Wow, what an event this wedding was. My wonderful wife did an excellent job putting all of this together. Matt's family were great teammates, too. The reception hall was so neatly decorated and the food was excellent, too. Betty did most of this part with some help. Matt's parents did a great job on the things they took charge of,too. They did an excellent job on the rehearsal dinner and took care of the beer and part of the wine for the wedding. This morning they bought all of these people breakfast, too. I knew Matt was a great kid but his ENTIRE family was great, too. I met some from New York that knew all about what I had gone through and they acted like they had known me for years. Others in Matt's family was from up north, too. A bigger family is usually a good thing to add but these were some of the greatest people I have ever met. They made us feel like we are part of their family and they are part of ours!
I had many family and friends there too. Lori (my cousin) came with her family from Brenham. It seemed like seeing her and Gary had been too long. Great as usual and their kids have grown into fine young adults! Also, Kelly and Michael came from the Denton area. She is great as usual and I have always been close with him. My parents were there and I think they enjoyed seeing the events very much. My brother and his family were all there, too. Jennifer and Jake played an important part of the wedding, too. Many friends were there and several other family members on Betty's side, too. Her sister and her husband were from Florida and there two girls (Marlies and Christine) that I met when they were young girls were here two. They both brought their daughters, too. Amanda (Marleis's daughter) has always had a special place in my heart as her mother did when she was that age and up. Christine's daughter is Ema and is much younger and has not gotten to this point yet. These two mothers were 11 and 9 or 12 and 10 when I first met them. The love we have today was very strong at first, too. They have always been special people to me!!!
The clean up of the hall was quite a deal. The party was over at midnight, but the clean up and moving of stuff went much longer. Many people were very helpful on this. My brother would not let me lift anything. I was trying to help out, but he was caring for my future. My best friend, Bruce, was helping, too. When they say best friends are for life, they knew how we would be over the years. Before long, my wife sent the old drunk helpless person to the hotel. Kelly and Michael drove me, little Matt and my Mother in Law there. It was about 1:15 or so and Betty showed up at the hotel about 4 in the morning. Our day today was a busy one too. All the sorting and unloading was another episode. Most of the stuff was stored at Betty's brother's house over night. We loaded my truck and little Matt and I went home to unload everything. Betty stayed at her brother's house and counted the linens and glasses and dished that were rented.
What a weekend! It was good to see all the friends and family members! I would like to thanks God for allowing me to be here for this! He, as usual, made my day and my life very special. If you need His help, talk to Him. He is a good listener and a good helper, too!
Mark 11/30/07
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Friday, Dec 28 and all is good
We had a rehearsal for the wedding tonight and it went well. It is really going to be an exciting event! We had a nice dinner afterwards, too. Matt's parents did a great job putting all of this together. There were a lot of people there. They opened this up to immediate families that were in town. My parents and brother and his family were there along with one of Betty's brother and two sisters were there, too. One sister (her favorite one that is from Florida) had most of her family here, too. This sister (Margie) and Betty have always been close and are so much alike it's not funny. She has been with her husband for many years. This sister married a Bradley way before I knew Betty.
This was really great action on Matt's parents to open this up to these family members. Matt's family also had a lot of people there, too. His sister and her husband and several other family members, too. I think the world of Matt's sister and her husband is a great person, too. This is my first opportunity to meet his parents since I messed up our last opportunity with my accident. We were supposed to meet with them on the day that I fell and started this episode of pain and fear of life. The great part is they are all family to us now.
My pain is still hanging on but seems to be less intense. My back hurts me more now than is has in a while, but my incision is not as bad. There is still swelling there that itches most of the time and it hurts if someone bumps it, but we are only hoping the infection is getting better. I have to see my medicine doctor about this in a couple of weeks (Jan. 7, I think). Wonderful. Another blood test to find out how my level is doing. I still hate the needle used to take blood, but it is all for the better to find out how we are doing. Hopefully, they can get what they need in the first try.
I was able to walk Megan at rehearsal without a limp! Not only that God has kept me alive, but allows me this sort of pleasure, too. I am really hoping I can do this tomorrow with out shedding any tears, but don't bet any money on it. This is not a safe bet! My first born is just doing her part to make our family bigger! How am I suppose to handle this? Only God knows for sure!
May God be with you as you need him. He has changed my life and can help you if you ask Him for help.
I love you all.
Mark 12/28/07
This was really great action on Matt's parents to open this up to these family members. Matt's family also had a lot of people there, too. His sister and her husband and several other family members, too. I think the world of Matt's sister and her husband is a great person, too. This is my first opportunity to meet his parents since I messed up our last opportunity with my accident. We were supposed to meet with them on the day that I fell and started this episode of pain and fear of life. The great part is they are all family to us now.
My pain is still hanging on but seems to be less intense. My back hurts me more now than is has in a while, but my incision is not as bad. There is still swelling there that itches most of the time and it hurts if someone bumps it, but we are only hoping the infection is getting better. I have to see my medicine doctor about this in a couple of weeks (Jan. 7, I think). Wonderful. Another blood test to find out how my level is doing. I still hate the needle used to take blood, but it is all for the better to find out how we are doing. Hopefully, they can get what they need in the first try.
I was able to walk Megan at rehearsal without a limp! Not only that God has kept me alive, but allows me this sort of pleasure, too. I am really hoping I can do this tomorrow with out shedding any tears, but don't bet any money on it. This is not a safe bet! My first born is just doing her part to make our family bigger! How am I suppose to handle this? Only God knows for sure!
May God be with you as you need him. He has changed my life and can help you if you ask Him for help.
I love you all.
Mark 12/28/07
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Dec 26 and all is going well
Well, the Christmas holiday came and went great. I tried real hard to stop taking any pain medicine starting yesterday but was in so much pain over it. I took some over the counter medicine last evening at Betty's brother's house because of the pain. In rehab this morning, Rod told me he could tell my pain and suggested that I keep taking the prescription Ibuprofen that the doctor gave me because of the pain I am in. I got home and took it. They worked me pretty good today, as usual.
My family all gets together tomorrow night. Jennifer (my niece) will be in town and it will be good to see her again. Jake and Allison will be here, too. We will not have much going on because Betty is focusing on wedding stuff right now. It will be a good time by all. We are really looking forward to this wedding, but most people are questioning the reception being for adults only. I guess some people just don't understand what this event is about or maybe that their kids are exceptions to this rule. Some people just don't understand all of the plans my wife has put into this event. There will be a very few kids there that are in the wedding OR very close and invited by the two getting married. We are not trying to hurt any feelings over it, but it is one of those important parts of the whole process.
It makes me feel good to hear the comments and concerns from so many people on my progress. I guess this is why God helped me still be here. My life was not over and He and I did not want it to end! My family and friends helped a lot on this, too. Just another opportunity for me to tell everyone how much I love you all.
May God be with you today and any upcoming times you need Him. Don't be afraid to talk to Him. He is the greatest!!!
Mark 12/26/07
My family all gets together tomorrow night. Jennifer (my niece) will be in town and it will be good to see her again. Jake and Allison will be here, too. We will not have much going on because Betty is focusing on wedding stuff right now. It will be a good time by all. We are really looking forward to this wedding, but most people are questioning the reception being for adults only. I guess some people just don't understand what this event is about or maybe that their kids are exceptions to this rule. Some people just don't understand all of the plans my wife has put into this event. There will be a very few kids there that are in the wedding OR very close and invited by the two getting married. We are not trying to hurt any feelings over it, but it is one of those important parts of the whole process.
It makes me feel good to hear the comments and concerns from so many people on my progress. I guess this is why God helped me still be here. My life was not over and He and I did not want it to end! My family and friends helped a lot on this, too. Just another opportunity for me to tell everyone how much I love you all.
May God be with you today and any upcoming times you need Him. Don't be afraid to talk to Him. He is the greatest!!!
Mark 12/26/07
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas to all 12/25
It is Christmas morning and we all doing great. My girls are all home for this wonderful holiday. We are all blessed with Christ's presence in our lives and really enjoying our time together. They girls found some old home made movies and are all enjoying watching each other from many years back. This one they are watching now had Breanna when she first learned to walk real good and then it went to see Brea in her first "acting" role. She was in first grade and she was great back then, too. Who would know how big a part this would play in her life many years later? She really got into the drama scene in high school and ALWAYS enjoyed it. It is so good to see these old films and great memories it brings back. It was good to see the girls all from this far back. The one that they are watching had Megan and Tiffaney walking around in New Orleans with Breanna trying to keep up. Megan got a DVD recorder for a Christmas gift and is going to put these films on DVDs. There are so many films for them to watch. Every one is laughing and commenting about their actions back then.
I went to work yesterday and had a great day there. I got to see a lot of people from my past and enjoyed my time there. I had many people asking about my accident and what I went through. It makes me feel good to have so many friends that kept up with me and my progress. My pain is doing OK today, but I am feeling a little pain from my broken tailbone. My wound is doing better but still hurts me if have to get something off the ground or lift much weight. God is sending me in the right direction to fully heal up. There is only 4 days left until our big event takes us into our next step in life. We are all SO excited about this event. I am so glad I will be well enough to walk Megan down the aisle at HER wedding.
Life is great to us all. I have said a prayer for the Keaton family today. They are fighting the flu right now. They deserve God's help to get over all of this. I wish you all the well that is possible. Good luck with it. The flu is never much fun!
May God be with each of you today and help us all celebrate the reason for this holiday season. Christ's birthday is the reason for all of this quality time together with family and friends. Enjoy each other and cherish your time together. That is what makes this time so great.
Love you all so much!
Mark 12/25/07
I went to work yesterday and had a great day there. I got to see a lot of people from my past and enjoyed my time there. I had many people asking about my accident and what I went through. It makes me feel good to have so many friends that kept up with me and my progress. My pain is doing OK today, but I am feeling a little pain from my broken tailbone. My wound is doing better but still hurts me if have to get something off the ground or lift much weight. God is sending me in the right direction to fully heal up. There is only 4 days left until our big event takes us into our next step in life. We are all SO excited about this event. I am so glad I will be well enough to walk Megan down the aisle at HER wedding.
Life is great to us all. I have said a prayer for the Keaton family today. They are fighting the flu right now. They deserve God's help to get over all of this. I wish you all the well that is possible. Good luck with it. The flu is never much fun!
May God be with each of you today and help us all celebrate the reason for this holiday season. Christ's birthday is the reason for all of this quality time together with family and friends. Enjoy each other and cherish your time together. That is what makes this time so great.
Love you all so much!
Mark 12/25/07
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Sunday, Dec 23 and extremely happy
Now I have a good question for you to think about and respond to if you want. What does the statement of "being the luckiest guy in the world" mean to each of you? That is me!!! There are so many things for me that are going well. I have the most wonderful person in the world taking care of me EVERY day. How could I have known 26 years ago that I had met this person? Only God could help me in this way!!! We have three wonderful daughters together that are all special to me in their own way. It amazes me to see the wonderful women they have grown into. Again, God's help on raising these girls has been great, as usual. If the three of them was not enough, we were also blessed with Matt, too. At 11, we still have a lot of work ahead of us, but God will help us make him a pretty good guy to have around, too.
I get told every day that I am SO LUCKY to have lived through this accident. Again, God was on my side to make sure I was here for it all. I know there were nearly 2 months of my life where they were not sure I would make it or not. That wonderful wife of mine and God pulled me through all of this. I also know my girls all did their part to help me, too, even though this was hard for all. Reading about all of this first part makes me shiver. I know this was hard on all people that were involved. I do not remember any of this first part because I was in God's hands and He was protecting me DAILY. I can only imagine I was not the best patient in the hospital, but the nurses all said I was a great patient. Enough sweet talk to them and someone would help me sneak out. This is the crazy part of me talking there. All I know is that I just wanted out. I tried one time. They left me alone once while Betty was running some errands and I figured out this was my chance to go. A nice little scar on my head proves I was not all there! When Betty returned, she found me on the floor in a pool of blood, passed out from the fall. I thought I had this escape figured out but God made sure I stayed where I needed to be. After that, the hospital put me in a bed surrounded in net. I could see the zipper holding it together, but could not reach it. Again, God was the one in control of my life and I could not be more thankful for it.
I hear stories from many friends and family members that tell me how bad I was looking, but that they were all glad I was still alive! This has been a tough six and a half month run for me and I am not all well over it yet, but I am still following God's plan to get better. I have the opportunity to spend a nice Christmas with my family and then get to WALK my daughter done the aisle for her wedding. I know there will be many people there that I have not seen in a while and many more that have said they wish they could, but can't. I do understand all of this and God has helped me to accept this. The event is going to be a nice time for all of those that can make it and we are all looking towards this happy moment. I can only hope this marriage is as good for Megan and Matt as it has been for Betty and I.
I am feeling OK this morning but still have some pain. It is hard to explain to anyone just how bad I feel and can still feel happy about it. This does not click with some people but I think most understand where I am in life. Now, back to my original question. How can anyone understand that I am not the lucky guy in the world right now? I can walk with a slight limp and breathe my own air without help. I think the term "luckiest" may be an understatement for me right now. There is too many people in this world, both here and in many other places pulling for me. I hope you all understand how important you are in my life. It does not matter who you are or what kinship you are to me. I have people that are cousins pulling for me. I have people that are in Betty's family pulling too. (Yes, these are members of MY family, too). I have so many people here in town pulling for me and people that are friends of friends or family pulling, too. I have met so many people that I did not even know before this accident that are pulling me through this, too.
I know this accident make me long winded, but you just have to understand how important life is to me now. If you read all of this, you are a special person to me. If you only read half, you are still special to me. If you just think and pray for me, you are up special to me, too. You must understand, I Love You ALL so much. You have been an important part of my life and I am so glad you cared enough for me to help me work through this.
On my last note, I want to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas. Please think about why we all have this Holiday. Jesus was born on this day and we all have to remember, He is the reason for all of this special time. Don't be afraid to thank Him for all of your happy times and ask Him for help if you need it. It really does work!!! I am still here because of His help towards me!
Love to all,
Mark 12/23/07
I get told every day that I am SO LUCKY to have lived through this accident. Again, God was on my side to make sure I was here for it all. I know there were nearly 2 months of my life where they were not sure I would make it or not. That wonderful wife of mine and God pulled me through all of this. I also know my girls all did their part to help me, too, even though this was hard for all. Reading about all of this first part makes me shiver. I know this was hard on all people that were involved. I do not remember any of this first part because I was in God's hands and He was protecting me DAILY. I can only imagine I was not the best patient in the hospital, but the nurses all said I was a great patient. Enough sweet talk to them and someone would help me sneak out. This is the crazy part of me talking there. All I know is that I just wanted out. I tried one time. They left me alone once while Betty was running some errands and I figured out this was my chance to go. A nice little scar on my head proves I was not all there! When Betty returned, she found me on the floor in a pool of blood, passed out from the fall. I thought I had this escape figured out but God made sure I stayed where I needed to be. After that, the hospital put me in a bed surrounded in net. I could see the zipper holding it together, but could not reach it. Again, God was the one in control of my life and I could not be more thankful for it.
I hear stories from many friends and family members that tell me how bad I was looking, but that they were all glad I was still alive! This has been a tough six and a half month run for me and I am not all well over it yet, but I am still following God's plan to get better. I have the opportunity to spend a nice Christmas with my family and then get to WALK my daughter done the aisle for her wedding. I know there will be many people there that I have not seen in a while and many more that have said they wish they could, but can't. I do understand all of this and God has helped me to accept this. The event is going to be a nice time for all of those that can make it and we are all looking towards this happy moment. I can only hope this marriage is as good for Megan and Matt as it has been for Betty and I.
I am feeling OK this morning but still have some pain. It is hard to explain to anyone just how bad I feel and can still feel happy about it. This does not click with some people but I think most understand where I am in life. Now, back to my original question. How can anyone understand that I am not the lucky guy in the world right now? I can walk with a slight limp and breathe my own air without help. I think the term "luckiest" may be an understatement for me right now. There is too many people in this world, both here and in many other places pulling for me. I hope you all understand how important you are in my life. It does not matter who you are or what kinship you are to me. I have people that are cousins pulling for me. I have people that are in Betty's family pulling too. (Yes, these are members of MY family, too). I have so many people here in town pulling for me and people that are friends of friends or family pulling, too. I have met so many people that I did not even know before this accident that are pulling me through this, too.
I know this accident make me long winded, but you just have to understand how important life is to me now. If you read all of this, you are a special person to me. If you only read half, you are still special to me. If you just think and pray for me, you are up special to me, too. You must understand, I Love You ALL so much. You have been an important part of my life and I am so glad you cared enough for me to help me work through this.
On my last note, I want to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas. Please think about why we all have this Holiday. Jesus was born on this day and we all have to remember, He is the reason for all of this special time. Don't be afraid to thank Him for all of your happy times and ask Him for help if you need it. It really does work!!! I am still here because of His help towards me!
Love to all,
Mark 12/23/07
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Saturday, Dec 22 and all is OK
Well, time is just going by getting close to the wedding. We have a wonderful celebration come up soon to celebrate the birth of Jesus. My family will have a wonderful time on Monday night and again on Tuesday morning. We will meet with my brother & his family and my parents on Thursday night once Jennifer gets to town. Then we have a rehearsal event on Friday night getting ready for the big event on Saturday. We are all getting so excited for this event.
I am doing OK as of now. I am still sore from everything and seem to be walking with a slight limp, but it will be OK. I get to go back to work on Monday and got a phone call on Friday telling me this was good to go forward with. Rehab worked me out pretty good on Friday but that is how this is supposed to work. They are doing their job to make sure I can do all that is necessary on my end. No pain, no gain!
I had two more replies from my last entry. One was from Sallie and Scott Keaton again giving me some words of encouragement and some support to Betty for all she has done for me. The other one was from Sheryl, another dear friend I met through Matt's Cub Scouts. She was always a dear friend to me and her support through all of this has been great. She can't make it to Megan's wedding but has a neat poem for me. This means the world to me. She is another one of those people that is in my life because God wanted me to know her. She has always been this kind of person! She always lifts me up, as do the Keaton family. I am so lucky to have people in my life that are this way! Family and friends make every day special. I am just so lucky to have people like this around me!
God has saved me and is putting SPECIAL people in my life that help me in so many ways. God will help you too if you need His help and ask Him for it. I would like to thank everyone that reads this note and tell you all how much I love you! I am still here because there were so many people saying prayers for me in so many places. Your efforts towards me have made me a different person. I have feelings today that I did not have before because of all of this. Thanks again to all of you!!!
Mark 12/22/07
I am doing OK as of now. I am still sore from everything and seem to be walking with a slight limp, but it will be OK. I get to go back to work on Monday and got a phone call on Friday telling me this was good to go forward with. Rehab worked me out pretty good on Friday but that is how this is supposed to work. They are doing their job to make sure I can do all that is necessary on my end. No pain, no gain!
I had two more replies from my last entry. One was from Sallie and Scott Keaton again giving me some words of encouragement and some support to Betty for all she has done for me. The other one was from Sheryl, another dear friend I met through Matt's Cub Scouts. She was always a dear friend to me and her support through all of this has been great. She can't make it to Megan's wedding but has a neat poem for me. This means the world to me. She is another one of those people that is in my life because God wanted me to know her. She has always been this kind of person! She always lifts me up, as do the Keaton family. I am so lucky to have people in my life that are this way! Family and friends make every day special. I am just so lucky to have people like this around me!
God has saved me and is putting SPECIAL people in my life that help me in so many ways. God will help you too if you need His help and ask Him for it. I would like to thank everyone that reads this note and tell you all how much I love you! I am still here because there were so many people saying prayers for me in so many places. Your efforts towards me have made me a different person. I have feelings today that I did not have before because of all of this. Thanks again to all of you!!!
Mark 12/22/07
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Wednesday night and all is great!!! 12/19/07
I knew people still read my words of thought but it really makes my day to see replies. Two of these are from family members (cousins are a great thing to have and I love them all so much). Jo offered many kind words as usual. I am sorry you will not be at the wedding, but you won't see how bad my dancing really is. I am sure someone will tell the truth on me... Another note came from Janet. More kind words here, too. I know you will be working that weekend so you won't see my dance either. Another one that can't talk about it at the reunion. I am sure someone with tell you about it, though! The third reply was from some special friends (the Keaton family) here in town. The notes they send are always good to read and always lift me up in this time. I knew people read these notes but seeing replies is special for me. My last three notes I put in did not have any replies on them and one on the fourth one. I am not mad at anyone over any of this at all. I know people read my words and feel good for me to be getting better and STILL breathing!
As far as work goes, I return on Monday. Our plant has a rule that you can't go from sick time straight to vacation without coming in for work at least one day. This is a good rule to have and I don't mind it a bit. My boss told me that Monday may be a short day because it is Christmas eve. I don't care if I have to work all day, just that I get to come back. My vacation days will start after Christmas day and go until I run out of days. These were scheduled in October and November but I was not there to use them so they carried on until I could use them. Our department had their yearly lunch today and I went. It was good to see all of my friends again. It made me feel good and I got a lot of well wishes from many people. Many of these people were excited to see me, too. I got many hugs from so many people. It really makes me feel good to have people remember me and realize what I went through and understand how lucky I am to still be alive. God took good care of me and made sure I was here for all the times I have coming. I thank Him a lot for this gift.
I went to rehab this morning, and as usual, they worked me pretty hard so I can get better. That is part of the reason I still go there because they want me better just as much as I do!
May God be there for you if you need His help. All you have to do is understand Him and talk to him. He made a lot of changes in my life and I am very proud of these changes.
Thanks to all of you that read this and it makes me feel good to know how many people really care for me in this way. Thanks to all that helped me in prayers and good thoughts. It will always mean so much to me EVERY DAY!!!
Love to you all,
Mark 12/19/07
As far as work goes, I return on Monday. Our plant has a rule that you can't go from sick time straight to vacation without coming in for work at least one day. This is a good rule to have and I don't mind it a bit. My boss told me that Monday may be a short day because it is Christmas eve. I don't care if I have to work all day, just that I get to come back. My vacation days will start after Christmas day and go until I run out of days. These were scheduled in October and November but I was not there to use them so they carried on until I could use them. Our department had their yearly lunch today and I went. It was good to see all of my friends again. It made me feel good and I got a lot of well wishes from many people. Many of these people were excited to see me, too. I got many hugs from so many people. It really makes me feel good to have people remember me and realize what I went through and understand how lucky I am to still be alive. God took good care of me and made sure I was here for all the times I have coming. I thank Him a lot for this gift.
I went to rehab this morning, and as usual, they worked me pretty hard so I can get better. That is part of the reason I still go there because they want me better just as much as I do!
May God be there for you if you need His help. All you have to do is understand Him and talk to him. He made a lot of changes in my life and I am very proud of these changes.
Thanks to all of you that read this and it makes me feel good to know how many people really care for me in this way. Thanks to all that helped me in prayers and good thoughts. It will always mean so much to me EVERY DAY!!!
Love to you all,
Mark 12/19/07
Wednesday, Dec 19 and all is good
Well, Wednesday Dec. 19 is upon us and all is going OK. I am in a lot of pain in my back this morning but you get used to it after a while. I went to see my plastic surgeon yesterday and he was pleased with what he saw and took my stitches out. He said I was good to go back to work but would not issue me a slip for it because it needs to come from my main doctor, which is Dr. Dickson. Last time I saw Dr. Dickson, he told me that my return to work would come from this plastic surgeon. Left says right and right says left... I went by Dr. Dickson's office and he is out until Friday but they gave me a number to one of his workers. I talked to her yesterday and she said she would take care of this but it has not arrived, yet. I talked to my boss yesterday and told him what was going on. He said it would all be OK and would work out with no problem. Our company has a rule that you can't go from sick leave straight to vacation so I will have to go to work on Monday to start everything in the right direction. Being away for a week or two is OK, but when it turns into 6 or 7 months, it is rougher. I am so glad that I still have a job to go back to and they want me back, too. Working in a chair will be hard for a while with my broken tailbone, but it will work out just fine with time.
I have rehab this morning and if, as usual, they work me right, I will be sore over it. I guess that is why I like this place. I have a wedding to walk at in less than two weeks!!! The highlight of all is to see one of your children get married and to get to participate in it, too. Megan wants me to walk her down the isle AND dance with her. I can't dance good on any day, but I will give it my best!!!
Love to all of you that read this and may God be with you. He saved my life and I will ALWAYS remember this. If you need his help, all you need to do is talk to Him and ask Him for help.
Have a lot of people coming in town for the wedding. Many of these people I have not seen in a while and am really looking forward to it. My brother's daughter (my niece) is coming from up north and two nieces on Betty's side are coming from Florida. I am excited about all of this.
Great news! I just heard from my boss and they finally got my return to work! Looks like I get to work on Monday! This is exciting to me!!!
Love you all,
Mark 12/19/07
I have rehab this morning and if, as usual, they work me right, I will be sore over it. I guess that is why I like this place. I have a wedding to walk at in less than two weeks!!! The highlight of all is to see one of your children get married and to get to participate in it, too. Megan wants me to walk her down the isle AND dance with her. I can't dance good on any day, but I will give it my best!!!
Love to all of you that read this and may God be with you. He saved my life and I will ALWAYS remember this. If you need his help, all you need to do is talk to Him and ask Him for help.
Have a lot of people coming in town for the wedding. Many of these people I have not seen in a while and am really looking forward to it. My brother's daughter (my niece) is coming from up north and two nieces on Betty's side are coming from Florida. I am excited about all of this.
Great news! I just heard from my boss and they finally got my return to work! Looks like I get to work on Monday! This is exciting to me!!!
Love you all,
Mark 12/19/07
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Sunday, Dec 16 and doing OK
Well, today is Sunday and I am still alive and in pain. My stomach hurts when I move. The doctor said that there is nothing they did to cause this even though it started a few days after my surgery. I need to go see an indigestion doctor to find out what the problem is. Also found out yesterday that my insurance is not paying much towards my rehab bill. Betty will call the insurance people tomorrow to find out what is going on. I guess I will have to stop using rehab because I can't afford to pay for it right now. Between our part of medical bills and all of these ambulance services that charge out the nose, we don't need MORE added to it. It looks like I owe over $200 for last month (November). It looks like I will be doing my own rehab unless Betty can get somewhere with this issue. This is a sad situation because the rehab people are doing a lot towards me getting better. I am sore every time I leave there, but that is a good sore. I just hope I can do it here without going too far with it. I will try to follow with what they had me doing. That is the only way this will work out for the best. I go back to see the skin doctor on Tuesday. I am hoping he will pull out these stitches and allow me to return for work soon.
Tiff walked on Friday for her Graduation. It was really a neat feeling for us. Breanna took off today for a week in Colorado for skiing and other fun stuff. She will be staying with a very good friend of ours while she is there. And to top all of this off, we are now thirteen days away from Megan's wedding. This is a busy month for us, but with Betty in charge of it all, it will go just fine.
All is going well for us right now. I am walking better than I was a week ago. I still have a slight limp but it may be there for a while or maybe forever. My main doctor said it will go away, but only time will tell.
May God be with you today if you need him to be. He came through for me and will for you if you ask Him for help. Don't be afraid to ask Him for help if you need it.
Love to you all,
Mark 12/16/07
Tiff walked on Friday for her Graduation. It was really a neat feeling for us. Breanna took off today for a week in Colorado for skiing and other fun stuff. She will be staying with a very good friend of ours while she is there. And to top all of this off, we are now thirteen days away from Megan's wedding. This is a busy month for us, but with Betty in charge of it all, it will go just fine.
All is going well for us right now. I am walking better than I was a week ago. I still have a slight limp but it may be there for a while or maybe forever. My main doctor said it will go away, but only time will tell.
May God be with you today if you need him to be. He came through for me and will for you if you ask Him for help. Don't be afraid to ask Him for help if you need it.
Love to you all,
Mark 12/16/07
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Tuesday, Dec 11 and all is moving right...
I am doing OK as of now. I am still in pain from my surgery. The plastic surgeon took out the staples but left the stitches this morning. I asked about being released for work and he said I need to be healed more before he can do anything. I see him again next Tuesday. I see my regular doctor on Friday morning before we go to San Marcos. Hopefully, he can answer some questions about my stomach pains. I am hoping my surgery moved everything inside too much and that is why I am sore and that there is not a problem other than this. This pain is bothersome every time I move.
I started my physical therapy today. They worked me pretty good and in the right direction for me. The doctor gave approval for me to start this. They are aware of where I am and where I am heading. I have a wedding coming in a few weeks that I have to walk Megan down the aisle. I am so excited about being able to do this. I was afraid a while back that this would be a problem but my hard-headedness and determination will make this happen. We also have Tiffaney's graduation to watch on Friday. Life is full of joys for me right now!
Thanks to all of you that read this update and know that I am slowly getting better. God is a great gift for us all. He is leading me just where I need to be going. He will be with you too if you ask him for help.
Love to all of you,
Mark 12/11/07
I started my physical therapy today. They worked me pretty good and in the right direction for me. The doctor gave approval for me to start this. They are aware of where I am and where I am heading. I have a wedding coming in a few weeks that I have to walk Megan down the aisle. I am so excited about being able to do this. I was afraid a while back that this would be a problem but my hard-headedness and determination will make this happen. We also have Tiffaney's graduation to watch on Friday. Life is full of joys for me right now!
Thanks to all of you that read this update and know that I am slowly getting better. God is a great gift for us all. He is leading me just where I need to be going. He will be with you too if you ask him for help.
Love to all of you,
Mark 12/11/07
Monday, December 10, 2007
Monday, Dec 10 and all is good
Well, my pain is slowly fading back. I still hurt with certain movements, but a lot better than it was last week. I went to start my physical therapy today, but they can't take me back without approval from the doctor. I called the doctor last week and never got a call back and the therapist sent him a FAX this morning and have not heard anything either. Having a great doctor is two sided. You get the best for treatment but too busy for the extra stuff. It will probably be February before I get something saying I could start this week. My therapist is just being protective of my future. I can't be mad for someone looking out for me!
My next doctors appointment is tomorrow for the plastic surgeon. Today, the doctor I saw was for "internal medicine". He is great one to see for this. He explains everything in detail and is great to deal with. He was a little concerned about one of my levels he saw on a blood test but was concerned that my surgery may have caused it to look high. Another blood test today to tell him where I am and which way I need to go. He told me to stay on the anti-biotics until we know for sure. This test today will tell him if the current medicine is working or needs to changed out. The plastic surgeon I see tomorrow is good, too, but he has an accent and I can't understand everything he says. He is another one of the good ones that knows how to take care of his patients. I think the infection is under control or he would not have closed me up so fast. I am sure he is not ready to take out my stitches, but I can hope he is ready. I will know tomorrow for sure. I will also ask him while I am there about when I can return to work. He or my main doctor will make a decision on this soon. Most people want time off of work, but after six months off, I just want to go back.
I think this is enough for today. May God be with you if you need him. He is willing to help you if He is asked. He was a major part of me still being here. His actions and those doctors and nurses he put on me to make everything right, went well. If they were doing something questionable, my dear wife was there to help them fix it. Four days left until Tiffaney's graduation and 19 days until Megan's wedding. These are part of life's reasons why God left me here. I could not miss these things! I know there are more things in my future that I don't know about, yet, too.
I would like to say thank you to all of our friends that came by last weekend and a special thanks to Bruce Walters for the special gift he presented to me. Best friends are special friends to have. If you have one, let them know just how special they are in your life!
Love to you all,
Mark 12/10/07
My next doctors appointment is tomorrow for the plastic surgeon. Today, the doctor I saw was for "internal medicine". He is great one to see for this. He explains everything in detail and is great to deal with. He was a little concerned about one of my levels he saw on a blood test but was concerned that my surgery may have caused it to look high. Another blood test today to tell him where I am and which way I need to go. He told me to stay on the anti-biotics until we know for sure. This test today will tell him if the current medicine is working or needs to changed out. The plastic surgeon I see tomorrow is good, too, but he has an accent and I can't understand everything he says. He is another one of the good ones that knows how to take care of his patients. I think the infection is under control or he would not have closed me up so fast. I am sure he is not ready to take out my stitches, but I can hope he is ready. I will know tomorrow for sure. I will also ask him while I am there about when I can return to work. He or my main doctor will make a decision on this soon. Most people want time off of work, but after six months off, I just want to go back.
I think this is enough for today. May God be with you if you need him. He is willing to help you if He is asked. He was a major part of me still being here. His actions and those doctors and nurses he put on me to make everything right, went well. If they were doing something questionable, my dear wife was there to help them fix it. Four days left until Tiffaney's graduation and 19 days until Megan's wedding. These are part of life's reasons why God left me here. I could not miss these things! I know there are more things in my future that I don't know about, yet, too.
I would like to say thank you to all of our friends that came by last weekend and a special thanks to Bruce Walters for the special gift he presented to me. Best friends are special friends to have. If you have one, let them know just how special they are in your life!
Love to you all,
Mark 12/10/07
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Sunday. Dec 9 and all is Good
Well, our yearly party came and went well last night. We had a smaller than usual turn out, but with all we have had going this year, it was about what we expected. Many invitations went out last minute, so it is understandable. I got to see many people that I have not seen in a while and a few that were expected, never came. Do I feel any less because they did not come? No way. I feel bad to not see them, but this is one of those things you just take and move on. There were only three people from my work here and that is understandable, too. Many good friends came to see us and the girls all had friends here, too. Several people in that group I do not see much of anymore, but it was sure good to see them all. Thanks to all that did come to see us. It was appreciated greatly!
I am feeling OK this morning. I know my daily pain is getting better, but I am still sore and get tired pretty easily, too. I am hoping the doctor has good news for me tomorrow. It seems like I am moving along. I go back to see the main doctor the following week. One of them has to tell me where this journey is taking me and what my progress is looking like. The one that filled my hole is tomorrow and the one that took the metal out is next week.
Betty worked her butt off trying to get ready for last night and everything was great. I know for the past four days she worked on all of these details. Now this party is gone, the wedding will be moved up the list of things to do first. That is the way she is. She is a dedicated person to the project at hand. Tiffaney's graduation will be this Friday. A quick trip to San Marcos for that event. We are so excited about it. Somewhere in all of this, there is Christmas shopping to do, too. We are going to be one of the ones getting all of this done last minute! Too many other irons on this fire!!!
I am feeling OK this morning. I know my daily pain is getting better, but I am still sore and get tired pretty easily, too. I am hoping the doctor has good news for me tomorrow. It seems like I am moving along. I go back to see the main doctor the following week. One of them has to tell me where this journey is taking me and what my progress is looking like. The one that filled my hole is tomorrow and the one that took the metal out is next week.
Betty worked her butt off trying to get ready for last night and everything was great. I know for the past four days she worked on all of these details. Now this party is gone, the wedding will be moved up the list of things to do first. That is the way she is. She is a dedicated person to the project at hand. Tiffaney's graduation will be this Friday. A quick trip to San Marcos for that event. We are so excited about it. Somewhere in all of this, there is Christmas shopping to do, too. We are going to be one of the ones getting all of this done last minute! Too many other irons on this fire!!!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Saturday, Dec. 8 and all is Good
I guess you have to notice things around you better than I do. I was never very good at that, but now I am probably worse. I woke up this morning and I did notice that my pain is getting better or I have learned to tolerate it better. I think I is just getting less! I still have problems getting comfortable when I sit and I tired too quickly if I don't sit. My body has a long ways to go to get back to where it was, but don't give up on me. I am determined to do this over time!
Tonight is our adult Christmas party that we have every year. We started to not have it but we enjoy it so much seeing all of our family and friends from many times. We see people from present to past. Some of these people we only see this time of year and that is OK, too. They are still in our lives! This wife of mine has been busy for days getting everything just right for this. We will have a good time but she will be SO tired. I usually try to help but I am not much help this year. I try but a lot of the things I usually do, I can't do. Just wait my dear, I am coming back and will make your effort to keep me alive well worth it! Next week, we have Tiffaney's graduation. Another child of mine graduating from college. This is a great thing for us but more things to do to get ready for it. We are only weeks away from Megan's wedding, too. Betty will put so much time and effort in to this to make it all flow so well. I do not know where this woman gets so many minutes into every day. She is just one of those people.
So as you can all tell, it is busy around here, but it is also so well organized and planned to fall certain ways. I just thank you all for being there for us as we have had a difficult time this year but will come back like we should. I love everyone who reads this! May God be there for you as He has been for me.
Mark 12/8/07
Tonight is our adult Christmas party that we have every year. We started to not have it but we enjoy it so much seeing all of our family and friends from many times. We see people from present to past. Some of these people we only see this time of year and that is OK, too. They are still in our lives! This wife of mine has been busy for days getting everything just right for this. We will have a good time but she will be SO tired. I usually try to help but I am not much help this year. I try but a lot of the things I usually do, I can't do. Just wait my dear, I am coming back and will make your effort to keep me alive well worth it! Next week, we have Tiffaney's graduation. Another child of mine graduating from college. This is a great thing for us but more things to do to get ready for it. We are only weeks away from Megan's wedding, too. Betty will put so much time and effort in to this to make it all flow so well. I do not know where this woman gets so many minutes into every day. She is just one of those people.
So as you can all tell, it is busy around here, but it is also so well organized and planned to fall certain ways. I just thank you all for being there for us as we have had a difficult time this year but will come back like we should. I love everyone who reads this! May God be there for you as He has been for me.
Mark 12/8/07
Friday, December 7, 2007
Friday, Dec. 7 and all is OK
Another day is upon us and I am still here, alive and kicking. My pain is still here but after a while, you just get used to it. I get a little strong with my comments with my new condition upon me. My mind gets going and before you know it, it's all written down. I hope I did not make anybody upset with my "inside" comments I made yesterday. I did not want people to think that because I have not heard much from them that I did not like them. That was not my intention at all. I know people have their own lives to keep them busy and just keeping me in their thoughts is great. I don't have to hear from you, as long as God does. I sometimes get caught in my own little world. I am sorry I act like that, but it did open my e-mails up.
Love you all and thanks for pulling for me, today and yesterday.
May God be with you as he is needed. All you have to do is ask Him to help and He will.
Thanks to all,
Mark 11/7/07
Love you all and thanks for pulling for me, today and yesterday.
May God be with you as he is needed. All you have to do is ask Him to help and He will.
Thanks to all,
Mark 11/7/07
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Thursday, Dec 6 and all is good
It is so good to be home again. I have had two nights now sleeping in my own bed and it is great. I am doing OK now, walking with a limp on my right side. My pain is still there and HOPEFULLY will start dissappearing soon. I am only hopeful that this last surgery will do that for me. I got a note from Megan that one of my cousins, Shellie, was trying to post on this site and could not get it to work right. Megan sent me the note. It is good to hear the comments she made towards my recovery. It is always nice to hear that people are behind you! It is always a positive. Thanks Shellie for keeping up with me and my progress. It always makes me feel better to hear from everybody. I get messages from family on both sides and that is wonderful to me. I was told yesterday in an e-mail that is it sad that I had to go through something like this accident to wake people up as to what is important in life. As sad as it sounds, it is a true touch to your feelings. But, accident or not, family is family and always mean the world to each of us. You love each of them as a part of you because they are a part of you. That is what makes families so important in our lives. The sad part is, you really find the depth of friendship in your friends. Some people I always considered a friend have really stepped up during this crisis and others that I thought were real close have just disappeared. I know a lot of people that throw in verbal sayings and that always mean so much. And others don't express themselves so well, but mean well. I understand this, too. I am one of those types of people in a lot of ways. This accident makes you learn a lot of things about people in general. It also makes you realize what is important in life. Family is family and they mean the world to each of us. We are not always as close as we could be because of distance, time and other matters, but they are still family and you always have love in your heart for them. And friends are friends and always will be friends. It is just you can learn a lot about them during a time like I had. It is God's way of teaching us what is important in life. He has taught me so much and I thank Him for holding my hand through all of this, to help me heal and be there for others. I hope I never know anyone who has to go through what I went through or what it put my family and friends through. It is sure a hard way to learn what is important.
Sorry I got so wordy this morning, but this situation has made me that way.
I love each of you for who you are and what you are to me.
If anyone needs it, Betty's e-mail is "bradbet@gmail.com" and I read notes that are sent to it for me or about me. They always mean so much!
God will be there for you, as he has been there for me, if you ask Him for his help. He helps me in so many ways to become the person I am. I am still here for all of you to talk with anytime. Love to all of you!!!
Mark 12/6/07
Sorry I got so wordy this morning, but this situation has made me that way.
I love each of you for who you are and what you are to me.
If anyone needs it, Betty's e-mail is "bradbet@gmail.com" and I read notes that are sent to it for me or about me. They always mean so much!
God will be there for you, as he has been there for me, if you ask Him for his help. He helps me in so many ways to become the person I am. I am still here for all of you to talk with anytime. Love to all of you!!!
Mark 12/6/07
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Tuesday, Dec 4 and Mark is home!!!
My trip of the hospital is over AGAIN. Surgery went longer than expected, but that is OK if they got all of my infections out before closing. I am in a lot my pain now that I was in before but they took a big piece of metal out of me. This took a big hole to do and I will survive this too. The doctor told me I would be in on Monday and out on Tuesday but he never thought about the doctor that had to fill in this hole. This doctor had to make sure the infection was cleared out. As long as this was done, I am going to be OK. I will suffer a little more pain to get better. They will let me know how I am doing overall next week at my doctor's appointment.
I had some visitors come see me while I was at the hospital. My nephew, Jake, came and stayed for a few hours and my parents came early in the week and contacted by phone after that to make sure all was going well. Two guys from my Dutch oven group came by on Friday and it was a good surprise to see them there. I was waiting on surgery call and looked and they were there (Jerry and Jerry). Thanks to ALL of you that came. My family all took their turn to see me, too. That makes everything better!!! Plus my 2nd cousin, Sara, came from Dallas and spent Saturday with me with her daughter, Nicolette. It was good to see them again, too. I also had several good friends take the time and call me, too. It means so much to know that so many people care about how I am.
There were several replies to Betty's input that meant a lot to me. Sallie sent one in from her family. They are always keeping us in their hearts and that means so much to me. Jenn also sent me one. I am SO LOOKING FORWARD to seeing you later this month. I am sorry I was in such bad shape last time you were here, but thanks for coming when you did. I don't remember seeing you but to know you were here, still means a lot to me. Three special cousins also replied! This means they are still looking out for me. Debra Jo sent a lot of special words to me and Betty, showing that she still is pulling for me. Karen also sent a lot of words to say that I will be OK and to keep pushing myself. She also gives a lot of good words to my wonderful wife, too. Then, Janet had to add to wonderful thoughts for us all, too. She seem to understand what Betty is going through with me. I know this is not an easy thing to deal with me like this, but this wonderful woman just keeps on going. I am sure thankful I have her on my side through all of this. She keeps my head on straight and moves me in the right direction to get better. Without her, my reason for being here would be lost. She is the most important thing in the world to me and I need to tell her that MORE often.
Well, December is finally here and what an exciting month this is around here. We have our Christmas party this weekend. It starts at 7PM for adults only. Then, about a week later, we have Tiffaney's graduation. I think it is Friday the 15th. Then we have the BIG HOLIDAY and then less than a week later, Megan is getting married. I have to be walking good by then and have to dance with her, too. Watch a month around here!!! My wife is trying her best to stay on top of it all, but this will really be a test for her. If this weren't enough, I had to be sick during this time, too. I am hoping the doctor will let me go back to work soon, but only time will tell on this!!!
My God be with you all and ask him for His help if you need it. He has been there for me so many times that I know He will help you too if asked. I love you all and sorry I get so wordy. I just have so much to say to everyone!
Love you, Mark
I had some visitors come see me while I was at the hospital. My nephew, Jake, came and stayed for a few hours and my parents came early in the week and contacted by phone after that to make sure all was going well. Two guys from my Dutch oven group came by on Friday and it was a good surprise to see them there. I was waiting on surgery call and looked and they were there (Jerry and Jerry). Thanks to ALL of you that came. My family all took their turn to see me, too. That makes everything better!!! Plus my 2nd cousin, Sara, came from Dallas and spent Saturday with me with her daughter, Nicolette. It was good to see them again, too. I also had several good friends take the time and call me, too. It means so much to know that so many people care about how I am.
There were several replies to Betty's input that meant a lot to me. Sallie sent one in from her family. They are always keeping us in their hearts and that means so much to me. Jenn also sent me one. I am SO LOOKING FORWARD to seeing you later this month. I am sorry I was in such bad shape last time you were here, but thanks for coming when you did. I don't remember seeing you but to know you were here, still means a lot to me. Three special cousins also replied! This means they are still looking out for me. Debra Jo sent a lot of special words to me and Betty, showing that she still is pulling for me. Karen also sent a lot of words to say that I will be OK and to keep pushing myself. She also gives a lot of good words to my wonderful wife, too. Then, Janet had to add to wonderful thoughts for us all, too. She seem to understand what Betty is going through with me. I know this is not an easy thing to deal with me like this, but this wonderful woman just keeps on going. I am sure thankful I have her on my side through all of this. She keeps my head on straight and moves me in the right direction to get better. Without her, my reason for being here would be lost. She is the most important thing in the world to me and I need to tell her that MORE often.
Well, December is finally here and what an exciting month this is around here. We have our Christmas party this weekend. It starts at 7PM for adults only. Then, about a week later, we have Tiffaney's graduation. I think it is Friday the 15th. Then we have the BIG HOLIDAY and then less than a week later, Megan is getting married. I have to be walking good by then and have to dance with her, too. Watch a month around here!!! My wife is trying her best to stay on top of it all, but this will really be a test for her. If this weren't enough, I had to be sick during this time, too. I am hoping the doctor will let me go back to work soon, but only time will tell on this!!!
My God be with you all and ask him for His help if you need it. He has been there for me so many times that I know He will help you too if asked. I love you all and sorry I get so wordy. I just have so much to say to everyone!
Love you, Mark
Sunday, December 2, 2007
December1
Mark had surgery on Friday as planned. It did not come until 4:30 PM. All day without eating.....the morphine was the only thing keeping him company!!!! I went to decorating the hall, at the place where Megan's wedding will be held in 20+ day's. One less thing on my plate!!!! Mark's surgery went as planned. They reattached his muscle and what little fat he has on his hiney and then used staples to join all the skin together. Then put a little temporary blood vacuum inside the wound that will come out Monday. If everything looks good on Monday he will be able to come home. I'm sure they will give him something to replace the morphine since he has become quite fond of it. At least he was able to move a little more today than yesterday. Progress,one day at a time. Matt is a district play off soccer tournament this weekend and Mark sure wanted to attend, so I went to 2 games today (missing 1) to pick up our wonderful friends Ian & Liz from Scotland (Andrew's parents)at Hobby Airport and transport them to the other airport. Andrew is the soccer trainer for Crosby that lived with us the last two years that we have kinda adopted. He was very helpful with Matt, when school started and Mark was still in the Hospital. Tomorrow, one more game in Sugarland. (1 tie, 2 losses- still proud that they made it to district). I helped Mark get ready for bed tonight- he has no patience, he was washing his hair in the sink when I got there......It really make you appreciate a good old shower when you can not take one!!!! I got home about midnight....This Thanksgiving meant so much to me. I am so blessed. I had all my wonderful family Mark's parents and Andrew(this was his first Thanksgiving)at the house and the girls all helped cook. I usually don't say the blessing, but I had so much to be Thankful for. The kid's argued, Mark had to get on to Matt, Tiff's turtle walking around the house, all the dogs. The simplest things, I enjoyed just watching, my family. I wasn't stressed trying to keep every thing hot, or worried about my cooking not coming out right. Because, I know, that God has blessed us, and what is important in life. As we all start the Holiday season.....take time to count our blessing and remember to tell your family and friends how much they mean to you. Just, as I am right now. Thank you, ALL for being here for me and my family.....for Mark. We sure are blessed!!!!
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