SHOUT OUTS

I need to send out some shout outs.  I've said this before and I'll say it again, we could not travel this journey alone!!!  We are so thankful for the people who are helping us.  They have been the hands and feet of Jesus.

Back when he was getting very weak with walking, Les asked several of his friends to help him transfer  (in the morning from the recliner to the wheelchair, to the toilet, and back to the recliner.  At night from the wheelchair to the toilet, back to the wheelchair, and then to the recliner for bed).  Several others offered to help, but Les wanted to keep this private matter to a minimum.  It should be noted that when these transfers first started, Les was standing on his own and able to push off on his own.  This wasn't too bad of a job when these guys signed up!  Before we began using the lift, Les had no strength left in his legs so they would just dangle and get in the way when transferring.  These guys were at that point lifting ALL of Les' weight.  Les was then no longer able to stand by the bathroom window for a few minutes, stretch, and check out neighbor Dan's yard.  This began to be a very tough job.

Friend Pastor Ben.  Who knew a pastor could be so strong? He is our "emergency" guy and our Tuesday morning guy.  He also still has "coffee" with Les every Friday morning, as they have been doing for close to 20 years.  He is also a spiritual mentor for Les at this point, which is a huge blessing.  Our friend Rick continues to amaze us.  He is our regular Sunday morning and Monday bedtime guy.  He's also a go-to guy because he lives in town.  Rick often stops in on his coffee break or lunch hour just to check in.  He spent lots of time in the lift sling making sure what position was the most comfortable before he put Les in the sling.

Friend Steve travels all week yet gives up his Friday night and Sunday night to put his long time friend to bed.  These two go WAY back, and I know this is a very difficult thing for Steve to do.  Les and Steve would rather be duck hunting on the weekends and solving the world's problems.    We also have Dr. Steve - he has been Les' doctor for over 20 years.  When he volunteered, Les figured why not, since Dr. Steve has seen it all already anyway!  Dr. Steve also lets us go over medical issues with him while he is here.  Such a gift.

Our friend Brian also travels all week long yet comes every Saturday night.  Often him and his wife Lonnie would come early and we would watch TV or a movie together.  Brian has been blessing us with his prayers every week before he leaves.  Friend Dale is a dairy farmer and doesn't get much sleep, but he gave us his only morning off.  With aide Kelli coming mornings, we now have Dale on a night duty.  He is willing to do whatever we need. 

Friend Pastor Mike is our surprise.  When Mike offered to help,  I asked Les, assuming he would say no.  We didn't know Pastor Mike THAT well.  Les surprised me and said yes. What a great decision.  Mike has become a very dear friend through our "bathroom dances".  He is very strong, encouraging and fun, and he blesses us with his prayers when he leaves.  LOVE this man and his family.  (His wife Bethany is my boot camp instructor - my "therapy")

Our friend Dan could have been a nurse.  He loves to be very hands on and wants to help with every detail.  His downfall is he makes Les laugh and then Les can't concentrate!!  He has been a dear friend for a very long time.

Our son Kris is our young strong guy.  He has been giving us his Saturday mornings (we are giving him a break since baby Dallas was born!).  We also call on him during the day sometimes since he has been working so near (kind of a God-thing, I think), and he fills in whenever we are stuck.  Not something any son should be doing with his father, but Kris does it without hesitation.  Les always gets a smile when he realizes it's Kris "turn".  Son-in-law Brett fills in every now and then.

These girls help me get through each day (missing a few!!!!).  They keep me fed.  They clean our house.  They get me out of the house (or just to the patio) for "fun" outings.  They make me laugh and they make me cry.  They pray for me and they love me.

 Neighbor nurse Kay.  She has recently left town for a few months and we are really going to miss her.  She sat with Les for me if I needed to go out and about.  She is a dear.

Les has been struggling a bit to get his breathing regulated.  He has been on morphine for awhile now - it opens up his lungs - but we are getting an automatic pump inserted so it will be more automatic and a steadier dose.  We pray that it helps with his comfort.  Please continue to pray for comfort and peace for Les.  And sleep for both of us!!!!