Year 4 Anniversary this December 22nd-- A long overdue update  

Many of you are remembering and asking “How is it going?” When you have lifted prayers to the Almighty for the welfare of our family, you have helped us!  In grateful THANKS, here is a brief update:

Sam—My extroverted, spontaneous fellow is a quiet, dependent guy. Sam has said while praying, “I have been humbled in every way.” Sam’s highest level physically was in October 2019 after returning home from Craig Hospital in Colorado.  After this past year of medical tests and evaluations, appointments are not as frequent now, and we await each new year for PT evaluations.    I’m amazed that his mood is fairly balanced most days, but am reminded daily of what it would be like to reverse roles.  Dr. Jill has prescribed a strong, daily dose of humor while doing daily functions together.  Thankfully, Sam remains an avid reader, but his short term memory remains.  Due to balance issues, Sam uses a red walker that I call his Cadillac. It is good that I still like to cook because Sam loves to eat!  If Sam were younger, he’d have a better chance of brain improvement.  One doctor indicated Sam’s brain is 10 years older than his age.  

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe, my early Thanksgiving gift this year was taking Sam (with the help of my dear brother) on October 6th on a trip to The Founder’s Inn to receive the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA’s) Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of defending and saving lives. What an honor! We returned home within 24 hours on a Spiritual HIGH to lay the award at the feet of JESUS.  

My update—I’m eternally grateful for our precious family for all their help while raising their own.   I realize I have received a new vocation---running a full time senior care home 24/7, and thankfully it’s for the man I’ve always loved, with theGOD that is ever showing me what Love really is.   My worst habit--upon awakening each morning--I naturally “take control”…what a disaster are these moments.  When former memorized scripture (such as, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…”  Proverbs 3:5-6), or newly memorized scripture comes to mind—my white flag goes up and He fills my lungs with Life-giving oxygen once again.  As Fernando Ortega sings, “In the morning when I rise…just give me JESUS.”   

And, at night when I lay down, Fernando sings to me:

“Jesus, King of angels, Heaven’s light

Shine your face upon this house tonight

Let no evil come into my dreams

Light of Heaven keep me in Your peace.

Remind me how You made dark spirits flee

And spoke Your power to the raging sea

And spoke Your mercy to a sinful man

Remind me Jesus, this is what I am.

The universe is vast beyond the stars

But You are mindful when the sparrow falls

And mindful of the anxious thoughts 

That find me, surround me and bind me.

With all my heart I love You, Sovereign LORD

Tomorrow let me love you even more

And rise to speak the goodness of Your name

Until I close my eyes and sleep again.

Jesus, King of angels, Heaven’s light

Hold my hand and keep me through this night.”

Prayer is so appreciated:

--Since Covid began, finding qualified caregivers to give me a break is difficult.  Please pray I can find a certified nursing assistant (what is required to get support from our long term care insurance) that can cover through the night, so that I can take a retreat, to receive from the LORD for 2 days and 2 nights, every other month for a much needed break.  

--After the LORD, grandchildren are my IV, and I miss regular time with them.  Pray I can visit our grandchildren in their Colorado home. The past 4 years they’ve traveled to us. 

I trust the Holy Spirit will lead you to know how to pray for us after reading this update.  Thank you for this treasured Gift of prayer!  

When I think of all that you have done for us through prayer, gifts, a call, love…we are humbled.  Thank you for every prayer for us!  This Thanksgiving and Christmas season, Sam and I send our love and gratitude!! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS from the Casey home to yours! What HOPEand JOY that He came down for us all!