Please continue to pray

Pain control and other basic needs for Donard is now being managed at home. He is extremely weak, unable to walk, and on continuous oxygen supply. We are grateful for your continued prayers and are trusting God for wisdom, direction, strength, and peace for each day for Donard and for each family member.

Rose Ann for the family

"This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23

October 9th update

It's a little late because we've been at Family Camp all week but here was the latest report.

On Tuesday, October 6, Donard was admitted to Conroe Regional Hospital because of fever and shortness of breath. After being diagnosed and treated for pneumonia, he was released on Thursday night and is home again with oxygen available 24/7. The coronary angiogram that was scheduled for today (Friday) had to be postponed. Progressing cancer in multiple areas remains the primary issue, and the resulting need for increasing pain control is a continual challenge. The decision this week to end his recent employment and focus on his health was difficult for Donard but non-optional.
Until we can relay our gratefulness personally, please know that your faithful prayers and many expressions of love and concern mean more than words can express.
　"This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;
Great is Thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23

Donard continues to experience shortness of breath periodically and is scheduled for a coronary angiogram on Friday, October 9th, at 12:30 p.m. This will proceed if he is free of fever for 48 hours prior. Tylenol for pain and fever relief was eliminated early last week because of skyrocketing liver enzyme levels. He is now using the nighttime prescription pain med 24/7. This prescription will compound other problems, but our primary care physician is attempting to address those as well as the continuing anemia. Even with no Tylenol he seemed to be free of fever for several days but had a low-grade again tonight (Sunday). Donard has missed at least one day for each week on the new job but is determined to endure as long as possible and as long as the employer will tolerate his unpredictable health issues.

Prayers for my mother have been answered! She has recovered from her fall and is able to walk comfortably again.

We continue to be so grateful for your many expressions of love and for your faithful prayers.

Rose Ann for the family

latest Pappaw report

In spite of continuing health problems and resulting weaknesses, Donard began a new job on August 31 after being off work since February 6th. It didn’t seem possible that he even had the strength to make the long drive every day, but he did so and worked for 8 to 10 hours, then drove back home. He was both determined and successful, coming home early only one day the first week. The second week brought increased challenges in several areas of his health, but we saw God bring about miraculous answers to the prayers of those of you who have been so faithful to lift Him to our heavenly Father. On Friday evening (Sept. 11) Donard made the decision to go to the emergency room to get help, since his shortness of breath had reached a critical level. God spared us from hours of waiting, we saw a doctor within the first hour, he received the needed oxygen, and a diagnosis was made within a short time: shortness of breath was due to fluid in the lungs caused by failure of the heart to function efficiently. Donard was admitted at Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands for treatment, and we are hoping he will be released on Sunday or at the latest Monday, September 14. We do not know what lies ahead, but nothing surprises God, and He is our refuge and strength.
　
For those who may be interested in other family members, here is a brief update:
My mother (Ruth Baker) had a fall about ten days ago that left her limping and very limited in movement. Surgery would be extremely difficult at her stage. Please pray for healing so she can continue to walk as she loves to do.
Misti and Wesley have a beautiful new baby daughter, Allison Rose Danson, born August 14, weighing 7 lbs. 14 oz. Misti had to return to the hospital a week later with high blood pressure problems, but we are grateful for each day’s progress toward recovery. Allison is a ray of sunshine for our whole family, and we are looking forward to showing her off.  Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
　
We are so grateful for your love and continued prayers.
Rose Ann for the family

He Will Carry Me by Mark Schultz

I call, You hear me
I’ve lost it all
And it’s more than I can bear
I feel so empty

You’re strong
I’m weary
I’m holdin’ on
But I feel like givin’ in
But still You’re with me

I know I’m broken
But You alone
Can mend this heart of mine
You’re always with me

And even though I’m walkin’ through
The valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me
And when all hope is gone
And I’ve been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will
Ever need
And He will carry me

And even though I feel so lonely
Like I’ve never been before
You never said it would be easy
But You said you’d see me through
The storm

And even though I’m walkin’ through
The valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me
And when all hope is gone
And I’ve been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will
Ever need
And He will carry me

Conversations with Joel

The funny thing about Joel these days is 75% of his conversation consists of the following two phrases: "Huh?" and "How you know?". This can be very frustrating but also highly amusing.

Joel spots me with a box of cheezits and holds out his hand for one
me (handing him one): "They're spicy."
Joel: "How you know?"
me: "Because I ate one."
Joel: "Huh?"

Today however my favorite conversation went something like this:

Joel: "Going to the beach?"
me: "Yes."
Joel: "Can I go too?"
me: "Yup."
Joel: "What's a beach?"
me: "It's um...sand and water."
Joel misinterprets this as being sand IN water and babbles something about getting the water dirty.
Joel: "Can you swim it?"
me: "Yes, you can swim in it."
Joel: "Will you swim too?"
me: "Yes."
Joel (thinking of the pool in our backyard): "Is there a ladder at the beach?"
me: "No there's no ladder you can just walk into it."
Joel: "Huh??"

Overheard at CI....

"Scare the womens every day!"


"If you make the princess in the story named Miss Megan she will like it and loosen up so you can finish it."


"I have all that stuff you guys do at home because I went to Big Sandy!"