It's About Time

It's been seven months, yeah, seven----since I've posted.  Not because I haven't wanted to, just couldn't get signed in.  It won't recognize me.....

So much has happened since so I'll put up a quick recap.  Not sure many people still read blogs with facebook being so popular and used by almost everyone.

Two big events have happen,  first my mother got quite sick the end of September.  We said goodbye to her October 5th,  exactly seven years after our wonder grandmother left a huge hole in our life. All us siblings really were miss her, so often I reach for the phone to call her and tell her something.....

It has been a very, very, very snowy winter for most of the USA.  Here in central Ohio it is the 2nd highest on record.

In January my oldest grandson Isaiah had to be removed from his home.  After some time in the hospital he has been placed in a home for trouble teens.  It has been very hard on his parents, but necessary for everyone. Tough love is hard.   If the Lord leads you, please pray for the situation.

Birthdays have come and gone.  Both of my beautiful granddaughters are eight.  And using my sewing machines and are creating things!

School, music, sports and tap and ballet lessons abound. 

We all are looking forward to spring, and will appreciate it so much more this year.  I did find a violet blooming out front----and of course planted my first round of pansies. 

Trombone Time

It is hard to believe there is another trombone player in the family.  Jackson, he joins his cousin, Isaiah as the second of the third generation to play.

The first time I ever noticed my husband was at the welcome service in Wesley Chapel on the campus of the then Eastern Pilgrim College. He was rocking the service with Roll Jordan Roll.  WOW!!  Altho my mother and her parents were really good musicians I inherited my father's talent--zero.  So I really didn't realize how good Dwight was (as Mr Umstead saw him), but I was impressed.

Dwight played very well and often used his trombone in his concerts and revivals, making his own backgrounds in his small studio.  He then taught our daughter Karin, who was very good.  Then Karin passed her student trombone on to my oldest grandson Isaiah who does well, playing in the concert band. (Not sure how he has time to practice with all the sports he plays, and he is a great helper at home--besides keeping excellent grades.)  Now Jackson picked up his used student trombone today.

He was barely in the house when he had the case open and was putting it together.  It took a little convincing on my part that I actually knew how to put it together correctly.  And how to blow into the mouthpiece.  He did listen.  And then we listened. And listened.  And listened as he produced note after note.  He did quite well for not having lessons.  Finally he was sent out to the backyard to practice.  He didn't tire of it.  Can't say the same for the rest of us.

When it was time for a movie Jackson reminded us it was his turn to pick----Music Man. 

I am sure Dwight would have loved to compose, or arrange a trio or quartet piece for the trombonists.

Maybe Isaiah and Jackson can come up with a duet for us.................

Best little dog

Riding his bike this afternoon, Jackson wiped out in the alley.  Our alley is not the cleanest place for a young man to get a wound in his hand.  Dogs, trash and just last week three elm trees cut down.

Kristen cleaned the wound and did her best to bandage the palm of his hand.  After his shower she had me look at it, there was a lot of red around the sore and a line starting up his forearm.

Jackson (and Aurora) didn't understand why we were concerned.  As we explained it to them, fear and concern filled their eyes.  We assured them that good Doctors and good medicine would fix things up.
They were still worried.  We prayed and Kristen and Jackson headed off to Urgent Care at Children's.  By the time the Dr saw Jackson the red line was up to his bicep.  They said it wasn't in the blood, but in the muscle.  A strong shot of penicillin and it receded.  Pills for ten days to follow.....

Aurora still worried. She paced the living room, praying for her beloved brother.  I tried to explain to her that God didn't want us to worry, but rather to trust Him.  She put on her 'Papa shirt', miles too big, but comforting to her, climbed into her Mom's bed, hug an animal and told me she won't worry.  But I wasn't to leave the room.  Then little Elli joined her, snuggling close. Soon the Princess was asleep and the little dog stay right there until Jackson came home.

Dwight's cat knew when he needed comforted, and now Elli.  God is good, even with our pets.  And Drs and medicine.

A Drive in the Rain

We decided sometime ago to return Dwight to Pennsylvania and to set his remains to rest at his headstone.  Days off from work were requested, the days plans made and fair weather expected,

 it is July--normally a dry month.

 When it was time to start the 3 1/2 hour drive it poured.  It double poured, no it triple poured.

 I had on a rain coat, one that should repel water, I was literally soaked to the skin as I ran to the van.   My shoes were ponds.  We all dripped. At a rest stop I stood with my back to the hand blow drier to try to dry off.  It worked some, but my van seat was also wet so I'm not sure it was any help.

As we  drove east on Rt 70 across Ohio, through West Virginia and into Pennsylvania the 

rain ranged from almost nothing to near blinding downpours

  But as we entered Greensburg is slowed and stopped. 

At the Shirey Cemetery it was dry.

We gathered around our tombstone.  

 Both Dwight and I enjoy birds, I was not surprised to find the headstone sporting a

lot of extra decorations added by the local birds, more than other headstones nearby.  

Karin lovingly washed it off.

To the grandchildren I pointed out their great grandparents, great-great grandparents and various other relatives.  Not sure if any were impressed, but I enjoyed telling them.  

Isaiah's eyes got quite wide when he read the tombstone of his great-great grandparents and discovered that Grandma Nellie and he share the same birth-date.

We had a nice service honoring Dwight.  Kristen sang 10,000 Reasons, she accidentally hit the

 wrong button and instead of the accompaniment track got the vocal track, 

 she sang a very good duet with Matt Redman, but he finished alone as emotions overtook her. 

 Tim read Psalm 100, and some of Philippians 4, (Dwight's favorite New Testament book.) 

 Isaiah, our oldest grandchild,  then read Psalm 121, which was a constant source of strength for Dwight in his last months.  Tim and Isaiah gently lowered Dwight's ashes into the ground

 as the thunder threatened us.  I attempted to pray for Dwight's continuing influence on our family 

and all others he touched on his journey.  

Attempted.

  Tears where present in many an eye this afternoon.

As we settled back into our vehicles, the rain started.  

It continued to pick up in intensity, when we arrived at Hoss' Steakhouse we were

 in another intense downpour.  But with the promise of eating at a favorite 

restaurant of Papa's we all braved the rain and enjoyed a great meal.

I am convinced the God held off the rain at the Shirey Cemetery

 until the Shirey family was finished.

Thank you Lord. 

We drove home through rain. It was a safe trip both ways.  God is good.

  At home my rain gauge measured 2 3/4 inches of rain.  Wow.

Thank you to all who prayed for us today. 

Dog in the Driver's Seat

My little dog loves to go somewhere, anywhere with me in the van.  Short and long trips.When she must stay home she lets the cats and neighbors know her displeasure with me.  She especially believes she should accompany me to the HennHouse.  Once there she is smothered with love by Esther-Faith, takes long walks with the boys and has a great play time with the Henn dog, Angel.

Last Tuesday I stopped in for just a minute.  I left her in the van while I ran in.  Elli wasn't happy, she knew where we were.  She jumped from seat to seat, watching the house door.

And she locked the van door.  With the keys in the ignition.  And my purse on the seat. And my phone in my purse.

Karin thought this was quite funny. Laughter is good medicine and she got a huge dose.  She tried to get the dog to step on the unlock button. Elli would have nothing to do with it. She offered several options, including taking her car to my house to get the spare. But my keys are in the van.  She handed me a keyring of full keys--maybe one was to my house....she wasn't sure, they are Tim's keys.

One did work, the dog was released.  Never again will the dog and my keys stay in the van together without me.

Faith Walking

Many of us have heard the expression, 'the still small voice of God'. Too often we are too busy to realize that God is speaking.  Who knows how many times we have missed something in our life because we ignored, with our busyness, what God has been whispering to us.  Or, if we did hear it, we forged ahead with our own agenda without acknowledging what we heard--often because our human selfishness, thinking we know best.

Last Tuesday I became aware to the whispers of God.  I did what we often do, dismissed it.  It was illogical.  It was unworkable.  It wasn't what I want.  But God is God, and God in His love for me, continued to speak.  Raising the volume some.  I listened.  I presented my case.  Every argument, every but was meet with two words.  "Trust Me."

As I prayed, read the Word and listened, God reminded me of the many times He has blessed me, has held me, has carried me through circumstances.  And He asked, "If I have done it before, why wouldn't I do it again?  Trust Me.  See what I have planned for you."

So I am.  

In obedience to His command, I handed in my two week notice at work.  And I am trusting.  I am not letting myself worry.  He is in control.  

The peace and joy are wonderful.

He did not direct me to stop teaching at Jo Ann's, so I will still have a few classes a month.  I will work on reducing my stash of fabric, converting it into quilts and clothes for baby dolls and American Girl dolls. And bags, and purses.  I have a list of quilt designs I want to make so I am sure I will keep my machines humming. There are lots of things that need embroidered. 

And I am sure I will continue to find fabric I must have to make into.......

Do you hear what she hears?

From the beginning of our marriage Dwight's parents would call on our Birthday and sing Happy Birthday, we loved it.  We returned the joy to them on their birthday's.  We attempted to carry it on with our children and grandchildren, although with my special singing talent I stood as far from the phone as possible. 

Even after Dwight was in the nursing home we called and sang to everyone. 
This year all the children and grandchildren celebrated their birthdays after Dwight's entrance to gloryland.  

Each of the grandsons, in their own way, told me they missed Papa helping them celebrate.  Today is Aurora's 7th birthday, she doesn't like to talk about Papa being gone.  I asked her this morning if she would like me to sing Happy Birthday to her,  she said no, she could hear Papa from heaven singing to her.  

Speechless.....

Happy Birthday Dwight

Dwight's Birthday would be this Thursday.  But he doesn't celebrate earthly birthdays any longer.

Last year at this time Dwight was receiving numerous birthday cards each day.  They started coming about the 5th of the month.  He questioned why he was getting cards so early, and from so many.  I did my best to act as if I had no idea.  But as the day of his 60th birthday got closer and the daily influx of cards increased I had to confess--I had requested a card shower for him.  I had hoped for 60 cards, but he ended up receiving over 120 cards.  Even the grandchildren and children of friends got involved, making him wonderful homemade cards.  I have them in a fancy bag and will look them over on Thursday. 

We involved a couple of aids in the celebration and they worked with Dwight for a couple weeks to practice getting into his wheelchair so he could join us for a birthday dinner.   He thought he was surprising us.  The grandchildren were wonderfully surprised, oh the looks on their faces.  I think some where hoping we could load him up and take him home.  They never gave up on that dream.

I am so glad we did that for my wonderful husband.  Maybe more for us (me), than him.  We had a great day.  He loved KFC and cherry pie.  We had both.    All three kids were there, all the grandchildren. We sang, laughed and loved.  It was a great time.  We had birthday cake that we shared with anyone from Mill Run who wanted a piece.   He tired and returned to his bed in less than an hour.  That was the last time any of us saw him in his wheelchair, although those same two girls got him up a couple of other times to 'inspect' the new addition to Mill Run.

We will miss celebrating Papa's birthday this year.  Our terrific son-in-law, Tim, shares Dwight's birthday and who loved Dwight dearly is having a hard time as his birthday approaches.  We have decided to have a dinner celebrating Papa's love and influence on all of us.

Headstone

Being just over half way through my month off from work, I realize that I am not going to come even close to completing my list--like about 10 months off. 

Many of the days have been a complete wash.  I am not happy about that, but also seem to be powerless to correct it,  I am told by many who have been there and some still there, that this is a normal part of grief.  Don't like it. What it to stop, so far the energy to get out of it hasn't appear.  Is there an energy fairy?

Today I did get one major item taken care of.  The headstone.  I called the place that the Shirey/Elliott family usually uses.  I was not at all impressed with the phone conversation, hung up frustrated and felt like I had been spoken to in a condescending manner.  There were a couple of questions I asked that he should have been able to pull up on the computer, if he turned it on and used it.  He said he would call back, he never did.  Till this morning while I was driving, in response the message I left him, "I found someone else and will be using them."  Said he didn't understand it, oh, and he did find an answer to one of the questions I asked.  Too late.

I called the funeral home that normally handles all the Shirey funerals, the entire phone call was excellent.  All my questions were answered while on the phone.  And they do headstones.  I drove out today and met with John.  He patiently showed me several options, didn't try to talk me into or out of anything. 

I could go on and on, but I won't bore  you.  I will say that there will be a lighthouse, with the light beam on it.  Dwight loved lighthouses. He had good sized collection and we had visited several, including climbing up two of them.  The trademark, so to speak, of Ridge Road Church (that Dwight pastored) was a lighthouse with the light beam.  Our name, Shirey will be in the beam.  Can't thank God enough that when I asked if they ever did lighthouses that John went digging through several books (not the books he had first brought to the table) and found me a half dozen to pick from.  They are also able to put our wedding date on there, which is important to me.

I took my little dog with me so that she wouldn't have to be shut up in the kitchen all day.  She was very good, slept allot, including in the office.  She didn't enjoy the  stop, go, stop, creep, stop, creep, stop.....traffic coming home.  She came out of her crate, sat on my lap and pleased the people in the next lane.  Babies and puppies are such attention getters.

Couple more

Time Out

Really, time off.

Side bar first, as I sat to write this I decided to check on a couple blogs first.  Got to one and no further as I am sitting here with tears running down my face--I read my son, Sam's blog where he shared his day and his missing of Dwight.  There is a link to his blog on the right.

I have requested a month off from work to get many things done.  A list resides in my mind, I will get it (or them) on paper soon.  Number one is just time alone to process the last two years.  The kidney failure and the life in the nursing home, and lots of hospital stays.

I will finally get to Pennsylvania and order our headstone.  And, if I can find it, visit the Shirey Cemetery.  I sprinkle Dwight's ashes where he requested.  I will visit my family in Falconer, New York.  And lots more, maybe I won't get everything done.....

But I really need some time off---alone.  Maybe a few days at Lake Erie, one of OUR favorites.

Fireworks

Dwight and I have always enjoyed fireworks.  I think the only year we didn't attend was 1976. (I know, of all years!).  He had a weekend  full of concerts so Sam--11 months old, and I spent the weekend with my family in New York. 


But we never missed another year that I can recall.  The first year after he became wheelchair bound, we still went to the fireworks at Eastland Mall in Niles, Oh.  But after moving to Columbus we no longer 'went' to fireworks, but continued a tradition we had started somewhere along the line--we watched the fireworks from Boston, complete with the Boston Pops--one of our favorites.

I was hoping to get to fireworks this year, but I work July 3rd, when Columbus has Red White and Boom--a bit crowded for me. I have heard that Grove City has terrific fireworks at Beluah Park, more small town, my preference, but alas they were Saturday night.  Yeah, I worked.

I was lamenting my poor plight to the Mom of some my favorite teens at Church, hoping for some pity when low and behold I was invited on a date.
It seems this wonderful mother is going to be 'familess' on the 4th.  So she and I are going to attend the celebration together.  I won't mention her name or where we are going cuz we have decided we are going to hold hands and skip through the park together. 

Can't wait.

Times of Tears

To say it has been easy would be a lie.  There have been moments of tears, some I have forced down, some I have allowed.  The time and place of course play alot into it.  Today a friend shared the following song with me, and I allowed the tears, soft and gentle.  This song says it quite well, enjoy, have a tissue handy:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMhrA1Lr8I4&sns=fb

Heroes of the Faith

The first time I noticed my husband he was playing Roll Jordan Roll on his trombone at the assembly welcoming freshman and returning students to the campus of, at that time, Eastern Pilgrim College.  He was really rocking it, pushing the limits at a very conservative college.

Throughout our entire courtship and marriage my husband has been involved in some type of music in the Church. Solos, duets, quartets, worship leader....and his trombone.

Since his injury that planted him in the wheelchair we have become owners of many Gaither Homecoming videos.  Often, in the darkness that surrounded Dwight in 2002, I would put one on and the Holy Spirit used the music to lift him up. 

Since he has been at Mill Run I have added to our collection, including Red Rock.  He had written in his notebook a number of songs he wanted for his funeral, (13 in all!!!) including a song called Heroes of the Faith from this DVD.  I was not familiar with song until till tonight.  I must admit this an excellent song for Dwight and I would like to share it with you here...

http://www.youtube.com/embed/OWb3j8EBV0k

 Obit:

Dwight Elliott Shirey, 60, passed May   8, 2012 at Mill Run Gardens and Care Center, where he has been a resident for the past two years.  Dwight and his bride, Susie Thompson Shirey celebrate their 40th anniversary this month.    They have three children, Samuel-Troy E Shirey of Lisbon, OH;  Karin Shirey Henn (Timothy) of Galloway Oh; and Kristen Shirey of Columbus, OH.  He is the proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Isaiah, Isaac and Esther-Faith Henn and Jackson and Aurora Deubner.   He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph C and Lilias Elliott Shirey of Latrobe Pa and his brother, Calvin T Shirey of Salt Lake City, UT.  Dwight graduated from Greater Latrobe Area High School and United Wesleyan College.  Dwight has been active in the Church of the Nazarene for 40 years as Song Evangelist, Minister of Music and an Ordained Elder, Pastoring in Warren Oh.  He is a member of Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, Gahanna Oh. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested giving to the Mount Vernon Nazarene University Music Department Scholarship Fund in Memory of Dwight E Shirey. (800 Martinsburg Rd, Mount Vernon, Oh 43050)

A Memorial Service will be held at Shepherd Church of the Nazarene on May 18, 2012 at 11:00 AM.  (425 South Hamilton Rd.,  Gahanna, OH 43230).

Sleeping

Dwight is sleeping a lot, rarely waking.  It is a pleasure to watch him open his eyes and slightly smile when a staff member stops in and speaks his name. He is definitely well loved here at Mill Run and Gardens.  Staff from the office, nurses, aids, kitchen workers, cleaning ladies and one of the gentlemen from maintenance stop in often.  Some are very sad that Dwight will be leaving us soon.  Those who don't understand the joy and healing he will have in Heaven seem to be having the hardest time.  Sunday he tried to explain it to an aid.  As she says, "He let me have it." 

Thank you to all who are praying for him, myself, the children and grandchildren.  I ask that you especially pray for our precious grandchildren, that they will understand Papa is better and waiting for them.  We have purchased some excellent books to help them.  Randy Alcorn has one called 'Heaven for Kids'.  A kids version of a great book for adults, "Heaven."  It is good reading for all at anytime of your life.

What were they thinking?

Of course no one will own up to being the one responsible, but when I walked to Dwight's room I thought I was in a Swedish sauna.  It was so hot I am surprised my glasses didn't fog up.  'Someone' had turned the heat on full bore, could not get it any higher.  And they had Dwight covered with a sheet and two blankets.  Dwight isn't a fan of blankets so I know he didn't ask for this. He was sweating alot. 

Heat off, blankets off.  Washed his poor face.  Fan on (no A/C--he doesn't like the cold air any longer).  He is still hot, but he isn't eating or drinking much so that could be the cause of that. 

Yesterday he had a great visit with Pastor Tim complete with a Boston cream donut.  They shared many things with each other. Prayed together. What a wonderful friendship they have.  I wanted to leave, felt like an intruder on something special, but Tim wanted me to stay. 

This morning he had a visit from a dear friend of ours, Donna Lewis.  Another dear friend, Pastor Fred called a few days ago. We have made some wonderful friends through the years.  I have received many messages on email and facebook.  Thanks friends, for being friends and praying. I can't put all the names here, but I have you in my heart and mind.

This afternoon Dwight is having some trouble breathing and difficulty conversing, mostly in two or three words.  Not all making sense.  But he still gives me that special  'I love you'  smile.  He still knows how make me feel so cherished.

Honey, I'm Home....Part 2

Many people told me my first part felt like more was to come.  It was, I had be composing part two in my head for a few days.  It was going to focus on my son, Sam and his adventure on the Appalachian Trail.  Hiking it end to end has been a dream of his for years.  One he never let go of.  This spring he arrived in Georgia and started north. I wanted to share the pride I have in him and his adventure.  I was going to add a link to his trail journal.

Then I got a phone call from him.  Shouldn't have.  He had his phone off to safe battery life.  And it was during time he should have been hiking.  But he wasn't.  "Mom, I need to come home.  I broke a bone in my foot. "  Raw emotion full of disappoint flew over the phone.  "Of course Son.  I love you.  I am so sorry."

Sam spent the weekend with us, visiting his sisters, nieces and nephews.  And his Dad.  We didn't know this would be the last visit before a new infection, complications and prayerful decisions would put Dwight on hospice care.

Dwight will soon be leaving us and adding his great voice to the heavenly choir.  He will joyfully meet His Lord and Savior.  I am sure his parents, brother, and grandparents will be called to the Pearly Gates to hear him say,

"I'm Home."

Honey, I'm Home

We have all said, or heard these words countless times, perhaps in many different addresses. This is true for Dwight and I. When we married, in 1972, Dwight was still in college, I had just received my A.A. and MRS. We were both working full time and were very involved at Church.

We found a very small duplex in Allentown, PA. It was cute and had a workable layout for two college kids in love. The downstairs was basically an open floor plan with an alley sized kitchen. I think I had a total of 2 feet of counter top and an apartment size stove. I painted the walls of that kitchen sunshine yellow and the ceiling fire engine red. I loved it, the landlord didn't.

We entertained many of our college friend couples there. Lots of laughs and fun. Not sure how (or where I did it),but alot of pizza, Texas sheet cake and other goodies where made and shared there.

But the other half of the duplex was empty, as was the garage next door. Our front door opened onto the alley. Our bedroom window looked straight back at the apartment building behind us. And we had to park on the street another alley away from us. Not the ideal walk when you (I) worked second shift and Dwight worked nights. Also there was no lawn--no place for all lawn. The only grass was what happened to grow in the cracks. I missed my grass. So we decided to move, "Honey, I'm home" to a new address.

We where very happy to find a nice, second floor apartment in Bethlehem PA. With lawn. And a small patch for a veggie garden. And a landlady that prayed for us to get 'the blessing'. Sam was born 11 months later and Karin 11 1/2 after him. Thirteen months later, when I found out Kristen was on the way I started packing.

God lead us to Leetonia OH where our three children attended school, made friends, helped us built our home and develop our acre of Shirey property. Lots of lawn, shade trees, fruit trees, and a nice garden.We were very blessed with wonderful friends and opportunities to serve our God. Lots of "I'm home." there.

After an auto accident that messed up Dwight's back, God called Dwight to Pastor a small Church in Warren OH. Another back injury and difficulty traveling led us to Columbus Oh and the expansion of our family with five terrific grandchildren. We are so happy to be able to see them often and watch them grow.

We moved to Columbus Valentines Day 2004. Valentines Day 2010 Dwight was in the hospital with kidney stones. And now, when he is back in his room at the nursing home after dialysis he calls my cell phone and says,

"Honey, I'm home."

Growing Old Together

I try not to allow myself to spend much time thinking about what has been lost to Dwight and I in the last nine and half years, especially the last two. We were settling in quite well to the empty nest and the new career of Pastoring when the injury placed him in the wheelchair. But we adjusted and were doing quite well, it even brought us to Columbus and the joy of seeing our Grandchildren often. It was easy at that point to not even consider the travel plans and other dreams that were gone.

We were still able to go out to eat occasionally. We took short sightseeing trips. Wish we had gone to the Zoo, Dwight would have enjoyed that so much.

Dwight was able to set up a very wheelchair handy wood shop. Several of the neighborhood men would stop in and visit, often most of his time in the shop was conversation time. All the men have told me how much they miss visiting my husband. Even the grouchy lady next door would visit. She was never grouchy with Dwight, even though he is a Steeler fan and she a Browns fan. (Poor Girl) And the grandchildren loved spending time with Papa in 'The Shop'. Isaac and Jackson had begun learning much from their grandfather. Each had their own tools and shop apron. The girls loved sweeping the sawdust around and couldn't wait until they could start 'hammering' with Papa. Those four still talk about Papa coming home and working in the Shop with them. Breaks my heart to know that at some point they will also be heartbroken.

As for growing old together, it maybe happening, but it isn't really. Last night was one those times when Dwight couldn't get his thoughts expressed as desired. He repeatedly told me how much he loves me, he had more to say but it wouldn't form into words for him. He did state many of the things he wishes we could do still....long walks in the country, snuggling on the sofa, sleeping in the same room and many others. I totally agree with him, there are days, times that it is hard to cope with. Your mind wants to scream, "It's not fair." And it's not by the world's standards, but we don't serve the world, we serve God and He has allowed this. We still have each other, our memories and our hope of healing in heaven. We can still hold hands and kiss good night. And talk to each other through out the day on the phone. It could be worse....

Crazy Cats

My Snookzie, who is almost one year old, is a very beautiful cat. Altho' he is probably the largest cat I have had, he is still light weight. Sophie Rose, Kristen's cat, is smaller but very much overweight. Hard to believe the way the two of them chase through the house. Their favorite time to chase is when we are going bed. We are disappointed that neither is a lap cat, I have told them I have considered the addition of a third cat or a dog, but they don't seem to take me serious.

Dwight continues much the same. He is continually tired and takes allot of naps, although on dialysis days he doesn't sleep as well at night, waking often. All the infections have affected his mind, it takes him longer to think things through and respond in conversation. Very frustrating for myself and the children, not the same as he was two years ago before this started. He seems to have lost more weight.

A couple of minor surgeries have been suggest to reduce the urinary tract infections, he has agreed to one of them, now just trying to getting it set up. The urogolist won't see he because we have an outstanding balance. I was unaware of it and told them it is kinda hard to pay a bill when you don't send me one. Still waiting to receive it.

Sam and his girlfriend where down over the weekend and spend time with Dwight. It is hard to believe that in one month Sam will be heading out on the Appalaciation Trail. We will be keeping up with him on his trail blog.

I am still looking for winter and have asked the Lord for a snowfall of at least a foot.....

Snow

What a boring winter we are having. Can not believe it is February and we haven't had any more than a half of snow at a time. I know not to expect snow belt snow in central Ohio, but really...my snow shovel is getting lonely. Just one good snow of a foot or more would be more than welcome.

Dwight went back to Mill Run Wednesday evening(Feb 1). They did dialysis in the hospital on Wednesday and we made sure the nursing home had him scheduled for Thursday. They didn't get an actual diagnosis of the newest bug until Friday, but in time to order it for Friday night's RX delivery to the nursing home so he could get started on a new antibiotic. It was ordered and delivered but the nurse on his hall didn't give it to him, said it wasn't in the delivery. Don't understand how you can get a drug delivery and not take care of it. It all has to be checked in and properly stored in the locked supply room. They did get him started Saturday night, it does to seem to be working. Dwight doesn't seem as cloudy in his thinking, he did sleep through most of the Super Bowl. (But they did hear my cheering out in the hall!!!)

Dwight does seem some weaker, and I do believe he has lost more weight.
Most of his blood work looks pretty good for a guy on dialysis.

Dwight is very thankful for his Kindle, it is light weight and with the large font setting it makes it very easy for him to continue his Bible reading and study. He spends a good amount of time praying for his family and for other prayer needs.

Can't say he is happy about the snow, or the cold. But he is happy that I am happy with our half inch of white fluff. It is so pretty.