This summer was such an eye opener of our family. Tarry (my husband) was having trouble seeing one night in June that he made an appointment with the optometrist, which I had been reminding him about for months. I had other errands to do that day, but when I got home that afternoon he told me that the doctor told him that his right eye's retina was detaching. We went to this office of Vitreo-Retinal Consultants in Wichita, and saw Dr. Michael P Varenhorst. Their office procedure is totally different than we ever imagined. There are several stages to the appointment. Stage 1 - check in, review records and have a seat in front waiting room. This area has a large TV, many 1 and 2 seat cushioned chairs/couches, and a drink table with coffee/tea/cocoa and around the corner is the drinking water and restrooms. Everyone waits until called by an assistant. Stage 2 - the assistant takes you into a room where there is optical equipment, electrical chart, and a bench for family member/s. The assistant does a preliminary assessment and dilates the patient’s eyes and checks for glaucoma. Then you follow them to a second waiting room with this huge fish tank, more of the same chairs/couches and a medium size TV. Stage 3 - You wait for at least 10-20 minutes for the drops dilate your pupils. Stage 4 - They call you again and escort you back to one of those examine rooms and there you wait for the doctor to come in and examine your eyes. At this point, this is where we were floored as to what was to come. Tarry needed surgery ASAP, and he wanted it schedule that on Thursday, June 17. Tarry told him that there was no way he could do it then, he didn’t have his wheat harvested yet, and he had to get the soybeans planted first. The doctor was very understanding, and he said that he will give Tarry 10 days to get things in order. Dr. Varenhorst also told us that his left eye was having the same tendencies so he was going to laser the left eye that same day; then explained what happens in surgery, how long it can take to reattach, the healing process and other miscellaneous information. He also told us the cost of the out-patient surgery at Wesley Hospital ($15,000.00) for ½ to 3/4 of a day. Stage 5 – The assistant then takes you to the reception desk to verify your appointment schedule. They make sure you have a blue medical bag that has your dark glasses, eye drops and your directions on how to take care of your eyes before the surgery.
During his 10 days we worked at getting the wheat harvested. Our friend, Kim Walker came and helped put sweeps on the cultivator, drove a combine, and general help around the farm. She grew up on a farm in Oklahoma, so she knows her way around farms. We had several helpers come over to assist Tarry.
On June 25th we went back for the 10 day check up and Tarry’s eyes had changed a little but he should schedule the surgery for the following week. Tarry’s surgery was set for July 1. So he had approximately he had another week to work on getting the soybeans in the ground. By the 30th , all the beans were in the ground and sprayed with fertilizer and for weed control.
The 30th , was also Kristina’s 12th birthday, and she had a sleepover with a few of her friends. I took Tarry up to Wesley Hospital at 7am that morning to get the lab work done and he found out that he had lost 25 pounds through the summer. It’s not nice to gloat, considering I think I found it. The nurse who did his lab information was very surprised that he had never been checked in for any surgery ever, or never having had an IV done. She found him in great health and no medications, Good specimen! We were back home by 8am.
July 1 we went to the hospital at 6:30 am, surgery was scheduled for 10:30, No clue why we needed to be there three hours early, but waiting rooms were full of people already who were there for other out-patient surgeries as well as for eyes. Tarry’s mom went with me, and we waited around all day. We read books, did some crossword puzzles, talked, and ate at the hospital cafeteria. By 4:30 we had Tarry and we were heading home. The next morning we had an 8:00 appointment and so did two other patients, one was from Dodge City, and the other from eastern Kansas. We were all there early and ready to get back home. According to the doctor his eyes were healing better than expected, he said they looked good. See you in 1 week, follow your directions, and if you are not sure if you can do something ask your wife, and she will tell you “NO”. Well he has been a good patient, and very impatient to get back outside to do his thing, whatever that is. Tarry has had two 1 week appointments and 1 two week appointment, and now we are looking at a 6 week (Sept 8), 6 month (March 2011), and yearly check-ups. He will need to get new corrective lens sometime by October.
WE asked God to handle this financial matter, and so far he has been exceptional. There have been several anonymous gifts and several others who want to help and we continue to leave it up to God. He knows what is needed. He is an awesome God.
I hope you are doing fine, and I enjoy reading your journal blog.
Keeping you in our prayers everyday.
Nancy Zerger and family.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Illness and Social Events
Have you ever wondered why the elderly never tell anyone they are feeling sick, or even a little down? I'll tell you why they have no where else to go, and if they don't tell on themselves then it's okay to go out with others socially and have a good time. And if they have to sneeze or cough, they give out of this world excuses why they did those things. I see this everyday in my husbands uncle, and now I have been witnessing it some other friends.
These older people remind me so much of the students we have at the high school, they are just like the little kids in the elementary school. They don't want to miss anything fun, and that might happen if they aren't at the social events because they are running a fever or throwing up. My own daughter,(11) missed one day and I think that about killed her, literally. She usually gets sick on the weekends and then is fine come Monday morning. The other daughter(13) has no problem staying at home when she's sick. I think the eleven year old gets that from her father, He's out feeding cows and hogs, and running machinery even when he's sick.
This past week I was feeling the affects of an allergy attack. Never had one of those before. Couldn't see much even with glasses. Eyes were puffy, sneezing, and blowing the nose, I thought I was going to die. All I wanted was to be left alone and rest, but no... I had to fix meals, clean house, and run the family (girls) everywhere. {that's not an easy task with limited sight. I took a lot of back roads to and from town.
When you are mentally and emotionally drained, you could careless about the social events. Our big Social Event is having the entire family (18 in all) coming to our little house for Christmas, and we decided to put laminate flooring in the front room, before they all get here, bad timing on our part; so needless to say we have NO Christmas out as yet. The girls are getting a little worried. I told them it will happen I Promise, before the 24th. And to top that I haven't done much shopping. I guess that will come about in time, too. I just want to finish this last class and have some breathing time.
Class will be over in less than one week. It's been a long haul, but I have almost finished everything. What an accomplishment, Hooray!
I will try and keep up this blog I have rather enjoyed writing and relieving some penned up frustration. As Dr. D. once stated it's good to rant and rave.
Everyone have a Very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year.
In God's Name Bless You All,
Nancy Zerger
These older people remind me so much of the students we have at the high school, they are just like the little kids in the elementary school. They don't want to miss anything fun, and that might happen if they aren't at the social events because they are running a fever or throwing up. My own daughter,(11) missed one day and I think that about killed her, literally. She usually gets sick on the weekends and then is fine come Monday morning. The other daughter(13) has no problem staying at home when she's sick. I think the eleven year old gets that from her father, He's out feeding cows and hogs, and running machinery even when he's sick.
This past week I was feeling the affects of an allergy attack. Never had one of those before. Couldn't see much even with glasses. Eyes were puffy, sneezing, and blowing the nose, I thought I was going to die. All I wanted was to be left alone and rest, but no... I had to fix meals, clean house, and run the family (girls) everywhere. {that's not an easy task with limited sight. I took a lot of back roads to and from town.
When you are mentally and emotionally drained, you could careless about the social events. Our big Social Event is having the entire family (18 in all) coming to our little house for Christmas, and we decided to put laminate flooring in the front room, before they all get here, bad timing on our part; so needless to say we have NO Christmas out as yet. The girls are getting a little worried. I told them it will happen I Promise, before the 24th. And to top that I haven't done much shopping. I guess that will come about in time, too. I just want to finish this last class and have some breathing time.
Class will be over in less than one week. It's been a long haul, but I have almost finished everything. What an accomplishment, Hooray!
I will try and keep up this blog I have rather enjoyed writing and relieving some penned up frustration. As Dr. D. once stated it's good to rant and rave.
Everyone have a Very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year.
In God's Name Bless You All,
Nancy Zerger
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thanksgiving or giving thanks for living?
Thanksgiving or giving thanks for living?
While riding up to the family's to have the meal and fellowship time, I took a short eye closer (nap) and was thinking the entire time about allthe wonderful things I have to be thankful for. I was also thanking God for the life I still have to live for. I have five children, my mom, my husband, grndchildren, and ALL my fabulous friends, and acquiantances I have met only briefly.
I enjoy meeting new people and learning new and exciting facts and information. Using this blog and learning how to use twitter, facebook, myspace and other social networks has been an educational trip I won't forget. I get better each time I get on. As the old saying goes "If you don't use it you will looses it." (especially passwords) I guess I haven't lost it because I can still get on this page.
When I was reading the article about the teacher who was putting information on facebook, my first thought was what are you doing talking bad about the place that employs you, and what ever you put on facebook will be veiwed by everyone and anyone on internet. And if the information you wanted to keep secret should have been done over the phone, (not much privacy there) or in person, of cousre you could have just kept those thoughts to yourself and not get anyone in trouble. I guess they will remember next time, if there is a next time. I'm sure they are thinking the same thing -- keep it to myself.
While riding up to the family's to have the meal and fellowship time, I took a short eye closer (nap) and was thinking the entire time about allthe wonderful things I have to be thankful for. I was also thanking God for the life I still have to live for. I have five children, my mom, my husband, grndchildren, and ALL my fabulous friends, and acquiantances I have met only briefly.
I enjoy meeting new people and learning new and exciting facts and information. Using this blog and learning how to use twitter, facebook, myspace and other social networks has been an educational trip I won't forget. I get better each time I get on. As the old saying goes "If you don't use it you will looses it." (especially passwords) I guess I haven't lost it because I can still get on this page.
When I was reading the article about the teacher who was putting information on facebook, my first thought was what are you doing talking bad about the place that employs you, and what ever you put on facebook will be veiwed by everyone and anyone on internet. And if the information you wanted to keep secret should have been done over the phone, (not much privacy there) or in person, of cousre you could have just kept those thoughts to yourself and not get anyone in trouble. I guess they will remember next time, if there is a next time. I'm sure they are thinking the same thing -- keep it to myself.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving or giving thanks for living?
While riding up to the family's to have the meal and fellowship time, I took a short eye closer (nap) and was thinking the entire time about allthe wonderful things I have to be thankful for. I was also thanking God for the life I still have to live for. I have five children, my mom, my husband, grndchildren, and ALL my fabulous friends, and acquiantances I have met only briefly.
I enjoy meeting new people and learning new and exciting facts and information. Using this blog and learning how to use twitter, facebook, myspace and other social networks has been an educational trip I won't forget. I get better each time I get on. As the old saying goes "If you don't use it you will looses it." (especially passwords) I guess I haven't lost it because I can still get on this page.
When I was reading the article about the teacher who was putting information on facebook, my first thought was what are you doing talking bad about the place that employs you, and what ever you put on facebook will be veiwed by everyone and anyone on internet. And if the information you wanted to keep secret should have been done over the phone, (not much privacy there) or in person, of cousre you could have just kept those thoughts to yourself and not get anyone in trouble. I guess they will remember next time, if there is a next time. I'm sure they are thinking the same thing -- keep it to myself.
I enjoy meeting new people and learning new and exciting facts and information. Using this blog and learning how to use twitter, facebook, myspace and other social networks has been an educational trip I won't forget. I get better each time I get on. As the old saying goes "If you don't use it you will looses it." (especially passwords) I guess I haven't lost it because I can still get on this page.
When I was reading the article about the teacher who was putting information on facebook, my first thought was what are you doing talking bad about the place that employs you, and what ever you put on facebook will be veiwed by everyone and anyone on internet. And if the information you wanted to keep secret should have been done over the phone, (not much privacy there) or in person, of cousre you could have just kept those thoughts to yourself and not get anyone in trouble. I guess they will remember next time, if there is a next time. I'm sure they are thinking the same thing -- keep it to myself.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
September is here and half way gone.
I can't believe it, the month is more that half over, and so is my first on-line course.
So much to do and so little time to get it done.
School is full swing, and the freshmen kids are getting used to their schedules, and they are learning that there are consequences for not getting their howework done on time. They are also learning that problems with their locker combinations are no longer an excuse to be late for class. It's a wonderful thing to have detention before or after school; and if you miss those, there is always Saturday morning to serve the time.
Farming is slowly getting done, ground is beginning to look ready for drilling wheat, hay is getting cut and baled, some for the second time. Sudan (forage feed) is being cut and getting ready for it to be baled also. Our hogs are getting ready to have piglets, and some of the cows are almost ready to have calves. Neighbors all around are plowing or discing ground too. Sure makes it dusty in the air.
Kansas State Fair ends tomorrow (9-20) and hope to go and see the antique tractor pull. We have a friend who is entered in it, he usually does a good job and wins a trophy. Our younger children enjoy going to watch the pull, and we usually take in some of the other attractions,too.
God has seen us through some tough times and I'm sure he will continue to answer our prayers. There are Godly moments every where a person looks and I want to quote a saying I have posted in my house.
So much to do and so little time to get it done.
School is full swing, and the freshmen kids are getting used to their schedules, and they are learning that there are consequences for not getting their howework done on time. They are also learning that problems with their locker combinations are no longer an excuse to be late for class. It's a wonderful thing to have detention before or after school; and if you miss those, there is always Saturday morning to serve the time.
Farming is slowly getting done, ground is beginning to look ready for drilling wheat, hay is getting cut and baled, some for the second time. Sudan (forage feed) is being cut and getting ready for it to be baled also. Our hogs are getting ready to have piglets, and some of the cows are almost ready to have calves. Neighbors all around are plowing or discing ground too. Sure makes it dusty in the air.
Kansas State Fair ends tomorrow (9-20) and hope to go and see the antique tractor pull. We have a friend who is entered in it, he usually does a good job and wins a trophy. Our younger children enjoy going to watch the pull, and we usually take in some of the other attractions,too.
God has seen us through some tough times and I'm sure he will continue to answer our prayers. There are Godly moments every where a person looks and I want to quote a saying I have posted in my house.
Godly Moments
- If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
- Happy moments, Praise God.
- Difficult moments, Seek God.
- Quiet Moments, Worship God.
- Painful moments, Trust God.
- Every Moments, THANK GOD
Thanking God everyday is not a chore, it's a privlege because we wouldn't be here without him in our lives.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
New to Blogging
The why, where, when, and what of blogging, just waiting for the tips on HOW.
The reasoning behind this blog site is only for a college course, OK that takes care of the why. Where to blog, I guess I will be doing that from home, as I am not able to get to this site from work. When to send updates, I guess that is whenever I have the time to sit and do it, unless it becomes a necessity for college. And as for the what to blog about, that will be my misguided thoughts that will come as I write. So I have created this, now what do I do with it? I guess that will come with time.
I have a friend who blogs once a month to let everyone know how she's doing. I also know she has to do it as part of her teaching missionary work in Honduras. When she retired from public schools, she hated using modern technology, and now she has a laptop, a cellphone, and a web cam. She is now more into technology than she ever wanted to be.
I'll close with the thought, " If necessity is the mother of invention why did they invent BLOGS, and is this really necessary
The reasoning behind this blog site is only for a college course, OK that takes care of the why. Where to blog, I guess I will be doing that from home, as I am not able to get to this site from work. When to send updates, I guess that is whenever I have the time to sit and do it, unless it becomes a necessity for college. And as for the what to blog about, that will be my misguided thoughts that will come as I write. So I have created this, now what do I do with it? I guess that will come with time.
I have a friend who blogs once a month to let everyone know how she's doing. I also know she has to do it as part of her teaching missionary work in Honduras. When she retired from public schools, she hated using modern technology, and now she has a laptop, a cellphone, and a web cam. She is now more into technology than she ever wanted to be.
I'll close with the thought, " If necessity is the mother of invention why did they invent BLOGS, and is this really necessary
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