Rachel's Burn in 2008

Rachel's Burn Sept. 4, 2008

   

   I know this is old but I have had it laying on my heart to share. So here it is for whatever its worth!

   On September 4th, 2008 I got up early and made my husband breakfast. He was trucking at the time and had to be leaving early. It was about 5:30a.m.. I might also add here that not quite a month before I had given birth to my youngest son, Myron (on August 7th.)

   Moine went out to start his semi and said he'd be back in to grab his coffee and egg sandwich. I don't remember all the details but I do remember my 3 year old daughter, Rachel (almost 4)  loved to get up to see her daddy off to work then she'd go back to bed with me.  Where we were living at the time it had a cutting board attached to my counter top. I didn't think Rachel could reach it so I pulled it out and after I poured Moine's coffee into his coffee mug for the road I went to put the coffee pot down.

   Rachel had seen me several times meet Moine when he came through the door I'd hand him his stuff. So in those few seconds; Rachel decided she wanted to do the same. Now I can't remember if I had the lid on but open or if I hadn't gotten the lid on yet I just can't remember but anyway Rachel grabbed the coffee mug to give to her daddy and literally spilled the whole mug of hot coffee on top of her. I grabbed her and ran to the the bathroom and threw her in the tub screaming for Elona (my sister~in~law who was there helping me since I had just had a baby and was to be leaving in a few days.)

    I grabbed Rachel's nightgown and threw it off and turned the shower on cold water and just sprayed her down. What 3 year old likes to be sprayed with cold water at those early hours? So shes crying and screaming and i'm a mess. Thankfully Elona was really quick and flew down the steps and I told her to please run out and get Moine. Moine came flying in .I wanted to go to the ER immediately. I was scared!

   Elona (my sil) highly recommended that we see if the Amish store which was close by (a mile and a half away from us) had any burdock leaves and B& W Ointment. I'll be right up front here. I didn't want to go that route. I was worried that if this ointment didn't work that I'd lose my children and etc...etc....  Elona said she had heard a lot of good about this ointment and burn units were even starting to allow it to be used  there for a study. Moine felt like we should give it a try because that way we could all be together as a family. Elona agreed that if we went with the ointment she would stay longer and do the dressing changes every 12 hours for me. I thought I was going crazy agreeing to use this ointment. 

   I finally agreed that I'd give it a try for 24 hours. If there was no improvement then I wanted to go the medical route.   While I was very impressed! I wish I would of got photos before we done the first dressing but I was to much of a wreck and Rachel was in too much pain. I'm going to include photos as proof of what God and this ointment done for our daughter!

   I would encourage everyone to use this if they get burned!

If you don't have access to the B & W Ointment I can give you the info where you can buy this. But you can also use just plain honey if you don't have the B&W. I pray you never need it but I do keep this B&W ointment on hand at all times now!

 

This was 24 hours after it happened!

 It was already dressed twice! 

Yes, those are blisters on her stomach.

The burn on her arm was a 3rd degree burn.

This is 24 hours later also.

Her stomach and chest were considered 2nd degree burns.

Her chin and side were considered 1st degree burns.

24 hours after it happened.

 Moine was beside Rachel the whole time while,

 Elona redressed it. She was very brave!

In fact braver then me!

She is covered with the B&W ointment

and then burdock leaves then wrapped

in gauze and then wrapped with an ace bandage. 

This is now a week later after the accident.

September 11th, 2008

It was looking so much better!

A week later also...Sept. 11th, 2008

Also on Sept. 11th...The rash was from the burdock

leaves. So we ended up boiling grape leaves and using them

until we ran out. We then went with Romaine lettuce leaves.

Rachel's back a week after the burn accident.

It looked so good we quit putting B&W ointment

on her back and and chin and started using self healing cream

on it. but the rest we still used the B&W ointment.

Rachel so happy and waiting to get rewrapped.

As you can see I'm holding Myron who is a little over a month old.

She was a very happy child through it all. The second day she was up

and riding her tricycle around the house. Very bubbly to think she was

burned so bad.

September 14th about a week and a half after the burn accident.

Looking wonderful! We started putting the self healing cream on

all the burns except for the 3rd degree on her arm.

We still did dressing changes with the ointment on that.

Her back a week and a half after the accident.

Rachel showing off how good her burns were looking!

We Praise God for His healing!

A month from the accident! Oct. 4th, 2008

You could barely see where the burn was anymore

so I outlined where the burn was with blue ink!

A month later!

A month later and you couldn't even

tell where she was burned.

Approx. the end of October 2008.

You could barely make out the pink lines

of the burn except for her arm we were still treating

with the self healing cream.

 She looked good. I couldn't believe it!

 

Today you would never know except for one tiny scar where she had her 3rd degree burn on her arm and you can't hardly tell that either. It was quite the journey but God was and still is faithful.  Like I said at the beginning I did NOT want to go this route but I have thanked God many times that Elona was here and knew about this stuff! Elona stayed for a couple more weeks and helped out with the dressing changes. It was a very hard time for me. But I praise God for carrying me/us through this valley where we learned so much and grew!  Still Praising God!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just An Update~from April till now

    This was written the beginning of May:
    Sorry its been so long since I've blogged. Life happens and now that my husband is home instead of over the road I don't have the time I use to as the time I use to be on the computer I now spend with him.  But I thought it was time to at least update y'all a bit! 
Just an update! 
    While life is life! Planting season is in high here in Indiana and seeing my husband grew up on a farm and now has no field work to do, while he misses the it.  It seems to bother him more this year then it has in the past 6 years. He wondered why? I told him,"I think its because he's not out driving (working) and watching everyone now he's working inside a shop and hearing the tractors all around him daily and it tugs."  Once again he is trying to adjust and except the journey that God has taken us on. He has handled it really well he just has "Those Days!"
    While we survived! We made it to Kansas and back!  On April 29th my youngest sister came to stay with our children while I drove Moine to Kansas for a mandatory court date. We had a wedding Saturday night so if we wanted to attend the wedding we needed to drive all day Sunday so we could be there in time Monday morning cause our court time was 8:30am Monday morning. 
    This was a really hard trip for Moine cause he wasn't allowed to drive at all. But I want you to know he handled it very well.  He told me where I needed to be when I needed to be told. Not to early and not to late. Perfect timing! He also gave me many other tips that all drivers should know and do but a lot don't. And he told all those tips to me in a very nice way and a way that made  learned a lot on this trip. It was really good for me. The first part was really hard cause it was raining and I so would of rather him be driving. The last part I was so tired I wanted him to drive. Thankfully God gave me the strength and alertness and we made it!!
    Sunday night when we arrived in Kansas we met a fellow trucker wife who I had gotten to know through facebook. We enjoyed supper together and just getting to know each other in real life. It was really good. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Danielle is a very special lady! Moine and I then went and found a motel for the night. I sure slept good that night!! 
   Monday morning dawned and we decided we wanted to get up early enough to get a good breakfast. Neither of us had been to Cracker Barrel for a long time so we enjoyed breakfast there. After leaving there we went to find the court house. We found it! Got inside and this place was huge. We were told we needed to go to the 5th floor. We headed up there but it seemed like the wrong place so we went down to double check. While we were down there double checking a lady fell against the elevator door and her head hit the floor. She went completely stiff and you could tell she bit her tongue. The lady was having a grand mal seizure. It was awful. All we could do was stand there. There was absolutely nothing we could do for her. One of the guards went and held her head up and another called 911. It was such a helpless feeling. And I had to count my blessings all over again. I held tight to Moine's arm as we hurried back up to the 5th floor. The poor lady was still passed out when the ambulance got there & she was alone and that's all we know. My heart went out to her and her family. Thankfully everything went well at court and went much better then expected. It was a amazing to see how God worked in the whole situation.
     Wow, how time flies! I just realized I never finished my blog in May and its already nearing the end of June. So I'll add another update to this.
      While as of June 18th Moine got laid off of his job as they ran out of work.  They hated to lay him off but due to circumstances there really was no other option. Blessings to them for giving Moine work for the few months they could. So again we wait on God! God has been amazing through the last several months. You wonder how your going to pay the next bill and before it is due God has once again provided in one way or another.  All we can do is stand in amazement and thank God and many friends who have helped us in the last 4 months!! Thanks to each of you for all your prayers, encouragement and for the financial help! We pray each of you will be blessed as you have blessed us!  Our God still reigns!  Were praying Moine will soon be able to find a full time job that he enjoys as we were told it will be at least 10 years till he could even think of getting his cdl back. In the mean time Moine is helping my brother-in-law when ever he has pigs that need to be loaded up and whatever odd jobs he can find.  Now we just wait on God to see what the next chapter of our lives hold.  We'd appreciate your prayers when you think of us!Thanks! Until next time~ Rhoda

Waiting, Change & Blessings...

     Here is the blog that I promised! For those who didn't read my last blog. My husband had an accident in Haysville, Kansas while driving truck. When I ended the last blog I promised another blog to tell about the waiting, the change and the blessings! I share what we faced and hope and pray it will be an encouragement to you. And if you've ever faced a difficulty that You know YOU are not ALONE!  I know what we went through is nothing compared to many other people's situations especially those with cancer. But here I am truely sharing our feelings at the time and we know we have nothing to complain about and many blessings to count. But I did want to share some of what we learned and went through.

 Waiting...
   Waiting, waiting and more waiting! I didn't know if we'd ever get answers. They said to give them 2 weeks and our neurologist should have our test results. While when it was 2 weeks I called and the nurse told me that it will take them 3 weeks to read the 24 hour EEG as they do like 3 or 4 phase testing with a 24 hour EEG. Ok, I understand that! Three weeks went by and still no call. The next day (Tuesday) I called and left the nurse a message and an hour later she called me back. The nurse said,"They were working on it but still didn't have the test all read." By this time I'm about fit to be tied. My husband had so much patience but I wanted answers. On Thursday night about 6pm the nurse finally called me back. She said, "They had technical issues but it was being read and she would call me back on Friday!" While I received no phone call! This was really hard for me to swallow since she said she'd call me back and it was already past 3 weeks and almost a month. All weekend and no call of course.
    Monday morning I got up and got everyone breakfast and then called the doctors office and left a message for the nurse. I called about noon and left her another message. Yes, I was getting very impatient (to my shame.) Monday night I called her again and this time on my message to the nurse I told her, "I don't care if you have answers or not please call me back so we know whats going on!"
Tuesday wasn't a very good day for us. I wanted to drive into the doctors office and let them know that I wanted answers. Moine finally talked me out of it and said that if the nurse didn't call us back that evening yet that we'd run in Wednesday morning. He didn't think I should run in cause we really needed to watch our trips to town.  In the mean time Moine's boss called and told Moine he needed him down at the shop first thing in the morning to do mechanic work to a customers semi. Let's just say that didn't settle well with me. I said, "So we didn't go in today and now you want me to go in alone with all 4 children? That is precisly why I wanted to go today when you were home!" I knew Moine needed to do work while they had it I just didn't like that he hadn't gone with me that day like I wanted. I became a very silent person between 5pm and 7:30p.m. that night. I hate to admit it but I was struggling and asking God "Why?" And I was battling in my head how I should truely handle it and what was God's purpose in this?  And was Moine just being to patient or was I truly being to impatient? I talked if asked a question. I just put forth no effort for conversation. Moine and I both were praying! I'm ashamed to admit I wasn't feeling very kind and I didn't have the best attitude. Thankfully God heard my prayers through my selfishness. And I'm thankful to say I apologized and asked for forgiveness from God and also my wonderful, patient husband! Finally Tuesday night the nurse returned my call about 7:30p.m.!
    Yes, this is when our day took a total turn around. I'm ashamed that it took that phone call to change my attitude but I'm thankful that God heard my desperate cry and answered it when he wouldn't of had too especially when I was in the mood I was. I'm so thankful God doesn't answer our prayers according to our wants or according to our attitudes. I'm thankful for a God that has perfect timing and knows our needs even before we do!!
    The nurse had promised me she'd call me back Friday night already and now it was already Tuesday night at 7:30p.m.. The nurse right away I apologized. I think she knew I was just about at my wits end. The nurse said, "The doc was reading Moine's test when I talked to you on Thursday and I really thought he'd be done reading it that I could call you back on Friday night. But he had some more technical difficulties. I still do not have Moine's 24 hour EEG results. I'm sorry! The doctor that is reading his EEG has promised that he will finish reading the test this week and I will call you back either late Wednesday  or Thursday sometime." I told the nurse, please keep me informed!
    Wednesday came and went! No call!! That was fine I didn't really expect it till Thursday anyhow. Thursday came and went and still No phone call. I went to our bedroom feeling grumpy. Moine and I had a good talk and we were both feeling the same. We were just ready to move on with our lives. Not knowing the test results was almost harder then knowing the test results. I know that sounds weird but it was true. It was like a huge mountain in front of us that we couldn't go around and  we couldn't climb it. We were at a complete stand still where are lives were headed. We really just didn't know what to do anymore. It was 1 month and 2 days and still we didn't really know more then when he first got home from Kansas from the accident. We felt like our lives were on hold or at a stand still. Moine and I spent time in prayer together Thursday night pouring our hearts out to God and crying. We went to bed with a peace that is unexplainable to man! It was a peace that only God can give!
     Friday morning came and I asked Moine if I should call the doctor again. He said, "No, he'd just wait it out!" He went on to work then at noon he came home for lunch. At noon Moine asked if the nurse had called yet? I said, "No!" He said well it was up to me if I wanted to call the nurse I could try. Once lunch was over I called the nurse and left her a message that if they don't have test results yet to please still call me and let me know whats going on! I went on with our day. Trying to sing and enjoy my day! It really was a good day. I promised Moine I wouldn't make a trip to town either. Moine came home from work that night and still no call. It was rather disappointing but I told Moine I'm not giving up yet it's not 7:30p.m. yet! He said, "Ok, I'm going to go out and work on my van!" I started fixing supper and praying that God would please have the nurse call so we didn't have to wait another weekend. All the children were playing outside and had taken Moine out back to show him something they were doing. I'm telling you God's timing is perfect!! The house was totally silent and I was singing! All of a sudden the phone rang and I grabbed my bluetooth and phone and yes it was the nurse from the nurologist office!! I already had a piece of paper & an ink pen laying on the counter so just in case she would call me back! Sure enough the nurse had the test (24 hour EEG)results for me.
    Was I shocked? No not really. Was it what we wanted? No not really. Had God allowed the test results to take so long getting read and the tecnical difficulties to help us grow and make us stronger  & to help build our faith & trust? Absolutely! We really learned alot over these 2 months!! Yes, it helped prepare us even for the test results that I was about to hear. The nurse apologized, for not calling quicker and then she said, "I have the test results for you!" And the phone fell silent. I looked at my phone to make sure she was still there yep she was. I said, "Okay." The nurse replied, "Again I'm sorry it took us long but the 24 hour EEG did conform seizures and high potential for more! I'm calling him a prescription in and I want you to go get it tonight and get him started on it. Don't let him ever miss a dose or he will probably have another seizure and pass out on you again! No driving for 6 months!! And make sure you call our office Monday morning and make him an appointment with our NP for 4 weeks from today." My mind was spinning and I couldn't even think straight. I had so many questions but I didn't even know where to start. I finally just said,"Our suppers almost ready would it be ok if we waited to go get it till tomorrow (Saturday) morning?" The nurse said, "That would be okay but to make sure and get started Sat. morning as soon as we got the meds."
     How was I going to tell Moine? I knew no driving was going to be devastaing and hard for him. I mean how do you tell a truck driver "No more driving?"  Supper was ready so I went out and told Moine and the children that supper was ready and that the nurse called so when he got in I'd tell him what she said. I kept arguing with myself how I should start and how I should tell him. There really was no way around it. He walked in from outdoors and said, "So?"  I had written the info on a piece of paper so I just handed him the paper and let him read it. Not alot was said that night until after the children were in bed. Moine has been using his cdl licenses basically all of his driving years in one way or another. In the years we've been married he's used them all except one year. And most recently he was over the road trucking for the past 3 years! Yes, Moine felt like his whole lively hood had just been ripped from him. Who wouldn't?.
    Change & Blessings...
    Now for some life wouldn't have taken quite a drastic change but when your husband has been driving truck over the road for 3 years; being gone all week and returning home for the weekend. It has definietly made a huge change for us! It brought a change that we had been praying for! Not how we were hoping and praying it to happen but we can also see reasons why God allowed it to happen the way He did! Yes, we even have blessings for it taking place the way it did. Instead of only seeing my husband on weekends and him being so tired that he had to sleep most of the weekend away to be ready for the next week we now get to see him daily and even at noon.
   One of the blessings we have received since Moine's accident is that him and I try to get up early. We have our devotional (quite) time. With a cup of coffee, my husband,God's Word and a quite house lets just say that is some very special times and I wouldn't trade it at all. It's something I look forward too and missed so much when he was over the road. Then I get to fix my husband breakfast! Yes, I look forward to fixing Moine breakfast! There are mornings where he tells me to just stay in bed because he knows I'm not feeling good or I didn't get much sleep. But almost everyday I get up and make him a nice big breakfast. Breakfast is one of his favorite meals. He then heads off to work.
    Now that he can't drive he has started doing mechanical work in the shop. Yes, he still works for the same boss. He just can't drive so his boss told him he'd give him mechanic stuff to do in the shop. His boss lives  approx. 4 miles from us so Moine gets to come home for lunch everyday for an hour. Instead of feeding the children something quick & easy and going on about my day I now get to make a nice yummy lunch for Moine to come home too and the children & him to enjoy.  Moine then goes back to work till 5 or 6 p.m. and then comes home and I have the privelege of making him a wonderful supper!! When you go from making him only meals on the weekend to making meals 3 times a day it is an adjustment! I really enjoy having him here for 3 meals a day and I wouldn't trade it. Alot of times lunch is leftovers as I homeschool our children. Thankfully Moine doesn't mind it either! There are also many times I fix something new cause there were no leftovers!
   Of course now he went from a percentage to hourly pay. It has been a huge adjustment. When your paycheck is cut in less then half of what your use to making a week it is definitly a challenge. We are so glad and thankful that we went through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University about 4 years ago! Otherwise we would of totally been lost and not at all prepared for what lay ahead. Of course none of this would of been possible without God!  God has always provided our needs! Many times before we even ask. Or we ask and that day yet God has shown us once again how much He truly cares and loves us! God has used many people, some who we didn't even really know or some people we've never even met and also many people who we hold dear to our hearts!! Money, clothes that were needed, activites for the children to help keep them entertained are just a few of the ways we've been blessed by so many of you!  God is Amazing!!
   The children absolutely love having their daddy home every day! In fact last night Moine went to hang out with a group of guys and I realized that my children were afarid that dad wasn't coming back that night yet. They just couldn't go to sleep till dad had returned home. I honestly didn't realize how afraid they were that daddy was going to leave again and not come home that night. I promised them that as soon as daddy gets home I'd have him come give them a kiss and a hug. The oldest one went to sleep but the other 3 just couldn't relax. Myron (my youngest) has been going to bed about 8:15p.m. and he was still up when Moine got home. He grabbed Moine by the neck and hugged him tight. Moine said, "Do you want me to take you up to your bed?" Myron said,"Yes, please!" It wasn't even 5 minutes later and Moine was back down stairs. And Myron was already asleep! The children love to get their dads approval and like to show him everything. They couldn't be happier that they get to see their daddy every day and have time to spend with him.
    On the other hand you can imagine it has been a real adjustment for Moine as well.  When hes been so use to the quitness of his semi and no fighting & screaming children and now all of a sudden he hears it often. More then we like and were working on that but our children our normal. He would talk to them on the phone often but its a big change.  He loves being home! But he misses the scenery! He loved the scenery!!  He also misses driving the semi. He says he doesn't miss the over the road part but he does miss driving the semi.
    I really didn't think I'd have that much adjusting to do but I had more then I expected. I was so use to just making my own plans and doing my own thing. Doing what the children and I wanted to do. We would do school during the day and in the winters we'd go look at Christmas lights in the evening or go visit people. In the summer we'd go to a walking track about 4 miles from our place, or to the park or their were many other things we'd do. We met with a Homeschool group once a month (we still hope to be able to do this.) Now all of a sudden I can't just do what we want. Since Moine isn't suppose to be driving and this is very hard for him I feel like I need to be as flexible as I can be for him. If he needs parts from Kokomo I need to take him to get them. And I never know when it will be. Till Moine gets off of work he wants to just relax and take it easy. And thats okay! Now that I have to take him everywhere the children do treasure the days that we don't have to go anywhere! I hate to plan anything cause I want to be available for whenever Moine might need me. I know this is frusterating for Moine too. He just wants to be able to jump in the van and run into town and make a quick trip and not have to worry about making sure I'm home for him. It can be alot of work when you have to load up 4 children each time you need to run Moine to work or anywhere. I'm so thankful & blessed that my children are all old enough that they can walk & get ready by themselves because it sure makes it easier and quicker when trying to get everyone ready and out to the van.
     We are blessed though as we learn to work together better! The children learn patience as they wait on dad at stores. And mom learns patience too at times. Even dad learns patience sometimes  when he waits in the van with the children so I can make a quick run in somewhere for an item or two. Actually dad handles it very well, and the children do most days. Most days we actually have some rather good discussions.
    In fact Moine has handled everything so well. I have been amazed! Of course he has his days. Yesterday was one of those days. He felt like the world was crashing in on him.  Another blessing we have is at bedtime we can snuggle in bed and share our hearts. Share what were both feeling and pouring our hearts out. Yes, we talked many hours and shared our hearts when he was over the road but its not the same as being together and looking each other in the face and being able to hold each other while their struggling with life! Theres a difference.
    I use to go to bed all hours of the night but now that Moine is home when Moine goes to bed I go to bed! Whatever isn't done will wait till the morning. Now their are times I'm not tired but he is so I will get on the laptop or read a book or write a letter or etc... but I will be in bed with him!  Unless he was extra tired and went to bed early then I will join him as soon as I get the children put to bed. I love going to bed with my husband. I really missed doing that the past 3 years and I treasure these moments!
    I can still do things for Moine that I use to have to do for him when he wasn't home. And I know he truly appreciates when I do! Anoother big chage is that Moine gets to go to church with us Wednesday nights! We love daddy going with us! Moine not only gets to be more involved with our church and special activities but he also gets to do more with his friends. We get to invite friends over more often. Which we love doing. Playing games as a family or watching a movie together has also become special. We love to be outside in the evening as a family!
    Another blessing is that my oldest boy does so much better with school! He looks forward to daddy coming home and he wants to be done with school so he can be with dad! My children really struggled with daddy being gone especially Michael (our oldest boy age 6) i can't describe to you even how hard it was to watch him every time Moine had to leave. It made it so hard for Moine too. It has been so refreshig watching Michael's outlook on life change since daddy is home every night! In fact I asked Michael today, "Do you like daddy being home every night?" He grins and shakes his head and says, "Yep!"  I said, "Does it make life seem more normal?" Michael replied,"Yeah I prayed God would give daddy a job where he could be home every night and He answered my prayer! Daddy's my Hero! I love it this way!" Michael is just a happier person all around. In fact we probably all our.
   Can good come from bad? Absolutely! There has been alot of good out of this situation. One more blessing that will come from this situation is that Moine and I will get some alone time the end of April. Not exactly where we'd chose to go or do exactly what we'd chose to do in our alone time but like I told my mother-in-law its like the rose among the thorns!  I choose to look at the bright side of it instead of worrying about it all. We wonder why it couldn't of ended a bit different? But God knows why! We trust God to work all things out for good! We have learned so much and were thankful that God is a loving, caring and merciful Father!
   God has blessed us in so many ways! I know I've missed so many things but I feel like I need to get this posted. Below are a few other blessings that I have thought of often and hope I never take for granted again! I'm blessed and thankful for our AWESOME & AMAZING God!!!
    Other blessings are:
*Seeing my hubands smile everyday.
*Feeling his arms around me daily.
*Hugs
*Kisses
*Him whispering "I Love You" in my ear.
*His presence.
*He loves when I'm outside with him when hes working on stuff outside so I also try to make time for just spending time with him while hes working on his projects outside or in the garage. And I love being able to do this!
*I get to serve my husband fresh baked cookies and other special treats.
*I can leave special notes on his pillow.
*I can fix him extra special meals.
*I can fix special date nights for him and I!
*I can surprise him with a shake or other special things at his job!
*He helps motivate me.
*Receiving special acts of love from my husband.
*He watches the children so I can go to our church ladies Bible study and I don't have to try to find a babysitter.

   There are so many blessings I couldn't name them all!! I challenge you don't take life or your partner for granted!! Thanks for all each of you have done! Most of all thanks so much for all the love, support, encouragement, prayers, gifts of money and boxes! We can't thank you enough. We pray each of you will be blessed as we have been blessed!  
    Here is a family photo taken about 2 months ago. Not the best family photo but its the newest I have. From all of us to you..."Thank You!"  Blessings to all~

The Martins 2013

   

"The Accident & After"

   As a truckers wife one of my fears was always a call that my husband was in a bad accident. It happened! On Jan. 29th, (Tuesday) around 1pm a call from Moine saying, "Honey, I can't talk but I wanted you to know I'm ok but I was in a really bad accident and started coughing real hard and thats the last I remember. I don't know what happened but I got to go."  My stomach started turning and I started pacing and praying! It wasn't but 10 minutes later Moine's boss called and informed me that, "Yes, Moine just had an accident but hes ok and they will get him home!" I felt some better but I just wanted to talk to Moine again and hear for sure that he was ok. You know that feeling when they say their ok but you can tell something still isn't right. Well it was 4 long hours. I didn't think they'd ever pass. Moine was in Haysville, Kansas and I was 12 hours away. It would be 2 days later till I got to see Moine. I'm telling you,"that took alot of Trust!"  When Moine finally called me back 4 hours later he said, "he still didn't feel right but he was fine. That a friend and fellow trucker (Marlin Schrock) from our community was 3 hours behind him and he would be staying with him at a motel & to eat supper and then go with him to load the load on our friends trailer on Wednesday morning) and he'd come back with him." It was an oversize load so they had to stop for the night that first night coming back (Wed. night). That was hard for me but all I could do was, "TRUST!"  I wanted to drive as fast as I could and go get Moine but I knew that wasn't even practical.
    Moine told me that when he went off the road and went between the 2 poles and the fire-hydrant he hit the one pole which broke his axle which sent him across both lanes of traffic and when he came too he had hit 2 bobcats at a rental place in Haysville, Kansas and knocked their electricity out! Thankfully no one else was involved and the bobcats at the rental place only had scratches. We are so fortunate and blessed!! I'm so thankful my husband is still with us!! I have many blessings to count!!
    That day (Wednesday) while they were driving Moine and Marlin were chatting and got to laughing really hard and the next thing Marlin knew Moine's head started to fall to the side. Marlin pushed his head up and started slapping his chest and saying wake up. Moine says, "What ya mean I am awake!" Marlin said, " I seen it all with my own eyes I know exactly what happened! You passed out!" Moine said,"What did I exactly do?" Marlin explained it to him. Wednesday might they stopped for the night in Missouri. Needless to say I didn't get much sleep these nights and I don't think Moine did either. It was hard to talk to him cause I could tell he was struggling and hurting I just wanted to be right there with him. I couldn't though so all I could do was, "TRUST and PRAY!"
     After talking to our family doctor they wanted to see him asap.I said, "But he's in Kansas!" The nurse said, "I'd really like him to go to ER but be prepared he may get admitted to the hospital." I said, "No, he won't do that he wants to get home first. So we made a doc appt for Thursday and if we could get there earlier then the appointment they wanted us there asap!" Marlin & Moine met me about a mile from our family doctors office. Thankfully me oldest sister (Lisa) was willing to babysit for the children. Of course I was waiting at the spot we agreeded to meet at probably 45 mins. Yes, I was anxious and could hardly wait! I took Moine straight to the doctor they done blood work & an EKG and told him they want him to see a cardiologist the following week.
     On Friday evening Moine passed out on me & the children. Thankfully the children were rather calm.  We had just got done eating supper at the table when Moine passed out (had a seizure) on me. I can't explain all the emotions and thoughts and feelings that ran through me. I thank God for helping me & the children to stay calm.  I called the nurse line and they instantly put me on line with our family doctor. The doctor told me that I needed to get Moine to ER right away and she'd call ahead to the ER for us. Thankfully my mom (who puts in alot of hours and alot of evenings) happened to be home and so we ran the children to my moms place and I sped to the ER. Yeah, I'll admit it, "I was over speed limit!"  We got to ER and here 5 ambulances came in at the same time so we had no choice but to wait. Several hours later we finally got called back. Our family doctor had called and talked to Dr. Ennis in at the ER. after several test the ER doc said that Moine was going to be admitted into the hospital. Was I shocked? No not really.  We had hoped he wouldn't be but we did want to get answers and to the bottom of everything.
    On the way to the ER as I was speeding along (yes, I admit I was driving rather fast) Moine & I both noticed a church sign that read, "If God brings you to it. He will see you through it!" Wow, just what we needed! Thank you Lord!!  On the way home early Saturday morning I noticed the other side of that same sign. It read, "When God closes a door its for our protection. When God opens a door its an invitation!" God knew what I needed that night!
    They finally got Moine moved up to his room about 4am Saturday morning. It was a rather sleepless night!  Once Moine was all settled and I had a list of  a few things he wanted me to bring into him I headed home. Till I got everything to gather and the childrens clothes packed for a couple days it was time to head to my moms to drop off the clothes and cuddle the children a few minutes. They said the doctor comes in early so I wanted to be there when she got there  Sat. morn. While the children didnt want me to leave so till I tore away with mixed emotions I finally got to the hospital about 9am Sat. morn. Everyone forgetting that it was the 6th weekend so it would be a differnt neurologist coming in. So I made it!! The neurologist ordered more labs and a few more test to be done Sat. yet so I spent the day the hospital with Moine.  Sat. night we had several visitors. As it was our churches couple night out while the youth watched the children. We really enjoyed that! Till that evening though I was so tired and Moine wanted me to go home and get some good rest but honestly I didn't know if I'd be able to make it home. I took an hour nap then headed home about 11p.m.. Moine had encouraged me to go to my moms to sleep for the night and snuggle with the children in hopes that they'd handle me leaving them another day a bit better. It was good for me too.
    Sunday morning dawned and after spending time with the children I headed to the hospital. Moine said, "I'm just not feeling right." His whole right side seemed weaker then his left. He was shaving and all of a sudden he had sliva coming out of the right side of his mouth. I instantly afraid it was a stroke just because of a few different things. I could tell something wasn't right. I helped him back to his bed and then called the nurse. They right away called the doc. The doctor said, "Something is definetly wrong but hes not sure what. But that in 2 weeks he would release Moine to start driving."  They done a few more test and more blood work. Things just weren't adding up but the neurologist said that if all the test came back clear we could go home yet Sunday night. After a few very unprofessional happenings on the neurologists part I wasn't to happy and neither was my husband. I told the neurologist I just didn't feel like we had enough answers but he assured me that it was probably just senkope. I'm not sure what changed his minds exactly but we ended up spending the night at the hospital yet another night. At 8p.m. that night we had enjoyed a bunch of company off and on all day. My Uncle & Aunt were visiting with us at the time. We were laughing and having a good time when all of a sudden Moine passed out on me. I pushed the call button but no one came so I went out to the nurses station and told them that my husband had passed out on us but had come back too. They apologized and came and took his vitauls. Yes, something was wrong. Thankfully our visiters handled it all really well!
     Monday morning dawned and we had a different neurologist!! Praise the Lord! It was an answer to prayer!!  The new nurologist seemed to explain things a bit better and definitly was alot more professional! She assured us that it wasn't a stroke. She ordered yet 2 more blood test and another MRI and she said that she hoped to send us home that afternoon yet but to keep our cardiologist appointment for the following day. While no one dismissed us so we decided that we must be staying for the night again. So we got all comfy and about 8p.m. the head nurse came in and said that they were sending us home. So we quickly made a change of plans and got everything packed and ready to go.  We had to pick up a script then we went and picked up the children and went home to bed! Neither of us feeling like we really had answers to what the real problem was.
     Tuesday afternoon I took Moine to the cardiologist only to find out that they didn't have the test results for his echo back. We had to reschedule for that Thursday. Talk about walking away feeling disappointed; this was one of those times. We both were struggling that afternoon. It did us good to be alone and talk and share our hearts.
     Wednesday Moine passed out on me twice! By this time I was pleading and crying with God. Its a good thing I didn't know then how long it would be till we finally got the final diagnoses cause I would of forsure  went insane! I'm so thankful God's timing is perfect! It was so hard to watch Moine pass out and know there was really nothing I could do but to Trust God during these spells. I don't think it mattered how many times he passed out on me each time my stomach would start to swirl and I start to pray! I felt like I needed to be strong for Moine so after he went to bed I had a battle with God. Yes, you read right; "I had a battle with God!" I argued why can't the docs just find out what is going on? I can't handle this no more. Why do my children have to witness this? And so much more with many tears!!  Neither Moine nor I had slept good since the night of the accident. We'd wake up at 2 or 3 am and talk, cry & pray (all depended on what was on the minds) for an hour or so and then finally we'd fall back to sleep.
     Thursday afternoon Moine had an appointment with the cardologist (the appointment that was reacheduled.)  Each time Moine passed out I wrote down everything that happened around the times he passed out and how he reacted and so on and so forth. When we went to the appointment I handed the doctor all the papers. The doctor told us it was definietly not heart related. After he looked over the papers that I handed him he told us to hang tight in the office he wanted to call our neurologist. Several minutes passed and he finally returned. Our cardiologist told us that he spoke personally with our neurologist and  she wanted Moine to have a 24 hour EEG done. Because it was starting to sound more like seizures. So we left the doctors office and went home to hear from the neurologist office as they were scheduling everything for the 24 hour EEG. This was February 7th. And they couldn't get us in for the 24 hour EEG until Feb. 18th. Moine took it all in stride; I on the other hand was running out of patience and was getting very frusterated. Moine continued to have spells off and on but not as often. Thankfully.
     Feb. 18th finally came and Moine went to get ready for his 24 hour EEG and here we found out that they were attaching all the wires to him and he was going back home with me and I'd have him back to the office 24 hours later to have all the wires taken off!
     Feb. 19th I took Moine back to have everything taken off. He never passed out on me that I know of but he did alot of sleeping that day. Later we found out that you can actually have a seizure and not even know it and that he was probably having them in his sleep. We watched them download the data from the 24 hour EEG and then went on our way!  As you can tell I've had to learn to Trust & Pray alot through this experence in our life!
     And thats when the long wait began!!   My next blog will be " Waiting, Change, & Blesings!"  I'm working on it but it might be a bit till I get it posted! Thanks!  Below are photos of the accident and a few others!
   

Here you can tell he went between a
pole and a fire hydrant.

In fact there were 2 poles and
he missed the one but hit the 2nd one.

More damage to the truck...

opps not good...

The axle that got hit hard and shoved
out of wack.

The box was ruined they couldn't even
open the doors at the scene and
one small dent in the fuel tank.

More damage...



Flowers from Moine's
oldest & youngest sisters!

And this is where he landed!
He his 2 bobcats at an equipement
rental place. And they just received
a few scratches and were fine.



Moine reanacting how they
said the accident happened
to the children and I.





All wired up and doing his
24 hour EEG!

Some more Beautiful
flowers from our church
family!

Moine getting all the wires
attached to his head for
his 24 hour EEG.



 



If I Could Choose...

                              A good friend who was like a sis to me when I lived in Mississippi wrote this! I thought it went with my last blog that I posted yesterday and so I asked her if I could share. She said sure. Its from the blog; "Whispers from my niche" by Dayna Miller! For those who don't know her, her brother-in-law has Parkinsons. Even so I thought this was really fitting. Blessings to each of you!      

                                      If I could choose...

Lately I'v been thinkin about somethin... With me that is seldom a good thing! Well, I guess that depends on your perspective. Let me tell you what I'v been thinkin this time.

If I could obliterate just one major disease, or just one major sin, thousands and thousands of people would be helped right? So if I were to obliterate just one, what would I choose? One sin... Just one. How about murder? That would certainly save lives! Or maybe any form of child abuse. The world would be a much much better place if no child was ever mistreated in any malicious way. But then what about the damage that is done by lying? How many lives are ripped apart every day by lies and deceit? Looking at diseases the first thing that comes to my mind is cancer. But I wouldn't choose cancer. If I had that power in my hands my selfishness would take over and I would choose to stop the disease that affects me and my family the most. I would root out and destroy the thing that is tearing down piece by piece one of the people I love most in the world. I would stop the THING that is slowly stealing from us one of the greatest men that I know. I would choose that disease because I am selfish and naturally bad and because I love my family passionately and because I want more than anything in the world for each of my neicews to be happy and healthy and well adjusted. If I were good though, if I were not selfish and if I had the capacity to honestly love other children as much as my own sweet littles, I would choose cancer, or kwashiorkor (essentially childhood starvation). I would pick the disease who's end would save the most lives. Truly I would. But I'm not good. I'm human and therefore I do not (ThankFully!!) have that choice. But I have Jesus.

See, here is the thing. If I had the power to take away all rape in the world, or all hunger, or all cancer, or even... yes even all Parkinson's, I would take with it the work that Christ can do through it. To take away any sin would be to take away the incredible gift of healing that can be found through Jesus Christ. To take away any disease would be to take away the beauty of His presence through our darkest days. I would love to save my family the heart break of loss. I would love to give back to my friend the sweet mama she lost to cancer. I would love to erase the horror deep in the eyes and heart of my friend as she pours out her story of childhood abuse. I cant. But I know One who can. I know One who provides amply and in ways that an earthly father never can. I know One who comforts with a presence sweeter even than that of a mother. I know One who can restore purity and wholeness to a heart that has been ravaged by another person's sin.

The reality is that we each make our choices. We choose our pain, our sorrow, our suffering... Or, we choose Christ. None of us can make the bad things that we, or anyone else, faces go away. But we can listen, love, support, care, and share Jesus Christ with each hurting person (and that is absolutely everyone) that we meet.

This is the time and place where maybe I should say that we must choose Christ and endure to the end because heaven will be worth it all. That would be a true statement. But it would cheapen life here and life there SO so SO much! I don't like to watch someone I love loose physical capacity. I don't like to see pieces of him change and crumble. I don't like to know that a week and a half ago I sat in church and tried hard not to giggle at a sweet little girl who was giggling at me... And that a few short days later her life here ended. I don't like the reality that a woman so strong and graceful and full of life lost her battle with cancer and left her children and grandchildren to muddle through the hurt and brokenness and horror of loss. I don't like that evil men can do evil things and bring such shame and heartbreak to innocent lives. I don't like it. Everything within me rebels and cries against it. But if Jesus is there, if He is with the hurting, if His hand is over me, guiding you, feeding the hungry, loving the sick, is that not heaven? Is heaven not His presence here as much as His presence on the other side of death? JESUS is worth choosing. JESUS is worth laying down our rights for. JESUS is worth the hurt and risk it takes to let Him heal us. Yes, a new heaven and a new earth will be wonderful! Every moment immersed in a world where there is no need of the sun because there is the Son... Nothing could possibly be more incredible!! But what makes us think we will experience His presence there if we do not choose to experience it here?

I can not choose a sin to destroy. I can not choose a disease to obliterate. But let me tell you what I can choose. I can choose one heart to give to Jesus. I can choose one life to sink completely into Him. I can choose one day at a time to let my face show forth the crazy amazing love of Him who holds my moments, the good and the bad, in His hands. I can choose Jesus.

Sad but Thankful

   This is my heart today!!
   Sad because some precious people lost their baby to a miscarriage. She was 11 weeks along. But praying for another friend who has lost her precious son. And is expecting again!
   Sad because a dear friend (Della Kohen) from Mississippi just found out she has cancer. Sad for my sister-in-law (Elona who teaches in Richland Center, WI) and her church whos pastor (Dale Kulp) died last night from stage 4 cancer. And sad for my sister-in-law that was already on her way to Oregon to decorate a wedding cake.
But so thankful and happy that my youngest sister-in-law (Estalee) is now 5 years cancer FREE!!!
   Sad that we had to miss Moine's cousins (Andy & Derelle) wedding in Oregon. Sad that we had to miss the Mid-American TRucking Show in Louisville, KY and being with friends. But absolutely thankful to still have a husband!!
   Sad for a dear friend who has been having hip and back issues now for 10 months and is in so much pain and can't enjoy her 5 precious children like she wants and they want. But I'm very thankful for my good health!
  Sad for a dear friend whos children have been sick so much and they can't figure out why. Sad for a family whos 9 year old boy (i think) is dying of cancer. And they've done all they can for him but yet he's so happy and has a really good attitude about it.Please pray for the Brovant Family. But so thankful for 4 healthy viberant children!!
   Sad because a dear friend whose anniversary would of been yesterday didn't have another chance to celebrate another year with her husband. And their children couldn't help them celebrate because their dad has gone to a far better place. But so thankful that I was able to celebrate another anniversary in Feb. when my dear husband could have been taken as well.
   And as I was thinking these things I picked up my book called,"Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. On March 20th it said,
   "THANK ME FOR THE GLORIOUS GIFT OF MY SPIRIT. This is like priming the pump of a well. As you bring Me the sacrifice of thanksgiving, regardless of your feelings, My Spirit is able to work more freely within you. This produces more thankfulness and more freedom, until you are overflowing with gratitude.
   I shower blessings on you daily, but sometimes you don't perceive them. When your mind is stuck on a negative focus, you see neither Me nor My gifts. In faith, thank Me for whatever is preoccupying your mind. This will clear the blockage so that you can find Me." The verses they had to read were; "2 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 3:17; and Psalm 50:14." 
    Wow, what a challenge to me today! Just what I needed! I was reminded I need to thank God, regardless how I feel. Have you thanked God today?  Hope you have a great day!!

Games & Movies & a Special Mission

     I've had so many thoughts and things I wanted to blog about but now as I finally have a moment of peace and quite I can't seem to remember a thing.
     With Moine being home we have played alot of family games if daddy isn't to worn out which seems to be more then we like but were getting use to it.  We've also enjoyed watching a few good movies together. One of the childrens favorite is "The Heart of Christmas!" They don't care its a Christmas movie they'd watch it almost daily if we'd let them. It's about a little boy named, Dax who is dying of cancer and he gets medical care at St. Judes Hospital!  If you haven't had a chance to watch it while I'd encourage you too but warning it is a movie where you'll want a tissue box close by if your anything like me anyway.
      It is based on a true story of hope and compassion. Austin and Julie Locke are devastated when they learn that their young son, Dax, has ben diagnosed with cancer. But with courage, determination and faith, they decide to give Dax one last Christmas, even if it has to be in October. When the community sees the holiday decorations and learns the heartbreaking truth, what happens next is a miraculous outpouring of caring and support.
      Another favorite of theirs is "Johnny!" Now I don't know why but these 2 movies have similar ideas and their both loved by our children. In fact one of my boys don't want me to watch these 2 movies with them because I always cry. Daddy put a stop to that real quick.  So yes this is also a tissue needed movie.
     "Johnny" is about a young boy who is a foster child and is dying of leukemia. He is convinced he is here for a special mission; a mission that is revealed when he enters Dr. Carter's world. Dr. Drew Carter tragically lost his 10 year old boy son in a car accident while his wife was driving, he didn't expect to lose his whole family as well. Since the accident Drew's wife, Julia has become emotionally absent from Drew and their daughter, Kayla. Drew sees a chance to heal his family but because Julia remains in a perpetual guilt~ridden state of grief, she is opposed to the idea of adopting this terminally ill boy. With Kayla feeling increasingly more rejected by her own mother and drew growing more distant from his wife, he decides to take matters into his own hands and adopts Johnny for better or worse.
       So remember, "Everyone has a special mission!"  There were many things that we gained from these 2 dvd's  but its now putting what we've gained to practice.
      I know I didn't have alot to say and nothing brillant but if your in  need of a good dvd now you have a few ideas. There both really good, and really sad and makes you do alot of thinking!!
      Hope you have a blessed day!! Be joyful and enjoy the special mission which God has given you!!