Juvenile Detention Center..... and more healing..... and Release Time

First off....... the report from the surgeon on Tuesday was all good.  There is new bone growth --- wow - at my age...didn't know that would happen 😀.   "Don't go outside without your walker -- as long as there is snow and ice."    No problem - I wouldn't think of it.   Therapy in Valentine has graduated me to "practicing with a cane - inside only".  That goes good --- but seems to bring on a bit  more fear on my part.    I should practice driving a little - where there are no other people for me to crash into.  I suppose my reaction time with that right leg will be way slowed down.   My only thought would possibly be to drive myself to Bible Study.......   Anyway ---- healing is going great.   A few new exercises have made me ache a little more ....but again--- no pain .... no gain.  So I thank you VERY MUCH for all the prayers......and you may keep them coming!!

AH! JDC - Juvenile Detention Center. 

Laura Patton did the lesson this past week.  There are about 6 kids in detention right now....but joe can't have contact with bill and sue can't have contact with sam and sam can't have contact with joe ....you get the idea...........   So we did the lesson 3 times Wednesday.   First - one girl (the other one wanted to stay back to watch tv)....then 2 boys and then thinking we were finished we packed up and stood out at the door.....but here came one more boy -- so back we went.  It really was great.    Laura had a question.....  "Who is Jesus? or What do you know about Jesus?"   Each time the kids that were there had at least one thought.   And then the rest of  us gave our thoughts....... Healer, Almighty God, Savior, All knowing, Friend, Everywhere present, The Way, The Truth, The Life, Good, Everlasting, Faithful, Forgiver, and so on.     After the listing, Laura had several verses to look up describing these very attributes.     She then went on to ask "who is Jesus to you" (from this list....and the young person could pick out at least one) ..... and then she told them that Jesus can be all these things to each one of us.      We went home rejoicing in the lesson and the kids responses.  We pray for God's Spirit to work in their hearts.

Pastor Mark even used this same thing this morning in church and he got responses from the congregation.    Good stuff!!

We ask for prayers for Release Time.   The older kids have gotten very disrespectful and almost defiant..... so they have to miss a week and then we will see who is willing to change their actions.....  A couple of them might not get to come back at all.      We want to do what is right -- but it can't go on in the direction the kids are taking it!!

Gary has gotten in some ice fishing with one of our church members / neighbors.   However, the fishing has been ROTTEN!!!!  I guess it's good to be outdoors and with other people.   Deans wife fell on the ice a couple of years ago and really injured her shoulder so she has the fear in her and then I, of course, won't be out for at least this year.   So these 2 guys are thankful for each other even if the fishing is no good.     Gary took home a good mess of bluegill one time --- but rather small------ he was really disgusted with himself when he had to clean all of them by himself.  He said "won't do that again."  But they taste so good!!!

We grieve in the passing of Harlene Lubbers......such a wonderful sweet woman!!   She wrote us letters of encouragement and also had written letters to a young Native American gal for years.  Harlene will be missed greatly!!

God Bless!!     Gary and Barb

Recovery / Healing is going pretty good.

It has been a month since I fell and had hip surgery......  I go to Valentine 2 times a week for therapy and do those same exercises 2 times a day at home.  My muscles are the problem.   Therapy people and others have told me that - "yes /no it wasn't really and 'air hammer' ...but close to it that drove those rods into my bones.  They have a more technical term for the tools......    YEAH!!  So my muscles are in rebellion for what happened to them too .....being pulled apart and ??what else!!    Some are working better than others....but I have to strengthen all of them.   So as it goes ....."no pain - no gain". 

Gary has been great.  Not only encouraging me with my exercises......."don't help that leg onto the bed...make it do it by itself".    He heard that at therapy and repeated it to me the following day.   I haven't helped that leg since!!!😬  There are a couple of exercises that amaze me --- that I can now lift my "bad" leg up off the bed - straight up.....WOW!!  In North Platte they wanted me to do it and there was NO WAY....it just wouldn't work.  Now I have to work on the one that is  laying on my left (good) side with a pillow between my legs and go straight up.  OUCH!!!  I can only lift it a couple of inches and boy does it hurt.    So therapist said "don't do it.......we'll work on strengthening those muscles more first."   PHEW! 

I went to JDC on Wednesday evening.  We had 2 girls and then 2 boys.  The boys left today....so we won't have them again but the girls will be there for a month.  Nice kids --- with good questions and very attentive and responsive.  It was a fun night.....even did a little singing.  I have to get my fingers toughened back up but we only did a couple of songs.

I also went into the grocery store today......when you are in town 2 times a week grocery shopping doesn't have to take very long.  It just happens more often.  Gary is willing to do the shopping but when he tells me how he went looking for peanut butter and made 2 trips around the store....I feel bad. He did ask "where's the peanut butter" finally.  It's good for him.....but I need the walking too.

I have an appointment in North Platte with the surgeon on Tuesday.....so wondering what he will have to say....And will he take x-rays to see how the bones have healed??

Snowy right now and VERY cold out.  So I guess I wouldn't be going outside to play anyway!!!  Might as well enjoy and hope that cabin fever doesn't work it's work!!

And so --- THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE PRAYERS!!!  Prayer is most important as God is the Great Physician!!  And His hands are the best to be held with!!!


Gary and Barb

Some neat photos of our drive home from Cherry County Hospital

We had heard that the ice by the Cornell bridge was something folks here hadn't seen in a long long time.  The ice on the Niobrara was bunched up so thick that the "dam" was covered.   We had to go see it.   So on the way home - after my release from Cherry County Hospital --- we took the long way home. 

There was water flowing now -- as we were really a couple of days late in our viewing.   But it's still a neat sight.

We took the photos from the Cornell bridge.  At one time the ice was up to the bottom of the bridge...it was lower at this time.

We decided to go on to Berry Bridge which has often been the "getting off" point when we tubed or canoed with kids from Prairie Light Youth Camp.  We would go through the Game Refuge.  I am not sure if there are any buffalo remaining on the Refuge and the Texas Longhorns have been gone for years......but there was a herd of bull elk.   So here are some photos for the hunter in you --- or the
wildlife lover......

                                

   

Man! I wonder who gets to collect the sheds!!!!   Anyway - this was a pretty awesome sight!!
We arrived at Berry Bridge and it wasn't really anything special to see.   But for those of you who have gone down the Niobrara with us to this point - or past ----   that little waterfalls on the right is one that kids have really enjoyed at the end of their trip.

I am improving daily with getting around.  Some pain is still there but as I was told -- "you have to give it 6 weeks for bones to heal" .  I didn't always sleep the night through when I was in good health and things haven't changed --- but I am getting good rest.   Gary is great!!!!  Neighbors have been awesome --- visiting and bringing food.  I have no complaints.     I did just have a thought though.....I just folded some clothes.....perhaps I should put some lacy undies in the "wrong" drawer and see if I can get a little pay back !!!😁😍

THANK YOU for the continued prayers!!!  God is watching over!!!
Gary and Barb

January 8, 2018 ----- A day of some pain!!!

I am going to attempt to tell you all about my last couple of weeks.  But first----- it has been snowing out all morning and we have ??? maybe 5 inches and it's still coming down.  Lots of good precip because it's a wet snow.  Not too windy but if the temps drop and the wind comes up - who knows what will happen.   We are warm and comfy!  Neighbors have brought us goodies and meals ....we are blessed!

This could get lengthy so I hope you have a little time.......

January 8, Monday...at noon     WHAM!!  I didn't even see it in my pathway.  I hit the ice and then the cement.  The pain was probably the worst I've ever experienced......child birth is more desirable!!!   Gary was beside me in an instant as I cried out "oh honey, ....oh honey, .....oh honey!!!!"    "Can you move --- can we move you??"  "NO! don't move my leg----please hold it up a little ....OH just a little".    And so goes the thoughts -----can I be moved -- could Dan come and help Gary get me up.   "No, I don't think you can move me".    So Gary was on his hands and knees holding my leg up with a little help from ?? something.....for the duration.  Blankets were brought out....but I was oh! so cold.

Then the call to 911.  Gary had called Dan Tinant but he was in Valentine --- so he called his wife Sherri and she came with her carpet layer .....perhaps he could help.    "SHERRI don't fall"!   "Wow that is terrible".    I think I told everyone that came ---"Don't Fall"!    The ambulance was forever in coming, so Sherri called again and it was questionable if one had even been sent out.  "What the?!?!?!"   Then the answer came -- yes, they were on the way.  "Where do we come?"    We didn't know the address because we weren't home.....so it was just directions.    "At Patton's corner turn west and go 2 miles".   The ambulance went EAST 2 miles.   Stopped at Sara's - no one home.   So back west and stopped at Pattons......."we are looking for Barb Peters".   Pattons gave our address and they came to our home.....but only met up with Toby.   Somehow they found us at Schelhaas's -- an hour after I had hit.   I was so cold -- just shivering.

They apologized about the rough roads ...... when we crossed the Lakeview / Crookston road I knew it.   The road grader always leaves a ridge on both sides of the road....whump   whump.  "sorry".

Arriving in Valentine, there were those first moments of admitting.  And then a little morphine.  Thank You!     X-rays showed them that I would need a new artificial hip.  "NO, I don't want an artificial hip!!"    Twice they came and told Gary and I that news.   About that time Gary came over to me and said, "That's not what we've been praying for!"   "Right".   Then the Doc. came in and said "perhaps a CT Scan would show a better picture -- if pinning is possible".   And he said that would be the most desirable fix.    So once more off that spot and slid onto another bed that could go into that "donut".  😬 The answer came back --- yes it could be pinned.👍   That would mean a trip to North Platte --- two hours south. 

Gary went back home to get a few clothes and items for a short -- ?? how long a stay he didn't really know.   And then he would follow the ambulance down to North Platte. 

I think we arrived at Great Plains Hospital in North Platte around 7 or 8:00.....a 2 hour trip. Surgery would be tomorrow--Tuesday the 9th (4:00 p.m.)  Gary was given a list of hotels that offered discounts for those in town with medical needs.  Needless to say - Gary wasn't figuring on a whole weeks worth of staying.  Those two pair of underwear were turned inside out and outside in 😝(not really) and then he went and bought more.   He won't be needing undies for a long time!!!  He said I would need to help him wear them all out. (remember that point!!)

Surgery time came and with it a discussion with the anesthesiologist.  He wanted to give me a spinal - and Gary thought that was a very good idea.    My thoughts were not the same.   I just felt that I could not roll onto my side (either side) and hold still long enough for them to enter my spine!!!   So I said no -- just the general anesthetic. 

Surgery lasted about an hour and I came out with the following pins......

This one shows the large pin going from my upper hip bone (and down to just above my knee).   The smaller pin was inserted to hold another break in place.    There were two breaks...but both remained in place.

These are the two screws that hold the pin in place down above the knee.  I have three incisions.  Top one where the leg bends  -- for the large pin to enter.....one about a 1/3 of the way down ---- for the pin to come up.   And then one down by my knee for the screws.    They had ??(don't remember for sure) about 22 total staples.   Which by the way --- a couple of those were quite the trip coming out.....until the trainee found her right angle to remove them.😂PHEW - good job.

My stay in North Platte was until Sunday, January 14.   The plan had been for me to leave on Friday.  However,  the medications -- pain killers, muscle relaxants, stool thinner --- all worked against me.  First to hit was the diarrhea!   My physical therapy that day was getting up and going to the bathroom about 7 times!!!  The stool softeners were removed from my list of meds!!!!   

The following day, I passed out.....just for an instant ---I remember sitting down.  But I was very light headed and my blood pressure dropped to 69 over 36 -- something like that...when standing.   Laying down it was much better.    So, of course, they would NOT allow me to leave until things got straightened out.   They then removed the muscle relaxants and potent pain killer.  I was only on 500 mg. of Tylenol after that but it did a pretty good job.   When I had a more potent one (they would offer and I said "yes" a couple of times).......then the light-headedness would return.

I have to say here that the nurses and "male techs" were great in North Platte --- every one of them.  Dr. Jacobsen who did the surgery was good and Doc. Carlson was such a special man --- cared about my whole body - not just the hip.  Meals were like ordering off a restaurant menu --- most anything you could want.

I would leave North Platte and go to Cherry County Hospital in Valentine for physical therapy.  How long???  Wasn't sure - it would depend on how things went.    Valentine personnel were great also.  There is not a complaint that could possibly be made!!!

It was time for me to change from those nasty "diapers".......which in truth were handy when making the 2 hour drive from North Platte to Valentine ---- could I hold it long enough?!?!?😟 (I did!😁 )   Anyway,  I was in the bathroom and I asked the nurse if she could look in my bag for my undies.  She opened the door a crack and handed me the "FRUIT OF THE LOOM"!!!!!   I said "!!!NO!!".   "Did he do that on purpose?!?!"    We had such a good laugh.   She said her little sister thought men's underwear was more comfortable so maybe I did too.   She did find mine in another pocket 😅.

My stay went well and I was able to leave on Friday.  Sometimes I was encouraged by my progress and the next time disappointed that I just couldn't do it.   We are home and Gary is a great care giver and I am trying to be a loving patient wife.  Our hugs have never felt better!!

I know it will be a long process -- but when I think of others and what they have to go through ....cancer....colitis.... you name it......... ---- mine is minimum!!!   God is so good.  I feel His loving presence daily and at times like these a person looks to Him more and more.  I (we) can't do it without Him. 

The New Year has arrived and so has the COLD

I think it's been cold across the nation  and we haven't been slighted the least bit.   COLD -- below zero for much of a whole week.   On one of the nicer days  -- 19 degrees - Gary and I went fishing at He Dog Lake.  We had our shanty along but there was no wind so we didn't bother setting it up.  It was a good thing we didn't have it set up because we had to move quite often.  We just could NOT find any fish.  We came home with 5 fishes. 

 A week later we tried it again.  This time Dean Noteboom went along and he is an "old timer"  (actually he's younger than us -- but lived here all his life) so he could tell us where the best spots to fish were at.  Dean got one pike on his tip ups and we got about another 5 fishes.  What is up anyway?!?! 

Today Gary went along with Deon Tinant and Jay Hollenbeck...     would you believe it -- 2 fishes!!   And those were NOT large pike -- they were 2 little Bluegills.    So we are still waiting for the fish to bite.

The Juvenile Detention Center is having difficulty getting bites too.   There have been very few kids ever since before Thanksgiving.  We call before we go out.  Last Wednesday there were two males.  So we decided that Gary and I would go -- Pastor Mark was still in Michigan and we would let Julie have a night off.   When we got into the facilities and to the first closed - locked door, we heard the officers on the intercom.  One boy didn't want to come and the other one (whom we've know for a LONG time) was on lock down for 24 hours.        Yes, we know it's a good thing ---- no kids at the juvenile detention center.   But we can't quite figure it out.  There are those that come into the Booking area  -- but the court always lets them go.       We will try to remain faithful and put in the call to see if there are young people we can visit with --- it's just been disappointing because we really enjoy that part of our "ministry".

Release Time will begin again next week after the Christmas break.   We had been picking up one group at 12:30.  This group would miss their noon recess -- but it would be a different group each time.   The kids have been putting up a fuss about missing recess.   So we were asked if we could shorten our time by 5 minutes and start at 1:00.  That pretty much gives us 30 minutes to get it all in.  We think it will work but might put the rush on us a bit. 

Gary has a couple of projects to do --- but it's just too cold out there in the barn to do much.   So they've been put on hold.........  "Just so I have them by Feb. 1."   No problem.    Today his truck died on him.   It had been starting rather hard -- and that was unusual.  Today on the way back from fishing, the truck started sputtering when he reached the Casino on Hwy 83.   "Oh no - please get me off 83 before it dies."  You just don't want to sit on the side of the road (or ON the road) on Hwy 83.....people drive like maniacs!!  And so once again --- a break down at a good spot.  Thank you, Lord!   He had just turned onto the gravel road - 7 miles from home - and the truck died.   He called Ron Patton and Ron came and towed him to his garage......... fuel pump.

Right now my only thought is to say ---- STAY WARM -- spring is on the way - sometime!
Gary and Barb

Back to Michigan for a short visit......

It was time to return Colton and Brennan to their family....and school, so we headed back on Dec. 8.  Arrived with that nasty "lake effect snow" bearing down on us when we hit Michigan City, Ind.  At one point (when he could see good) Gary looked back and there was no one behind us for a long ways ......we had been protected and we're pretty sure the pile up was back there!!  Thank you Lord!!!!

Our first event was Clayton's 7th Grade Band Concert at the High School Auditorium.   He's the one peeking around all the others.  Earlier Clayton had gone to a Solo Ensemble Festival and received a 1st place rating.   WAY TO GO CLAYTON!!  The band sounded very good.  We're hoping Clayton continues on with his trumpet!!

Gary always needs a project and Dennis helped him out.   The bad part was that Gary didn't have any of his wood working tools along, but he made do.  Dennis did have a good table saw for him to use and that was good!!  Notice his handy dandy hammer!!

Before that project was finished, however, it was Wednesday --- and that was the evening of Oliver's School Christmas Event.   It was like watching a TV show.  There were no kids who forgot their lines, or kids doing goofy things....... EVERYONE was in place and in time and it was grand. 

Oliver is front row - far right.  His first grade class did the Twelve Days of Christmas - with twelve groups of kids coming running in singing their line when it was their turn. Oliver was in the 8th day of Christmas.......  What fun! The "Partridge in a Pear Tree" did his line all by himself - twelve times.  He was great.

But now it was back to the "project".  The drawers gave him a fit....but it did all work out.....it would just take a little time.

 On Friday night we had a get-together with everyone at Mike and Julie's new home.  We kept it simple and just had dessert.  They really have a nice home....sorry I didn't get more pictures.......

Saturday --- it was back to the project.    Oh --- we did do other things.   We went out for Breakfast with Dale and Barb (cousin) and then another time with Hazel and Paul (sister).  We had supper and played cards with Dale and Barb another evening and ate out with my brother Bill........visited with my sister Linda and Dave......and went for supper with Glenn and Beth Kleinheksel....meals with the kids........   So this project did NOT consume our time......just kept Gary (and me) busy - which is all good.

OH BOY!!  It's not going to go in.......without removing some parts of the cabinet.  

 He finally decided the drawers were ok.........

And now to put things back together........  Finished project.

Sunday evening was the Overisel Reformed Church Christmas Program.  The only grandchild in it was Sawyer.  The program was a musical and Sawyers Choir did the music part of it.  They were the sheep, and the angels, and Joseph and Mary, and the shepherds......  and those sheep had ears.  :)  :)  We're not too sure that they were happy sheep...anyway some of the boys didn't appear to be happy sheep.   Sawyer sang in good form....the little gal next to him sang with her own set of motions........
                                      

And I think it was here that she encouraged Sawyer to "move a little bit"......anyway - Sawyer started to sway just a little to the beat of the music.   :)  :)    It was a really good show and the message of Jesus' birth came out loud and clear.   We thoroughly enjoyed it!!

And the next morning --- Monday --- we headed for home.  The weather would prove to be a little wet - but it was NOT snow......and we can handle a little rain.  By the time Tuesday came along -- it was a sunny day.  We had good travels and good times.  Once again, it was a fun time with family and friends.

Now I better get busy and get the rest of our Christmas cards out.   Patience people -- if you haven't gotten one yet --- it will be on the way soon.

May the Joy of Christ surround you in the coming New Year.

Merry Christmas

Gary and Barb

OK --- I can post some of this stuff.....

HHhhhmmmm-----  Thanksgiving is long gone....but there are things to post from that time until now.   Colton and Brennan -- two of our son Mike and Julie's kids stayed for two weeks with us.  Gary had really planned on lots of ice so they could go ice fishing......but we all know that didn't happen.   Don't think there is ice yet --- but hopefully soon!!!

Anyway ---- had to come up with things for these boys to do.   They had all been watching "Forged in Fire" on TV  and Brennan had already put those "learning sessions" to use......so they set to work.  Made beautiful knives --- but "don't tell mom and dad --- we want to surprise them".    So ....  the boys are back home and mom and dad have seen them  --- so we can now share it with all of you.

First, you have to know what they made them of..............the springs that are part of the struts on our car!!  They didn't have a forge -- so  they used up Gary's Acetylene tanks......  and THEN they made a forge.   Too expensive to continue with the tanks!!!!

That little tube standing up in the background is where they "quenched" the knives - in oil.   I missed lots of pictures ---- I guess Gary had fire coming up around his arm when he quenched  his knife.

 There was lots of grinding.......   I missed all the hammering on the anvil.   Sounds like they were all 3 beating on it.

 This photo shows it all --- what the knives were made of...... the sheaths they each made, a belt for Brennan so he could strap his knife on and Brennan's knife (on top) that started it all

Here you have the mean, tough look ........ they are ready to go on to competition  - well not just yet!!

But this one shows you what they were really thinking...... pretty proud of them and they had good reason to be proud.!!!

I even got a new kitchen paring knife out of the deal....And you can see close up the nice looking sheaths they made......Brennan's....Gary's ...... Colton's.....and then the paring knife....which, by the way, works like a charm!!

I think Gary is in the process of making another paring knife because he isn't happy with the handle on this one.   He's going to make the next handle out of a plastic -- so I can put it in the dish water more without making the handle go bad.     YUP --- it's in the vise right now letting the handle dry.

There was other fun to be had with the boys.....moving cattle for Dan and Deon......practicing with their slingshots.......playing cards.....prairie dog hunting.....eating------ Oh! did I tell you how those boys can eat?!?!?!   We had a great time and lots of memories were made.  When we have these times with the boys.....we are kinda glad they are home schooled!!!  .......and they are too!!!

Gary and Barb