Christmas Night

It's late and I've been needing to update the blog for sometime. Here are the cliff notes to the latest.

• Picc has been removed from Kathy's arm. No fever and no problems.
• Kathy's brother and his wife came in for Christmas. Our girls went nuts for Uncle Scott and Aunt Emily. They love them and they are loved in return.
• I'm trying to help the girls find room for all of their new toys. Kristina received lots of items about horses and Kate received lots of baby doll toys. She's also the little "diva" so she got lots of play shoes, dresses, bling and cute little girl things.
• Spent a wonderful Christmas will all of those that we love.

The next excitement will be if I receive a call on January 3rd that's I've won two tickets to the BCS National Championship game. A guy can hope and dream....

Here's something I found on the net the other night. Enjoy

This is a Christmas story. By MICHAEL COREN

His body trembles and shakes. "Could you, could you spare some money?"

I turn round to answer him and this very gesture of contact makes this homeless man shrink back further into his hiding place. I ask if he is hungry.

Of course he is.

This homeless man's broken body is little more than a coated skeleton.

I tell him I'll buy him some food, and begin to walk to the corner store a few yards away.

As I walk I realize that he is following me, a yard behind, like some ancient servant in an archaic culture.

He follows because he doesn't trust me. People lie to him all the time.

As he walks he trembles and chatters. And stinks. The sickening odour of urine, muck and decay.

The cologne I am wearing probably cost more money than he will see in a lifetime. And I'm uncomfortable, embarrassed.

Don't know what to say, what to do. People are looking around when they smell him, and they're looking at me.

We walk into the store. Me with good clothes and good job. Him with ripped pants and nothing.

I take some milk, chips, peanuts, any food that looks vaguely comforting and nourishing. I walk to the counter. He follows. I put the goods down and wait to pay.

The woman working in the store looks pained.

ODOUR

There is a tin of fresh-air spray underneath the corner, used after street people come into the store so as to expunge the smell.

I don't blame her. I may do the same.

She looks at me. Then at him. Then at me. Then again at him. She seems bewildered, even nervous. A pause, and then: "Are you two, are you, are you together. Are you together?"

She was asking, of course, if I was paying for this man who looked as though he had not seen money in a very long time.

Were we together? Was I together with this man? A very sensible and easy question.

It seemed to take an eternity for the question to register.

Only a second of course. But it was as if the whole world and all of its possibilities suddenly flushed and flashed though my mind. I steadied myself. "Yes", I said. "We are together."

And that was it. I have never seen him again and don't know what happened to him.

Don't know whether he is now dead or alive.

Frankly, it could be the former. But I do know what happened to me many years ago and is still happening. I followed Christ.

The day will come when I will stand, broken, smashed and stinking.

The stench will be my own sin. The question will be asked, "Are you two together." Because of Jesus Christ, whose birthday we are about to celebrate, because of my certainty that He lived, died and rose again for me and for all of us, the question will be in the affirmative. "Yes," He will say, "Yes, we are together." And I will have eternal happiness with my father in heaven.

So many mockers these days, so many materialists and so many spiteful people who know they can abuse Christ and His followers and do very well out of it. It hurts, but it doesn't matter. Christmas is still Christmas and He is still God.

Merry Christmas,

JimbeauxLSU

Wednesday's Appointment

On Wednesday Kathy met with Dr. Azmeh and he wants Kathy to stay on one more week of antibiotics. But it was the appointment with Kate's pediatrician that gave scared us. Kate has been high fever for a day or so Kathy and her mother brought Kate to see Dr. Bombet. They wanted to do a few tests on her. It was after Kate had a shot that Kathy was putting Kate on the floor from her lap. It is then that Kate crumpled to the floor and passed out. The nurses quickly went into action and came back around in a minute. It did take some time before she got her walking legs. It is believe that dehydration and high fever is what caused the fainting.

Right now, Kate has no fever and we are praying that it stays that way and that Kristina does not catch this. We have heard from so many other sources that many kids and some adults are getting fevers and sick.

I guess there will be a run on hand sanitizer this weekend at Walmart.


Ok, here is my recommended LSU Tiger for this week. It is found on the web site www.lsubeat.com. It is about the author of the poem....24 Days Before Christmas which I have below in this blog.

http://www.lsubeat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071213/SPORTS0202/712130312

Enjoy the read college football fans!!

Good night, it's time for bed.

Jim

All Clear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ALL CLEAR, ALL CLEAR, ALL CLEAR!!

Dr. Landreneau told us that the blood test on Monday showed that all levels are normal and that the low grade fever is probably just the way that Kathy's body is responding to post surgery. Kathy will continue on the antibiotics for one more week. Next appointment with Dr. Landreneau will be in January. Kathy does have one more appointment next week with the infectious disease doctor but I'm very confident that he will say 'ALL CLEAR!!!!!'

Kathy and I want to thank all of you for your prayers during this very stressful time. I asked Kathy after the appointment if she will sleep better tonight. Her answer was yes.

In His hands,

Jimbeaux

P.S. I'm sure that most of you will not mind but I want to warn all of you that several of my next posts might be about LSU football. Don't know what I will say or what kind of cool articles I will link out here but I'm completely pumped that LSU is playing for the National Championship!!!!

As the team said the other night:
We're goin to the ship!
We're goin to the ship!
We're goin to the ship!
We're goin to the ship!
We're goin to the ship!
We're goin to the ship!

Hello Mr. Buckeye football player. Please meet two of my best friends, Mr. Hester and Mr. Dorsey. Be warned, Mr. Hester would like nothing better than to run right over you and Mr. Dorsey would like to do the same, but he prefers to run you over, pick you up and body slam you for a 15 yard loss. Don't tell me you have not been warned.

24 Days Before Christmas

Ok, I realize this post is not about Kathy, but it is about my other love. My other love has brought me many moments of joy but also many moments of tears. She has almost given me several heart attacks or strokes, but thru it all I still love her. Her name is L.S.U. Football (excuse me while I wipe a tear from my eye.) Yes, it is a love that has been soooo frustrating this season and caused me to consider making an appointment with the cardiologist.

The poem below is from a post on www.tigerdroppings.com. Enjoy.

Twenty four days before Christmas, in a state in the south,
Les Miles was pissed as he opened his mouth.
“Miles to Michigan,” was reported as fact.
To which Miles responded, “Herbie you don’t know jack!”

The Tigers had suffered a gut wrenching loss,
At the hands of McFadden and the rest of the hogs.
And Bo in his sweatshirt, and Miles in his Hat.
Were determined to prove they were better than that!

When the Tennessee Vols ran out on the field,
There were ruckus applause from the mentally ill.
Still in the locker room, Les told his team,
“This season ain’t over. We still have a dream.”

The hurt throwing arm of QB Matt Flynn
Meant Ryan was the man they put their faith in.
Then the fans all heard, what Les said in the Dome.
“I ain’t goin’ anywhere. I’m happy. I’m Home!”

The fans were still thinking “This might be a trick.”
‘til someone pointed out “Hey, this guy ain’t Nick!”
The Hat took the field for this championship game,
And he brought all his Tigers, and called them by name;

“Now, Hester! Now, Early! Now, Highsmith and Putt!
Let’s let ‘er rip and shut these guys up!
Take to the field Men! Give it your all!
Then later we’ll watch numbers 1 & 2 fall.”

The fans still weren’t sure as to what team would show,
The Virginia Tech game seemed like so long ago.
But there in the stands, the fans they did cheer,
As Perrilloux played his game of the year.

While out in Ar-Kansas, the hogs claimed the boot,
The tigers were focused on far better loot.
With the game knotted up, Ainge threw a quick out
But Zenon was ready and took six to the house.

He wore a LSU jacket, and a white turtle neck,
The same as he wore when his team beat La Tech.
With the hat on his head, and a childish grin,
Les put his team in the title picture again.

His smile-how it widened! as Pitt won its game!
He cheered Oklahoma, when it did the same.
The stars were aligning, it couldn’t be true.
Turns out Miles WAS destined, to play O-S-U.

With a month to prepare and a month to heal up,
We’re all pretty sure which team will show up.
He ain’t going to Michigan, and we’re sure of that.
But Tressel and the Buckeyes should still Fear the Hat.

On December first, he called L-S-U home.
Then set up the Tigers, to play again in the Dome.
It soon will be legend, how Les started that day,
“Can’t talk now. . . . I’m busy. . . . [Y’all] have a GREAT day!”

Today's Appointment

Kathy saw Dr. Azmeh who is the infectious disease doctor. He asked a bunch of questions and has changed her antibiotic. He's taking Kathy off the Timentin and Tobramycin and she is now taking Vancomycian. She will continue taking this for at least another 14 days. She will have blood tests each Monday. Dr. Azmeh is still not sure where the infection is coming from so we still have no real answers. If Kathy is still running fever next Wednesday then Dr. Azmeh wants an MRI of her back to check for infection pocket.

Now, on a different note....when Kathy, her mother and I left Dr. Azmeh's office I could not find my car key. I told Kathy and her mom to go on but that I would find the key and go get a haircut. An hour later and I still could not find the key. My father arrived 30 minutes into my search for "The Lost Key of Jimbeaux (sorry about the Indiana Jones motif) and we still could not find that little sucker. But before that I had several good Samaritans to help me search for the key. After the good Samaritans left I was on my third prayer to God to help me find the key (let me stop at this moment and say that I almost had one of those please help me Lord and I will do and go anywhere for you moments....I will go to the Congo, Iceland, Destin, Pensacola, Gulf Shores ....you know one of those types of moments.) As I was saying, on my third request for God to show me the key I heard that still small voice in my head to "follow the line." And right after that the voice said "no matter how stupid it sounds." Ok, the first statement sounds like direction from the Lord but the second statement sure sounds like something I would say in my head. Let me explain what "follow the line" is. I interpreted this to mean to search along the edge where the grass meets the sidewalk and also the parking lot curb. So, I began slowly walking the line in search of "The Lost Key of Jimbeaux!!" Well, the section I was looking was in the corner of the parking lot just outside Dr. Azmeh's Office's door. After arriving back at the place where I started and still did find the key I did something very odd . . . . . I went to the other side of the sidewalk next to the building and took two steps and there was the key . . . . . ON THE LINE WHICH WAS THE EDGING OF THE SIDEWALK AND GRASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do you have goosebumps yet????

I picked up the key, turned around to my dad, who was by the car and let out a shout. I then turned toward the sky and said "Thankyeaux!"

Now, here's where it gets funny. I drove home and was going to set Kathy up. I walked in the house and she was in the girls playroom. I walk into the girls playroom and she is on the phone and turns to me and says, "You found the key?" Without batting an eye I told her, "Nope, I put my finger in the key ignition and I'll be doggone if the car didn't start!"

Now, if your a comedian Bill Engvall fan then you know what comes next.....yep, "Here's Your Sign!!!"

I want to be fair to her and tell you she did not know that I found the key and had driven the car home. That was all part of my setup. Since she was in the girls playroom she did not know I drove the car home . . . . but I can assure you that we both had a good laugh.

In His hands ..... and listening to His still small voice,

Jimbeaux

P.S. I think I might have to email Bill Engvall and see if he will use it in his next Blue Collar Comedian tour.

Dr. Appointment Wednesday

Kathy has an appointment with Dr. Azmeh, the infectious disease doctor Wednesday. Kathy had her staples removed today and her surgeon was very concerned that Dr. Azmeh's office has not kept Kathy as a priority and booked her for an appointment sooner. After a quick phone call by Dr. Landreneau the appointment was booked for tomorrow. It's at 2:15 and I'm going to join Kathy and her mom there. Dr. Landreneau is still not sure where the infection is coming from and has ordered more lab and test work today. Her surgical wound is healing very well. Kathy and I are still very concerned about the low grade fever. Some tests are still coming back showing there's an infection in the body. Kathy is afraid of having to go thru the whole surgery again. She is very tired and simple tasks can be very draining on her body. She sleeps when she can but then again she's having to take two types of antibiotics one at every 6 hours and the other at every 8 hours at a time thru the pic line in her arm. She cannot wait to get this out of her arm but wants a 100% all clear from Dr. Azmeh and Dr. Landreneau before it's taken out.

I will send out an update sometime tomorrow afternoon or early evening. We continue to appreciate your calls and prayers. Even an early call this morning from a 1st Baptist friend was a welcome start to the morning.

In His hands,

Jimbeaux

Dr. Appointment Tuesday

Kathy has an appointment Tuesday (tomorrow) to have the staples removed. She will talk to Dr. Landreneau about the low grade fever. Please be in prayer for him that he will have wisdom to provide treatment for the fever to help Kathy relax so that she can recover from the surgery. She and I are very concerned why this fever will not go away. I will have an update tomorrow after the appointment.

We had a great Thanksgiving Day week and weekend with family and friends. The leftovers are almost finished. The Tigers lost on Friday and my heart felt it but I'm a diehard fan and I never give up on the Tigers. GEAUX TIGERS!!! Beat the snot out of the Tennessee Volunteers.


Kathy and I are very appreciative for the phone calls, cards, a surprise meal of two and the outpouring of love and prayer you have provided to us. It warms are hearts to feel such love.

Thankyeaux!!!!!

In His hands,

Jimbeaux

P.S. I'm loving this cold weather!!!

1st Day Home

Here's what we know. She is fighting some type of infection. The 10 days of antibiotics are to help further knock out any remaining infection. Here's what we don't know. Where it is located. All the tests done on Kathy do not give any indication where it is located. Kathy will have a follow up appointment to hopefully get a clean bill of health from the doctors. We will cross that bridge if need be but we still seek your prayers for healing. Kathy is slowly gaining strength. The home health agency has come out and showed Kathy how to administer the antibiotic. She will be waking up at 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. each morning to stay on schedule.

We are so glad to be home with our two little girls. They have missed their mommy and she has missed them.

On a brighter note we had a home invasion last night and are expecting another one tonight!! Now hang in there with me please as I'm sure some of you have rapid heartbeats right now. The home invasion is brought to you by the neighborhood tooth fairy. Luckly, this tooth fairy does not belong to a local union and is available on call for tooth extractions from Kristina's pillow. Her first tooth came out Sunday night and the 2nd one tonight. Seems that the tooth fairy brought out a Lincoln last night but Kristina is wondering if that amount will double. I guess I have to look in my wallet for a Hamilton. Hmmm... or maybe two Lincoln's, or ten Washington's. That girl must think the tooth fairy is loaded!!! Either way, it's all worth it.

Darn, I just wish I had some of that sparkle dust from that store Libby Lu. I would love to put some on the carpet and lead it up to the door. I can only imagine the type of reaction I would get from the girls....

We are home

It's been a long week but it's good to say that we are home now. I will have more to say later but here are the cliff notes version.

A pick line was put in to Kathy's arm so that home health will come out for ten days to give Kathy the antibiotic. This is to completely illuminate any infection that is hanging around still in the body. We don't know where the infection is and we still seek your prayers for God's continued healing in her body.

To all, thank you for the calls, visits and prayers.

On Toward The Weekend

We are due to stay Friday night and possibly Saturday night. Kathy has received new medication to combat the fever and the increased heart rate. We are told that this medication is considered to be like napalm. It's job is to burn out whatever infection is in her. The doctors are stumped as to what is causing all this. This morning she had chest x-rays to check for a collapsed lung. Those results were negative. She's had different types of tests: blood, urine, EKG and the such. Her strength is slowly coming back but it is slow. She hardly could do her walking exercises since her heart rate was up so she did limited walking. Today has been better in doing the exercises. The nursing staff has been like gold and I cannot say enough about the love and care they have extended towards Kathy and I. We are making long lasting friendships.

Please continue to keep Kathy is prayer. We hope to be home tomorrow but it is better to play it safe and cautious.

In His hands,
Jim

3rd Day & 2nd Night

Kathy is still running a fever. They are not sure the cause. Last night it got to 103. The doctor has taken her off the IV and the morphine drip. She has been approved for a liquid diet only. A specialist came in this morning to run a Doppler study on her legs for circulation. Everything is fine with the circulation. Kathy also has an increased heart rate of 122 bpm. It is like she is running a marathon. They are not sure what is causing this. She is getting rest and walking up and down the halls as prescribed and we are expected to go home tomorrow. Now, I have my reservations about this if the heart rate and fever have not been controlled.

Please pray for answers and healing this afternoon.

Thanks,

Jim Simon

Surgery Day and 1st Night

Howdy,

Ok, here's the 411 on Kathy's surgery Tuesday. Everything went according to plan as Dr. Landreneau had hoped. He actually commented that he did not even break a sweat!! When ya think about it that's pretty good comments to hear! She slept off and on during the day. The nausea has hopefully left for good. Kathy and I did not get much quality sleep but we did rest enough to get us thru the day. It seems that I recall seeing the clock at 1:00, 2:00, 3:45, 5:00 and the morning sun at 6:30. That's when the physical therapist arrived at he got Kathy on her feet and we strolled down the hallway and back. She did get a bit dizzy as we arrived back at the room but is now resting comfortably. I've come home quickly to shower and update the blog and back up to the hospital I will go.

Now, last night as I was checking out the clock helping Kathy move from her side to her back and from her back to her side I was trying to find some biblical insight about all that we were going through. The thing that kept coming to my mind was how tired I was but how much more tired Kathy was and the pain she was experiencing. I did not care to meet my comfort but kept getting up to take care of my wife and make sure she was comfortable to rest. It seems that as Christians we can be so busy about doing so many things that we neglect to rest in the hands that are outstretched wanting to guide us, lead us, direct us, hold us and comfort us. It is only in God's hands can we have the strength to get through the day. Philippians 4:13 reminds me that Christ is my strength and verse 19 reminds me that God shall supply all of my needs. That is a comfort and that is my prayer for our family.

What a weekend!!

I'm tired. I have been cleaning carpets, cleaning the play room, cleaning the kitchen, painting the girls bathroom. The girls love the new pink colors and the stripes I've added to the walls. The girls don't know I've installed the new towels bars and Anne Gaddes prints so they will think it looks pretty cool. That's exactly what they said when they saw the stripes I painted. Kathy has already hung up their embroidered towels on the towel rack. They will think that is cool too. I have more to do on Monday since I'm taking the day off from work.

Sunday was a wonderful day at church. Many well wishes and words from friends telling us..."we are praying for you." I know that Kathy appreciates all of this. Dr. Page's sermon really hit home about having peace during the rough seas in our lives. I'm very sure that everyone present Sunday morning understood this since no Christian is immune from an ocean of rough seas or travels down rocky roads. Hmmm....rocky road...I think I need some ice cream.

Oops, I guess vanilla with chocolate syrup will have to do.

In His hands tonight,

Jimbeaux

Why is this blog here?

So....how should I start this???

Hmmmm....how about "It was a dark and stormy night....." Nah, too Snoopy.

Ok, how about, "Call me Ishmael...." Nah, too Moby-Dickish.

Maybe I should try comedy...."Live from New York it's....." Nope! Can't use that since I don't live in New York." Besides, some lawyers from the SNL show might give me a call to stop using it.


Well, I guess the only way to start this would be say that this site is not about me but it is about my wife Kathy. I'm establishing this site to keep family and friends updated on the condition of my wife as she nears her surgery date for her back. A friend from church gave me the idea to set this site up. So, here it is. I will try to keep it updated with info on her condition and the healing progress she is making towards a total recovery.

My first request for those reading this ..... please pray! Pray for the Dr. Frasier Landrneau, his staff and all those attending to Kathy's surgery. Pray for insight and direction. Pray for healing and recovery. Pray for two little girls to understand that their mommy needs lots of TLC in the weeks to come. And if you have any prayers left .... pray for me. Pray that I will know what to do each day to take care of my family.

In His hands,

Jimbeaux