2014 Week 2: Slow Progress

As it turned out county schools cancelled classes all week.
The robotics team called off their very first day of build-season. Senior mentor Mike's brain did not take a break, however, even waking him up at 4:00 a.m. a couple times to continue working on drawings and solving problems.

Looks like some of the students had fun building a non-robotic structure.

I started the first days home dressing like an eskimo and fighting a sore throat and cold.

By Thursday the temperatures had risen into the 30s and I felt up to a walk in the foot-deep snow.

The picnic area out back

Meanwhile, we followed Kristie's daily updates regarding Sam's condition:
--great weakness. Slowly able to stand, began walking around the unit up to three times a day.
--uncertainty. Was it meningitis? Definitely staph infection. Anything else? Why is the incision leaking? Is the cranial fluid flowing as it should?
--setbacks. May need surgery to open up and clean out the infection. May have to insert a shunt.
--some progress. Less pain. Increased appetite.
Still waiting in hope...

 I was comforted to see Sam's smile in the selfies Kristie took on their walks together, but couldn't look at them without tearing up as I thought of our son's prolonged confinement.

The milder weather and clearer roads, allowed me to get out a couple times and run brief errands. I stopped in to visit Leah, also suffering from cabin fever and loneliness. Her charges--son Skye, three dogs, and the little guy she babysits--keep her somewhat entertained.

Saturday's progress on the robot was significant. A long day of team work, each one doing their part, got them further ahead than in years past at this point, in spite of a day off! (I wonder if they will be able to avoid the usual push and the all-nighters at the end of the six weeks?)

I confess that most of the photos this week are not mine, but rather stolen  borrowed from Facebook.

Today, Sunday's pictures, are my favorites! The boys got to see their Daddy after nine days. I can't tell who is happiest.

I hope to be able to tell you next week that Sam has been released and is home, out of danger, and getting stronger.

2014 Week 1: Waiting in Hope

Sunday, the last one of 2013, we heard a sermon about looking back, choosing memorable moments of God's grace and constructing memorials or stones of remembrance to always remind us of what God did. 
My first thought was to write the story of our different Christmas and how God spared our son Sam's life.
I also recognized the same motivation behind my commitment to this weekly photo-journal--to record and not forget how the LORD is leading and working in our daily lives.

Monday I hung the last ornament, a gift from my young friend at Serenity House. It was misplaced for a few days.
Many, if not most, had taken down their decorations by then, but we hadn't had our family Christmas yet.

Tuesday, New Year's Eve.
With Michael involved in the Delaware County robotics team, we join in the downtown Muncie New Year's activities which include the ball drop, built and modified each year by the team.

Daughter Leah has great fun dressing up for the occasion. Can you see the crane and ball in readiness for the exact moment? While you wait buy popcorn and hot chocolate from the Team 1720 PhyXTGears' tent.

. . . 3-2-1- Happy New Year!

New Year's Day 2014 we celebrated Christmas 2013 as a family--meal, gifts, fun.

Christmas Dinner

Our fellowship was all the more precious and sweet because Sam was with us, though tired and weak yet.

We attempted a reenactment of a favorite Christmas photo of the three older grand-kids when they were little probably about the age and size of the three younger ones now. Not the same stair-step effect anymore.

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Thursday (or was it Friday?), Mike borrowed my camera and went out in the cold to get this view of the carved tree.

On one of those days I took down all the ornaments off the Christmas tree and they are still on the table waiting to be packed away. Anyone else out there a 'hopeless case' like me? Please don't send the Christmas-decor police around!

Saturday was the start of the build season for the robotics team and hence a big commitment for Mentor Mike. 

The simulcast Kick-Off takes place on the first Saturday of January. This year's game is called Aerial Assist.

After Mike left, I had an SOS call from Kristie: Sam was in trouble again--headache, vomiting, in serious pain. I left ASAP and ended up spending three days with the grand boys, only three the first day. 

Fun times interspersed with tears and meds, all fighting flu symptoms and missing Mom.

Malachi had spent a weekend away with good friend Ben and his great family. In spite of the condition of the roads, they drove him back Sunday afternoon.
The expected snowfall and frigid temperatures continued. The big boys moved their mattresses to the warmer area, the living room.

Winter Camping

Meanwhile, Sam had been transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis again where he had the third ct scan in three days and many other tests. The diagnosis: meningitis.
He has lost much weight, is weak but gaining strength daily. Blood count has normalized. Still waiting for some test results to know how to deal with the post op bacterial infections.

Monday late afternoon Kristie braved the dangerous driving conditions to get home to her boys. We are grateful she made it safely.
Mike picked me up from their place and I am taking it easy at home, enjoying the views.
Sam encouraged Kristie to stay home a day or two.

Friends of Sam and Kristie and our family have been overwhelmingly supportive. A website was launched for updates and fundraising: Walking in Victory and Hope. I get emotional every time I look at the response.

2013 Week 52: A Different Christmas

Life is a constant ebb and flow of good and bad, life and death. This week we experienced a heavy mix of both.

Sunday we were anxiously awaiting news of the safe arrival of niece Tina's first baby.

For lack of a photo for that day I am borrowing one of my favorites of the many posted on Facebook throughout the week--my mother holding her great grandson Simon. (Photo credits Daddy Kyle!) 

Woke up Monday to a sad looking Christmas tree, the top half had gone dark--a premonition of things to come? It was a scary day indeed.

Sam's weekend-long headache and vomiting escalated severely. He begged to go to the ER. They spent four hours at the doctor's, but meds and fluids administered brought no relief. From there Kristie took Sam to the ER. Finally by evening they had a diagnosis (after a CT scan and MRI)--colloid cyst on the brain obstructing the flow of cranial fluid. By then we had joined them in the ER, ready to do whatever we could.

The ambulance left around 10 p.m. transporting Sam to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis--reportedly the best brain trauma center in the nation. Mike drove Kristie there after she stopped at home to put the little ones to bed and collect a few things. I spent the night with the boys. It had been a long day for wonderful babysitter big brother Malachi. And it was very hard on Mom-Kristie to be away from baby Jude first time overnight. 

When she phoned early the next morning, Jude had just realized that I was not Mommy and was crying, but after some breakfast was fine.

That was Christmas Eve. We were anxiously waiting to hear when Sam's surgery would be. Could it wait till after Christmas? Would a surgeon be available and willing?

There was a 'changing of the guard'. Grandma Debby arrived to take over with the grandkids. When she walked in, little Zion said, "We don't need you. We got one already." ;)

Mike had arrived home from Indy around 4 a.m. Mid morning he picked up his sister Diane who spends holidays with us, and we met at Stephan and Karen's for the traditional Christmas Eve brunch for family and friends, the Monday Night regulars and more. It was so good to share in the nourishing meal and uplifting prayers before heading down to Indianapolis, and I got to meet a new little member of the group--Arya not even a month old!

The first great news was that Dr. Shapiro, one of the top, if not the top neurosurgeon in the nation, was scheduled to operate that morning. 

We arrived toward the end of the five + hour procedure and waited to go in and be with Sam. 

Tender moments after surgery

Kristie went home late Tuesday to keep the home-machine running smoothly and take the two older boys to see their dad the next day--Christmas Day.

Notice the smaller bandage, a slight smile, and Sam eating an Italian ice. He was confused at times but his customary humor was intact and came through in whispers or hand signals. 

We enjoyed a brunch at Leah's, left Diane there and went back to the hospital.

Later we drove the big boys home from the hospital so Kristie could stay late with Sam.
Found the little ones playing contentedly, another good day with Grandma Debby.

Then we went back to Leah's for a delicious dinner and to pick up Diane. 

Leah so enjoyed decorating her new home. Every nook and cranny was delightfully adorned.  

Thursday, Boxing Day in some countries, we traveled North and had a good visit with my mother, brother Alan and family.

The news about Sam was that the drains had been removed and in the evening he was moved out of ICU!

Friday morning we were shocked to hear that he would be released to go home already that day!
At first it was rather overwhelming, especially for Kristie thinking of the care required.
However, everything went smoothly and Sam's steady improvement has been very encouraging.

Mike made a trip to Muncie to cut wood for Sam to heat his shop, whenever he's able to go back to work.

We had already scheduled a dinner with friends from our small group and were glad to be able to fit it in.

Leah was hurting so much for her brother and had not been able to visit him yet, so Saturday we went together to visit and help out for a few hours. I scrubbed floors while Leah wrapped their family gifts for them--the prettiest presents ever.

 

Sam looked good with his new hair cut and was very glad to lay there and quietly be involved in family life.

When we left almost all was in readiness for their family Christmas celebration today, Sunday.

The plan for the entire Koch clan is to celebrate 2013 Christmas in 2014, on New Year's Day! 

We have a lot to celebrate! However, we've already received the best Christmas gift ever! 

2013 Week 51: Rain, rain go away . . .

Today, on the official beginning of winter, the rain is washing away the old snow. Perhaps we'll have fresh snow and a white Christmas.

Sunday, Mike was asked to share with the first grade Sunday School class a pottery demo and lesson he's done before. I watched the interaction for awhile. The thirteen children were enthralled. When asked how they are similar to clay pots, the answers varied .

--Because we can hold Jesus inside.
--Because we are all different.

Hopefully they went away understanding that each of us is created differently for a unique purpose and that we are the clay, He--the LORD--is the potter.

Our friend Gina makes a clay ornament each year. Monday night, at the dinner she gave out this one so fitting for our snowy year.

Jared, our young friend at Anderson University, braved the snow and icy conditions to come over Tuesday afternoon and pick up his luggage which in storage here.We enjoyed visiting for awhile and even played a couple rounds of Hand and Foot. Then he had to leave (or was it because I was winning?)

Thursday he drove home, 10 hours to Little Rock, AR, but by then the weather was warming up.

Wednesday evening the Elderberrys, the older crowd at our church, gathered to wrap gifts for needy families in the community. As I was leaving I enjoyed the sight of the moon over the manger scene.

Another night scene I enjoy, the lighted deer in my neighbor friend's yard. Can you tell how many deer and see Rudolph's red nose? She also gave us a deer ornament.

An ornament that survived the house fire is very meaningful to me because it was painted by a young friend, a former student. She now lives nearby and we talk or get together regularly.

That brings me to Saturday's photos.
What a fun day! I took the two older grandsons on a Christmas shopping trip. They each had a certain amount of money and could decide where and what to spend it on. We had a great time together and they are very happy with what their purchases, including a gift for their girlfriends.

Back at Malachi's I caught a glimpse of the two younger boys all spiffed up and ready for mom-Kristie's family Christmas party.

They also showed me the newspaper article that came out today featuring Sam's business. Another proud moment. Open the link to watch the video and read the article.

Skateboard maker's business is on a roll

Michael has been very persistently moving forward with his artistic project, however no photos this time.

And now, I close wishing you all a very blessed Christmas week, rejoicing with family and friends all because of the greatest gift of all--God come in the flesh to live among us.

2013 Week 50: Let it Snow . . .

Winter is officially one week away, but the weather does not know that.

We've had winter-coat n' hat weather all week, even hovering in the single digits at times.

Sunday started out rainy, windy and COLD. It was the day of the Town of Upland holiday traditions.

I enjoyed the Tour of Homes, going to other people's this time! Again a nice variety of settings and decor.

One lady had an extensive Gone with the Wind collection including Scarlett O'Hara dolls and all her many dresses. 

I was reminded of the fact that it was my mother-in-law's favorite movie. 

I also took notice of a wood-carved rocking chair and several clay sculptures. (I wonder why?)

The two napping figures were inspired by the habits of the artist's aging parents. (I can relate to them!)

Speaking of sculptures. . . a very sad accident occurred Monday when I was dusting Mike's most treasured and fragile piece. (I knew dusting could be hazardous!)

He had to glue the harp in four places. (I am grateful Mike is still speaking to me!)

The Christmas tree made it out of the attic Tuesday, thanks to Michael, but I have been so unmotivated this year that the trimmings sat around for days. Finally on Thursday afternoon I began cleaning and decorating in earnest. Why? Because I had invited the neighborhood ladies to come for coffee on Friday! I do better with deadlines. Also Friday is when I get away from desk work and do other things, such as crafts, cleaning or other household chores while listening to a good book.

A few favorite little corners

Three of the Nativities come from Argentina. Can you guess which ones?

Wednesdays we often go to a weekly meal at the Lions club. This week was the Christmas special.  I caught a glimpse of Santa preparing to make his entrance. (Ha! You thought he came down the chimney.)

Well, in truth, the stories that have come down through the centuries about St. Nicholas tell of his generosity. One in particular stands out, when he did climb up and drop a bag of gold through an upper window to help a poor man save his daughters from slavery. He tried to do it secretly, but obviously word got out.
It is fun to be sneakily generous in this season of giving.

The Thursday, December 12th, public network Weekly Special featured son Stephan at the Indiana Ice Studio talking about his art and profession. It is very well done. (You can see him on the 0:53-0:56 and 3:13-7:07 segments.)

This weekend he is in Ithaca, New York. Ice carving competition season has begun! Here you see the 'Ice King' himself sitting on the throne he and his buddies carved for the occasion. (Photo downloaded from Facebook)

"We carved this 10 block throne at Ithaca Ice Wars in NY this week....with Brian Fitzgerald."

And here it is, a quiet snowy Saturday, wonderful for staying indoors, listening to Christmas music, writing holiday greetings, wrapping gifts, and composing this weekly post.

2013 Week 49: Events and Friends

Someone pointed out once that my photo-blog is more about people than things.
As I look over the events and accomplishments of the week, what stands out are the encounters with friends in a variety of ways--F2F, FB, e-mail, Christmas greetings and letters . . .

At our local ice cream shop, Ivanhoes', one is likely to meet friends. Sunday, when we took visitors there (always a good excuse to eat there) we met a young lady who grew up here and meant a lot to our family, now living far away, married and expecting her first.

 Monday we took a couple of young friends to Stephan's meal.

Tuesday I addressed a bunch of Christmas cards and year-end letters to family and friends.
I came across a trifold card I made for Mike's parents 30 years ago, the first Christmas we were back in the US. After they both passed away many such items were returned.

These must have been our kids' first school pictures: Stephan in 7th grade; Leah in 5th; and Sam in Kindergarten. On the back I wrote, "Leah now has a perm and shorter hair and Sammy lost his first tooth on Thanksgiving." [Way to ruin her beautiful hair, Mom. And, look at those huge glasses, poor girl.]

Mike's weeks and months of plugging away at the lost wax bronze casting experiment, culminated Wednesday with the actual pouring process, more complicated than I could ever explain.

The next few days he was cleaning up, sand blasting and polishing the piece.

Youth

He finally finished Friday night after we got back from Jared's concert. (Well, really it was Anderson University's Candles and Carols.)

BTW, last year's production will be televised on Christmas Day on the public broadcasting networks--APB and ETWN.

Today, Saturday, we joined many other vendors in a nearby town to display and hopefully sell some of Michael's art. The sales were not great but we met old and new friends and that was worth the while.

The town is all decked out for the season and we're looking forward to tomorrow's Olde Tyme Christmas with all the traditional activities of the day--tour of homes, tree lighting ceremony, and more.

So, we are another week closer to Christmas. Hope you are enjoying all the preparations of the season and that your heart is filled with joy as you meditate on the Christmas story.