open to what the Lord can do for her. The lady has already expressed what a blessing the Easleys have been to her.

We are praying in faith for God to guide the hands of the doctors and nurses tomorrow as they do the operation, that God will see Bro. Dale through the surgery and all will be well. We are praying for peace and strength for Mrs. Doug and the family as they wait to hear and that all present will sense the presence of the Lord with them. May God receive all the glory and honor through this situation. We put our trust in Him.

I feel the need to review what Mrs. Doug claimed as their "theme verse:"

"¹⁷ Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
   and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
¹⁸ Even when I am old and gray,
   do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
   your mighty acts to all who are to come." Psalm 71:17-18

^{I look forward to being able to report the marvelous deeds God is going to do tomorrow with Bro. Dale. He is our strength and shield, in whom we trust.}

⁶ Praise be to the LORD,
   for he has heard my cry for mercy.
⁷ The LORD is my strength and my shield;
   my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
   and I will give thanks to him in song.
⁸ The LORD is the strength of his people,
   a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
⁹ Save your people and bless your inheritance;
   be their shepherd and carry them forever." Psalm 28:6-9

January 29, 2011

2012-01-29T08:27:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone, I'm wrtiing the blog tonight for Cheryl. She has done such a wonderful with the blog and we appreciate her dedication to it so much.

I went to see Dale today, I had not been since Tuesday and that was too long to go without seeing him. He is doing good.

I didn't get to see any of the therapist, being they don't work on weekends. I found the tablet they get him to write on with his left hand and he had written three columns of words. They were not all real clear but you could make out his name and several words. This is alot more than he has done in the last week. I was really impressed. I bragged on him and you could tell he understood what I was saying and was proud also. I was touching his right arm and he moved it and I ask him if he could feel it and he nodded that he could. I asked him if he could move his right hand yet and he shook his head no and looked disappointed. I talked to him about the fact that he would be able to move and use it again. The right hand that has been clinched into a fist most of the time since the stroke and even up until last week was much more relaxed and much more flexible.

We had alot of company today also Henry, Beverly, Lindsey & Charlie Easley. David & Sandra Doolittle. Jeremy, Allison, Jackson & Ashton Harrell. We enjoyed each of them coming.

I shaved him again today and have not cut him yet, even though he did look a little nervous when I came at him with a five blade razor. Shaving him has been a real experience for both of us. He has gotten to where he lets me know when I'm there he wants to brush his teeth.

Today I was showing him our church bulletin and was reading the insert I had written to the church on our behalf and he got real emotional. He is really becoming more aware of what has happened and is really missing everything here in Vardaman now.

We will find out Monday afternoon what time the surgery is Tues. morning. Thank you, for your prayers, love, support and words of encouragement. Pray for us next week as we face this surgery.

We love you all,

Doug & Dale

Thanks to Mrs. Doug for emailing the update. She sent it last night but I'm just getting around to posting it. I want to take a moment to say a personal note as well. Thank you to everyone that came to the women's conference and contributed to its success. It was just wonderful. And please pray for my family that is struggling with the stomach virus. Jason has a pretty rough version of it himself. I will be leading worship this morning in his place. Please pray for healing for my family and strength for me!

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

January 26, 2012

2012-01-26T19:51:00.001-06:00

Bro. Dale has had a good week. His pre-op went well and he is ready for surgery on Tuesday. His blood pressure has been low this week, but they've gotten it into a good range today. They discontinued one of the medications on Tuesday and cut the other down yesterday. He's had a couple of really good days in therapy. He's been alert, but they are tiring him out and he's ready for a nap once he gets back to his bed. Mrs. Doug wasn't planning to go yesterday and then today the weather ended up being bad and she decided to just rest today. She's going to spend the day with him on Saturday, so she will be able to give a more detailed report on Saturday.

^"20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, ²¹ equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21

January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T20:50:00.001-06:00

Bro. Dale got up around 10 this morning and didn't get back in bed until after 3 this afternoon, which is longer than normal. Joan called this afternoon and he got out the word "wow" but he started coughing a lot. He has to strain a lot when he doesn't have the speaking valve on, which makes him cough more. He was so glad to talk to the boys though and smiled so big the whole time he was on the phone with them. They have not had to suction him hardly at all though because he has been able to get it up on his own.

He hasn't been wanting the TV on so far, but tonight he did. They watched some Fox News. He indicated that he was having trouble seeing out of his right eye. He was adjusting his bed several times trying to see it better. He did seem like he was able to keep up with what was being said though, which is good.

Tomorrow morning they are going to be having his pre-op work done at the surgery center, but the surgery will still be next Tuesday, January 31st. They will find out what time on Monday. He will see his regular doctor early tomorrow, have pre-op mid-morning, and then get back for rehab tomorrow afternoon. So he will have a full day tomorrow. But Mrs. Doug said that he hasn't had trouble staying alert like he has before.

Say an extra prayer for Mrs. Doug for strength for the long day as well.

"Behold, this is our God;
We have waited for Him, and He will save us.
This is the Lord;
We have waited for Him;
We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation." Isaiah 25:9

January 20, 2012

2012-01-20T19:18:00.000-06:00

They have completely taken Bro. Dale off the oxygen now and he is doing really well with it! They've only had to suction him twice today too, so that's good too. Whitney Casey came by today in time to go in during his therapy for a little while. They had Bro. Dale standing for about 25 minutes in the harness and he's doing really well with that. They have a peg board for him to put pegs in, which helps him develop more fine motor skills and his hand-eye coordination.

He did not meet with the OT today. The speech therapist had him saying, "wow" and "good" again. At one point she was using a sponge and sticking way back in his throat to see how his gag reflex was working. She said that it was working well and he is definitely swallowing. She thinks he is ready for a swallow test. They might wait until after the surgery to do that. One of the nurses came in at one point today and asked him if he wanted his television left on and she turned expecting him to motion and instead he said, "no" very clearly. He was wearing the speaking valve at that point. He is wearing that some, but not all the time.

Mrs. Doug got her first experience with shaving him with a regular razor today. She has only been using an electric one so far. They had a good laugh at how she had shaving cream until it was nearly all over his head. He didn't let her stop shaving him until it was just like he wanted it. She said he didn't bleed to death, so she was proud of that.

Yesterday she didn't go up there, but she did call to check on him and they told her that he had a good day. He had been really busy and at one point he was kinda clammy but his blood pressure and heart rate were great. They think it's because he's up more and doing more now.

Today he also had visits from Cheryl Mallory, Tina Dye and Jonathan Crum. They had a really good visit.

Mrs. Doug said that she's getting to where she really misses having him at home and is glad to see him when she gets the chance. She suggested that she stay there tonight and just sit on the side of the bed and talk to him, but he shook his head "no." :) She said that she has been feeling a little more balanced with working and being with him, which has helped reduce some of her stress. She has been reading the cards from everyone to him. He takes the cards and studies them. She's not sure if he can read them, but she thinks he is testing to see if he can. It's as if he knows that he used to be able to read it or make it out and he is testing to see if it's improving. She talked to him again today about the upcoming surgery. She touched the part of his head where the skull is missing and told him that they were going to get it fixed. He is very conscious that it is not there. He nodded in agreement as she told him that.

"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever;
With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 89:1

January 18, 2012

2012-01-18T22:14:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale's appointment today with Dr. Bevering went well. The doctor was very pleased with how Bro. Dale is doing. The surgery is set for Tuesday, January 31. They won't know the time until the day before. The surgery should last 1.5-2 hours or so, with the bulk of the time being spent on just sewing up the scalp and abdomen. He will stay in ICU the first night and assuming all goes as planned, he will be moved to a regular room the next day. They hope for him to be back in Baldwyn by that weekend. The doctor doesn't believe that the surgery should set him back any at all in his recovering process. He expects him to be sore and have a headache for a few days, but beyond that, he should do fine. They will go back next week to the hospital for pre-op stuff.

Today he was able to get back to Baldwyn in the afternoon in time for some rehab. The speech therapist is able to get him to open his mouth easily. Today he said very clearly, "wow...good!" Mrs. Doug thinks he was saying that because the therapists are always telling him, "Wow, Bro. Dale, that's good!" And we know that God is good and faithful to answer our prayers for Bro. Dale to get his speaking back! That's so exciting to hear! The speech therapist also asked Bro. Dale to smile today. He's been giving her these thin lip smiles but today he gave her his best big crooked-grin smile, teeth and all!

He also had some visitors this afternoon that he was pleased to see. His cousins Patsy and James Howard Easley and Cheryl Hendrix came by and that really meant a lot to him.

"¹ Praise the LORD!
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
² Who can speak of the mighty deeds of the LORD,
Or can show forth all His praise?
...⁴⁸ Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
From everlasting even to everlasting.
And let all the people say, “Amen.” Praise the LORD!" Psalm 106:1-2, 48

January 17, 2012

2012-01-17T19:35:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale had a good day today. They stood him up and put him between 2 parallel bars. He was able to stand on his left leg and with an air brace on his right leg, they would pull his right leg forward and then he would take a step with his left leg while the right leg was bearing his weight. He went the length of the parallel bars three times, taking a break when he'd get to the end. When it was over, he was really tired, but he was really pleased with what he had done.

The speech therapist worked with him and he is now able to open his mouth on command. She had him do that about 10 or 12 times. He is trying to say some words as well, but they are not able to make them out yet. The respiratory therapist came in and said that he was able to take a deep breath on command now as well. These are things that he was not able to do when he came to this facility just a couple of weeks ago. The therapist said eventually all of this is going to just click with him and it will be amazing what he will be able to do.

The OT had him working with pipes again. He had several straight pieces and joints. He was able to put the pieces together and when he picked up one that didn't fit, he looked around until he got one that did. And when he was done, he was able to put them all back up in the bag. He is really comprehending a lot more now.

His blood pressure was low this morning, which makes him a little sleepy. But once he got into physical therapy, his blood pressure went up a little and he was more alert. They have taken him off another of his blood pressure medications and the only one he is on now is given only as needed.

The physical therapist had him on the mat for about 30 minutes. One of the exercises they did with him was to have him lean back as far as he could and then pull himself back up. She said that he was doing that all on his own, that she wasn't helping him do it. So he was basically doing a partial sit up. The only help she offered was if he started to lean to the side, she would get him back up.

Tomorrow he has a CAT scan and an appointment with Dr. Bevrin about replacing his skull. Mrs. Doug will call me with an update again tomorrow afternoon with what they find out from that appointment.

Sunday morning, Mrs. Doug shared with the church a brief update on Bro. Dale. One of the things she shared was a conversation that he had with Janice on Saturday. She quoted to him Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." When Janice said that, Mrs. Doug said he nearly came up off the bed he was trying so hard to speak and communicate. He was nodding in agreement. There's no doubt that God is doing some amazing things with Bro. Dale and we praise God for what He has done and what He will continue to do.

January 13, 2012 - with pictures

2012-01-13T19:35:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug brought by her camera and the report they gave her after the conference yesterday for me to get information to update the blog. According to the report, Bro. Dale is making progress. The PT reports that he is able to stand with the machine, but his blood pressure is still dropping when he stands. They have stopped some of his bp meds and decreased others of them. He is able to be on the bicycle for 15-30 minutes at a time and responds to verbal cues. He's also able to sit on the mat approximately 40 minutes with moderate to minimal assistance.

The OT also said he's making improvements following commands, recognizing common objects and is participating and tolerating more. He is paying more attention to his right side, and has the most problems with his lower right side. He is also able to help with getting dressed.

The speech therapist said he's continuing to have difficulty with sticking out his tongue. He is able to follow some commands and attempting to vocalize words. Mrs. Doug also said that when she was on the phone with Joan and Johanna today, she put the phone up to his ear and he immediately tried to start talking. She could tell he was trying to say their names. He was definitely making sounds, but not clear words. He did not have the speech valve on when he was doing. It was coming straight from him. He wasn't having to cover up the whole, he was just doing it on his own.

They think that he is making excellent progress and will soon be ready for the evaluation by the people at the Methodist Rehab in Jackson. Mrs. Doug is hoping to wait until after his surgery to replace the skull for that evaluation. The date for that surgery has still not been set yet. He goes next week to meet with the doctor that will do that surgery.

She said that Wayne and Jody Bailey went by today to see him and he definitely recognized them and they had a good visit with him. One of his classmates were also supposed to go by today - Jimmy Taylor and his wife. So he's had a good day of visiting even though Mrs. Doug was not there today.

Mrs. Doug had her stress test done yesterday. While she was on the treadmill, her blood pressure stayed in a safe range the whole time (138/78) but when she sat down it would go up to 150/80. She hasn't heard the definitive results yet of the test though. She's hoping that no news is good news! She will be going up to Baldwyn tomorrow with Amy Edmondson and will take the day off Sunday.

Mrs. Doug shared with me a verse that has been meaningful to her this week. It came from a book called Daily Comfort for Caregivers. Philippians 4:14, "Nevertheless you have done well to share with me in my affliction." She thought about how much everyone has shared with them through this by their prayers, encouragement and support from day one of this and how much that has meant to them. That has really helped her get through this and spoke volumes to her.

Mrs. Doug wanted me to share these pictures that she's taken of Bro. Dale with you all. For those of you who have not been able to see him yet, it might be a shock to see. However, if you've seen him, you will see that these pictures show a tremendous amount of progress. They are really good.

Notice how straight he is standing in this one with minimal support. It's his muscles that are allowing him to stand so straight, not the support!

You can see how the bicycle allows him to use his left leg and then automatically work his right leg at the same time. That will allow the brain to make the connections to eventually control the use of his right leg as well!

January 10, 2012 - Additional Update

2012-01-10T20:01:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug called and said that she was feeling fine and was glad that the tests came back fine. She will go for a stress test on Thursday. She's realized that she may need to take a day off sometimes when she is getting tired so she can get more rest. Just keep praying for wisdom for her to know what her limitations are and for how to know what she needs help with.

She wanted to give an update on Bro. Dale. He has had 2 really good days. He has figured out how to raise and lower his bed on his own. The OT said she had been working with him using some plastic pipes, wanting him to connect them. She showed him how to connect two of them, but he worked on it for about 20 minutes and got the whole thing done. He really got into that activity and enjoyed doing it. They also put him on the bicycle. He can sit up on it by himself (with a harness around him). He really works his left leg and with his right leg strapped in, it automatically works it too. And today when they put him back in his bed, she could tell that he was using his upper body to help him put him back in the bed. She was amazed at how much stronger he'd gotten in just 2 days. She left her camera with them so they can take some pictures of him doing his therapy to share with everyone. The next thing they will work on is getting him in the shower (but they won't be taking pictures of that! haha!)

She talked to the nurse who makes the rounds with the doctor. The only thing he did differently today was to cut one of his blood pressure medications down. That way when he's up, his blood pressure won't drop as much.

Thursday she will be meeting with all the therapists for an evaluation. They told her today that they don't think it will be long before someone from Methodist in Jackson will be able to come evaluate him to see if he's ready to come there. They go to Dr. Bevrin (the one who will replace his skull) next week, but she wants to talk to therapists on Thursday to get the their opinion on it as to how much that surgery will set him back or what they recommend they to do with that.

" ¹ In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. ² Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. ³ Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. ⁴ Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. ⁵ Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.... ¹⁹ How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. ²⁰ In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. ²¹ Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me...." Psalm 31:1-5, 19-21

January 10, 2012 - Prayer for Mrs. Doug

2012-01-10T11:05:00.000-06:00

Yesterday on her way to Baldwyn, Mrs. Doug started having a lot of pressure on her chest and she decided that she needed to stop at the emergency room in Houston. She called Maxine, who met her there and stayed several hours. They ran tests on Mrs. Doug and everything came back fine. They believe that most likely it is just all of the stress she has been under. But to be sure, she will have the treadmill stress test done on Thursday. She was discharged from the hospital this morning and intends to go to Baldwyn this afternoon after coming home to freshen up a bit. Peggy Skinner will be traveling with her. Jason called her this morning and talked with her. She sounds good and says she feels fine.

Mrs. Doug has been and remains a pillar of strength as she has stood through all of the struggles of the past few months. However, being human, she too has limitations. Pray that God will give her strength for the task, endurance for the long road ahead, wisdom to know how to balance her needs with the needs of others, and peace to trust God with it all. Pray that she can get adequate rest and find the renewal she needs for each new day.

Mrs. Doug is very aware that everyone is praying for her, but if you want to remind her of that, feel free to leave a message for her as a comment here. She and the family read the blog everyday, they will see your comments.

‎"2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
4 I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
5 For you, God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name." Ps. 61:2-5

"5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge." Ps. 62:5-8

January 8, 2012

2012-01-08T14:38:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug gave us an update in Sunday School this morning. She said that Friday in physical therapy they sat him up on a mat and he was able to hold himself up so they put him on a bicycle for a little while. They worked him for a little over an hour in therapy and had him up for about 4 hours all together. They expected him to really be wiped out after that and sleep hard. But he only took about a 20 minute nap and then was alert for the rest of the day. Before he is able to go to the rehab facility in Jackson, he will need to be able to do at least 3 hours of therapy a day. But he is making great progress and Mrs. Doug is very pleased with the facility where he is now.

The speech therapist said she wants to see if he will use his voice if they cover the hole on the trach instead of using the speech valve. They are going to discuss options for that on Tuesday with the doctor. The main reason they are not taking the trach out at this time is because they need to be able to suction what he is coughing, which is preventing pneumonia. They are not sure if he is able to swallow well enough to handle it on his own if they took him off of the trach at this time.

Mrs. Doug said that she and Bro. Dale had been playing lots of charades. She's trying to figure out what he is trying to tell her with his "sign language." He had been pointing to the clock and pictures on the wall several times. She asked him if he was wanting to look at them or for her to read something to him and he kept shaking his head no. She finally figured out to ask, "are you trying to tell me that you can see those now." He nodded. They had determined that he had lost part of his vision on the right side of his right eye, but they had been doing therapy with that eye and his vision has been restored! Praise the Lord!

"¹⁷ Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
¹⁸ Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law^."
^{Psalm 119:17-18}

January 5, 2011

2012-01-05T21:55:00.000-06:00

When Mrs. Doug got there today, Bro. Dale was in physical therapy. They said he'd be up and down all day long and was doing really good. They put him on some sort of tread mill to get him walking. She wasn't sure exactly what it was, but they said he was doing really well on it. He was really tickled to see her today. He smiled really big and patted and hugged her. He was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. She told him he looked like he was on vacation and he just grinned at her.

The speech therapist said that he was doing more that she was asking him to do. They played UNO today. He would point to the cards he wanted to play and such. And he managed to win!

She said that while he was sitting there, he would flex his left leg and then she could tell he was concentrating really hard trying to move the right leg, but he still can't move it on his own. He was getting tired though and he would pat the bed like he wanted Mrs. Doug to put him in the bed. But after he rested a little while, he was alert again. Mrs. Doug gave him a card that had come in the mail and he was trying to read it. He gets the softest look in his eyes when he hears from people and Mrs. Doug tells him about people that have asked about him. She can tell he really appreciate it.

Mrs. Doug also wanted me to report that her little niece Ella Frasier should be able to go home tomorrow. They will have home health helping them. So she's doing much better, although she has a long way to go. But we are thankful for the answered prayers!

Mrs. Doug said she'd update again on Saturday. Thanks for the prayers, encouragement, and support!

I wanted to share a devotional thought from my Life Application Bible that I read a few days ago. It was a note about the message of restoration that God gave Ezekiel. It says, "The certainty of future restoration encourages believers in times of trial. But we must be faithful to God because we love Him, not merely for what he can do for us. Is our faith in Him or merely in our future benefits?" I know Mrs. Doug and Bro. Dale have securely put their faith in God and love him. Have you?

January 3, 2012

2012-01-03T16:13:00.000-06:00

The doctor came by today and said that Bro. Dale looks really good. They asked him some simple commands such as "stick out your tongue" that he is still not able to follow. Also when she asks him to take a deep breath he is not able to do it on command. But they think that ability will come back.

The speech therapist said that she hasn't been able to get him to brush his teeth. So Mrs. Doug told him to do it and he would do it. They were showing him pictures and he would point things out. For instance, she would have a picture of a watch and picture of a bed and asked him to point to the watch and he could do it. But it took a few times to get him to answer a question such as "which one would you sleep in." Then she had him counting and he would move his mouth to count up to ten! But at one point, they apparently had him on overload because he verbally whispered, "wait!" They both heard him say it! So his first word is "wait." We were so sure it was going to be telling Mrs. Doug to "shut up!" haha!

The occupational therapist came in and put the electric stimulation on his right hand. She got him to flex and open like he was waving several times. She put about 20 clothespins on his clothes and asked him to find them and put them in a bucket. He was able to find all of them and put them in the bucket. She would hold up a card with a number and ask him to hold up that many fingers. He was getting some of those. Then she showed him the face of a clock and asked him to write in the missing numbers. His numbers weren't exactly clear, but they were in the right positions.

At one point, he was trying to communicate something to them that they were not able to figure out. So they gave him a pen and paper and asked him to try to write down what he wanted to say. He wrote several letters, but it was not clear what he was trying to say.

Mrs. Doug was able to talk to them about the goal for him to get into the Methodist Rehab in Jackson. So they agreed to work him harder and get him ready for that. They will start doing therapy out of his room more because that's how they do it at the place in Jackson. They will definitely start hooking up the speech valve to the trach while he is in the therapy room and leaving him off the oxygen while he's there. But for now they will reconnect the oxygen when he gets back to his room. He was unhooked from the oxygen for 30 minutes or more while they were in there today and he did great.

Johanna shared this passage from Hebrews with Bro. Dale just the other day and he started moving his mouth to try to respond. They couldn't tell what he was saying, but it was clear that it was meaningful to him:

^"7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸ If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. ⁹ Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! ¹⁰ They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. ¹¹ No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. ¹² Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ¹³ “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." Hebrews 12:7-13

January 2, 2012

2012-01-02T20:42:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale has had two good days since the last update. Today they got him dressed in regular clothes for the first time since his stroke! They prefer for the patients to be dressed for therapy. He was able to lift his hips with his left leg to get his pants on and he got his left sleeve of his shirt on himself.

Today he was up for 3 hours: 1 for therapy, 2 sitting in the chair. And they had him standing for 20 minutes today!

While Mrs. Doug was there this afternoon, the oxygen line on the trach had come loose and was just sitting on his chest. She noticed it and went over and put it back, but he had been breathing fine on his own. A little while later, she noticed that it had come loose again and he was trying to put it back. But he seems to be breathing so well without it. She's going to talk the doctor about it tomorrow.

They haven't been having to suction him during the day at all. He has been able to be productive enough with his cough that he hasn't needed them to suction anything.

There are some motions that he has been using over and over that Mrs. Doug and Janice think they have finally figured out. He has been making a circle with his fingers and they finally figured it out. They asked him if he was referring to the trach and he nodded. He had been patting his hand on his chest too, which they figured out he meant talking. So they put together that he thinks the trach is keeping him from talking. He has not had a speech valve on the trach since he's been in Baldwyn. Mrs. Doug is going to ask the doctor about that tomorrow. She hopes that since he is mouthing words now, that with the speech valve, he will be able to speak them. But the hope is also that they can take him off the trach soon as well. Mrs. Doug will call me tomorrow after she talks with the doctor and the therapists.

Janice flew out very early this morning from Jackson and has made it home safe and sound. She had a great visit. Mrs. Doug said it was so encouraging to get to see her girls over the past couple of weeks.

"¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11-13

Dec. 31, 2011

2011-12-31T21:12:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale has had a good day today. Mrs. Doug had said that he was kinda sleepy on Thursday and they realized yesterday that his blood pressure was a little low. So they cut back on his blood pressure medication yesterday and it really helped him become more alert. Today he was much more alert.

Mrs. Doug was watching him today and he stretched out his left arm as far down his left leg as he could and then he looked at his right arm as if he wanted to stretch it out as well but he could not. He is becoming more aware that his right side is not working, but seems to be trying to make it respond. Mrs. Doug talked with him today and told him about everything that has happened to him from the time of his stroke until now. She explained to him where he was and what their goals are in terms of therapy and helping him recover and restore his body. She said that she could tell he was really listening and perhaps was starting to understand. She told him that it was going to be a lot of hard work and he nodded.

He has really been interested in his right eye lately. They believe that he has some problems with his vision in it, but it's unclear exactly to what extent. It's not unusual for patients who have had the type of stroke that he has had to lose part of their field of vision on the effected side. Janice asked him today if he could see all of her face or just part of it. He indicated that something was wrong, but they couldn't tell if it was just blurry or something more. The doctor has told them that when they do therapy to target use of the right eye, it usually corrects itself in 3-6 months.

Johanna called and talked with him today. She read him a verse from Hebrews. He was nodding and opening his mouth to try to form words. He has started responding more and more with moving his mouth to form words. So hopefully soon, the words will come!

Coming up on January 18th, they will meet with the doctor who removed the portion of his skull. He will do a cat scan and most likely go ahead and schedule the surgery to replace it. They expect it to be February when they do that.

A funny story from today: Bro. Dale let Mrs. Doug know that his thumbnail needed to be cut. So she cut it and then asked him to let her go ahead and cut the rest of them. He quickly put his arm underneath him and shook his head "no!" He didn't let her cut the rest of them.

Mrs. Doug and Janice will be heading to Jackson tomorrow. Janice's flight leaves really early Monday morning. Say a prayer for their safe travel.

“This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:16, 18-19 NIV

Happy New Year! Looking forward to see what God has in store for this new year!

Dec. 29, 2011

2011-12-29T22:45:00.000-06:00

I ran into Mrs. Doug and Janice tonight at the grocery store, which was a pleasant surprise. Bro. Dale had a good day, although he was a little more tired today when they got there. But they were both pretty confident that he had good reason to be tired. He had been sitting up in the chair for 2 hours when they got there. The chair he's in is not a regular chair, but it's less supportive than the one he had been sitting in before in Jackson. That means his muscles have to keep him balanced and upright while he's sitting there, and that does get him tired. He had also stood for 10 minutes and done therapy while sitting up in the chair. He was moving his mouth like he's trying to form words still. And today when Mrs. Doug gave him his toothbrush, she said, "he REALLY got after it today!"

The therapist had him writing some more today. Janice brought her ipad up there today to see if he could "type" by pressing the buttons. They decided that he doesn't have the letter/word recognition yet. Pray that God will restore his language, both in reading and speaking. There is also some uncertainty about how well he can see out of his right eye. He can see some, but it would not be unusual for him to have lost some vision, either peripheral or possibly just have trouble focusing. He often puts his left hand up over his left eye like he's trying to figure out what is going on with the vision in his right eye.

Overall, they are very pleased with the fact that they are working him hard and he is responding to the therapy so well.

"² We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. ³ We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Dec. 28, 2011

2011-12-28T22:16:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale has had 2 really good days. They put in orders for him to be set up in a chair for 2 hours everyday. They also had him standing up today. He has been able to work with the therapists and follow the commands they have asked him to do. The speech therapist said he had been moving his mouth like he was trying to say words.

When Mrs. Doug and Janice came by today to visit he started trying to form words with his mouth again. They were so excited to see him doing that. Mrs. Doug had asked him if he brushed his teeth today and he shook his head no. So she gave him his toothbrush and this time he was able to get his back teeth. At one point he was trying to tell Janice something, but they were not able to figure out what he was trying to say. She said it was like playing charades. Even though they couldn't figure it out, he was not getting frustrated, he just kept trying to find a different way to figure out how to communicate with them. He would get frustrated for just a minute and sit back and close his eyes like he was trying to figure out a different way to say it and then he'd try again. Pray that God will give them insight to understand each other. Pray that through this, his communication skills will be fully restored!

" ⁴ The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
⁵ “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
⁶ “Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
⁷ But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. ⁸ Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.
⁹ Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth." Jeremiah 1:4-9

Dec. 26, 2011

2011-12-26T20:53:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale had a good day today. Mrs. Doug gave him a shave and washed him up a bit. When she was shaving him, he indicated that he wanted to go back over his upper lip a few times until it was like he wanted it. Then she decided to try giving him a toothbrush. He instinctively took it, opened his mouth and started brushing his teeth with his left hand. He was not able to open wide enough to brush the back teeth, but he was able to get the ones towards the front. She put some mouthwash on it and he used it about 3 times before he was done. Then she gave him a napkin to wipe his mouth and then gave him his chap stick which he put on himself. She cut his fingernails and washed his hands good. Then she put some powder on his right hand because it tends to stay damp since he keeps it clinched. She told him his hand smelled like a baby's butt and the expression on his face was priceless. He grinned so big and acted like he wanted to laugh. So while he has had some sad emotions expressed over the weekend, he is also starting to find more humor.

Mrs. Doug is hopeful that the speech therapist could use the toothbrush as a way to have him open his mouth more since he has not been opening his mouth for her as well.

The occupational therapist had him try to write his name. She had written his name "Dale" and then he tried. You could see where he tried all of the letters, but could definitely make out the "D," "a" and the "l."

At one point, they brought a pillow and put it under his left side. He decided he didn't want it there, so he wiggled himself and worked until he got it out and then threw it on the floor on his right side.

Mrs. Doug has a plan for going back to work at least on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until they do the surgery on his skull again. That will probably be done sometime in February. She's hopeful that he will be off the trach before that is done. Pray that he can be!

"12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:12-17

Dec. 25, 2011

2011-12-26T00:12:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale has had a great week of visiting with his girls and their families. He was alert all day today and hasn't had his typical weekend grogginess. Mrs. Doug said that they had a pretty emotional week because he has become more emotionally responsive, but that's been a good thing for them. For Christmas they gave him a digital photo frame that they loaded several pictures into. He has really enjoyed watching the pictures on it.
Janice and Mrs. Doug plan to spend the day with him tomorrow.

I hope everyone has had a blessed Christmas. As Jason said as he preached this morning, Christmas isn't just about family and gifts, it's about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. And it's because of that gift of salvation brought down to mankind that we have hope and we have joy in the midst of trials.

"²³ “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)." Matthew 1:23

Dec. 23, 2011

2011-12-23T21:03:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale has made some excellent progress. One of the therapists today said he was like a different person because he was so much more alert, holding his head up and looking around. The girls were amazed to see how drastically he had improved since they'd seen him last. He did really well with the grandkids being there yesterday too. He was awake all day today except for a couple of little cat naps. They had to do very little suctioning today too.

Today they had him standing up with a harness to hold him up for about 15 minutes! Even though he cannot hold his weight up at this point, his muscles were contracting and starting to try to work. They were shifting him back and forth on each leg.

The occupational therapist did some exercises with him with writing with his left hand. She had him doing things such as connecting the dots. She asked him questions about colors and things. She said that if you give him about 30 seconds to respond to a question or command, he is able to. But if you repeat the question, it confuses him because his brain thinks it has to process a new question. They asked him if he'd rather work in a group setting or one on one and he indicated he preferred one on one. They also asked him if he'd enjoy working with animals and doing some things outside and he indicated that he would like that. So down the road a little, he'll be given some opportunities to do that.

Mrs. Doug sounded very encouraged today as she gave the report. We praise God for how He is answering prayers and restoring Bro. Dale little by little. Continue to pray for strength for Mrs. Doug as well.

"¹² I will consider all your works
   and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
¹³ Your ways, God, are holy.
   What god is as great as our God?
¹⁴ You are the God who performs miracles;
   you display your power among the peoples." Psalm 77:12-14

As we are all spending more time with family this week, I will not post again until Sunday.

Dec. 21, 2011 - Additional Update

2011-12-21T20:37:00.001-06:00

Special thanks to Tammy Watkins for posting to the blog for me this morning since we were traveling.

Bro. Dale is back in Baldwyn tonight. Mrs. Doug said that when he originally came to Baldwyn he looked disheartened, sad maybe. It may have been because he wasn't feeling good due to the long trip and starting to get the UTI, but regardless, today was different. Today when he got there, he received such a warm welcome from the staff there and Mrs. Doug noticed a more positive look in his eyes. She thinks that he is really waking up now. He's not sleeping nearly as much and is much more alert. He is focusing more and studying people and things more.

Mrs. Doug was heading home tonight. Janice and Joan should be getting there soon. Pray for Janice especially tomorrow as she sees her dad for the first time in person since his stroke. She will be able to stay through next week. Pray for their family as they are all together that God will strengthen them, encourage them, heal them and give them wisdom as to how to face the days ahead.

"⁸ Who is like you, LORD God Almighty?
   You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

¹⁴ Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
   love and faithfulness go before you.
¹⁵ Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
   who walk in the light of your presence, LORD.
¹⁶ They rejoice in your name all day long;
   they celebrate your righteousness.
¹⁷ For you are their glory and strength,
   and by your favor you exalt our horn.
¹⁸ Indeed, our shield belongs to the LORD,
   our king to the Holy One of Israel." Psalm 89:8, 14-18

December 21, 2011

2011-12-21T12:46:00.000-06:00

A word from Mrs. Doug this morning has been very uplifting! She reported that Bro. Dale had no fever last night and only had to be suctioned once. The color of the fluid is returning normal. Bloodwork was done Tuesday and Bro. Dale was given an additional antibiotic to knock out any remaining infection. After the doctor comes in today, they are hoping he will be released to return to Baldwyn.
This morning as Mrs. Doug was brushing her teeth, she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Bro. Dale was motioning for her to look at him. When she turned toward him, he pointed to the t.v. which had apparently been on all night or at least too long. She asked if he wanted her to turn it off and he nodded yes! After turning it off, she asked him if that was what he wanted. He gave her "thumbs up"! This was the first time he had initiated communication. This is significant that he initiated this request! Wow! What progress! We praise Him for this progress!

Johanna and the kids arrived safely last night. Janice, Joan and the boys are all flying in to Memphis today. Their flights are at different times, but they will rent a car to travel "home" together.

Cheryl will update the blog later today when she speaks with Mrs. Doug.

Psalm 145:1-3 says, "I praise your greatness, my God the King. I will praise you every day; I will praise you forever and ever. The Lord is great and worthy of our praise; no one can understand how great he is."

Dec. 19, 2011

2011-12-19T23:27:00.000-06:00

Jason and I visited with Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug this afternoon and he seems to be doing better. Mrs. Doug said the doctor told her he doesn't think he has pneumonia that they must have caught it in time. (But we know that's called answered prayers!) They could be moving back to the Baldwyn facility as early as tomorrow!

While I was visiting with them, he coughed a few times and then would reach up and rub his head. I'm not certain if he was trying to tell me something about the part of his head where the skull has been removed or if the coughing made his head hurt. I suspect both. He showed me that he could lift his left leg and he would raise up like he was doing a crunch. Mrs. Doug said she's starting to see him work his muscles even when the therapists are not there working with him. I hope that means he still has his drive and determination! That and many prayers is what it will take for him to overcome the obstacles he will be facing in the days ahead.

I was also able to see him smile, wink, nod his head 'yes' and wave goodbye. I told him that we are keeping daily tabs on each new stunt he is able to do and we look forward to what stunt he will pull next. He nodded his head in agreement. Though it was still hard to see him anyway other than how we want to see him - such as the picture at the top of the blog - it was really good to see Bro. Dale today. And I was glad we got to spend some time with Mrs. Doug too. She is such an encouragement to be around. Bro. Dale is so blessed to have her! I'm praying that she gets some good rest tonight and over the next week as she has family coming in. I know she will be encouraged to have all of her girls together. Pray for them as they will be traveling this week.

"¹⁰ I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:10-14

Dec. 18, 2011

2011-12-18T20:50:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug called this afternoon and said that Bro. Dale had been admitted to the Tupelo hospital (room 596). He has what appears to be a touch of pneumonia. They said his lungs didn't look that bad, but the consistency of the fluid was such that they wanted to go ahead and get him in for treatment and closer observation. They did a culture and will know more tomorrow. Pray for healing for Bro. Dale and strength and encouragement for both he and Mrs. Doug.

Tonight the choir presented the Christmas musical, and they did a wonderful job, but it wasn't quite the same without our dear pastor and beloved Mrs. Doug there to celebrate with us. We had a special time of prayer for them and they were certainly there in our hearts.

We are thankful to have had Joe Smith filling in preaching for us today and the past two Sundays. Today he had us focus on God the Father who gave us his Son. And on the love that was shown in Emmanuel, God with us.

^"9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰ This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹ Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ¹² No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
¹³ This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. ¹⁴ And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵ If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. ¹⁶ And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love." 1 John 4:9-16

Dec. 17, 2011

2011-12-17T23:10:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug didn't have a lot to report today on Bro. Dale. He had a pretty slow day since he doesn't have therapy or doctor visits on the weekend. He slept a lot, but Mrs. Doug would wake him every once in a while and work with him some. The good news is that he didn't run fever today. Pray that after a restful weekend, he will be able to wake up and be alert and ready to work on Monday.

Mrs. Doug asked that I share a special prayer concern with everyone for Bro. Dale's great niece (his sister's grandbaby) named Ella Frasier. She's 4 months old and had heart surgery a week ago Monday. They found out today that she has pneumonia and her intestines are swelling and it's very critical. Please pray for baby Ella and her parents Leslie & Scott Frasier.

" ² LORD, I have heard of your fame;
   I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD.
Repeat them in our day,
   in our time make them known;
   in wrath remember mercy.
¹⁹ The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
   he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
   he enables me to tread on the heights. " Habakkuk 3:2, 19.

Dec. 16, 2011 - Baldwyn Facility address

2011-12-16T23:08:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale was more sleepy today. He was also running a low grade fever. They are pretty sure that is from a UTI again. They gave him a roceferin (sp?) shot tonight and will give him another tomorrow night and Sunday night to make certain they knock it out. The speech therapist that came today found a way to wake him up by rowing his arms like he's rowing a boat. He met with 4 speech therapists and 3 physical therapists today for evaluations. He will probably have some more evaluations on Monday and then meet with the doctor there on Tuesday. They will put together a treatment plan at that point. They did have him sitting up on the side of the bed for about 15 minutes today. Mrs. Doug said she could tell he was trying hard to hold himself up, but his muscles have gotten weak from being in the bed for the past 6 weeks. They are going to be working his spine and neck muscles to strengthen them so he can sit up on his own. Some of the exercises they had him do today were things like stacking 3 cones on top of each other. He was able to do that, which shows an improvement with his coordination. Also, they put water in a glove and tied it up and asked him to put it in the garbage can. The first attempt, he just kinda dropped it and missed, but the second attempt, he actually leaned forward and was able to get it in there.

The therapists will not work with him over the weekend, so pray that he can get enough rest to get over his UTI and be ready to work next week. Pray that he will be able to be alert next week for therapy. Mrs. Doug also asked for prayers as she begins trying to get on a new schedule and starts thinking a little more long range as to how to get back to work. She found out that there is a pull out bed in his room and she is allowed to spend the night, so she will probably spend at least Monday nights there since the doctor will be coming early on Tuesday mornings. She's planning for Sundays to be a day at home and church and to give Dale a break from her pestering him. ;)

I asked her if there were visitation hours for the facility. She wasn't sure of the start time, but said they lock the doors at 8pm. Visitors are welcome. There's not a set time at this point for therapy, but once they get going with it, she'll let us know. If you want to call first, Mrs. Doug's cell # is 662-414-1285.

The address of the place is:

R. Dale Easley
Baldwyn Nursing Facility
739 S. 4th St.
Baldwyn, MS 38824

But you can still send cards and such to their PO box that I posted a couple of days ago.

" ¹ I want you to know how hard I am contending for you.... ² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. ⁵ For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is." Colossians 2:1-5

Dec. 15, 2011

2011-12-15T19:48:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale got moved and settled in Baldwin. They did an evaluation of him and had the physical therapist and speech therapist come by. They had him sitting up and doing several different things. He was able to follow their commands. He is saying "ah" a good bit now. So he had a very full day. His heart rate and everything stayed fine. He does have a private room close to a window where he'll be able to see some woods behind him. They will be getting him up each day and getting him dressed and taking him to the physical therapy room in a stroke chair.

Mrs. Doug had a big day too, so pray that she gets a good night's rest tonight.

" ³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect:
   The LORD’s word is flawless;
   he shields all who take refuge in him.
³¹ For who is God besides the LORD?
   And who is the Rock except our God?
³² It is God who arms me with strength
   and keeps my way secure.
³³ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
   he causes me to stand on the heights.
³⁴ He trains my hands for battle;
   my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁵ You make your saving help my shield,
   and your right hand sustains me;
   your help has made me great.
³⁶ You provide a broad path for my feet,
   so that my ankles do not give way." Psalm 18:30-36

Dec. 14, 2011

2011-12-15T01:09:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale had a really good day today. He was much more alert. Mrs. Doug said that she had noticed it and the speech therapist commented that his alertness was different today. He was not only awake, he was very focused and his eyes had an intensity about them. That's great news! God is answering our prayers!

He said "AH" today!!! Thank you, Lord! He has answered our prayers specifically! This is the first thing he has "said" with his voice. I'm personally pretty excited about that. I believe it is the first of many! He also started making sounds on different pitches today. He's finding that voice again! Small but significant steps.

The physical therapist had him lifting his left leg and foot today. He was able to lift it up and put it on hers on his own and on command. He was obviously trying very hard to do the same with his right leg, but it hasn't happened yet. Pray that it will!

The lung doctor came by today and said that he ought to be ready to remove the trach soon. He was pleased with how his lungs looked and how he was breathing. Still no definite time frame on that. That doctor will not be the one to make the call since Bro. Dale will be moving to Baldwin.

Bro. Dale's brother Larry came by for a visit today. It's the first time they've seen each other in a few weeks, I believe, and it was a very special time. Bro. Dale was obviously very excited to see him and was very expressive.   Larry took Dale's left hand and Dale shook it firmly. He hasn't been able to do that before now. Mrs. Doug said Dale was seemed so encouraged afterwards.

Tomorrow (Thursday), Bro. Dale will be moving to the facility in Baldwin. Once they get settled, she will call me with the specifics like the exact name and address of the facility and their visiting hours and such. He will be able to continue with his therapy there. They have a special room he will go to for therapy rather than having it in his room, so he will be able to get out a little.

"¹ When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
   we were like those who dreamed.
² Our mouths were filled with laughter,
   our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
   “The LORD has done great things for them.”
³ The LORD has done great things for us,
   and we are filled with joy.
⁴ Restore our fortunes, LORD,
   like streams in the Negev.
⁵ Those who sow with tears
   will reap with songs of joy.
⁶ Those who go out weeping,
   carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
   carrying sheaves with them." Psalm 126

Dec. 13, 2011 - Updated Contact Information

2011-12-13T16:35:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Bro. Dale was more sleepy, but today everyone got to work with him wide awake. Today they sat him on the side of the bed and trying to exercise his neck and back muscles. They put the electric stimulator on the right leg, and the PT pushed it a little and he would pull it up towards him. He was lifting a 5lb weight doing arm curls on the left side (30x) and a 3lb weight he would lift over his head (30x). With the speech therapist, she put the electric stimulator on the jaw to try to encourage swallowing. You could tell he could feel it and it did help him relax his jaw. After they got him back in bed around 4, he started sleeping hard! Overall, he is doing really well. They have been cutting down his oxygen and he is breathing more and more on his own. So he is not off the trach yet, but should be in the near future. They are giving him all of his blood pressure meds and heart meds by mouth now. It is maintaining as it should. He's doing great with that. Thank you, Lord!

The facility in Baldwin called and said that they will accept him, so they will be moving there really soon. They will not be able to put the skull back in at Baldwin, but he will be able to have it put back in at Tupelo. They don't have a time frame for that yet. If you'd like to send any mail to them, the best place to send it is their PO box:

Rev. Dale & Mrs. Doug Easley
PO Box 174
Vardaman, MS 38878

^"1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
   for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
   until the disaster has passed.
⁷ My heart, O God, is steadfast,
   my heart is steadfast;
   I will sing and make music.
⁸ Awake, my soul!
   Awake, harp and lyre!
   I will awaken the dawn.
⁹ I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
   I will sing of you among the peoples.
¹⁰ For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
   your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
¹¹ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
   let your glory be over all the earth." Psalm 57:1, 7-11

Dec. 11, 2011

2011-12-11T21:57:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug made it back to Jackson safely. She told Bro. Dale his restful weekend was over so get ready tomorrow to work. Les and Billy Paul had a good time visiting with him Saturday and this morning he got some time to himself, which Mrs. Doug is pretty sure he was glad to have. She brought him the game football that the Vardaman Rams football team signed and gave him from their playoff victory. He smiled and felt of it and then tucked it under his arm like he was about to run it in for a touchdown. And then he kept it there. She could tell he was proud to have it and thinks that he will enjoy using it as part of his physical therapy.

One significant change that Mrs. Doug noticed today is that Bro. Dale started making voice sounds when he coughed whether he had the speech valve on the trach or not. He had not been making any voice sounds without the speech valve before! Pray that he will start making more progress with using his voice. She is thankful that he was so much more alert this past week and is hopeful that he will stay alert and be able to work hard this week. Pray for that.

"¹⁴ And it will be said,
“Build up, build up, prepare the way,
Remove every obstacle out of the way of My people.”
¹⁵ For thus says the high and exalted One
Who lives forever, whose name is Holy,
“I dwell on a high and holy place,
And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit
In order to revive the spirit of the lowly
And to revive the heart of the contrite...
¹⁸ “I have seen his ways, but I will heal him;
I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners,
¹⁹ Creating the praise of the lips.
Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near,”
Says the LORD, “and I will heal him.” Isaiah 57:14-15, 18-19

Dec. 9, 2011

2011-12-09T22:53:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale had a good day today. He got a good session in with the speech therapist. She wants him to have the speech valve on his trach as often as possible. He's not coughing with it much anymore. He sat up about 2 1/2 hours today. He and Mrs. Doug listening to a couple of sermons on the radio and he had his head turned towards it and seemed to be listening intently. The doctor said that he sees steady progress and is pleased and he looks good. It's looking like the next move for him will be to a facility in Baldwin. Mrs. Doug will not be allowed to spend the night there, so she's glad that it's closer to home. Billy Paul Spencer and Les Huffman have agreed to come sit with Bro. Dale on Saturday so that Mrs. Doug can come home and be at church Sunday.

Last Sunday in Sunday School, Mrs. Doug shared with us that "Jesus Loves Me" is Bro. Dale's favorite song and she sings it to him. It has the simplicity to be a favorite among the smallest of children, but an anchor of truth that we can hold to in the toughest storms of life.

Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong.
They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
""For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Dec. 8, 2011

2011-12-08T21:59:00.001-06:00

Bro. Dale worked really hard today with his therapists. The speech, occupational and physical therapists all came by and worked him for about 45 minutes each. When they were done, he was worn out and went straight to sleep. But they were pleased with what he was doing today. The physical therapist put the electric stimulator on his right leg and the muscles began quivering. That's a good thing! She's going to keep using that on his arms and legs. His lungs are remaining clear. He didn't cough much today and there was very little to suction. So that is a good thing. He also got his staples out today from his scalp and his abdomen. So all of that has healed nicely.

The main focus of the prayers for him now are that he will continue to be increasingly alert and able to understand commands. To be ready for the Methodist Rehab in Jackson, he has to be able to withstand 3 hours of rather strenuous therapy. So he will need to be more alert than he currently is. Pray that the family and doctors will have wisdom on the best place for him to go next when his two weeks at his current facility are up. They anticipate that he will be making more progress, so they won't make the decision until closer to time for him to leave.

Mrs. Doug said that enjoyed having several visitors today too! That's always a blessing and encouragement to them.

" ⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, ¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience." Colossians 1:9-11

Dec. 7, 2011

2011-12-07T20:46:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale was more alert today. They had him sitting up in his chair from about 11-3. He is now off all of the IV's and antibiotics. The only thing he is hooked up with now is the trach and he still gets his nourishment through the feeding tube. He had the speech valve on the trach for about 20 hours out of 24 now, which is an improvement. He is not coughing as much with it on. They take it off to give him his breathing treatments. He was still sleepy earlier in the morning when the speech therapist came by. The physical therapist said that she was feeling some resistance in his right leg. She's going to bring the electric stimulator to use on it tomorrow. But over all, he had a good day.

Mrs. Doug said they have about 2 more weeks to stay in the hospital where he is now and then they will have to find another place for him to go. He is not yet ready for the Methodist Rehab in Jackson. Before he can go there, he must be more alert, able to follow more commands and off of the trach. So that is what we need to be praying for. And pray for them to have wisdom on the best option for him next.

Mrs. Doug is looking for someone to sit with Bro. Dale on Saturday so that she can come home. She would like to have someone there from about 9am-5pm, but it wouldn't have to be that entire time. If you are available to help in this way, please contact Mrs. Doug or you can contact me (Cheryl at 662-414-1114).

"²⁸ Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

Dec. 6, 2011

2011-12-06T21:17:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale had another good day. He was still sleepy most of the morning though. But he really perked up about 4:30 this afternoon and was awake for a few hours. We need to pray that his alert time will be more in the morning hours when the therapists are coming in to work with him. The speech therapist was able to get him to open his mouth for her. She said that his jaw is not as tight as it had been and he is able to drop his jaw down more and open his mouth wider than before. Mrs. Doug still has worked with his right arm a good bit and he still doesn't like it, but he hasn't told her to stop yet!

Mrs. Doug said that she brought in some pictures today to show him. She had about 30 of them. He took each of them from her and studied them. Some of the ones from vacation he looked at more briefly, but others he really studied. He smiled at the pictures of the grandkids and Buster the dog. He also looked at his tractor and truck for a long time.

Today he had some visitors. Tony Watkins, John Jasper Adams, and Bill and Beverly Gore.

“Be strong and courageous.... The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:7-8

Dec. 5, 2011

2011-12-05T21:03:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale had a good day today. He was kind of sleepy this morning when the speech therapist came by to work with him, so they were not able to get a lot done. The therapist said that it is normal for stroke patients to have a sleep cycle where they are more alert for a few days and then more sleepy for a few days. So she was not concerned by his sleepiness. This afternoon he was more awake. He really lit up when he got a call from Janice. Mrs. Doug has been working with his right hand a good bit and Bro. Dale doesn't like it. She says she can tell he is getting sensations back in his hands though. She told him that he was going to have to tell her to stop and not just shake his head at her if he wanted her to stop! She explained to him where he was and why he was there and told him he was going to have to work hard to speak and get his movements back. The main thing Mrs. Doug is asking for prayer on right now is that he will become more and more alert.

Whitney Casey visited with Bro. Dale today and said that he was encouraged to see how mentally alert Bro. Dale was. He was clearly able to recognize him and could tell that he understood what was being said. It's just going to take a little time for all the connections to come together and him be able to respond.

^"2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:2-5

Dec. 4, 2011

2011-12-04T20:40:00.000-06:00

It was so good to have Mrs. Doug with us this morning at church! She did made it back to Jackson safely and said Bro. Dale had a pretty good day. He was very interested in hearing her report about how everything was going at church. The infections that he's had seem to be clearing. He was alert a good while today. And he wore the speech valve on his trach for a good part of the day. The biggest prayer request for him at this time is that his mind will start making the connections for speaking and understanding. He is understanding and following some commands, but he has a long way to go. The speech therapist encouraged Mrs. Doug when she said she has seen a patient with a similar brain injury to make those connections. It took a few weeks and then all of a sudden, it just clicked. Pray that it will click with Bro. Dale! And he needs to reach his goal for tomorrow to be able to say, "ah." Pray that he can do that.

"⁶ Seek the LORD while he may be found;
   call on him while he is near.
⁷ Let the wicked forsake their ways
   and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them,
   and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways my ways,”
            declares the LORD.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways
   and my thoughts than your thoughts.
¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
   come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
   without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
   so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
   It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
   and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
¹² You will go out in joy
   and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
   will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
   will clap their hands. " Isaiah 55:5-12

Heavenly Father, we don't always understand the why's and the how's, but we know that You do. We submit ourselves to You and trust You to take care of Bro. Dale. We pray that You fill Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug with that joy and peace that can come only from You. We ask that You will restore Bro. Dale, especially his understanding and his speech. We put all of our faith in You. Be glorified through us and in this circumstance. In Jesus name, Amen.

Dec. 3, 2011

2011-12-03T20:12:00.001-06:00

I got an email update from Johanna that I will share tonight:

"Dad slept most of the morning, but he has been awake for a better part of the afternoon. The physical therapists do not work with patients on the weekend here, so I worked with him a little bit on flexing his left hand, moving his left leg, and grabbing the cone left by the therapist. I also got him to give a couple of thumbs ups. Mom said you would like a picture to put one the blog, so I hope this one is okay. Thanks again for the daily updates - so many people have told me they follow it!"

Bro. Dale and his granddaughter Dawn.

"5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;

my hope comes from him.

6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;

he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people;

pour out your hearts to him,

for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:5-8

Dec. 2, 2011

2011-12-02T19:18:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug made it home safely from Jackson and Johanna and Dawn are there with Bro. Dale now. Mrs. Doug said that he seemed much more sleepy today and she wasn't sure why other than perhaps still trying to recover from being so sick earlier in the week. Although he did perk up when Dawn got there. It will be good for him to get to spend time with them this weekend.

Today when the occupational therapist came in to do the electric stimulation on his arm, he recognized the feeling on his right forearm and started moving his fingers. He was not able to do that yesterday! She asked him to take a cone from her hand and he was able to do it. Then she told him to give it back to her and he did. Then she asked him to give the cone to Mrs. Doug and he did. That was a very encouraging sign that he was able to understand instructions and follow them!

Today they also put the speech valve on his trach. It made him cough a good bit more, so they weren't able to leave it on for a long time, but he was able to cough with his voice. Also he was having a very productive cough, which was good. They will be putting the speech valve back on as often as he can stand it over the weekend. By Monday the speech therapist told him she wants him to be able to open his mouth and say "ah." Pray that he can! She also encouraged Mrs. Doug and Johanna to ask him questions that would only require a "yes" or "no" answer or just one word. That will encourage him to start answering questions as he is able.

^"8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
⁹ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure" Psalm 16:8-9

Dec. 1, 2011

2011-12-01T21:58:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale had a good day today. He sat up for a couple of hours today and was alert. When the speech therapist came in today, she brought a sponge that is flavored with peppermint. She would put it in his mouth to try to get him to open his mouth. After tasting it a few times, he started voluntarily opening his mouth as he came toward his mouth! He was making the connection not only that it was coming toward him, but he could open his mouth too. That is an answer to our prayers!! She also used ice on his lips and he could tell when it started to melt and run down his chin because he would start reaching up with his left hand to wipe it off. So he does have sensation in that area as well and coordination. Mrs. Doug said that the look on his face when the speech therapist was asking him to open his mouth was as if he wondered why she was telling him that because he knew how to do it already. So pray that he can make the connection of what he thinks he can do and what he can actually do. Mrs. Doug also said pray that he can open his mouth and stick out his tongue at her! Tomorrow they will be putting a speech tube on the end of the trach so that he will be able to make sounds and hopefully soon form words.

The occupational therapist used the electric stimulators on his arm today. In the right forearm, he didn't seem to notice it, but when she put it on his upper arm, he did notice it. When Mrs. Doug was holding his upper arm tonight, she could feel it quivering under her hand. That was an encouraging sign.

The physical therapist came by and said she could feel some resistance in the right leg. He was also able to pick up his left leg by himself and on command. That is a good sign!

His infection seems to be getting better and he is coughing less often as well. So that is also encouraging.

"¹ I will extol the LORD at all times;
   his praise will always be on my lips.
² I will glory in the LORD;
   let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
³ Glorify the LORD with me;
   let us exalt his name together....
⁸ Taste and see that the LORD is good;
   blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:1-3, 8

Nov. 30, 2011

2011-11-30T17:31:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale has had a good day today. They sat him up in a chair for about 4 hours today and he was alert and holding his head up by himself and looking around. During that time he met with the speech therapist and the occupational therapist. He didn't get quite as mad at the speech therapist today. :) She is trying to get him to open his mouth some. Pray that he will be able to open his mouth and that he is understanding what she is asking him to do.

The occupational therapist said that she could feel some resistance in the right arm, which is a very good sign. She is going to use some electric stimulation to get the muscles awake, moving and strengthened. Pray that the movement is voluntary and that he will be able to control it.

They are trying to wean him off the IV medications that he was receiving for heart rate and blood pressure control. They want to start giving it to him through the feeding tube, which would be equivalent to taking it by mouth.

The UTI seems to be getting better as well and his fever has stayed low today.

Overall, he's had a pretty good day! Thank you, Lord!

"¹⁵ All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:15-18

Nov. 29, 2011

2011-11-29T20:33:00.001-06:00

Bro. Dale had a better day today. They found out that he does have a UTI and that is what was causing the infection. While that's certainly not fun, it's not a major concern. He has started antibiotics for that. He has only had a low grade fever today, but this evening it was gone.   This morning he was a little groggy, so they were trying a little harder to get him to stay awake. He actually got a little frustrated at Mrs. Doug and the speech therapist because they wouldn't leave him alone. :) At one point he shook his head no and pointed his finger at the therapist. They kinda laughed at him which got him even more riled up! Later in the afternoon they were listening to Dave Ramsey. At one point he closed his eyes so Mrs. Doug turned it down. He immediately cut his eyes over at her like he was still mad at her. When she told him that she was going to go for a walk for a little while, he rolled his eyes at her and sighed as if to say, "Thank you, Lord!" She said it was a look she'd seen many times before. But they did finish the day with their favorite scripture passage and Mrs. Doug encouraged him that he will get through this and preach again someday. He nodded.

I could tell that Mrs. Doug was relieved to see not only his improvement, but that they were able to respond to each other in familiar ways. He is certainly blessed to have her by his side through this. We praise the Lord for the blessing that she is to all of us and we praise God for hearing and answering our prayers.

"¹³ I remain confident of this:
   I will see the goodness of the LORD
   in the land of the living.
¹⁴ Wait for the LORD;
   be strong and take heart
   and wait for the LORD."
Psalm 27:13-14

Nov. 28, 2011 - Update/Contact Information

2011-11-28T18:49:00.002-06:00

I just spoke with Mrs. Doug. She said he's had an OK day. His fever has come down a little to 101.7. They've done lung and urine cultures, blood work and a lung x-ray today but it will be 24-48 hours before they have the results of those. His heart rate seems to go up in the late afternoon. They are trying to get it under control. He has been awake some, but they are trying to let him rest as much as he can. They aren't giving him anything to make him sleep, but they are not trying to keep him awake either. Please just keep the prayers going as he fights through this.

Many of you have asked for contact information for Mrs. Doug. Her cell # is 662-414-1285. She said it's fine to call her. If you'd like to send an email, send it to royald@tds.net and you can send cards or letters to:

Select Specialty Hospital
Rm #113 Roy D. Easley
5903 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211

I asked Mrs. Doug if she had a "theme verse" that they had been leaning on particularly through this whole process and she shared with me Psalm 71:17-18.

"¹⁷ Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
   and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
¹⁸ Even when I am old and gray,
   do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
   your mighty acts to all who are to come."

May God use Bro. Dale even in these difficult days to continue to declare God's power to all of us!

Nov. 28, 2011

2011-11-28T11:55:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale did not have a good night last night. He started coughing much more and they had to suction him out several times. The breathing treatment that was helping with the cough has a steroid in it and they believe that was what was making his heart rate go up. So they are trying different medications to find one that works without causing his heart rate to go up. Also, his fever has gone up to 103. Today they are doing a lung biopsy and testing his kidneys for infection. Mrs. Doug hopes to be able to speak to a doctor later today and find out more information. I will post again once I hear back from her. In the meantime, please be praying for them. Pray that the doctors will have the wisdom that they need to treat him. Pray for healing!

"¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16

Nov. 27, 2011 - update as of 10:30a.m.

2011-11-27T13:47:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale's fever broke this morning and his heart rate is down! Thank You, Lord!

Our Sunday School class called her this morning and Mrs. Doug said that his heart rate started going up yesterday while she was helping him exercise his legs. He was working hard trying to push his legs against hers. She laughed and said, "I told him it was going to be boot camp! But maybe I worked him a little too hard!" She hopes to speak with the doctors today and find out what she can be doing with him. Hopefully they will have identified what was causing the fever as well.

This morning in worship, we lit the first candle of advent - the candle of Hope. It celebrates the hope we have in Emmanuel - "God with us." And because of the peace he offered through his shed blood on the cross, we can say as Paul did in Colossians, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." It is that hope that strengthens us to press on. We pray for that strength and hope to fill Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug as they press on.

Nov. 27, 2011

2011-11-27T09:03:00.000-06:00

I just spoke with Mrs. Doug. She said that not long after she talked with me last night, his heart rate spiked and they had to give him a shot that brings it down really fast. It worked and it hasn't come back up. So pray that his heart rate is under control now. The fever however, has gone up a little higher to 101.4 They know there is an infection somewhere, they just have to figure out where. They have done some blood work. She didn't know if the doctor was going to be coming by this morning to talk to her or not, so she doesn't know what all the options or tests are. Please pray that they can find what is causing the fever and that the infection will clear up quickly.

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:3

Nov. 26, 2011 - URGENT PRAYER NEED

2011-11-26T21:23:00.000-06:00

I just spoke with Mrs. Doug and she is asking for urgent prayer for Bro. Dale. He has had a rough afternoon. He started running a fever of about 100 degrees and he has been shivering. They don't yet know what has caused the fever. They thought there might be some congestion in his lungs because he has started coughing, but they don't know for sure if that is where the fever is coming from. Pray that the doctors would have the wisdom they need to find the source of the problem. Pray for the fever to break and there to be no infection. Also, his heart rate has been around 170 and they would like to keep it around 100. Pray that it will come down and stay in the acceptable range.

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

Nov. 25, 2011

2011-11-25T17:27:00.000-06:00

The occupational therapist came through and worked his left arm today. They are trying to get him to put his hands in a praying position and try to lift both arms together upward. The other day he was not able to lift just one finger at a time, but today he could. The therapist that is working with him is young, but she has had a stroke herself. She had a very encouraging testimony to share with them.

The swelling on his brain is definitely going down. Mrs. Doug said that you can look at him and see that it is going down dramatically.

They are trying to get his medications regulated. His heart rate is still running a little high.

Today Mrs. Doug was reading to him from the Open Windows devotional about being blessed in the midst of the storm. When she looked up at him, he was looking right at her and nodded. It was as if God knew they needed to hear those words and they were just for them. Mrs. Doug said those are the moments that strengthen her the most. The passage she was reading was Ephesians 5:15-20, with verse 20 being particularly meaningful to them:

"¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Nov. 24, 2011

2011-11-24T18:30:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale and his family had a good time together today. Mrs. Doug, Joan, Johanna and her children were together with him. He was awake a good part of the day today. They worked hard at keeping him awake. He was so glad to see his grandchildren. He gave them thumbs up and smiles. They were glad to finally get to see him too. They were able to talk to Janice on the computer as well.

Mrs. Doug will be meeting with the physical therapist and speech therapist tomorrow. They will be giving her some exercises to do with him. Once she gets those instructions, she plans to get on a schedule with him. She told him to get ready for boot camp!

Mrs. Doug will be staying with Bro. Dale's brother Larry and his wife Barbara at night. She also has a niece nearby that she will be able to stay with some too. Joan will be going home on Saturday. Janice will be coming in for a couple of weeks around Christmas. Mrs. Doug said that they would love to have visitors and the doctors encourage visitors as well to help him with interactions with familiar people. If you'd like to come visit, Mrs. Doug said to feel free to call her.

" ¹ Praise the LORD, my soul;
   all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
² Praise the LORD, my soul,
   and forget not all his benefits—
³ who forgives all your sins
   and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
   and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
   so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." Psalm 103:1-6

Nov. 23, 2011

2011-11-23T20:19:00.000-06:00

I spoke with Mrs. Doug and she said that they got settled in Jackson. Today most of the day was spent with evaluations of his condition so they could determine where he was with his recovery and what needed to be done. But Mrs. Doug had not heard the results yet of the evaluations. She doesn't expect there to be many doctors around tomorrow, so it might be a few days before she knows those results.

She said that he was awake for a good while last night. In fact, they think he's gotten his days and nights confused in terms of sleeping. They told Mrs. Doug and Joan to try to keep him awake more during the day so they can get him back onto a more functional sleep pattern that will allow them to do what they need to do during the day.

I asked her if she knew if the swelling on his brain had gone down and she said that she could tell by looking at him that it had, but not completely. But the fact that he is becoming increasingly alert is a sign that the swelling is going down!

^"3 I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6

Nov. 22, 2011

2011-11-22T11:02:00.001-06:00

Jason and I went to visit Bro. Dale last night at the hospital. He looked pretty good considering all he's been through! I told him that I liked his new hair do. :) He was not awake while we were there, but he'd had a pretty big day, I think. They sat him up on the side of the bed and had him working on some beginning steps of physical therapy. He did seem like he was trying to respond to what I was saying to him though. Earlier in the day, he had made some beginning efforts at trying to speak to Joan. He was not able to, but he was definitely making early progress in that regard.

Today they will be transferring him to a place called "Select Specialty" in Jackson, MS. Mrs. Doug called what they will do there "pre-boot camp." They will wean him off the trach and do some more physical exercise while he is there. He will then be ready to move to the Methodist Rehab in Jackson. They don't know exact time frames for that next move yet.

Mrs. Doug plans to come home and regroup before heading to Jackson later today. The Joan and Johanna will be staying in town for the funeral of their grandfather. Please pray for their safety on the roads today.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I am particularly thankful for God's faithfulness in the midst of the storms of life. He is good, even when our circumstances are difficult.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not.
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

(based on Lamentations 3:22-26)

Nov. 21, 2011

2011-11-21T17:33:00.000-06:00

Many of you have already heard that Bro. Dale's father, Mr. Grady Easley passed away last night. He was 95 years old, I believe. Bro. Dale shared with us often in prayer meeting about his father and that they discussed with certainty that he had put his faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ and would make his home in heaven one day. He is home now! Obviously, Bro. Dale will not be able to attend the funeral services. The family requests that you not mention anything to Bro. Dale about his father's death. Mrs. Doug will let him know when the time is right. Pray for their family as they have been through so much this past year. Pray for Mrs. Doug that she will have the wisdom and peace about when to share the news with Bro. Dale and how to do so. Pray for Bro. Dale that he will be comforted when that time comes.

Funeral services for Mr. Grady will be Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011 at 2pm at Pryor Funeral Home in Calhoun City. The visitation will be from 12-2 before the service.

As for Bro. Dale, the physical therapist came by today and had him sit up on the side of the bed for about 5 minutes! He was struggling to keep his head up, but Mrs. Doug said she could tell he was working really hard to try to do it. They asked him to lift just one finger and he was not able to do it, but they knew he understood what they were asking him to do because he started wiggling all of his fingers trying to lift just one. She said he wrinkled up his brow and he had a really concentrated look on his face. His nose started running and he kept swiping at it.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1

Nov. 20, 2011

2011-11-20T16:19:00.000-06:00

Jason spoke with Mrs. Doug this morning. She said that Bro. Dale was alert for about an hour at one time last night! And he is able to wake himself up more now. He is still resting a good bit, but that is definitely an improvement. Also, the doctor said that his lungs were all clear this morning! Pray for Joan as she travels in today.

Tonight we will have our Harvest Supper at church. It will not feel quite right to not have Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug there sharing in the meal, but they will definitely be in our hearts. We are so incredibly thankful to have such a wonderful pastor. We have truly been blessed by their many years of service to our church. We look forward to having them back with us.

I'm also proud to report that our Vardaman Rams football team won their playoff game Friday night, which is not something they get to brag about very often! Coach Hollis gathered the boys on the field after the game and thanked God for His blessings and they dedicated the win to Bro. Dale. He is one of their biggest fans.

"²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:22-25

Nov. 19, 2011

2011-11-19T15:06:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug said that yesterday Bro. Dale had developed a cough that was apparently taking up his energy for staying awake. But today, his cough has been more productive and he has been a little more alert. He was able to open both of his eyes when the doctor asked him to today.

Johanna and the kids were going back home today. Joan is coming in tomorrow and will be staying this next week.

"9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
¹⁰ Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."

Psalm 9:9-10

Nov. 18, 2011

2011-11-18T12:04:00.000-06:00

Johanna said Bro. Dale was alert for a few minutes at a time yesterday and last night. He smiled and winked at Mrs. Doug. No significant changes otherwise. He is running a low grade fever and is on antibiotics. Mrs. Doug spends time talking with him and last night she asked Bro. Dale if he wanted her to stop talking so much and he just turned away. Mrs. Doug said she got the message and decided to stop talking.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's might hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your cares upon the Lord because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Nov. 17, 2011

2011-11-17T11:24:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale is now in a room! His room number is 244. Mrs. Doug and Johanna are taking turns visiting him, but there might be times during the day that they are not there or at least not in his room. They said to feel free to call to see if they are there if you want to before you stop by. They are not planning to spend the nights at the hospital because we all know that doesn't allow for much rest.

Otherwise, there is no other significant change from yesterday. He is able to open his right eye some, but not for any length of time. He is still not really alert. He is breathing completely on his own now. He's not having to have any oxygen. But there is still a tube for suctioning.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power...Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.... And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Ephesians 6:10, 14, 18-20

Keep praying for Bro. Dale, for the family and for each other as we share our hope that is the gospel of Christ.

Nov. 16, 2011 - Additional good news report!

2011-11-16T15:47:00.000-06:00

Johanna just called to give me some additional good news!!! They have decided to move Bro. Dale out of ICU at some point by the end of the day. She doesn't yet know details on visitors, but he will be moved to a room in the Acute Stroke unit. She said they should know more by the time they get to go in and visit him at 6pm.

Also, she was really excited to report that when she went in to see him at 2, even though he was only able to keep his left eye open, he winked at her!

Praise the Lord! He is good. All the time!

Nov. 16, 2011

2011-11-16T13:15:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale has been able to open his eyes some, but not keep them open yet. He is responding to commands. The nurse put her arm on his chest and told him to cross his hand over and touch hers and he was able to. He has been able to squeeze the hands of Mrs. Doug and Johanna. The family is encouraged to see this kind of progress and see that he can understand what they are asking him to do. Mrs. Doug said that they decided to go ahead and shave his head on the other side, so now he has a Porkchop hairdo! She told him his head looked better than Porkchop's though. :-)

We are so thankful to God for the progress and the strength He is supplying.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Nov. 15, 2011

2011-11-15T12:01:00.000-06:00

I just spoke with Johanna. She and the kids are in town for the week and she and Mrs. Doug are taking turns during visiting hours going in to see Bro. Dale. He is showing small signs of progress still. His fever is gone. He isn't awake yet, but the doctors are saying that as much swelling as there is, they do not expect him to be fully alert until the swelling goes down. And also, they expect that it will take a good bit of time for the swelling to go down. He is responding some though. When the doctors have asked him to move his left arm, he has done so. Johanna said that she asked him to squeeze her hand and he was able to squeeze it just slightly. They are encouraged that he seems to understand what they are saying even though he is not awake yet. Mrs. Doug has seen him raise an eyebrow at her as she tries to ruffle him up a little.

As for how to pray, please keep praying that the swelling will go down. Pray that he will be able to wake up and be alert and that he will be able to understand.

Mrs. Doug and Johanna also asked me to let everyone know that they are trying not to spend as much time at the hospital in between visits unless they are waiting to see a doctor or something specific. So if you are planning to go to the hospital to visit them, going just before a scheduled visit time might be the best time to catch them there. She also said once again how much all the prayers and love everyone has shown mean to them during this time.

I was particularly glad to hear that other teachers have donated sick time to her so that she can be away from school. What a blessing!

"9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Nov. 14, 2011

2011-11-14T12:05:00.001-06:00

Bro. Dale is starting to wake up some, but he is having a hard time staying awake. The doctors said that the medication is probably still in his system some and he will have a difficult time staying awake until it is all out of his system. He is breathing on his own now, so that is very good! The scan this morning showed that there is still no change in the swelling. No increase or decrease. Keep praying that the swelling will go down.

He's still running a low grade fever. They aren't having to give him medication to control the fever. They have a blanket that they put on him that is regulating that. They did start him on antibiotics to prevent any infection from developing.

The surgeon said he's pleased with the movement on his right side. The dr. said he's making slow and steady progress. They want to keep him in ICU for another week.

Out of our love and concern for Bro. Dale, we want to see the speedy, miraculous recovery. But God is working His miracles slow and steady, as He is much more prone to do. We are thankful that God is the Healer and the Author of life and we can trust Him.

"10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. ¹¹ We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized." Hebrews 6:10-11

Nov. 13, 2011

2011-11-13T16:35:00.000-06:00

I spoke with Mrs. Doug this afternoon. She was at Walgreens getting Bro. Dale some better smelling aftershave. She said the stuff the hospital uses didn't smell good. It made him smell like an old man. :)

She said they have started weaning him off the sedation medication today and that it will take about 12 hours to really get out of his system. He has begun to yawn more and move his eyes around like he was trying to wake up, but he has not opened them yet. They are giving him a medication to control his heart rate and that seems to be keeping his blood pressure within the range they want it.

He has started to run a low fever, around 100 degrees. They are not surprised by that and said that it's normal, but they are checking to be sure there's no infection anywhere. Pray that there is no infection.

They will do a scan in the morning to check to see how the swelling is doing.

We need to be praying that God will strengthen Bro. Dale so that he can wake up. Also ask God to give him the ability to understand what is being said to him when he does wake up.

"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Nov. 12, 2011

2011-11-12T12:39:00.000-06:00

They were able to put the tracheostomy in and remove the ventilator yesterday. So they will be able to put the feeding tube in today. Otherwise there is no change. They are not giving a time frame for how long they will need him to remain sedated.

Dr. Curtis Ferrell, the associational missionary will be preaching tomorrow morning and our youth minister, Porkchop will be filling in tomorrow night. Please pray for them as they prepare to minister to us in Bro. Dale's absence.

"7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

2011-11-11T11:35:00.000-06:00

They did another scan today of his brain. The neurosurgeon said that there had been no change. He would like to see the swelling begin to reduce. Pray for that! But at least there is no new swelling or increase. That is good!

They will put in a tracheostomy today because when they try to wake him up, he starts to gag on the breathing tube being down his throat. They will be doing that between 1-3 this afternoon. It is a minor procedure that is done in his room that takes about 15 minutes or so. That will be easier on him without the irritation in his throat.

For the time being, they will be keeping him sedated. They don't have a definite time frame on when the feeding tube will go into the abdomen. He does have one down his nose for the time being.

Johanna will be driving home today, so please pray for her alertness and safety. She's going to come back on Monday. She will be bringing the kids back with her next week and they will be staying with a friend near Tupelo. Dr. Joe Adams encouraged Mrs. Doug to not keep sleeping in the waiting room at night and spending so much time there during the day. So she will be home a little more, which hopefully will give her some much needed time to herself. And she will also have some time with the grandkids.

21 Yet this I call to mind
   and therefore I have hope:
²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
   therefore I will wait for him.”
²⁵ The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
   to the one who seeks him;
²⁶ it is good to wait quietly
   for the salvation of the LORD.

Lamentations 3:21-26

Nov. 10, 2011

2011-11-10T13:02:00.000-06:00

The drain tubes have been removed. He was not liking it and able to let them know that even while sedated.
He's also coughing and sneezing and yawning while sedated. The drs say that's a good sign, that his reflexes are working and responding! Thank you, Lord!

They have not put in the feeding tube yet because he's still on the ventilator. They would like to wait until the ventilator comes out before they put in the tube, if possible. It's more difficult to get the tube in correctly while the ventilator is in. They are hoping the ventilator can be removed in the next day or two, but they are not being definite about that. If he needs nutrition before then, they can do it through a tube down his nose.

Another positive sign is that when they tickle his right foot, he jerks it back! That shows that he does have sensation in his legs! Only time will tell how much control he has over it, but at least the sensation is there!

The biggest prayer request that the family has is that when he is able to start rehab, that he is able to understand what is being said to him. The better he can understand, the better his rehab will be. And the sooner they are able to start rehab, the better. Pray that his body will heal so that he can begin the restoration and rehabilitation process.

Even though the days ahead are uncertain, we can place our hope in the truth and promise of God's Word. We do not have to know what is ahead to know that we can trust that God will give us the strength to go through it and that He will never leave us or forsake us. As I spoke with Joanna, she shared that her faith is not in the circumstances, but in God's promise to bring good of this. She quoted Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." And she said, "I know Dad loves Him, and I love Him, so I know He's going to bring good of this. And we have so much to be thankful for, we just have to focus on that."

I thank God for the testimony of faith this family is sharing in the midst of the storm. I pray that we all will share our faith and our hope with those around us as we share our concern for our dear friend and pastor.

Nov. 9, 2011 - Additional update

2011-11-09T13:11:00.000-06:00

I've spoken with Mrs. Doug and Joanna. They both sound like they have been able to get some rest and are staying strong, so that is good to hear. We can thank God for holding them up through this! I have a little more detail on how Bro. Dale is doing and what they are expecting over the next couple of days that I wanted to go ahead and share.

The surgery yesterday was to remove a portion of the skull that they then inserted into the abdomen to keep alive until he is ready to have it back where it belongs. This apparently is a pretty common procedure that is done when there is swelling on the brain. Everything that they went in to do yesterday went as planned and it appears to have been successful. The swelling seems to be under control and has not gone beyond the opening that they made. They do not believe that there is any bleeding, that the swelling is just excess fluid. They have inserted a drain to remove the extra fluid. The drain will be there for a couple of days, at least.

He is currently on a ventilator and is being kept sedated so that they can control his blood pressure. They hope to be weaning him off the ventilator over the next couple of days. They will reduce the sedation as they are able to according to how his blood pressure is doing. However, the pain is easier to control as long as he is sedated as well.

Sometime today they will be inserting a feeding tube into his abdomen. Even though he is able to swallow some, they do not yet know how much control he has over it, so the feeding tube is necessary. This will help him to be as strong as possible as he begins to come off the sedation.

They are pleased to see the movement in his right leg. Again, they do not yet know how much control he will have over it, but the fact that it is able to move is a good sign.

I think the best news I heard today was that as Mrs. Doug is able to go back and visit with Bro. Dale, she brings her Bible. She said they have a devotion together where she prays and reads to him. They are reading through some of the Psalms and the Beatitudes. She talks to him and gives him a hard time just like she always has done. She told him that he looked like he'd had a c-section and she wanted to know where the baby was! :) Mrs. Doug and Joanna both expressed how much they appreciate all of the prayers. They feel them! And they are able to check the website as they can and read your sweet comments. They know they are not alone as they go through this and appreciate everyone so much.

The road ahead is clearly going to be a long one, but I know that all of us will want to keep updated on how Bro. Dale is doing and how we can be praying and helping out. It will probably be most productive for me to make updates after lunch, since they will see most of the doctors by then, unless of course there is any significant changes that we need to be aware of. Thanks for helping me get the word out.

"16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. ¹⁷ I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, ¹⁹ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰ he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms..."

^{Ephesians 1:16-20}

Nov. 9, 2011

2011-11-09T09:30:00.000-06:00

Bro. Dale had a good night last night. The swelling is under control!! Praise the Lord!! He has moved his right leg and foot some more also. That is a good sign!

Mrs. Doug remains strong and optimistic as ever. She is a remarkable woman. A blessing to all who know her and many that don't!

Praying for continued strength and healing, for increased movement and above all, that God's name be praised!

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2

Nov. 8, 2011 - Post-Op Report

2011-11-08T19:04:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Doug was able to go in and see Bro. Dale. Many have asked me if he was able to wake up after the surgery. They are actually keeping him sedated for the next two days while the drain tube is in. However, the nurse that has been attending him noticed that his blood pressure was coming down, so she adjusted the amount of sedation medication to balance his levels. After she reduced the medication, his right leg began moving!! That is a very good sign!!!

We are so thankful to hear a good report after such a major surgery. Thanks be to the Lord! And thanks to all who are praying. Please continue!

Please pass the word along about this blog so that people can get the information that they are wanting about his condition without having to call the family. This has been no doubt an exhausting few days for them and we need to make sure they have adequate time to themselves to just process and have time with the Lord. They appreciate your prayers, love and concern more than they are able to express.

Nov. 8, 2011 - Surgery is complete!!!

2011-11-08T15:12:00.000-06:00

Jason called and said that Bro. Dale came through the surgery. The doctor said that it went as well as it could. He is in recovery now and Mrs. Doug will be able to go in and see him later.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for hearing our prayers. We thank you for seeing our dear brother through this surgery and for guiding the hands of the doctors and nurses. We thank you that we can put our trust in you and you are faithful. Thank you for your Son Jesus, in whom is our hope. Amen.

We have heard Bro. Dale say so many times from the pulpit, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Quoting Colossians chapter 1.) I know it is his desire that as we walk through these troubled times with him and his family, that we share our hope with those around us. That we spend as much time in prayer for those without that hope as we have spent for him in these past few days. Let's not let this trial be in vain. I urge you to share your hope with those around you.

2011-11-08T14:07:00.000-06:00

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8

Still praying and waiting for further word, as I know you all are as well.

Nov. 8, 2011 - Surgery is under way

2011-11-08T12:51:00.000-06:00

Friends, Bro. Dale and the family and surgeons need your prayers now as they have begun the surgery. They expect that it will take an hour and a half to 2 hours. I will post again as soon as I hear anything.

"...pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:10

Nov. 8, 2011 - Preparing for Surgery

2011-11-08T07:38:00.000-06:00

Very Urgent prayer request/update on Bro. Dale:

Joanna called a few minutes ago, the scan this morning showed that the swelling has increased and crossed over to the other side of the brain. Surgery will have to be done to relieve the pressure. That surgery is scheduled for 11am, but could be moved up. There is another more urgent surgery before his. Let's go ahead and pray for that person's surgery as well!

Heavenly Father, We lift up our precious Bro. Dale to you now and ask that you grant healing. Guide the hands of the doctors and nurses as they perform surgery this morning. We pray that they will have precision, wisdom and clarity as to exactly what needs to be done. Lord, we trust that this is no surprise to you and that you are in control. We pray that you will be glorified through this. I pray comfort and strength for the family as they endure this, Lord. And for the extended church family, I pray that you will hold us all tightly in the palms of your hand. In the power of Jesus, Who you raised from the dead, we pray. Amen.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

November 7, 2001

2011-11-07T14:57:00.000-06:00

For those who do not know, Bro. Dale Easley, pastor of First Baptist Church, Vardaman, MS had a stroke on Saturday morning, Nov. 5, 2011. He was at home at the time. Once paramedics determined it was a stroke, he was taken by ambulance to Houston hospital and then airlifted to Tupelo. In order to monitor his blood pressure closely, he was placed in ICU and they have been able to control his blood pressure by IV medications. Pray that the doctors will have the wisdom that they need to find the cause of his blood pressure fluctuations and that they can resolve the problem.

He was affected on the right side of his body and cannot speak, but has been able to nod yes and no. His personality shines through with his wink and his thumbs up. This morning he was beginning to feel sensations in his right hand! That is a good sign! Also this morning he was given some ice and they believe that he was able to get it down. He was to meet with a speech therapist today for further evaluation. We are praying that God will miraculously restore his body to full use!

A CAT Scan taken on Sunday showed swelling on his brain. Another scan this morning showed a slight increase in swelling, however, the doctors are hopeful that it has swelled all that it is going to and that the swelling will reduce. It was decided that surgery is not currently necessary to relieve the pressure. Another scan will be done in the morning to be sure. Please pray that the scan tomorrow will show that the pressure is going down and surgery is not necessary!

Bro. Dale and Mrs. Doug are precious people who mean more to this community than words can adequately express. Everyone's expressions of love and concern are very much appreciated and mean so much to the family. They have stood by all of us through the good and the bad and now we want to stand by them. We also want to be sensitive to their needs for time alone with God, for rest, and time to process all that is happening. That is one reason we have created this blog. This is a place where you can express your love to the family and let them know that you are praying for them. Keep up with how to pray and find out specifics on his situation by checking here regularly. We will update this site as often as there is information to update.

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20