August 20, 2009

Today Gene has been running a fever and is tired. Last night they were unable to get an IV in so this morning they inserted a PIC Line. He had visits from Emily's sisters, Frances and Joyce. In the afternoon, they sang to him. Gene used to talk about going down to Mt. Victory to see Emily when they first began courting. The two little sisters thought he was coming to see them too. Gene and Emily would find a few minutes away from chores and family and steal over to the Grove to have a few minutes to themselves, and here would come Frances and Joyce to keep them company. Gene would find a nickle and give it to them to go over to the store which was just across the road from the house. The girls would run over to the store and buy their candy or pop and run back just as quickly as they could!

This afternoon was another memory from long ago. Out in the hall at Kindred passersby could hear the lovely harmony of songs of old coming from room 206 - Frances carrying the melody, Joyce singing harmony, and Emily joining in from time to time. They sang the songs that they used to sing in the Grove, and Gene listened - mostly with his eyes closed, but sometimes looking at them. When Emily at one point asked if he wanted to hear more, he nodded his head yes.
They sang Clementine, The Little Dutch Girl from Sheboygan, My Little Playmate, and My Old Kentucky Home. They also sang some of the old hymns - Whispering Hope, Blessed Assurance, In the Garden, and Blest Be the Tie That Binds. They promised that they would come back tomorrow and sing some more.

The speech therapist was at the door and told Lynn that the interaction he was getting from the family was a thousand times better than anything she could possibly do with him. Visits from friends and family are so inspiring for him.

Prayer requests
Tomorrow is Emily's birthday. Please remember her in your prayers - that she will have strength and courage and that she will have peace of mind. Remember Gene as well - that he will have the courage for this battle.