I AM STILL HERE FRIENDS

Greetings from Kokomo this first day of April 2007. I have much to tell you but first let me thank all of you who sent me Birthday Greetings last Thursday. I turned 64 but feel like I turned 94. My health has gone down hill so much this past few months. First it was stomach problems and then all the back problems. Now I seem to be getting nerve damage in my hands. I have very little use out of my left hand. My fingers keep jerking and the pain is getting worse. This is why I have not been on the board much the past few weeks. It is very difficult for me to type. I have no feeling in my little finger and the next one to it. So I do not know what key I am on. I started this post yesterday. So I want to fini**** today. Believe me I have not abandoned my friends that I treasure on this board. Things are just a little tough right now. You know things are not looking good when during my birthday celebration with family the discussion came down to making funeral arrangements in case my time is getting short. Of course that is all in God's hands. I did have a great moment yesterday when I was able to get out and take my grand kids to Bill and Gloria Gaither's place in Alexandria for an Easter Egg hunt and I was able to pick up some new CD's and DVD's. As many of you know that I love Southern Gospel Music. My prayer is that I am able to get back to my studies for ordination and full time ministry. The board met a couple weeks ago and recommended my continuation. So if I can get off all this medication that puts me in la la land, I will get back to my readings. I am looking forward to getting the stimulator transplanted this month. Have not heard back from Insurance Co yet. So I take it day by day. Thank God for a wonderful wife and caretaker. I am still loosening weight. I have now lost 210 lbs. since Nov 05. Things will be better so I can get back to normal and post more here. You all are my extended family. I better run this thru the spell checker and get it posted. My right hand is getting tired. Going from having a typing speed of over 100 WPM to using the hunt and peck method is a big change. I ask for your prayers that I get better and the Docs can find out what is going on with my nervous system. It may just be depression. My PCP ordered an MRI of my neck and I see him tomorrow. He thinks there may be some disc problems also in my neck that would cause the hand problem. In the meantime my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dan

Papa Dan, I am so sorry to hear that you are feeling so terrible right now! I am hoping that you find some resolutions to your medical situation, soon! You have a wonderful faith and I am sure that you are continuing to keep it and prayers do work! We here at OH will keep you in our thoughts and prayers! I think of you often!!! Congrats on the 210 lbs` AWESOME!!! Please know that whenever you are able- we would love to hear from you! Get the rest that you need and if you need anything please don't hesitate to have Ann seek out help here from us, as well! You have been a great source of inspiration to many of us- and for the newbies coming on board, they are missing out on meeting a wonderful man and his lovely wife- hopefully soon you will be able to meet these new folks and have some additional support for you throughout your journey! Hope you are feeling a little better each day and that answers are soon to find you! Hugz and well wishes` Dawn

Papa Dan, I want u to know u are so loved and u truly have been missed on this board. You kindness and support has meant alot to not only me but my entire family. Andy and I will keep u in our prayers. I cant imagine all the pain u are going thru with all the things u have giving u problems right now. Pamela

Hi Dan, You've got my prayers. On an interesting note, my mom is apparently going through what sounds like the exact same thing with nerve damage in her hands. She started losing feeling in her pinkie and next finger and I guess is having peeling skin on her fingers?? They are scheduling an MRI for her as well on her neck and shoulders. I have never heard of this, and now twice in the same week! I hope things get sorted out for you so you can get back to your studies. Kim

Good to heaer from you Dan. Keep the faith and know there is a reason for you to go down this detour path. I will keep you in my prayers and know that God will hold you close and you will get thru this. Give Ann a hug and know what a blessing and inspiration you have been to us all. Keep the faith! Hugs! Marianne

Papa Dan I will keep you in prayers. If there is anything that I can do to help, please let me know. I am over here in Marion and could be in a short time. Have they tested you for carpal tunnel, that is now my hand were doing and they did surgery on both hands for it. Everytime I look at that NASCAR marble set I think about how much fun we had at the clothing change that you and your wife hosted. Peggy

I asked the Lord to stand by you and wrap his arms around you... With God on your side how can it be wrong? I am so happy for your journey and at least you can enjoy it a little.. Think of where you would have been if you hadn't had done it!! Do let me know about the stimulator.. Ron is so messed up on the medication.. he is just not the man I married!! Linda

That ins company had best to be getting back and your getting what you need... You are awesome and much support to me last year....Do what the drs say and get to feeling better so we can see you...