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Inquiring Minds Want To Know

This from my friend, Deborah.  “How will Mr. H. reveal himself? Will the symptoms be a replay of what you've suffered with each time you've had an episode???”

I’m not exactly sure what to expect when Mr. H arrives, but it should reflect the symptoms that I’ve had in the past.  They are not always the same.  It could be a major convergence of all of them at once (symptoms vary from time to time), or less traumatic than that.  No one can say for sure.  Things are still pretty quiet. 

Not all bacteria are bad guys.  Bacteria put the tang in yogurt and the sour in sourdough bread; help to break down dead organic matter; make up the base of the food web in many environments. So, there are good guys and bad guys.  I’m trying to keep the good guys happy while exterminating the bad ones. 

It’s the same with the inflammation that goes with the episodes I have.  Inflammation is a necessary component of the immune system.  But, it can be too much of a good thing and lead to diseases like arthritis, asthma, etc.  The autoimmune diseases like AIDS, lupus, ALS, etc. are diseases where inflammation is asleep at the wheel… just the opposite of the above diseases.  There’s more… like the role of prostaglandins and leukotrienes – but, alas, do I see your eyes glazing over?  Okay, I’ll leave it at that for now.

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It’s been a busy day.  I spent a few hours with Marie since I will not have another day this week to do so.  She was happy to see me and we enjoyed looking at a dog magazine.  How she laughed at some of the photos.  She loves animals.

I left around 1:30.  She was getting sleepy and I had to get to Curves and make an attempt to win the window decorating contest sponsored by the Maine International Film Festival.  I doubt if we win, (I don’t think we’re “politically correct” enough for that crowd) but we want to show our community support. 

Got some groceries before coming home to pick raspberries and bring in the laundry from the clothesline.  The berries are spectacular this year.  Almost 4 quarts tonight.  Since I divided my plants, picking is much easier too. 

My brother-in-law, Steve, called today to tell us that Mother is getting weaker by the day and losing more weight.  If things don’t come around, she is not going to be with us for long.  They are taking some steps for more care for her and she is not going to like it.  Pray God will work in her heart to comply with what is best for her.  She’s so weak, (and has been for so long) she loses her perspective about how much she has eaten, and what her needs are. 

I may not get to write for the next several days.  A sweet woman named Amy is on her way home from a very dangerous mission field and will spend a few days here before flying to Texas to be with her family. 

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Where does one begin when one is so far behind in blogging?  Let me start off by saying that I am well and enjoying the summer.  Here’s a summary of what’s been happening over the last couple of weeks…

Sydney:  Below is a famous photo of my dear friend Sydney Dobbs who died last month.  He was 98.  Like my grandmother, he was the present holder of the Boston Post Cane and former Cushing town moderator.  Parliamentary procedure was his expertise and I own a Roberts Rules of Order because of him.

He served in World War II for almost 5 years.  In 1987, Steve Heddericg's 1983 photo, above, taken at Cushing's annual town meeting, won Parade magazine's National Bicentennial Contest, "We, the People." It showed resident June Champlin conferring with moderator, Sydney Dobbs, at right. That picture became part of a permanent exhibit to honor the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. So well did this picture catch the spirit of a typical town meeting that it was used by the Courier-Gazette for years, to head the various listed annual town meetings of mid-coast Maine.

I could write so much more about him… he left a mark in many sports and civic affairs.  He and his wife Bettina were so instrumental in helping our family during the days of Blount vs. State of Maine.  The cove where they lived will never be the same.

Michele: She had planned to be here for a month but that stretched out to 8 weeks and I don’t know how Randy stood it… all alone for so long.  We lost Nicole to summer camp after two weeks, and then Stephanie left for a summer missions trip on the 24^th of June.

She had never flown before, has issues with motion sickness, but was excited to go nevertheless.  When they arrived at the airport, Michele told anyone who should know that Stephanie was a new flyer.  For that they gave Michele a gate pass and she was able to see her get on the plane.  Unfortunately, she was quite sick on the flights, but loved flying anyway.

Because they were leaving so early that morning – like 2 AM – Michele and Stephanie stayed with Crysten until it was time to go since she would be traveling with them.  What a sport!  “The girls are asleep,” Michele assured me, “and you won’t hear from them again.”  Yeah, right. 

I had crawled into bed and heard Carrie moaning.  I went in and found her very restless, but asleep.  I decided not to wake her up and left to have her fall back into a deep sleep.  Later, I heard her crying and quickly ran in to scold her for making so much noise.  She obeyed and stifled the sounds, and I settled her in to go back to sleep.  The next event was Justin running into my room.  Carrie was vomiting.  Was she ever.  Turns out even her lunch hadn’t digested at all.  There is was… all over the bed.  Poor Carrie.  She was so good about everything.  I got her cleaned up and the bed and settled everyone back in.  She did sleep soundly for the rest of the night. 

Justin’s headaches were the reason he came.  He has not had relief from them for months.  He saw two specialists in their field and they both decided after 8 weeks that they had done all they could do.  He’s gone home to see a neurologist.  Pray for Justin.  On a scale from 1-10, the headaches have gone from a 9 to about a 3… so there is improvement but not a complete healing.

We had our “last supper” with her in-laws, Aunt Kathy and Miss Toni the night before they left.  Alan helped fix the door that wouldn’t open from the inside of their Suburban, checked the fluids and set up the carrier on top of the car.  They drove to Harrisburg, PA airport and picked up Randy who had flown in for a weekend of Family Camp with his family, including Nicole (but minus Stephanie) who works at the camp.

Luis:  For 11 days we had the pleasure of hosting one of our Guatemalan missionary friends, Luis.  He left behind his wife and 2 year old twin girls.  He was there for the hospice garden party at Fieldstone Gardens and caused quite a buzz with all the guests of the event.  He’s very outgoing and willing to share with people.  I had set up a booth of Guatemalan items for people to buy and we were able to raise quite a bit of money for him that day.  God was good.

After the party, Toni, Crysten, and Kathy joined us for a pizza supper.  On Sunday he spoke at Winslow Baptist and was hosted by their missions committee at an afternoon BBQ.  We got quite a severe thunderstorm as we were saying goodbye and it covered a large area all at once.  We needed the rains that came with it.

Congratulations go out to Christian Jacobs who graduated a year early from homeschooling.  We drove to the party that was in full swing and ended up staying for supper and enjoyed some good fellowship.  I missed the formal part of the festivities but heard that Bob gave Deborah (the primary teacher) an honorary degree for her efforts.  Cute idea, don’t you think?

It wasn’t all work for Luis as he got to caddy for Jeremy when he, Dan and Pastor Wayne took him golfing.  He has never golfed before, so he was more than happy to caddy.  That evening Dan and Melissa hosted a pie social for Luis and many came.  They were a huge blessing and encouragement to him.

On Tuesday we didn’t have anything scheduled so I gave Luis a tour of Waterville, including Curves and Windows Plus.  Luis graciously took time to pray over these two businesses with their owners.  Bless him.  Stopped by Uncle Dean’s store, too, but he was gone.  We made contacts with my bottle redemption lady who takes such an interest in what we do in Guate, and tried to connect with Jen at the Bakery but she was out, too.  Kathy came down for supper and delicious strawberry shortcake.

Luis got invited to play indoor soccer – something he does well – and met a young man from Ghana.  A few nights later Bob J brought them together at his house for dinner and Luis was able to spend a lot of time discussing spiritual things with him.  Pray that his eyes will be open to God’s love and that he will want a personal relationship with HIM.

Dean and Kathy, Bob and Mary took Luis to the ocean for “Lobstah” one beautiful day when the tall ships were in Boothbay.  He loved that.

On another day I drove Luis to a teen camp in Durham, ME.  Things went very well and the students really impressed me.  I was not expecting that.  They were attentive, respectful, friendly, modest, and polite. They all seemed to get along very well. We really enjoyed our day there.  They also took up an impromptu offering for Luis. 

That evening Eli, Kaleb and Isaac came for an overnight with Justin.  During Bible time, Luis had these boys circle Justin and lay hands on him as Luis prayed for his healing.  A special moment for them.  This is a typical way of praying with/for someone in Guate.

Afterward, Michele read the account of Joshua at the battle of Jericho while the kids re-enacted the story.  They had such a great time.

Kathy loaded up the kayaks and joined Bob, Crysten, Luis and I for a trip to Dunn’s camp.

We stopped at a Dunkin’ Donuts along the way and waited in a long line for our service.  “Has Luis had a whoopee pie yet?” Kathy asked.  I explained that I had brought him one for our lunch.  “Whoopee?” he asked.  “What’s whoopee all about?”  I thought we had explained ourselves well, but when he stepped up to place his order his asked,

“Do you have French vanilla cappuccino?”  “Yes, we do,” replied the girl politely.  With confidence in his ordering skills, Luis then added with exclamation, “and whoopee!”  She was taken aback (as we were laughing)”We don’t have whoopee.”  It would be days before Luis dared to ask about whoopee again and finally realize what it was we were laughing about.

Many of our friends were at Dunn’s for a week of family camping.  The weather wasn’t so great but it didn’t stop us from enjoying a lazy trip down the channel in the boats.  Toni organized a pot luck supper on Luis’ behalf.  He was able to share his story with the folks and do some much needed fundraising.

Friends took him to Freedom Café for a nice meal.  On his final Sunday here, he did the morning sermon at Cornerstone.  He had shared his testimony at prayer meeting.  In the afternoon he went to the county jail for a service there.  He used to minister in the jail in Guatemala.  He was moved by the men that were at the meeting. 

That evening we went to church with Kathy.  Out of the blue a man asked if we needed any sound equipment.  Luis desperately needed some but so didn’t Curves – for the 4^th of July parade.  Amazing how God works out seemingly insignificant details sometimes.

Kevin, Lisa and Erika had us over after the service for pizza and some games of pool.  Luis has had about as much experience with pool as he has with golf… but, we had fun anyway.

On his last day here I took him shopping for his wife and girls.  He came with a list.  Melissa and Loralei had been great to give him some clothes and shoes.  Someone also gave him money specifically to spend on his wife.  American Christians are some of the most generous people in the world.  I know God will bless all the ones who blessed Luis.

Dan and Melissa took him to the bus station that would take him to the airport.  The kids stayed here with us.  On the way they met Toni at the Red Robin in Augusta for lunch.  His plane was delayed for three hours in Boston so he didn’t have much time to enjoy the room we got for him on his layover in Miami.  Other than that, the trip was uneventful and he was happily reunited with his girls. 

That’s enough for one night, isn’t it?  There’s more… Marie, Katelyn, the 4^th, meeting Ian, milfoil, raspberries, etc.  Stay tuned.

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Lymes Update

It’s summer… that’s my excuse for not keeping up with this blog.  Many are asking about my health so I’ll start there. 

I started taking my “protocols” last Thursday.  I’m waiting for a Herxheimer’s reaction.  That can take 2-4 weeks.  It’s an inflammatory reaction to the death of the spirochetes that are making me sick.  As severe as it can be, I am looking forward to having one because then I will know that we are getting somewhere. 

Spirochetes are long and slender bacteria, usually only a fraction of a micron in diameter but 5 to 250 microns long. They are tightly coiled, and so look like miniature springs or telephone cords.

To complicate life, these little creatures can form themselves into cysts with a protective membrane around them that keeps them latent until conditions are right for reactivation.  That explains the sporadic episodes that I have.  

The kind that I have mimic malaria with insidious onsets of fever and chills, sweating and myalgia (profound fatigue). They multiply in my red blood cells, which explains the unexplainable anemia that I had for the first time in my life.    The treatment I am using is an anti-malarial treatment.  Whenever I would investigate my symptoms I always ran into malaria and said, “That’s me!”  But, I could never prove it in multiple blood tests.

Whenever I would investigate Lyme’s, I would say, “Nope, that’s not me.”  Finally, after being tested for Lymes more than once, we can see the creatures in my blood.  We are now connecting the dots of what’s going on since 2001.

I will need to stick with these remedies for about 6 months.  Four months to kill of the spirochetes who multiply every 120 days, and probably another regimen for 2-3 months after that.

When I read some of the case studies, I am thankful to God for His protection over me.  Even though I have struggled for 8 years, I have not suffered like the average person who has these conditions.  My immune system has worked in overdrive and has done it’s best to subdue “the beasts”. 

The herbal remedies that I am using not only kill the evil spirochetes, they also rebuild any damage that my tissues and organs have sustained through this.  This damage is mild compared to what others have suffered.  Headaches, joint/muscle pain, and arthritis are the common problems.  I have none of these.  Thank you, Lord. 

I have to keep a journal of what is going on, so I will blog it here under the category of Lyme’s Disease, if you want to keep up with this saga. 

Waiting for Mr. Herxheimer, Susan   

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Lyme’s Update

Since 2001 I have been plagued with recurring fever related incidences that last no longer than 24 hours at a time.  Once the fever and other symptoms subside, my health returns to normal and it is easy to forget that I have ever been sick.

The more I researched the more I came to believe that I had an infectious disease.  Anyone who has one knows it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.  These diseases can appear in the blood, but not every sample will reveal the culprit.  It might be hiding in another part of the “haystack” and not the part that is in the blood draw you took on a particular day.

The most likely culprit would seem to be Lyme’s Disease – except my symptoms did not appear to match.  The least likely culprit would seem to be malaria, but everything I saw about malaria seemed to be a match.  I tested negative for both and didn’t know what to do after that.

I went to an infectious disease specialist who ran more blood tests and concluded that I was not a candidate for an infectious disease.  I wish I could get my money back from that expensive excursion.  I knew better, even though  I knew very little about why I would be sick some days.

Having the episodes were more “fun” for me than doing the whole medical run around stuff.  When  I thought I had come to a dead end, I gave it all a rest.  If God wanted me to know what I had, He could have showed me.  Psalm 77 reminds me of myself during my episodes:

I cried out to God with my voice --To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me.

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah  You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I have considered the days of old, The years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night; Ps 77:1-6

Then along came Dr. Morgan Titus who grew up next door to our midwife.  After a time of rest from doctors and trying to solve this puzzle, I went to her for a set of new eyes to take a look.  She was convinced it was Lyme’s and sent some blood out to California to IGENEX.

From there I went to see Dr. Mulliken in Kennebunk.  I was sharing my symptoms with him and then pulled out the results of my IGENEX test.  “That’s what I thought,” he said smiling.  “Your symptoms sounded like this.”

THIS is Babesia – caused by a parasite transmitted by the same tick species that causes Lyme’s Disease. 

Everyone reading this entry should re-visit everything you think you know about Lyme’s.  While there is a common thread of symptoms – there are many that you will never read about if you read an article in a woman’s magazine or your local newspaper.

This disease is thought to be the fastest growing infectious disease in the world…yes, exceeding HIV/AIDS and malaria that we hear so much about.

Some of the diseases that can be caused by Lyme’s is Parkinsons Disease, MS, Lou Gehrig’s, fibromyalgia, Bell’s Palsy, Iritis, lupus, dermatitis, SIDS, ADD, hyperactivity, Chronic Fatigue, thyroid, to name a few…  Please note that I did NOT say that  they are always caused by  the Lyme's tick, but  if they are... they can be cured.   That should be good news to many who suffer these  diblitating, life threatening diseases.

I would recommend that anyone dealing with a chronic illness should be tested for Lyme’s.  Since the “needle” is sometimes hard to find in the “haystack” don’t take NO for an answer f your test comes back negative.

Dr. Mulliken said that we got lucky by hitting the bulls-eye the first time around.  Well, it was God not luck and the IGENEX test was not my first look at Lyme’s.  It was IGENEX’s first look at it and we hit pay dirt.  “I tell people who get a test result like yours to buy a megabucks ticket,” he said.

A few hours after Dr. Morgan took the blood draw, I had one of my episodes… another confirmation that the test results are reliable and God was in control of the timing. 

So, now we know who the bugger is that has been bugging me for so many years.  Yeah!

Okay, maybe not so quick with the YEAH!  Of all the infections attached to Lyme’s, Babesia is the hardest to eradicate.  I was encouraged, though.  Dr. Mulliken’s wife had symptoms much worse than mine and the therapy that I’m going to do worked remarkably for her.  I am hopeful.

The treatment plan is to keep up my Shaklee, add some Chinese herbs, up my probiotcs, and stick to an anti-inflammatory diet.  I will stick with this for at least 120 days.  That’s the life cycle of Babesia – as I understand it.   After that we should know if we killed the beast or not.   I’d appreciate your prayers for me. 

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My Birthday Day

On Tuesday I officially turned 58, or as Regan liked to express it “The 19^th celebration of my 39^th birthday.”  It was a low key day.  I spent a big chunk of it with Marie.  I bought a box of fresh picked strawberries on my way.  She loves berries.  Her accordion is all repaired so I reunited her with that, and she needed a new watch so I brought that. 

The Risinger kids offered to serve me breakfast in bed, but I declined their offer… I was up way before them, so was glad that they got to sleep in.  When I arrived home in the late afternoon, flowers from Bob were waiting on the table.  Michele and the kids gave me a Red Sox necklace and a Sox bumper sticker.  Justin proudly presented me with sardines and saltines.  We have a song by that name that I would love to share here, but  I don’t know all the words.        

I also received beautiful cards from Aunt Glenna, Mother Blount, and Bettina Dobbs.  Thanks so much.

If you think of it – pray for Bettina.  Her Sydney died on my birthday.  He was 98 and in declining health for the last 6 months.  They would have celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary in July.

Crysten is trying to change the date of Mother’s Day because she claims it comes too close to my birthday.  Plus, she insists that I buy whatever I want when I want it, thus making it impossible to come up with a gift idea for me…

So, to mark the day she came for supper and called to wish me Happy Birthday as she walked home.  When she got home she emailed to wish me Happy Birthday, and when I went to bed she had left me a message on my pillow saying Happy Birthday.   I was having flashbacks of the days when I would find notes in many places that said, “Mom, please have a baby.”

Yesterday brought early morning rains, but after lunch the sun came out and I was able to get the lawns done before heading to Lisa’s for doughboys.  As I drove out of the yard a large doe was grazing by the farm pond. 

Erika’s Donnie was in town for two nights.  He preached at Clinton last night so I wanted to hear him.  He and Erika make a great couple.  She’s going to be a wonderful pastor’s wife.

Yesterday was also Eli and Ethan’s Birthday Day.  They got to celebrate together as the Walls are visiting the Reeds in New York.  I hear that they are having a blast. 

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Family Flashback:  June 14-16

I better do some family flashbacks before too much time goes by.

Back in January I put a deposit down on two camps (side by side) for the week of Aug 23.  We didn’t get to see the cabins until Saturday.  They are a wonderful upgrade to the camp we’ve rented for a number of years.  More room, more amenities… I think we are going to love it there.  Now, if the weather will cooperate.

I woke up Sunday morning to a much needed rainy day.  Trouble is, it hasn’t stopped raining since.  For Father’s Day Melissa hosted the family, Kathy, Kevin and Erika for a BBQ lunch.  Great food.  Lisa as been under the weather for a week and could not make it.  We didn’t get home until almost 9.  Good times.  The girls got Bob a GPS.  Eli opened some presents, too, even though his birthday isn’t until Wednesday.
Jeremy’s dad stopped by and took time to visit with all of us for a bit.  He’s recently sold his home and has to be out in about two weeks.  This has got to be a tough time for him… a man who is very rigid about his routine.  He has no idea where he’ll be going next, but hopes to have Jeremy build him a small home somewhere.

I was hoping it would be the last time that I would have to watch the basketball finals, but the Celtics saw to it that it would not be the case.  Around 11 Ed rolled in from New York and finished the disappointing last few minutes with me.  He has sold his van to a man from Greenville, ME.  The family paid Ed to drive it up here and he’ll ride back tomorrow with Dan and Melissa.

He and Bob went out for breakfast and lunch.   I tagged along for the lunch.  We had family over tonight for a chicken/seafood chowder supper.  With the drizzle and rain, it was a perfect chowder day.  Kevin and Erika came, but Lisa still isn’t travel worthy yet.  Kathy, the Burbanks and Crysten came, too.  The Walls had Spanish class with Uncle Dean but will have lots of Ed time starting tonight and through the rest of the week.

Not sure when the Risingers will be going home, so they purchased a ticket for Stephanie today.  She has to be in Greenville SC next Wednesday for her mission trip to Nova Scotia.  Continue to pray for Justin that they can get to the bottom of these headaches.  While you’re at it, better pray for Randy, too.  Home alone in NC. 

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The Procedure

Melissa had a procedure yesterday at the hospital to see if she has an ulcer.  She left the children with babysitters and rode in with Pam from church.  Dan was at work nearby and wasn’t sure when he’d finish up, but he was there with her when I arrived. 

We went up to the day surgery floor and the staff recognized Melissa from her gall bladder surgery.  So, with that Melissa began to feel right at home and chatty.  Don’t ask me why but this song came to mind…

Where Everybody Knows Your Name by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo - Cheers Lyrics

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
Wouldn't you like to get away? (I don’t think the hospital is what they had in mind)
Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see, our troubles are all the same (comparing notes with the nurse with the gall bladder operation)
You wanna be where everybody knows Your name.
You wanna go where people know, people are all the same,
You wanna go where everybody knows your name.

The doctor came in and greeted us all with a twinkle in his eye.  He sounded very familiar. 

“I love your accent,” Melissa said without hesitation.  “What country are you from?” 

“Great Britain.”  Then it came to me, he sounds like Nanny 911 on TV. 

He explained the procedure while Melissa was having her vitals taken and an IV put in.  It was quite a lively exchange between her, the nurse (who talked of her gall bladder surgery and C sections) and the doctor.  Melissa was having a ball. 

“You know,” the doctor began with teasing gleam in his eyes, “when I do this in Great Britian, 60% of the patients refuse to be sedated.”  I sensed a little friendly “you squeamish Americans” in his tone. 

Melissa lifted right off the bed. “You mean you can do this without sedation?  Can I?  No one told me it was an option, but if it is I want to try it.”

He was taken aback a little.  “Are you sure?”  “Yes, I’m very sure.  I can tolerate a lot of pain and I’ve heard about the side effects and I don’t want the side effects.”

“Well, then.  You’ll be my first one here to do it without sedation.  We’ll have you prepped in case  you change your mind in there.”

Melissa was more concerned about the sedation part of the process during her days of waiting for this than she had been the procedure itself, so this was an answer to her prayers.  She was quite relieved and verbalizing all the benefits she would enjoy of not being put to sleep. 

Soon they were wheeling her out of the room for the 10-15 minutes it would take to scope her stomach area.  Dan and I were sitting in the empty room listening to her chatting away as she headed down the hall.

I looked at Dan.  “The one drawback to no sedation is that Melissa will be awake to realize that she can’t talk.  That might be frustrating for her,” I teased.  We both grinned.

Within a  half hour we could hear her coming down the hall, and knew right away that she had made it through without any help because she was chatting away with the nurse. 

They gave her something to numb the back of her throat and it was a bit of a challenge to have the scope make the curve there as it went in, but the rest of it was fine and she was thrilled that she could walk right out of the hospital as soon as they were done. 

“You should tell everyone that they don’t need sedation,” she kept encouraging the doctor and his staff.  She left with lots to talk about because she watched the whole thing on TV and even has pictures.  This is the same daughter who really IS squeamish at the site of blood and other medical procedures. 

She does not have an ulcer.  There are some irritations in there that she is going to try and heal if she can find a remedy.  She’ll be pursuing that next week. 

Around 7:30, Bob, Crysten and I picked up Annelene for our last fling with her before she moved to Washington DC on Tuesday.  She has a summer internship there with a non-profit with the potential for a full time position in the fall.  We are going to miss our South African connection.  We wish her well.

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Visitation Day

Michele, Stephanie, Justin, Carrie, Rachel and I left around 9 this morning, picked up Kathy and then Aunt Charlene and headed up to Aunt Marilyn’s for lunch.  She and Uncle Berwin are quite settled in their new little house that Jeff built for them.  The view is spectacular.  The pond across the road (built by Uncles dad) is the greatest.  There is just something  calming about water for me. 

Note to the Lord:  It doesn’t have to be a mansion, Lord.  No, even a mobile home will do.  Just put a lake in the front and the ocean in the back and I’ll be good to go.  Thank you.  PS: Don’t forget the porches.

There’s a bull moose that is often spotted coming out for a drink.  The Canadian geese and their little babies think it’s pretty nice, too.  No wonder they are enjoying the views so much.

We enjoyed a nice lunch of Italian sandwiches and a delicious strawberry rhubarb coffee cake that Michele made.  Then we had the idea for hand and foot.  What WERE we thinking?  Aunt Charlene, Kathy and I went up against Aunt Marilyn, Stephanie and Michele and got spanked badly.   Playing three on a team was a good time, though.  We’ve never tried that before.

We left there and made a quick stop to see Marie.  She looks so good in her new glasses and likes being able to see again.  Now, she’s broken her watch and needs a new one.  She was surprised and pleased to see Michele and Kathy and the kids.  Her old friend, Theresa visited her last week.  I would have loved to see her.  I’m sure they had a great time.  They love each other.

We drove Aunt Charlene home and decided to make a stop at Uncle Jr’s and Aunt Henny’s.  They were just finishing up the supper that Michael had made for them and were thrilled to see us.  They love to have company.  Aunt Henny doesn’t seem that changed since I last saw her.  Her mind is still good – her hearing, too.  But, Uncle Jr. seems a lot more uncomfortable.  Reconstructive surgery that he had years ago has deteriorated making walking very difficult.  You’d never know it from the look of his place.  It’s immaculate.  He still drives and still mows a mean lawn.  They just celebrated their 60^th anniversary on Sunday.

Before I leave Skowhegan and tell you about our trip to Canaan, I want to tell you about my Grampie’s barn.  They tore it down a few weeks ago.  They just don’t make barns like that one any more.  I still remember it well.  We played for so many hours in there growing up.   There were always so many cousins to play with when we got to Nana and Grampie’s.  If only those barn boards could talk.  We’d have many memories to share.  Now it’s only the farmhouse that stands on that hill and it looks so bare without the barn to go with it.

Our last stop was to visit Bernard and Irene.   Bernard was frail tonight, and his mind not quite there.  It didn’t stop him from getting out the candy and snacks.  Always the perfect host.  Irene went through some of Grammie’s pictures with us and helped us identify people we didn’t know including our great-great grandfather, which would be Irene’s great grandfather. 

Bernard’s blackberries are in full bloom and deer were grazing in his back yard.  Those of you who love these two, please keep them in your prayers.  Bernard is tormented by things he thinks he sees sometimes.  It’s hard on Irene.  Their future is uncertain as they face the unknowns of Parkinson’s disease. 

Grammie’s nephew (Dad’s cousin), Leland Burrill died today.  It’s been a fun day with the rels and revisiting the past with them.  It’s also good to be home.   I am realizing once again the great advantage of a big family.  What a blessing it has been to me all my life.  Thank you, Lord.

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Schylar’s 13^th Birthday Day

Our oldest grandchild is 13 today.  So, what does that mean really?

Hear this from the entomology of the word teenager…

teenage

1921, formed from -teen as a separate word + age; derived noun teenager is from 1941 (the earlier word for this was teener, attested in Anmer.Eng. from 1894). Teen-aged (adj.) is from 1952; shortened form teen is from 1951 (though this had been used as a noun to mean "teen-aged person" in 1818). Teeny-bopper is recorded from 1966, from teen but also felt as infl. by teeny. For second element, see bop.

What do you think of when you hear the word teenager… or when you read that Schylar is now one?  Are they positive thoughts?  Does foolishness come to mind?

I went online to see if I could find some funny quotes about teenagers, but I found total disrespect for them there.  I found a world that has very low expectations for our youth.  There were no funny quotes and I found no quotes that applied to my grandson. 

You see, we haven’t always had teenagers.  In fact they are a recent phenomenon.  For thousands of years we didn’t even know what they were, but we are now living in the third generation of teenagers.  Whose idea was that?

Look what Public Television has to say about this history in light of a 2005 documentary done by the University of Maryland.

Indeed, ever since the word "teenager" first came into popular use around the time of World War II, the group has been linked to "buying power and influence," a heady combination that promised big business to postwar movie makers, cosmetic firms, clothes manufacturers, and even grocery stores.

 At the time, the change was revolutionary, only a decade or so earlier, most teenage children had worked for a living. In fact some had been required to pay back the debts they had incurred in childhood before they were free to leave the family home!

How did the American teenager go from that prewar position to this one: where retail chains, like Urban Outfitters and the Gap, vie for their business; magazine publishers offer Seventeen, Sassy, YM, and Teen (among others); and television networks like MTV, the WB, and Fox, program with their demographics in mind.

Newspapers, from the Staten Island Advance to the Sante Fe New Mexican, feature weekly sections devoted to teenage issues that range from roller-blading to body-piercing, from prom clothes to mosh pits, to what’s hot and what’s not. Documentary and feature films showcased at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival portray this new generation of disaffected teenagers, drug-addled, lying, cheating, stealing, and flunking out of school. What happened?

I’ll tell you what happened.  Christian parents forgot to read their Bible and some who were reading it neglected to apply or teach the things they read there.  Many of these parents are heartbroken and asking themselves “What happened?” Sadly, we are raising a generation “which knew not the Lord nor the works which He had had done…” Judges 2:10

A child turning 13 is not the time when parents can afford to fold, give up or give in.  Our youth need strong leadership during these crucial years. 

Take a moment to think about what our world considers to be “normal” teenage behavior and activity – then compare it to what the Scriptures say our youth are to give their lives to.

Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,   sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.  Titus 2:6-8

Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim 1:13-14

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Tim 2:1-5

Do all things without complaining and disputing,  that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, Phil 2:14-16

approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Phil 1:10-11

We called Schylar early this morning.  He was thrilled to hear so many voices singing the Birthday song in his honor.  He was especially excited to hear from Justin, Kaleb and Isaac.  His mom and dad surprised him with an over night camping trip and they were just heading out the door when we called.  They’ll have a great time.  The boys on this end were hoping it was a camping trip to Maine, but with gas prices being what they are – I knew better.

The boys helped me do lawns this morning.  They love to work and it takes some imagination sometimes to find enough jobs for them. 

Crysten came over around noon and we headed to the tennis courts to meet Kathy and Toni.  The kids ate their sandwiches there.  The boys like to play and the little girls like the playground.  Rachel and Carrie have no trouble meeting new friends there.

Tonight was the final meeting for Kids 4 Truth until the fall.  Everyone enjoyed some ice cream.  Carrie is staying overnight with Aunt Kathy; Crysten is having a farewell dinner at the Japanese restaurant; Nicole is half way through her first week of being camp counselor at teen camp; and Randy is lonesome and suffocating in the heat of North Carolina.  Bob’s on his way to bed and that sounds good to me, too.

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Kids are the cutest thing…

Justin spent Sunday night at Aunt Kathy’s and we discovered that he was quite undefeated in Hand ‘n Foot.  “You’re going down!” I promised Justin as we prepared to play last night.  He partnered with Stephanie and I partnered with his mother.  Siblings against siblings.  The first hand went well, I thought.  Stephanie got caught without her foot.  No red threes but lots of Aces and Jokers.  The next two  hands were more of the same and in the end we spanked Justin.  He wasn’t feeling so great about it either, but probably because we kept him up too late.

Today I voted… not for Susan Collins.  She’ll never get my vote.  But I did vote for Dean Scontras and I said NO to two spending items.  

Paula came down and took Carrie and Rachel out for a fun day.  Michele and Stephanie went clothes shopping for Steph’s upcoming mission trip.  So, it was just Justin, Bob and I.   Justin and I did some landscaping and while I left him to water the blueberry bushes, I went in to see if I could bring Isaac and Kaleb here for the night.

Ann was at Loralei’s so she brought them to her house where Bob and Justin picked them up.  Justin was very happy about the surprise when he got home.  “Did you want to come over, Kaleb?” I asked knowing it was a silly question.  “Oh, yeah!  I’ll play with Justin any time.”

Apparently Justin told them that we’ve been planning to paint the porch and they were gung ho to help.  We started scraping and taping but it just got too hot and I told them it should wait for another day.  They readily agreed.  “I hope the girls don’t go to my Grandma and Grandpa’s to swim in the pool,” said Isaac in just the cutest voice ever. 

A while later I noticed how quiet it was and wondered what happened to the boys.  I called outside but no one answered.  I called inside to be sure.  When no one answered I headed out the door toward the pond and thought it odd that they hadn’t asked to go up there.  As I started out, three boy soldiers were marching toward me from the barn.  “Hup, hup, hup,” called Justin in perfect rhythm as he lead the pack.  They each has something on their shoulders to resemble a rifle. 

“How cute,” I thought until it hit me that they were playing war.  Suddenly I wasn’t ready to have my boys grow up to join the military, but there they were… just a few short years from the possibility.  Oh my.  I’m already wanting these days back.

Bob had to take the car for some repairs today so the boys impatiently waited for him to come back so we could go play mini golf and have ice cream at Giffords.  Try to remember: It’s 2 for one for mini golf on Tuesdays!  Don’t say anything, but Justin came in last.

We finally got a little rain tonight.  My plants will love that.  So won’t the lawns, so I guess I know what I’ll be doing tomorrow before tennis. 

My Presidential Campaign – A reason to be President

The year is 1907,  just over one hundred years ago....

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.
'In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.'  Theodore Roosevelt 1907

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Finished School?  What Now?

The other day Crysten realized that it will be 10 years next year since she was in high school.  We thought of planning a class reunion, but …

In some ways it’s been a long ten years for her.  I was reminded of that a while back when I read an article written by a similar young lady from Wisconsin.  Like Crysten she, too, has been bombarded with questions like “Well, you can’t live at home forever, so what are you going to do with your life?”  “So, are you going to college?”

Most people who ask are well meaning, of course, but some are also disapproving at times.  Like Crysten, Jenny didn’t want to be locked into a career that would limit her ability to be a full-time wife and mother.  It’s been hard for both of them to find the right words to express why they don’t want to attend college.  They feel the pressure from friends, family, and others to pursue a profession… even 10 years later.  College and career are marks of success in our culture, but it is not always fulfilling (or cheap).

What IS always fulfilling is doing the will of God – instead of blindly conforming to the world’s expectations.  Jenny had to wait (sometimes impatiently) for quite a while before she knew what God was asking of her.  It was not college, or moving out of her parent’s home, or a full-time career.  She has become an entrepreneur working with flowers, children, and music.  She has been blessed with no debt, no rent, very few business expenses, and a growing income.

Crysten is trying to be wise about how she lives in her singleness; Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Eph 5:15-18 trying to avoid self-centeredness; trying to see singleness not as a “cross to bear”, but a time to serve diligently, deliberately and undistracted.  She doesn’t want her life to be on hold. 

After years of per diem work at Colby College as a caterer, Crysten is now an entrepreneur, too.  Her Curves business (partnering with her Aunt Kathy and Uncle Kevin) has opened up many doors of ministry to women.  Besides that, she makes herself available to continue as an occasional mother’s helper to her sisters and moms in our church.  She serves overseas when she can, and has even traveled to help her mom friends when they have needed her. 

She’s there for me when I need her, whether it’s running to the bank or watching over me when I’m sick (the ministry of helps for me and others).  She’s a helper for Kids 4 Truth at church, and occasionally sings for the worship team. She sends care packages to our church youth, cousins, and missionaries who are away from home. 

She enjoys the ministry of hospitality… not just social events, but at times there have been Bible studies in her home and cooking for others who need a meal.  As God has prospered her, she also ministers with her finances.  …he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Prov 11:25

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It was good to wake up this morning and not have sore legs.  I wondered after our power walk around the bay yesterday… Curves really does work! 

The day turned out cooler than we thought, but it was a nice walk.  Great place for adults, kids, and bikes.  I highly recommend you try it sometime.

After we drove to Cabela’s to show Hannalie (from Capetown, South Africa) all the animal mounts from her beloved country.  I hadn’t noticed the lion kill when I was there before.  Right over one of the changing rooms.  Two zebras going full tilt and a lion grabbing one on the hiney.  This life size scene resembled the one we saw for real a few years ago.  Take your kids and grandkids to Cabela’s.  They will love it. 

We saw Melissa and Sam McKeen there.  They are the youth leaders at my brother’s church… I first got to know Melissa (and fell in love with her) on a trip to Hungary.  Now, she’s married to a guy from one of Bob’s farms.  Great pair, those two.

From Cabela’s we shopped til we dropped at Christmas tree shop.  Found lots of items for Camp Curves (Cry, they are still in my car) and for my ladies luncheon that I’m planning for next year in Guate. 

Hannalie had wanted to go to Whole Foods for their natural foods buffet, but we were out of time and she reluctantly settled for Park food at the Sea Dogs game.  There was a lot of action and the Dogs racked up 10 runs to Ackron’s 0 runs.  So, we decided we’d wait until the 7^th inning stretch and then head home.  By then the score was 10 to 9!  We still left, fully confident that the Sea Dogs would not let it slip through their fingers.  But, when I got home and checked the news, they managed to lose 11-10.  No way.

After church today we had a farewell lunch at Foshay’s for Jeff and Haley who will soon move to North Carolina.  We also surprised Pastor Wayne with a belated 50^th birthday party.  There was tons of lasagna, salad, cake, and other desserts.  Good times, but very hot and humid… like 95 degrees. 

I’ve mentioned Olivia before.  She was born with downs syndrome.  She’s had surgeries and was near death more than once.  Last night the doctors called to say that they wanted to pull her ventilator today and just let her die.  Her lungs don’t work and her heart surgery is just not able to pump blood through her body. 

So, Fred and Janelle made the sad trip to the hospital this morning and to their surprise, the doctor met them with “Today is not the day to do this.  She has rallied during the night.”  Don’t try to tell me that prayer doesn’t work.  She is a miracle.  The doctor wants to give her a couple of more days and has told the parents how much he wants her to make it.  Please, God.  They’ve all been through so much.  Please let her live. 

As Pastor Wayne prayed for her this morning, he prayed that if she lived it would be for God, but if she died it would be gain for her.  God has a plan.  Keep praying for sweet baby Olivia. 

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History is HIS-story

Today I am off with “the girls” to do the walk around the bay in Portland.  Kathy G., Toni C, Hannalie V, and Crysten B should assemble here about 11:30.  We’ll do the walk, which we’ve said we’d do for years, and then supper and then the Sea Dogs game.  It should be fun.  Weather looks good.

I wanted to share these thoughts that I read recently…

God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth… gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood (man) every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings Acts 17:24-26

In light of the recent political primary season and the upcoming elections, this should give us comfort.  God determined all of this beforehand.

And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. Dan 2:21

For the kingdom is the LORD's, And He rules over the nations. Ps 22:28

A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.  Prov 16:9

Divination is on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment. Prov 16:10

He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations, and guides them. Job 12:23

We serve a God who is near… God controls the course of world events.  That’s what the Bible says.  He removes kings and set up other kings.  Some He sets up for our blessing and others for our chastisement.

These truths should profoundly humble anyone running for political office, don’t you think?

We must never forget who is in charge.  God calls it remembering.

Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, Deut 4:9

I don’t have time here, but God takes remembering very seriously.  The Bible says so in many places.  In fact, the Bible is a remembering book.  It was given to as a way to preserve the memory of HIS-story for us.  If we are wise, we will learn from it so we don’t repeat the same mistakes.

While we still have breath, there is still a chance to turn things around in the time frame we are living in. 

That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments; And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to God. Ps 78:7-8

We can be the generation that set its hope on God, and seek Him for mercy to help us in these troubled times.  This is a reason to run for President.

God had a plan for America.  We, as His children, are the keepers of the plan.  This is no time to resign the task we are called to. 

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Thursday with Justin

Justin Risinger finally got some painting done today.  It looks great.  He also helped me re-organize the garage.  Love working with him.  And, as if that wasn’t enough… we were playing Hand ‘n Foot after supper and both of us were feeling snacky.  I was thinking chocolate chip cookie, but since there weren’t any I jokingly suggested that we could have some sardines. 

“I love sardines!” he exclaimed.  “Do you have crackers?”   I thought he must be kidding but I could tell by the look on his face that he meant it.  “Wow,” I replied, “one of my favorite kids loves sardines, too?  Perfect.  Grampie Gower would be so proud of you, Justin. “

“Yeah, I wish I could have eaten them with him.” 

Right after lunch I headed to my appointment with Dr. Morgan.  The story of my Lyme Disease is complicated.  Treatment is not going to be easy, and it will be difficult to monitor for reasons too lengthy to share here.

For example, the bacteria hides in deeper tissues in the body and goes into dormancy.  When it’s dormant, anti-biotics don’t work.  Most will only kill off the bacteria when it’s reproducing (active).  All this becomes more complicated for me because I have been infected for a long time. 

There are so many variables to the disease and to the symptoms, but many agree that God has used my Shaklee nutrition to keep this problem as subdued as it is.  I should be much sicker considering all the years I’ve had this.

Year’s ago I heard a tape by a woman who had been diagnosed with MS years later discovered it had been misdiagnosed.  She really had Lyme’s.  I dug out the tape yesterday and re-listened to it.  Her “MS” was diagnosed by an MRI brain scan,  but the lesions seen in the scan were actually caused by the tick bite.  I’ve had one of those, so will take my results to a specialist to see if that gives us any clues.

This specialist not only has a Lyme’s practice, he teaches other doctors about it.  I expect we’ll have a lot to talk about. 

Today was rainy and cool.  I decorated Curves with a garden theme.  Crysten came for supper with Justin as her partner they spanked Michele and I at Hand ‘n Foot. 

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