2014 Week 6: Snow Days and Birthdays

The snow, ice, cold temperatures, or all of the above, have given me a good reason to stay indoors. I left the house only twice.
Try as we may we haven't been able to celebrate birthdays in the usual all-family way. As a result I accomplished more in the way of cleaning and writing.

On the other hand, Mike trudged into Muncie as usual during robot build-season. This is one of the photos Team 1720 posted this week. Looks like Mentor Mike was not wearing the team shirt.

Monday we had hoped to celebrate two birthdays at Stephan's regular weekly meal, but Leah couldn't be there.
Elijah got his wish, however, montecristos and ice cream cake.
I sat at the small red table with the little ones. After they'd had enough to eat they began to bang their plates with their forks.

Tuesday was Leah's birthday. She liked the soft fuzzy woolen hat and gloves I made her.

Wednesday was a snow day. This squirrel jumped down and slammed into our bedroom window.

Perhaps it wanted me to look out at the beautiful view.

The smudges in the lower left are from the cat. It also knows where we sleep and how to wake us up.

We did have another Sam-scare that day. His incision was still leaking and they became concerned due to the color of the fluid. To be safe they were told to go back to the hospital in Indy. Thank God it was only a false alarm. I was prepared to babysit if needed, but big brother Malachi was home as school was cancelled for the day.

Thursday I began to write the story of our courtship, "Twelve Barrels: A Love Story." It has required a lot more digging to accurately record some long forgotten yet important details. I am so grateful that the album with our love letters was preserved even through the house fire!

I know I promised a post about the 12 barrels, but I am still working on that piece, and having second thoughts about publishing it on the blog.

Friday afternoon I headed to Sam and Kristie's to stay with the boys so that Mom and Dad could take off for a well-deserved getaway.

We enjoyed a beautiful sunset as we were eating supper.

Saturday was the changing of the guard. The other grandma arrived in the afternoon and I drove home.

Daughter Leah was raving about the snow maze 'her boys' (Skye and his friends) had created in the field behind their house. I gathered the photos she'd been posting on Facebook for this collage. Only an aerial view could do justice to the energetic project of these teenagers.

After Mike got home from a long day with the robotics team, we went over to witness the 'opening night.'
Close to a dozen kids had played a few rounds of capture the flag. Leah had a fire going. By 10:00 PM the fun was winding down. We were thrilled to catch a glimpse of what had been--young people enjoying wholesome outdoor activity even in the cold!

Not all present were willing to be in the picture. I hear, however, that they want to do this again.
Leah, the proud mama in the pink, is already working hard on yet another very creative activity. The Christmas tree, kept alive as long as possible, is being transformed into a Valentine Tree. She is inviting people to stop by and fill out decorated hearts with messages to friends and loved ones which are then attached securely to the tree which will go outdoors on the 14th. On that day there will be sharpies and hearts available for those who stop by. And, who knows, you may find a valentine addressed to you!
I picked up a few hearts to fill out.

It snowed again last night. Michael plowed the driveway this morning as usual before we went to church. The side piles are growing.

We are determined to enjoy and make the most of this real winter while it lasts.

2014 Week 5: Enjoying winter and one another

Our annual church celebration dinner usually falls on or close enough to our anniversary that I make a point to have someone take our picture. I also make sure I am wearing something different for each year. So here is our Sunday photo. Because it did not show off my new Christmas gift sweater, I took a couple of selfies. Our culture is into the selfie photo trend, which I hear is supposedly helping people appreciate their unique beauty. Still learning.

Monday was this cool dude's 9th birthday. Is that why the schools were closed?

Elijah

 Oh, maybe not 'cause Tuesday was another snow day.

These deer spent a lot of time laying down or lazily traipsing across our yard.

Classes resumed on Wednesday, so Mike was back at the Red Barn with a group of kids and one helper, teaching, guiding, managing the comings and goings, and having a little fun of his own. 

What do you think, is the sculpture a male or female?

Sadly there had been a break-in over the weekend. Notice the cardboard in the window.

We were asked weeks earlier to share our stories with a ladies' group on Thursday, January 30th.

Oops! If someone had not called us that morning we would have forgotten. So, with only an hour or so to prepare, I decided to focus on our love story as our 44th wedding anniversary was coming up the next day.

I dug out the letter Mike wrote with a pre-declaration test to make sure I was the one.

Elijah poured 12 barrels of water on the sacrifice and the wood before he asked the Lord to set it on fire. [I Kings 18:30-38] Rita, I'm going to do the same thing by giving you 12 points to consider and accept if this is how He is leading you. If the fire still burns in you after these 12 I look forward to working with you this summer so that we can really get to know one another and more from there...

It was great fun to reminisce and share together about that and many other stories.

Oh, you want to know about the 12 barrels? Come back another day this week.

The ladies took another anniversary pic. Which do you like best?

Friday I got up very early and drove the half hour to Sam and Kristie's. I rang and knocked and waited. Sam came to the door and said, Why so early?  It was supposed to be eleven not seven!
Memory fails. . . hearing loss. . . What else will go with age?
Actually I realized that Sam has a soft quality to his voice, similar to mine. We agreed next time it would be best to text.
It was fun to visit with each member as they got up and prepared for the day ahead.
But, what to do for four hours? I texted Mike about meeting me somewhere for an anniversary breakfast. It was a good plan as he was going to spend the day in Muncie anyway to get projects ready for the Saturday all-day robotics session.

I had fun with the little ones. . .

. . . and got to see Sam before and after his doctor visit.

Monday when the sutures were removed, the incision had not yet closed completely so he had to wear the bandage all week.This time all was well and he was released to go back to work, tho' gradually as his strength and stamina return.I realized after publishing last week's post, that I had said nothing about Sam's progress on my blog.
You can now read Kristie's Praise--a 12-point summary of how God helped and intervened on their behalf  throughout this ordeal.

Saturday Diane and I tried out a new eatery in Marion. I am in a writer's group with the girl that works there, who grew up in Brazil and whose family owns and runs the business.
I tried the harebrained ham with apple crepe and Diane the moonstruck cheesecake with strawberries.

This morning, Sunday February 2nd, we woke up to a winter wonderland.

We are enjoying the real winter we are having. We get the feeling that we are in the minority. However, son Stephan agrees with us. He's having fun this weekend in Canada competing at a famous ice carving competition--the Ottawa Winterlude.

Reef Secrets: in progress and finished
Stephan says: "This was a fun project. The competition started with 18 300 pound blocks and was held over 30 non consecutive hours.

Kristie's Praise

I want to share what Kristie wrote very soon after Sam came home from the second hospitalization.

Over 13 years ago, I cried out to the Lord in my anguish and told Him I would sing His praises forever, if only He would deliver me from the bondage of addiction. He did and has been faithful to me always! I want to be faithful to praise Him always! After witnessing all that He has done recently for Sam and our family, I had to take a moment to praise the Lord for His goodness and count our blessings! (Psalm 145)

1. Before it all ‘began’, God assured me that He had the victory in this battle, that I had the decision to walk out that victory in faith and hope. It was a deeper experience of walking by faith versus by sight.
   
2. Nicole Brown, the PA taking care of Sam at Ball hospital on 12/23/13, decided to do a ct scan because of his “migraines”, despite our lack of concern. This is how Sam’s cyst was discovered. Her actions helped save his life. The outcome could have been much different had she not performed this scan.
   
3. Sam was transferred to the best neuro-hospital in the surrounding states, with one of, if not the best neurosurgeon in the nation!
   
4. Surgery was performed FIRST thing Christmas Eve, despite being warned the night before that it might not happen until the 26th. Sam’s immediate suffering due to the hydrocephalus was shortened!
   
5. It was clear a short time after surgery that Sam was himself! The brain surgery had NO effect on his personality and his functioning! He is fully restored (in process)!
   
6. Every fear or doubt was silenced, a few times immediately as it tried to raise its ugly head--
   a. Immediately after Sam came through surgery, I was sitting in the waiting room with Sam’s parents. As it was clear to me that he was going to be okay, I had a moment to start thinking about finances and worry set in. He is the sole provider, I have no idea how to do his job, which consists of many different projects, one of which is weekly collecting and selling waste veggie oil (wvo). This job has to be maintained, as opposed to his woodworking which can be put on hold. Mike, Sam’s dad, said, “Call Kyle.” (Our neighbor with whose family we are good friends.) As I was calling their home number, his wife, Tiffany, called in on her cell phone, as they were away from home. She said she was just calling to let me know not to worry about Sam’s wvo, Kyle was going to take care of it. Kyle told her to call now and let me know. She was going to call later, but Kyle insisted to call NOW! This would provide a portion of monthly income!
   b. After Sam was readmitted for the infection, there was talk off and on for days of opening up the incision, cleaning everything and draining any fluid, and even removing the bone flap, sterilizing it for days, and later reinserting it!! One afternoon the infectious disease specialist stopped in to inform us that they were likely performing this procedure the next morning following the neurosurgeon’s final exam. We both felt instantly defeated and deflated and would have to wait until morning to find out. After I was able to muster the energy to pray with Sam, talking to God about our lack of reserves, Sam’s physical weakness only being hindered by such a procedure, our ultimate trust and faith in whatever God brings, but our need for His help, the neurosurgeon walked in just moments later and quickly assessed Sam’s condition. He said NO to this surgery! And said, in regards to the infection and the leaking incision, “That’s why God invented antibiotics.”!
   
7. With uncertainty regarding the cause of the leaking fluid from the incision, there were several threats of needing to shunt Sam’s brain ventricle. They just weren’t sure if cerebral brain fluid was leaking from his incision or if it was normal healing fluid. There were a few times that Sam was cut off of fluids and food in order to prepare for this procedure. Thank God this was not needed, because it had a host of complications associated with this procedure. There is a high risk of infection and it would be a lifelong impairment.
   
8. Antibiotics were prescribed for meningitis and a staph infection. However, it is questionable if there ever was meningitis or if God healed it. There was evidence initially of infection in the cerebral spinal fluid, but the culture taken from that fluid never grew any bacteria and Sam’s sickness was very responsive to antibiotics. Initially there was talk of 6 weeks of at home antibiotics or possibly more. Finally it was decided that he had only a 14-day total regimen with 4 of those days at home, we were amazed!
   
9. After hearing of stories and researching the negative effects the powerful antibiotics have on the body, we asked for prayer for protection of Sam’s body. He has had NO negative effects, only positive!!
   
10. Sam was given the gift of recovery free from the normal financial pressures he bears. Our friends and family gave us a total of $10,085, through a fundraiser organized by Maria Kristenson, as well as those who mailed gifts directly to us, along with a car! We have paid off some debt as well as 2 months of household and business bills!
    
11. Family stepped up immediately and lovingly cared for our boys throughout this time. Never did our children have to feel too out of sorts; instead they had lots of grandma(s) and aunt(s) time! This allowed me to spend time with Sam daily! Jude even survived two nights in a row without momma! (This sadly caused me to realize he doesn't need me as much as I thought)
    
12. The outpouring of prayers, service, practical gifts, and financial blessings has allowed us to flourish in the loving arms of the Body of Christ through this whole ordeal. Family and friends brought meals, organized by Tiffany Denton, and also groceries! We are not walking with our heads hung in defeat, beaten and bruised. NO! We are marching in marvelous victory, stronger than ever and better for having gone through this battle. What a beautiful idea He had – The Community of Believers! Thanks for all your support!

Kristie R. Koch

I would add one more praise, to make it a baker's dozen:

We are so grateful for Kristie's protection as she drove back and forth to Indianapolis, sometimes even in travel advisory conditions, and for the good health and strength that whole time, even when sickness was going around in the family.

2014 Week 4: Goodby Aunt Lois; Hi, baby Si

Monday, January 20th, Aunt Lois (94) passed away. I've been looking at photos and rereading her notes and letters. She had beautiful handwriting which began to deteriorate with the onset of macular degeneration. When she could no longer see to write, she resorted to regular phone conversations. More recently she felt even more limited, unable even to dial the right numbers.

The Hirschy sisters, Lois and Kathryn, and Dad

This is how I remember Aunt Lois, probably taken in the late 90's.

Meanwhile, Michael was mentoring the robotics team. I captured this screenshot from their live stream from the workshop.

This video is very entertaining: PhyXTGears Week 2.

Even in single-digit temperatures Mike ventures out regularly for a jog.

I enjoyed wearing my new t-shirt accessories made by a friend in Spain.

. . . and finished knitting a pair of fingerless gloves. In this extreme cold, they are good for extra warmth under gloves or mittens, or as a fashion statement to be worn indoors!

Between snowfalls there was the perfect window of opportunity to travel to Grand Rapids, MI, for my aunt's funeral. So Thursday I drove up to Winona Lake to spend the night at my Mother's.

Almost the whole way there, I was fascinated by the sky, as well as a little concerned about the snow blowing across the road. I didn't know till today that what I was seeing is called a parhelia  or sun dog (a pair of brightly colored spots, one on either side of the sun).
.

Photo on the right submitted to Muncie Star Press by Dave Wegiel

My brother Alan drove us to Grand Rapids and back. -5 degrees when we left at 7:00 AM!

Aunt Lois's memorial service was a precious time of celebrating a wonderful life as well as reconnecting with cousins and becoming acquainted with their children and grandchildren. 
Two of Lois and Ted's six children preceded them in death--a twin daughter who died at birth in Nigeria, and a 39 year-old son who died of cancer.
Of the four siblings present, I only managed to get photos of two.

Carol; David and granddaughter Jordan

I noticed a theme of Lois's favorite things--aqua color and butterfly pins worn by all the women and girls in the family.

On the return trip we went through the town where niece Tina lives. Alan was kind to stop so I could meet and hold month-old baby Simon.

Sweet mom and decorator extraordinaire!

I was glad to arrive home when I did. It has been snowing off and on since. 

Today was a perfect day to stay indoors, watch the birds, and get things done. 

I even dusted and cleaned our bedroom!

And I am earlier than usual with this weekly blog post. Have a good and safe week, y'all!

2014 Week 3: Settling slowly

This week life began to slowly settle back into the accustomed routines we had before the holidays, Sam's health-crisis, and winter-related closings. Of course, 'extras' are always thrown into the mix, such as dental appointments, jury summons, etc.
I decided to review the weeks according to the Spanish calendar with Monday as the first day of the week.

Daughter Leah faces some major dental work and wanted me there.

Leah bracing herself to endure ongoing dental procedures

Kayla's tap class for mature women started back up. All three of us were there and had a lot of fun. We wish we could recruit more participants.
Mike visited Sam and wore him out playing a game of chess before heading back to Muncie for robotics.
I went to Monday night meal by myself and on the way admired the blazing sky and noticed the diminishing patches of snow.

Tuesday we experienced another emotional roller coaster. We were still waiting, hopeful for Sam's release. Surgery had been scheduled in the event that the doctors deemed it necessary. The first report of the morning was not very positive. Not long after, as Kristie was driving to the hospital, Sam called to say that the infectious disease physician had come and said all was good and he could be discharged that very day! The leakage was not cranial fluid and he would only need four more days of constant antibiotics instead of several weeks!
One final painful suture and they were homeward bound!

So much pain. So much love.

Kristie kept us all well informed via Facebook. These photos, however made me cry.
There is very much to be grateful for in this whole ordeal but many questions regarding pain still remain.
We are so  thankful for the surgeon. This is a great article describing Dr. Shapiro, the Smooth Operator.

Wednesday morning we visited with Sam at home, while Zion chattered the whole time about his imaginary pets (the pups he named Skye and Jake) and showed us his bike-riding progress.

 Kristie posted the following photos of Sam's first full day at home:

"I'd like to say Sam's first day home was uneventful. However, the home nurse, who arrived early, had to wait an hour and a half for the delivery of his IV antibiotics. After the delivery arrived at 10:30 pm last night, she proceeded to teach me how to care for Sam. After an hour of frustration, she concluded the IV pump was broken. So she left, we went to bed and Sam had to go about 18 hours with no antibiotics. Day two has been much better. The home nurse, Stephanie (pictured below), was back at 9:30, a new pump was delivered prior, and all has been well since.  

Sam and new IV pump; Sam, plugged-in and helping Zion play with the Wii
Sam, reading cards delivered by parents; Sam resting!

 A happy photo a couple days later shows Sam smiling, enjoying more family time than he'd had in a while.

Thursday was a quiet snowy day of writing.
I decided on the perfect place to hang the beautiful Chinese painting that young friend Nanxin gave me at Monday meal. She explained that it is an ancient poem describing the qualities of bamboo--very strong with each segment that grows out of another. I'd love to know the full translation.

Reminds me of strength upon strength. Somehow each trial we come through makes us stronger.

Coincidentally, this week I have been listening to a beautiful novel set in China: City of Tranquil Light. I ordered it after hearing the interview between cousin Rosie (Moody Bible Institute professor) and the author on Midday Connection Book Club. I highly recommend both.

Group exercise opportunities started up for me again this week--water aerobics and fusion.
Wednesday Mike discovered the pipes in the pottery room at the Red Barn had frozen and needed repair. So they had only one session this week, on Friday. 

When I stopped by, the room was full of busy youngsters.

Saturdays are long days for Team 1720 and for the first time they learned how to stream-live from the workshop.
Jared (Sara's son) came by to store his luggage again and we met up with friend Kaitlin, from Little Rock, who attends Taylor. Can you guess where we might have had lunch? Ivanhoes', of course!
As I was driving away, I realized I had NOT taken a picture of these special young people, duh!
I am gratefully borrowing the one Jared posted on Facebook :-)
Yes, it was very cold! (Where is your wool hat, Kaitlin?)

As promised, I took SIL Diane to a couple of bookstores (her favorite thing to do) and then the snow began to come down relentlessly, so our afternoon was cut short.

I was glad to get home when I did.

This morning, Sunday, one of the first images I saw on FB was of son Stephan's ice carving competition piece in Bay Harbor, MI.

Music Within

I liked what he wrote: This weekend I carved a 2400 pound competition ice sculpture called Music Within. It's about our own God-given passions and what motivates us to do what we do. And frankly, this piece makes me happy. 

I find writing rewarding. Mike is downstairs in his studio patiently plugging away at a wax sculpture that makes him happy.

What creative activity makes you happy?

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.