Current Events

January 11, 2008

Attached is a letter from Pastor Winterle in Kenya. I urge you to visit his blog spot mentioned in his letter.

“After the burning of the church in Eldoret, where more than 30 children and women were burnt alive (see the picture of the Newspaper), and after the burning of the “Spring of Life Lutheran Church” in Kibera and of other churches too, it’s difficult not to cry.”

Please continue to keep Kenya in your prayers. Thank you.

Dear friends

See attach a message and the BLOG. We are well.

Thank you.

P Carlos Walter and Lídia.Winterle

Contents of letter received appear below

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

God is good! He is hearing our prayers! The big protest rally booked for this Tuesday was cancelled. I received on Monday a message from our security company: "THE KENYA OPPOSITION LEADER HAS CANCELLED THE NATIONALWIDE PROTEST PLANNED FOR TOMORROW". Praise God!!!

I prepared a BLOG about our situation. Read it carefully and share it with your friends:

http://pastorwinterle.blogspot.com/

You will like to see Friends of Mercy’s BLOG too:

www.thefriendsofmercy.blogspot.com

I hope we will have our regular Services next weekend.

I'm sure that God will help His children in Kenya and this wonderful country.

Blessings.

Pastor Carlos Walter and Lídia Winterle

January 7, 2008

THE SPECIAL MISSION for January is Beginnings Care for Life. (Please note: The January newsletter listing was incorrect) If you would like to add your personal gift to this God pleasing work, you may mail it to the church or place your gift in a white envelope and mark it “Special Mission”. Your gift will be added to the budgeted amount.

December 31, 2007

Dear members and friends of CLLC

I'm finally home after more than three weeks in the hospital! I still feel weak but I am definitely on the mend and expect to be fully functional by this time next week. I am so grateful for all the support you have given me - I was lifted and carried by your prayers, emails, cards, flowers, calls and visits. I relearned that the biblical phrase for patience is 'long suffering' and found much help in the Psalms from others who have suffered and found help in God's care - care often shown through people like you and the incredible staff at the hospital.

I am grateful to Susan and Ronnie for keeping you informed of my progress (or lack thereof) in the last three weeks, and for everyone who stepped up and helped through out the Advent - Christmas season, especially Mark Smith, Lee Kohlmeier, Kathy Shuman, Marty McNeil, Penny Retcher and many others. I will be seeing many of you this Sunday as we celebrate Epiphany and some of you when we get to Florida.

May God grant you all a most blessed new year!

Pastor Mark

December 31, 2007

Kathy Shuman reports

As you remember, the 2007 VBS mission that CLLC supported through Pastor Carlo Winterle is in Kenya. Kathy recently sent this email to Pastor Winterle.

To us in the Indiana, USA, it looks like the recent elections and the outcome is disastrous for the country. We pray for your safety and for all of those that are working to spread the Good News. We pray for calm in the country. Hugs, Kathy”

He quickly responded to me:

Thank you, dear friends, for your concerns and prayers. We read at the Brazilian News (Internet) that 57 people were killed after the announcement of Kibaki's re-election. This morning was the first time I went out home to go to the super-market; but it was a very strange feeling; lot of people at the market looking for food and water... It will not be possible to have the joint English/ Swahili New Year service, as planned. Downtown, were the church is localized, is desert and there is no public transport to downtown. We will pray and wait at home for a better New Year. Remember us in your prayers. Blessings.

P.Carlos Walter und Lídia.

December 29, 2007

Susan reports that Pastor is being released from the hospital sometime this afternoon and will continue his recovery at home.

December 28, 2007

Sorry it took so long to get back with all of you. As you can see from the pictures Pastor made it through the Christmas eve service.. but was REALLY tired he said he never realized how much effort it takes to do a service and he only did a little bit!

He is still in the hospital... every day they say tomorrow... then something else happens and it's one more day. I am glad they are keeping him there.. I know he is getting the best care and is still getting his hydration from the drip. He still hasn't had any solid foods... just liquids. The liquid is moving through better every day but is still quite painful.

I went back to work today.. tomorrow morning (Friday) I will be trying to get him home again!

One great thing is both Andy and Evan and his family have been here and Steve and his family (my daughter-in-law Adelle said I should watch what I wish for because I had told her I would love to have the family for Christmas just once!) this is not how I pictured it! My daughter will be coming tomorrow and that will mean all the kids came home to be with us.

Thanks again for all the prayers, emails, cards, and flowers. He still has a long way to go. Being in bed for 3 weeks has left him VERY weak and tired and we are still hoping to get to Florida where the fresh air and beached await us. That should fix him up!

Love and hugs,

Susan

December 27, 2007

Clear Lake Lutheran Church wishes to continue to support the May family in Togo with a $6000 gift ($1500 x4)

This was recently confirmed/approved at our budget meeting finally held last Sunday (12/23/07).

We had 2 service cancelled (one due to ice, the other due to 12 inches of snow) Pastor Mark has been ill in the hospital since December 7. So I am not sure that we have let you know this information. Forgive me.

What do I need to do? Thank you for your help.

Kathy Shuman (treasurer)

Clear Lake Lutheran Church

270 Outer Drive Clear Lake

Fremont, IN 46737

In 2008 Dave Heierman will be the treasurer, but Ronnie Kane is still the bookkeeper.

December 24, 2007

Merry Christmas!

Mark is still at DeKalb but will be on a pass this evening from 4:30 - 10:00 p.m. and will be able to participate in the Christmas Eve service!!! I am very happy the Doctor is doing this because he is so very discouraged and this is already putting some zip in his voice and a I am hearing a much more a positive attitude already. Andy (Mark's son) is still here and Steve and the kids are on their way! We am so blessed!!!!!

Keep the prayers going up because even the Boost and Ensure are having a very painful time going through! The Doctor took an xray this morning and he said everything looks good and sounds good... now we are just waiting for his body to heal, relax and do it's thing.

Love and hugs,

Susan

December 23, 2007

This is one note that I didn't want to write... Mark had a set back, again, last night. All day long he was in a lot of pain and discomfort. It seems that not enough of what he is putting in is getting through the intestines. He ended up throwing up a gallon of liquid last night and is back on intravenous feeding and clear liquids. Needless to say he is really down and discouraged. He does feel great... no pain and or discomfort! He is hoping they will take another catscan today to see if there are any other problems. He had one thing to be happy about and that is he is down to 180! But says this is a heck of a way to get there :( Please keep him in your prayers!!! Andy is still here and is a great support for both of us. THANKS FOR SHARING HIM JEN!!!

I hope the next note will bring a more positive news...

Love and hugs,

Susan

December 22, 2007

Susan says Good morning...

Well... everything is working again, only not a smoothly as Mark would like it to. He will be staying one more day to make sure that we will not have to take him back! He has considerable pain after he eats. The Doctors say he just needs more time to get everything working more smoothly. When he is not feeling the pain he feels great and is planning on preaching on Christmas Eve.

The great news is that his son Andy came here last night to spend Christmas with us and we are about to leave for the hospital.

Keep the prayers going... we are almost home!!!!!

Love and hugs,

Susan

December 20, 2007

Susan advises the following regarding Pastor

The tubes have been removed and he is on a liquid diet as his system is slowly starting up. Pray for a return to a normal diet and a safe passage through his newly retooled system.

He optimistically looks forward to going home on Friday or Saturday.

December 19, 2007

Dear family and friends..

I hardly know where to start. I got to bring Mark home from the hospital on Saturday night, through the snow storm, then in the middle of the night he started throwing up! We called the Doctor who told us he wanted us to come in in the morning. We could not get out but our neighbor Graham Sellers came down to check on us because he heard Mark was in the hospital and wanted to make sure everything was OK here. His 4 wheel drive 2 ton pick-up got us back to the hospital.. through a white out blizzard! What a blessing he was! They took a cat scan of the Mark and found an area of the small intestine, that they had to remove from the pelvic wall in order to reattach it to the colon, had managed to get a kink in it when it tried to go back where it had been. There was also some collapsing due to the fact that not enough liquids were being passed through. They feel the operation was a success and he came out of it feeling very good. Both operations were done laparscopicly so there are only two 3 inch incisions and one is completely healed!

Now we are waiting for GAS again! My dream is to write everyone to shut off the gas prayers!!!!!!!!! The nurses did hear some great sounds in the colon and intestines.. but nothing has exited yet. When he starts passing gas they will start with the clear fluids again and we pray they will work their way through like they are supposed to. Then they will think about sending him home again. He still has a nasogastric tube in his nose, a catheter, and a drain tube in the incision and is being feed intravenously. He is not in a lot of pain but does tire easily. The worry is also infections and lack of food to supply the vitamins and minerals our bodies need. He walks a lot... up and down the halls.

Short calls and or visits are OK, the number is the same... (260-920-2711 or call the hospital at 800-925-4600 room 315) they gave him back HIS room! They have even given me a big chair and blankets so I can sleep as needed.

Thank you so much for your prayers, cards, notes, emails, flowers, etc. We feel the love and support coming from each of you!

Love and hugs, Susan

December 18, 2007

Terri Hague says please forward this to all -

If we could get the donations purchased to the church by Friday AM I can get them delivered Friday and Saturday on my days off. Or if that does not work, call me at home 495-3319 or work 517-279-3333 to make arrangements.

Also, Helen Miller of Thrivent is asking for names and time spent by our people to get Thrivent credit. Please either email back to me or (preferred) create a sign-up sheet at church when you drop off the stuff.

See you all Sunday at church, God willing!!! Do you think maybe God is holding out until Pastor Mark can join us?

December 17, 2007

Pastor Gaertner update

The good news is:

Pastor was released from the hospital last night and went home to recover.

The not so good news is:

Some sort of relapse has forced him to return to the hospital for another look at the problem.

Prayers are welcome. Further details as they become available.

Pastor Mark’s original surgery has healed well. However, further testing revealed that Pastor Mark has a kink that will require exploratory surgery tomorrow (Monday) in order to correct the situation. Susan will let us know more when she knows more.

Pastor Gaertner will be operated on at 12:30pm today 121707 at Dekalb Memorial Hospital Auburn, Indiana.

Pastor is out of the recovery room and resting comfortably in his room. Alert, awake, and talking.

No visitors and no phone calls until otherwise advised..

Susan

December 16, 2007

CHARLES E. "CHARLIE" LORD, 50, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Born in Fort Wayne, he worked for the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. Survivors include sons, Jeremy Lord

of Connecticut and Justin Lord of Fort Wayne; granddaughter, Morgan Lord; parents, Charles A. and Jacquelyn

Lord of Fort Wayne; sister, Rebecca Terreo of Atlanta, Ga.; He was preceded in death by sister,

Martha Gorman. Service is 1 p.m. Tuesday at D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home,

8325 Covington Road. Pastor Gilbert Meseke officiating. Calling is from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial in Covington Memorial

Gardens. Memorials to Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

December 15, 2007

Pastor reports the following:

The tubes have all been removed. Liquid nourishment is now being consumed and the system is becoming more active as each minute passes.

He believes he will be allowed to go home today or tomorrow (Sunday) at the latest based on all current indicators.

Susan and Pastor are very thankful for all the prayers and support and are looking forward to being back to “work” soon.

December 14, 2007

From the desk of Kathy Shuman

Please check out the outdoor nativity scene now on display at church. A special thank you to Bob Bruick for assembly and placement J ! Let the board know if they should add additional pieces next year (from LF Grant). This year funds came from a donor who loves Christmas and has so much to be thankful for J

December 12, 2007

Family and friends....

Mark had a better day today but still can not take anything by mouth. We are still praying that everything will start working soon. They continue to pump his stomach (he got a new pump when the other one broke tonight) but is resting much more comfortably. If you call please don't talk long.. the tube down his nose bothers his throat. The number is 260-920-2711 or you can call the hospital at 800-925-4600 and ask for room 315.

We are both overjoyed to hear the good news about Joel (Mark's brother). His 4 heart bypasses are complete and he is awake and on the mend. Praise God!!!! (Mark was really worried so I called Linda, Joel's wife, just as she was getting the news and got to pass it on to Mark so he could get some sleep, I'll let her give the family the details) PRAY FOR MARK TO PASS GAS, please!!! He can't go the next step until he does.

Love and hugs,

Susan

December 11, 2007

Susan reports the following

The system has not yet become active so a tube has been inserted into the stomach area to relieve the backup. Pastor is currently being fed intravenously. It is just going to be a longer recovery period than first anticipated but everything will eventually reactivate and a full return to “normal” is expected. Still now visitors or phone calls.

If you want to contact Susan please contact her on her cell phone at 56-2430-9335.

The need for pray continues.

Susan

December 11, 2007

It seems our website has disappeared. When I go to that site now I find it is all about Martin Luther King.

Anyone have any idea what may be going on?

ronnie

December 10, 2007

Pastor Gaertner update!

I wish I had a more positive report but as of this evening (Monday) he is still not off the IV's, and his body functions are not working properly yet. It is very slow going and he is getting a little agitated and depressed over the lack of progress he is making. He still doesn't want any visitors or phone calls. He walks the halls a lot and is really happy with the Doctor and nurses. He has no comment on the food because all he is getting is liquids and he has to be careful how much he takes because he isn't getting rid of it properly.

We have no idea when they will let him come home. Please keep the prayers going up.... We are both so grateful for your love and support...

A beautiful sleigh of flowers arrived from the church from all of you.... THANK YOU.. we think of you every time we look at them and feel (and smell!) your love and prayers.

Susan

December 9, 2007

Terri Hague tghb215@verizon.net is seeking input on the following:

First - God has interesting ways of easing a persons concerns - Pastor was concerned about missing church, chili, and caroling today so God created a situation that cancelled those!!! And he is looking out for Pastor and his flock in many other ways, as we all know.

Project Help gave us 15 children and another baby girl due in January. Jeannie and I split up the Christmas families, and planned to get a few basic supplies for each family plus enough food for a complete meal. We have a total budget of $1500 from the church, a friend of mine handed me $100 cash yesterday totally out of the blue to add but we could use some help. If anyone would like to contribute to the meals, Jeannie's idea was canned beef and noodles, potatoes, vegetables, etc.

The shopping for my 7 children went pretty well so far. The things I need yet are:

Gloves for 3 yr old boy (Dylan L.-spent $150 so far))

Diapers (name brands only - reacts to off brands), size 4 and Mittens and Hat (coat is red, black, and cream colors) for 18 month old (Dylan M.-$146 spent)

Doll for 2 1/2 year old (Makaylynn - spent $146)

The above is close to $450 already.

Then the problem family - they requested expensive electronic games (Game Boy Advanced, Nintendo DS, VSmile), MP3 player, 2nd Edition movies, etc. I do not feel this is appropriate and have purchased the underwear requested only so far for 10 yr old Gage (spent $32), 8 yr old Gunter ($23.50), and 4 yr old Michael ($50). They also need "a new bed for 4 yr old or bunk beds for his 8 year old brother and he, preferable metal". That would be around $200. What's your opinions?

For their 11 year old stepsister I purchased clothes after speaking with her Grandmother and a few Bratz things, totalling $145.

I am totally out of my element with electronic games. I feel educational toys are better - books, puzzles, etc. I would appreciate some feedback. Had we had church you all would have been hit with my problem!!!! I have a single bed I could give away, or 3 water beds, but the address implies a mobile home and do not think water bed appropriate.

I work next weekend so will not be able to ask for help the 16th. Please email me or call me at home 495-3319.

Thanks,

Terri Hague

December 8, 2007

Susan Gaertner reports the following update on Pastor Mark

Pastor is doing well. Still in a lot of pain. Will likely be in the hospital til early week.

No visitors yet.

His hospital address is:

Dekalb Memorial Hospital

Room 316

1316 E 7^th street

Auburn IN 46706

Phone in his room 260-925-2711

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER BEFORE SUNDAY AFTER NOON

December 7, 2007

Phyllis Bruick provides the following info as of 5pm.

Pastor Gaertner is now in the recovery room as a result of a 3 hour surgery to remove a section of his lower intestine. This was to correct some issues discovered in this week’s colonoscopy.

Please contact Susan prior to any visitation. She will know when he is ready for visitors.

Rev & Mrs Mark H Gaertner

530 Fallen Oaks

Coldwater MI 49036-8055

Telephone 517-238-5872

December 6, 2007

From the Desk of Pastor Mark

Dear CLLC members and friends,

Recently I had an "annual physical" - my first in five years. I requested a colonoscopy because I had heard that everyone over 60 should have one whether they are experiencing symptoms or not (I wasn't). The scope revealed a mass which thankfully proved to be non cancerous but because it is "pre cancerous" I was advised to have it removed ASAP.

I just heard that I am scheduled to have colorectal surgery at DeKalb hospital in Auburn tomorrow (Friday) around noon. This is sooner than I expected. The surgery will involve the removal of the ascending part of the large intestine - technically called a hemicolectomy. It will be laparoscopic surgery which involves less cutting but the surgeon said I should plan to be in the hospital "2 to 7 days with two to six weeks of recovery time. " That is a wide range and the length of stay depends on how fast I heal and my system gets moving. The surgery will be done by Dr Todd Brandon.

I guess no time is a good time to have surgery but this is the busy Advent/Christmas season and I will be scrambling to make arrangements for Sunday. I will miss not only the service but the voter's meeting and the chili and caroling. I request and appreciate your prayer support. Please pray that the surgery will go well and that the recovery will be smooth and quick.

God's blessings to you as you prepare for the celebration of His birth and His coming again in glory.

Pastor Mark

December 4, 2007

Kathy Shuman shares the following health update on her mother Jane H. PepeIt is so comforting . I can’t thank you all enough. Mother has taken another turn for the worse as far as her dementia/Alzheimer’s/depression. Her heart still holds out. Her vitals remain good. Her agitation has been extreme even with knock out drugs… She was miserable. Medication changes can make a difference and that is why she is there again (third time in 5 months). They all remember her J. Please continue to pray for God’s peace for her. I can not thank Pastor Mark and Susan for their visits and their comfort. She was able to say the Lord’s Prayer and 23 Psalm with her. AMAZING J

She is back in Lutheran Generations in Fort Wayne. She knew she drove in an ambulance and in a clear moment wondered if there would be sirens and lights. When they said not necessary, she said they would be okay. Still loves to be the center of attention. J They were kind enough to let me ride with her directly. (It hadn’t been an option when Billy was sick back in 2001 L - I had to ride up front….)

Eventually by the time I left Generations, she finally was asleep. TBTG

Thank you so much for your prayers.

I am still having small group at my house tonight, Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. and would welcome anyone (East and West and anyone else) to join us. It will be a nice break for us. Call me for directions (316-4362 cell) or 833-6170 (home). Just don’t look too closely at the dust L, but we are all decorated for celebrating this special season!

Love, Kathy

November 27, 2007

BUTLER — Frances M. Mason, 89, of Butler died Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Mrs. Mason was a homemaker. She attended New Hope Christian Center in Waterloo and was a member of the

Wittenberg Guild.

She was born Nov. 17, 1918, in Butler to Clarence and Rosella (Hug) Camp. They preceded her in death.

She married Thurman W. Mason on March 14, 1942, in Payne, Ohio. He died May 27, 1997.

Surviving are a son, Dennis Wayne Mason of Butler; three daughters, Doris Jean Hoffer of Bluffton, Carma Lou Collins of Butler and Charlene Faye Knoblauch of Angola; 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Eileen Word and Dorothy Mavis, both of Edgerton, Ohio, and Mabel Osborne of Fort Wayne.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Russell Camp, and two sisters, Marjorie Vondran and Mary Alice Olds.

Services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at New Hope Christian Center of Waterloo. The Rev. Ralph Diehl will officiate. Burial will be in Butler Cemetery.

Calling will be Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. at Feller Funeral Home, 875 S. Wayne St., Waterloo, and Thursday from 10-11 a.m. at the church.

Memorials are to the church, the Diabetes Association or the DeKalb County Heart Association.

November 26, 2007 Information provided by Kevin Hart

DARLA JANE PURL, 42, of Fort Wayne, died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007, at Houston Hospice in Houston, Texas, following a two year battle with colon cancer. Darla was born on Sept. 26, 1965, in Dover, Ohio. She was a homemaker and member of The Chapel. She had previously worked for PHP, and Lincoln Life Insurance Co. She is survived by her husband, Jeff Purl of Fort Wayne; two sons, Hayden, 14, and Carson, 7; and one daughter, Rylee, 10, all at home; sister and brother-in-law, Deana (Rothacher) and Michael Zent of Fort Wayne; parents, Larry and Carolyn (Murray) Rothacher of Fort Wayne; and in-laws, J.D. and Mary Ann Purl of Rochester, Minn., and Allison and Jim Redding of Gholson, Texas. Service is 11 a.m. Tuesday at The Chapel, 2505 W. Hamilton Road, with visitation one hour prior to service. Pastor Rick Hawks officiating. Visitation also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at The Chapel. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery. Memorials to The Purl Children's Education Fund, c/o Three Rivers Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 2573, Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2573.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 11/23/2007.

November 20, 2007

Kevin Hart provides the following info

Darla Support Team:

Thank you to everyone for your love and support of Darla's entire family. The following is the visitation and funeral arrangements for Darla:

Monday, November 26th, 2007

* Visitation at 2:00pm - 4:00pm and 6:00pm - 8:00pm at The Chapel. (Family Visitation at 1:00PM)

Tuesday, November 27th, 2007

* Visitation at 10:00am - 11:00am at The Chapel.* Funeral at 11:00am at The Chapel.* Graveside Service following the funeral will be held at Highland Park Cemetery.

(If the weather is poor, the final service will be moved inside)* Burial at Highland Park Cemetery

Thank you,

Jeff Purl

Locations of Services & Contacts

The Chapel

2505 W. Hamilton Road S.

Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814

Phone #: (260) 625-6200

Jeff Purl

6548 Red Bud Drive

Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825

Home Phone #: (260) 471-1014

Cell Phone #: (260) 615-3791

November 20, 2007

Kenny Eichler's niece

Mindy A. Miller-Decker
MINDY A. MILLER-DECKER, 40, of Fort Wayne, passed away Sunday Nov. 18, 2007, at Parkview Hospital. She was born Oct. 8, 1967, in Fort Wayne. She is survived by her father and step mother, Max and Kathleen Miller of Fort Wayne; mother, Alyce Miller of Roanoke; grandmother, Marjorie E. Miller of Amboy; brothers, Tod A. Miller of Fort Wayne and Lane (Pam) Miller of Roanoke; stepbrother, Josh Tschannen of Fort Wayne; and stepsister, Adriane Tschannen of Fort Wayne. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Shelby Lynn Sheley; and grandparents, Robert J.D. Miller, and Alfred and Mildred Eichler. Funeral service is 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Covington Memorial Funeral Home 8408 Covington Road, with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens. Memorial to S.P.C. A. Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 11/20/2007.

From: Gary Novak

Date: 11/15/07 18:20:15

This is being sent to dear friends, family and other important people that have helped formulate Blake's life . Most know he is at the Naval War college for his masters which we are very proud of!! What most of you don't know is for his next tour he applied for and was one of the 6 finalist for being an aide at the Whitehouse! He just called and said he made the final two!! Then he said he GOT IT !! Wow! Thank you all! Now we pray the good LORD finds that good woman! Once again-thanks!! Just another day in paradise at Sun In Fun!! Actually -many of you helped influence a lot of my sons' lives--thanks again!!

November 14, 2007

Kevin Hart reports the following news

Darla Jane Purl finally beat cancer today. Just before 8:00 am CST on November 14th, Darla went to be with the Lord. Thank you to every one of you for loving her and cheering her on during this very difficult battle.

Love,

The Purl Family

Jeff, Darla, Hayden, Rylee, & Carson Purl

November 12, 2007

Kevin Hart reports

Darla Support Team:

I know that all of you are concerned about Darla Purl. The last email I sent on November 1st was following a dramatic decline in Darla's health as a result of her liver failing. On November 1st around 1:30pm, Darla had a seizure that lasted for nearly 10-minutes and required IV medication to get it to stop. The next morning Darla had scans of her head and neck and the results showed no evidence of metastasis to the brain or any bleeding in her brain that would have triggered such a reaction. The seizure was just assumed to be a result of blood/chemical contamination as a result of a faulty liver. It was not considered ethical to pursue the cause of the seizure any further. After about two or three days of sleeping, not eating, and very little to no acknowledgment of friends and family, Darla finally awoke and began eating a little, joking, and talking with friends and family. The doctors at MD Anderson said that following the seizure they expecting Darla to pass away soon afterward but instead she rallied. The doctors still agreed that the outcome may be delayed for a few more days but would still be the same.

Today Darla is residing at the Houston Hospice just 3-blocks from MD Anderson. This hospice is an old mansion that belonged to a mayor of Houston from many years ago. Beautiful gardens and decor that resemble an Amish community in Northern Indiana. Darla has been taken in a wheel chair throughout the hospice and she thinks it is beautiful. Our three kids and Darla's beagle, Blu, and the family kitten are able to stay with her in her room. Darla sat with her family in the garden with her family we all enjoyed a short time of her being alert.

I must let everyone know that Darla's body is failing even more now and it should not be long. Please continue to pray for Darla and our family as the time draws near. I wanted to let everyone know that Darla had not passed away yet and figured I owed everyone an update considering the length of time that had past between emails.

Thank you,

Jeff Purl

The following is a link to Houston Hospice that will allow you to go on a virtual tour of the facility.

http://www.houstonhospice.org

November 10, 2007

Preston Retcher and friends picking corn