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Monday, January 24, 2011

Another Year Older???


"The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him."
Proverbs 20:7
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Daddy has worn many hats over the years.  A "jack-of-all-trades" you might could call him.

Daddy, on left, with his brother, mother, and sister

He came into this world on January 24th, 1953 as a son and a brother.

Daddy (beside his father) with his parents and brother -- the only time his father went to church
Daddy
Wild and free...
 
Husband to one...
 
father to seven...

father-in-law and brother-in-law (and son-in-law)...

grandfather to two...

...

and friend to many!

Roofer...

preacher...
mechanic...

???
page turner...

lover of beauty...
snow shoveler...
interior decorator... : )
landscaper...
oarsman...

fisherman...

 Not to mention carpenter, chauffeur, outdoorsman, and an all around handyman.

creative with much ingenuity...

fun-loving...
and just a bit silly...
hardworking...
and always hungry!!! : ) : )
Daddy, we appreciate all that you do for us and all that you are!  May you have many, many, many more birthdays to come!!!!  We love you!

Oh, and by the way, just think of it as getting older one day at a time! : )

I'll Love You...

forever!

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"And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
Genesis 2:21-24
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Forty-one short years ago, a 16-year-old boy -- ahem! -- man... : ) was introduced to his friend's girlfriend.  Just a casual meeting, but to this young man, it was love at first sight. The friend forever regretted it... : )


They dated, were engaged, but there was a little problem about the "getting married" part.  You see, the young man was now only 17, and his guardian refused to sign for him.  They tried everything...even taking a bus to SC with a fake ID...all to no avail.  Finally, the week before this young man's birthday, his guardian finally signed for him and gave these wise words of counsel ~ Now, if you'll work as hard to stay married as you did to get married, it will last.

On January 23, 1971 (the day before that young man's 18th birthday), they did just that ~ they got married...

...and their marriage has done just that for 40 short years ~ lasted. : )

We love you, Daddy and Momma, and are SO thankful to the Lord for your faithfulness to Him and to each other!  Thank you for your wonderful example to us!  May you have many, many more years together!
Happy Anniversary!!!
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With much love,
Christina, Keisha, Ray, Valerie, Sara, and Allison

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Welcome Home, Allison!!!

"In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.  Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.  The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."
 Psalm 138:3,7-8
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After 9 long days (for all of us) of being in the hospital, Allison got to come home yesterday!  We were all soooooo excited!  She didn't come home any more improved than she left and we don't have any more answers than before, but at least we're all together again!  The rest is in the Lord's Hands.

 After some trial and error, we finally got the confetti spread successfully.....maybe not with the method intended, but who cares as long it makes a mess, right? : )

 Oh, did you not get enough the first time?

 Allison -- happy to be home!

 Getting reaquainted with Bubbles...

The confetti made it's way everywhere imaginable!
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Here's a short recap of her stay in the hospital...
After an unexpected doctor's visit, she was admitted onto the orthopedic floor of the hospital.  Many specialists got together to see if they could figure out the mind-boggling health issues that she has.  She had quite a few visits from nurses and doctors alike just to see the book of Allison's medical pictures they carry with them to all doctor visits.

Can you guess her favorite color???

The immunologist tested her for Mastocytosis, but the results came back normal.  He is waiting on the results from the tests for HAE types I, II, and III.

 Her favorite amenity...

 ...can't you tell??? : )


 This is her first room.  It was nice and large with a big couch and plenty of room for visitors and her "track" for her wheelchair.

 The "cure" : ) : )

Reading the Instruction Manual...
Should we make an imprint on her forehead, "Handle with Care"?

 So sweet!

 She stayed on the Panthers floor.

 Allison being herself -- silly girl! : )

 Dad and Mom enjoying some time together.

Allison also enjoyed the visit from the UNCC 49er's men's basketball team.

 They gave her an autographed poster

and she got her picture taken with the mascot

 and the team.

 Here are some of the lights of Charlotte....a view we saw almost every evening.

On the 5th day, they moved her to the rehab floor where she would see a physical therapist and an occupational therapist.  The first day was one full of evaluations, and then she dove headlong into days full of intense therapy.

 Because she didn't want anyone to see her bedhead, most mornings she woke up at 5:30-5:45, got ready for the day, and then settled down to her schoolwork ~ finishing it before her first therapy session.

Here's just a glimpse into her day...

~Physical Therapy~



~More Physical Therapy~





 Allison taking a well-deserved break....

 and enjoying all her sweet emails, cards, etc.

 ...and her board.

~Occupational Therapy~

Her best friend....the mirror : )


 It seems they're confused as to who the patient is! : )

And, of all things, they had to be able to win a game on the Wii.
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We're soooooooooooo glad you're home!!!!!