FEBRUARY WALKER NEWSLETTER

Hello~

I remember Valentine's Day when I was a little girl, how each of us in the class brought from home a cardboard shoe box with a lid to cover with construction paper and decorated hearts, after making a slot in the top for cards. These Valentine boxes would sit on the top of our desk as anticipation built through the week. At night, time was spent making homemade Valentine cards for each boy and girl in one's grade. Then on Valentine's Day, everyone got a chance to go around and put the cards into their classmates’ boxes. When it was time for the party, cookies or maybe a cupcake (in the older classes) would be handed out along with Valentine’s candy. The punch, made up of Kool-Aid, was served in small paper cups. The boys usually gobbled down the cookies, candy, and punch while we girls savored every bite, often saving a piece of candy for the bus ride home. Each Valentine card was read, looked over, and counted. At least one popular girl would get a message that said, "I love you. Do you love me? Mark 'yes' or 'no'."

Back then, Valentine's Day was one of the highlights of the school year, unlike today, where candy, cookies, gum, and pop are given year-round to children, making it a lot harder to satisfy or excite them. Seeing your parents work hard to keep the family going, and doing without, made one grateful and appreciative of small things. Too often these values have become lost in our fast-paced, high-tech world of today.

Winter is still here in the Tennessee Mountains with frigid temps, cold blasts from the arctic, and a bit of snow. The last huge storm that hit the Eastern coast, knocking out a lot of electricity with unusually large snowfall, mainly passed by us. We got a bit of snow and ice, but wonder of wonders, out electricity actually stayed on.

I'm not sure if it is due to the many upgrades made throughout the past years- considering that we lose electricity year-round when bad storms hit or someone runs into a pole. I'll never forget, after my daughter got married, and a storm hit the Nashville area, she called me in wonderment, saying, "Guess what, Mom? We had a bad storm, and the electricity stayed on." I was quite thankful that our electricity didn't go out, but felt a bit guilty as around here most people have a second source of heat, either with wood or gas, have a generator, and oil or kerosene lamps, compared to all those who usually don't lose their electricity. With a woodstove I can cook on, a pantry full of canned food, and oil lamps in every room, I'm always prepared to rough it. More than once, a neighbor has come to check if we still had electricity when it went out after seeing light in the house.

After battling a cold for one week, I was back up on my feet, walking by myself and starting to go up and down the study steps, when didn't I somehow go and sprain my left ankle getting out of the recliner too fast? Once I'm on my feet, Dwight has to keep warning me to slow down, because it’s hard to undo sixty-plus years of running to keep up with raising my kids and Dana. So, I ended up back on the walker for a couple of days. having to begin all over again. The next two weeks, we focused on me being able to get my snacks and meals versus the length of walking, to prepare for Dwight getting his wisdom teeth out and being down a couple of days. I was doing well, loved being independent, feeling like myself, and able to fuss over Dwight a bit. Right before my third week began, I lost my balance while bending over, not realizing how weak I still was, and fell backwards. Thankfully, I fell into the freezer instead of hitting the floor, but the impact jolted my hip. Once more, I had to go back on the walker. If only our crazy bodies would behave themselves, huh? The good news is that my new prescription keeps my sciatic nerves from becoming really inflamed, where I am in agony for days. I’m also able to bounce back faster. The bad news is that I always have to start all over. Sigh. I am back on my feet, walking without the walker, trying to behave myself and pick up some speed. Going slow, in order to make it up into the third week, takes lots of patience. As Dwight puts it, “I too often sabotage myself.”

On the bright side, Dwight finally (after about three, almost four years) was able to get his wisdom teeth out. Between finding a surgeon who was willing to work on someone with severe hemophilia, insurance changing every couple of years, and getting everything coordinated with the hemophilia clinic, Dwight would painfully wait for six months to a year, only to get a phone call cancelling the appointment the week before. This happened twice. Then the entire process would have to begin again. So, it was a big answer to prayer and relief when everything got lined up, with enough factor to raise and keep his clotting level up, that it finally got done.

Meanwhile, I’m staying close by the woodstove that keeps the house warm and cozy, thanking the Lord each day I can get up and walk, count my blessings to keep a positive outlook, writing, crocheting a large afghan (double bed) for my grandson, Case, that is graduating high school this year in May, working on finishing up my six-generation heirloom crazy quilt, and trying to stay out of trouble.

Until next time~

Dorcas 

JANUARY 2026 Walker

Hello~

and a Happy New Year!

So far, the winter here in the TN mountains has been mild with some skiffs of snow on the ground, a few snow flurries, and plunging temps down below freezing between warmer spells. In fact, on Christmas day it was close to 70 degrees. It reminded me of past years when our family traveled down to Florida to be with my mom for Christmas. This week feels like Indian summer- right before winter really comes in full blast. I chase the winter's brown & barren look outside my windows (not counting the birds at the bird feeders) and overcast, dreary days, away with my Christmas tree that I keep up through January. The colorful decorations and lights are uplifting.

For those who aren't on facebook, my great-grandson, Kevin Donald Yarrison, finally arrived by C-section on Randy (his grandpa's) birthday, the 11th of December! He was quite a large baby, weighing in at 9 lbs and 10 oz, for my short granddaughter, Annette, to have. No wonder she kept saying the baby felt so heavy when she was carrying him. Thankfully, both are doing fine. Since Kevin was born in December and not Thanksgiving, and Annette had to have a C-section, Dawn and Katie put off their flight back to the Philippines until January.

So, instead of Dawn and Katie flying down to TN as previously planned, everybody (Dawn & Katie, with Annette and her family) all traveled by way of OH to visit Randy's side of the family and his mother, and then down here to TN, arriving the Saturday after Christmas. Dawn and Katie were a big help to Annette, taking care of a hyper 2-year-old (Miss Ellie) and a baby on the road. Annette and her family were originally going to come down after Christmas anyway. They stayed over the weekend and left to go back to PA early Tues morning. It was so good to see everyone again and meet my newborn great-grandson. I had managed very slowly to get the Christmas tree this year decorated to my satisfaction, although, with my setbacks, Dwight did offer to "throw" some decorations on the tree if I couldn't. I was also able to walk, without the walker, every couple of hrs to the back of the house and out on the porch a couple of days. Dwight watched me like a hawk every time I got up to make sure I didn't overdo it and behave myself, to Dawn's great amusement. One thing that was very special was on Sunday night, instead of everyone going back to church, they all stayed with me. We sang several Christmas carols, read the Christmas story from the Bible together, and Curtis gave a devotional. Not being able to get to church for a year and a half now and worship with others, it was precious to me. All too soon, we had to say goodbye, but we cherish the memories we made together for this year's Christmas. I'm happy to report that despite three small (compared to before) setbacks, I am now in my second week of being back on my feet, walking to the back of the house, and getting my snacks etc. as before. I’m just unable to walk up and down the steps yet.

Dwight finally, after more than two years, (between the state insurance changing- like they do every couple of years- finding a oral surgeon who is willing to work on someone with severe hemophilia, being cancelled TWICE the week before his appointment after waiting six months to a year for said appointment, and then coordinating it all with the hemophilia clinic to have enough factor to get his clotting level raised and oral med for his mouth, has gotten another (hopefully the last one) appointment to get his wisdom teeth out.

This year, Dawn’s family was separated, around the world, for almost two months, over Thanksgiving, Christmas, Randy's, and Dawn’s birthdays. The nearby third-grade elementary teacher and her class brought birthday cards they had made and sang to Randy on his birthday. All the island people told Randy that God had given him a special gift this year when they heard the news about his grandson being born on his birthday.  Randy had to do first aid on a bad hand wound- something Dawn usually does- and get the fellow to the hospital, which was a bit nerve-racking for him. Their tricycle is the ambulance for their area. Randy was also asked to speak at the elementary school Christmas program for the first time this year.

Dawn and Katie ended up having a three-day journey back to the Philippines. They missed their second flight in Philadelphia- something that is easy to do, rolling two large suitcases while hanging onto a heavy on-flight bag through a huge, crowded airport to connect to the next flight. They spent all afternoon rescheduling the two remaining overseas flights, which is more complicated for two people, ending up with a 12-hour layover in LA, CA that evening. Thankfully, they didn’t have to worry about their luggage, but everything was closed. They finally were able to order from a 24-hr pizza place and paid to have it delivered. They spent the night in a large hallway with a cement floor (as all the waiting areas are closed overnight, which to me makes no sense since LA is one of the main overseas hubs for air traffic) with hundreds of other people from all over the world camped out with their luggage.  Dawn and Katie were able to find two chairs to sit on- the last time the same thing happened they spent the night sitting on the hard cement floor- and, as Dawn put it, had loud “entertainment” from midnight until 2 am watching fellows tear down a wall. Thankfully, the overseas flight went better this time, they made it to Manila, and then to their island with all their luggage, got a taxi to drive them to their house and should have gotten there by today noon- their midnight. Does my daughter take after me or what? So thankful for all the prayer support!

I need to hush up for now. Stay warm on your end.

Dorcas 

CHRISTMAS 2025 Walker Newsletter

Hello~

Once again, it's Christmas. Outside, the earth is frozen, glittering with snow or hard frosts as cold winter winds blow. The birds fluff their feathers to stay warm, making them look twice as big as normal, while the chickens and ducks eat more feed to conserve their warmth. Water needs to be toted daily, as any liquid is soon frozen solid. Tex stays warm in the doghouse with his heated blanket. Inside, the two fat cats stretch and snooze before the fire with lazy abandonment, without a care in the world. Ashes are raked, and wood is carried in each day to keep the woodstove fire crackling with heat. It is the time of year for hearty soups, homemade bread/rolls, and baked goods.

Stores are packed with decorations and merchandise to tempt the shopper playing holiday music while houses are decorated with colored lights, greenery, and red bows. Inside, trees in all sizes are covered with an array of dazzling lights and decorations as wrapped presents appear underneath. At the front of my tree, in its place of honor, stands the old manger with Nativity figures my children and grandchildren have played with throughout the years. In the kitchen, the tempo speeds up as homemade recipes of cookies, candies, cakes, pies, and special desserts are prepared. The air is filled with excitement as carols are sung, Christmas plays are rehearsed, and the familiar scriptures are read about the birth of Jesus, once more retold around the world. It's an ancient story that becomes new each year and more precious. For without His birth, thousands of years ago, of a prophesied Savior, there would be no Christmas, no joy to the world, and no peace on earth.

I'm overwhelmed with a grateful heart this Christmas season, so very thankful to still be up on my feet and able to get about instead of being confined to the recliner. Next week will mark three months. I want to dance, sing, and kick up my heels, but I will restrain myself. Each week, I am slowly gaining strength. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly one's body can go down, while it takes weeks and months to inch one's way back. At least I'm finally headed in the right direction. Dwight still keeps an eagle eye on me, walking behind me when I go outside, ready to stop my fingers from picking or fixing something that my fingers automatically reach out to, or keeping me in the designated path I'm supposed to be walking instead of wandering off to something that catches my eye. Each week, as I make my schedule, Dwight oversees and permits what I am allowed to do. There have been some lively discussions as I try to push my boundaries, convinced I am stronger. Dwight usually ends up being right- much as I hate to admit it- but true to my PA Dutch stubbornness, I will sneak around and try to do a few things, hoping not to get caught. Sometimes I get away with it, while other times Dwight's wrath pours out around my head. These past endless months, when the littlest thing set me back and put me in agony, have been traumatic not only for me but for Dwight as well. Needless to say, life isn't dull around my house. I am cherishing every task, no matter how simple, that I can do as I strive for more independence. I'm now able to get all my snacks and drinks, breakfast and supper, and fill & carry my plate at lunch. I couldn't resist asking Dwight last week, when I was filling out my daily schedules, "And what are you going to do with all your free time?" I feel like a "Jack in the Box" getting up every hour throughout the day to walk or do some tasks. My life revolves around moving. What joy! I can’t wait to be able to cook and bake again. I’ve caught myself poking my nose over Dwight’s shoulder, more than once recently, to give a suggestion or two when he is at the stove. Hopefully, next year I will be in the kitchen for Thanksgiving and Christmas- not to mention giving my house a much-needed cleaning and sorting out, and of course catching up outside, etc., etc.

Meanwhile, Dwight is able to spend more time in the back bedroom working on his knives that have gotten way behind, and doing things that he used to before being tied down with me.

Dawn and Katie are still here in PA with Annette, who was supposed to have a Thanksgiving baby, but the little fellow may have decided to be a Christmas baby instead or to come on his grandfather’s (Randy’s) birthday this Thursday. Poor Annette is wondering if she will ever have this boy. From the very beginning, children do have a mind of their own, as any parent can testify to. So, we will have to wait until next month to announce our great-grandson’s birth. Dawn and Katie are scheduled to fly back to the Philippines on the 16^th. I’d really appreciate a prayer for their traveling safety. This time back, the overseas flight was very rough, and they couldn’t get any sleep. Halfway across the ocean, the turbulence got so bad that the huge jet was dropping and bucking like a horse until Dawn began praying, wondering if they were going to make it. This flight was the worst one yet. I’m so glad that God is in control!!! Then, when they got to PA, a 24- hour stomach flu/virus was going around. Being in another country for almost four years, they don’t have any immunity. Katie ended up sick for almost three days, while Dawn was down for almost a week. Nothing like having jetlag and being sick as a dog at the same time! Thankfully, Dawn got her appetite back in time for Thanksgiving.  Katie is overjoyed and excited to see snow again after four years. Their bodies are having a time adjusting from hot, humid weather to freezing, winter days.

From our house to yours, we send lots of wishes for a blessed Christmas.

Jesus truly is the Reason for the Season!!!

Dorcas 

OCTOBER and NOVEMBER Walker Newsletter

 

Hello~

This autumn, the leaves here in the woods changed colors briefly.

Of course, my vision was limited looking out my windows and porch.

Between the cicadas swarming in May and the dry spell, a lot of the leaves were already brown. So, I savored every bit of color I could, while it lasted, as well as the shorter warm, sunny days between the cold nights. Now the temperature is expected to plummet down into freezing. Inside, Dwight keeps our woodstove going when it is cold, keeping our house warm and cozy. Even if my bones didn't protest and tell me when the temperature drops outside, my two fat, furry, lazy cats cuddle close beside and on top of me in the recliner on chilly days, taking long catnaps. With me huddling under a soft, warm blanket, I'm sure we make quite the lazy sight.

I'm very grateful this Thanksgiving that I finally have some good news! I'm in my seventh week of being able to stay up this time. It's been around eight months since I last could stay up this long. Dwight had to carry me into the doctor's office the last of Sept in order for me to get my prescriptions filled. I had researched more, in desperation, and found another med that is often used for nerve pain. With the turmeric supplement I'm taking daily for inflammation, and this other med, my hip isn't flaring up like before. Such a blessing!!! Under Dwight's strict supervision, I am slowly building up walking without the walker and going up and down steps. This past week, I was able to walk out the driveway to the mailbox and check my mail. I also walked around the side of my house to my beehives. It was so thrilling to see my honeybees buzzing around. I'm able to go out on the back porches where I can see my chickens and ducks more clearly, too. The trees around my house and in the woods look so tall and majestic after not being able to see them close up for so long. Hope has sprung inside that one day I will be able to again be like my normal self. Meanwhile, I'm trying to behave myself, keeping my hands busy writing, crocheting, and hand quilting.

I am very thankful for Dwight, who has been such a great support in keeping me and the house going for so long. He's been with me when my hip's flared up and I've crashed, causing my days and nights to became a blur with horrible pain. He's also walked along beside me as I've struggled inch by inch to get back up on my feet and walk with the walker. I've felt guilty for all the stress he has gone through, fussing and hovering over me as we've wracked our brains on how and why my hip flared back up and how to prevent it. It has certainly kept our brain cells busy. Dwight has witnessed my emotional upheavals when I've been angry, depressed, wondering if it was worth the struggle to get back up, along with having meltdowns, bawling my eyes out while Dwight put his arm around me or patted me on the shoulder, giving comfort, but most of all for being as stubborn as his mother and refusing to give up. I’m thrilled that Dwight is now able to work on his knives more. He is so talented, but then I may be prejudiced.

It continues to be a frustration on both ends trying to make and stay in contact with my daughter in the Philippines. Dawn and her family went through a severe earthquake experience, where thankfully no one was hurt. Then, when their mission’s director came over for a visit recently, right before he left, a typhoon came over their island, causing the power to be off for almost three days, and their roof leaking- one spot was directly on where Steve Kirkman was sleeping. Transportation was disrupted as well. It took them five and a half hours, when the bus ran, to get Bro. Kirkman to the airport- going through flooded areas where the bus was pushing water. I’m sure Bro. Kirkman won’t forget his trip to see Dawn and Randy anytime soon. They also had a scary incident in their own yard when one of the many children who come every day to play fell out of a tree. Dawn looked out the window when she heard a loud branch cracking in time to see a girl land on the ground with a horrible thud on her back. Thankfully, although her head took stitches, after they raced her to the nearest hospital (that Dawn had to end up taking out this past week) and she walked slowly for a couple of days, the girl wasn’t killed, paralyzed, or had her neck broken. We appreciate all the prayer support given for Dawn and her family as they are constantly faced with challenging circumstances beyond their control, and often need God’s wisdom and help.

My granddaughter, Annette, is due on Thanksgiving Day, right before my birthday. Miss Ellie just turned two, so Annette has her hands full already. I can’t wait to see and hold my first great- grandson sometime in Jan when they come down to TN to visit. I’ll be updating you all about this little feller next month.

We are also thankful for each one of you to whom we send our newsletters to. Some send us encouraging cards, which brightens our day. Others, we know, are faithfully praying for us. We certainly couldn’t make it each day without our loving Heavenly Father’s care. We are truly blessed with a church family and oodles of wonderful friends.

We wish all of you a blessed Thanksgiving season~

Dorcas

AUGUST and SEPTEMBER Walker Newsletter

Hello~

The nights are cooling down as summer ends, bringing relief to hot and humid days.

Even the breeze feels cooler outside. This time of the year is blissful when the temperature hovers in the 70's. The green of the trees, bushes, and grass has become faded from the summer heat. Only the last of the roses and Rose of Sharon bloom, along with goldenrod, marigolds, daisies, asters, and mums. The dogwood tree's leaves- next to my front porch- are starting to turn reddish and I can see bright red berries on it. This time of the year is good for planting spring bulbs. Normally, I would be outside gathering seeds, planting bulbs, painting outdoor furniture, and making a list of what else is needed to prepare things for winter. Inside, I would be finishing the canning, making apple butter, and jams. Opening windows and airing out the house before cold weather sets in is also something I always loved to do this time of the year as well.

Instead, I still have to spend most of the day in my recliner. Yesterday, a hen got out of the pen. I heard it through the open window as Tex barked. I wanted to jump up and run outside so bad, but instead had to tell Dwight, and let him round up the chicken. Due to so much rain this year, water washed away some of the dirt at the bottom of the pen- something I always kept an eye on. I'm thankful I am able to walk with the walker again out to the front porch after having more backsets. It is blissful to breathe in the fresh air, stand in the sunshine at the end of the porch for a minute, and not be cooped up in the house completely.

I'm finally getting over a nasty cold that wanted to linger, despite all the cold meds Dwight kept having me take. In fact, hard coughing flared up my hip that was getting better, setting me back to my dismay. Sometimes it seems like I can't win for losing. It is quite discouraging to keep having backsets every time I just get up on my feet and get going again. It sure keeps Dwight and my mind buzzing, evaluating what set me back each time in order to avoid doing it again. I think we could write a book on all the things to avoid doing with sciatica nerve pain. Meanwhile, I keep occupied writing, critiquing on a writer's group, doing grant applications for our local animal shelter, folding clothes or other small chores I can do sitting, and hand-quilting the basket quilt I'm doing. If I can't use my body like I'd like, I at least can keep my brain cells working.

At times, Dwight gets frustrated with all my ideas of things needing to get done that I come up with.  His favorite phrase is, "Mom, I'm not like you." While I used to work all through the day and even at night, Dwight has to periodically sit/lay down during the day due to joint/arthritis problems, and after supper he has to wind down for the day. On days that he has internal bleeds only basic things can get done and I worry when he has to wait on me. Dwight is more laid back while I am fussier. It takes mental fortitude for me when I walk to keep my hands on the walker instead of reaching out straightening something or putting something up. I shudder when I see dirty dishes piled up, things taken out and not put back, laundry needing to get folded and general clutter that my fingers itch to put in place. I fold laundry a certain way and always kept all the drawers and closets organized. At least once a year, I would tackle Dwight's room and closet, much to his dismay. So, it has been quite a learning curve for both of us. Thankfully, we both have a sense of humor and are able to discuss and talk things through when we disagree. I'm happier when I can be up on my feet and do small things, not only just for myself, but because there are always plenty of things to be grateful for if one look for them. that gives Dwight more freedom and enables him to work on his knives more regularly.

I try each day to focus on something to be thankful for when I am not in pain. I am truly blessed. Even my fat, furry cats give me comfort on bad days, as they purr and snooze beside me in the recliner. Otherwise, they stay busy poking their noses into everything.

It still is difficult to get a call through to Dawn for some unknown reason. Unlike before, instead of being able to talk with her each week, I can only get through every other week. It has gone as long as three weeks, which then gets me, worried. They also have difficulty receiving and sending texts too, which can make them feel isolated. It is frustrating part of missionary life. Thankfully, they are all doing OK. The Lord continues to help with their church and children services. So many teens want to go with them on Sundays to help out with the mountain services that they have to limit and rotate teens each week. One factor for volunteering is that those who go get to stay and eat lunch at their house, which to them is a big thing, as there is more food than what they can get at home. It’s hard for us to fathom not having enough food to eat every day- a reality which the island people face. One of William’s friends flew over recently to visit them. Due to a delay, he wasn’t able to arrive until 1 am in the morning. Then when he finally got to their island, all his luggage was missing. So, he and William had to make the 3-4 hr long trip back to the airport. Talking with Dawn on his third day there, she said the poor guy was still wiped out and sleeping most of the time between jet lag, opposite time of day and night, and all the traveling once he got to the island. I’m sure this is one trip he won’t ever forget. He got to see firsthand what they experience. Dawn had to go daily to treat and dress a young man’s arms and legs that were injured from a bad motorcycle accident where he scraped the skin completely off. Dawn said he looked like a mummy after she got both arms and legs wrapped up. Thankfully, his arms and legs are slowly healing back up. When I talked to Dawn last night (her morning) she was quite worn out due to not getting much sleep the night before. Here a fifteen-year-old girl woke them up around one o’clock in the morning screaming. She got up and dressed to go see and help, as sometimes a woman, who comes to their church, will come to their house at night if her husband had been drinking and beating her. Instead, it was a teenager, down the road from their house, who was not only drunk but evidently on some kind of drugs. She would fall down and roll around on the road screaming and then get up and take off running blindly still yelling. Dawn said soon there was a group of neighbors, who had been woken up, gathered around trying to keep the girl from hurting herself while figuring out who she was. It turned out the teenager was from up on the mountain. Since they can’t just dial 911, it took some time, for a police fellow to show up. Then he went and woke up a councilman, which took more time, who had to come. After they accessed the situation, they called, not an ambulance like here, but what Dawn and her family calls a “paddy wagon”- a pickup truck with a covered bed but open at the end. Dawn said it took four people to restrain this screaming girl and get her inside the back of the truck to take her to the hospital. Three people went along to hold her down and to keep the girl from jumping out the back. They didn’t get back home until close to four am. Dawn planned on taking a long siesta that afternoon. Such is a missionary’s life.

Until next time~

Dorcas