. . . the journey . .

At 2 am this morning Orin awoke me in pain and having nausea. As the day progressed his symptoms have led us to believe that he may have had a rather major heart attack. While this is a turn in events we believe it is the Lords hand in bringing Orin home to him more certainly, swiftly and kindly. I believe his condition to be very critical at this time and have called family to be here with me. Again thank you for your prayers as we walk these last steps of the journey.

Orin has rested quietly the past 24 hours, probably in part due to medication, but praise God without pain. My sister Rita and her husband Dick were here this afternoon from Olathe and he was awake some to visit with them. Our grandchildren were here and we were all enjoyed watching them play as we visited. Rita and Dick have a granddaughter that is the same age as Olivia and Anna so we share that common " grandparent bond". It was good to watch Orin enjoy the visit even though I could tell he was getting tired. It was just good for me to have them here. Again God provides.

I could not have guessed how confusing that this illness could be as it progressed . I am finding that being a nurse isnt helping much at all. . My heart cries as I hear the man I love so much speak rationally in one sentence and be completely "off the wall" in the next. It is hard to know if it is the cancer... or the medication that it takes to control the pain it causes, that speaks to me. Sometimes the words I hear are innocent and playful, almost like those that come from my granddaughters.. sometimes they are harsh and demanding and very very unlike the loving man I have known, ALWAYS they take me off guard, because just minutes before they were rational. He has pain often now in the back of his head , in addition to the right side and his neck and shoulders. He also has begun to complain of pain in his left side and back. There just seem to be more obvious signs that the cancer is gaining control of his body. I have never been a one to worry, but I have had to really w...

The last couple of weeks have been a time of special visits with brothers and sisters. ( This pic was taken when we were at Ray's graduation party in June ). Cline and wife Judy and June and husband Clyde were here the Saturday before July 4th. We had a great visit and they had an eventful trip home traveling the flood ridden plains of southeast Kansas. Last week June returned and spent several days with us, visiting and caring for Orin while I worked. She of course spoiled him a bit with an old family favorite and we all enjoyed warm bread pudding with raisins topped with vanilla icecream! We have had to increase both the decadron and the morphine... Orin does still get out side occasionally. We have a lift that helps him transfer from bed to his scooter or chair. He doesnt have the strength to be up for much more than an hour but uses the time he has to good advantage helping me know how to care for our yard and plants. I am trying to be a good student but wonder ho...

Scott holding up an eight pound bass for his dad to see through the front window of the house. One of Scott's responsibilities with Touchton Electric is seeing that all the electric power connections are laid and ready to go for the annual Farm Show. (For those of you away from here, its held outside of Pittsburg in the middle of a pasture ) Now its a big job and they DO have a lot to do to get it all ready...... but there's a pond on the place.... Scott's a fisherman..... it was inevitable!!!!

PUBLISHED: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 in the Kansan Ray Church, 19, of Newton rides his horse C.D. at the Extreme Cowboy Race Sunday in Kansas City. He competed against 30 other amateur riders and placed 10th during his first time at the event. Church, a Newton High School graduate, wants to become a horse trainer. Courtesy Photo Photos The Kansan owns are for sale at our Spotted! galleries. We are very proud of Ray! It was quite an accomplishment to even qualifiy to compete in this event and to place 10th as one of the youngest contestants says a lot about his dedication and training! Ray is the son of Debbie and Larry Church and the grandson of June and Clyde Young. June is Orin's sister.

On a recent trip to Joplin Mike and Emily brought Orin his favorite ribs. Anna just couldnt wait for grandpa to open his RIBBONS and they delightfully enjoyed a meal!