NEW YEAR NEWS!!

Since coming home in October, Don has continued to improve. Madonna arranged for a 3 month follow- up appointment. They were shocked and pleased about the progress that he has made during his time home. This was especially true since insurance provisions for all of his therapies, physical, occupational and speech therapy had been used up at Madonna for 2008. The wheelchair is no longer in the house!! Don is able with the use of his cane to walk around the house. And what really shocked the specialist at Madonna was that Don sleeps upstairs every night and can walk up the full flight of 15 stairs every day and back down. They never expected this to be something he could accomplish.


Britney continues to work with her dad on his arm and leg exercises as she has time and progress is also being seen in the movement of his arm. Don is still not able to speak. They have been able to obtain through insurance Dynavox system which will help in many areas of his therapy. You can access their website and find out more about this wonderful tool at www.dynavoxtech.com.

One of the hardest days of the last 3 months was the day we had to clean out Don’s office at MNU. Don is now on total disability. He has been approved for Social Security benefits because he is disabled.

Don has made several trips to Palco with Dale his brother and very much enjoys his time on the farm. Josh is taking care of the horses at Hillsdale and plans are still uncertain as to what will be done with the horses considering the current state of the economy.

The holidays were great fun. Mary Eaton was able to come to the area and Britney hosted Christmas dinner for the family and Barbara’s family had their gathering on Christmas Eve. January 17th the twins turned 5 and there was much celebration. Needless to say, visits to Scott and Britney’s are frequent and fun filled. Grand-children do that for all of us.

Plans are to start Don back on his therapy during the New Year. Unfortunately, under the insurance plan, he will only be eligible for 20 days of each type of therapy, which is not nearly enough.

Barbara continues to be at Don’s side 24/7. In the coming days, the Madonna Doctors have suggested Barbara taking short ( 30 minute) outings to let Don take of himself .
Don loves visitors and watching a game on TV or a movie is a good activity for him so he doesn’t have to feel pressured to talk. Give them a call and plan a visit. It will do you as much good as it will do them to see the miracle that has happened in Don’s life.

Since coming home, Barbara has found a Doctor that was willing to test Don for sleep apnea. He has had 2 sleep studies and does indeed have sleep apnea. The Dr’s are working on getting him help as he stopped breathing 27 times in an hour during the test. This severe degree can contribute to strokes and heart attacks.
A.B. and Mary Ann Showalter have been great source of encouragement and strength. They like many of you pray for us every day. They put out a challenge in the late fall to the college and friends of Don and Barbara to match their donation of $1,000 to help with medical expenses and insurance. Thanks be to God for 4 who met that challenge. Each of these donations will almost cover 1 month’s health insurance. They are currently on Cobra which only lasts 18 months. Donations are still being accepted at Security Savings Bank. Many thanks go out to those who have already made contributions. Don and Barbara continue to face new challenges, but their faith and the prayers and support of others are helping them through each day.


A personal note from Barbara:
I am very thankful for the many things done by our Sunday School Class, Solid Foundation, to help us adjust to our new situation since we have been home. Many others helped prior to our coming home and although we attempted to make a list we are sure it is not complete. Thanks to all of you who saw the need and used your gifts and talents to help us. Thanks also to those that pray for us daily and encourage us. Those prayers and words of encouragement remind us that we have not been forgotten. Please continue to pray for Don as he adjusts to the loss of his career and ministry to the university and the churches on Mid America Educational Zone.