Dad's First Fishing Trip Since His Stroke

Although these are not the best quality of pictures, I love them. Monday of this week, my brother took my dad on a fishing trip. This was his first on the water/big boat fishing trip since his stroke. A man in our church has a really large shrimp boat, so he and his wife, his daughter, my brother, his daughter and son, and a few other young men went on a shrimping trip. My dad has always enjoyed these types of trips and went from time to time with fishermen from our church prior to his stroke. Of course, he was excited about it and seemed to enjoy the trip tremendously. Here are a few pictures of this trip.
My dad likes to sit in the chair at the bow of the boat and observe. I remember a really funny story about a time when a man from our church took my dad out on a fishing/shrimping trip not paying attention to the weather forecast (big mistake). The weather was awful! Everyone including the fishermen got seasick, except for my dad, who enjoyed watching the storm while eating a big bag of corn chips! No seasickness for him!

I love this picture of my dad!

A beautiful sunset.

My brother and my dad.

One Year Ago Today

Today makes one year since my dad's stroke. His progress has been slow, but steady, and quite amazing. One year ago today, we stood on his porch waiting for the paramedics to arrive. One year ago today, we weren't sure that he would make it. I'm so thankful that he did. He may not be able to talk the way he use to, but he can still pray! His love still surrounds us, and his steady, consistent ways still stand as an example to us. Today, he can do almost everything by himself. He is talking better and better (more and more words are coming out). He can read. He is strong. He is even starting to work out math problems. I am so proud of my dad for his faith, strength, courage, and his willingness to work so hard. He's definitely my hero!

Support Group - Aphasia

Today, my mother, father, Ave, and I attended an Aphasia support group. There were about fourteen members attending ranging in age from about the late twenties to early thirties all the way to probably around seventy or so. All of them were stroke victims except for two who had brain surgery, and one who's aphasia cannot be explained except for possibly suffering from breast cancer a few years prior. The meeting was great. It was encouraging listening to some of the stories.

One was a beautiful, young, lady who had a stroke. When she initially had her stroke and was rushed to the hospital, the hospital staff thought maybe she was on drugs, once all of the tests were done they realized that she had a stroke. It took them two days to discover that she had a stroke. Now, although it is a struggle, she speaks and is continuing in her progress. She owns "The Grocery" in New Orleans on the corner of St. Charles and Sixth. Today, she treated the group to sandwiches and snacks from her store. The food was delicious.

Other members who attended, were a nurse, a professional businessman who does public speaking (he said that initially it was extremely difficult, but he did not avoid situations but instead pursued difficult situations and after awhile it became easier). Another lady (a minister's wife) said after seven years she can drive a car again. Everyone was excited and happy for her. Another member was a Congo drum player who is still working on the strength in his hands so that he can perform again. All of the members had different degrees of difficulty speaking. Dad's stroke was the most recent.

A Film was shown "It's Still Me!" The filmed talked about how one day a person is doing all of his or her normal activities and the next moment their whole world as they know it changes. How, although things are different, it's still them. Personality is the same, intelligence is the same, interests the same, but the ability to communicate this changes. It also went through several steps in communicating with a person suffering from aphasia.

After the film, the members talked about things in the film that stood out to them. One spoke about how fast people talk without giving them time to process the information. One spoke about how improving aphasia is a long process, and that it takes hard work. He said that it stood out to him that people can improve even after many years. A lady mentioned that she has asked her adult children to not worry her with their problems because it stresses her now and she can't handle it. A man said that he feels like another person is trapped inside his body trying to get out, but that he is learning to adjust his personality and go with the flow so that he doesn't get ran over. He said that sometimes he just takes long walks to rest his mind. Another lady said that she just grunts at people now when they insist that she does remember something from the past that she doesn't remember. She said sometimes it's just easier.

Overall, I think that we all enjoyed the meeting. The directors were wonderful, kind, considerate, and seemed to be well informed. We will probably attend again.

Last Day of Therapy in Maryland & Back Home

I can't believe how quickly these last two weeks went by. We had a great time, and the therapy went great! If you are interested in obtaining more information about Joan Green (our dad's speech therapist) you can go to the website http://www.innovativespeech.com/about/index.html . Also, if you are interested in learning more about aphasia in general and if you or someone else you know needs help in this area, you can go to the website http://www.aphasia.org/ .

Joan is an expert and is extremely passionate about helping people with aphasia. Not only did she work with our dad in therapy, she also helped us to understand more about what dad is going through, how to help with communication, and how to help dad continue his therapy at home using computer software and other types of materials. Two of the software programs that dad will be working with is bungalow software and React 2 software. You can obtain more information about these software programs at http://www.bungalowsoftware.com/ and http://www.react2.com/ . I hope all of this information is helpful to someone.

Now for a few more pictures of our trip to Maryland. Above is a picture of mom and Joan. Joan has such a warm and friendly disposition and smile that you can't help but like her from day one.

Dad relaxing in the shade.

Friday, after the last session of therapy, we went blackberry picking. This was my second time. If you have never picked blackberries before, you really need to. Every fifth berry went into my mouth. I know, I probably should have washed them first, but so far I'm not sick and the temptation was just too hard to resist! Of course, we all went away stuffed with berries.

Heading to the Patch.

Ray and Ave picking away.

Ray and Ave had their own bucket and thoroughly enjoyed filling it up. A person could pretty much stand in one spot and fill a bucket. However, it was more fun for them to run from row to row finding the prettiest, blackest, and juiciest berries. For Ray, only the best berries went in their bucket.

My beautiful mom picking berries. Her mouth was pretty blue when we quit picking. I wonder why?

Dad, Nekee and Meboo!

Dad was the fastest picker of all and filled his bucket in nothing flat.

After picking berries, we let the kids enjoy the slides located on the farm and the play area for a while, and we sampled some fresh raspberries. Next, we paid for our berries and browsed in Butler Orchard's store. We came home with fresh fruit, jalapeno jelly, berry jam, and homemade butter. And of course, NeKee made us some scrumptious blackberry cobbler using the recipe on Plain Old Kristi's blog.

More Pictures of Trip to Maryland

I can't believe that we have only three more days of therapy in Maryland. We have learned so much, and we are having a great time in the process. Therapy includes a great deal of game playing which helps to exercise and strengthen the brain. Nekee taught Dad how to play UNO. We played about six to eight games, and Dad won two of them. This was also Ave's first time playing UNO. He really enjoyed it.

Tuesday, after therapy, we headed to Great Falls. Although we didn't walk too far, we had a great time. The children really enjoyed climbing on the rocks. Of course, old Aunt Meboo was a bit nervous as usual, and was somewhat afraid that one of them would go tumbling into the Potomac River.

Ave & Mar-Mar climbing on the rocks.

I really like this picture. Look way out onto the rocks - that is Mar-Mar!

Mar-Mar, Ave, Ray, and NeKee climbing back up to the C&O Canal path.
Ave and Ray walking down the C&O Canal Path.

Mom, Dad, Nekee & Ray resting.

Mar-Mar relaxing on a bench.

Lizzie - Nekee's family pet. She is the sweetest little thing.

The weather has been extremely hot (almost as hot as Louisiana) this week. However, yesterday a cool front came in so we enjoyed dinner on the porch. Ray entertained us with some great singing. I wanted to post a video clip of this but my video won't download for some reason.

We also watched the ground hogs scurry about Nekee's yard. On a side note, in case any of you are not aware of it, Ground Hogs do climb trees. Just ask Nekee and Mom. They actually saw a ground hog climb NeKee's apple tree and get an apple to eat.

Eating Dinner on the porch.

Sweet Music to My Ears!

Today, while getting ready for Sunday morning church, I began to hear the piano play. I continued to dress while listening and enjoying the music. Suddenly, I realized that the style of playing sounded so familiar. "Oh my goodness," I thought. "That's sounds like dad's style of playing."

I looked out of the bedroom door and over the balcony into the kitchen where my mom was washing a few dishes. "Mom, is that Dad playing the piano?" I inquired excitedly. With a huge smile on her face she pointed into the living room and affirmed what I was sure that I heard.

Today was the first time since my dad's stroke that he has even attempted to play the piano, and he did quite well! Thank you God for our miracle today!

Maryland

I'm having a wonderful time in Maryland visiting my sister and her family, all of my great friends at Christian Life Center (one of these friends cooked us a great meal yesterday - thanks Kelly!), and most of all attending speech therapy with my dad. In case anyone does not know, Nekee found a wonderful speech therapist on the internet not too far from where she lives. My mom enrolled our dad in a two week therapy session with her, and we are currently attending these sessions with dad daily.

The therapy is going wonderfully! Dad is such a hard worker and a quick learner. He amazes his therapist on a daily basis. The things that he can do that we did not realize that he can do is quite remarkable. Each day he looks forward to his therapy. It does help that his therapist is also wonderful. Her name is Joan Green and she definitely knows her stuff! We really feel that God put her in our lives. We are seeing great results, and expect much more.

Monday, Nekee took us all to the creek, except Mar-Mar (he was at Six-Flags with Youth). Ray and Ave had so much fun we almost had to drag them out of the creek. Today, Nekee took us on a drive to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Dad, Mom, NeKee, and I enjoyed the view, while the children climbed on the rocks. I've posted a few pictures of the creek. I hope that you enjoy them.

An Old Grist Mill next to the creek.

This is where we parked. The creek was right down the slope.
Ave at the creek.

Ray and Ave swiming.

Ray and Ave on the other side of the creek exploring, looking for rocks, and playing in the mud.

Ray

Mom, Dad, Nekee watching Ray and Ave swim, and enjoying the day.

Ave trying his best to get the swing up to Ray.

Ray perched in the tree trying to grab the swing Ave was trying to toss to her - way too hard!

Hello July - Goodbye June

Where did June go? It went so fast! So much happened last month.....Ave turned 8 years old, junior camp, senior camp, adult camp, and dad started cutting the grass again. Of course I won't mention work, work, and more work. Thank God for work!

The camps were wonderful. I volunteer to help as part of the kitchen staff at junior camp since it was Ave's first camp, and then I was recruited to volunteer for senior camp, as well. It was hard work, but oh so rewarding and fun! I met so many wonderful, godly people, and I enjoyed every moment of it. The children were precious and well behaved. The services were great, and the children's talent show was hilarious.

Camp meeting was next! I vowed to do whatever it took to attend this year, and I did. Bro. Crawford Coon's message about "Keeping Our Focus" really touched my heart. Dad was able to attend and I really believe that he enjoyed camp meeting immensely.

Now, for July - it's hitting me in a rush! Gene turned 23 years old, July 4th party (on the 3rd) at dear Aunt Sharon's house, and the highlight of this month will be a trip to Maryland with Dad and Mom. The good news is that Nekee was able to get Dad scheduled into a Speech Therapy Course which involves the use of computers and computer software. It's a two week intensive therapy which I will be attending with mom and dad in order to learn the program. So be praying with us that this program helps dad with his healing!

Meanwhile, take the time to enjoy the month of July, and serve the Lord with all of your heart!

Pictures from the Month of June

Dad cutting grass for the 1st time since his stroke!

Gene & Kass relaxing on Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw's front porch. I really like this picture.

Gene bought Ave an axe for his birthday (thanks Gene). Look at how thrilled he was and how shocked Nenna was!
The impromptu, backyard, last minute, swimming, birthday party, big sis Kass threw for little brother since big mama was too busy working. Thank the Lord for great cousins who show up even when the party is planned the day before! Also, thanks to big sis who didn't mind tackling the job!
Beautiful mermaids with a vicious viking in the back!
My 8 year old!

Dad's Recovering Daily

Every day dad is making new strides to recover from his stroke. Until yesterday, he has been sitting in the audience at church instead of his usual place on the platform. Yesterday morning he made the decision to sit on the platform again. It was so wonderful seeing him sitting in his usual seat on the platform. Can't wait until the day he is behind the pulpit again. Love my DAD!

Mom & Dad in 2003

Our Dad Started Speech Therapy Yesterday!

We are so excited because our dad started speech therapy yesterday. He is now in outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy. We were all so, so, so excited about his first day of outpatient therapy. Therapy went great and afterwards several family members met and went out to eat. I was not able to go, but I was told that Dad did great in therapy. All of his memory is intact - he just needs to learn to speak again. My dad is a champion!

I am so proud of him. Everyday he seems to get a little better. I can't wait until he's well again! HE WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST DADDY EVER!

True Love - Real Love - Genuine Love

Mom and Dad on their Wedding Day in 1963

Most all of us have sat through numerous weddings where sacred vows of commitment and love were made only to see some of these marriages dissolve when the smallest of troubles come, and sometimes simply because of the selfish desires of one individual or both. In fact, many years ago, I attended a rather large wedding at which my great-grandmother Flossie was also present. To my amusement and embarrassment, my very old Grannie Flossie Bea (this is what we called her) stated in her deep, and somewhat rough voice, "My, my, just think people go through all of this and get a divorce!" ---and in case you are wondering, this couple did get a divorce.

However, true love, real love, genuine love, committed love stands the test even through very difficult situations and the result of this type of love is beautiful and wonderful! Today, while praise singing at church, my eyes perused the congregation and I could not help but witness the beauty of true love in three lovely couples in the audience.

One couple, a wife praying as her husband stands beside her with his arms gently and lovingly draped around her. This wife is facing the battle of cancer. Her husband is supporting her in every way that he knows how--both spiritually and physically. What wonderful love!

Another couple, a courageous man and his beautiful wife standing together. He also is battling cancer. His wife stands strong and faces this battle with him--both spiritually and physically. What wonderful love!

And lastly, my mother and father. I see my father standing, holding my mother's hand lifted towards heaven as they pray together. My strong father is now recovering from a stroke, which left him with injuries and physical weakness that he is now battling and recovering from. Together, with the strength of their love and with the power of God they both will fight this battle triumphantly. What wonderful love!

Strong love, pure love, true love--how beautiful is that!

John 15:12 - "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you."

Dad's Home & Recovering Daily

Dad is home and recovering daily. Thanks for all of the prayers and support. Nekee and mom have been closely monitoring his diet, blood sugar level, and blood pressure, and they are doing a great job of it. We sure are going to miss Nekee when she leaves. She's definitely going to have to give me a lesson on the ins and outs of dad's diet. He is on a diabetic and low sodium diet.

Today was Art in April, a local art festival which our choir sings at. My dad insisted on going, and enjoyed every minute of it. It was wonderful seeing the smile on his face, and watching him as he clapped and praised God, and greeted friends and family. Although, he has a difficult time communicating, he knows everyone and understands what is going on around him. Continue to keep him in your prayers.

Dad's Coming Home Today

The doctor is discharging dad from the hospital today, and we are very happy about this. We know that we could possibly have a long road ahead of us and that these situations take time, but with the help, strength, and power of God, we will take it day by day and allow God to do his work. Keep my dad and mother in your prayers.

Dad's Progress

Today, I was going to work. Nekee called to tell me to come to the hospital that Dad was not good and was really low. My husband, Kass and I went to the hospital. When we arrived he was doing GREAT!

ToeToe, Nekee, her husband, my mom, and everyone else in the room had immediately began to pray when my father became unresponsive. My dad began to pray and cry. By the time I arrived at the hospital, he was getting back from a test that will tell us if his food is passing through his esophagus instead of into his lungs. The nurses rolled him to his room, he sat in a chair, and was laughing and communicating well with all of us. He even had fun picking and teasing Gin-gin's little ones. He kissed and loved on Eli, and was quite happy with all the family around him.

The children were a bit rowdy and someone complained that we were being too loud. My dad said, "Who's complaining?" Then he went on to say, "They can complain all they want. I don't care one bit, and I'll tell them in a second!"

Oh how I love my Dad!!!!! and on how he loves God, his wife, family, friends, fellow ministers and church family. Keep praying and remember if anyone asks, "Brother Martin's doing fine!" - how can you be anything else but fine when you are in the Hands of God!

Love all of you - keep on praying.

My Dad's Stroke

For all of you who are wondering on Friday morning, April 9th, at around 5:00 a.m or earlier, my dad began having an ischemic stoke. Today, he is still physically strong and is able to take care of his physical needs by himself. He is somewhat weak on the right side, but does not have paralysis at all! The stoke has affected the part of his brain that affects communication and comprehension, but he still has his intelligence and knows everyone.

We are seeing remarkable things that God is doing. He recognizes people, and also calls people by name many times. Sometimes he can't remember their names, but he is aware of who they are. He absolutely brightens when he speaks to his grand kids and still attempts to tease them. He loves to talk to Eli and holds him and plays with him. He prays and says that "God will do it." When speaking with his sister, he asked her how her heart and health was.

Today, on his own, he decided to take a walk down the hallway of the hospital and look out the window. We are on the 5th floor. After about ten minutes or so, he returned to the room (we did not help him), sat in his chair, and proceeded to speak of the Lord. Although, not every word was clear, the message was clear. He was perplexed as to why certain people that he loved so dearly would not hear the word and get right with God. He said, as he raised his hands and eyes towards heaven, "One day people will call on God to save them, but it will be too late." He said, "I just don't understand why they just don't get right with God!" The message spoke of the end times and more personal things that I will not discuss. However, my dad's love for the Word and God still manifests itself strongly in his life.

Continue to pray for him, and as the Bible states, we do not put our trust in the wisdom of man, but in the POWER of GOD!

Love all of you and thank you for your prayers. Remember to pray for my mother as well.