Hey Brother!!! Happy Birthday! : ) I LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH!!!! <3

The Big 13!!!

Ryan,
WOW! You are an amazing 13 years old. I am sooooo proud of what a strong, beautiful young man you are. I thank God each and every year....month...week...day...moment that you are here with me. I know that today wasn't the best as far as how you felt, but just celebrating your thirteenth birthday has been awesome. So many of your friends were here just to let you know that you are an inspiration to them all. ESPECIALLY ME..... I wish you could know how you have impacted me deep within my very soul. You are my precious angel. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Love, Mommie

Bright Daze

Ryan has been a hoot since yesterday. He has everybody in the house magnetized to him. He has smiled and talked (in his little way) and laughed in ways we haven't seen in a while. What a welcome experience!! Thank you Lord!!!

Anyways, Ryan sends his love to everyone as he hopes to be in services on Sunday morning. I hope all is well with all of 'yuns.


Oh, P.S. If you haven't got your seeds in the ground, you'd better get on that quick like & in a hurry!!

As of Late...

Today has been a better day for my little buddy. Since last Friday, Ryan has had much difficulty breathing. So much so, that the home-care supplier had to deliver another machine for increased oxygen. Last weekend was when things started to decline for Ryan, and the very worst day was Monday (the day of the oxygen delivery.)

His sweet Hospice nurse came out on Monday and subsequently called Brother's doctor. Dr. M prescribed several medications. Over the last several days, Ryan has felt better. He is no longer needing the extra oxygen, but is still dependent on respiratory assistance quite a bit throughout the day and especially at night.

It is during times like this, that as his Moma, I worry very much. I know that I shouldn't: for God is certainly in control. You see, when you love something so much that it actually feels as if it is a part of your very being, nothing seems to soothe your fears. It is difficult for me to fathom that even my Dear Lord himself loves Ryan far more than I. My heart and soul are convinced of God's boundless love, but my human mind sometimes becomes an obstacle; which the Lord so graciously helps me to overcome.

Ryan is not hindered by the silliness of fear or doubt. He is safe and secure in the love of his Lord, regardless of what place his soul dwells. I hurt so much inside over his physical afflictions; yet they do not alter Ryan's spirit. He continues to smile, never complaining. He continues to fight, never waivering.

Warmer Days

Today is Saturday and it is beautiful indeed. The sun is shining and everything outside is bursting open with life. It is time to get outside and enjoy what God has so richly blessed us with. "Nature" is what many dub the world outdoors. Let's consider, just for a moment, nature.

Nature can be perceived in varying ways. But nature, to me, is the course of things which God has placed in motion that has neither been disturbed or altered. Therefore, nature can be any process of life that has originated from creation, which man has yet to corrupt or destroy.

The human mind has a nature. It was created and intended for the purpose of communion with our Heavenly Lord. But, due to the fall of our fleshly father, Adam, even that natural process has been tainted. It is that thing which I cannot shake from my thoughts.

I have encountered this aspect of nature in its purest and undefiled state: as new, white snow lies atop of the tallest mountains. Ryan has the human mind as it was intended to be; full of love for God and for others which has not been disturbed by worldly opinions or desires. His perception of all that is around him, both physical and spiritual, is without fear, malice, or jealousy. That is natural. He is as God designed him and in that, he is a monument in my eyes.

If only we could love each other openly, without fear of rejection or opinions. If only we could love God and have sweet communion with him, without worrying so much with our daily affairs. Then, just maybe, we could experience the essence of nature.

Just as human beings, with all of their supposed knowledge, have tried to harness the power of the mighty wind, rushing rivers, and even the mind itself, God has had other plans. To fulfill his purpose, we should all be more like Ryan. We should love naturally, worship naturally, and try to allow God's nature to flow through us freely.

Neuro Appointment and Greens

Ryan says to say, "Howdy" and that he feels GREAT today. We went to Asheville today to see Dr. H (Ryan's neurologist). Like Sunday, Ryan was acting silly and looking all over the place. He's had a haircut this week, which makes him even cuter. So besides looking cute and being very alert, Ryan was somewhat engaged in the conversation around him which certaily pleased his doc. (and of course, Me.)

Dr. H said that, to him, Ryan looked better today than he has in a long time. Thank the Lord. This is the same doctor that often has to give us bad news. I know he was happy to see Brother doing well, because I overheard him talking to a new person in the hallway about Ryan. He referred to Ryan as "one of my favorite patients". HEE, HEE!! He's my favorite too.

Next on the agenda is a developmental evaluation to try and expedite a new wheelchair order, which he desperately needs. Then, we are off again to Asheville for upcoming dental surgery. He's a pretty busy guy, right? Well, what do you expect, he's popular.

Are you guys gonna plant a garden? Boy, we are (Lord Willin'). Already we have peas, spinach, kale, collard greens, onions, lettuce, and potatoes in the ground. All but the taters are "gittin' with it". (Taters are slow, like me.) Friday we hope to plant corn, green beans, cucumbers, and squash. Tomorrow, I hope to start some bell pepper and tomato seeds inside. Sallie has an herb garden that she has started from seed this year. Cool right?

Dirt is awesome!! Everything that sustains this whole planet is dependent on dirt. AND WORMS ARE THE BOMB. Don't fish with'em. Throw 'em in the garden. They make everything grow like stink-weed. And SEEDS!!! Who would've ever thunk that a tiny seed could have enough sense to know whether or not its a corn, or a bean, or an apple tree? God is truly awesome. If nothing else can convince you of the intelligence and power of God, come and watch my garden go from dirt, worms, and little seeds to pounds of fresh food that is wholesome and wonderful.

Recipe for health: Dirt, seeds, and worms.

Add sunlight and water.

In just a bit... Meal after meal: fit for a king. (We are kings you know. The
Bible says we are a "royal
priesthood." So, we should eat
like it.)

Bye, I love 'yuns all.

"BAD BLOGGER" Ha! Ha!

Man, it has been a while since I've sat down to blog. I know ya'll are mad because there hasn't been an update about Ryan. Please forgive me.

Anyways, Ryan is fairing pretty well. We did go to Youth Camp, and had a GOOD TIME. Almost everybody got to see Brother. I know, he's a cutie. We left a little early because Ryan had a few seizures, and we thought it would be for the best. It was terrific just seeing everyone.

Thank the Lord for all who were saved!!!

Ryan and the rest of the gang went to services yesterday morning. He was truly in rare form. He just talked (in his own little way) and smiled. He definitely is aware of the presence of God, and he let's it show!!

Ryan has some appointments this week, so we will be travelling with him some. Please pray that God keeps him safe form germies and that he continues to LIGHT UP EVERYBODY'S DAYS!!

I sure hope all is well with you guys. And for those of you who reached out so graciously to our family this week..... HERE'S A BIG HUG FROM ALL OF US!! I hope God pours out triple-double-score blessings back on you all.