HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!
We do hope and pray that you all are having a joyful, blessed weekend of giving of thanks to our Heavenly Father, the giver of all things. As we celebrate God’s faithfulness, may everything we do contribute to our desire to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
As for us, Corinne and I want to share with you how thankful we are to our Father God for His continued blessing and direction in our lives. To recap for some of you who have missed some updates during the past 2 years…
Early in 2021, we enjoyed living in the lovely duplex apartments of The Homes of Ethnos360. However, living independently on our own was getting more difficult for us both, especially Corinne. I, Tom, was doing most of the housework, etc. We applied for the next stage of the Homes, in the section of the Latham Center, which is called “for Independent Living,” where we would have some help.
We applied and were offered two rooms, which most couples enjoy. In May, we moved in and enjoyed the fellowship with the others, and were provided meals and room cleaning by our wonderful staff. How unique to have Jim and Heather serving on the kitchen/dining room team, and Judy on the nurses’ caring team, as well as taking her turn at Latham Center reception desk.
We were just enjoying getting adjusted to this, the newest era of our lives, when, on July 13th , the Lord allowed a trial of our faith and endurance to occur. Corinne fell in the dining room and broke her hip. After 17 days in the hospital for surgery and therapy, I brought her home on the 30th . Our “Why, Lord?” became “What, Lord, What do you intend to teach us through this.?” Indeed, we have been learning joy in trial, confidence in God that He is in control, how to have grateful hearts, giving thanks to Him for grace, strength and endurance.
It appears that not enough proper therapy was given to that hip and so it still is difficult for her to put her entire weight on it. However, she walks fine with the walker.
Then on June 28, Corinne suffered a TIA or slight stroke. The symptoms subsided as the ambulance arrived, but went ahead and let them take her to the hospital since we were warned that other attacks could follow. She spent 10 days getting physical, speech, and eating therapies.
We learned that insurance would cover her stay in a rehab center, so on July 8 she entered Healthcare and Rehab of Sanford, and she is still there now. The service there has been good, though it would have been better had there been more therapy and plenty of walking. I was not allowed to help her with trips to the bathroom, etc. So, lack of walking has caused her to weaken more. This month, November, they resumed walking and therapy and agreed to let her be discharged.
Meanwhile, we have asked the Lord for direction as to her future abode. 1, Bring her back to our rooms in the Homes Latham Center, under my full-time care; 2, stay where she is until something else opens up; or 3, wait until it might be possible to move to our daughter, Judy’s and Jim’s house. We prayed much about this decision. Corinne
does not really qualify for entering back into the Homes, but with my care, she would be accepted. But who
knows, I myself may soon have to go elsewhere. As for 2, I know we could endure living apart like this. I could
join her there now, but I don’t need to, yet. As for 3, Judy and Jim have prayed about bringing us both there to the house they are buying here in Sanford. The house was for their son, Ilai, so there was no room for us. However, Ilai had to move out of that restricted area of town according to state rules, and so there is room for us.
Our son, David occupies the small room next to ours. And so they me to move in now. Enter on the scene Granddaughter Heather, who is making it happen. It was agreed that she would move me over there now. After Judy and Jim arrive back from PNG in mid-December, Judy will be here to prepare to welcome her mother, sometime after Christmas.
The Rehab nurses agree this is the best move for Corinne. They will provide home nurses and therapists, and will equip us with a wheelchair and other needs. Being with her family will no doubt increase healing and help her cope with her increasing dementia. It will be good to be in the family circle again. You’ll get that pun when you see our address.
So the plan is that our Homes “logistics chief” Carol Sheffield will recruit some Homes staff men to help move me over there next next week.
So, notice, our new address: Tom & Corinne Palmer,
410 Editha Cir.; Sanford, FL 32771
In haste, Tom and Corinne Palmer
Related Posts
