SHOUTIN' TO THE LORD

Yesterday was my app't. in Winnipeg and we just got home a couple of hours ago. I have so, so much to be thankful for!

My doctor told me that she discussed my case with the angio. dr. and they knew they could put me through another angiogram to see what my torn artery looks like now. But, she said that if it's still torn like it had been they still would be unable to stent it or do an angioplasty. So, she figured why do an invasive procedure like that when the stress test could show how my arteries worked when the heart is under stress.

I forgot to ask what drug they used to get my heart rate up to 139/min., but I had no pains whatsoever the whole time and was amazed that it was over so quickly. The technicians were all so friendly and then excited when everything showed up looking so good and saying what a strong heart I have, etc. I knew from what the cardiologist had said earlier that if everything checks out "normal" compared to how my heart is/was at rest, there would be no need for further treatment. I think I had so many emotions that I'd been holding in and didn't realize it until the news was good.

Well, first I choked up and started to cry but I was so happy when I was told my heart under stress was just as normal as it was when at rest. And then I said, "Thank-you, Jesus!!!" I am so humbled by all of this and cannot thank my good Creator enough. When I went out into the hall and saw Merle, I was just overcome with a flood of greatful feelings of just being alive! The cardiologist ended our talk by saying, "You won't need to see me again." When I smiled and thanked her for all she's done for me she said that sometimes when she tells people that they don't like it. I assured her it wasn't because of not wanting to see her again, but that it meant I'm well enough to not need to see her and for me that is just awesome. She said if I ever need her not to be afraid to let her know.

Be presistent in seeking the Lord. Never ever give up!!!

Changes are coming

November has been filled with traveling to see our staff in the urban areas, meeting baby Mayah, (oh yeah, we did visit with her parents too), and I spent a week in the 'peg helping daughter #2 with babysitting, cooking, cleaning, packing, crying, etc. This saying good-bye business gets old in a hurry as many of you know, I'm sure.

I learned that I can, with the Lord's help, give pokes to take blood sugar levels and give insulin even when it's to a precious little granddaughter. I guess it's a bit like God does to me. Even when things don't "feel" good they are for my own well being in the long run!

The next few weeks don't look any less busy, unfortunately. This coming Thursday is my next app't. with the cardiologist with 2 more echocardiogram tests. One with my heart resting and the next one with it stressed induced. If they don't match up they will likely want to repeat the angiogram. For some reason I am not looking forward to this but want to get it over with! I'd again appreciate prayer as we go through this and will try to update when I return. I need wisdom to ask the right questions too.

It was fun seeing little Emilie toddling around and playing peek-a-boo around the stack of packed boxes. She sways back and forth when there's music going or when her sisters are singing and even tries to help sing. She likes to cuddle and even let Papa and I have some turns! Their whole family can use all the prayers available for this transition time as it's still a long way from finished. Thanks for caring!

Sweet times

Here are some of the pictures of our first meeting our precious new granddaughter, Mayah.

Mayah Grace--newborn

Here are some pictures sent to us from the parents. We are in the Soo now and plan to head to Col. tomorrow. I heard crying in the background last night on the phone and I seem to think she was needing Grandma to hold her.

It's a GIRL!!!!!

Yes, she's is a cute little baby girl, born to Kirk and Karla last evening at 6:10 p.m. We haven't seen her yet, of course, but hopefully by the week-end we will be able to. She weighs 7 lbs. 7 oz.
I'll post pics when I can. Merle and I are thrilled!!!!
Her name is Mayah Grace. Apparently it's got Spanish roots, but we rather like the Ojibway meaning, "Exactly Right". Gotta love it!!

Winter's coming

We've had a very beautiful fall with lots of nice weather in Sept. and Oct., so we knew that it could change any day now. Yesterday it was raining part of the time and snowing lightly part of the time, so I didn't know what to expect when I woke up this morning. But, there was only a little bit of snow on the ground and it's not very cold for the end of October. I tried to capture it through the window for you to see.

All summer Merle has been working with our partner Dave on a project (at least on and off and between contractors). They decided last winter that this town needs a good dependable car wash that you can count on the hours and workability, etc. So, we opened for business last Sat. p.m., but were still working out the last minute glitches.

We're waiting on word from K and K on the arrival of our 9th grandchild. Her due date was last Friday, but they're hoping for D-date on Weds. while he's off of school. So, we'll see. We plan to go meet this new little person, but we're not sure how soon that will be as we also want to visit our staff in the urban areas this week and next.

Until next time....

This morning

This morning we went to visit a neighbor lady and see her doll collection. Wow! She has over 100 dolls and gave the girls each one to take home, which was totally unexpected.

1000 words...?

Instead of writing a lot about all our activities lately, I'll just post a bunch of pics. If you need any explaining you can comment with your name and I'll try to tell you what's going on, etc. It's sure a busy place around here.

Echo app't. and results

We are back again after traveling to Wpg. last week for my appointments. The first one was for the echo cardiogram which Merle found very interesting to watch. I was disappointed because the screen showing my heart was behind me and I only could see it for a short time when I rolled a bit more to my right side. But I could hear the steady rhythm of my heart and the gentle squish squish sound of my blood pumping. The technician would tell Merle bits and pieces from time to time and we could soon tell he was impressed with what he saw. But, of course, he left the actual telling to the cardiologist.

She was a very thorough and unhurried doctor making us feel like she really cared. It was quite interesting to hear what she had to say. For starters she said I was very lucky to have come through the heart attack alive. That was quite sobering. It was something I "knew", but didn't really know medically speaking. Again, one of my favourite verses came to mind, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book, before one of them came to be." Psalm 139: 16

She also told me that the dissesction ocurred just prior to the MI. After she'd read the results from the echo she told me that my heart muscle is moving and working well with no signs of any damage. That was so encouraging, to say the least. She did put me back on Lipitor in case of cholestrol build up around that artery, as she said that sometimes there is an even build up which is difficult to detect.

She wants to see me again the end of Nov. to do 2 more echos: one with my heart at rest and one with it under stress (medically induced). If there is a big difference she will likely order another angiogram to see how the dissected artery is doing by then.

So, all in all, I am thrilled with the report and give God all the glory for His healing (or protecting) my heart. Since this procedure doesn't show the inside of arteries we don't know at this point how the dissection is doing. But that's o.k. HE does! It gives me courage to keep trying to get back to my normal leval of activities but with common sense of course.

There was a huge bonus of going when we did as all of our Winnipeg family was at home and we could enjoy them and the beautiful fall weather. I appreciate the prayers of each of you who read this. Let me know how I can pray for your needs as well!

Two more weeks

It's Thursday and I just thought I should let you know that in 2 weeks I'll be seeing a cardiologist in the 'Peg. I now know one thing she wants to do and that is an echocardiogram, which I've never had done before. Right after that I meet with her and discuss "everything", whatever that may be. At this point I can only assume what the options may be, so I feel like there's not much point in writing that (my own assumptions). My prayer is that God would use this doctor and other medical people to aid in my healing as He desires.

I've been thinking a lot about being a daughter of the King and Him taking good care of me every minute of my life. Isaiah 26:3 keeps me from giving in to the fears that come at times. The NIV says: "You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

I am humbled by all who've been praying for me and say a huge "THANK-YOU" ahead of time for those who continue to do so. There are days when I feel almost normal. Well, that is until I try to act like it and do too much. I still tire easily which probably means that my heart is still having to work harder than it should. Which may mean that the dissection hasn't totally healed yet. Only my Creator knows for sure!

Dress up, Tea Party and cousin fun...

I'll try again; couldn't make it work to put more pics. on earlier today.

Family Week (Aug.15-22)

Our fun family week started off on Friday evening when Robyn and her 3 youngest showed up around 6 p.m. They were followed by Daryl and Anna-Christina after midnight as he couldn't leave until he finished working. Saturday was spent together doing last minute work, but mostly just enjoying our time together again. Because of my heart attack in June, we really haven't had a lot of time together this summer--at least not like usual. So, it was nice their family could arrive early. Sat. evening Kirk, Karla, Jose and Kim came together as they had met up in Mpls. Fortunately, we had the camper to set up and the Schantz's slept in there all week.

Sunday after morning church services we returned home and were only here a short while when the Slaubaugh 6 showed up. Thanks to L. Weaver for coming over then and taking our family photo! Eighteen people (+ one tiny unseen one), makes for tons of laughter and fun! Sometimes Merle and I just looked at each other in amazement. For myself, I just shake my head and find it incredible that we are the "oldies" of the whole bunch.

I won't bore you with all the details of each day, but here is a run down of some of our activities, meals, etc. Our 4 girls did the cooking and our 4 sons did a lot of the cleaning up after meals. The meal that they were scheduled to do, they provided the groceries for as well. Thanks to all!

We celebrated Rhonda's birthday at Rahill Beach with some of Matthew's family. The kids loved the swimming part as much as the eating part as it was a hot summer day. The guys helped Merle at the car wash and worked hard one morning. Some of the group got up early to go fishing and came home with enough to feed the whole group both times. One favorite meal is fish tacos and the girls did a superb job of making them. One day we went to Kinsman Beach to play! There was water skiing, knee boarding, swimming, and making mermaids. Uncle Jose came along after I'd buried a granddaughter up to her chin in the sand, and formed a tail at her feet like a mermaid. Of course, all of them wanted the experience when they saw how cool that was!

A highlight of the little girls week was going to Rhoda's in Ear Falls for a real lawn tea party. She went all out and made it very special for all of us. First we all dressed up in her dress up clothes, jewelry, shoes, etc. before going outside to where she had tables set up. Her friend helped her bring out 4 courses, each very dainty and each very tasty! Her lawn and flowers made it so perfect for the absolutely beautiful day together. She had china tea cups and saucers for everyone and said even the 2 year old should use it and not to worry if it breaks. The little girls were not disappointed when she brought out her duck made of fruit! Each of us had our own tail feather to eat made of assorted fresh fruit on a skewer.

Then there was time for walks, talks, going through clothes (maternity and baby), kids playing piano, treasure hunt, water gun and sprinkler fun and many other fun times. It went by way too fast to suit me, but I did have to admit that when the last ones left the quiet house seemed o.k. again. It made it easier to say good-bye knowing we all plan to get together in KS between Christmas and New Year's and also because of Rhonda's family living here in R.L. for awhile.

I am doing really good with the heart problems as it seems to be managed with the aspirin and ramipril. And with walking and not over doing my working and/or other activities. My good news is that I have an appointment with a cardiologist on 25 Sept. in Winnipeg.

O.K., I'll post a few pictures and let you get on with your lives:)