Thankful At Thanksgiving

Jim continues to do pretty good most days. He has had several more days where he has having to take several naps to get through the day. He gets so gray especially around his eyes. I know he is so tired and that his circulation is bad. We had to call the doctor again today because of dizzy spells, shortness of breath and increased fatigue. We are praying that God will give us more time.

We had a great Thanksgiving. At the congregation we attend, Ironaton church of Christ, we fix food plates for those that are shut-in, those in nursing homes, those that have fallen on hard times. We buy food from Cracker Barrel. You know that stuff is good. Jim wasn’t able to help this year. He was just too tired. Julianna and I went and helped to fix over 200 plates. It was AWESOME! Then we went to Jim’s parents home. We got to eat with them and his sister and her daughter. It was so good. Then later we went to see Bo Foster, a friend that we made about 3 months ago when we were in the hospital. He has been waiting on a heart transplant for over 6 months. He got a heart on Tuesday and we couldn’t wait to see how the family was doing. We are so excited for him. We have been praying for it for a long time now.

Julianna is half through the 5^th grade. She is so beautiful. She is starting to have some growing pains. I think she is honestly trying to be a teenager and a child all at the same time. I guess it is that awkward time where you are still young enough to play and run around but old enough to look like a teenager. She will be turning 11 soon. I pray to be as understanding and as consistent as possible. She is looking forward to basketball season. I can’t wait to see how the team turns out. Hope she gets to enjoy herself and learn a lot in the process.

Cameron is doing pretty good in school. He has started coming out of his shell. He is speaking up more and is participating in class. He asked me today, that if he was good all year in school could he have this snow globe Christmas ornament at the end of the year. I was like…really? He is so easy to please. He loves rocks, sticks, anything unusual…like a mattress pad…bubble wrap. He is my sweet little cuddly man.

I can’t believe the semester is almost over for me. I have 2 more weeks of classes and then finals. I have only gotten to know a few of the students really well this time. Unfortunately, so many have had health problems, family problems, or other things hindering them from class. I really hope that Jim is able to get a heart before the year is over with. I will have plenty of time to spend with him. Money is tight and we need every penny we can get. So I hope to work at CACC as long as possible. I know my number one job behind being the best Christian I can be is to take care and support my Jim. I love him and want to help him. It has been a roller coaster ride to say the least. Waves of emotions come and go in minutes, or throughout the day. I pray that God will help me to have the best attitude and to know that He can see how things are going to work out. I know God is so good to me and my family. I just want to bring glory to God in my attitude and actions, in private and in the public.

We deeply appreciate the numerous individuals who have made recent donations to our medical fund. We would also like to thank the Waco church of Christ for their generous donation and continuous support. We are always getting cards from the Waco and Glencoe churches of Christ and from Ken and Billie Sue Butterworth. It is a beam of sunshine when we get those cards. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. That is by far the BEST thing you can do for us. Remember our children. They need your prayers and support as well. Thank you all so much. May God bless each one of you that faithfully server Him. Your service is such an encouragement to us. Keep on fighting the good fight.

*********************BE A HERO…BE A DONOR, SAVE JIM*********************

In Home Health Care

I can’t believe it is already November. Where has this year gone? Jim has been declining ever so slowly but surely each week. He has begun retaining more fluid. He can gain anywhere from a pound a day to 4 lbs. It is mainly showing up in his abdomen and face, but even his tiny bird ankles have started to swell. He has been requiring more rest and has been out of breath more. The nurse, Michelle, has brought a machine that can track his oxygen level, blood pressure, heart rate and weight. This can give the nursing staff early warning signs that something is going on. He has to increase his medication that he receives through his picc line and they have put him on some meds to reduce fluid retention. If you are walking and talking with him, he is liable to get quiet because he can’t catch his breath while he is walking and talking. Even when he moves positions, it takes his breath away. Last Friday, we had to call UAB, because he came so close to blacking out. I saw him staggering and told him to sit down. I call the docs immediately. They thought he might have been dehydrated but he has had an increase in his dizzy spells. Despite all that, he has pressed himself to help a congregation up the road that is without a preacher. The preacher has cancer, and is not doing well. Jim has agreed to help them temporarily. I honestly don’t know how he does it. He is so drained and so weak but he gets up there and he is so beautiful when he is preaching. I have honestly tried to discourage him from doing it. I am scared he will overdo it. I pray that I will let him live his life and continue to do what he loves. What if he doesn’t get a heart, what if it is months from now? I should be ashamed for discouraging him. I am only human. I love him and want him well and with me as long as possible.

The Cost of Transplant (Great News)

Jim has been feeling bad all week. He went to the doctor today. They did lots of blood work and decided to increase his IV meds. He is just not feeling like his old self at all anymore. Please continue to pray. We know that God is at work for us. His time is the best time.

We found out about the medicines. For two months every year his medicine will be $4700. For the remaining 10 months of each year, his medicine will average $1500+. We ask for your prayers that we will get an outstanding heart for Jim and that we will be able to afford the medicines. We know that God will provide a way. We know that God will MAKE a way for us. Help me Lord, to trust You. To lean on You and to know that nothing is too hard for YOU.

Be A Hero Be A Donor

September 1, 2012

Think about it....You can be a hero to someone in need. Visit http://www.alabamalifelegacy.org/ and register today. Tell your family about your decision. We appreciate your consideration. www.organdonor.gov

September 3, 2012

Ok. Jim is feeling bad today. We are in need of some ideas. How do we get the word out about being an organ donor? As a Christian we know that once we die our soul and body separate. Why not give the gift of life to someone? What if they had more time to help others get to heaven? What if they had time to do more for the Lord? You would be responsible for that.
BE A HERO....BE A DONOR.
I welcome your ideas. We are in the process of making a design for signs, shirts, brochures, whatever it may be used for. Thanks for your prayers.

September 5, 2012

I have some flyers made up about being a donor. If you would like to have the file just email me. You will have to print them at your own expense. I am going to try and go to a print shop today and have some made. These are good to put at places of business, restaurants, churches, etc. I appreciate your help.
themurrellshome@bellsouth.net Please make sure you put Jim's flyers needed in the subject line. Thanks so much.

Well, I didn't make it to the print shop but I did go to the Daily Home (newspaper for Talladega County). We are running an ad in the Daily Home and The Anniston Star this next week. Sunday for Anniston, Wednesday for Daily Home. It is estimated to reach at least 70,000 to 80,000 homes. It was quite expensive. If you would like to help with costs just send me a private message. The only reason I mention this is because several have mentioned helping and we plan to run an ad at least once a month. Thanks so much. We really appreciate you helping us to get the word out.

Officially Listed For Transplant

Just got the phone call from UAB. Jim is now on the active transplant list. They can call anytime there is a match.
PLEASE CONSIDER BEING A DONOR AND TELLING OTHERS. THE GIFT OF LIFE IS SO PRECIOUS.

Now we begin a new journey. I am going to hold on tight.

Decision Day

DECISION DAY....FAITH IS THE VICTORY! NO MATTER WHAT...OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!

He was approved to get on the list. The insurance will be preapproved for him to have surgery then he will officially be on the list. Thanks for all your prayers. It means so much to us to have your love and support.

Took Jim to meet the stars of The First 48 in Birmingham. It was awesome. Got to see the interrogation rooms, conference rooms, meet the Homicide detectives. Sgt. Jacobs was great. He also got a cup and two DVDs that had not been released. He was grinning all the way home.

Transplant Classes

August 21, 2012

Jim goes for more tests on Thursday. Then transplant class on Tuesday. Thanks for all the visits, prayers, cards, donations, food, calls...God is so good.

August 23, 2012

Jim and his dad are on their way to UAB. Jim has blood work, then appointment with heart failure group and then meeting with the social worker. My heart is with him. Trying to teach today. Praying that all goes well.
Transplant classes on Tuesday. Then docs will be ready to make a decision. We expect one no later than Thursday evening. Thanks for your continued prayers and support. It means so much.
OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD HE REIGNS IN HEAVEN ABOVE WITH WISDOM POWER AND MIGHT...MY GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!

August 24, 2012

Good day yesterday. Jim had blood work, saw heart failure doc, and then finished up with the social worker. No big major tests. YEAH! Doc said he would need to do his dental check-up then go to class on Tuesday. They should make a decision by Thursday. Social Worker gave us great news instead of costing tens of thousands of dollars it is figured to be under $7,000 right now. We haven't checked the...cost of the meds yet. I cried. God is SO good. We used to have around $50000 raised but after two prior transplant evaluations and being in and out of the hospital we have about $4000 now. Medicare kicked in the first of May and that has helped a lot. Thanks so much for all the countless prayers on our behalf. I don't know how people do it without God and a church family. God has always been so faithful to us and I pray that daily we will serve and glorify Him.cost of the meds yet. I cried. God is SO good. We used to have around $50000 raised but after two prior transplant evaluations and being in and out of the hospital we have about $4000 now. Medicare kicked in the first of May and that has helped a lot. Thanks so much for all the countless prayers on our behalf. I don't know how people do it without God and a church family. God has always been so faithful to us and I pray that daily we will serve and glorify Him.

August 25, 2012

Thanks to Jeff and Meghan Stacy for your visit. You drove over an hour...just to see us. It was so good to see y'all again. You both are really special people. Thank you for doing what you do. We love you both and we pray for you and your work. God has great plans for you and He will give you everything you need. May God bless you richly as you faithfully serve Him.

August 29, 2012

Transplant classes yesterday. Wow, learned some weird facts. Did you know after a transplant you are not supposed to go fishing on a lake? Can't be around cats? Before they do the surgery they shave everything from your chin to your ankles. The average wait time is 18 months for a heart. Two of the medicines you have to be on for life can cause cancer. Let's just say it was information overload that lead to a migraine. Going tomorrow to UAB to see if Jim will be put on the list or not. Thanks for your prayers. We love you all.
***GOT A SPECIAL TOP SECRET SURPRISE FOR JIM***
Can't wait until he finds out. :D