2-27-06

"It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."

That's probably and often repeated line but I remember it most from an old tune by NAZARETH

The trip to Missouri went well, and I filled the lake with some tears. It's hard for me to put into words the emotions I felt, but as usual my friends were a great help. Max, Laird and Sandy, what can I say, but Thanks for being there. Vinnie and Deb, sure was good to see you. Doug and Laura, thanks for the the great food!!(inside joke here) Also Doug thanks for your words, they mean a lot. I brought back many cd's that I left there so I have new inventory to listen too.

Moriah pretty much remains the same. They are sitting her up more and with her new braids, she sure looked pretty. Obviously we would have liked to see some more dramatic progress by this point but we continue to be hopeful. Had some discussions with the staff and social worker as to what our next step is. Unless there are some dramatic changes or needed procedures Moriah should be moving shortly, although we have thought that before. It appears that we are not going to put in the permanent drain (shundt) at this point, but that could change also. We continue to pray that progress will continue. This is a marathon not a sprint.

We will be celebrating Mary's 50th birthday at Old Chicago on Wednesday the 1st of March. I plan on being there before halftime of the Hawkeye game so please stop in and say Hi if you can.
If you're going to the game or watching it elsewhere, please stop by afterwards if you can. For those of you who can't be there, lift a glass and we will feel your spirit!!!

God bless all of you! You are an amazing group!!
Dale

2-23-06

Please visit Moriah this weekend if you can while I'm gone. She remains in about the same condition as the last several days. Had her eyes open again today. They did take out the lumbar drain which is good. It did seem to help a little with the drainage of the fluid from her brain. If she gets quieter after having it removed they will probably put a permanent shunt in her brain to help with the drainage. Her CT scans were unchanged over the last week or so and that is good. They still have some concern with the ventricles and will keep a close eye to see if they increase in size at all which would show a retention of brain fluid, that's not what we want. She has a small problem with locking her jaw up and got her lip caught a couple of times. If she doesn't loosen it up they will have to put in some sort of toothguard to protect. She was not happy when they brushed her teeth today, so hopefully the emotion is a good sign. It's not getting any easier to watch this everyday, so please pray that we hold our strength, courage, and faith.

May the Lord shine his light upon you.

Hate to be repetive, but I'm going to share the words of a Jimmy Cliff tune again. I think I used this on February 10th. I've kind of adopted this as my theme song thru all of this. I sing the words in my head often, when I need a little support thru the day. If you don't own it, you should. If you are interested in buying a Jimmy CD the two best are Hard Road to Travel or The Harder They Come. He also has a 2 CD compilation disc out that would cover about everything.

I've got a hard road to travel and a rough, rough way to go.
But I can't turn back
My minds made up
I'll never stop, my faith will see me through.
Let me tell you, I'm all alone
this lonesome road I roam,
I've got no love to call my very own
Oh the river gets deeper, the hills get steeper,
And the pain gets deeper every day.
I've got a hard road to travel and a rough, rough way to go.
One more thing,
I dream of a home far away, far beyond the sea
Where there is love and peace and joy for me,
But destiny where it leads me I must go,
I've got a hard road to travel and a rough, rough way to go!
Said it's a hard road to travel and a rough , rough way to go!
But I can't turn back,
My minds made up
I'll never stop,
My faith will see me through.
Jimmy Cliff Hard Road to Travel Album Hard Road to Travel 1968

You all are the best!!!
Peace
Dale

2-22-06

Not a lot new with Moriah. Sshe had her eyes open most of the time I spent with her today along with Danielle. She seemed to respond at times, but hard to tell. That's the next big thing we're looking for is response to commands. I'll try to give you more of an update tomorrow as I will see the Doc in the a.m. Tomorrow's update will be the last one for a few days as I will leave friday afternoon for the weekend. We continue to pray for a miracle. Please pray for a safe journey and you as well. So I'm gonna crash and I will leave you with the following thought,

They say there's more wrong than right
Some say more dark than light
I say it's how you think
That makes you swim or sink!!!!

"It's how you think" Ozark Mountain Daredevils Album Men from Earth 1976 Still one of my favorite albums of all time, wow could it really be that old. Geeeeeeeeeez!

Also we're going to have a get together on March 1st at Old Chicago. Stop by and share a laugh and a beverage of your choice on Mary's 50th Birthday. I'll give you more details later. Probably from 8 to whenever after the Hawks game with Penn State.

room change

Moriah has been moved to 6JC west. This is off of elevator H. She is in room 24.

2-19-06

I lift mey eyes to the hills-
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121 v1,2

"It was a dream of bliss, too beautiful to last."
Wow what a line.

Moriah's condition has not changed significantly. They put in a lumbar drain to remove some fluid, as they felt that a scan had shown some increase in the fluid in the ventricles of her brain. That seems to be working ok but is a concern. A surgery that was planned forMonday has been cancelled. They were going in to get rid of some crud in her lung cavity but the scan showed that it had decreased so they are not going to go in for now. That is good news. She continues to look good as do all of her vitals. She had her eyes open over the weekend and did look to the side a few times. This has been quite and experience but as the saying says "the problem with experience is that so few people are born with it" Your thoughts and prayers continue to overwhelm me. We have truly been blessed with a great family and friends. I pray that you pray.

This coming weekend I have decided to make the venture to the Lake of the Ozarks to check on and visit the house and property that Mary and I purchased there. It will be a very bittersweet trip. So many great memories but so many shattered dreams. Mary and I had planned on building a retirement home there someday. She had spent a lot of time gathering ideas and making initial plans and drawings. There is so much I would like to say about this but I don't know that I can put it into words. I will miss her presence there immensely.

One of Moriah's friends gave me a CD to listen to which I did. I will share some of the words from her favorite song from this CD with you tonight. Thanks RaeAnn, Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.
Sometimes God calms our storms, Sometimes he chooses to ride them with us.

This is called Praise you in the Storm by the band Casting Crowns

I was sure by now/That you would have reached down/And wiped our tears away/Stepped in and saved the day/But once again, I say Amen, and it's still raining.

As the thunder rolls/I barely hear You whisper through the rain/I'm with you/And as Your mercy falls/I raise my hands and praise the God who gives/And takes away.

I'll praise you in this storm/And I will lift my hands/For you are who You are/No matter where I am/Every tear I've cried/You hold in Your hand/You never left my side/And though my heart is torn/I will praise you in this storm.

Goodnight
Keep the Faith
Dale

2-16-06

The human mind may devise
many plans,
but it is the purpose of the
Lord that will be
established,
What is desirable in a person is
loyalty,
and it is better to be poor than
a liar.
the fear of the Lord is life
indeed;
filled with it one rests secure
and suffers no harm.
Proverbs 19 v21,22,23

You might find it strange that I picked these verses. However it speaks to the plan that the Lord has for us, and of course it might not be our plan. I also felt it was telling me not to be fooling myself as to how I really felt. You know we'd all like to give God the finger now and then, and God understands that. I've cried out many times Why me??????? It's kind of like the Blues, you sing about your pain but also about your happiness. I have been so touched by many things since the accident but at the same time been in the depths of pain. Don't know if I've verbalized that how I wanted to but, oh well.

Moriah continues her fight. She looked good again today, and had her eyes open a little. Her vitals still look good, and looks like she's beating the mucus issue as they haven't had to suction her near as often. I would expect a move out of SICU shortly.

John Prine's album Fair and Square that I referred to a few weeks ago won the Grammy for Best contemporary Folk Album!!!! Beat out some guy named Springsteen.

Some people have asked about my email address msews@msn.com

I continue to be overwhelmed by everyones thoughts and prayers. We couldn't have come this far without you and we can't get to where we want to go without you, so please continue.

Danielle and I received a large Valentines baloon that was delivered to Menards, but the card was missing. So Thank you to whoever sent it, and let me know if you can.

And this lonliness won't leave me alone
It's such a drag to be on your own
My woman left me and she didn't say why
Well I guess I'll have to cry
"Many Rivers to Cross" Jimmy Cliff a great song about the daily battles of life
yep that about says it

I'll try to give the positive spin on some of this tomorrow, I guess it really is a mixed bag of emotions.

Again, many thanks
Dale

2-15-06

Live fully, but not foolishly!!

Just a quick note today
Moriah had a good day yesterday. A little quiter than the day before, but still had her eyes open quite a bit. Looks like she'll be moving again in a few days as long as there are no medical issues.
Hope all you girls had a good valentines day.

Leonard Skinner was the much maligned High School Phy Ed teacher of several of the band members. He chastised those with long hair and no athletic ability. Thus the name Lynyrd Skynyrd. I had a couple teachers like that,(not my dad of course)

Peace
Dale

2-13-06

You who have done geat things,
O God , who is like you?
You who have made me see
many troubles and calamities
will revive me again;
from the depths of the earth
you will bring me up again;
You will increase my honor,
and comfort me once again.
Psalm 71 v20,21

Ain't no good life,
Not the one that I lead
Cause the more I fight the sadness
It only seems the more that I grieve
Well I look back on the good times
With some lost part of me
I wanna know
Tell me why is it so??

"Ain't No Good Life" Lynyrd Skynyrd Album Street Survivors


All we have is hope!!

Another good day. Moriah had her eyes wide open today!! She seemed to respond somewhat when talked to. Her eyes moved to the side several times. (Pretty cool don't you think Maureen?) It brought tears to my eyes to see what appeared to be a response. We don't know where the road will lead us, but if you don't take it, you won't find out. It is still going to be an enourmous (realism) uphill battle for her if she is going to beat this. Medically she remains the same. All her vitals look good. No major issues with the mucus in her trache the last couple of days. They have removed the chest drain as they felt they got rid of as much crud as they could without a surgical procedure. So for now they hope it will dissapate on it's own. She had an uneventful weekend. She has not had a fever for the last few days so that is also good news. I believe now that she has those big brown eyes open, your visits are even more important so please stop by and see her if you can. I doubt that she will remain in SICU for much longer, so that would make visiting much easier also. Of course I will keep you posted.

Mama told me, when I was young
Come sit beside me, my only son
And listen closely to what I say
And if you do this It'll help you some sunny day
Take your time and don't live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
Go find a woman and you'll find love
And don't forget son
There is someone up above!!
And be a simple kind of man
The kind you can love and understand

Simple Man Lynyrd Skynyrd Allbum Pronounced Lehnerd Skinerd

I'm sure my friends from the 70"s were wondering when there would be a Skynyrd reference. Those of you who heard me talk about them at the visitation also know how important their music was to me.. fighting for survival, changing your ways, getting your sh__ together, listening to your parents, loving your girl etc. etc. If you think you are true Skynyrd fan tell me where the name came from?? No Cheating by looking it up. I'll give your the correct answer later.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good and his mercies endureth forever!!
Always like that line.

God's peace to all of you.
Dale

2-10-06

The Lord is a stonghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you.
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 8 v9,10

"I am a struggling man and I've got to move on" Jimmy Cliff

I've got a hard road to travel and a rough, rough way to go,
But I can't turn back
My heart is fixed, my minds made up
I'll never stop, my faith will see me through.
Let me tell you, I'm all alone
This lonesome road I roam,
I've got no love to call my very own
Oh the river gets deeper, the hills get steeper,
and the pain gets deeper every day
I've got a hard road to travel and a rough, rough way to go,
One more thing,
I dream of a home far away, far beyond the sea
Where there is love and peace and joy for me,
Oh in my eyes I see troubles and danger for me,
But destiny where it leads me I must go,
I've got a hard road to travel and a rough, rough way to go!!
Said it's a hard road to travel and a rough, rough way to go!
But I can't turn back,
My heart is fixed, my minds made up
I'll never stop,
My Faith will see me through.
Jimmy Cliff Hard Road to Travel Album Hard Road to Travel 1968

Moriah had another pretty good day today, visited her a couple of times and had her eyes open quite a bit for both visits.. They have removed the drain from her abdomen which is good. They put in a chest drain to try to get rid of some of the crud in one of her lungs, so that is of a concern right now. Again I see this as a postive step in the right direction. She is still in ICU which has more restricted visiting times, but the nurses are usually pretty good and will let you in unless they are doing something. She still looks really good and I know everyone is praying that there is improvement everyday. Jimmy Cliff sings a lot about the paths we take and where we've been and where are we going. I trust that God's path for Moriah, no matter which direction it takes, will lead to love and peace and joy.

I used to think that dates and holidays didn't have all that much meaning. I now understand what Neal Peart means when he says "what a fool I once was" which he repeats in his book that I am reading. I assumed they were all just another day. I had a pretty rough ride home today listening to the radio and the Valentines commercials. Sometimes it takes awhile but eventually the light does come on. How I wish I could buy another dozen roses , Tears Tears Tears. I don't know why I'm telling you all this but I am. Guys, go out and buy your sweetheart some roses and give them to her and tell her how much she means to you, and don't take anything for granted. Also roses will be on sale at Menards for 12.99 a dozen starting on Sunday the 12th! Also don't ever lose your sense of humour.

Better days are coming Bye and Bye
Don't you get downhearted,
Don't you cry
Troubles will be over
All our joys will come over
Better days are coming, Bye and Bye
Sorrows will be over
All our joys will come over
Better days are coming Bye and Bye
Jimmy Cliff Better Days are Coming from the Album Better Days Are Coming 1973

Talk to all of you in couple of days.
Gods blessings to all of you
Dale (Ace)(Stoneman)

2-8-06

Hope springs eternal!!!!

For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Romans 8 v24,25

Moriah had a very good day today. When I walked into her room this afternoon she had her eyes open and seemed to react to me when I spoke to her. Saw her eyes open and reactions that I haven't seen before. She seemed upset at one point and shed a few tears. Her therapy went well and once again we hope that this is another step towards a brighter future, for as all of you should know by now, There's a brighter day around the corner!!!! I also know that we have to be patient and keep and even keel but it's hard not to be optimistic after what I saw today. Our hope is that our prayers are being answered. Please continue your phone calls, emails, and prayers as they mean a great deal to me. Also you can put comments on this site.

Silos, hope your feeling better.

Hawk fans--we should not be allowed to play at Northwestern anymore.

I've been trying to fit in a few walks so if you see some crazy bald guy walking along Oakdale Avenue with a walkman praying and singing and crying, yep it's me.

How fast you gonna run? Away from this one. Anywhere but here.
You wanna disappear, To the next daylight, where everythings right.
It's always somewhere else, Once shame and guilt, Have made their mark-You can't run away from the nagging dark, You carry it everywhere in your heart, It finishes everything that you start, You can't run away fromt he nagging dark-How much it gonna cost?
When everythings lost, What a price you'd pay, Just to feel some way.

Cause your heart is stone, Ground to the bone, all your flesh and blood, Just ashes and mud,
Feels like your soul's been blown apart.
How far can you see?
Will you ever be free?
Through the blackest night,
You still hold on tight--HOPE IS YOUR FINEST WORK, IT'S YOUR FINEST WORK,
HOPE IS YOUR FINEST WORK OF ART!!!!!

John Hiatt and the Goners "The Nagging Dark" Album "Behind This Gruff Exterior"

I actually thought of this song within a couple of the days of the accident and thought I would share it with you now.

May God's grace fall upon you
Dale

2-7-06

"And go to the land of Moriah" Genesis 22 v2
The land where Abraham offered up Isaac in response to God's command.
Mary was always quick to correct anyone who thought Moriah was Irish for Mary or Spanish for the "wind" or a bunch of other meanings. This is where her name came from.

Moriah continues to be stable. Did see a slight opening of the eyes again today. Still concerned with the issues with the crud in her lungs. Don't know where the road will take us but it is one heck of a ride. I would like to thank those of you who continue to visit Moriah in the hospital. I can not tell you what it means to me! Your strength and faith continues to give me the same. You know who you are. God Bless all of you. Tears Tears Tears

Fly by night away from here
Change my life again
Fly by night Goodbye my dear
My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend

Start a new chapter to find what I'm after
is changing everyday
The change of a season is enough of a reason to want to get away
Quiet and pensive my thoughts apprehensive
The hours drift away
Leaving my homeland flying a lone hand my life begins today!

These are from "Fly By Night" from the album Fly By Night by Rush probably in my humble opinion one of the best rock bands ever!!!!! Prior to my taste in music mellowing these were the guys I listened to the most(and Skynyrd)
I still remember the first time I heard this album, Gunner you know what I'm talking about!

I'd like to thank Geddy, Alex, and Neil for all the great memories. Those of you who have known me awhile know my affection for this band. My Brother Ryan gave Neil Peart's book GHOST RIDER TRAVELS ON THE HEALING ROAD. Neil is the drummer and lyricist for Rush. In 1997 he lost his daughter in a car accident and then less than a year later his wife to terminal Cancer. This book chronicles his insight into the healing process and life. A truly outstanding read.

Peace to all of you.
Dale

2-6-06 again

Well you better not lose your humbles brother
or your life won't mean a thing
Well you better not lose your humbles brother
because it's harder when you fall
"Losin' The Humbles" Climax Blues Band Album-Sense of Direction 1974


Moriah has been moved back to SICU Bay 3 Bed 5. They felt she would get better care back here with her trache issues. Visiting her this afternoon it appears they were correct. All her numbers were back in line and she looked much more relaxed. Now we are starting to deal with issues of being bed ridden for an extended period of time, bacteria, infections, pneumonia etc. If she can get to a point where she doesn't have any more medical issues other than her state, then we can get her into a rehab facility. Don't really have an idea as to when that might happen. She has responded somewhat favorably to therapy so we again our hope is that this will continue on a road to recovery. I am so proud of how Moriah is fighting. Please continue to support her with your thoughts, visits, and prayers. Again thanks to all of you who are in this for the long haul along with us!!!!

How bout them Hawks!! Undefeated at home. I can't take credit for the last victory as I didn't attend but it sure was fun to watch them crush the Wolverines!!!

In you, O Lord I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me
and rescue me;
incline your ear to me and
save me.
Be to me a rock of refuge,
a strong fortress, to save me.
for you are my rock and my
fortress.
Psalm 71

SHARE THE FAITH!!!!!
and keep it too!

Dale

2-6-06

Due to concerns over mucus accumulating in Moriah's trache, she has been moved back to ICU.
Elevator I floor 5
I'll update everyone in more details later.
Dale

2-2-06

Not a lot new to report. Moriah continues her fight. She has pretty much remained the same the last few days. We continue our search for a rehab facility. Please continue to pray for her and for our future.
I'm going to take a few days off and will return with a blog on Sunday evening unless there are some significant changes.
Keep the Faith
Dale