THANK-YOU EVERYONE

The family would like to extend our deepest thank-you to all of our friends and family though out the past 5 months. You have all been great. Visits,calls,cards and most importantly prayer have made it easier for all of us. The vistation and funeral were a success. The funeral was the best most people had ever been to, including myself. Thanks for your prayers as my Eulogy was also a success. Many people had commented that would be proud if their son could say the same thing about them after they pass.

Thanks again,
Tim and the Wolters Family

God is good. Please continue to pray for healing for the family and especially Mom as it is very lonely now.

Peace be with you my good servant

God has taken his good and faithful servant home:) I have fought the good fight,I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7.
Dad passed away this morning at 12:45am. His great fight has been completed. Dad was able to pass away quietly with the family by his side. The family would like to thank all of you for your thoughts,prayers and kind words through this hard fought 5 month battle. Your outpouring love has been amazing. How amazing it is to have such great people of the faith. We would not have been able to endure this battle without you or our faith. Please continue to pray for the grieving and healing process for the family. Please see the Friday Holland Sentinel, Lakeshore Press and GR Press for visitation and funeral times. The visitations will take place on Friday at Notier-Ver Lee-Langland Funeral Chapel. 315 East 16th Street, Holland Michigan. Visitations will be from 2-4pm and again from 6-9pm. The funeral time on Saturday is tentatively scheduled for 1:30pm at Christ Memorial Memorial Church. 595 Graafschaap Road, Holland Michigan. We will be fianlizing all these details this morning at 10am so stay tuned.

Thanks again,
Love the Wolters Family
God is Good

Tuesday Update

DAD has been very comfortable the past day and a half. The medicines have definitely relaxed and comforted him. His kidneys have shut down and we are seeing a definite decline in his skin color.His heart rate and pulse rate are very sporatic. The nurses have said that Dad is young and has a good heart + has eated well while in Hospice care and may live for a while yet.I have returned to a limited work schedule each day to take my mind off of this a little. Please pray for strength for the family as the days are long and tiresome while at the Hospice House.Mom is just exhausted but the 2 of us had a great nights sleep this past evening. God is good and his plan is perfect. We just pray that Dads journey can end soon. I have been having a hard time keeping this updated as the Hospice House does not have internet access. I will keep you all posted. I am sure most all of you will be contacted by phone as well after Dad passes away. The Holland Sentinal, Lakeshore Press and GR Press will also have all the visitation/funeral details later. Thanks to all who have called and continue to think and pray for the family.

Love,
Tim

Sunday night update

Dad has been declining rapidly the past few days. He can no longer swallow or talk. He has a terrible jurgling sound in his throat which they are trying to help dry up as well. We continue to be by his side conforting him now as everything hurts. It is so hard to see him like this. Boy has the reality of death really finally hit me. Why do I have to see my Dad suffer. He doesn't deserve this. Please pray that Dad can be comforted and that his suffering doesn't have to linger much longer. Gods plan is perfect and only he knows when his good and faithful servant will be taken home.
I have to go now as Mom and I will sleep at Hospice House by Dad tonight.

Love Tim

Pray for Comfort in these last moments

Dads heart rate and pulse are dropping. He is saying his last good byes before he is taken to his heavenly father. Please pray for comfort for Dad and the family in his these final moments.

Tim

Sunday night/Monday morning update

Dad is declining steadily. We have really seen a decline this week. His appetite is down and he is sleeping most of the time. His ankles and feet are very swollen and he is harder to understand do to a sore throat. Please pray for comfort and the Calling Home. Last night he also experienced extreme pain after adjusting and moving his left knee. Please pray for continued strength and sleep for Mom during these last days. Thanks again to all for your continued prayers,thoughts and support.

Love Tim

Dreams of Heaven

Dad had wonderful dreams of heaven last evening and then he awoke again. It was a sad morning as he had seen how beautiful it was and then he had to return to his weak body. Dads pain has been taken care of now with the pain killers. His appetite is slowly going down and his swelling is continuing in the feet and legs. Continue to pray for the family and healing during this difficult time. Mom is feeling very sad and lonely while at the house. Lord please give us the strength and knowledge to know how to handle this all.

Tim

Pray for comfort

Dad is experiencing discomfort and pain now. He is having pain medicine every 4 hours to ease the pain. He is still decent to the nurses through all this. He is just wants to head home to be with his Lord. Pray that will not last much longer.
Pray for Mom and family though all this also.

Tim

Later Friday update

Dad had a very restful day. He is holding his own. I was able to spend a very nice afternoon with Dad and Mom. It was relaxing day typing Dads Eulogy. Neat to think about the good memories of Dad and the past.I also had a good time reading Bible verses and stories from the NIV encouragement Bible edited by Dave and Jan Dravecki. The House nurse feels Dad has not seen as large a downturn as we may have thought last night. She feels he will hang in for a while but you never know what Gods plan is.Gods paln is perfect. JB had a special baseball game tonight dedicated to Grandpa. A single,triple, two stolen bases and scored on two passed balls:)Boy would Grandpa loved to have seen it.

Tim

Thursday night/Friday update

Dads days on this earth are coming to an end. What a blessing we have all had being exposed to Mel for his 65 years on this earth.
He had commented yesterday that he can not fight anymore. The family and closest friends were by his side last evening for their last goodbyes. We had confirmed to him that it was OK to let go. Boy how hard it is see everyone cry and know our time with him will come to an end soon. At the same time Dad was as funny as always after the tears had subsided. What peace that a man can still laugh and remember the good times just before his departing.
The family did sleep at the Hospice House last evening to be by his side. We are all curently at home now resting before our afternoon return.
We will comntinue to keep you updated as things change.

God Bless and pray for that inner peace for all of us.
Love Tim

Tuesday MAY 1st

Dad is still in very good spirits and is in no pain. Boy what a blessing. He is refusing to eat on occassion now as he is just too tired. Eating is just so much work now. Most times, he will be sleeping shortly after eating. Dad is beginning to talk less.These are all very commons things that you will see when a person in slowly dying. He also commented that he has seen heaven in his dreams:) How neat is that. A taste of what it is like even before you get there.Please continue to pray for Mom and sleep for her. Thank you all again for your wonderful support. Please give me the knowledge as I continue writing my eulogy for the funeral.Lord give me the wisdom and strength.

Love Tim

Visiting has cheased

We are asking for no further visitors. Dad is just too tired and must have peace before his passing. We are sorry if some of you were not able to have your goodbyes. Dad has been sleeping most of the day now and is not able to have much strength to talk anyway. We love you all and will enjoy visiting with you during visitation.


Love Tim

Monday report

I am sorry to report that we will be shutting off the visitors after Tuesday. Dad has said that it just too hard with all the GoodByes. It hurts so bad.The pain has subsided today so we say thank-you for yours prayers. Dad has felt so much more comforted after Friday night when Pastor Steve assured Dad that Mom would be OK after he leaves.
Another great statement was made to Dad today: Mel, I wish you were my Dad. Boy how lucky to do I feel to have a Dad that highly regarded. A man of God and true friend to many. Please continue to pray that Dad may go home to maker this week. It has been a tough 4 months trapped in a body that no longer functions.
May you all live by Dads motto of honesty,forgiveness,friendship and character. Sleep peacefully Dad I love you.
Tim

Prayer for comfort in pain

Please pray for Dad in this day. He has been in a lot of pain since later Friday night. The left side has been bothering him real bad.Please continue to prayer that this doesn't drap on as Dads special request. Even through all the pain endured with his knee replacement, this pain in different and worse.
Thanks to all who helped with the very succesful full spring clean up at Mom and Dads house Saturday. The house was cleaned from the inside out. The garage,the vehicles,the yard,the windows and the yard all looked great after completion.

Love Tim and family

Prayer for comfort in pain

Please pray for Dad in this day. He has been in a lot of pain since later Friday night. The left side has been bothering him real bad.Please continue to prayer that this doesn't drap on as Dads special request. Even through all the pain endured with his knee replacement, this pain in different and worse.
Thanks to all who helped with the very succesful full spring clean up at Mom and Dads house Saturday. The house was cleaned from the inside out. The garage,the vehicles,the yard,the windows and the yard all looked great after completion.

Love Tim and family

Friday update

Dads prayer request to all at this time is that this doesn't drag out. "I am ready are his words". Tuesday was an especially painful day for Dad as his whole left side was in pain and the right hand bothered him as wel. The body begins to ache all over when you have been in bed for 4 months now. Lori and I have the great opportunity to have our last talks with Dad. Even thought their should still be a few in the future. Friday the family will meet with minister at 5pm for a get to know eachother session. We will also review the funeral arrangements. We are still asking that only immediate family members visit. However, if you would like to get in a last visit please call Mom to set up an appointment. We are trying to limit it to 2 visitors a day. This has allowed for extra rest that Dad so badly needs. Please prayer for the grandchildren in these coming days as they just don't see their PAPA as they use to remember him. This has been an exceptionally tough 4 months for Jarod, a child who is so smart and fully aware of all that is going on. He has been acting out a little which is totally not JB. Thanks again to all for your OUTREACH. What an awesome group of people you all are! Dad comments yesterday were: "Boy what a great group of friends we acquired in the past 5-10 years. Another statement was said to Dad as well the other day: " Boy I wished I could have met met Mel more than just a year ago as you are such as great man. One man reaching out and expressing his love to another:)I have to go as I am crying on the keyboard.

God Bless and God is good!
Tim

Final Days for Family members only

At this time the family is asking for no visitors except immediate family. We trully appreciate all the visitors but the family needs the extra time for ourselves to have our final good byes with Dad. Dad and Mom are just trully exhausted after all of your wonderful visits. 400 visitors in 6 weeks. Holy Cow, the hospice ladies are amazed of all the love and support for Dad. Dad has been a true confidant for so many. Dad is spending a lot time thinking and reminising of the great past, almost to the point of not resting. Please feel free to write Mom a card until the time of visitation. We trully wish you all could still come but the last days are trully the hardest for the family and we will need the extra time together to gain strength before the tough times of visitation and funeral. Thank-you all for love and prayers
God Bless as he done for US.
The Wolters Family

Wednesday Update-holy cow has it been snowing

Sorry for the lag in blogs. We have been spending extra time with Dad. The family was able to enjoy lunch together on Easter.Dad was asked to pray and rolled right into the Lords Prayer full strength. Dads appetite was good as usual. Mom was able to do the annual easter egg for the kids in the adjoining appartment. Still keeping up those traditions even in the tough times. Dad is still in very good spirits but is weeping a little more now. We have seen some steady regression and definitely more sleeping. Dad has even eaten 2 of his most dreaded foods in this past week. JB made him chocolate covered BANANAS and Ray Terpstra helped him with a TUNA sandwich. Both items Dad would not eat in the past. The nurses have sadly reported that Dad has 2 to 4 weeks to live. They believe it may be closer to 2 weeks. Boy how quickly this has gone. It has been a short 5 month ordeal since dignosis on December 22. We have experienced many great times with Dad in that time. Boy what a great out reach you have all been to him.as well. The love is amazing. What a treat it has been for Dad to see all his old Pfizer(Parke Davis) friends.
Please continue to pray for Mom in these last days. She has been holding together
quite well. God is definitely helping all of us through this. Please pray that God can give me the wisdom to write an awesome eulogy for Dads funeral. It has been real hard so far putting it together.

God Bless and I will try to update this a little sooner.
Tim and family.

Monday night was Wild Hog BBQ night with Dad:)

Rajean and I were able to celebrate our 13th Wedding anniversary with Dad and Mom this evening. We all ate together at the sunny dining room table with a fine take out from the new Wild Hog BBQ. I would recommend it to anyone. Fun idea for take out this summer if you are heading to a park or the beach. Dad continues to be very funny. Everything seems to be funny. This is much better than a lot with similar brain tumor/cancer who are angry and profane. We are definitely seeing decline in Dad. He is very weak and is not able to help much when leaving bed and entering the wheel chair. His mind is still very sharp most of the times. Dad is definitely sleeping more and is more tired. Please do not be affended if Dad falls asleep while you are visiting. We ask that you limit your visit time to 10 minutes and no later than 6:30pm. Continue to pray for rest and comfort for Mom. Thanks for all your continued thoughts and prayers.

The Wolters Family

ps: Dad is routing for the Buckeyes this evening(better than during football season) whereas JB is pulling for the Gators.

Limiting visitations to 5-10 minutes

We are asking for limited visitors at this time. Dad and Mom are both tired after the overwhelming amount of guests this weekend.Dad slept til 11am this morning. We trully do appreciate the visitors but Mom was exhausted after 20 people stopped by Sunday. She feels obligated to be hospitable as she always is but we need her to be extra strong in these last days. WOW, what a lot of love and support from ya'all:) I guess I'm talking like that as I was at the races in Bristol this past weekend. I was living out one of Dads dreams that he is not fortunate enough to partake in now. Dad is showing more signs of decline as he is more tired and confused. He is also laughing more and may not stop laughing until we say something. Please continue to pray for comfort and rest. The family will be finalizing a few more cemetary/funeral details this evening.
Thanks again everyone. You are the greatest and God Bless.
Tim

It's a new week and God is good!

Dad had a great weekend. Wow what a lot of visitors(friends) he has. The Hospice House has said they have never seen so many visitors for one person. That says a lot about Dad! He is,was and still can be a great friend. The doctors are saying it is closer to 2 months for Dad, so get those visits in(I'm sqatrting to sound liek a marketing person). We are asking that you limit your visit time to 10-15 minutes. It just too much for Dad with the numerous visitiors he is getting.If you do stay longer you may visit with Mom in the living room of the house. We have seen a slow decline this week in Dad. Nothing major just a little bit of mixed up details. Dads throat is still bothering him and swallowing is beginning to get harder. We thank-you for your conintued support. Please pray for the family in this week as we visit the cemetery and iron out a lot of the funeral details.

Love,
Tim

Sad but Happy news

The doctors have reported that Dad only has 2-4 months to live. Dad had asked the same question yesterday and Mom had filled him in. It is very sad but also joyous news knowing that very soon he will going to his Lord.He said that he has been for a while now. Dad is slowly becoming weaker. We are limiting his sit up time outside of the bed to 1 hour a day.We have sit up for Dinner each night around 5pm.It continues to be very frustrating with Dad and his paralysis. He continues to say that he is a prisoner in his own body. Please do come and visit through all this. He is quite sharp and in pretty good spirits.The Doctors do not know long it will be before he slips into a comma so please do come and enjoy somelast great moments with Dad. I still marvel at ever time that I visit and the many sporting events he reminises about:)On Wednesday evening, we were watching the 1984 Hamilton High School Basketball championship dvd. What a neat compellation. Dad was at all the tournament games though out their state chanpionship run. The out reach of prayers, visitors etc etc is just the gratest. It is so neat to see all the former Parke Davis employees visiting Dad these days. What a lot of stories he can tell about Parke Davis over the 37 great years. Love you always Dad.

Tim

Wednesday

Dad is doing very well here at the hospice house. He is a funny as we have ever seen.
He has been losing a little strength as time has gone along.Most likely do to longer having physical therapy.Please pray for Dad and his patience is short. He continues to give the girls a hard time always:) It is to bad that Dad is so fatigued. He would rather stay in bed than all the work that it take to get him up. But we are not allowing that to happen. He has a high back chair that is real nice to have him sit in. He continues to tell great stories of the good 'ol days. Boy what a memory he still has. Please continue to pray for Mom as she is having terrible times sleeping

Tim

Hospice report

Dad was transferred to the Cardinal room at the Hospice House Friday. It is a very nice set up. Plenty of room for visitors. Feel free to come over most any time. Please realize that Dad is not on the verge of death because he has transferred to Hospice.It is sad when you here Hospice though.He still needs full care because of the paralysis and Hospice was a great choice. He is very sharp and in good spirits.
Continue to prayer for Mom and her lack of sleep. Thanks for all of prayers and support. Dad has reported that he is on his final farewell tour:) How appropriate for a sports junky.

Tim

Please pray for the family on Tuesday

Please pray for the family on Tuesday afternoon. At this time the Hospice people will be evaluating Dad. We were informed today that because Dad has decided to stop Radiation that he may no longer remain at Freedom and that Medicare will no longer pay after Friday. So what this means is Dad will be transferred to the Hospice House and private pay will begin.This was a little bit of a surprise but they feel that there will no more improvements.April 14 was to be Dads last day at Freedom before this announcement. Dad has really had 2 straight good days. There has been a lot of reminising and story telling going on. It is amazing the people that knows and the great sports stories he can tell. Please pray that Dad will take the news fine that there no complications in transfering him there. Please feel free to visit. Dad is prime form these days. I've never seen him so humorous. He is the best Dad I could have ever asked for!
Love,
Tim

Sunday update

The Lord has led Dad to make the decision to stop Radiation treatments. He is at peace and had his best night sleep in a while. Family and friends are all in agreement with him. It was just too much for him. He had come to the understanding that he will not be able to walk and why should I do this and feel so badly."I have no regrets he continues to say." We will find out what will be the next step and what can we expect in the coming week. Dads sense of humor was quite something to today as well. What a card. Here I am Lord your good and faithful servant were heard coming out his mouth today. God has been so good to Dad and the family. We know his last days on this earth will be good also. Those who have volunteered to help ride with Dad to Radiation we say thank-you. We believe Dad will now feel better and may not be as tired as well.

Love Tim

Saturday February 24th

Please pray for Dad as he continues his daily radiation treatments. He is feeling quite nautious now that he has had 7 treatments. Food does not taste well also. Thanks to all who have accompanied Dad to his treatments so far. This has been a big help for Mom. Please pray for her as well as she continues to struggle with sleeping. The Doctors have reported that Dad has made as much progress with his movement rehab as we can expect.This continues to frustrate. Visitors are always welcome. We ask that you visit between 4-5pm during the week and most anytime during the weekends. He is just too sick and crabby after treatments.Please limit yourself to short visits. Please understand that he can be quite confused at times so don't be surprised if doesn't make sense when visiting.We have also seen a change in personality with Dad after the surgery. Please accept our apologies if he is grumpy and talks differently than you formally know from Dad.

Tim

thursday

Dad was able to have his first radiation treatment. All went well. Pray that Dad can have the strength to continue. He has times of 2nd thoughts. "Is it worth it he says"? But then he says I will keep fighting. The family will evaluate as the treatments go along to see how he is holding up. Fatigue definitely is an ongoing issue with Dad. We wish he could just regain full strength. The family will accept whatever Dad feels is best for him. We do not to see him miserable in his last days on this earth. We pray that the ambulance trips to the treatments do not continue to be such a big trouble. He has been waiting for over an hour more after visits. Emergencies take precedence over transport. There are only 2 ambulances to cover all of Holland. We are checking into reserve a MAX for the future. Thanks for all the continued prayers visits etc. Dad has received over 225 cards. Wow.
thanks all.

Tim

Sunday-pray for patience

Please pray for Dads patience. It has been quite thin lately. So much so last night that he became impatient waiting for the ladies to put him in bed that he tried to do so himself and fell on the floor. He was not hurt but he just sat there on his bottom until they arrived. Dad has had some very good days this week. He was able to walk 60+ steps on Friday. He has been shown how to assist himself into bed. Friday was quite a special day for DAD as Jack DeWitt presented him with a addressed and signed book and photo from John Wooden. Tears could be seen flowing down Dads face. The big sports and basketball junky that he is. We have heard Dan Seeborn talk about the great Christian man John was in addition to the great coach he was. Thanks Jack! I'm sure many individuals will have the opportunity to read the book to him. Today the family will be celebrating Moms 62nd birthday. The special day was Thursday. Continue to pray for Mom to keep up the strength.The days can be long and wearing,and house is lonely without Dad at night. Dad will meet with Chemo doctor on Monday afternoon. We still believe he will begin Radiation on Thursday and chemo.

Thanks again for all that everyone has done. The amount of visitors is amazing.

Love,Tim

Monday report

Dad was able to have quite a restful weekend while everyone else dealt with the blizzard of 2007. Dad was able to participate in the special Superbowl activities that were held at the Inn. Monday was a very big day for Dad as he visited with the radiation Dr. and nurses. 4 hours in the wheel chair really made him tired. He was fitted with his mask that will be used for the treatments.I told him it was a little early for Halloween:) Radiation should begin next Thursday. We anticipate that he will meet with the Chemo Dr. also next week. He will most likely go to both treatments each day to minimize on the AMR rides. Please continue to prayer for continued good results from the rehab. It was real neat to see Dad lift his left leg up and down for the Dr. while in the wheelchair. I can now see how he was able to walk on Thursday. Way to go Dad!

Love Rose and family

thursday night

Dad has had another very good day. He was able to walk 34 steps with the walker. He is definitely looking like his old self. Dad has gained 5 lbs again in the past week. This is good news as Dad had lost 25lbs since just before surgery. It has been real nice to see all the guests that continue to visit Dad. His routine has him sitting up for very long times all during the day to build up more strength.I believe this makes it nicer for visiters also. We are having visitors interact with Dad by reading to him and work on improving his attention span. Dad will be down sizing his wheelchair soon. The bigger model is no longer needed and the small one should help Dad be able to move around with his good hand and foot. Dad was also been able to move his left arm forward and push a bean bag off the edge of table. Dad will have his consultation and fitting for radiation on Monday. The 5 day a week radiation will begin Monday February 12th. Visitors are still very welcome, we just asking that you do not visit unless you very healthy. We cannot afford to get Dad sick before radiation begins. Thanks for all you continued thoughts and prayers. Dad ended his day with thick Malt from FRANKS:)

Tim

Sunday

Dad prayed long and hard yesterday and has decided to keep up the fight and begin radiation soon. He will remain in Freedom Inn where they can also continue to care for him. Dad had a very good day today as their special friends Ray and Judy came today for lunch with homemade Roast Beef with mashed potatoes and gravy. This was specials reward for Dadnwalking about 6 feet on Friday with a walker. Today was also a fun filled day as it was Route 66 day at Freedom Village with special food and entertainment from the 50s. Large numbers of guests were present. Visitors are always welcome to see Dad but we ask that you limit your visit times to 5-10 minutes.

Tim

Saturday

We presented the options to Dad this afternoon: 1. Radiation and continue the fight but without the opportunity to rehab or get much more left mobility and have the possibility of not feeling so well 2. Continue rehab and feel better and possibly live a lesser time. All tough options. The family will be content in what ever Dad decides. This has been a lot for Dad to absorb this afternoon so he asked if he could go back to bed to think about it and rest. Please pray that Dad can process this and make the correct decision for him. My comments to Dad were " Pray to God and ask him for wisdom to make the right decision. Boy what a tough few days for Mom, Dad and the family. Dad would like both Radiation and rehab but that will not be a possibility. Thnnks again for all your thoughts,prayers,comments,cards etc.

Gods plan is perfect.
Let Go Let God

Tim and family

Friday-pray for wisdom

Please pray for the family in the coming days. Dad was not approved to move to Mary Free Bed. Pray that we can meet as a family with Dad tomorrow to present the news. We will ultimately let Dad make the decision on what he wants to do to proceed. The Drs. report that Dad would not be able to handle heavy rehab and radiation. So we will have to decide on what root to take. As Dad said again tonight: "I have no regrets". What peace this man has. I have done so many great things. Dad continues to be very funny. He was also able to walk 6 feet today with a walker:) Pray for Mom as this is so tough.

Tim

Monday report

Dad has been a little depressed the past 2 days. He is being too hard on himself and for the left arm not responding. We never said this was going to easy is our response to him. It has been quite hard the past few days as patients were not allowed outside of their rooms do to the flu outbreak. Staying in the small rooms can get depressing. Today has ended on a joyous note for Dad. Dad was so happy and also crying after he was given an autographed Hope College basketball and cap. Mr. Andy Mulder was so nice as to arrange this for Dad from Coach Van Wieren and the team. He has been given an open invitation to front row seats whenever he likes at the new area. Pause as I am crying as this is being typed. We pray that Dad will get that opportunity before the season is over. He truly is missing all the Hope games and the many other sporting events he would take in a week. Sure glad he does have cable TV with all the ESPN stations at Freedom Inn.

Love his sporting buddy,
Tim

OH WHAT A GLORIUS DAY

FLU OUTBREAK AT FREEDOM INN-THEY ARE ASKING FOR NO VISITORS

Oh boy has Dad had a good day. Today, Dad was able to stand in the shower and bath himself. He was able to wash his hair with one hand and almost completely dry himself off. Wow is that neat. Yesterday we witnessed him lift his left leg off the bed and wiggle those toes. The doctors have stopped all painkillers for Dad and believe this improvement has a lot to do with that. Dad will begin radiation treatment on Tuesday. He will most move to Mary Free Bed later next week. Who knows how good he will be doing by then. He has a true desire to get out of these rehab places so he go home and hopefully get to some sporting events soon. Oh how I wish I could see Jarod play basketball were his words the other day. Jarod scored 8 points for his grandpa that day. You know my parents, they have never missed any events Jarod had been in. It wasn't that long ago that Jarod struck out a batter in Williamsport baseball for his grandpa who was rehabbing from knee replacement.

Thanks for all your continued thoughts and prayers.

Mom is so pumped.

Tim

Wednesday

Dad has had another good day. He was able to kick his leg out in therapy and again in bed tonight. Mom and Dad visited with Dr. Lowry today. They will be working real hard to get Dad to Mary Free Bed soon. The Dr. definitely feels that Dads rehab will go much faster there. He definitely believes that Dad will be able to walk again in the future. It does appear as though the left arm may not regain much use. They will also be accessing Dads treatment needs : radiation an/or chemo soon. We do not want to waste too much time before treatments start or extensive therapy continue. Dad continues to be very good spirits. Great sense of humor and sharp as a tack. Dad looks like his old self again. It seems strange to see him in bed as Dad was not much of a sleeper or napper:) He has gained enough strength now to enjoy sports on TV and radio. There was quite a void in that area for a while:) Oh what a joy for him. Thanks again for all the cards,prayers thoughts and visits.

Tim

Monday update

Dad has had another very good day. He was able to stand 3 different times today. He was also able to sit in a chair with no sides or back. It is nice to see that he is gaining strength by being able to sit. His attitude continues to be very good. He is working very hard for all of us he says. Dad will be meeting with the neurologist one last time this Wednesday. At this time, we should know what the next steps are. Mary Free Bed is now evaluating his files to see when he can transfer. Thank-you everyone for the visits,thoughts and prayers. Special thanks to my parents wonderful neighbors who took care of the snowy driveway twice today. Our thoughts and prayer also go out to the Boeve family in this day. As their son(father) and grand child were taken to be with the Lord after a morning car accident.

Rose and family


Tim

Dads doing well

Dad has been gaining strength daily. He is in very good spirits. They continue to work on building Dads upper body strength before standing and walking.He is sitting up alot now in his wheelchair. We have seen where he can flex his upperleg muscles and wiggle his toes. Dad will be moving to the window view in his room. Dad will be watching the Hope vs.Calvin today at 2pm. Thank-you for all your thoughts, prayers and cards. Dad has received 125 cards as of Friday. Mom is trying to read 10 cards a day to him. He continues to enjoy all of them + those with the word BELIEVE in them.
We continue to ask for limited visits or short visits as Dad is still weak.
Go Hope
Tim

Thursday

Improvement is seen. Mel had a slight movement in his left shoulder on Wednesday. Therapy is very hard and he is extremely tired. He listened to the Hope College game on the radio last night and when asked this morning he knew that Hope won. Today, after a shower and therapy he is just exhausted. Please pray for strength each day for him, for continued improvement in his left side, and for a continued positive attitude for recovery. We ask at this time that he has no visitors. When there is too much activity and talking in his room it makes him more tired. He keeps saying that he is a fighter and that he believes in Miracles. Thanks again for all your prayers on his and the families behalf.

Tuesday January 9th

Dad has had another good day. He has been talking more today and joking. He was able to sit on the edge of the bed for 30 minutes today. He even asked for a bed pan, must be getting sick of the oversize diapers:) Therapy has him working on strengthing the upper body before going after more standing and walking. Dad was able to sit in the shower today. Wow his first real shower in 13 days. What a rejuvenating that must have felt. Mom is having a little more time at home these days in the mornings to do all the necessities. Thanks to all who have visited and continue to think and pray for the family.

Tim

Monday report

Dad has had an outstanding day were Moms words a few minutes a go. In an effort to continue to build Dads strength they are having him sitting up alot. He sat up all morning. Another bright spot today: Dad was showing muscle response for the first time in his left arm. This was the first:) Dad will be having 3 hours of therapy 5 times per week. This includes occupational,speech and physical therapy. They will also be electrical stimulation to Dad left shoulder to help with the rehabilitation. We are definitely seeing progress each day. We have come to understand that big steps won't be seen each day. Baby steps each day is good too. Dad really is beginning to look like his old self. His mind is sharp and he can still talk sports. Who would have thought that he wouldn't be watching the national championship game tonight. Dad had really been watching his weight the past year,but he never estimated that he would lose over 20 pounds since the surgery. We will be adding Ensure to his diet to help build his strength also. Thanks to all who continue to think and pray for the family. Mom trully enjoyed talking with all of you at church Sunday. She has holding quite strong through all of this.

Tim

Saturday and Sunday

Mel had therapy on Saturday with no therapy on Sunday. He is sitting in his wheelchair for all his meals and on Sunday he fed himself without too much coaxing. He continues to be very tired. Therapy begins again on Monday. Continue to pray for strength to return on his left side. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

First full day at Freedom

BUSY DAY!!!! Mel sat in a wheelchair in the dining room for all three meals. He also had therapy today so he was busy. It seems good to see him in clothes instead of a hospital gown. Tonight he was extremely tired and just kept saying I need a nap. Rose is asking that there are no visitors thru the weekend. Mel just needs to rest to regain his strength. It was good to see him smile tonight. Continue to pray for recovery for Mel and strength for Rose to face each new day.

Dad has transferred

Dad has now transferred to Freedom Inn. It is nice to be a surrounding that isn't a hospital room. Dad has been seen with many smiles on his face tonight. He starting to look like his old self again. Boy is that a nice thing. They were able to remove Dads staples before he left the hospital today. Boy has it healed nicely. Dad will begin more rigorous therapy tomorrow. He was able to sit and hold himself strongly today. Thank-you all for your thoughts and prayers. We are asking that you limit the visitors for a few days. This transition and therapy will be tougher and Dad still needs a lot of rest and recovery.

Tim

Wednesday evening

Mel had a good day today. He had therapy twice. One time he stood for 15 minutes with the help of 2 therapist. His appetite is very good and he is feeding himself. Mel was smiling tonight and that looked so good. He didn't move to Mary Free Bed today and at this time the first move will be to Freedom Village. Hopefully in the next day or two. He will be at Freedom for about a week or two and then be going to Mary Free Bed for further therapy. Please continue to pray for strength and patience as he travels down this road of recovery.

Judy

Happy Birthday Dad

Dad is celebrating his 65th birthday today. Wow 65 already:) Dad is enjoying raspberry lady finger cake as we type.Raspberry has always been one of his favorites. The ever popular raspberry shakes were enjoyed when Mom worked at Muzzys. Hopefully the surgar has healing effects. He was able to muster up enough energy to blow out the birthday candle. It is now late in the day and Dad is very tired. He was able to watch and sing along with the presidential funeral coverage on TV. Dad was able to stand with the help of the nurses again today. Plans are being made to transfer Dad to Mary Free Bed. He will most likely move on Thursday. We will continue to keep you updated as the details come in. Continue to pray for improvement in strength and elimination of fevers.

the Wolters

Happy New Year

Dad has had a good day. He was able to stand up 2 times today. He is holding himself up strongly and feeding myself very well. He still continues to be very tired after his therapies but is sleeping very well. Not a trait that dad has been good at before surgery. He should be transfered to Freedom Inn tomorrow on his 65th birthday. He is still continuing with a good attitude and we hear fight fight fight often. The doctor is assuming that Dad will not regain much use of his left arm.We can live with that. The doctor does feel that he will be able to walk eventually. Please continue to pray for more healing and regained strength.

Thanks for your continued support and prayers.

The Wolters family