Off To D.C.

It has been over two months since our last update and we have been quite busy. We apologize for not keeping everyone abreast of what has been happening. We know that this will be a lengthy update but we would like to share what has been going on.

The children got out of school on May 21^st and the next week we were off to Washington, D.C. Yes, Washington! Against the recommendations of Jim’s doctors we went to fulfill one of his dreams. Much thanks has to go to the Munford church of Christ in Munford, AL. This is the congregation where Jim grew up. They raised money for us to be able to go on the trip. The doctors didn’t want him flying…so I drove. We made it to Chattanooga, TN the first day. We visited the Tennessee Aquarium, had a horse drawn carriage ride around downtown and ate at Sticky Fingers restaurant. We slept late and then tried to make it as close to Virginia as possible. Along the way we stopped at Sweetwater Dairy Farm. It is a family owned farm with a beautiful setting in Philadelphia, Tennessee. We sampled cheese, got a tour and enjoyed ice cream on the front porch. It was an absolutely beautiful place. We arrived in Bristol, TN just on the border of TN and VA late. We slept late then made it to Harrisonburg, VA. We then got to see our friends from school (MSOP) Bob and Tammy Horn. It was so good to see them and their beautiful children. We ate supper with them and spent time catching up with them. Sunday morning we attended the Central church of Christ where Bob works. (Boy, do I mean he works….I am amazed by how much he studies and does for the brethren there...let’s not forget the preacher’s wife…Tammy, you never cease to amaze me…both of you go above and beyond the call). The brethren at this congregation were so friendly. It was a beautiful building and grounds…they really take care of what God has blessed them with. The bible class was wonderful, everyone participated. Jim spoke during the worship service. Then we enjoyed a home cooked meal by Tammy. The children got to play and be silly together, while we caught up with Bob and Tammy. We had song service in the evening. It was beautiful. I heard songs I have never heard but fell in love with them. Then we went to eat and were surprised by the members there with an anniversary cake. It was our 13^th anniversary on Monday. They sang to us…what a wonderful group of brethren.

Monday morning we headed for Arlington, VA…it was Memorial Day. What an humbling experience. I couldn’t understand or grasp how many had paid the price for our freedom until my eyes beheld the numerous head stones. With tears in my eyes, I looked at Julianna and told her everyone one of these men and women have fought for our freedom…she stood there amazed. I then thought of what the memorial might look like if we tried to put in stone what Christ sacrificed for us. Despite the numerous lives that have been given and are still being sacrificed…one must agree that Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice and gave us the offer of eternal freedom. I will never forget the numerous markers and memorials at Arlington…I have always been very patriotic but after seeing that…it touches the very core of my being. I will never be the same.

The rest of the week we took trains, buses and taxis to various monuments…we did walk quiet a bit.(Jim refused to get a scooter or wheelchair…even though he needed it)  We saw the Lincoln, Washington, FDR, Korean, Vietnam and WWII memorials. We visited Union Station (one of the very few places to find something to eat), Capitol building, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, National Archives Museum…and various others. It was all so breath taking. The beauty of it cannot be adequately described. In many places we could take pictures…so we hope our memories will hold those precious images.

We met with one of our congressman Gregg Harper while at the capitol building. We had a private tour and went many places that the regular tour doesn’t go. Everywhere you went we had to be checked (metal detectors) of course Jim can’t go through those because of his ICD…so he got patted down each time we went into a building. He loves getting special attention like that though.

We started making our way back home on Thursday morning, exhausted we longed to be back in Mississippi. We stopped at the Natural Bridge and Wax Museum in VA. It was such a neat place. The wax people looked so real…it was kind of spooky. It told a lot of Bible stories, we were really impressed with that. The Natural Bridge itself was remarkable. Again, words cannot adequately describe it but what a sight to behold. We rested in Bristol VA and then headed for home. We became too tired…stopped ate supper with my sister’s family and then headed for Jim’s parents home. We surprised them and got a good night’s rest. We then made it home to Philadelphia, MS.

We had friends taking care of Max (our dog). Max must have become very lonely. He dug a hole to China…chewed up a bag of dirt….ate the cord to Jim’s air compressor. You couldn’t be mad at him…I would have been worried about my family too. We got inside to see that our main bathroom had water in the floor. A pipe had leaked. Needless to say…we had a lot to clean up and fix up upon arrival but it was great to be home.

Shortly after that we headed to Cadiz, KY for a speaking engagement. We got to spend time with our good friends Randall and Cammie Evans. Their children got to have fun with ours. We stayed at the Lake Barkley State Resort. What a beautiful and comfortable place to stay. Everyone at the congregation was so nice and they had a fellowship meal that was out of this world. The food was delicious and could have fed 500 men. By Tuesday, we were in Clarkesville, TN for Jim to speak at the Needmore congregation in the Indian Mound community. It was so great seeing everyone there again. We had worked with them while we attended MSOP. They have one of the best congregations and most faithful brethren we know.

We then got to be home and rest a little bit before our VBS. We had a very successful week. Jim (Jungle Jim) led the children songs with the help of T.J. Rushing (Traveling T.J.) and Steve Dansby (Safari Steve). He taught the teenagers and I taught the nursery class. It was so much fun. We compared notes at night and couldn’t wait to do it again. Cameron still wants to go to church every night. He sings the booster song. Julianna won the VBS booster award for the girls. She brought 8 people with her to VBS. She knocked doors and called friends. We are so very proud of her.

We went back to the doctor (UMC in Jackson) on Friday, July 2^nd. Jim opened up about having more chest pains. His fatigue continues to get worse. He might be awake 4 hours one day and others he might be awake 6 hours. The heat is really bothering him. He has to watch me and the children playing outside from the living room window. He wishes he could run and go but he is not able to. I try my hardest to keep the children busy and away from him while he is resting…it is challenging but we manage most days. I have been playing baseball, kickball, hide and seek, red light…green light….you name it to help him rest. Once I hit the bed, I am gone.

We still receive cards nearly everyday…we have received more donations for medical expenses…we are so thankful for the continued support and help. As many of you know, Jim no longer has Medicaid. He received his first disability check in June. He was over the threshold by 80 dollars. This means no insurance for him until May 2012. No heart transplant…he doesn’t even get on the list to start waiting for a heart until May 2012. From now until then we are cash paying customers.  This is why it was so important for us to go to D.C. We made wonderful memories and got to make a dream come true for Jim. Each day seems to pass by faster than the one before. My time feels like it is slipping away. I wish I could stop time and treasure him more. I have found myself angry and sad. I wish that he could be better and wish that doctors could do something more to relieve his symptoms and problems. I pray every day to love and cherish him the way I should. I pray not to let little things bother me. I remember a time when he used to leave his dirty clothes right beside the basket when we first got married. I would fuss at him and pick at him. Now I am glad I still have dirty clothes to pick up.

Please keep us in your prayers. Jim is here with me and his children because of your prayers. He is still able to preach the whole counsel of God because of your petitions. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God bless each one of you and may we strive to ever do His will.

I want to leave you with the words to a beautiful song I shall never forget. An older gentleman led it at Central church of Christ in Harrisonburg, VA. “Will the Angels Come for Me?” Lazarus was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom—Luke 16:22

"When my work on earth is ended, Will the angels come for me?

Will they bear me on their pinions over the dark and stormy sea?

When life’s sun is slowly sinking, And the soul will soon be free,

Will the gates of heaven open, And the angels come for me?

Will the angels bear me upward to that home so bright and fair?

 There to be with Christ my Savior, and the ransomed gathered there?

Will the angels come for me, When I cross the stormy sea?

Will they take me home to God, When the long rough way I’ve trod?"

"Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ"

1 Cor. 15:57

Jim Has Medicaid

I wanted to let everyone know that we got our official letter from Medicaid stating that Jim will not have insurance after May 31, 2010. That means he will have to wait until Feb/March of 2012 to get Medicare. It is sad to think that the doctors said you need a transplant because you have less than 12 months to live but due to insurance (or ability to pay) you will not be eligible to get on the transplant list until 2012. It is a very sobering thought. We ask for your continued prayers as we go through this time. We know that God has great plans for Jim. We pray that he will have the best quality of life possible as he only seeks to preach and teach the truth.

He continues to have bad days but every once in a while he will feel pretty good. We cannot thank you all enough for your continued support. We love you all.

Our Financial Situation

Last week was a really hard week. Jim felt really bad all week. He slept a lot more. He slept nearly all day Tuesday and Wednesday. He has a cough that he cannot get rid of. He coughs so hard at times that he will turn grey and lose his breath. I had a flare up on Tuesday. It took me a couple of days to feel like myself again. We called Jim’s doctors and they adjusted his medicine. Then I called back when he didn’t get any better. That was on a Friday and they called me back on a Tuesday. Then they didn’t even act like they were supposed to call me back when they told me they would. Frustrating…but I am trying to be long-suffering.

Jim did great on Sunday. He got fired up…it’s an inside story. It was good to see him deliver a sermon so good. He really put everything he had in it. I wish he could preach like that all the time but I know that he doesn’t have much strength at all..

This week started off better. His fatigue continues to increase. He will try to do a little and then he has to rest. He takes a lot of naps and has to sit or lean on something almost all the time now. I finished my next to last week at school. I am so excited about this semester coming to an end. I love my students but we all need a break. Then when everything seems to be going good our freezer died, the car battery died, Glynn Cook who cuts our grass broke his lawnmower in our yard and then I hit the basketball goal when I was taking the children to school. Most of this happened in a matter of a few hours. You just have to be thankful that it didn’t hang around long.

We know that many have been asking questions about our financial situation and the insurance dilemma. We got the final word Wednesday afternoon that we will lose Jim’s insurance in June and he will not be able to get on Medicare until April/May 2012. In order for him to be put on the transplant list we would have to raise a little over $700,000 and then be able to prove that we could pay for the medications until Medicare kicked in (about $3000 a month). We have been against so many walls that we know things will work out some way. Brethren continue to be generous and donate funds to help us.

We have resolved ourselves to the fact that a transplant may not ever be in our future. We have decided to make the best of the time we have left. We will travel this summer to see family and friends if he is able. I want to do everything I can to help him enjoy his life. I don’t want to hold him back. It is hard for me because I don’t want him to push himself. If I were in his shoes, I would probably say…Fill up the gas tank…let’s see some new places like Alaska, Hawaii....etc.  Jim plans to preach in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Florida this summer. I pray that he will be able to do that. The only thing he looks forward to and receives pleasure from is preaching the truth. He continues to be a diligent student of the Bible and longs to help himself and others understand the Word more perfectly. I admire him for not giving up. His body says stop but his spirit continues on.

Jim continues to get cards, phone calls and emails. These encourage both of us so much. We are truly thankful. You have been so faithful to pray for us. May God bless you all that diligently serve Him. May your efforts return to you in a multitude of blessings.

Genesis 22--------God Will Provide!

The Evans' Visit

It has been two weeks since our last doctor’s appointment and Jim’s fatigue has only gotten worse. I called the nurse earlier this week and told her what was going on. She called back and asked for blood pressure readings, heart rates, body weight and all that has been consistent. She called back and asked Jim to take a Chemistry test. He stated that he didn’t pass Physical Science in school, why would he want to take a Chemistry test. (HaHa). He went to the doctor and got his blood work done. We have not gotten any results.

He got really weak throughout the day yesterday. We went fishing. He has become more interested in fishing here lately. The place we go is so quiet and relaxing. I know he does a lot of good thinking out there. He pulled in a huge one and got three more. I caught 10 myself but only 6 were big enough to eat. We had a good time just the two of us. He had to rest more than he ever has yesterday. It seems as though he is continually getting weaker. I constantly see him leaning on walls or sitting down more, he has changed. It worries me. I know he pushes himself so much. He tries so hard to be “normal.”

Last week, we had a wonderful surprise, Randall and Cammie Evans came to visit. Randall and Jim talked like two old ladies. It was hard to get them apart from one another. I know when you get preachers together they have a lot to talk about but these two impressed me. Cammie out did herself. She cooked, cleaned and listened. She froze some meals for us. What a HUGE help. She cooked and cooked and then when you went to the kitchen it was spotless. What an amazing friend. Marshall and Arielle, their children, were great friends to our children. They played for hours and hours. Cameron still asks everyday if his friends are coming over. I try to explain that they live in Kentucky. Arielle and Marshall brought a special gift to Jim. They brought money from their piggy banks. This is to help with the cost of a heart transplant. Together it totaled a little over $7.00. What a statement. It touched Jim deeply. I know why Jesus asked us to be like little children. It truly moved us.

We continue to have numerous cards, phone calls, emails, visits and donations made. Words cannot describe how truly blessed we feel. We continue to press on and know that God is making a way for us. I thank God for MSOP who made me understand that song we always sang. I have learned so much through this process, I pray to God that we will continue to praise Him and give Him all the glory He deserves. I am humbled when I study the Bible and see how so many have had victory when they stay faithful to Him. It is our fervent desire to ever serve the Lord and be faithful to all His commands. Thank you to all who continue to lift our names up before the Eternal Creator and Almighty Father. Only He can sustain us. Thank you God!

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."  (Psalm 55:22).

A Silent Doctor's Visit

Silence is the best way to describe our visit to the doctor on March 31. The entire staff acted like they didn’t know what to say. They asked us how we were since they told us he was not on the list and we simply replied, “We’re good.” We went over his medicines and issues that he has been having. Then a student doctor came in. He checked out Jim thoroughly but I was wondering where Dr. Moore was. Finally, I just ask and it seemed as though he was going to try and avoid us if possible. He came in later and discussed the test results. I asked him several pointed questions about patients with transposition and the results, transposition and not having a transplant, and transplant and signs to watch for. Basically, there is nothing more they can do for Jim except to use medications to ease his symptoms. They wanted an echo so we went and the lady took a long time and got some good pictures. I could see how hard his heart was trying to work, I could see the scar tissue has grown, I could even see some stiffing. Dr. Johnson at UAB would walk us through his echoes so I could tell what was going on to some degree. After that, the transplant coordinator told us to come back in 3 MONTHS. Wow, three months….I just thought you really are just going to let him progressively get worse. It is a sad and hard fact that I have to face every day. The insurance and financial aspect of the transplant was mentioned at least 3 times. If something changes, I am to notify them immediately. It is true that money can move mountains in some cases. They don’t know that God has already moved that mountain and we are just waiting to see the wonderful things he has planned for us.

We got to talk to a lot of friends from MSOP. They heard an update at the lectureships and called us. It was good to hear from them. We got a visit from the Coldwater's. It was good to see their beautiful family. Once they arrived, I felt like I was in Memphis again. It is so nice to be around people who no matter how long it has been since you saw them you can just fall into a comfortable pattern with them all over again. Kelly has been a tremendous help to me. She listens and listens and then listens some more. I thank God for her Christian example, support and unconditional love.

Jim’s fatigue has become worse. He struggled through trying to preach Sunday. He has to rest more and more with each passing day. He gets up to do something and the next thing you know he is sitting down to rest. When we go to town or church, he has to sit or lean on something. He tries so hard to cover up how bad he feels. He knows I can see right through it but most people think that he is maintaining pretty good. If they could be a fly on the wall at our house they would truly see how he is.

I am so thankful for all the encouragement that we continue to get. Jim now has over 225 cards. It is great to go in there and read them over and over. It definitely picks you up. I want to thank Dr. McCarty who because of our situation waved his fee to clean and take care of Julianna’s teeth. I felt like crying…I just bowed my head and thanked the Lord for being so good to us. Thanks to all for what you do for us. May God richly bless you as you serve Him.

Jim Is 35, Camo Is 4

Since the last email…we have been to Alabama. We went to see our parents. Jim celebrated his 35^th Birthday. Cameron celebrated his 4th birthday. He had two cakes, ice cream and lots of goodies. We visited the local museum, Cheaha State Park and the bowling rink. It was spring break…we couldn’t do a lot because Jim gets so tired and we have been exhausted from being sick and going to various doctor appointments.

When we returned home we caught up the laundry and rested up for the transplant evaluation / workup. Initially it was supposed to last 3 days. When we got there Monday…we went from one test to another. He started with various pulmonary tests. He did a bike test. He gave lots of blood. We then met with the transplant committee (one member at a time). We met the financial counselor, social worker, dietician, cardiac rehab and transplant surgeon.

It was information overload to say the least. The financial counselor informed us that having Medicaid will allow the transplant to be paid for but it will only pay for two name brand drugs. If he has Medicare…we will be responsible for 20% of the operation, hospital stay, etc. We should have better drug coverage under Medicare. Jim has Medicaid now but he may lose it come June. He will receive his first disability check then and could possible pass the threshold limit for Medicaid.

The social worker had to have lot of information about how we felt about the transplant….if we have caregivers available…if we have someone to help us with our children…some of the answers were yes and some were maybe and some were no. She shared a personal story about her sister-in-law that has had a lung transplant, heart transplant and kidney transplant. She has surpassed all the doctors’ expectations.

Next we met the dietician…she told us what to eat…what to watch out for…asked about what all we normally eat. I learned a lot and got a new cook book. Basically…no salt…no sweets…watch your portions….don’t eat anything that comes in a box or that is processed. Hmmm….that will be hard.

The cardiac rehab guy (Russ) was awesome. He loves his job and you could tell it. He talked to Jim about how he needs to do what he can to keep his body as strong as possible so he can recover better. He also stated that after the surgery…Jim would be walking around the hospital floor within a few hours…within a week he would be on a treadmill. It was wonderful to think about that for a few moments. I pictured how it would be to see Jim jog down the street and wave to me. I just wanted to make it happen right then.

Finally, we met one of the transplant surgeons (Dr. Creswell). He talked about every detail you would want to know and some you would rather not know about the surgery. He talked about how they harvest organs and the tests they run on those organs. He seemed to be very nice and excited about his part in changing lives. We asked lots of questions and felt pretty good about the meeting.

The transplant coordinator then informed us that we were done. She stated that Jim might have to do another cath but she would let us know when she talked with Dr. Moore. We got home around 7:30 or 8 p.m. and wanted to go to sleep immediately. Mrs. Murrell was kind enough to make the trip again and take the children to school and pick them up. Words cannot express our thanks for all that she does for us. We know that she gets really tired and that she is going through a lot. This is her son…her baby boy…she started this journey with him…and together we will help Jim through this.

We were told that Jim would go before the transplant committee on Thursday March 25. The committee would decide if he would be able to be placed on the list. Wednesday, the transplant coordinator called and stated that the bike test results had not come back. She was trying to get them. So when Thursday passed and we didn’t receive a phone call…we just thought they didn’t get the test results. Friday, I worked on the bulletin boards at the church building and Jim worked on making meeting CDs. I tried to stay busy and did a pretty good job. Then Linda Cook (one of our members) called and asked if we had heard anything. I thought…No….I need to call….so I did.

I called the Heart Failure and Transplant group and talked with our transplant coordinator. She stated that I would need to talk with Tammy (her supervisor/head transplant coordinator). I knew that wasn’t good. Tammy stated that he passed his bike test but it wasn’t as good as they liked. For someone, Jim’s age he should have done a lot better (I thinking…hello…he is in heart failure)…then she said that Dr. Moore wants to do another echo…then she stated that Jim’s Medicaid is only “preliminary” (this means that he will only have it until June). Then I asked her…is he going to be on the list…she stated that they would help him handle his heart failure to the best of their ability (that is Spanish for…no…he is not on the list). Once again…we are hit with the financial part. You know that commercial….Eating out at Old Mexico $30.11….Having a lifetime with the love of your life…PRICELESS! (I wish I could snap my fingers and make it happen)

To be honest….after my conversation with Tammy….I cried…I felt like I could seriously hurt someone….but even more than that I continue to realize that we are not the only ones. There are so many out there that are in need of help and cannot get it.

I KNOW THE LORD WILL MAKE A WAY….we appreciate so much all those who continue to pray for us and to those who have helped us financially with our medical expenses. We pray that God will richly bless you. Jim will preach and teach whenever he is able and he will do it until his eyes close in death. We are so thankful to have our Heavenly Father on our side…He has not forsaken us…We are becoming stronger…we pray that we will always do what the Lord would have us to do…We will be faithful no matter how hard it gets. Jesus was faithful and kept the course…Our burdens are so few in comparison to what the Lord went through. We love you all….Jenn-------- "Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul." (Psalm 25:1)

Hear is what Jim told the congregation concerning not being placed on the transplant list thus far.

Our Gospel Meeting Is Here

Well, to say the least these past few weeks have been terribly busy. I have failed to keep everyone up-to-date due to illness. Cameron was sick for an entire week with pneumonia. He ran a high fever the last full week of February until it broke on Thursday. He was still recovering when we were trying to get our Gospel Meeting under way. On February 26, Julianna and I knocked on over 50 doors and with the other members of Philadelphia we knock a combined 426 doors to invite our neighbors and friends to the Gospel Meeting with Tim Hayes from Lincoln, AL.  We had the elders and their wives and Tim and Flora Hayes and Alan all over for supper that same day. We were extremely excited to have done so much that Saturday but we were worn out when the night was over. Tim did an outstanding job. He has so much enthusiasm and love for God’s Word. He makes you just want to jump up immediately and work harder than you have in the past for the Lord. It was so encouraging to spend time with Tim and Flora. They are wonderful examples and excellent Bible students. We pray that they will have many years doing the Lord’s work and that they will always have to support they need to grow and stay encouraged.

After going to the Gospel Meeting all week and cooking for that every night, then add in doctor’s appointments (which we had have 6 in the last two weeks) I am sooo tired. Jim has endured these past few weeks and has done rather well. His blood pressure has increased significantly from time to time. His chest pain has increased. He has days where he rests for hours and then he has days where he can take one nap and just sit around and do pretty good. Thursday and Friday (4^th and 5^th) were hard days because he had over done it during the meeting. He tried to show the Hayes around Philadelphia a little on Monday and Wednesday. He just did too much. He was so tired.

Saturday, our neighbor Chuck Burk, helped us clean up our back yard. We have two large sycamore trees and their leaves are very big. Our yard was a disaster. Thanks to Chuck, it looks brand new. God has truly blessed us with wonderful neighbors. The Duncans, Burks and Rick have been so good to us. Words cannot describe how truly blessed we are for the way they have reached out to help us.

We have surpassed the 200 card mark. It is wonderful to see all those cards come in and to be encouraged every single day. It is truly remarkable. We have also been blessed financially by so many who are giving to the benevolence fund and those who send gifts to us personally. Times have been tight but through so many and their generosity our cups are overflowing.

I do want to thank God Almighty for blessing Philadelphia with a wonderful eldership. They have never ceased to encourage, praise, love, care for and pray for us. We pray for Bert Tingle and Sid Williams daily. I thank you both for allowing my husband to fill the pulpit when he is able to. He is alive today because of his desire to preach and you allow him to do that even when his health fails him. I know that God will bless you for allowing him to continue to do what he loves. I pray that God will allow time for Jim to get a new heart and that he will have many more years to preach the truth. I know that Jim has something to look forward to and I have the eldership to thank for that.

I also want to thank the congregation for the way they have feed us through these difficult times. When you’re a mother and you are trying to keep up with two kids, you need all the help you can get. I thank you for the meals. It allows me to have a night off and that means a lot. I pray that God will bless us all to get closer to one another and that we will always strive to do what the Lord would have us to do.

We will be going to UMC soon for the transplant workup. It begins on the 22^nd of March. We will try to keep everyone informed. Please pray that all will be success.