Keeping Up with the Joneses

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Mama Jo Has Had a Stroke

Mama Jo has had a stroke. I think it's what is called a TIA which is a precursor to the really big one on down the road. She has had at least 3 of these since living with us. Last night, however, was a little more severe than "normal."

Our day was busy going to Frankfort and all, but she didn't show any abnormality. She got extremely quiet when we watched TV last night and when I would ask her a question, she would be very slow to answer. After a couple of hours, we all agreed we needed to go to bed and started to rise from the sectional. She could not stand up. Deke helped her stand to her feet and they stood there for 2-3 minutes for Mom to get steadied. Our next hurdle was going up the stairs. Her left hand and left leg were not functioning well so it was difficult for her to climb. We finally made it to the top and got to the bathroom. She could not use her left hand to get her pants down or grab the toilet paper. We got half her pajamas on and forgot the rest.

Deke checked her at 2 and I checked her at 5. I was surprised to find her in the bathroom at 7 and she seemed a little more with it. Her arm and leg were functioning normally again but her thinking was still muddled. Very quiet, very slow. We got dressed and went to church. She walked the halls and attended my Sunday school class as usual but you could just tell she wasn't herself.

We are now home from church and I am preparing lunch. Deke is making a hospital call. Mom is sitting in her chair in the livingroom with an afghan draped over body with her head hanging to her chin.

There has never been a more resilient woman born so I have great faith that she will pop out of this in a day or two. And if not, we go on to the next step of living. I told Deke, It's tough to be born and it's tough to die.

Pray for Mama Jo. Pray that God's will be done. Pray that when He takes her home, it will be swift and beautiful.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

A Day at the Manor

We got up early to travel to Frankfort to help Grandma Mary with her Christmas letter.

The son hard at work getting things straightened out to get the letter sent via email.

Grandma Mary and Mama Jo hard at work on a jigsaw puzzle.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

She's Home!

Mama Jo flew into Indy airport last evening amid a snowstorm. She about froze to death getting from the front door of the airport into the car! She misses Houston! I took another picture of her as she walked out of the plane ramp but it was so blurry and bad I could not use it. I'll post more later. Just wanted you to know that the bird has landed.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

With a Grateful Heart

We gathered together to ask the Lord's blessings. We gather together because we have grateful hearts and want to thank Him for His provision in our lives. We gather together because our hearts are full toward one another. We gather together because we love.

Thank you, Lord, for giving us families and grateful hearts for all you have done for us and continue to do for us. Because of You, we are a family united in love and purpose. We come to you with grateful hearts.