AUGUST and SEPTEMBER

I hope this finds you all doing okay on your end.  I'm running almost a month behind because I had to buy another printer and then had a back-set from lifting too much when I was in the kitchen, but let me start at the beginning.

August and September are the two months in late summer when things outside look the drabbest due to the earth being dry, dusty, and hot, before the autumn rains and fall flowers bloom. Most of the summer flowers have wilted in the heat, except for a few hardy roses that continue to bloom, along with the autumn clematis. The mini marigolds, that I planted in the raised bed Dwight made me, on the back porch, love the heat and are a riot of blooms  in yellow, orange, and yellow/dark burgundy among the lighter-green sage. They always give me joy every time I look out the back living room window from my recliner. Soon, the hummingbirds will head south, but there are lots of young juvenile birds that eat at the bird feeders, which I so enjoy filling on my front and back porches.

 We had quite the week when my sister, Lois, her husband, Ted, and son, Kyle came down from PA as my niece, Stacy, and her two children: Theo and Mae drove over from NC to meet at my house. Inside, the girls went on a cleaning and painting spree of the living room and my bedroom, dusting and washing curtains, etc. Lois also helped me de-clutter and get rid of stuff that I had kept through the years. Between her artistic eye and Stacy's gift of decorating the two rooms were upgraded. Meanwhile, outside, Kyle trimmed all the overgrown bushes in the front yard, while Ted checked out my beehives. Lois and Stacy brought food and cooked it to give Dwight a break from the kitchen. I enjoyed getting to be with Theo and Mae who has really grown since I saw them from four years ago. There was lots of laughter and chatter with making more memories.

Two weeks later, a girl where we pastored in NC years ago, who is grown up and married, came for a visit with her friend and mother. It was so special to see Lisa after forty years. Both her parents are gone, but we have kept in touch. Lisa brought me a cute bouquet of flowers as well. Now, the little girl she used to play with, my daughter, Dawn, lives with her family around the world.

In Aug, I kept busy chopping onions, green peppers, and celery in my recliner to help Dwight as he made canners full of tomato juice and salsa to refill the pantry. I also broke up a 5-gallon bucket of green beans and then put them in the jars with salt for Dwight to can. It was wonderful not only be able to walk around the  house, be more independent, keep the dishes washed up and put away, cook, and bake some. I even made an apple pie!

I was able to make it nine weeks before having a small setback, then six weeks before I lifted a heavy sugar container over the stove down to the counter, that in my hurry I didn't realize until too late that Dwight had filled it back up, and had to start all over again.

On his end, after over a month with a bleed in his hip, Dwight ended up with an upper, front leg, muscle bleed. Then when working on his truck, Dwight's elbow had a bleed sidelining him. Thankfully, Dwight is doing better right now. He finally got his truck fixed, working on it an hour here and there, after a month. You would think both of us were in our nineties and in an old folk’s home at times around this place. We just have to take it one day at a time and turtle along when our bodies act up.

I’m scheduled to go to my local doctor this week for prescription refills, which has Dwight feeling antsy. He is hovering over me like a broody hen and keeps checking if he hears any noise. Between all the prayers over these past two years, on my behalf, and the new prescription, I’m now able work up to in one week what used to take me a couple months. My last flare-up was more painful, like I had before, because my lower spine, where I have a budging disc, hit me with pain then went through the sciatic nerves in my hip. I am trying to behave, I promise.

Cooking, baking, and doing some canning is new territory that we weren’t even sure I could get back to again after injuring my hip. Being able to stay up on my feet for nine weeks in a row is a record and very encouraging. I had also got up to waking 4,000 steps a day as well. I was really moving around like normal. So, Dwight determined that going forward, I should make sure that I don’t pick or lift anything more than five pounds to prevent more “accidents” where I forget or don’t pay attention when I’m working in the kitchen. He also decided to sit the large sugar and flour containers on the counter where I can slide them when I need to use them. 

JUNE and JULY

Happy 4th of July as we celebrate our nation's 250th Birthday!!!

Fifty years ago, as America was celebrating our 200th birth, Dana and I got married in the school chapel of PVBI at Penns Creek, PA. In fact, even though our marriage didn't make the news, firecrackers were set off at our reception. My wedding colors were red, white, and blue. Five years ago this September, Dana, went to heaven. If not, we'd be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe that fifty years have already passed. Maybe, it's a good thing though that Dana, his father- a veteran of three wars, and the Walker brother military clan are now nearly gone, or they'd be up in Washington letting the president and the liberals with all their wild stunts know exactly how they felt. Not to mention straightening out the crazy people trying to ruin the beautification of our nation's capital.

Meanwhile, here in the Tennessee Mountains, as the summer weather keeps fluctuating between cold, chilly, very hot, and humid, we are very thankful for the freedom we have here in America. Despite, all the things still needing to be fixed, we are truly blessed as a nation. All the tourist from overseas that have come to the World Series we are hosting this year are amazed at the vastness and grandeur of our beautiful county, not to mention the abundance of food and clothing that we take for granted. Shame on us.

Our nation was founded on Christian principles and the Bible. We still have "In God We Trust" on our money and federal buildings and display the Ten Commandments. God has certainly been good to us! All across our nation, flags are flying high in the breeze as celebrations break out and will continue through next month. Because of God's blessings, we can stand tall and be proud to be an American.

As the roses continue to bloom off and on, my many-colored tiger lilies are blooming and even the hostas are sending up shoots of pale lavender blooms in the shade. The stately Rose of Sharon's are showcasing their two-toned colored flowers as the spreading honeysuckle and hummingbird vines bloom wildly. My beehives are buzzing each warm, sunny day gathering nectar while butterflies hover over flowers and dragonflies flit around. The bird feeders are extra busy as tiny; this season's hatched birds flutter and chirp, following their parent's lead to good food sources. I love going on onto my porches in the dusk and watch the lightning bugs flicker all across the lawn. Yes, summer has arrived with long humid days and nights. I love the smell of newly cut grass and hearing the raindrops on the roof settling the dust and heat.

I'm so grateful to still be up on my feet and able to get around. Just this week, I've begun going up and down the steps into the study. Yesterday, at last, I was able to walk out to the mailbox. Yay! There is nothing like being able to place one's feet on the solid ground and feel the earth underneath you. Poor Dwight is constantly keeping an eye on me to make sure I behave at this stage and don't end up back down like I've battled for two years now. When one feels like themselves and is more independent, it's easy to think your body is stronger than it really is and overdo it, forgetting how quickly one's hip can flare up, even after six weeks. Sigh.

I am really trying to behave and keep my fingers in check that itch to do more. Sometimes they do rebel. I need to stay up on my feet because next week Dawn and her family- that finally got reunited after being apart for six weeks around the world from each other- are coming to visit. I am so excited and anxious to see them once more and make memories that I can remember throughout the next year when they are back in the Philippines.

Then, at the end of July, my sister, Lois, and her family from PA, and my niece, Stacy, and her two children, which are currently in South Korea for the month with Justin (who is in the air force), are coming from North Carolina to my house. Whew! Talk about things happening here on the mountain this summer. My little house’s walls will be buzzing with all the chatter and laughter.  What fun!

Dwight has been working on his knives until this week, when he got down with a hip bleed. So, he is trying to baby it along in order to get back on his feet before everyone arrives. It’s a frustrating but way of life for those of us who daily have to deal with chronic, medical issues when one’s body doesn’t behave itself. I’m extra thankful that Dwight doesn’t have to wait hand and foot on me right now.

Have a wonderful 4^th of July on your end~ 

MARCH and APRIL

This year, I've been so busy enjoying the gorgeous spring weather lately, the dazzling array of colorful flowers, and the many birds that have arrived here to build nests in the TN Mountains, until Easter has snuck up on me before I realized it. This past month, all I can describe the weather as is March madness with the roller coaster temperatures rising up into the 70's, and without warning, plunging down into freezing. One might put on warmer clothes in the chilly morning, only to start sweating in the afternoon when the temperature gets. Towards the end of March, we had a hard freeze right as the blooming pear and crabapple trees, yellow forsythias (in their peak), and pink primrose bushes, and many daffodils- not to mention the violets and lilacs just beginning to flower hit, only for the temperature to rise back into the higher 70's a couple of days later. Right now, the dogwoods and azaleas are blooming. Thankfully, there are still thick patches of white and purple violets carpeting the ground, making the bees go crazy.  Despite the cold, damp days of rain, all the trees and roses are showing new green leaves. Winter has been pushed back to the arctic as warm breezes blow.

I've planted more seeds sitting in the recliner, loving getting my fingers in the dirt. The ones we planted last month have come up and are doing well in the greenhouse. This month, when we get more potting soil, Dwight is going to fill the waist-high, raised garden spot that he built for me on the back porch, so I can putter around and plant more flowers. What fun! Sadly, my days of digging all the garden plots with a shovel are over.

I have made it to the fifth week again of staying up on my feet, as Dwight has fussed over me like a broody hen if I tried to do too much or push it. Yay!!! The exciting and scary part, of trying to be careful with my ratty hip, is that I have been able to walk on all my porches, in the yard, to the greenhouse, and have made it all around the house. What bliss to feel the solid ground under my feet! I'm also able to fill my water, get my snacks, breakfast, and supper throughout the day. I do love being independent.

Dwight has hung out the hummingbird feeders already. I love to see those tiny, winged creatures buzzing through the air. I've begun filling the regular bird feeders hanging on the porch. Another joy is discovering butterflies fluttering about the spring flowers, bushes, and trees. One day last week, after filling the front feeder, I could hear all kinds of birds singing through the open window, as if to thank me. Now, when I'm outside, and they hear my voice, they will gather and begin chirping. Hopefully, one day I will be able to sit out on my porch like I used to instead of just walking slowly around. Breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sun on my face, though, is worth slowly enduring days of waiting and working to get to this point.

I am very blessed this Easter season!

How can one not rejoice being surrounded by all kinds of life and seeing the newness of the earth coming alive? It all points to our resurrected Savior, where death, hell, and the grave could not hold Him. This blessed hope is also a promise of one day being reunited with all our loved ones again forever. Even if I can't kick up my heels like I’d love to, I can still celebrate the wonder and joys of Easter.

When I talked to Dawn last, she and her family all got sick and were down for one week; they think it was from the drinking water they bought, so they are buying their water at another store. Right now, they are in the hottest part of the year when the temperatures soar above 100 degrees, living without any air conditioning, draining one’s body. They constantly sweat in the high humidity, causing itchy rashes all over. Dawn said the side of one’s body facing a fan will feel a bit cooler while the other side stays hot. They have to be careful and stay indoors during the hot afternoons to avoid heatstroke. Meanwhile, they still take people to the hospital, give first aid daily, tote water in, and wash clothes by hand. It’s hard to sleep at night due to the heat, despite the fans constantly going. They can’t count on continuous electricity, as it often goes off for an hour or so, day or night. This Easter Sunday, close to forty people will be packed into their small, sweltering living room for church in the morning. After that, they will go up the mountain in the oppressive heat for another service before lunch, and in the late hot afternoon, Dawn will do a children’s service on her front porch.

Dawn plans to fly back in the middle of next month as she is scheduled for her hand carpal tunnel surgery at the end of the month. Pray that the airport problems and delays will be resolved by then and that she will have a safe flight. The rest of the family will fly back sometime in June.

Well, I need to hush up and get all the cards and letters in the mail first thing tomorrow morning.

Have a blessed Easter season! 

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