Christ Is Risen Indeed!

Matthew 28:6a

"He is not here; He has risen, just as He said."

We had a wonderful Easter! How about you? Absolutely no problems whatsoever. With Hugh as chauffeur, we picked Mike up, stopped at home so he could change into "church" clothes then enjoyed the Resurrection day service with our Grace UMC family. When the service was over, Mike made a beeline out the door and to the car. I asked if he was in a hurry and he said "No, I don't remember people's names."

Mike read the paper while Mom and I fixed dinner. He was mostly quiet unless he wanted something or was asked a question. After stuffing ourselves at dinner, we took a short walk then made phone calls to our boys and Mike's family. He was able to talk to just about everyone. Just before talking with Caleb, I had told him we would need to leave soon to go back to CSH. After he talked with Caleb for a few minutes, he handed me the phone, said "You talk to him." and proceeded out the door to the car. Sorry Caleb - short conversation, but I praise God there were no issues at all! 

I really hope we can get him into a less-restrictive home/facility soon. He just seemed really good to me today. A little slow, but calm and mostly clear cognitively. He started out with the "no, no, no" but it soon stopped after getting in the car and never reappeared the rest of the time together. He told me that he was reading a book about anger and he was sorry he had hit me. Wow! He remembers! I don't know if he remembers the incident or remembers being told what happened. Either way, that was good. He spoke out loud a couple of times in church which was fine, then for a while he gently rocked back and forth and either rubbed his head or eyes - maybe just sleepy and trying to stay awake. A couple of weeks ago, I had bought him a couple more pair of gym pants, but he was adamant that he was not taking them to the "center" cause they would just disappear. (I've rarely ever seen him in pants that I've taken to CSH, so I quit taking clothes down there.) He did let me pack him some shorts and t-shirts to take. It was a really great time with Mike and I am greatly encouraged. I am so thankful for your thoughts and prayers. They were answered.

I want to give a shout-out to my brother, Hugh. Hugh works long, hard, and many days on the farm, has always been a great, big brother to me, put up with me as a kid and even let me tag along on a date with him & Tracey every now and then. He doesn't complain, isn't showy, just goes about doing whatever he can for whomever he can in his quiet way. When I called Hugh to say I wanted to bring Mike home for Easter and was looking for someone, preferably a guy to go with me, he never hesitated and immediately said "You've found your man." I always enjoy spending time with him so that was an added bonus today. Thank you, Hugh. I love you.