Posted by Pauletta

I know we always say this, but the time does fly! It seems as if we are either at physical therapy with Lecil, or are at one doctor or another, either in Tahlequah or Muskogee, or we are visiting Mom or going to the pharmacy, or going to church, etc. Beverly finally went inside to the grocery store with Pauletta. (at 103 degrees, Pauletta just refused to let her stay in the van!) It was a great help, because she is familiar with where everything is. Yesterday, she led me to the Oriental section, and for dinner we had shrimp stir fry with snow peas, bean sprouts, broccoli, mushrooms, fresh ginger AND fried rice. Delicious! Topped off with cupcakes made with a little help from Sawyer (Leonard's three year old grandson). Last night Beverly thoroughly enjoyed the luxurious manicure and pedicure from Susan. Today, we made a second visit to the wound care specialist - after all the big problems over the last nine months...who would have guessed that she would have an ingrown toenail ! At least the doctor drew a happy face on her bandage!

I have known my sister for sixty-three years, but I never have a visit here without learning something new about her. Example: This evening we received a phone call from John, representing the Special Olympics, asking for a donation, of course. I started to hang up, but realized that, in fact, the Special Olympics did hold a special place in my heart. When he asked how much we could donate, I said that I was not sure, and before I realized what I was doing, I started to relate Beverly's story. He was genuinely concerned and suggested that we could donate something in her honor. I promised a meager donation, and hung up. Then Beverly, having listened to my side of the phone conversation, related the following story to me.

A few years ago, while she was still living in California, she volunteered to work as a nurse at the local Special Olympics. When she arrived at the event competition she was given files on the individuals participating. Upon reading the information, she was genuinely concerned, and a bit frightened, because some of these people has very serious medical conditions. When she inspected the "first aid kit" she was given, she realized that she had band aids, first aid tape, alcohol swabs, and an insect bite kit. She soon realized how desperately inadequate this emergency kit was! The day went fine, with no real emergencies. But soon thereafter, she approached the local Alameda County ambulance corps, and asked them if they would be interested in helping out with a need at the Special Olympics. The manager in charge asked exactly what they would need, and when Beverly listed the items that were necessary in case of a true emergency at these sporting events, the manager said "Whatever you need, we will provide" and they did! This is just one of many, many things Beverly has "given" to others that I never knew about until today. Every single day, she inspires me to be a better person.

We are anxiously awaiting Chris' return from Idaho and for Janie's arrival on Sunday. Keep praying for us all and for our search for the right person to be hired for Beverly's Personal Care Assistant.