If only the good days could last,,,,Pa is in room 320 at STMC. He has pneumonia. He was admitted yesterday (Sunday) after having a morning of shortness of breath. His breathing is
much worst tonight even after all the antibiotic's he has received. He has been uncomfortable all day and is very sick. Mom is in the bed with him trying to keep him comfortable. Hopefully in the morning his breathing will be easier. Christy

I try to print an update twice a week to keep everyone informed, though the news this week hasn't changed. Phil continues to do well. Though he's still in a wheelchair, he spends more time in his recliner, and is very content. He is thinking more, looking ahead to tomorrow and what the plans are for the day. We get out and go somewhere every day, today it was lunch out and a trip to K-Mart, then to Goshen church for supper. His speech continues to improve, though it still takes a litle imagination at times to get to his meaning. For the first time tonight he showed some frustration at not being able to get out of bed himself in the mornings. That's the first frustration he's shown over any of the changes in his life. And in a few days, we may find a solution to that little problem as he can mostly dress himself and he's transferring to the wheelchair without help (when I'm not looking). When he gets just a little stronger, he will be able to get himself out of bed without my assistance. All is going well and we're thankful!

We have had a good week. Each day Phil seems to have gained a little, is stronger and speaking better. He's now transferring himself from the wheelchair to the chair without help. Makes me nervous, but wants to do as much as he can himself and I understand that.

We continue to add to our "home" in the garage. Phil is so proud of it, you just never know what will make a man happy. We now have a better TV and more seating space out there, so there's room for the whole family when the boys come.

Yesterday we went to Bell Buckle and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and weather. We had lunch from the Bell Buckle Cafe and ate out in the sun; it was just perfect.

Today was church with our friends at Estill Springs Nazarene, it was good to be there again.

We're thanking God for each day. Phil sits up at 5:30 AM and says "It's a beautiful day". And yes, it is.

Mom is sick today. N,V,&D. I've got the duty of keeping up with Mr. Energizing Pa. I don't know how Mom does it every single day. He is a HANDFUL ! He is organizing his new home, "The Garage" right now. I believe he "reorganizes" it every day !!! It keeps him busy and he's the happiest I've EVER seen him in all my life !!! He is so content in his new home. He loves showing off his tv and other things he's got out there, so if anyone would want to stop by, he'd love to give you the tour !! I'm amazed at his spirit, He is always smiling and soooo loving. He knows his time is not long, but that hasn't changed the way he wakes up each morning. I just pray Mom continues to keep the strength to keep up with him !!
Thank you to all for your love and support,
Christy

We're having a great weekend. Phillip flew in from DC for two days and we're thrilled to have him here. We only wish Micah could be here too, but he and Phillip have opposite days off.

Phil is talking fairly well now, he got up this morning ready to get out and go somewhere. Phillip took him out on the town (not too exciting if you know where we live), but Phil enjoyed the trip.

They were watching football on TV, but as you see in the picture, both ae napping as I write. A great Saturday afternoon!

Phil wants to see people. Please call him on his phone, or come by some afternoon. Just call first to be sure we're home. Our home number is 931-649-3027. We're thankful for good days!

Here is Phil in his new garage home! Yesterday we added a heater, and may have to get a 2nd one, depending on how cold the weather gets.

Micah and his girlfriend Missy have been here for a couple of days. It was great to have Micah take care of his Dad part of the day so I could get out. Phil continues to be happy, and never shows any frustration at his limitations. He's again taken over asking the blessing at our meals. The gist of it is "thank you, thank you, thank you. And we do have much, much to be thankful for.

This has been an interesting weekend. During the past week Phil has "remembered" that he smokes. And that he really likes to smoke. And often. So....I was limiting the smoking because we had to go outside and it was difficult sometimes. Friday morning he woke up at 4:00 AM declaring that he needed to get out to his office, he had some work to do. His office is his garage. And those of you have been here know how clean and neat he always kept that place. I'd been trying to get it cleaned out enough to get the car in when cold weather arrives, but still had a long way to go. But Friday morning he moved out there and he wouldn't come back in. When I tried to push his chair up the ramp, he'd grab the hand rail with that strong left hand, and there was no moving him. So, we have now moved into the garage.

Our Stephen spent the day with me yesterday cleaning and sorting through boxes and "stuff", some of it quite interesting. And Phil was talking well enough yesterday to help us determine what some of it was. Then I hosed the garage out, put down a rug, moved in a chair and lamps and Stephen extended a TV cable out through the door, and Phil said it was the happiest day in his whole life. If I'd only known, I'd have done it long ago.

It's really worked out quite well, there's more open room for Phil to wheel around and he smokes and rearranges things and is quite happy! I've not mentioned before that after his surgery he was OCD (obsessive compulsive). Everything has to be picked up, straight, in it's place, and rearranged over and over again. So the garage keeps him busy. Our computer is near the garage door, so I can hear him, and I also have a monitor out there so I can hear him if I'm in the house. Since his wheelchair is NEVER still, the subtle screech of his wheels lets me know he's moving and OK.

We went to church today! Went to Goshen where friends have family have lovingly cared for us since this ordeal began. Phil and I both enjoyed being in church again, and plan to keep going as we can.

I'm turning Phil's phone on and he'll have it near if any of "his boys" want to call. The voice mail is full and I don't know the code, so don't leave a message, if you don't get him, try again. He won't be very understandable, but "my boys" and "I love you" will be easy to understand. He's missing you guys.