Happy (Late) Birthday, Sara!

I don't know what was wrong with me this past week-end! Well, I was pretty wrapped up in studying every waking minute for that ACLS Class (which I passed, by the way). Still, that is no excuse for what I did...or rather, what I did not do. I did not post a birthday tribute to my daughter-in-law.







Sorry, Sara.

Better late than never?

Happy LATE Birthday to our beautiful daughter-in-law!

I am happy to call this sweet girl my daughter-in-law. She is a delightful combination of smart and funny. You should hear her laugh! She has a joyous, melodic laugh. I remember Ben once telling me that one of the things he liked about Sara was that she got his jokes. They laugh a lot together. I love that!

Years ago, when Ben was talking to me about who he might someday marry, I told him I would love whoever he loved. Sara made it easy to keep that promise!

So, sorry to be late with the post, Sara. I love you and wish for you not only a happy birthday but a happy year ahead. I'm glad you are part of this family!

Build Your Kingdom Here

Build 
Your
Kingdom
Here
Rend Collective Experiment


Come set Your rule and reign
In our hearts again          
Increase in us we pray
Unveil why we're made
Come set our hearts ablaze with hope
Like wildfire in our very souls
Holy Spirit come invade us now
We are Your Church
We need Your power
In us

We seek Your kingdom first
We hunger and we thirst
Refuse to waste our lives
For You're our joy and prize
To see the captive hearts released
The hurt; the sick; the poor at peace
We lay down our lives for Heaven's cause
We are Your church
We pray revive
This earth

Build Your kingdom here
Let the darkness fear
Show Your mighty hand
Heal our streets and land
Set Your church on fire
Win this nation back
Change the atmosphere
Build Your kingdom here
We pray  

Unleash Your kingdom's power
Reaching the near and far
No force of hell can stop
Your beauty changing hearts
You made us for much more than this
Awake the kingdom seed in us
Fill us with the strength and love of Christ
We are Your church
We are the hope
On earth

Cents of Humor

Cents of Humor

A cents of humor is worth much more than gold.

It’ll keep you young while worrying about metal will make you old.

Though gold’s price may go higher, it won’t make the day sunny.

But a cents of humor will summon the rays and make your days funny.

You’ll never control how much gold will be worth.

However, you are in charge of the value of your mirth.

Gregory Huyette

Something to Ponder

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that 

you can see the place you came from with new eyes and 

extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. 

Coming back to where you started is not the same as never 

leaving.” 

― Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky

No Joke! It Could Be a Stroke!

Another part of the ACLS class I am taking involves learning more about strokes. I am refreshing my knowledge about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. As I do this, I realize that even the best doctors and nurses can't help a stroke patient if they aren't present. It usually falls upon a non-medical person to recognize a problem and to initiate the process of care by calling 911. So...... you guessed it! I decided to post a little education about strokes. Yay! Aren't you excited!?

Strokes are so, so common! People can have strokes and not even realize it. Although the risk of stroke gets higher with age, no one is immune. Watch this young news reporter. She seems oblivious to the fact that she is making no sense. She was having a stroke.

There are two major types of strokes. Basically, a stroke occurs when something happens to impede the blood flow supplying the brain. The two major types of stroke are ischemic and hemorrhagic. It probably isn't important for the average person to know those words but I will tell you what they mean.

An ischemic stroke simply means that a little something interrupts the flow of blood to a part of the brain. This includes blood clots or a little piece of debri that breaks loose and travels, getting stuck in a small vessel.  Brain cells are very delicate. They need constant blood flow to bring nutrients and oxygen to them! When they don't get what they need, they start to die. The symptoms a patient has with a stroke depend upon which brain cells are being deprived, which cells are dying.

The second type of stroke is referred to as a hemorrhagic stroke. Instead of something getting in the way of the flow of blood, this type occurs when a vessel is leaking blood out. When the blood leaks out into the brain, it means the blood cells downstream aren't getting their fair share of the nutrients and oxygen. The leaking blood can also cause damage by pooling where it is not supposed to be. It causes pressure and damages precious brain cells that way.

Have you heard of mini-strokes? A mini-stroke is referred to as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). They are not to be taken likely. A TIA is more than just a warning sign. A TIA is really a narrow escape. Here's an example.... a person may have a piece of plaque (debri) that breaks loose from inside a vessel. It starts flowing along until it travels to a vessel that is more narrow. It gets clogged up there and sticks. Doesn't that sound just like the ischemic stroke I described above? Well, it is. The only difference is that the debri is stuck only temporarily. Whew! The patient lucked out, right!? The thing is, someone who has a TIA may not be so lucky the next time and permanent damage may occur. It is important for them to be treated so as to prevent another, worse event.

To learn more about how to take care of yourself the best you can so as to avoid a stroke altogether, click here. That link will take you to the Mayo Clinic site, one of my favorite places to refer people who want to learn a bit more about any health topic. It is trustworthy and written in words that make sense even if you have no medical degree. And no, Mayo Clinic does not pay me for that little advertisement...although I'd be open to that! Anyway, they will explain to you how to increase your chances of avoiding a stroke. 

So, even if you don't feel you are at risk for strokes, you likely know someone who is. If you are present when someone is having a stroke, the best thing you can do is get emergency services to them as soon as possible. It is sooooooo important to get care quickly because the fewer brain cells that die, the better the chance for a good recovery! The problem is, sometimes people just don't recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Not everyone starts speaking nonsense like the reporter shown in the video above. Sometimes the symptoms are much less dramatic.

Sometimes a person stroking may report that they are experiencing sudden vision changes. Sometimes they complain of sudden numbness or tingling. Maybe you'll just notice they seem to be suddenly confused or suddenly dizzy. Like the reporter above, they may have sudden trouble speaking. Perhaps they suddenly complain of an unbearable headache. Another thing you may notice is they are suddenly having trouble walking or even balancing while standing still. Did you notice that word "sudden" being involved in each of those sentences? Stroke symptoms can occur more gradually if the person has several smallish strokes but anytime any of those symptoms come on suddenly, it warrants an immediate call for 911. Do not hesitate to say you think the person is having a stroke. You want help FAST!

When the paramedics arrive you may notice them asking the patient to do some weird things. For example, they may ask the patient to smile. What?! It doesn't seem the time to check out their pearly whites! What they are doing, though, is a stroke assessment. Sometimes a stroke patient feels like they are smiling normally, but only half of their face is smiling. That's a pretty low tech approach but is strongly indicative for stroke. They may also ask them to raise both arms out in front of them. A stroke patient may be unable to raise both arms equally or, even if they can, one arm may keep drifting downward. They may ask the patient to squeeze their own hands with both of their's. The paramedics are comparing strength. If one hand can't squeeze or does so with a lot less strength than the other, suspicion of a stroke diagnosis is even stronger. Of course, these are tests you can perform as well, but please call 911 first.

If you remember nothing else about strokes, remember that time is important. Wasting time to get help may result in the death of more brain cells! Also, some of the treatments are only helpful if started within a few hours of the first symptoms. It is good to note the time when symptoms began and to report that time to the healthcare professionals. 

I'd like to leave you with some good news... 

I once had the opportunity to spend a couple of months helping a stroke patient. She wasn't just any patient; she was my friend. In the first days after her stroke she could not walk, talk or even recognize many of the people she'd known for years. We were devastated! I was given a front row seat, though, to a wonderful show of recovery! I watched as her brain had to find new routes to access information. It was one of the most incredible things I have witnessed! Her recovery outcome would not have been as good if she had been deprived of early interventions.  As it is, she was able to return to her husband and children, able to care for herself and her family. It was a story with a happy ending.

If you think you or someone else may be having a stroke, call 911 without hesitation.

Heart Homework

I am tooooo busy to blog right now. You see, I have to take an ACLS Course this week-end. For the non-medical among us, that stands for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. I wasn't too worried about it until I learned that I was supposed to have a book and be studying in preparation for it. I could have been studying for weeks but I didn't know. So, I just got the book this week and I am CRAMMING stuff into my tired old brain. I'm sure it will all turn out ok...kind of sure. I just need to focus a bit.

Since I am studying about how to care for people suffering a heart attack, I thought maybe I'd use this opportunity to educate all of you as well. Don't worry. I won't make you study. Just watch this cute video. It is humorous but it makes a good point. There will be a test later. No, wait, I'm the one who will be taking a test later this week. You just watch and learn...

Better to Give

You may be surprised (not!) To know I am proud of my granddaughters. Well, Cordelia gave me another opportunity to admire her sweet little self. No, she is not perfect, but that little girl truly has a giving heart.

Saturday I picked up some crafty things to go do with her. Right away she chose to make two necklaces, one for her Momma and one for me. I told her she wouldn't have enough supplies to then make one for herself. Her answer, "That's OK. I have wots of udder necklaces."

Maria wore her's to church Sunday. I treasure mine and will wear it often!

After Sunday Supper...

wet hair

spaghetti faces

dancing

twirling

thinking

hugging

laughing

sunshine

shadows

Grandpa

dandelions

strolling

crab apples

dogs

snuggles

breezy

love

The Lord is Near

Ronald Reagan Quote

We can't help everyone, but everyone can 

help someone.

Smile-Worthy

That is not snow on the ground, it is hail.

That is not an umbrella on that lady's head.

It is a garbage bag.

It made me smile.

Hearing Bells

Nurses are used to hearing lots of bells and buzzers. When patients push their call button, a sound alerts the staff to come give assistance. When the IV bag needs replaced, another sound emits to alert the nurse to the situation. Monitors on patients go off when something goes a bit off there as well.

It has been so strange, sitting by my Mom's hospital bed, as I'm not a nurse there. She has nurses and aides and respiratory therapists and surgical staff to take care of her. My role has been that of a family member. 

It doesn't stop me from feeling like I need to answer everyone else's call light, though! I was sitting out in the waiting area and the elevator made that ding sound to announce it's arrival. 

Just like Pavlov's dogs, I felt the need to respond...not by drooling, though.

I think I'd feel better if I could do some of the nursing things for my Mom. She is, however, receiving great nursing care. I am so very grateful for those who have helped her. In fact, I am full of gratitude for all the medical care available to us. Really. She has been well cared for and will soon be home recovering.

Get well Mom!

Hotel or Hospital?

It is hard to tell, isn't it?

It is prettier than many hotel lobbies.

Everything looks shiny and polished.

The atmosphere is so relaxed, open and airy.

Even the wheelchairs are artfully arranged.

I appreciate the effort.

Watching Over Mom

My Mom is hospitalized and I am with her today. She is a strong a lady and she will recover. I just don't want to take much time to post today.

A Night at the Roller Derby

Saturday night I went to a Roller Derby bout (not a game, not a match, it is a BOUT). Have you ever been?  I met Maria and Eric and Cordy and Elise there for a couple of hours of rough and tumble fun.


I am going to assume that some of you  do not know much about a Roller Derby Bout. Since this was our second time to attend, I think of myself as rather an expert (ha!). I do know a few things.

First of all, there are no more than 5 players on each team playing at any one time. There may be less if someone is sent to the penalty box. Of the 5 players on a team, only one can score points. That player is called a jammer. Each team also has a pivot player. The other three players are called blockers. Except for the jammers, everyone HAS to stay together as a pack. The pivot players control the pace of the pack. When they start going around, it is called a jam and each jam lasts no more than two minutes.

The jammers (the ones who can score points) have to start behind the pack. The object is for the blockers to help their own jammers get through the pack while holding back the opposing team's jammer.  The jammers make points when they can lap around and pass through the pack again, as many times as possible in two minutes. There's more to it, of course, but just knowing that much made it all more understandable to me.

The bout is not always played in a ladylike manner. The players have names such as "Formaldebryde", "Carry Undertaker", and "RedNeck Breaker". I have a nurse friend who plays and she is called "Nurse You Bet It Hurts!" Yikes!

My friend, Virginia, is the one in the center looking toward the camera.

She is usually a Jammer and she is tough!

The best part is, if she roughs someone up, later she goes and does 

a nursing assessment to be sure they are ok.

Part of the fun is dressing crazy.

Don't worry. We didn't wear the too-short-shorts or 

anything like that.

Eric bought a team sticker for me.

I pretended it was a tattoo.

Elise was really excited!

Some of the officials dress the coolest!

I love this girl who does the countdown each

time a jam is about to start up.

Maria and I want to get tu-tus for next time!

After bruising each other up throughout the bout,

they all did a skate-dance together at the end.

 Now, wasn't that fun?!

Prowell Family Band

These guys will be at our church tonight at 6:00 p.m. For local readers, feel free to join us.

I'm not all that familiar with Bluegrass Music but I like music and I like any color of grass... except maybe brown.  Ha...I crack myself up.

I bet it will be a fun evening!

I'd Rather Be the Nurse

I spent much of last night being sick, really sick. I was fine all day but rather suddenly got sick late evening. That isn't supposed to happen to nurses! We're supposed to stay healthy to care for everyone else!

During those few hours of being violently ill (that sounds kind of dramatic, doesn't it?) I became more and more aware that I am called to be a nurse,  not a patient. Being the helper is way more fun than being the one who needs help!

Before you get worried (Mom and Maria) it seems to have all passed now. I am fine this morning, though maybe a bit weak. There may be some napping in my immediate future!

So, I will use this opportunity to just share two happy photos of Wyoming sunflowers in the breeze.

Have a sweet week-end!

Do Your Ears Hang Low?

Do Your Ears Hang Low?
Do They Wobble to and Fro?
Can You Tie Them in a Knot?
Can You Tie Them in a Bow?
Can You Throw Them Over Your Shoulder Like a Continental Soldier?

Do Your Ears Hang Low?

Do Your Ears Hang High?
Do They Reach Up to the Sky?
Do The Droop When They're Wet?  

Do They Stiffen When They're Dry?
Can You Semaphore Your Neighbor with a Mimimum of Labor?

Do Your Ears Hang High?

Do Your Ears Hang Wide?
Do They Flap From Side to Side?     

Do They Wave in the Breeze?
From the Slightest Little Sneeze?
Can You Soar Above the Nation with a Feeling of Elation?

Do Your Ears Hang Wide?

Do Your Ears Fall Off?
When You Give a Great Big Cough?
Do They Lie There on the Ground?
Or Bounce Up at Every Sound?
Can You Stick Them in Your Pocket Just Like Little Davy Crockett?

Do Your Ears Fall Off?

We've had our Granddogs, Bumblebee and Miss Betty Sprinkles, visiting us for a few days.

Bode loved having the company!

Sometimes it was kind of loud.

There were sweet moments.

Just look at that face!

They are pretty girls...

...but their ears really do hang low!