tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19200757488956738172023-11-16T05:45:32.113-05:00Live The LionLance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-25619004116459453582013-05-06T11:47:00.001-04:002013-05-06T11:47:21.140-04:00the Come Back... part 1. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">WOOHOO! its time for a come back. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">People ask me all the time where Lance is... I always looked confused when they ask that. I guess they ask because there for a while he was back and forth to Atlanta and Lexington. But he is home, in Lewis County. But back and forth between my parents houses and running to therapy 3-4 times a week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm going to pick up where I left off... last August. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lance's accident happened in November of 2010. The following March, his 25th birthday, 3 of his friends - Ben, Noah and Derrick bought him an iPad. Lance was never a huge fan of material things, but he loved his MacBook. We thought the iPad would be a great way for him to communicate in those early stages, when we weren't sure if he could type, or use a mouse, etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To the left is Grant sitting on Lance's lab using the iPad. We loaded ALL of Lance's music from his iTunes library on it. And we found something really amazing. When Lance was at Patterson, he interviewed Shawn Abdmishani, whose daughter was in the same program as Lance. He is from Iran. There are 3 hours worth of this interview, anyone who wants to listen, come on over. Its interesting, even on the 2934617th time you have heard it ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We also discovered last fall that Lance was having some issues with vision. He always had 20/20 vision as a kid, so for the first time last fall, he joined the 4eyes club with his siblings.. and his parents. My dad should have been an optometrist. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyway, the glasses have helped tremendously and he continues to do vision therapy at home to help the eyes work better together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was wear your teams colors at church one Sunday, as you can see we are a House Divided. And Brock is photoshopped in... with no team colors on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In October, we got tickets a Louisville Football Game. And when I saw "we" I mean, Lance wanted Mary to go rather than me. hmm. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, it was a little chilly. But he met up with a couple of our neighbors, Bryan and Seth Wright. And above on the right is Lance and Mary, drinking their hot chocolate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We continue to take Lance to Kings Daughters Outpatient Therapy 3 times a week. These people have made him so strong. They are all such a huge part of our lives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I feel like I've said for months now that Lance is learning to walk again. He is. There is lots to walking. There is learning balance, and working on posture, strengthening his legs and his core, and stretching his hips. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here he is on the parallel bars, holding on the pole, while Ryan is in the back stretching his left leg and Leslie to the side stretching his left arm. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It takes a whole team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also in October was Halloween. My dad went as a police officer and my brother was the prisoner. He was complete with shackles around his ankles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That pretty much sums up this past fall. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will update on the holidays as soon as I can. and I promise to be better at blogging. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope everyone has a great week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-Chelcee</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-11154036526117226332012-08-08T20:09:00.001-04:002012-08-08T20:09:53.971-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I figured that since Lance has begun to update this own Facebook statuses, he will want to write his own blog soon. And I wanted to get one more post in before that happens. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lance is amazing and improving so much in so many ways. I saw a picture of my family when we were featured in the Ledger back around Thanksgiving, and he was so skinny! Sometimes, I think you can see the most change in him by looking through pictures. So, here ya go! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miracle Meets Miracle</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On December 26th, 2011, one of my very best friends, Trisha, gave birth to this little guy, Gavin Cole Weddington. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was due on April 10th. He weighed 1 pound and 9 ounces. After 3 months in the NICU, he was able to come home. Now, he is over 13 pounds and doing great! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwY9yvc5inbIt1pDdkVZg4qikRomfv9yk5T0Z4Y4F-2AsdBNmKZQfZvPyN_AMmtRpl-D9QO_Iw1zIi9FpnfuD_fhyphenhyphen841Bv6msfXWKWZtHapHXiA5A5DKpgkalV2yzuARqmew-97ELt9Y8/s1600/IMG_6086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwY9yvc5inbIt1pDdkVZg4qikRomfv9yk5T0Z4Y4F-2AsdBNmKZQfZvPyN_AMmtRpl-D9QO_Iw1zIi9FpnfuD_fhyphenhyphen841Bv6msfXWKWZtHapHXiA5A5DKpgkalV2yzuARqmew-97ELt9Y8/s320/IMG_6086.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPn7mpfI0qAFBYrKoh8hRqm99saag4a15aoydPQvr3IwO_smZYUKkuDQe4bMYtPRcnFUqWV_BqHbsBQDw2wTLJq3L7ciFJA21BIis3yZnNBYMUph-9xj5tsD23Ac2IKHSSClbkIaK3ic/s1600/IMG_6476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPn7mpfI0qAFBYrKoh8hRqm99saag4a15aoydPQvr3IwO_smZYUKkuDQe4bMYtPRcnFUqWV_BqHbsBQDw2wTLJq3L7ciFJA21BIis3yZnNBYMUph-9xj5tsD23Ac2IKHSSClbkIaK3ic/s320/IMG_6476.JPG" width="180" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trish and I couldn't wait for Lance and Gavin to meet, so finally in June, Miracle Gavin met Miracle Lance. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier in the summer, Lance and I attended one of Peyton's ballgames. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Some of you know that we purchased a handicap van with a hydraulic lift for Lance's </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wheelchair last year. With his improved strength, he no longer has to ride in the wheelchair and can help us maneuver him into one of our vehicles. Thats Peyton with him in the minivan. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lance loves to take pictures with his sister. :) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the right.. first time in Grandmas pool in 2 years.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The water was warm, my mother nearly had a stroke and my dad was out of town. Thats the only time we get to do anything fun. ;) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lance got two new rides this summer. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The minivan was a little high for him to get in and out of, so he got a Ford Flex. Its awesome. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the right is him in his new wheelchair, we hope we aren't in that thing too much longer... and there is Peyton again, one of Lance's best friends. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lance with one of his other best friends, Grant on the back deck</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dad recently put the stationary bike out in the garage, to see if Lance could do any good with it. The first mile was a little rough with trying to keep his feet on the pedals, but the second mile he did without any help from us. Since then he has been pedaling away, increasing the intensity and pushing himself. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see, there is a small picture of Coach Calipari on a license plate on that wall. That is of course, Lance's motivation. ha! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hanging out with his great friend, Mary at Orange Leaf. :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lance finally got a haircut! Courtesy of Amanda Grayson Switzer at J. Curtis Salon. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whitney and sweet baby Tate often come to visits when Lance is staying with mom. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think that most of Lance's personality is the same. One things that has changed is his thoughts on babies, he is no longer afraid of them. </span></div>
</div>Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-72886560440151789712012-06-19T01:43:00.000-04:002012-06-19T01:43:08.864-04:00Two Blinks = One MonthMuch has happened since last report.....so much that I will have to summarize due to memory issues and for the sake of brevity. The weekend (18th to 20th) was good and Lance and I enjoyed more good food (mostly Mexican restaurants per his request). Saturday was spent in Piedmont Park; Sunday worship at Buckhead Church. Mom and Gena headed toward Kentucky for a few days. Brock and Jill arrived on Sunday; my flight brought me back home Sunday afternoon and work on Monday morning. Monday turned out to be quite the long day as we had scheduled a trip to Lexington to see the Legends play. This was a Vanceburg Christian Church outing and we were able to take the grandkids (and great-grandma Helen). They are all anxious to see Lance.<br />
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On Wednesday (23rd) Gena, Shauna, Maddie, and Peyton traveled to Atlanta. Brock and Jill headed north after Lance's therapy was completed for the day. The first evening was trying as the starter went bad on Lance's van; it messed up their dinner plans with Lance but we felt fortunate that it happened then instead of on the way home during Memorial weekend. God seems to keep us in His watchcare. I flew back to Atlanta on Thursday night; Shauna and kids headed back to KY while we kept busy closing out Lance's 3 month stay at Shepherd. On Friday morning he had his last therapy sessions there; then he, Gena, and I headed out of Atlanta on a hot Friday afternoon to begin the Memorial Day weekend. We drove to Knoxville, then stopped for the night. Early Saturday morning we traveled the last leg of the journey and Lance saw the Bluegrass state for the first time since the day the tornadoes raged through on March 2nd. We were joined by Lance's cousin and my niece, Shelby Sparks, as she had returned from a weekend of working with homeless in DC as part of her education experience at Maryville College (Maryville, Tenn).<br />
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We arrived about 2 PM on May 26th and planned a quiet, restful weekend with return to work on Tuesday. We started getting calls of urgency about 7:30 PM due to Larry and Shauna's house being vandalized as fire crews and police rushed to the scene. So much for rest.........that is the way it seems to have been ever since. The Spencer's are doing amazingly well and I admire their calmness during calamity as they are forced from their home during a lengthy repair period.<br />
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Lance was upset by these occurrences but has enjoyed being home, sitting on the deck, visiting with friends and family, and home cooking. He travels to Ashland for therapy 3 days per week. He enjoyed immensely a weekend visit from Mary Rohrer. He gets to see Chelcee frequently and gets excited each time Brock (and Sarah) come over from Morehead. The grandkids enjoy coming to house for overnight visits but prefer it to be nights when Lance is here instead of staying at his mom's. Last week Maddie, Peyton, Noah, Grant, and Lance launched water balloons in front driveway - even taking aim at the Vice's as they drove by. Later Lance took a few swings (and made contact three times) in a wiffel ball game as Mylie Vice and Seth Wright joined the fun. <br />
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He continues to love attending church as now we can be at Vancburg Christian regularly. Yesterday was our first Father's Day since dad (John F.) passed. We keep trying to let our wonderful memories wash away feelings of loss. This has large impact on Lance - we stop at cemetery and ponder dad's (grandpa's) life and influence on us often.<br />
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When nothing else is planned, Lance is honing his channel surfing skills. Each day is busy; lots of therapy we do daily so that he can continue developing skills. This has been a challenging three months but brought many benefits to Lance. We gratefully thank-you for all the prayers and we worship the God of the universe and trust Him as the Healer of all pain as we continue this path.<br />
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-John<br />
<br />Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-37375629348157126042012-05-18T13:19:00.001-04:002012-05-18T13:19:51.239-04:00The airport seems to be the only venue where I have time to sit down and blog. I'm heading back to Atlanta for weekend with Lance so I'll try to provide catch-up info.<br />
Early on Friday of my last weekend there, Lance and I went out into the early morning rain (and traffic). We made ouy way to the World Congress Center where Chick-fil-le' was staging its annual Leadership conference. We were privileged to attend a session with Andy Stanley followed by Urban Meyer. Myer then introduced the "greatest college football player of all time", Tim Tebow. Tebow & Meyer sat down with Soledad O'Brien in an interview format which offered Tebow opportunity to share his mission and his testimony. His faith in God is amazing and his comfort and courage in sharing God's love is refreshing and inspiring.<br />
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The afternoon was spent in therapy, then we ate at Atlanta popular spot The Varsity. Afterward we viewed the sites from the sidewalks of Georgia Tech and Midtown Atlanta. We both crashed eaarly after a long day. Saturday morning was relaxed and then we met up with our friends the Hyatts (Todd, Megan, & Parker) and their missionary friend from Benin, Michel. Lance selected a Persian menu for evening meal; Sofus was short walk from the apartment, the food was great and Lance enjoyed immensely. He seems so happy, so confident; I'm thankful that the Holy Spirit provides him with comfort and peace that is needed in order to be patient on this long rehabilitation process.<br />
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I returned to Kentucky on Sunday; mom and Gena had arrived on Saturday evening. The time with Lance had gone quickly as we stayed so busy; this visit lasted 72 hours, much better than the 30 hour block I had the previous visit.<br />
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This past Tuesday Lance was able to resume wearing regular shoes during awake hours. It marked six weeks since his tendon release surgery and results seem good. He will continue with weight bearing, building strength, and working at making his feet/legs take steps. All therapies continue going well and his right arm dexterity continues to improve. The left arm is lagging behind but we will continue to hope for healing and improvement. <br />
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There are some concerns at this time that will be evaluated in coming days. He is taking antibiotics for a possible bladder/kidney infection, but no ddefinitive diagnosis yet and little improvement in his discomfort. He also had a MRI yesterday to evaluate swelling in his back. It seems that there may be some leakage from insertion point of Baclophen medication. Dr Frankel will be addressing this hoefully this week. <br />
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Keep praying for Lance....and all of us. Our time at Shepherd will be over soon...then we will be able to get back to activities like sitting on the back deck and watching the river flow.<br />
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-JohnLance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-54171330516672562532012-05-03T06:39:00.002-04:002012-05-03T06:39:41.128-04:00Southbound and DownThe weekend to Atlanta was fun but short. I stayed all night near Atlanta airport, then took Marta toward Lance. The last 2.4 miles were tough as I chose to walk on a warm morning, carrying a heavy laptop bag and pulling a suitcase - that is, until one of the wheels broke. Thank goodness I was one mile away when that happened. As I walked I felt the adrenaline rush giving me energy as each step took me toward him. Jill and Sue Jane headed toward Kentucky after my arrival.<br />
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Lance and I crammed all we could into my 30 hour visit. We ate dinner at an eclectic restaurant called J. Thomas where Lance ordered a mango salad and a chicken wrap. Ths was about a mile walk from the Shepherd campus; the day was so beautiful and we had spent most of afternoon outside. On Sunday morning we attended Buckhead Church, where we were joined by mom(Granny Marlene) and Gena as they arrived in town simultaneous with beginning of worship.<br />
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Lance was counting down days until casts were removed from ankles/lower legs. They were taken off April 24 and now he is wearing boots all day and bi-valves during sleep to sustain the surgical correction. He is taking some steps, riding a nubike, and participating in 3 hours of therapy daily. The baclophen pump dosage is being increased gradually.<br />
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Ben and Chelcee made a Smokey and the Bandit trip during weekend of April 27-29. These are tiring trips that take much from you (and for me require several days for recovery). They had a great time and were able to observe his progress since being in Atlanta. Jill and Grandma Betty arrived on Sunday, the 29th and have escorted him since - to therapy visits and recreational visits to Underground Atlanta and a Civil War museum.<br />
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I'm waiting on 7 AM flight, back in airport in Cincy. It's been 11 long days since I saw him ; I'm looking forward to this visit which will last at least 72 hours. His voice sounded strong on the phone the last couple of days, especially when he talked to Grant on Wednesday night. I am so grateful for opportunity to see him today and that the office staff is taking care of our patients with Dr. Emily Hughes coordinating efforts. I'm thankful Lance has had this chance for wonderful care in a special place with talented people. I continue to appreciate every prayer offered for Lance; God is good and he is listeniing and I know He will deliver Lance through this battle. I continue to be encouraged as I encounter people daily who lift me up in life and my part in this challenge. I am impressed with kindness, especially when it comes from folks who have known tragedy in their lives....such as injury to, or even loss of a child. Thank you to all who have helped me through this valley.<br />
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-JohnLance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-45089571914108319472012-04-20T19:33:00.000-04:002012-04-20T19:33:34.081-04:00Traveling to Atlanta on a Friday NightLance completed the hospital portion of his stay in the Shepherd Center on April 11th. We said good-byes to the wonderful staff of nurses, therapists, Lance's great physician Dr. Elmers and PA Maria, as well as all other auxillary staff, and moved to another building on the Shepherd campus,the Woodruff Building. This facility has furnished apartments where families can reside with their loved ones as he/she participates in out-patient therapy. On the day of the move we enjoyed the beautiful spring day and made a test run to Shepherd Pathways, the out-patient facility located nine miles from Woodruff. On the outing we found the Green Ginger where Lance, Gena, and I enjoyed some tasty Asian cuisine.<br />
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The Baclofen pump seems to be the right treatment and Lance has adjusted well. It has helped with muscle tone and has allowed decrease in oral medicines he had been taking for months. The surgery on his Achilles tendons(bilateral) caused some days of discomfort but that is behind us now. He still has casts that extend from his toes to top of shin. Next Tuesday these will be converted to bi-valves which he will wear while sleeping. During daytime hours he will wear a walking boot for 3-4 weeks. Then he will go to regular shoes. That is good news because he is taking his first steps. Today Jill reports a walk of about 60 feet on a therapy appliance. He is working very hard to get nerves and muscles working again. The left hip which was fractured is stiff and compromised but the marathon man keeps pushing to become mobile.<br />
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He continues to enjoy laughing and interacting with others. Now that we are out of hospital we have opportunity to try out restaurants in the area; he enjoys that as well. When his mom and Sue Jane Bane arrived last Saturday, they unloaded groceries that would have fed 6 people for 3 weeks....instead of 3 people for 1 week. I'm sure Lance has enjoyed every bite. A man who received all nourishment through a tube, which went directly into his GI system, for 10 months deserves to enjoy some of the dishes he watched being prepared on the Food Channel cooking shows.<br />
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I'm blogging from Cinn. airport, waiting on 7:45 to Chicago, then late arrival in Atlanta. I will get to spend Saturday and Sunday with him. I can't believe it has only been 6 days since I saw him; yet it seems like forever. I'm having to work more these days due to some changes that have occurred at the office. I continue to be very grateful......... that Lance can receive this great opportunity through the Shepherd Center, that the staff and the patients at the office understand and make adjustments that allow me to have time with him, and for each prayer that God hears for Lance and his family as we move through this chapter of life.<br />
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-JohnLance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-69303761125791542322012-03-28T23:49:00.002-04:002012-03-29T01:22:19.186-04:00Good News / Bad NewsWell it's been a long time since I provided update. My last blog was a few days before dad passed - several times, since Lance was injured, I have pondered just how much of a man's heart beats for his children. I'm so glad that I had the chance to better understand dad's love for me during the last year of his life. I would never have felt the degree of compassion, or been able to appreciate John F. so much, had I not experienced the "great sadness" that wanted to become my constant companion. (great sadness-reference from The Shack)<br />
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Today, March 28th, marks 16 months since Lance was injured. I always deal with an unwarranted amount of emotion when the 28th of each month comes up on the calendar. Today seems different; it is so busy and Lance has had three successive days of fun developments. In fact he has had three and a half weeks of excitement since arriving at the Shepherd Center. In the first three hours after his admission so much happened. Dr. Elmers and her team were busy listening and sharing ideas; their knowledge of him was astounding due to the excellent reports they had received from his outpatient therapists as well as Cardinal Hill. Gena and I later compared notes on our feelings; she experienced alot of emotions just walking down familiar hallways and remembering Lance's status when we were here a year ago. I did not have those flashbacks until I started bumping into staff members who had provided care for Lance with so much affection.............provided support for us, his family, when we were so fragile. To each of them I will be forever grateful......................... Each of us have the chance to help others along their journey; while you cannot always be ready to jump in and help.....keep your eyes wide open as there are so many people fighting hard battles.<br />
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I promised myself I would be brief, so I will just hit the highlights. Gena and I enjoyed the first week with him in Atlanta as our wonderful team provided assessments and began giving input and put together a plan of action for Lance. We had fun times as he started laughing more often when funny things happened. Still the travel had been tiring and now he had to quickly get accustomed to a new group of people, new schedules, and new surroundings. The trip itself would have caused anyone to become disconcerted; Lance slept in four different beds on four consecutive days during the transition. Friday - Vanceburg, Saturday - Knoxville, Sunday - Atlanta but not the hospital until Monday. We were able to help him begin his birthday celebration. Other birthday visitors were the Dunaways-Chris, Deah, Noah, and Lance's buddy Grant.<br />
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Jill and Grandma Betty were with him during week two. This week was challenging with Lance having a Baclofen pump surgically placed by Dr.Frankel on Thursday. This allows medicine that helps to control muscle tone to be delivered, site specific to where it is needed, in his spinal cord. This, as well as all other coordinated efforts, are precursors to him being able to walk. In order to avoid post-operative problems he had to stay in bed, relatively flat, for 48 hours after surgery. All has gone well and we are starting to see benefits. (This will be a long term medical device for Lance; many deal with similar devices such as pain pumps or insulin pumps.) I underestimated the recovery time but he now seems to have that behind him.<br />
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Sue Jane Bane and Brock were with him a couple of days while he still didn't feel well, early in week three. Gena finished out the third week; Friday was a troubling day as Lance had a light seizure soon after wake-up. She was in room helping him get day started when the episode occurred. The rest of the day and the weekend was spent closely monitoring him. There were some immediate medicine adjustments; some meds, typically used for patients like Lance, have seizure risks. No other similar occurences have been observed since then.<br />
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Chelcee and I arrived for week four and have enjoyed our time with him. By Monday it seemed that he was much stronger and there was a new difference. He was laughing at TV shows, at me, even at himself. The laughter doesn't have the volume that you who know him would miss. However, the laughter is spontaneous......and there is a twinkle in his eye that is beautifully familiar. I've missed so much for so long........this has been a wonderful blessing. Much re-training is occurring. He seems to embrace learning, just as he always has. His attitude is outstanding as it has been through the journey. Next week he is going to have surgery on his Achilles tendons; they were stretched during the months in which he was in a coma - to a point where walking, running, bicycling in a normal way would be impossible. He understands and is willing to go through yet another tough procedure / recovery to obtain the best possible outcome. I'm thankful to be in such a place of hope, a place where big dreams are dreamed and realized.....by avoiding low expectations.<br />
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His determination seems to be coming from inside him and not only from those who surround him. Pictures will display casts that are being used on left arm and leg for muscle extension. These are treatment techniques that he has experienced before but now with new goals. He advocates ardently for the Louisville Cardinals with anyone who brings up the Final Four. Visitors during the Cards-Gators game on Saturday included Mike and Jenny Ginn, Chuck Perry, and the Hyatts-Todd, Megan, and Parker. He attended the Atlanta Hawks vs. Utah Jazz game Sunday night thanks to Fleming Countian and fellow Uof L alum Derrick Crump, who works for the Hawks.<br />
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Dad and I always enjoyed good news/bad news jokes. So did Lance and I. On Monday afternoon Lance and I were sitting outside on a 75 degree Atlanta spring afternoon. I had carried out the plastic dish with the last three oatmeal cookies that mom had sent with us. I gave him one and kept one for myself. A few minutes later I opened the top and held it so Lance could look inside at the sole remaining cookie. I said there's good news and bad news. The good news is there is a cookie left; the bad news is...". He interrupted saying, "and it's for you."<br />
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Today we called to tell Gena about the upcoming surgery; I wanted to use the good/bad idea again so Lance could tell her in a fun way that it was going to involve not just one, but both ankles. I started, "Tell Gena the good news about when the surgery is scheduled." Lance said, "Next Thursday." I followed, "And the bad news is.........". Lance finished, "......and it's on me!" It was so fun that he improvised, away from the script, and said something that was much more humorous. <br />
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Last night he told me something that was bad news and good news, but not a joke. Chelcee and I had just finished helping him with a shower - no small task for a man with two casts. I looked at him and observed a grimace on his face as he shifted to get comfortable on his pillow. I asked, "What's the matter Lance?" His reply, "My neck is hurting." was the greatest complaint these ears have ever heard. Sorry as I was to hear him describe pain, I had just witnessed a complete sentence spoken spontaneously - his first. To some this will sound too simple to dwell on.......until you ponder all that has to happen for this God given communication system to work in our brains, our bodies. Let's pause a moment and give God praise for many things that we can so easily take for granted.<br />
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As we move toward Palm Sunday - Holy Week - Easter, let's pause for longer periods and ponder BIG things that God has done for you, for me. You think God seems far-away, elusive? Start obeying what God is telling your inner self to do..............God will be much closer than you thought. <br />
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-JohnLance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-90968898387400366492012-03-16T11:48:00.001-04:002012-03-16T11:51:29.637-04:0003.16.12<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is going to be a quick one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The following link is to email Lance:</span><br />
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<a __untrusted="true" href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shepherd.org%2Fabout%2Fhow-to-reach-a-patient&h=HAQEc0TrMAQGXWtGmUevbF1--LNzQ_66U99dEaz_n4ONy2A" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.shepherd.org/about/</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>how-to-reach-a-patient</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Also, I wanted to show everyone this picture of Lance, on his birthday. The girl with him is Jennifer. She's amazing. I took a picture of her and Lance last year when he was at Shepherd. And one day, if its ok with Lance I will post it. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobZGYpvFLB_jhGJ5jIW5YUZ56dnNhB5M_RsFvvCBbHKH77SpLobm7_U0azvFRomABeGfM8CHBemPQnpWHhbRgYNuyY04S-JcRU51SKL3mZYXccjvDbxV9dARS-4_hyv8k1j1Xy86ysCY/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobZGYpvFLB_jhGJ5jIW5YUZ56dnNhB5M_RsFvvCBbHKH77SpLobm7_U0azvFRomABeGfM8CHBemPQnpWHhbRgYNuyY04S-JcRU51SKL3mZYXccjvDbxV9dARS-4_hyv8k1j1Xy86ysCY/s400/photo.PNG" width="266" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Lance had a minor surgery yesterday. They inserted a baclofen pump. This will help with the muscle tone is his left arm and leg. They predict that he will be to take some steps once the medicine starts working! As a result of the surgery, he has to lay flat for 36 hours. However, he is dealing with it like a champ. Therapy has been working him really hard the last 10 days. Mom is hanging out with him now, Brock will be going down over the weekend. and I am going 7 days!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">That's all I've got for now. I'm in between lab and a quiz. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">God is good. </span>Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-34005018585480581312012-03-07T21:39:00.000-05:002012-03-07T21:39:05.621-05:00march madnessMarch is always a little hectic in my life. Lots of basketball and almost everyone in my family celebrates a birthday. Its a good time.<br />
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This March is no different.<br />
Mom had a birthday last Thursday. My dad is celebrating his today. Brock will be 23 tomorrow, along with Peyton turning 9. Lance will be 26 on Friday. My Aunt Christa celebrates on Saturday and Shauna at the end of this month. Its crazy. I'm usually out of money by the end of March and definitely sick of birthday cake. (Notice that I didn't include ages of those who are older than me :))<br />
Our cousin, Bopper Stenzel was voted 10th region Player of the Year. He plays for George Rogers Clark, and they will be playing in the state tournament next week. GO CARDS!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRofAu7DK15n87YnmZLqPOFt0Itd2oHtiYsBQg2GXmN0Kpil42Xg7IYJq4_RLZ6YpmD2EP8TEIpRapXMuOI4wPMfAEEtIniMgYG48tTteUu6fGP0WijoX_4Z9uOkGaB0JgZmGcRWE51Y/s1600/IMG_4145.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRofAu7DK15n87YnmZLqPOFt0Itd2oHtiYsBQg2GXmN0Kpil42Xg7IYJq4_RLZ6YpmD2EP8TEIpRapXMuOI4wPMfAEEtIniMgYG48tTteUu6fGP0WijoX_4Z9uOkGaB0JgZmGcRWE51Y/s320/IMG_4145.PNG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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For those of you reading, who aren't in Kentucky, the weather is crazy!<br />
Last Friday, tornados ripped through our state and demolished several small towns. I was in a hallway for 2 hours during a tornado warning while at school. My good friend Kayla lost her car and her parents home in Frenchburg. Counties south of Morehead, which is where I work, were leveled. Unfortunately, not only were homes and business destroyed, but lives were lost. <br />
On Monday, we had snow - 6 inches in some places. This was taken in Morgan Co, by my good friend, Brandon Beasley.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRIUvPSheSPLSu2JGj6qLpFrGINZKsesKW4bZft_RteXvsGIp8B8CHn51lsHO5KigXpJOEqtDhXvZ2FFzer_UbJTReA_iiY4SlHM7ncnr91t6cqe3k5cNtsdiZ7WZttBpYzxKNkMjqEI/s1600/IMG_4124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRIUvPSheSPLSu2JGj6qLpFrGINZKsesKW4bZft_RteXvsGIp8B8CHn51lsHO5KigXpJOEqtDhXvZ2FFzer_UbJTReA_iiY4SlHM7ncnr91t6cqe3k5cNtsdiZ7WZttBpYzxKNkMjqEI/s320/IMG_4124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Please keep the people of Morgan and Magoffin County in your thoughts and prayers. </div><br />
Today, its 70 degrees. Crazy.<br />
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ok, lets see, what else is happening. Oh yeah, Lance is back in Atlanta!<br />
Yay! we are pretty excited. He headed out on Saturday, spent the night in Knoxville, and got to meet our cousin, Shelby for breakfast on Sunday morning at Cracker Barrel.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuSGa1vViIpmHvT5svmW7Az24QwMXB1DOXRnHHEMC3xKE7wWgERFjNdxrPk94qs4cjj2Fi5zRCPaqf-hdEP9cEopRxPqWvy5S8EQgFiEtReVoeGoAXr4wT0dF1t1a_xv1qNvoVRU5W04/s1600/IMG_4113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuSGa1vViIpmHvT5svmW7Az24QwMXB1DOXRnHHEMC3xKE7wWgERFjNdxrPk94qs4cjj2Fi5zRCPaqf-hdEP9cEopRxPqWvy5S8EQgFiEtReVoeGoAXr4wT0dF1t1a_xv1qNvoVRU5W04/s320/IMG_4113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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On Monday morning, he began the grueling admission process. Several nurses and therapists that he had over a year ago came in to see him. And of course, they were thoroughly impressed with his progress. His new doctor immediately began assessing and tweaking his medications. The therapist team evaluated to see what to try next on the left leg. Its improved greatly in the past couple months. But still needs work. They have decided to try an intrathecal baclofen pump to treat the spasticity. As always, we are completely amazed with The Shepherd Center, the hope that you feel as soon as you walk in the door, and the intensity of the program itself.<br />
When Lance was discharged from this facility last year, it was with the intent to come back as soon as he was ready. Even though we see huge improvements in Lance's progress, its still surreal that he has advanced out of his 'comatose' state and is now ready to try whatever they throw at him.<br />
It a humbling experience to be a part of.<br />
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Here is a picture of myself and my handsome brothers on Saturday, before he left for Georgia.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweGYcq1XKeIFRC-b41nwOPlMpHY-3HwXCu9j3qBM-RTiM1bA-HLqbObcUbsn8OCwq4u4lOK21mFUnjg95Tcf9TzYVnU11VJQ7HnbYjacG9dIREhtFskM8sbQ6vV_0ioHjwgImm4dR4M8/s1600/IMG_4073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweGYcq1XKeIFRC-b41nwOPlMpHY-3HwXCu9j3qBM-RTiM1bA-HLqbObcUbsn8OCwq4u4lOK21mFUnjg95Tcf9TzYVnU11VJQ7HnbYjacG9dIREhtFskM8sbQ6vV_0ioHjwgImm4dR4M8/s320/IMG_4073.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-24677145931369215362012-02-07T00:11:00.001-05:002012-02-07T00:12:40.583-05:00prayers for strength, healing, and peace.Sorry, folks, this one isn't so much about Lance.<br />
He is still doing great, and he is still in Kentucky. We are playing the game of waiting on a bed and insurance approval at the same time. Last week in therapy, he was able to go from a sitting position to standing, while only holding on to the parallel bars, 10 times. So, yep he is getting stronger all the time.<br />
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Because many friends, family, and even strangers read this blog, I'm asking you to say some prayers for some friends of mine.<br />
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My friend's daughter, Autumn will be having surgery tomorrow (Feb 7th) at Cincinnati Children's. Its going to be a complicated procedure. Comfort is needed for her sweet momma and the rest of her family.<br />
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A lady that use to work at the hospital with me, lost her daughter over the weekend. Another one of my very good friends is living a nightmare that I was so close to living myself, 14 months ago. She lost her brother in a car accident yesterday.<br />
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These three ladies, who I adore are facing scary times this week. So, as you go about your busy life and take a minute to scan this blog, please say a prayer for each of them.<br />
Also, count your blessings and hold them tight.<br />
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Thank ya<br />
-ChelceeLance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-74556059345411883002012-01-29T17:55:00.001-05:002012-01-29T18:00:35.565-05:00Shepherd? Sure!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On February 17th, Lance traveled from the Shepherd Center in Atlanta to dad's house in Vanceburg. That was almost a year ago. His doctors, nurses and therapists didn't say goodbye when he left, they said we will see you later. They all had high hopes and expectations, as did we, that Lance would continue to make huge strides in physical and cognitive development. And would someday be able to go back to the Shepherd Center for an intense therapy program. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Throughout this past year Lance has been to Cardinal Hill, in-patient and outpatient, receiving therapy. As well as, Kings Daughters Outpatient Center. They have all been excellent in helping Lance work to regain strength in every aspect. Lance's normal week involves him being on the road for more than 13 hours just to travel to and from therapy sessions, so it was time to look into a program where he wouldn't have to travel but could still get the hard work-out that we know he needs, and wants. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, insurance and bed availability pending... Lance is on his way back to the Shepherd Center!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are so excited to see the nurses and therapists that helped Lance and us make it through those first very critical weeks of rehabilitation. We don't have the specifics yet, still many things to work out, but chances are he will be heading south within the next 2 weeks. As soon as we know the details, we will let everyone know. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hopefully, Atlanta offers some warmer weather, or at least some more consistent weather :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-Chelcee</span>Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-69073757934395132932012-01-03T23:08:00.003-05:002012-01-08T19:00:09.773-05:00Happy 2012!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been a little over a year since we started blogging. For a long time, we didn't upload pictures. We shared stories, some probably made you laugh, some made you cry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">However, a picture is worth a thousand words and as most of you know, my busy schedule has doubled this month, so here ya go:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoykpC_2WWHYfn7XZ1_7YkUH3tKG3j7GhHLzDaa1OsdI0iLxL70eTLCohaI1b2SuAftJ82fY3VVWQIdFToVCvnhYH8PIeV_8tjG6lIQB5ioqJB5eB8NRL8kbPLse-LxLNjkKtyfn-ude8/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoykpC_2WWHYfn7XZ1_7YkUH3tKG3j7GhHLzDaa1OsdI0iLxL70eTLCohaI1b2SuAftJ82fY3VVWQIdFToVCvnhYH8PIeV_8tjG6lIQB5ioqJB5eB8NRL8kbPLse-LxLNjkKtyfn-ude8/s400/IMG_3400.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My dad and Lance have been boxing each other. This helps Lance work on his arm extension as well as his aim, as he moves his fist towards my dad's face. or mine. Perhaps not the best form of therapy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sarah, Brock's girlfriend, got Lance a pair of boxing gloves for Christmas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">great fun :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For as long as I can remember, Lance has been involved in the music for the Christmas church service. This year he wasn't playing, but he sang in the choir. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lance goes to Ashland and Lexington every week. He is in the wheelchair and strapped in seven different ways inside the van. Back in the fall, my dad took him for a ride in the convertible. His second ride was in my car on Christmas day from mom's house to dad's house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He is determined. He is so very strong. Here he's standing, balancing himself by holding on to the parallel bar and stretching, just like Ami and Susan tell him to. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leslie was really sad she missed work this day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy 2012 Everyone! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Miracles Happen! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">every. single. day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-21851359411838914342011-12-12T16:45:00.000-05:002011-12-12T16:45:05.297-05:00Our Papaw, John Fleming, is in his new home.<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">M</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ost</span> of you know, our papaw John passed away this past Saturday and as my Aunt Christa said, he is in his new home, moved in at 7:36 with a clean bill of health and a brand new body. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We will miss him greatly. </span></em><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfq7IwqX5seYA_pegwIXG5TOK29xqy5Ayjdg2UgUhGOAVnodn_KdMyUvRRGIgqB8iyfyActSfpaSH2XJyDn75v3vKj6M-4hJ4NDUAESdlgrai5pNTc_v2v5B2sjS6EG0DlxCsE3YoVDtw/s1600/school+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfq7IwqX5seYA_pegwIXG5TOK29xqy5Ayjdg2UgUhGOAVnodn_KdMyUvRRGIgqB8iyfyActSfpaSH2XJyDn75v3vKj6M-4hJ4NDUAESdlgrai5pNTc_v2v5B2sjS6EG0DlxCsE3YoVDtw/s200/school+picture.jpg" width="137" /></a>John Fleming O'Cull moved on to his eternal reward on Dec. 10, 2011, surrounded by family, which he cherished.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">He is survived by his wife Lois Marlene (White) O'Cull; they were married July 16, 1952. They have three children: John D. O'Cull (wife-Eugena) of Vanceburg, Christa Beth Little of Tollesboro, and Kimberly Sparks of Maysville. They have been actively involved in the lives of their six grandchildren: Chelcee, Lance, and Brock O'Cull and Bethany, Shelby, and Lucas Sparks. Step-grandchildren are Shauna (Larry) Spencer and Deah (Chris) Dunaway. Great-grandchildren include Maddie and Peyton Spencer, and Noah and Grant Dunaway.</div>His final breath, in this life, occurred in the Tollesboro home he and Marlene had occupied since Christmas 1953. This was also the home of his childhood - having been reared there by grandparents Leander and Matilda Applegate Trumbo, as well as his father, Charles Barnes O'Cull. This history unfolded because John's mother, Elizabeth Trumbo O'Cull, died three weeks following his birth on Dec. 27, 1928. Charlie Barnes remarried Virginia McCarrihan. She then was step-mother to John, and later grandmother to John and Marlene's children.<br />
After graduating Tollesboro High School, O'Cull continued his education at Morehead Teachers College/Morehead State University where he received his Bachelors and Masters Degree, then a Rank I and Principal Certification. His 42-year career, in the Lewis County Schools included teaching math at Tollesboro High School, then serving as principal of Garrison Elementary (10 years), Lewis County Central (seven years), Tollesboro High (two years), and Tollesboro Elementary (nine years).<br />
John served as elder in the Plumville Church of Christ where he and Marlene have been members since 1998. Previously, he had served in leadership at Tollesboro Christian Church. Additionally, he was a 60-year Mason and was a member of the Tollesboro St. Mary's Lodge No. 240.<br />
Marlene and the rest of the family wish to celebrate John's life, his commitment to God, and his loving kindness during a visitation to be held in the Tollesboro Christian Church on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 5-8 p.m.<br />
Services will be the following day at 11 a.m., also at Tollesboro Christian; visitation also Wednesday from 8 a.m. until time of service.<br />
Interment will follow in Lewis County Memory Gardens.<br />
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Lance O'Cull Trust, Bank of Maysville, 20 West Second Street, Maysville, 41056.<br />
Barbour and Son Funeral Home is assisting the family.<br />
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Read more: <a href="http://maysville-online.com/news/local/obituaries/article_ea2b609e-c728-57ca-acf4-03859bc19b14.html#ixzz1gMJI31hx" style="color: #003399;">http://maysville-online.com/news/local/obituaries/article_ea2b609e-c728-57ca-acf4-03859bc19b14.html#ixzz1gMJI31hx</a></div>Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-42069923272641985272011-12-07T01:37:00.008-05:002011-12-08T11:56:56.087-05:00Peace....and Strength<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2011 Thanksgiving weekend was much different than 2010; I guess we are changed forever as people and events affect change around and in us. This year, as the weekend ticked by, I could recall most every hour from Thanksgiving last. There were similarities as well as stark contrasts. Thanksgiving Day included a visit to my mom and dad's in Tollesboro. Dad is in a battle with colon cancer that has been diagnosed about 3 months. I have wondered what role the stress that we have endured in the past year has played in dad's disease process. Lance made this trip; when dad and Lance are together it is interesting to watch. These two men are much alike in many ways - both are well read and can recall/discuss materials that were reviewed at anytime in their respective pasts. Both have mathematical minds and love a wide variety of music genres. Both can make a dollar go farther than the rest of us could imagine. When Brock is in the room, the three most important men in my life are assembled. On that day as dad and Lance held hands and gazed into the other's face, I realized that two of the three main men in my life are down. "Dear Lord, I pray for Your strength."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On Black Friday we had nearly 30 gathered at our house for Thanksgiving dinner. It was fun, but different than 2010. Dad didn't feel up to attending, sister Kim stayed with him. Lance is in a wheelchair; last year he ran 7 miles before we sat sown to eat. Things change.....sometimes alot in a year....sometimes alot in a second. During this weekend two of my wonderful boyhood and lifetime friends are hospitalized - Mike Ginn and Bill Barbour. "God, please send me Your peace." I need something that passes understanding cause I cannot figure it all out.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On Saturday and Sunday, I spent lots of time with Lance and enjoyed every minute. The weekend counted down the same as when I drive the road between Vanceburg and Morehead - as the miles click by my heart pounds, as Poe described in the Pit and the Pendulum. As I got closer and closer to the Sunday evening anniversary of the crash, I figured others could hear the violent pounding in my chest. I did have one total meltdown on Friday night; it was a time much like old times, with lots of people in the house staying over. Grandkids were watching movies - Maddie, Noah, and Peyton with Gena and Chelcee - Grant with Brock and Sarah, Lance was asleep. I crashed in bed for an hour and a half - laying on a tear-soaked pillow, knowing what blessings and heartbreak really mean. "Thank you Lord for teaching me so much in the past year - thanks for putting around me people filled with Your love, Your compassion."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Monday, the 28th; this is the actual anniversary of Lance's second life. On this day I accompany dad for medical consultations in Lexington; it is a long, dark, rainy day and the reports are as dismal as the weather. Since this day Kim, Luke, Shelby, Christa, Chelcee, Mary, and I have taken turns staying the night with mom and dad. "Please Lord, Keep reminding me to 'Fear not!'"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAh66YjzFuB1zo2gTPcTRjZmsNm_L8hNmhrCoCjqMs69szWElnHr0pV944YJ4G5OSbaYvL5-rl5MI3h1psMCBjKuddcvxn4RnGH6QzgXTUxYBwcWixBkONrUVNDRpLCH_5H5Tp66Jj3Y/s1600/lance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAh66YjzFuB1zo2gTPcTRjZmsNm_L8hNmhrCoCjqMs69szWElnHr0pV944YJ4G5OSbaYvL5-rl5MI3h1psMCBjKuddcvxn4RnGH6QzgXTUxYBwcWixBkONrUVNDRpLCH_5H5Tp66Jj3Y/s320/lance.jpg" width="240px" /></a>On November 29 Lance made his regular pilgramage to Lexington for Lokomat walking therapy. That night he sat at the kitchen table and ate chili and a grilled cheese sandwich while seated in a regular chair. This was a first time accomplishment and a huge feat. For me.......I recall 11-29-10 as I watched his broken and swollen body in a hospital bed. There was so much equipment I could not even be close to him. The respirator was inflating his lungs as we, full of fear, watched monitor readings: intercranial pressure, heart rate, blood pressure, so much more that I did not understand.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The following Saturday, Lance had his longest day since the crash. During the morning hours we listened to LCHS Jazz Band play and attended breakfast with Santa. During the afternoon Lance visited with Pappaw John, then returned home for standing therapy and a shower. The evening event was traveling to Morehead to listen to Brock as he and the Celtic Band of the MSU Traditional Music Program performed at hometown holidays. "Thank you Lord for blessings abundant. Thank you for this season which commemorates your great gift to mankind - Jesus Christ. We are forever grateful for the grace He brings....to each of us who accept the gift."</div></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Daniel 10:19 "The angel said, "O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!" The angel, the voice of God is still saying that to me........and to you.</div><br />
-JohnLance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-66740694540045534252011-11-27T00:18:00.004-05:002011-12-01T12:21:52.402-05:00one year ago...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">One year ago this very second, I was laying my bed trying to go to sleep. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">My dad was leading worship at Vanceburg Christian Church, so most Saturday nights he would be on the piano, practicing. Since Lance was home for the Thanksgiving weekend, he was going to play the guitar and accompany dad on stage at church the next morning. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">I can't remember what I had done that day, maybe I had been at work. maybe I had just eaten a lot of turkey. Either way, I </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; text-decoration: none;">was tired and wanted to go to bed early. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">As dad was on the piano, Lance was bouncing around playing his guitar. They were playing and singing Days of Elijah. At the end of the song, it says, 'There is no god like Jehovah" and its repeated about 50 times. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">I remember even after dad quit playing the</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; text-decoration: none;"> piano, Lance was still playing his guitar right outside my door and quietly singing over and over... there is no god like Jehovah, there is no god like Jehovah, there is no god like Jehovah.... </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">he was probably dancing too, knowing Lance. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; text-decoration: none;">S</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">ome of you might be shedding a tear, because you think thats the last time I heard my brother play the guitar and sing. It wasn't.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">I heard that song again in church the next morning, Lance playing and singing, maybe even with his shoes off... </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">And I've heard him sing those words quite a few times the past couple months. He wasn't standing outside my room, but I was standing outside of his. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: #0023e3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we made the paper! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.maysville-online.com/news/local/article_1d21b449-5281-567c-aef8-834d75e392bc.html" target="_blank">Counting Their Blessings - Ledger Independent</a></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Misty contacted us about doing a followup story. She had written about his early stages of recovery and then when he went to Atlanta, this time she wanted a picture and to interview Lance. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't realize we were going to be on the front page, on Thanksgiving morning! anyway, thanks Misty. :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lance can write. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember when we were at the Shepherd Center with Lance, I would hand him a marker and hold a dry erase board out, praying that he would take off writing me a note, telling me his every thought, in his small cursive script. He would hold the marker. he would even twirl it like he always did while holding a pen. He would sometimes put the marker on the board, but then... nothing. well, nothing I could understand anyway. Brock got him to hold a pen and make some marks on a paper one evening. What we think were the makings of an L. However, since then, not so much luck on the writing front... until 10 days ago. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the Thursday before Thanksgiving, Lance and I were hanging out at the house by ourselves, I usually have a pen stuck in my ponytail, I leaned over to get something off the floor and it fell out on the couch and Lance reached for it. When I handed it to him, he clicked it on, twirled it around, clicked it off. Then, well, I don't know what he did because I ran into the other room, grabbed the small dry erase board, took my pen, handed him a marker and said, write your name. this is what i got:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I screamed, took a picture erased it, and told him to write Brock, then O'Cull, then Chelcee, then Dad, then Mom... it was crazy. I was snapping pictures, texting them to everyone. He didn't need any help spelling, that's for sure. Sometimes he tries to write in cursive. And I think we might need a huge dry erase board, because sometimes his perception on how much room he has is a little off. But nonetheless, it was remarkable! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here are some more:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and this above... is 3.14</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I asked him what pi was, so you know, he told me. I wouldn't expect anything less. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">We have some adaptive tools to help him be able to use the computer. Yesterday morning, I asked him if he wanted to sign in to FaceBook. I put the laptop in front of him and he very carefully hit every letter for his username. Sometimes his fingers will move when he doesn't want them to, so he might have hit some extra keys. But he knew exactly where they were placed on the keyboard. I was impressed. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also... Lance has been cheesing. A lot. All of my life whenever we had family pictures done, I had to hold my smile until Lance and Brock got their act together. They would make funny faces, make sad faces, hide their faces, hide my face, sometimes it would go on for an extended period of time. Not anymore, Lance is the one that's smiling first. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1545454756"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildJqNzj_uDek-wBOpLME3j7pLgVgQ-iX1Y1af0GDXjs6BwW8MW8r8MI-3c9FAJNNRoFFH3Gs6gJJVjKJ8dojEKzqmmoDxQdLWVLzqGNt1rT_c3VPOBQKmznFcCvuQMgEln6pljxQ7vMI/s400/IMG_3090.JPG" width="400" /></a></u></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1545454756">Chelcee, Luke, Lance, Brock, Shelby, Bethany</a></u></span></td></tr>
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</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1545454756"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqFmJ85sWSEwbepEpJCNYypF8vPqoBMFnVvrH1UCLAE5Wfn7qoS6NrHmPz5XXdCP7iH3l1GXk4UDi6atY-TKQmu7PaStRUjEoOEST2hpuFeRXiXyQHdEda4gfshp7EwSWKTLi7P3LnhE/s400/IMG_3098.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1545454756"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Brock, Grandma Betty, Lexi, Chelcee, Lance, Jazz, Ian, Kaylee</span><br />
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<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1545454756"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1545454756"><br />
</a></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: small;">So... its been a year. Its been the longest and shortest year of my life. We have been so busy traveling to and from hospitals, to and from therapy. Busy with work, busy with school. Busy doing whatever will make Lance better. So, yes in a way, its flown by. </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1545454756"><br />
</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, when I think back to a year ago when he was singing and moving his arms and legs freely on the small stage... his voice strong, his hand writing definite, his random texts showing up on my phone, his footsteps quick, and his jumps high, those things seem far away in my past, but not so far away in our future. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1545454696"><br />
</a></u></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><u>-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chelcee<span id="goog_1545454699"></span><span id="goog_1545454700"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1545454698"></span></span></u></span>Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-1022667657382261592011-11-21T22:44:00.001-05:002011-11-21T22:46:04.425-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Hey guys... Lance, Brock and I have a very dear friend, Bekah who will be traveling to Haiti in March of next year. I've talked to Lance quite a bit about this and we've decided to help sponsor her trip. It's an adventure that Lance would be love to be embarking on himself. Please read this beautiful letter, maybe you will find it in your heart to help as well.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ozCwoh5ihTqHeGmj5vkZZORWbO6mKDSfaBxDW-B_2tk3E4TQO4a4WR1krxfNZIvPiKDm_h6HcvwuL8xGgOIXdr9wFEZeWgRhveKS1JwCuDF1ZguVhha-5Ks2wpHIB3U6Y9cty_Po7RQ/s1600/bekah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ozCwoh5ihTqHeGmj5vkZZORWbO6mKDSfaBxDW-B_2tk3E4TQO4a4WR1krxfNZIvPiKDm_h6HcvwuL8xGgOIXdr9wFEZeWgRhveKS1JwCuDF1ZguVhha-5Ks2wpHIB3U6Y9cty_Po7RQ/s320/bekah.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dear Family & Friends & Others Who Find Themselves Reading This Letter:</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God is good. My life is nothing but blessed. From the people I am surrounded by, to the school I attend, to the health that I have, to the material goods that I cherish and use everyday. I absolutely have no need to complain about a thing. And I am not. But there use to be something missing in my life. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Usually when someone says there is something missing in their life, it is God. Or a spouse. Or kids. God...I have. Spouse...I do not want yet. Kids...I do not need yet. This was something deeper. It was purpose. It was passion. I knew God had me where I was for a reason, but the curiosity was killing me, and I was running out of patience in finding what filled this hole in my heart. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But that missing thing in my life...I found it two and half years ago.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I found it on filthy streets filled with trash and animals and disgust. I found it in the eyes of a woman who had no way of feeding her children for the next week until she washed my laundry. I found it sitting in the middle of a orphanage floor with six toddlers playing with my hair and fighting to sit in my lap. I found it in a silent moment holding a blind elderly man's hand while rocking in rocking chairs. I found it standing in a brothel looking around at a group of women who held their children who had lost all hope in their future. I found it in a small church building listening to a city of people praise a mighty God. I found my passion in a nation that has the most beautiful people who understand what it is to have nothing, but yet have everything. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Haiti has a part of my heart. I have no idea why God decided to send me there in June of 2009, but He did, and I will be forever grateful. Those ten summer days has changed my life in every way. My perspective of life...of God...of poverty, is completely different. That trip hit hard. I felt guilty, ashamed, stupid, uneducated, lost, and like a complete failure. How did I not know that people lived like that? Why did I not have faith like these people?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Even though my first trip made me feel absolutely horrible about myself as a human and as a Christian, I had to go back. I was addicted. I had to be around those people. I had to serve them. After the earthquake in January of 2010, the opportunity arose for a group of us to return in March. Again Haiti stole more of my heart and I learned more about myself and my God. After returning once again, I found myself thinking of the country and its people more than I already had before. They had become my friends. I was ready to go back and this past March, I did for the third time.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have been to Haiti three times and I fall deeper in love each time I travel there. God has taught me about joy, service, and hope - three words I hear everyday here in the States, but have never truly experienced until I walked on the soil of Haiti. Those people know what it is to have joy when you have nothing else. They understand that we are called to serve even when you have nothing to offer. And the Haitians have hope when they have no reason to. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here is the point - I love my God. I love Haiti. And I will return to serve His people there as many times as He allows. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In March of 2012, I plan on returning to St. Louis du Nord, Haiti for a fourth time I am so excited to be able to once again see God's work being done in this Fourth World country.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Not only am I traveling along with a group, but this time I am leading the group. Yes, I am super excited about this opportunity to lead 34 people on a trip that will completely change their life, but I am also super nervous. I am beyond humbled and shocked that God is using me to help this group of young people have the opportunity to see what breaks His heart. It is a huge responsibility, however I know God is going to be with me every step of the way. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So the bad part - this trip is going to cost $2,136. Additionally, my trip must be paid off by mid-January. Yes...that number is big. But my God is bigger. And I have seen Him work in some amazing ways to provide and I have no doubt after three different times of having to raise a similar amount, that He will come through in what seems a small amount of time. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here is where you come in. I need help. I do not have this kind of money. However, I have been told to return to Haiti once again to serve and to lead a group of people that God has put together to do work for His Kingdom. I cannot argue with that. So I very humbly ask that if you can financially support my upcoming trip in any way, I would be beyond grateful. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I know that not everyone can travel to Haiti...or Africa...or New Zealand...and not all of us need to. There is mission work that needs to be done right here in our own towns in the United States. But God's children is not limited to our borders. Some of us are called to other countries and I have no doubt that I am one of those people. But I cannot do it alone. I also know that God uses people like you to help spread His love and HIs truth through your finances. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you feel led to help support my trip, you may make a check out to Northwest Haiti Christian Mission. By making your check our to this mission, your gift is tax deductible. Please send your check to:</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rebekah Bryant</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1828 Foxport Road</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wallingford, KY 41093</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I must ask of one other favor. Please keep Haiti, Northwest Haiti Christian Mission, my group, and myself in your prayers. God is sovereign and He listens when His people lift their voices.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you have any questions, or would like more information about my trip or Northwest Haiti Christian Mission, please feel free to email me at rbryant@kcu.edu or you can go to their website at www.nwhcm.org</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For Him,</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rebekah Bryant </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-60074058645345770502011-11-09T17:03:00.003-05:002011-11-09T19:51:42.174-05:00thankful<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know we haven't been very good at updating this blog lately and for that, I apologize. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dad has gone back to seeing patients at least 3 days a week, Brock has been super busy with school and playing in any musical group he can. Mom is working longer hours during the week to be able to take off to stay with Lance. Gena is trying to work a day or two mornings. and I'm back in school and working part-time. And sometime, during the week, we all try to go to a therapy visit with Lance. Gene and Helen Hickle have also been accompanying Gena on many trips to Ashland, Lexington, or Flemingsburg. Also, Chris and Deah. Carol Thomas, Charlie Stapleton and Ben. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**This just in** I just heard that to distract Lance one day when he wasn't feeling good, Charlie sang Michael Jackson's Thriller. We have great friends. :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lance was traveling to Fleming County Hospital for antibiotic therapy to treat a kidney infection, every day for the last 10 days. Since he has finished that treatment, he has made great strides in his cognition and muscle tone. The therapist at Cardinal Hill have been impressed with his continuous hard work of the right leg, while on the lokomat. And more recently, the beautiful firing of the muscles in the left leg! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, Lance has been eating more and more in the past couple of months, and its a good thing, since his feeding tube fell out one day last week. It was been placed back in March, and it seems the bulb had disintegrated. So, we are very thankful for all the beans and cornbread that he has eaten lately!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other news, my papaw John was diagnosed with cancer around a month ago. After multiple doctors visits, scans, lab work, etc, they decided to start radiation last week. They estimated do to about 25 radiation treatments, then let him rest for approximately 5 weeks, followed by surgery to remove the tumor in the colon. Then, they will re-evaluate and see what's next. Papaw was feeling pretty rough over the weekend. The trips to Lexington have left him tired and weak. They decided to admit him to Fleming County Hospital a couple days ago for pain management and antibiotics. I've been with him all day and He looks better to me than he has in a week. He appears stronger and is, as usual, cracking his hilarious jokes. Probably will be discharged to home tomorrow and he hopes to start back to radiation treatments early next week. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know we say this a lot, but our entire family is so very thankful for every single thing our extended family, neighbors, friends and community have done for us. So many people have been so supportive in helping my grandparents get to doctor appointments, bringing them food (which is big since my Grandma is ALWAYS cooking) and even mowing the yard. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since the first day of November, everyday, I've been uploading something that I'm thankful for to a facebook album. The way its looking, I may not be able to end at the end of the month. We have so many things to be thankful for. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My family. we call, we text, we facebook, whatever it takes to get to each other fast and efficient. I'm thankful to have the dad that I have, the mom that I have and the stepmom that I have and the baby brother I have. Together, we have been able to care for Lance almost 24/7. He hasn't been left alone for almost a year. Which brings me to my next thing to be thankful for... Lance. He is alive! He has been one of the most inspirational people in my life. Through all of the therapy, the trips to and from, the admissions, the stretching, the paperwork, the questioning... Lance doesn't act aggravated, he doesn't appear to be mad. He may give us a questionable look every now and then, but for the most part he is very compliant. I think about that whenever I'm complaining about something silly. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.70575524351.2153050.164000272&type=1&l=bcb50b33a4">Chelcee's Thankful album</a> </span>< Here is the link for the album, if you want to look at it. but its not finished yet. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! </span></span><br />
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</span>Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-15641918403015826732011-10-20T21:26:00.000-04:002011-10-20T21:26:44.490-04:00if only i had an app for this...I think if I had an app for this blog, I could update on a more timely manner. Or maybe Lance needs a twitter, would you follow him? Hmm, he might not like that.<br />
Ok, anyway, we haven't updated in over a month, lets see... what all has happened.<br />
Lance spend a whole month at Cardinal Hill. He was able to walk on the lokomat two or three times a week. Lisa, the therapist that helps him with that was able to make great strides this time in the flexion of his left knee. Physical therapy and occupational therapy (Kelly and Deanna) were working with him on a daily basis, stretching his muscles and helping him with daily activities. Gretchen cleared him for eating! Lance can now eat almost anything. We started with soft, moist foods. However, he can chew most anything. In fact, he has been eating so well, that we no longer have to give him the 7 cans of tube feeding every day through the tube in his stomach. He is down to only 2 cans. Lance was discharged from Cardinal Hill last Friday. Since then he has been eating lots of homecooked meals. Vegetable soup, brown beans and cornbread, meatloaf, etc.... I would say that we will be taking the last 2 cans of tube feeding away soon. He is also taking all of his pills by mouth now :)<br />
Lance has stepped up his singing game quite a bit lately. I can youtube any song I can think of and he can sing it to me. Born to be Wild, Bennie and the Jets, Boy Named Sue. It doesn't matter, he knows the words and sings right along.<br />
We went to church this past Sunday and he sang to all of those songs as well.<br />
Since he is back home, we are back to trips almost everyday. Which is tiring but very helpful for Lance.<br />
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So, things are going well. Thanks to everyone who sent me gentle reminders that no one had posted anything in weeks. We appreciate ALL of you sooooo much!Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-11415857489526889482011-09-17T22:58:00.000-04:002011-09-17T22:58:15.918-04:00Back to Lex and Cardinal Hill, Here We Go, Go, GoLance has relocated; he is back in Lexington - at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital. This time it is clearly a progressive move for him, one that was recommended by Dr. Salles and the outpatient therapists from King's Daughters and Cardinal Hill. They feel that he has the energy to endure three hours of therapy per day and make some gains. We enjoy him being home, seeing him everyday, and just serving as his family and friend......but we know this is the next step, and a necessary one for him to recover. We continue to trust and wait on God - just wondering what He has in store for us, how he intends to use Lance for His glory.<br />
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We witnessed the Cardinal Hill expansion project as it was nearing completion while here from early May through July. Now we are occupants of the new wing - in fact the first to use room #212, as this unit was just opened yesterday. As would be the case, there are many kinks to be worked out in the addition; in spite of that, it is very nice and has many amenities that should make it good for him. We have enjoyed renewing acquaintance with friends made during Lance's first stay. He was restless the first night but has had a good day with assessments from occupational(Kim and Joe) and speech therapy(Karen). During admission we got to see Dr. Nickerson, as well as Kelly - fresh back from her Utah trip. Also this afternoon we spent a couple of hours outside at our Lexington "tailgate party"(in the Cardinal Hill lot). As I type this I am listening to the Cats and Cards do battle at Commomwealth Stadium.....and thinking about how Lance would probably have been there, had things been different. (TV is one of the kinks that I mentioned so I'm tuned into WLAP on my laptop.)<br />
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Chelcee and Brock and Sara were able to stop in for visit yesterday. Also Grandma Marlene, Christa, and Mary Corns . Lambert Farmer, a friend from Southand Christian, stopped in this afternoon and Jill was here this evening. So Lance's welcome has been more that adequate and if I know Lance he will quickly adapt to new surroundings. His attitude has been so pleasant - lots of smiles and today a spontaneous shared humorous moment as he and I worked on lyrics for our new song - a tribute to the late Amy Winehouse.<br />
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Daddy says I gotta go to rehab - I say no, no, no<br />
It' not 'cause of drugs; and man is he glad, don't you know, know know<br />
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Headed back to Lex and Cardinal Hill, here we go, go go<br />
Good nurses there and one is Bill - that we know, know, know<br />
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I know they'll work me hard on Monday morn<br />
They say everyday seems like a marathon<br />
Like a Lion, I will try to be brave and strong<br />
Life - with all its tears - is really not too long <br />
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Gonna put my faith in God - I know that He will save the day, day ,day<br />
I will keep on trusting Him - all along the way, way, way<br />
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-JohnLance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-59446735810327763522011-09-13T23:13:00.000-04:002011-09-13T23:13:08.395-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7qtAWsDSi6Q1q_3LUB98-9h0Hkt9lIeqFxj3D4MoNNFesAVxCCsQtyvkMKb6p3Vj41ULbp53UvS8JlFGbWBSEvVVCEjJMMAEmtIwPSKwWiFX6QUwtRiVKEIOUKQXRksMKIsjT8Z_TFk/s1600/Lance.inconvertible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7qtAWsDSi6Q1q_3LUB98-9h0Hkt9lIeqFxj3D4MoNNFesAVxCCsQtyvkMKb6p3Vj41ULbp53UvS8JlFGbWBSEvVVCEjJMMAEmtIwPSKwWiFX6QUwtRiVKEIOUKQXRksMKIsjT8Z_TFk/s400/Lance.inconvertible.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm almost positive that this picture doesn't really need a caption. However, who has ever known me to be speechless?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I hadn't posted a picture of Lance yet. Except for when he was walking on the treadmill, but I've stayed away from his face because I wasn't sure how he felt about that. However, I can't help but post this one... He looks wonderful!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today, my dad loaded Lance up in the convertible and took him for a ride around town. He went to tell our Grandma Betty, happy birthday. Then they drove out to Clarksburg, hoping to run into Mom or Ben, stopped by the dental office and even drove out to the high school. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Since Thanksgiving weekend, Lance has only ridden in a helicopter, ambulances and the handicap accessible fan. The Sebring was a nice change of scenery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was wondering this evening if it was scary for him to be back in a car. Especially one without a top. I wondered if he would be anxious. But, Lance continues to impress us all. He seemed relaxed and had a good time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Lance continues with trips to Lexington and Ashland for therapy every week. They are doing such good things for him. Sometimes, they ask him if its hurting and he says yes. Then, they will ask if they need to stop and he says no. He has such determination. He went back to church again this past Sunday. He is also able to eat more.... homemade ice cream, small pieces of fruit and he is drinking from a cup by himself. Sometimes, I feel like things are slow. But all I have to do is think back to 9 1/2 months ago and then I remember exactly how far he has come and how powerful prayer is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm sleepy... maybe I will update more soon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">-Chelcee</span>Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-82321793861091590932011-08-28T23:26:00.003-04:002011-08-29T21:31:12.694-04:00November 28th to August 28thToday marked 9 months since that fateful day, the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the day the world turned upside down. Putting that in perspective, it is the same time an expectant mom would wait as she carried and nurtured the child developing inside of her body. I guess we inpatient males could never have survived that mission of love; for me this has been a long nine months. Today was a special day as Lance attended worship service at Vanceburg Christian Church for the first time since his accident.<br />
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The past month has gone well as Lance makes progress through 4 outpatient therapy visits per week-3 in Ashland and 1 in Lexington. His therapists are so special and we appreciate each one; thanks to Amy, Ryan, Leslie, Lacey, and wow Susan, you are so very special to us. During these visits he gets speech, occupational, and physical therapy. He continues to be treated for muscle tone-a common problem for patients like Lance. It is improving. We are seeing movement in the left leg; I praise God for this ,after watching it lay still for 8 months. He can move his right arm/hand much better now and has been eating much more in the past week. One of his favorite things has been fresh peaches from the orchard. <br />
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Communication has improved also. We have been surprised at his memory of the past: people, events, important numbers(such as social security number). It is wonderful when he expresses his own thoughts. I had taped a Ben Harper concert and we were watching it Monday evening. I paused it and Gena asked if he was ready for shower; without moving his eyes away from the TV he said "Maybe later." We laughed and watched the concert in its entirety. <br />
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Thursdays are for Cardinal Hill; we often run into old friends there as Lance takes his "walk" on the lokomat, supervised by Shelby. Always as the van goes through Lexington, he watches out the window and takes in the familiar sites. He seldom sleeps as we travel and has tolerated the many miles well.<br />
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Back to church.......we had discussed church attendance a few times but it was evident that it was a troubling topic for Lance. Three weeks ago, on a Friday evening, we drove to Vanceburg Christian and went inside. Ed and Teresa Bryant were there and we visited with them for a few minutes. Then Lance and I went to the back of the sanctuary and paused behind the back pew as we gazed toward the stage. After a couple of minutes Lance became very emotional.....and cried out. I'm not sure what was going on in his heart during those moments but I know that God was there comforting Lance. I believe Lance felt Him then and that God has made His presence known to him on this journey; I look forward for Lance to be able to tell us about that part of the story. What did Lance remember as he looked over the pews to the front of the room? Was it the beautiful stained glass? (One of my favorite scenes is Jesus holding a small lamb....just like He holds us when we are frail.) Did he recall plays in which he had participated? Did he recall being behind the pulpit when one of the shortest sermons in history was shared, by him? Could he have been thinking about playing music in worship? This was one of his loves and he had stood on that very stage and played his bass guitar to the Lord just seven hours before the crash. <br />
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Whatever happened that night, I figure Lance knew best - it wasn't time for him to attend. I continued to raise the question 2-3 times per week and each time the answer was negative.....until this past week. I asked multiple times, to be sure I was not getting the wrong impression; each time the answer was yes. I am thankful tonight that Lance had followed Christ and accepted His grace. The Comforter, I know, will be there meeting his needs from this day forward.<br />
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-JohnLance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-6343342564553335532011-08-06T21:15:00.002-04:002011-08-06T21:17:32.454-04:00well, you must be going to the right churchThis blog has been viewed over 100,000 times. I can not even begin to express my gratitude for all of you. For all of your cards and calls, texts and dinners, they have all helped us help Lance.<br />
The past two weeks have been truly amazing.<br />
As most of you know, in early July, Lance was whispering a few words every day. That has certainly continued. He came home from Cardinal Hill on July 11th. We've been busy since then. He is still traveling to Ashland three times a week and to Lexington once a week for therapy. We thought this would wear him out. Nope. He does fine. We are the ones that are worn completely out :)<br />
He has continued to work hard in every therapy session he has been to. The therapist at Kings Daughters have been amazing at helping him. He continues to get stronger in his legs and his arms. He will follow commands better with his right arm and right leg. Even some with his left arm, which we've been so worried about.<br />
One morning about 2 weeks ago, my dad walked in his room and said, Hey Lance, How are you? and Lance said, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><i>I"m fine, How are you?"</i></span><br />
Is it ok that I'm italicizing and changing the color of his words? well, I am anyway.<br />
Since then I've pretty much been grilling him. Trying to see who he remembers, how far back he remembers and how recent he remembers.<br />
He knows his birthday. Very clearly, he will say March 10th. 1986 is sometimes muffled. His voice will sometimes be weak. Sometimes the speech is slurred and sometimes he gets tired and doesn't want to talk at all. I asked him how many years were between us, he told me three. I asked him how many years were between me and Brock, he quickly answered six.<br />
He knows all of the months of the year, the days of the week and who the president is. He also answered yes when I asked him if he thinks the questions we are asking him are stupid :)<br />
I started saving simple headshots of friends and family and saving them to the iPad. I've tried to get a hold of everyone to let them know that he can say their name. Among the famous are... Brock (of course, he's his favorite) Ben Harrison, Derrick Reeder, Alex McGlone, Jean McGlone, Chris McGlone, Megan McGlone, Clay Lykins, Brandon McDaniel, Spencer Walters, Jasper LeMaster, Chad Kidwell, Lacey Collins (not Patton), Travis Patton, Corry Eveland, Ashley Cooper, Jared Dixon, Matt Voiles, Randy Lucas, Patrick Barker, Trish Murphy, Doug Boyd, Aaron Kegley, Mary Rohrer, Chase Plummer, Colton Halverson, Kaylee Cooper, Daniel McClurg, and Mike Halcomb.<br />
also... Bill Clinton and John Coltrane.<br />
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Lance had an appointment with a neurologist last Thursday. It turned out to be quite a long day, with an extended time in their lovely waiting room. We went through a facebook album of one of his classmates from Patterson. He told me a name for almost every person in the album. I showed him the famous Kinneydip picture from the new years day of 2010 and I asked him where it was, he answered, Kinney. I think that all of this information is still in Lance's head. He just needs some help getting it all out. Once we finally were back to see the doctor, he was certainly amazed that Lance had been nearly comatose for so long and then began talking after 7 months. After Lance told him his name and birthdate, the doctor said "well, you must be going to the right church."<br />
Thats right. We are. Good things are happening.<br />
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and continued support. and Give God All the Glory!Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-54201512665280599962011-07-21T16:09:00.000-04:002011-07-21T16:09:39.450-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Lance has been home for a week now! The first evening, he was able to go outside on the back deck and look at the river. However, since then, its been too hot for him to be outside. He continues to mouth more words each day. Most mornings, he will say "Good Morning." He can say almost everyones name... except mine, of course. If only I had an easy name :(</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Lance is traveling to Lexington once a week for Lokomat therapy and to Ashland for outpatient therapy, 2 or 3 times a week. We are so excited to meet all of his new therapists and see what they can do to help Lance in his recovery. One, we know and already love, Leslie Weddington! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Since the schedule is so hectic, we ask that if you want to come visit Lance, just get a hold of one of us. He needs lots of rest since most of his time is spent on the road. But I think he has enjoyed people visiting him. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Its been a rough week in Lewis County. I'm asking that you keep both of these families in your prayers. They need renewed faith and strength to get through the days, weeks and years ahead of them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">A couple days ago, a 17 year old volunteer from Chicago drowned in Kinniconick Creek. You can read about it <a href="http://www.glenmary.org/site/epage/121053_919.htm">here</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">A week ago yesterday, a 16-year old from Garrison, passed away. Drew Riffe. His mom is Tracie, a cousin to my step-mom, Gena. His dad, George and step-mom, Tessa are great friends of mine. Drew loved to ride horses. The day of his burial, 153 horses rode along side him for his last ride here on earth. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">To honor Drew, the t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">he Rough Riders Saddle Club of Lewis County will host its July trail ride on July 23rd at George and Tessa Riffes' on Bill Chain Road in Garrison, KY off of Route 3311. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">They will be riding the entire Mountain Trail from start to finish, roughly 8 or 9 hours. This is a difficult ride. The ride will start promptly at 9:30am. Riders need to include a trail lunch. A cookout will follow the ride on the Riffe farm at the days end. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Please RSVP to Kirk Collier at 606-541-4207 or Reah Stone at 606-541-5009 or Becky Horsley 606-541-0157. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Directions: If traveling East on AA HWY: Turn right off of AA onto 3311, If traveling West on AA HWY: turn left off of AA onto 3311. Go approximately a mile, and turn onto Bill Chain Road, his place is on the right. Signs will be posted.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">I know many of you aren't from Lewis County and won't be able to attend this trail ride, but please keep this family in your hearts and prayers this Saturday.</span><br />
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</span>Lance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-48881342736795707362011-07-11T22:57:00.001-04:002011-07-11T23:34:34.325-04:00Tour de LanceHello to all and I continue to be so grateful to each of you for your interest in and prayers for Lance. My last blog described Lance's move to Cardinal Hill Rehab Hospital in Lexington, Ky. Sorry it has been so long but hours of driving the 100.5 miles from our driveway to the C.H. parking lot, 3-4 days per week for treating patients, a little sleep, and every possible hour with Lance has busied me the past 2 months. He has been blessed with 2 months of time at C. H. in which he received wonderful nursing care, outstanding therapy, and excellent medical supervision by Dr. Nickerson. These truly are a dedicated group of individuals who have rallied around Lance and family and have played a huge role in his recovery. There have been bleak days during the stay - times when progress seemed very slow. But there have been exciting days as well. The past 10 have been like traveling when you were young - you are very anxious to get to the destination, you feel that something special is going to happen, but it seems like you will never arrive.<br />
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In the past few days he has eaten his first food since Thanksgiving weekend. It seems to be going well and Gena cannot wait for him to be home so she can cook some of his favorites. The current plan has him returning home by this weekend; we will start outpatient therapy as soon as consults can be done.<br />
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Lance has been trying to get some words out for the past 3 weeks - thanks in a large way to Gretchen, his speech therapist for the past 8 weeks. Jill had seen him move his lips to "mom" and other times we could make out names and phrases "I love you" and "God is good". A week ago Thursday about 6AM he said the first syllable of Chontale, a member of the nursing staff; this was with enough volume that it surprised me. Later that same day he whispered "dad" and I had never heard a more beautiful sound than that faint whisper. Since that time he has said (or attempted to say each of our names). Chelcee asked him "Who is our dad?" and "Who is our mom?" - he quickly whispered "John" and "Jill". That was middle of last week. On Friday he said "Gena" to her. Saturday morning, during a visit from Tom and Karen Cox, he faintly whispered "Tom".<br />
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Tonight was really cool. The speech therapist called Lance after she had gone home for the day; Jill was there in the room and answered phone, then handed it to Lance. He whispered "hi" and "bye" to Gretchen. Soon afterward, I called and Lance said those word to me as well. I asked him about Brock(who was also in the room) and he said "Brock" audibly. When you have not heard from someone you cherish for 7 1/2 months, these are big events. We celebrate and give God all the glory for the good that is coming from this experience. We know and trust that God is taking care of Lance, consoling him during fearful times, and providing the Holy Spirit abiding presence so he knows that the Creator of the universe is still watching over his every breath - knowing the number of hairs on his head.<br />
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After the phonecall this evening and after watching Stage 9 of the Tour de France earlier today, I felt the compelling need to take a bicycle ride. It was dusk and it was very hot/humid but I jumped on Lance's Felt bicycle which he had purchased with graduation cash he received after earning his Master's Degree at the Patterson School of Diplomacy. I rode 3 miles to one of my favorite spots - the peak of the Ronald Reagan Road. This is a connector road from the AA Hwy to the Black Oak community; it is one mile road and is a decent challenge on a bicycle because of the grade. Just as one begins the descent, you get a beautiful panoramic view of the Ohio River valley. Tonight the sun looked like a bright red molten ball as it dropped over the mountain. I enjoy the beauty of this place for many reasons. Often I would stop as I gazed across the valley and call Lance - he would always give me time to describe what it looked like at that moment. He would say I wish I was there with you, dad......and I felt like he meant it. Tonight seated on his bicycle, listening to his voice, realizing the long and grueling tour he has traveled (and knowing there are many miles left before we arrive in Paris) made me feel him very close. Thank-you, his fans and friends, who line the narrow mountain path and cheer him on each day with your prayers, with your love, with your tears.<br />
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An FFH song goes something like this: "This would not be the road I would choose for me; but it still feels right somehow. I have never felt Him as close to me - as I do right now, as I do right now." Him is capitalized because Him is God. Thank you God for victorious days like today. Thanks for being close though, even on days that seem gray.<br />
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-JohnLance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920075748895673817.post-50617741311615289672011-06-27T17:01:00.001-04:002011-06-27T19:28:15.996-04:00c'mon baby, do the locomotionThe past couple of weeks at Cardinal Hill have been wonderful!<br />
Lance has shown great improvement in almost all areas. There are several coma recovery scales that have been used to measure Lance's consciousness. He is now measuring a 4 on the Rancho scale. Some might say that he is awake... I still have faith that there is more emerging to come.<br />
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I mentioned before that during speech therapy, not only are they working towards vocalization, they are working on all kinds of communication. Lance has a mouse that can plug into a computer, its a huge mouse. with a baseball size trackball. And left and right color coded buttons. When you ask Lance to roll the trackball up and down, he does. He can also roll is from left to right. When dad ask him to right click, he follows that command. One day last week, he moved a card on a solitaire board using the mouse. He will also mouth not only single words, but phrases. Such as God is Good. and I Love You. He can count from 1 to 10. So even though he can't move the noise up and out, most of us can read his lips.<br />
Yesterday, Ted and Holly Gilbert came to visit him. Ted taught Lance how to play guitar several years ago. Ted, Lance, Brock, Dad and Kevin Angel were in a band called Joyful Racket. Ted played several of their old songs, and when he played How Great is Our God, Lance mouthed almost every word!<br />
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After continuous casting on his arms, botox injections and strenuous stretching, I think that the tone has been broken in Lance's arms. He is able to stretch them out almost straight. His left arm still doesn't do as much as the right. But his hand will squeeze yours. and sometimes he will rotate his shoulder while sitting up. Last week, they began pool therapy for Lance. The warm pool water has really helped in many areas. Lance loves to swim, and we get to get in the pool with him.<br />
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A couple weeks ago Lance was eating bites of pureed chicken. However, something has caused his swallowing reflex to decrease. We think this may have been caused by the Botox that was administered to the muscles in his arms. In some rare causes, Botox has been known to temporarily paralyze muscles that are involved in swallowing. So, until that effect wears off, we will be only giving him ice chips.<br />
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Back in March and April when we were at home, Lance had great strength in his core. He was able to help us stand and sometimes he even wanted to continue to stand. Because of seizures medication and medicine to help with the tone in his arms, that core strength has been lessened over the past several weeks. However, last Tuesday the therapist decided to see how long he could sit on the edge of the exercise mat with his feet on the floor. They were watching their watches closely, hoping he could make it to 30 seconds. Lance sat perfectly still, with zero support for 30 seconds, then a minute. then two minutes. Then... as more of the staff gathered around, he continued to sit. There were calls being made to the insurance company and all eyes were on him, as he sat upright for 20 minutes!<br />
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The other big thing is the Lokomat! The Lokomat is a robot.. sort of. Lance is strapped into a harness and is suspended over a treadmill. More straps secure his shoulders and legs, all of this is hooked up to a computer which assist Lance in locomotion therapy. The machine lets Lance move his legs in a walking motion, but will kick in to help if he gets tired. Its a lot like the FES bike he rode when he was in Atlanta. When they tell him to kick harder, or bring his knee up higher, the sensors on his legs show that his muscles are working.<br />
The first time, Lance walked for 15 minutes, 1421 feet. The second day, 26 minutes. and 4373 feet. I hope all of you can open this video!<br />
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Lance is working hard... so, please keep praying for him!!<br />
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-chelceeLance's Biggest Fans.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17931006938450969887noreply@blogger.com12