Tribute to Mike Janszen from best friend, Jim Reeves, part 1, 7 of 9 of ...

Here is Jim Reeves, Dad's best friend, giving the final tribute at Dad's Memorial Service. He is so funny, and gave us a wonderful way to end Dad's service, in laughter. This is in 2 parts, so this is part 1 of Jim's part. This is part 7 of 9.

Part 7 of 9

Tribute from Mike's kids part 2, part 6 of 9 of the entire Memorial service

Here is part 2 of the kid's tribute to Dad. This is part 6 of 9 of the entire Memorial service.

Part 6 of 9

Tribute from Mike's Kids part 1, part 5 of 9 of Memorial Service

This is the next part of Dad's Memorial Service. All 4 kids spoke, sharing our special tribute to Dad. This is a two part section. Part 5 of 9 of the entire Memorial service.

Part 5 of 9

Tribute to Dad through Music, Jesse Reeves, part 4 of 9 Memorial Service

This is part 4 of 9 of Dad's Memorial Service. Jesse Reeves, long time family friend, like a cousin to us, performed the song he wrote, How Great is our God, along with How Great Thou Art, Dad's favorite hymn. What a beautiful tribute in music.

Part 4 of 9

Tommy Maxwell Tribute to Dad and Harmonica by Joel Hulcy

This is part 3 of 9 from Dad's Memorial Service. Tommy Maxwell, the founder of Coaches Outreach, one of the ministries that Dad had helped teach Bible Studies with, shared a beautiful tribute, along with Joel Hulcy, whom Dad loved to hear play harmonica. He played Amazing Grace.

Part 3 of 9

Mike Janszen Memorial, Pastor Dave denHartog, part 2

This is the next of the videos from Dad's Memorial service. Again, sorry about the "evaluation copy" watermark. This is part 2 of David's part of Dad's service.

Part 2 of 9

Mike Janszen Memorial, Pastor Dave denHartog, part 1

Below I have posted 1 of 9 videos taken from Dad's Memorial Service. (I will slowly but surely get all 9 uploaded)  I know many said they wished they could be there but were unable to.  I really don't know how to do this youtube stuff, thus the "evaluation copy" watermark across the video.  Sorry for that, but hopefully you can still enjoy celebrating with us, the life of Mike Janszen.

1 of 9

Service times and Memorials

Michael Louis Janszen

We have our times set for the services.

Visitation: Tuesday, Jan 24, 6-8pm at Cleburne Bible Church (930 North Nolan River Rd., 76033)

Graveside Service: Wednesday, Jan 25, 10am at Bluebonnet Hills in Colleyville (5725 Colleyville Boulevard, Colleyville, 76034) 

Memorial Service: Wednesday, Jan 25, 3pm at Cleburne Bible Church (930 North Nolan River Rd., 76033)

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to

Cleburne Bible Church building fund at 930 North Nolan River Road, Cleburne, Texas 76033;

Coaches Outreach at 1720 Regal Row, Suite 152, Dallas, Texas 75235; 

or Fellowship of Christian Athletes-Greater Fort Worth FCA at 1907 Ascension Blvd., #300, Arlington, Texas, 76006.

Dates and Times for Services

Michael Louis Janszen

We have our times set for the services.


Visitation: Tuesday, Jan 24, 6-8pm at Cleburne Bible Church (930 North Nolan River Rd., 76033)


Graveside Service: Wednesday, Jan 25, 10am at Bluebonnet Hills in Colleyville (5725 Colleyville Boulevard, Colleyville, 76034) 


Memorial Service: Wednesday, Jan 25, 3pm at Cleburne Bible Church (930 North Nolan River Rd., 76033)

Peace in the Valley

I am typing as Mom dictates her thoughts and heart to me, to share with you.


As we woke up this morning, and looked out over the valley, one of Mike's favorite views, there was peace in the valley.  His suffering is over, the battles were finished, and the victory was won.  Thank you for continuing to pray for us, as we will need it even more now.


We will update you, with all the details of the arrangements, as soon as we know later on today.


It is appropriate that the first day of Mike's presence in the Lord, is the Lord's Day.


The quote below, from the Taylor's comment, totally describes Dad's morning.  We can't help but rejoice in the air he is breathing, finally, he hasn't been able to breath deeply for so long.


"But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven! 


Of touching a hand-And finding it God's! 


Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial! 


Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!"


To God be all the glory,
JJ (for Mom)


John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Philippians 4:7

 "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I just wanted to add a few thoughts from our day, yesterday, our last day with Dad here on this earth. We had a glorious day.  It was sureal at times.  We started our day, with Dad in his favorite place in the gameroom, sitting where he sat every morning, doing his Bible study, drinking coffee, and watching the sun rise.  We gathered around him most of the day, loving on him, praying, singing worship songs to the Lord, and just being close to each other.  We had such a sweet time together, and when there was a lull, Dad's best friend would share old stories about him with all of us and the grandkids.  We laughed so hard at times, laughter through tears.  The grandkids heard things about their "Buddy" that they never knew, some good, some, well...... let's just say that Jim Reeves was able to tell stories and Dad wasn't able to defend himself if and when Jim was exaggerating!!! :)
After a day of being together, and saying goodbye several times, we slowly began to head to bed.  The room cleared, except for most of us kids and Mom, mom's sister, and the nurse.  It wasn't but a few minutes that past, before we watched Dad breath his last breath.  It was very peaceful, we watched him conquer cancer and have victory over death and he boldly stepped into eternity with our Savior.  Through tears, we rejoiced with Dad. Thank you, for your support and prayers.

Still sitting by his side to the very last breath

God gave us a wonderful day together and tonight at around 11:40 pm, Daddy went to meet his Lord and Savior face to face. Hallelujah!! Well done Pop. We were around his bed, and he went peacefully.
Thank u all, you prayed him into Glory.
I will post more about details of services soon. I am having to post from my phone, so this will be all I will write tonight.
We love you all,
JJ

Back at the Ranch

We are home.  Hallelujah.  It is good to be here, back where Dad said he wanted to be for the last 3 weeks.
We asked Dad several times if this was still his goal, and he always answered YES. So today, we began the process of getting him home.  Hospice stepped in to help us facilitate the transition and all that had to be done to get him here.  There is no question in my mind, that God hand picked the hospice staff to walk us through this and to care for our Daddy.  Each and every one of them have been so precious, gentle, and caring for Dad, and so kind to us.
We left the hospital this evening, in a caravan, with me leading the way to the ranch, then Dad and Mom in the ambulance transport, followed by all the rest of the siblings.  Some of the other family members; aunts, uncles, cousins, all had left each with a specific job to do, greeting the nurse at the ranch, accepting and helping set up equipment we needed at the house, going by the grocery to get us coffee and creamer for in the morning, you name it, they each had a role.......Team Janszen.
As I looked in my rearview mirror, at the motorcade bringing Dad home, me in the lead, and Tully bringing up the rear, to wrangle in any stragglers, I thanked God for my family.  We are together, we are working as a unit, those in the caravan, and those doing all the other jobs to prepare the house, so we could come home. We are not perfect, we have our flaws, we have our stuff, just like every other family, but I praised God tonight for each and every one of them.  This is our family, the family Dad has had such a huge role and influence on, and I thanked God.


Before we left the hospital, one of our precious nurses, Billy, was asking about our family, and we began to talk about his faith, and our faith.  He asked if we believed in "once saved always saved". I told Mom later I am an idiot in sharing the gospel, I certainly couldn't think of the references, but I started quoting scripture to support why we believed what we believed. Thank goodness it is not up to us to save someone, and it is totally by the grace of God and the working of the Holy Spirit!! Anyway, I think I got nervous and just kept sharing our story of our family, Dad, Jesus, what He did for us on the cross, etc....... I finally asked, if I was just rambling on too much, and he said, "no, I'm a sponge and I am soaking it up." Mom suggested I write down the scriptures for him, so I did, then stuck them in his backpack before we left to go home.  Pray for Billy, who knows the seed that could have been planted because of Dad's suffering.


So what now? We are home, Dad is in his favorite spot in the game room, by the window where he always sat to do his Bible study, and could watch the beautiful sunrise.  Dad is hanging in there, but his body just seems to be doing the best it can, and yet continuing to lose strength.  We are all here, the 4 kids and Mom. Our husbands are holding down the fort at my house with the 7 grandkids.  They will be joining us in the morning.  Everyone has gone to go lay down and try to get a little rest, I am sitting with Dad and the nurse for awhile, and wanted all of you to know you are sitting here with us.  We have felt your prayers, there have been so many moments when it seemed we felt something carrying us through, and it is the Lord.  He is mighty, He is worthy, we love Him so much.


We are not sure what will happen next, but God is in control.  We are going to be together, that I know for sure.  We are so grateful for your understanding during this time for our family to be together and share this very intiment time with Dad. We are so grateful for your love for Dad, and wish all of you could come be with us, but thank you for your understanding as we reserve these moments for family.


I will keep you posted, but right now, he is resting.
We love you all,
JJ

Tough day

Oh dear sweet friends and family, 
Today has been a tough day for us.  Last night, Dad actually had a pretty good night of rest, at least it seemed that way to me, we only got up once, for him to go to the bathroom.  Other than that, he slept for 2 long stretches.  He seemed very tired this morning, and started his day with the hiccups.  Seems almost silly to mention, but they really wore him out.  They have continued most of the day, and into this evening, even while he sleeps.
He also was complaining of the pain in his abdomen, the one they were going to X-ray him for.  As the morning hours progressed, Dad just seemed to be getting weaker, and was not able to really participate in any therapy that came down to his room.
By early afternoon, his oxygen levels had decreased and his heart rate increased.  The Dr.s told me to call the family in.  Mom and all the siblings have come, as well as our spouses and the grandchildren.
We are all here now, we are sleeping close to the hospital, Mom is there with Dad.  He has a full time nurse in the room with him, and we are going to see if this is something he can rebound from, or if his body is just not able to.  They have him on some oxygen to help.  We are praying for the Lord's peace, comfort, and presence to fill that room.  That when anyone walks in, they will know they are standing on Holy Ground.  All those involved need prayer, every nurse, tech, Dr., family member, and even those that are helping care for our children so that we can be here. Thank you dear ones, for continuing to take us to the throne of Grace.
In His Mighty Name,
JJ

Mid Week

Mom and Dad holding hands

I am sitting here with Dad tonight.


He has not made really any improvement. He is complaining of some pain in the abdomen, and they are planning on x-raying the area, to see if there may be a broken rib from the fall.


The serum is going to arrive at DFW tomorrow afternoon, and Mom is going to pick it up and bring it straight over here to begin giving it to Dad.


Honestly, I think this has been a tough day for all of us.  We are facing some discouragement, not knowing when or if Dad will be able to get better.  Not knowing what is best, as far as staying here longer, or taking this show home.  


Please just pray for specific wisdom as to what our next step should be, when, how, all the details.  We want to do what is best for Dad and Mom, whatever that is, whether to stay a little while longer here, or try to make arrangements to head home.  


Sometimes we just run out of the words to pray, so we just cry out to God.  The Son is sitting at His right hand interceding for us, Hallelujah.  We need Him to pray, when we don't even know what to pray.  I know God has Dad and Mom right in the palm of His hand, tucked under His wing.  I pray they FEEL that tonight.  I am asking for them to both hear the Lord's voice, comforting them, assuring them that He is right here in the midst of this with them.  That their rest tonight would be sweet. That they feel that peace that passes all understanding.


I am asking this for all of us as well.  Our families, our spouses, and kids are needing this peace to carry us through, as we are all effected and walking this journey together.


God is faithful,
JJ

Monday

Dad is doing about the same. He had a very restful weekend, with basically no therapy, since the therapists are off for the weekends.


He was very tired from all the therapy this past week, and so the rest was good. But. we were concerned about how he would do today, since they said they were going to hit the floor running.


Joy was with him most of the day, and told me that it seemed to be a good thing to get him out of bed, and get into therapy again.  Even though he felt too tired to participate, he seemed to be a little strengthened by getting up and doing something.


It seems the doctors have done a pretty good job of getting the pain managed during the day, and at night also.  This has brought some relief with his headache and upper right back.


Thank you for your continued prayers. The serum is supposed to arrive later this week, so we will let you know when.  Pray for a safe passage over from Germany, on the plane with the courier. 


In His grace,
JJ

Saturday night

I am back up here tonight. And I'm blogging from my phone, so this is going to be extremely short to save my thumbs :)
Dad has been pretty tired today, and was too tired to participate in his therapy. He did get some speech therapy this morning, but then was pretty worn out the rest of the day.
He actually fell yesterday, trying to get out of bed and go to be bathroom by himself when no one was in the room. This was very upsetting to us, as well as the nurses, so they moved him to a more secure hall in the hospital, that has a little more precautions set up to keep this from happening again.
I was so glad to see that Blessing was going to be our nurse for the night. She has such kind words of wisdom and encouragement. She really is a blessing.
Pray for renewed strength and power for Dad tomorrow.
Thank u and goodnight,
JJ

Quick update from Thursday

I am sorry I didn't get this done last night.  Dad is continuing with his therapy, and was able to walk with assistance by the therapists on Wednesday and Thursday.  We were all excited for this.


Thursday, he was very tired, and his headache seemed to be increasing in pain and lasting during much more of the day than it has in the days before.  This pain in his head and also his right upper back (probably muscular from his strain to raise his left arm) is causing more exhaustion as well as making it more difficult to participate in his therapy.  


So quickly, I wanted to ask for prayer for his headache, for his pain in his upper right back, and for his oxygen levels to increase.  Continue also to pray for power and strength for him to be able to participate and improve with his therapy.


Thank you again,
JJ

Joy and Blessing

This is an additional note I thought you all would enjoy.

 On Monday night the nurses who came in to take care of Mike were Joy (from the Congo), and Blessing (from Nigeria) and also Tut (from Sudan) an aid. These 3 beautiful people from Africa hit it off with us as well as our Joy who exchanged stories with them about her experiences in Uganda.

In the early hours of the morning (4:45 a.m.) when Mike needed some pain meds,  Blessing came in and gave them to him.  She told him that she hoped and prayed that he could get some more sleep but Mike said he didn't know if he could go back to sleep.  She nodded and replied "Well then, just lay there and let your spirit rest and allow God to do His healing work." Mike replied,  "those are good words, Blessing. Thank You." He quickly fell asleep. :)    Prov. 3:24  "...you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet."

I believe Blessing helped him as much with her words as she did with the meds. We want that nurse again.

Good night and thanks to all for your faithfulness to keep praying.

Jan

Wednesday

I am home with my family tonight, Mom is on the night shift.  


This will be a short post, but I wanted you all to know Dad had a pretty good day.  It started off rough, with his sleep being interrupted, but then, after a little bit more rest, he was able to strap his boots on, and head out into all the various forms of therapy.  


It truly takes all his energy, to go from resting, to breathing treatments and exercises, to PT, to lunch, to more therapy (Occupational T, and Speech T), etc.  He pretty much goes non-stop until the early evening.  The good news is, that he seemed to have a renewed sense of spirit today, a determination, a desire to start moving toward his goals.  Praise the Lord for filling him today.


He had very low oxygen levels today, which made him extra "out of breath", but they gave him supplemental oxygen this afternoon, and will continue to do so, so that will hopefully help him feel better.


We are continuing to ask for no visitors at this time.  I talked about this with Dad today, and asked him what he wanted.  We know people energize Dad, and he is so blessed to have each of you who care for him, and want to come by and just cheer him on.  But Dad did say, that saying even a few extra words to visitors, is so draining on his energy levels, that he wishes to hold off for now, so he can get over this hump of intense therapy.  Thank you for wanting to come by and love on him, but thank you also for understanding during this difficult time of energy conservation.  We welcome any notes, old stories, prayers, whatever you want to share here, or via my email, and we will read them to dad.  I sat and read to him so many of the comments left by you on this blog, as well as my face book page, and he couldn't believe how many people cared and remembered him.


Again, thank you for loving our family.
In Him,
JJ

Tuesday Update

Just a quick post.  Dad is snoring, so I need to hit the sack real quick to make the most out of his sleep time. :)


Today started off slow, with Dad saying he was really tired, and not really wanting to participate in therapy at first.  Later though, he seemed to be his old self (a little), he shared his story with his speech therapist, about how God had called him into PT, and how the Lord had opened the door to PT school, just 2 days before classes began.  It was great to hear Dad, in his whisper, share part of who he is, and share of God's faithfulness and plan for our lives.


Dad and I watched the Baylor Game on the internet, we couldn't get the channel on the regular TV, and Dad thought that was pretty cool that we could do that on the computer.  He even said, "you know, one day we will look back at this and remember how fun it was to sit here in this bed and watch this together on the internet." 


Yes, we surely will, as we all treasure, even more, every moment we are given together.  By the way, Baylor won, so Dad said he could sleep better now. Sic 'em!! 


Hug your husbands, wives, kids tonight, while you are able to.  God has given us this day.


Dad did share with me that he had to keep trying to make progress.  So, again, he is not done fighting.  He did make some progress today, baby steps, but non-the-less progress.  He told the PT today, that he was planning on going home in 2 days!! She smiled, and said she was glad to know his plans, so she could help him reach his goals faster.  We all smiled.  


Keep praying for strength.  I can't believe how many of you are praying for Dad.  Karen, a friend of mine from our church, shared with me little tidbits from a book she just read, Heaven is for Real.  How encouraging on the prayer part.  It is too much to type here, but basically, this little boy, while on his death bed in the hospital, was given glimpses into heaven.  He told his dad, that he saw God sending down power and wisdom when his dad asked for it.  So, we are asking for power for dad, to do the things he needs to do to get through this.  Praise God He hears us and He answers prayer.


Love to all of you, Goodnight,
JJ

First Full Day in Rehab Hospital

Dad and Mom did not sleep well last night.  A new place, a new schedule, new staff to learn about Dad and his special needs.  Hopefully, tonight will be better.  Mom discussed some different things we/they could do, to make his nights a little more restful.


Because of the lack of sleep, along with his already tired body from fighting the cancer, he was not really ready to start full blown early this morning with OT.  The therapist was pretty good with Dad, and said she would come back later, to work with him again.  


Dad has a big challenge ahead of him, and we are asking the Lord for supernatural strength for him, to be able to do the work he needs, so that he can recover and get out of that bed.  They did get him up today, moving, and into his own clothes.  Out of those lovely hospital gowns.  I know that made him feel a little better.  


He is still very tired, and rested on and off, in-between his therapy sessions.


Pray for a good night of rest for him tonight, and the strength to try.  


I know the Lord has us in these places for a reason.  I do pray that someone will see the light of Christ in Dad, Mom, our family, and come to know the Lord.  It's not about us, it's about Him. That someone would be saved from an eternity of separation from the Lord, and get to spend it with Him, in His presence.  That would be something good that could come from this struggle that Dad is going through. 


Keep praying, the fight is not over.  The serum, to treat the cancer, will be ready on the 18th, and should be here by the 19th or 20th.  We are looking expectantly, toward the Lord.  He is the one who sustains, He is the one gives strength and healing.


Thank you for all your encouraging words you have posted here, through emails, texts, and Facebook. They are more uplifting than you know.  


We are also grateful to all those that have helped out with our families, our kids, our husbands, meals, a place to stay in Ft worth.  We have been overwhelmed with the love and support shown to us.  You are loving Mom and Dad, by loving on us, their son-in-laws, their grandkids.  Thank you for truly being the body of Christ, and ministering to all of us in so many ways.


In His amazing grace,
JJ

Moving Day Completed

We are in our room at Texas Rehab, just across the street from Harris.  He is asleep as I type this. Hasn't asked for any pain meds until tonight.  We are praying for a good night of rest with evaluations important in the morning.  OT , PT, and Speech Therapy as well as the doctor here will be assessing him.


He hasn't lost his sense of humor. When the transport guys came to move him from the hospital, they strapped him in on the gurney and he said " OK, just don't let me go flying down Main St."


It is very difficult for him to be so helpless. This big strong man's man. He is still that to me. Cancer has wrecked havoc on his body, but the stroke has left him in need of assistance. Tonight as we were getting him adjusted in bed he said "ridiculous, this is ridiculous". As we all began to tear up he said," but I'll get better".
Please pray for him as he begins rehab in the morning.


We continue to "lift our eyes......our help comes from the LORD" Psm. 121
Thank you for your love and prayers.
Jan


One last thought from JJ. I know the next few days will be very difficult, as Dad is going to have to muster  ALL the strength he can, just to be able to do his evaluations tomorrow, then start full blown therapy on Tuesday. It wears him out so much, just to talk.  Please give him the next few days, to see how it goes, without visitors.  Let us see how he will handle this transition, and then if he is able, he can start receiving visitors again.  Thank you all for your understanding and your love for Dad.  We will keep you posted.

Another Step Forward

When I asked Mike for a title for the blog today he said "another step forward", so that's what it is. I'm not sure I would have put it that way.  He seems to be not as strong today.   We are still waiting for the end of 7 days bedrest on the bloodthinners before he can attempt to get out of bed.  He didn't have as restful of a night last night.  J.J. stayed with him and he slept from 9 until 1:30 a.m.  Then he was awake until 3:30 when he got some pain meds.  He slept again until 6 a.m.
His loss of sleep has caused him to fatigue quickly today.
His eating is still good. Hungry for meals and snacks. They disconnected the IV's because he's eating so well.  He's ready to move to rehab.
Sunday around noon is the plan, so we are requesting no visitors tomorrow. When we get him settled, then visitors will be fine.  Also, short visits would be best. He gets very tired from trying to talk so much.


Our family has been amazing.  The children have come and stayed with Mike, taking turns spending the night so that I can rest better at night. We all are rotating night duty.  Mike has been overwhelmed by their generous hearts wanting to take care of their daddy.  He jokes to the staff about all the women and one burly guy that have been "hovering" over him.  God has provided through our family and sweet friends everything we have needed.   ".......thus far the Lord has helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12


My great niece has been sending verses to encourage us on a regular basis, and yesterday, she sent Psalm 73:23-26.


^"23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
         You hold me by my right hand.
 ²⁴ You will guide me with Your counsel,
         And afterward receive me to glory. 
         
 ²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but You?
         And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
 ²⁶ My flesh and my heart fail;
         But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. "
         
Amen and Amen and Amen again!
Jan

Friday update

We have a good report today:
Last night, Dad slept the best he has, since being admitted to the hospital! He slept through the night, 9:45 pm - 4:45am!!  We are sure thankful for that! He is eating much better, since last night, also.  They gave him this new medicine that causes him to have an appetite and it seems to be working. He has shown improvement since the blood transfusion and his hemoglobin levels have come up.
All us girls are here today, and were trained on his occupational therapy.  He loved that, he always wanted one of us to go into PT.  :)
We are so excited with his improvement. We praise God.
We will be here until Sunday, around 12pm, then we are hoping to get to move to the rehab hospital and start therapy on Monday.
We still have a long road, but we are so encouraged at his improvement.
Keep praying, Dad is so ready to get out of the bed. Hopefully this will happen Monday.
We will keep you posted,
JJ

Thursday Report

We are still here at Harris Downtown.  Dad has not really changed.  He is stable, though, so the Dr. said, if he continues to stay the same, that we can move him to the rehab hospital across the street.  This would allow us to begin treatment for the effects of the stroke, and hopefully improve his situation.
We are blessed to have the daughter of my Dad's best friend, working at the rehab hospital.  She is going to help take care of things and make sure Dad is in a good situation, with a good team around him.  God continues to go before us. We are thankful for that.
Dad did get a unit of blood this morning, and the color came back in his face, but he has been resting ever since, so we don't know if it has made him feel better. We are hoping it will give him some renewed strength.
We have had some tough moments over the last few days, and some encouraging moments.  Please keep praying for wisdom from the Lord in everything we do, say, think, and feel.  We need the Lord so much.
We will keep praying for a miracle.
In His hands,
JJ

Tuesday Update

Today was a better day.  Dad was able to sleep a little bit better with some sleeping medicine last night.  He was much more talkative today, as visitors and family trickled in and out.  We talked about a few good memories, and just enjoyed some of the old stories.
As far as how things are going medically, Dad is about the same.  Except for a little more talking today, everything else is the same.  They have decided to hold off on the PT until they allow the blood thinner to work to break up the clots in the legs. So, we wait, until we get through a few more days, then if he can be released to do PT, I think we will be moving to a Rehab facility across the street.
We are all doing pretty good, Mom is so strong, and we know it is the Lord in her.  It is difficult on all of us, especially her, to see Dad in such a helpless state.
All 4 of us kids, and Mom have been able to be with Dad on and off over the past 3 days.  We consider it a privilege to get to spend this time with them, and to serve Dad.  He has been a great father, and has served us for so many years, working hard to take care of us and give us a wonderful home to grow up in.  He allowed our mother to stay home and be with us, and he provided through his hard work and God's blessing, all that we needed.  We know that "every good and perfect gift is from above" (James 1) and we consider Dad one of those gifts to our mother and us kids.
We will continue to pray for the Lord's will to be done, for wisdom, for strength.  
Thank you, please keep praying, and I will keep you posted,
JJ

In the hospital

Dad is able to move his left leg quit a bit, but the arm seems to be dead. He moved it yesterday some, but when he gets tired, which he is most of the time, it is not possible for him to move it at all.  It comes and goes. He has no feeling at all on the left side of his body, but he did say he could feel a little on the left side of his face this morning.  He has had 2 very rough nights of not resting really at all.  Very uncomfortable, unable to really adjust his position in the bed.  He said he just wants to go home so he can get some sleep.
He is going to have to improve before this can happen, so we are praying.
PT comes today, to evaluate and get him on a program.  He knows what is ahead, since he has helped so many people with this very same condition.
He was just so weak leading into this, that the mountain is a little steeper for him to climb.
We are taking this one moment at a time. God's strength is all we have, and He is enough.
We don't understand, really, why this had to happen, but God will get him through this.
He needs encouragement and peace.  Mom needs strength, peace, and help.  
Thank you again for praying for us.
In Him,
JJ

New Year's Eve

Just a quick post to let everyone know. Last night, around 9:15, Dad had a stroke.  His entire left side, as of 3 this morning, is limp, and he has no feeling.  He was able to lift his arm, and leg a few times, after we had been at the hospital for a few hours, but then unable to, after a few more hours past.  He is very exhausted and will be having an MRI this morning for the Dr.s to gather more information.


Mom is doing well. I will try to let everyone know something later on today or this evening.


Thank you for praying,
JJ