Boardwalk - Not Monopoly!

Grands agreed to watch the girls so Wifey and I could get an evening out together.  Can't remember the last time that happened.

We really did not know where to go when wifey suggested we head to Shreveport and walk the boardwalk.  So we went out and had dinner at one of our favorite places, and then around 7:00pm left for Schreveport.  When we arrived we only had about an hour before everything closed down so once everything was closed down we walked the board walk.  It was great to be able to get out and walk with very few hills and it was very quiet. 

No one was there except us for the most part, every once in a while we would pass someone but only when they were standing still considering I am not able to really move very fast.  I am moving around much better but I am really looking forward to the staples coming out they seem to jab me all the time.

I am thankful for Texas roads...  the ones in Louisiana had bumps that really jolted me.

Regards,  KjS

Jail Break the sequel!!

Well for those  of you who have been following and praying for James as well...  good news!

James called me and told me that he was now at home as well.   He was released yesterday.  He said he is having to adjust to some changes but he is glad to be home.

Thanks for all who have been praying for him and or sent him any of the health-e-grams...  he really appreciated them.

Thanks,   KjS

Healing

Today as we got ready to head into lunch.... the girls changed out of ballet clothes....

Beside us someone parked.... and a couple headed into lunch.... the gal was expecting...



Lovebug turned to me.... "Mama, why couldn't we have a baby?"

It caught my heart... All I could say is I don't know baby....



I'm reminded that there are yet wounds to heal. God holds all life.... Last week a friend shared my grief loosing our little one saying she was so sorry... The tears yet come but they did not flood me! Healing...





Hubbie is doing great. He's resting and taking walks & enjoying his parents. I've been reminded of the Dr's words... You are not well. It is good to be on the healing side!!



God is the Great Physician!! His healing is upon all of us!!

ss

Comments
Oct. 10, 2007 - Posted by Anonymous
We are praying for you all still. Grief is like an ocean, sometimes the waves come crashing in hard and fast, but sometimes they are slow and calm. God is there for you during them all. We love you all! Love, The Akins

Home Day 1

It is 5am and sleep eludes me...

It is definitely different sleeping in a flat bed and no one coming in and poking me to take blood at 4am every morning. All my nurses were great!

The pain remindes me to pray for those who are hurting.

I would like for all who have been following this blog and praying for me to also continue to pray for James in the room next to me. He seemed to have no hope... Would you consider sending him a Health-e-gram? You can go to http://www.gsmc.org/ hit the health-e-gram link and his name is James Thomas in room 1458.

I know he would appreciate a card...

Sleepless, KjS

GSMC D7 JAIL BREAK!!!!

Well this morning things have continued to progress quickly... 

This is a photo of the man who saved my life and then put me back together.  I salute him, he has a hard job...    

Today my doctor has told me that if I can keep regular food down without any problems then he would go ahead and release me to the wild.

I am currently having a healthy helping of chicken cordon blue....  yummm.  My first real meal since last Saturday.

Ice chip diet...  I am not sure how much weight I have lost so once I get to a scale I will have to post on that tidbit.  I would not recommend it in place of Adkin's or Weight Watchers.  But it definitely has some benefits...  Stephanie thinks I look pretty hot and I no longer snore.

I still hurt but I guess that is to be expected.  Doc has said I can not drive for a week and no basketball, soccer, volleyball, raquetball, full contact football, rodeo riding, bumpercars, skydiving, water skiing, snorkeling so I will try to have patience as I heal.  He said that I must not forget that I am not well yet and he actually prescribed a nap in the afternoons until the staples come out in a week.

Well for now I will let you move on to your next order of business.

Pray that I will stop having pains through my shoulders and upper back, my back is having to compensate for having the cuts through my six pack abs...  NOT.  Actually I can't tell if I have any abs left it is all kind of contorted and has zippers all over my gut.  I guess that is enough of a picture to paint.

Free!  KjS

 

GSMC D6 China & Japan

Walking & walking! That's Hubbie's ticket out. He's yet on clear liquids and we hope to get an upgrade when the Dr. makes his rounds. I think he's tired of being here.... and I hope to get a game plan with the Dr. to see what schedule we are on.

China.... Tomorrow we have a team of FBCers heading to China. We've made laps praying for their safety, good travel, God guide the details... Open blind eyes & close seeing eyes... Join us praying for this China team.

Japan.... Wow! We have a hit from the far seas.... Japan!! Ken is a pilot w/ AA and he hit our site!!! Pray for Ken & Cherry as in November Ken is up for surgery to remove both kidneys.... and pray a match for his transplant.

Camping Out!!

Prayer: Continued recovery, encouragement, peace as we wait on God. China close seeing eyes & open blind eyes. Ken pray for his kidney removal & pray a transplant. Girls & Grands safety on the road today, rock climbing & swimming... good attitudes & a great visit w/ family. Pray they'd be a joy.

GSMC D6 Canasta

I'm beating Hubbie in Canasta... 3010 to 1600.... I'll have to meld 120 and he moved up from a meld of 15 to 90. I played canasta with my Memom Gillespie growing up... I remember playing with all my girlfriends too in the back of the station wagon!! Many moons ago.

Praise the Girls & Grands are home.... Love Bug rang the cow bell atop the rock wall but Ladybug could not reach it!! They visited w/ Uncle Terry & Aunt Shelly & cousins & enjoyed swimming & pizza too.... and crashed into bed at 10!!! Sleepy Girls!! Sleepy Grands, I bet!!!

Hubbie is making progress... clear liquids (broth, juices & an icee) yesterday... full liquids today (soups, puddings, ice cream & a milkshake)... and the Dr. said maybe food on Sunday.

Pray we rest in God's timing for the duration of the stay. Hubbie is getting eager to go. Pray he has no leeks & that the staples hold tight. Pray for James our neighbor in the room across the hall, he's 66 & struggled with setbacks & discouragement & family's not stayed to support.

We are yet here... it has been quiet... Ben & Carol your visits have been wonderful!!! Thanks be to the Grands so I can be all here. Hello to the Ohioites!!!! Glad to have you praying!! Mum hope you get caught up here... My scarf is long enough & needs finishing!!! ss

GSMC D5 KjS

Well I am still among the living...



I don't feel very good but they keep telling me I need to walk and sit up so I am sitting here typing an e-mail.



I would like to fast forward a couple of weeks but I guess I must endure. I tried to hit the network to look at our drawings but that was not to be. Something is keeping me from getting on to the network. Once I feel better I will have to talk with Kevin and see if he can help me.



I lost a day of recovery because they told me to use my morphine button when I had pain. Now I just kind of try to ride out the pain and endure it. I figure better to endure the pain than to use the meds and not be able to get up and walk because I am too loopy.



You probably don't want to know what my next progress marker is I will let you know after I pass it...



KjS

Comments
Oct. 7, 2007 - Posted by lklivingston
I would like to fast forward a couple of weeks but I guess I must endure.

Ha ha! That's exactly what I was thinking when our little one was getting ready to be born! And you know, it does look much better from this side than from that one. Persevering through it is the ooky part.

GSMC D5 Icee

Yea!! He got the upgrade to fluids.... and was thrilled with his Coke Icee!!! Praise Praise Praise!!! We are so encouraged & God has truly answerd prayer!!! He enjoyed broth on his first meal tray this evening and has a green tea at his side. This is a huge milestone!!!

He has walked and walked and walked!!!! A shower helped start the day!! He's also enjoying watching movies!! Last night was Red October and today was MacGyver.... my vote is for Anne of Green Gables.... Does anyone have that on DVD?? Want to bring it up on Saturday??? :) We're up to welcoming your visit!!! We are on day 5 here and yet expect 7-10 days here.....

Prayer Matters: Maintain walking, chest pains subside, no leeks & endurance. Pray for safety as Girls & Grands head to Dallas to visit family & rock climb.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (Pastor Jim had a worship song of this verse... it would be a great MP3 to have on hand!!!) ss

GSMC D4 2 Tubes

Praise, the Dr. came in first thing today. He'll drop 2 tubes and be left with his IV w/ pain meds. We're just waiting for the nurse to come back.

Prayer Matters: Pray for God's encouragement & strength to rise. Pray for a walking day. Pray that he'll keep his ice chips down & not get sick. Pray rest & complete recovery. Pray for a smooth time here so I can get out w/ the girls today & to a dr appt. Pray that he'll feel good for his girls visit.

Yesterday was so hard with the tailspin of discouragement. It really was a set back and we lost a day for the buzz to wear off. He did a little walking and that was great. Yet he sees a day without progress... and that weighs heavy. The girls came by in the evening but he was not feeling good and struggling. His sleep was restless and often disturbed... today rest will be easier after dropping these tubes. I slept to nearly 8 this morning.

Hubbie's agenda is to get up... no sickness... to walk. We're yet in the wait game for his digestion to wake. That takes time and walking. We wait upon the Lord. ss

Comments
Oct. 4, 2007 - Prayer
Posted by Cheryl Little
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Let me know if I can help in any way!

GSMC D4 Hard

Yet pray. The day has been hard... He's been dizzy and very discouraged to not be walking. He was out of bed in a chair and overcome with dizzyness.... he went pale.... and felt horrible.... Pray.... ss

GSMC D4 Blooming

After a rough morning, Hubbie got up and walked with his mom & dad. They were a great encouragement. We traded spots for a good part of the day!

This morning I struggled and when tears came.... It was time to trade with the Grands. The girls and I picked up CFA & Dudleys and headed home to enjoy lunch together! I love being with them & missed it.... as I got cleaned up at home I could not rush to skate... We enjoyed the time just taking it easy!! Thanks to Laura for keeping them a bit!! My good news today was no D&C. Praise!

When we got back to the hospital... our room was blooming... flowers on our hardest day.... Wow!! Thank you!!! They are beautiful.... I'm so encouraged.... God's timing is so good. We've walked many rounds tonight!

Praying for rest. Pray his abdominal cavity wakes up & no bloating. Pray he can walk with the girls on Friday. Praising God because He goes before us on the hard days!!! G'nite. ss

Comments

Oct. 5, 2007 - God is Great
Posted by Ken Moore
This my first time at this but no time like the present to start. Here a verse from Japan Ps. 9:9-10 God's a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times, The moment you arrive, you relax,you're never sorry you knocked. Miles apart are inconsequential with God I am continuing to pray for your whole family. Ken

Oct. 7, 2007 - Posted by lklivingston
My good news today was no D&C. That's wonderful news!

GSMC D3 Fire Alarm

Good Morning! We've started our morning hospital early... It is 5:40 and for an hour they've been testing the fire alarm.... It's yet dark & we've been in Isaiah 40 because He gives strength to the weak.

Hubbie is more alert and with that comes pain. He's calling it a 4 on the scale. He's using a pain pump and had like 13 hits. He's not moving yet and there's talk today of getting up... he's already asked for the extra pain help for that. He said it's been a long night.

Prayer matters: Pray he can get up & start to move & drop 2 tubes today. Pray God's comfort in this great discomfort. Pray for his back as he's mentioned that. Pray sweet rest & God's hand in recovery. Pray good nurses & strong help today.

♦ Love Him in the mornin' when you see the sun arising. Love Him in the evening when He's brought you through the day. And in the in between times when you feel the pressure rising... Remember that He loves you and He promises to stay. ss

Comments
Oct. 3, 2007 - Praying for you
Posted by Laura
Thanks for the update! We have been praying for you and Kerry! Love you guys! Laura

GSMC D3 No Morphine

After 22 hits of Morphine... the Dr. says it's wiped him out and was too much...  he's definitely not used to this stuff!!   We'll try a new pain med as he sleeps this one off...  it is a very hard day and little progress (no tubes dropped).... the only comfort I can give is my presence & a ice chip every now and then....  no reading... no holding his hand.... literally just my presence...  and someone just walking in the room made him dizzy...  Our girls came up and he did not even feel up to them coming to the room...  Tough and I had to bail on lunch w/ them  :(   

But I did catch the Dr.... I'm Praying.....  and very thankful for catching Dr. Cook.

And I'm knitting a confetti scarf that a friend said it would add no warmth!! (Mum this is the project from the yarn sale!!)  I started during the surgery and did a foot or so!!!  I'm trying to be diligent w/ my time... and hour for reading, another for knitting, another for study....  I've not yet wanted to read the paper I brought... I guess it needs an hour too!!!   I think the pc takes more than it's hour!!  But maybe it's words for today!!

In our weakness... Jesus Christ is strong!  We've had the joy of one of the techs praying with us 2x now!!   And another asked if he was a preacher.... he weakly said no but he'd could preach to her!!!  Little by little. ss

GSMC D3 Walking

Yea! Up and walking!! And he's feeling better as the buzz wears off! All pain meds are a little scary now. The first walk was down 4 doors. His 2nd walk was a lap. That's huge! Yea! He's even had me call so the girls can come back up tonight!!

Thank you for the prayers! Our walls are feeling homey w/ your greetings (wow) & coloring from the girls! I've laughed at a Congrats on you new Plumbing from Joshua.... and a Happy Birthday from Stefani. Kerry's not laughing... it's too painful! I've enjoyed the blog map.... We see the Bunns in Brazil!!! And who is that in England??? Wow! The effective fervent prayer of the righteous avails much!!! ss

Comments
Oct. 3, 2007 - Hello
Posted by Sue H
I am glad you are up and moving, even if you know it yet. Sounds like the meds hit you pretty hard. I am very glad all is going well, I miss you believe it or not. I got the last Christmas count down. Dont forget me, otherwise I might miss Christmas altogether. Love you all

GSMC D2 Filleted

Just a short time until I get filleted...

We have been in the hospital since yesterday morning, I have not eaten anything since Saturday night. If you are considering losing weight the ice chip diet seems to work very well



Even as I write this e-mail I am expecting them to bring the last three pills any moment. I know two will be antibiotics nd then comes the viagra... oops I meant valium.



Last night was rough... they gave me a gallon of stuff I had to drink... the only comparison I can give is if you remember the commercial that the little scrub bubbles that clean up the bathroom like Mr. Clean with his Lysol.



If you want to keep posted on what is going, my wife is posting on her blog a report as the days pass... http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/spike/. If you visit the blog it tells us that you visited... we have had visits from England and looks like Salt Lake City and all over so far. Jump on and get your location logged. I will not be doing much writing or reporting on matters.



My surgery is scheduled for 1pm and is supposed to last for 2 or so hours... Your continued prayers would be appreciated.



We are at Good Shepherd Medical Center in room 1459. If you would like to send me a note go to https://www.gsmc.org/sendto.asp? and send a health-gram.



Oops there is the nurse... got to go!



Regards, KjS

Comments
Oct. 2, 2007 - Prayer! Prayer! Prayer!
Posted by laurahill
Praying for you and your family!!! I pray that Kerrie comes out of surgery strong and ready to fight for recovery, Stephanie that you get rest and have enough encouragement for Kerrie and Yourself too, that your girls have a wonderful time with Grandma and Grampa and overall that God is glorified during all of this!!! We love you guys!! Laura

GSMC D2 Post-Op

His surgery was from 1:35 til 3:10. Thanks to Lew & Kim & Evelyn for waiting with me, Craig came after a bit & dad came too for you to get back to the room. He's expected to be out for 24 hrs & the next 24 are rough trying to get up.... and 7-10 total to get moving....



Dr. Cook said it went really well. He only took about 3.5" out and he was able to use the staple like he wanted... 29mm, a medium size. He said maybe the NG tube will be out Wednesday. I pray so. He said to watch the colostomy closure for infection... because of the activity there. Maybe in 3 days we'll try liquids.... He Lives!! ss

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

Comments
Oct. 2, 2007 - From Brazil
Posted by Anonymous
Praise the Lord! We are blessed to hear of the successful surgery, and will continue to pray for a quick recovery. You have both been such a blessing with your honest communication...thanks for being so transparent. :) The Bunns

GSMC D2 Pre-Op

Just hours to go... Surgery is at 1 and we expect it to be about 2 hrs. Thanks for your continued prayers.

The Girls & Grands came by last night. We have coloring all on the walls :) Lady bug beat me in a game of battle! Guess who always wins??!!! Lovebug brought her puppy to companion daddy.

Last night Hubbie finished the gallon around 10:30. The night was filled w/ yet more pre-op stuff. We slept a little between 12 & 4 and he's been able to rest this morning.... We watched a bit of Dr. Dolittle w/ Rex Harrison!! I won a game of canasta and he went negative thinking he could make a canasta in his 4 red 3's!! He only has to meld for 15 next round!! And he's not yet willing to play again...

9But 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. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12

GSMC Moved!

We moved out of our familiar corner!!! We're now in 1459!! I'm sooooo thankful to be in a larger room off of the hot west window!!!! God is going before us!!

Prayer Hubbie has a gallon of stuff to drink b4 midnight... pray his strength & to drink this stuff.... His IV is in it took the 3rd stick! Oh! God yet goes b4 us!! ss

Comments
Oct. 1, 2007 - Posted by lklivingston
How wonderful to be in a better location! Just like our upgrade with our recent stay--a small thing, but it improved our outlook.

GSMC

We're in..... our same corner and it seems weird... God has gone before us... His grace is sufficient... In our weakness He is strong... We've moved in & will camp here for a bit! By His grace! ss

We'd love to hear from you.... https://www.gsmc.org/sendto.asp?

Comments
Oct. 2, 2007 - We are praying for you
Posted by Ben Rempel
"They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strenght, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want......." I know how you feel Kerry but more importantly, The Lord knows how you feel and how you actually are!! We plan to come see you in the morning - Wednesday!! Ben