My comfort in life and death

It is with deep regret that we, Gayle's children, share with you that on Nov. 4, 2009, our beloved mother went to be with her Lord. The following is an exerpt from mom's church bulletin for this Sunday:

Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Niece, Auntie, Mentor, dear friend, Child of God, Sister in Christ, Encourager, Leader, True Woman of God! All these are just a few of the many faces of the amazing woman we knew as Gayle DeVries. We will cherish our memories of Gayle in our hearts. Many of us are stronger in our faith and walk with God because of Gayle's influence in our life. Ken DeVries asked that this beautiful and bold statement regarding believers' only comfort be placed in the bulletin as a testimony of Gayle's faith.

The Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 1

Question 1: What is your only comfort in life and death?
Answer: That I am not my own, but belong - body and soul, in life and in death - to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven.
In fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
Because I belong to Him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Visitation services will take place Monday, Nov. 9, from 2 to 8 pm. Funeral service will be at 10:30 am Tuesday, Nov. 10. Both services will be held at Community Christian Reformed Church, 10498 N. 450 E. Roselawn, IN.

Memorials: DeMotte Christian School Tuition Assistance Fund.

Wed...Christ hospital

Well, here I am. They called with a bed about noon. We arrived about 2 and didn't get into our room about four. When we walked in we walked past all the rooms where people were very sick. This is ICU cardiac/ I guess I just didn't expect such an environment for me. I got in my room and lost it. With the help of nurses and my husband I got hold of myself and surrendered once again. It was not easy.

My nurse is a young male, very competent. I had a general exam with one of the doctors on my team. Very handsome Indian/Hispanic. Young and unmarried. Gentle and very thorough. He explained every detail as he went along. Tomorrow I will have a whole gammet of tests. CAT scans etc. Most of the tests are non evasive but if you know me you know I am intimidated by even a cat scan. Imust surrender that too. What a growing experience.

Tuesday......middle of the night

Last evening, I invited two elders to come to pray over me and annoint me with oil (James 5) Everytime I read that verse my conscience was pricked. I could never do that. I'd have to surrender my pride. In addition, that just isn't done much in the Reformed tradition. I finally got to the point where I felt I was disobedient not to.

We had the most wonderful evening. I feel a sense of peace that wasn't there before. Praise God. We talked about the joy we all felt and made a committment to pray for others to receive this blessing.

Monday.

I spoke with the nurse at Dr. Silver's office this morning. She was MOST encouraging and said, "You'll be okay, Toots." I laughed out loud. I'm looking forward to some successful treatment. She said Dr. Silver has a soft loving and caring beside manner. Sign me up. Maybe I'm spoiled, but I need soft and encouraging. Dr. Brigham always gives me a giant bear hug before I leave. For that I'm grateful, but If what I hear is correct, he is just not as savy as this guy when it comes CHF. I feel God is directing my path.

Pray

Following is the note to our children that I will now share with you.


Today has been a roller coaster emotional experience. I waited all day yesterday for a doctor's call which happenned while I was gone to eat. I had given my cell phone but he called my home phone........so I had to wait until 12:30 to get the call. It was not goodnews. He told me they had no other options with medications and he really suggested a heart transplant. That blew me away. He told me to get on it right away. I called Elton and Lauri and Dad and Mary. They all came over and we had a pow wow. Lauri said she felt all the kids felt I should try this option. Dad looked at me and said, we don't won't to lose you now and would like you to do a positive thing. It meant a lot to me that he would encourage such a thing. Dr. Brigham got a referral for a doctor at Christ hospital. We called and Dad spoke with his nurse extensively. She said this doctor is the most wwell known doctor of CHF in the world and has been exclusively treating CHF for thirty years. She told dad that there are many other options before heart transplant. I have an appointment to see him on Tuesday. Yes, John, I know you will have a million questions and I have the answer to none of them. We invite you and anyone of our other children to accompany us. Call us if you care to meet there. If you have questions, please send them through this medium. Love, Mom

Please join us in prayer and storm the gates of heaven for a treament that will bring relief.

Home Identification

Two quiches would have been enough. Can we believe that? The table was beautiful with my friend's lovely fall decor. People seemed to eat plenty but they would cut one piece into four. At any rate I think we could assume we got an 8 on a one to ten scale. I was pleased and everyelse seemed so as well.



Our sunshine is gone and clouds have taken over. I hear we are supposed to get lots of rain overnight. Ugh. Where is Indian summer? I'm so ready.

I;ve decided to make a map by identifying church members homes. I talked with our administrative assistant yesterday and she said she had no idea where people lived. I know where most of the people who have been part of the church for a long time live, but I could catch up with the half of the people that are new. Ken and I started this afternoon by splitting the membership into three general town areas. We will see how far we get with that.

We just may have a new adminitrative pastor coming and that would be helpful for him as well. I need to find ways I can be of benefit at this point.

TGIF for most of you.

Treats

A friend and I have to bring "treets" for WWIW tomorrow morning. The friend didn't get home until this afternoon. Seeing as I'm not very strong today, I opted to make a trip to Costco. I bought six quiches, three sweet breads and a dozen huge muffins sthat I will cut in half to serve. I called my friend and she was in Indy on her way home. She will pick up some fruit juices and bring a fall centerpiece for the table. I think we are ready.

Monday

Ken just got home from golfing and had a very good day. That is always to the advantage of a happy husband.

Today looks beautiful, sun shining brightly but still quite windy. I haven't braved the elements though I did open the door and take some deep sniffs of fresh air.

Last week Wed Thurs and Friday, I went into the hospital for what they call a CHF tune up, They took off about ten pounds. I really feel I should have had more off but we wanted to attend our step grandaughter's college graduation party on Saturday. We had a wonderful time seeing people again. Josh's daughter Lauren, whom we haven't seen in a looooong time was present. She is eighteen now and gorgeous. Some how I think that we will be seeing more of her and that would be so welcomed. She is darling and so easy to love. Grandpa Recker gave her his welcome back series of hugs and kisses........not just once but several times. He has such a heart of sthe grands that walk away for awhile. I know that his love for Scarlen and his demonstration of that love has kept her in the fold. I have two babies, she and Kendra. She is a few months older that Kendra and will be celebrating her thirtieth birthday this week.

The Lord is incontrol. His grace will see me there.

Women have always had a tough time throughout history

I can't believe it has been a week since I wrote last. Last weekend Kendra and Craig along with their little princess came home for a couple of days. The latest zinger our 20 month old said was in response to her mother's request to leave for school. Emerson lingered a bit and Kendra said, C'om Emerson, it is time to go. The response from Emerson was "Just a moment, please, I'm looking for something." What a crazy little kid.

Nothing really outstanding has happened in our area recently. We had our Beth Moore study yesterday. We are studying Esther. It's amazing what those dear young virgins went through. Esther is a short book in the old testament. Take a moment to read the story.

WITW Day

The day started pretty cold, brrrrrr. I hate cold. Yesterday I went to Kohls and got some ear covers. I must say they work pretty well. I envy anyone whose temperature guage is more tolerant than mine. I have a short comfort zone. I think a lot of that has to do with meds I take but I certainly hate being a priss.

We had Women in the Word today. We are studying Esther. Last week, I just couldn't get into it. When I tried to read, I either fell asleep or got a headache. Today inspired me some. I've already done the first day and enjoyed it. On my way home, I stopped at a garage sale just down the street. It was neat as a pin but there weren't many things there. I found a Jewish Bible, paperback, light and small. Just what I needed. I don't think I ever saw a Jewish Bible before. Esther is close to the end of the book. I enjoyed reading it. Made me feel closer to the original.

God has been instilling me with the truth that he not only will show me favor but he says, he has shown me favor......it is a done deal. His blessing is always over my head. His goodness and mercy are following close by me each and every moment. Thank you God for your good and sure care.

Week in Review

What happened since Tuesday? It is a blur. Yesterday, I went to church for awhile to help get ready for the huge rummage sale we had today. It was fun getting together with the other volunteers. I decided I'd go home and do some baking for the bake sale booth. I made a pumpkin crunch dessert and mint filled brownies. During the night I woke and had an overwhelming desire to make homemade cinnamon rolls. So I put the dough ingredients together and dumped them in the bread machine. Then back to bed until time for the next step. I slept in too late and I had to hustle to get the rolls baked and frosted. Fortunately, Ken called and asked if I needed help..........I said YES. He hurried home from town and we got my act together rather quickly.

Ken was just sitting here making egg salad. Kico was sitting on my shoulder and decided to jump onto the table to get a better look. The crazy bird has never accepted any vegetable or fruit I have offered him. Ken gave him a small piece of egg and he wolfed it down. How funny, feeding a bird an egg. We had a good laugh.

I have concerns with some of the things going on in Washington this weekend. While I want no record of my opinions, I do wish to have you look into what I may be talking about. It is disconcerning. Ken and I sat with my dad and his wife Mary and prayed together for our nation on Friday night. It was a rich moment. Not everyone my age gets to pray with a clear headed, sharp eighty nine year old father. Oh God, thank you for such a blessing and the richness of that evening as we sat around on the sunporch discussing the goings on and yielding to the knowledge that only God can help us as a nation.

Kico and Third Graders

Today we went to the hospital lab for yet another blood test. Hopefully, it will produce good results. We ate breakfast at the cafeteria. I don't know where my hunger came from but I ate a scoop and a half of scrambled eggs, a piece of raisin toast, a small amount of cream of wheat and a bowl of grapefruit! I ate the WHOLE thing. Often times, most often, my eyes are bigger than my stomach and all though I was terribly full, I enjoyed it all.

After a trip to Starbucks, we headed home. At one o'clock, we brought Kico to Ethan's class at De Motte Christian. They are studying birds this week so yesterday Ethan called me, "Hey, Grandma.................would you, could you." Sure little buddy. The kids were SOOOO well behaved...even our little Ethan. He seemed proud as a peacock as his friends listened to me. I carried Kico on my shoulder and walked up and down the aisles. We talked about what a wondrous creator our God is. Looking Kico over, we decided God put the finishing touches on by brushing orange circles on his cheeks. Amazing.

My car is in the car hospital. Ugh. I hate being wheel less. It was supposed to be fixed by today but of course it needed another part so now it is to be tomorrow. I can't wait to get the big baby back.

Seafood Salad

I stuck around home most of the morning doing normal morning routine things. Around 12:30, I took off for town to get a few food items and stop at any garage sales I saw on the way. It was a pretty good find today. The weather is wonderful so being out and about was enjoyable. At the grocery I got some crab flakes and crab chunks. Took them home and made some seafood salad which we both love. I also made a grape salad. Yum. I bought Ken a half rack of ribs for a special treat (already cooked and barbecued). Stinks to me but he loves it.

On the street I met my hair stylist riding her bike carrying her little grand baby on the back wheel. She said she didnt start til four today. We talked about my hair, which I can't get used to and made a plan. I asked when. We both knew she wouldnt know without her appt book but then she said she had just been to the salon and they had an opening at 4:15. I snatched that up.

Somethings just work out right.

God bless your day with peace knowing he is control of all things, including you and me.

Spaghetti

I made a big pot of spaghetti this afternoon. When I talked with Bernice she and I conferred that both of us hate to cook. When Ken asks what is for dinner, I just hang my head. He is such a good sport about. Bernice's husband last evening asked if she wanted to go out for something. No, she didn't. He told her to write on a piece of paper what she wanted to do. He said he wrote on a paper what he wanted. She told him she didnt have to write, she just knew she wanted to stay home and grab what may be around. She opened Bud's paper and it said, " Cold Cereal!"

They stayed home and both were happy.

Anyway, when I saw how much spaghetti grew in my pan, I called her and asked if when we go to get Isaiah tonight, would she like us to bring our spaghetti and eat together. So soon, we will pick up our pan and go to their house.

Monday Musings

This morning I took Kico back to the petstore and said, "You have to do something about his daggers". The lady that sold him to me was working and she apologetically said, "I should have taken care of his nails before you left the store". So this time, trimming his nails was on the house. I was tired of having to wear protective gear unless I wanted him to draw blood all the way up my arm. He is much easier to handle now.

I got a response from Ken's cousin who reads the blog. She said when her sister passed away, she was heir to her sister's cockatiel. She looked up against it because of all she had heard about them being dirty, etc. She said they have fallen in love with Daffy and get so much pleasure from her. Daffy is seventeen years old.

Alex brought the other three of the grands over for their Kico time. I made the mistake of having candy in three different dishes. The four of them grazed from one to the next. I finally had to put on the brakes. It's amazing how they try to get one more out of ya. I asked if they didn't get candy at home. No, Mom said when she puts it in a bowl it disappears. Hmmmmm.

I haven't been able to put pictures on here because my battery charger disappeared. I have to get another one. Do I have to call Sony for that or can I buy one at any store?

Have a joyful day. Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth....serve the Lord with gladness.

The Weekend

Okay, so having a new baby bird takes time. He is so friendly, in fact, he doesn;t like it when I walk away. He wants to be on my shoulder all the time. He is learning to spend time in his cage without throwing a fit. He kisses me upon request. His nails are long and draw blood on my arm when he climbs up with vigor. I'm going to the petstore and ask them to cut those nails and square them off.

Yesterday morning Ken and I helped with our church's food pantry. It was such a beautiful day. I'm sure that added to the pleasure. We served 98 families with food. They got a very nice portion of food plus a couple of pieces of meat and a watermelon and muskmelon. The people looked very happy. I heard no complaints. It was fun to love them and show interest in their lives.

We spent the afternoon relaxing and taking life rather easy. Today we went to church and then taxied Isaiah home, and back to Roselawn so he could catch a ride to his travel team game. The small amount of time we spent with him was fun. We don't see him enough, but we know he loves school and all his activities. He is doing well and that makes us happy. I don't think some people in our lives understand the investment we have in that boy and our desire to see him grow to be a rock of leadership in the church and and exemplary citizen. Go God. We are so grateful that our children are good parents to all our grandchildren.

His Name is "Kico"

Dear Mama,

It's been thirty five or more years but today I had a remembrance we shared. I could have laughed and then I could have cried. Dumb head. That's what I proved to you that day. My emotions got ahead of my reality and I did something that was hilarious and so sad. I
had three small children and you always liked to get me out of the stress for awhile. (If you knew how my future went you would faint....we went from four to eight, Mom. I love them all and you would too) Ken stayed home with the kids and you and I took off to Hammond. It was such a shopping heaven in those days. Some things do change. It would break your heart, Mom.

You loved canaries........it rubbed off on me. I still love to hear a canary sing. They aren't much in vogue right now. You were out to buy one for yourself and instead you came out with two little boxes, one for me, too. I'll never forget that gesture of love. The only DQ around was in Dyer (We sometimes made special trips just so Dad could get his gedunk, remember) Well, it was on our way home so the plan was made to have our treat there. It was a lovely day. I recall sitting with the windows down, enjoying the mild weather. I had my little box on my lap and decided to take a peek. Well, the canary must have been planning it's escape. It lifted itself up and flew out the window. My stomach was tied in knots. Were you going to be mad at me. No, you laughed really hard and said we should get out of the car and see if she had found a branch somewhere. She was out of sight, but not out of mind.

When we got home, you did the ultimate. You gave your little box to me. Oh Mom, it makes me cry real tears right now. That story is probably one of the most precious I have of you and me. Being the oldest kid I sometimes felt left out while you took care of the younger three. That day you proved your love to me.

So let me tell you something, Mom. Today I got a baby cockatiel. I don't know what you know about them but they make wonderful pets. He is already sitting in my hand and on my shoulder. It would take five canaries to make up his size. God put this one at just the right place at the right time. He is every thing I wanted in a cockatiel. He is what they call a pearl. and he is a male which I was seeking. He has just been weaned so should learn to know us well. Very colorful. I understand their lifespan is 20-25 years. Ken said we probably have to put him in the will.

To my favorite bird lover, I say thank you for putting that love in me. You have been gone nearly forty years, but I still miss you and often wish I could share with you. That is why this note is to you. Love you, Mama

Labor Day

The holiday started dark and drippy. Now it is noon and the sun is shining brightly and the mood is happy. Ken is out golfing and should be home soon. Today is Scarlen's opportunity to shine. She has invited thirteen of us for a picnic at four o'clock. I'm very proud of her. It is her first year of living independently and she is stepping out with confidence. There are thirteen of us who are blessed to have invitation. I hope all goes well. I'll post the results later.

Yesterday my step sister and her husband from Colorado came for their first visit in close to twenty years. We were honored and enjoyed the reunion to the fullest.

Usual Wednesday

Where was I yesterday? I was surprised that I didn't blog yesterday. Some days just go by. This morning I woke up comparatively early and was out the door by 8:30. Several new garage sales today. It was such a beautiful morning. I didn't buy much but enjoyed the early fall air. Everyone seemed happy and renewed with this gorgeous weather. Garage sales have regulars so it is like seeing old friends when one meets up there.

After I finished, by 10:00 a.m. I dropped by Lauri's seeking some one on one time. She met me at the door with, "Mackenna is still sick and running a fever." I turned on my heels and said my good byes. It seems those kids are sick often but then there are four of them to pass things around.

I took a break from this and walked around the yard picking unusual things for the vase for my kitchen table. God's amazing creation is overwhelming. After the blossoms are mostly gone, I look for plants with awesome foliage. The sedems are so contributing. So many kinds. Then there are the painter's pallete and other interesting patterns and textures. I placed them in a crystal vase and they are beautiful. Don't under estimate the beauty of folliage.

As I watch the hummers suck their sugar water while hovering, their body part looks like a mouse. I know that isn't so pleasant to think about, but it did remind me of what a resourceful creator we have. He can take one pattern and change it just a bit and walla........a beautiful bird.
God, you are so great and I am so struck by your creative powers. I can't imagine all that ingenuity.

Tests and Doctor's Visits

I'm tired. Left at 10:45 for a visit with my defibrillator nurse. She is very nice but it makes my skin crawl everytime I walk in the doctor's office. Her report was good, at least as good as it can be.
Then from there to the echo cardiogram room. I always borrow my friend's CD player so I can turn up the praise music and zone out. Yes, I have anxiety problems. I lived through both of the tests. Soon I have a CAT scan of my lungs to follow up on that lung that collapsed. Ugh. Now it is always something I have to do or someone I have to go to see. In the middle of it all today, I looked at Ken and said, " I didn't bargain for any of this". He assured me no one bargains for their trials.

Each time I go through these days, it takes me while to calm down and get ahold of myself once again. What do I need. Just to commune with my heavenly Father who has each of my days counted and will let nothing come to me without his compassionate will. Praise Him.