Principium Finem

It was sixty-eight degrees last Monday as Dennis walked over twenty minutes in the warm sunshine down Padgett Road soaking up vitamin D. On Wednesday, his routine post office visit preceded our flight to frigid Cleveland where they’re experiencing the coldest winter on record. 

Overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s healing, all reports were excellent. Conferencing with the head of cardiology, Dr. Brian Griffin, at the #1 ranked heart institute in the world, he not only engaged with Dennis in conversation (about bison and grapes—what a combination!) but he also illustrated with a sketch all that had been accomplished in Dennis’ physical healing. Dr. Griffin shared that although he had been doing this for quite some time, he remains in awe of the miracle of heart valve replacement.

Additional tests on Thursday (from 7 am until 5 pm), revealed that Dennis’ “new heart part” is functioning well and that he can look forward to the next twenty years with greater vitality and overall good health. We know full well that this is a gift from God, and we thank Him for this gift of healing and health for Dennis.                                                                                                                                 This trip to Cleveland included some much needed relaxation and included visits to the Botanical Gardens and Crawford Automobile and Aviation Museum featuring the famed Erie Carousel which we rode!

Expecting a continued period of recuperation and strength training, the nurse practitioner at Cleveland Clinic outlined the guidelines for a  cardiac exercise program that Dennis can do at home. We purchased a new training cycle, and we are planning to take many long, peaceful walks enjoying God’s creation at “Sunset Serenade.”

This has been a long journey and sometimes quite challenging given the short time that we have known each other; but, it is clear that the Lord has grown both of us in this process. As we reflect, Dennis says that he has been learning more about patience and how Christ-likeness will always bear the fruit of patience. Perhaps the greatest life lesson in all of this is that life on this earth is unpredictable and uncertain from a human perspective. But with our Sovereign God, we can experience the peace that comes with the certainty of God’s promise of eternal life. So, now we ask according to the riches of God’s grace to use this experience and all of life’s experiences to make us more like Jesus and to give us many opportunities to further His kingdom on earth. As we hold fast to this eternal perspective, we say “thank you” to all of you praying with and for Dennis. We appreciate your friendship, fellowship, assistance, support, and encouragement. Our prayer is that the Lord will mightily use our testimony of faith and great praise to His holy name to save and bless others.

We pray that in the time He graciously gives us on this earth that we will live our lives in honor and obedience to our great Lord and as HE is our El Shaddai and our Adonai…

With a “heart” full of gratitude …in His amazing “”hand-tailored” grace,

Dennis and Donna

                                         

Looking Good Dennis Davis

Today marks the three week anniversary of the heart valve replacement and bypass surgery, and meanwhile, back at "Sunset Serenade" his home on Padgett Road, Dennis continues to get stronger every day! The nurse and physical therapist were here for four visits this week. He got an A plus on his physical therapy today (I have been doing the exercises with him--and they are challenging!), and he also received a great report from the nurse this week.

The doctors are still working to adjust his warfarin levels, so we sought out an antidote for the rather high level the lab results reported today. Clad in his Scottish tam, warm jacket, and scarf, he stepped in to a warm car and we managed a "get away" to Wendy's drive thru. Back at home, we indulged as we devoured an apple pecan salad with Dennis choosing the healthy choice of dressing. He definitely earns an a plus, plus in nutrition. He has really made some significant changes and his discipline in making healthy choices is encouraging!

Dennis has been encouraged to stay in for a few more weeks. The last thing the doctors say that he needs is to contract the flu or another illness. We have actually enjoyed the quiet; although, Dennis has been able to watch some sports and "catch up" on the news! We are addicted to Jeopardy; and, Dennis is quite good!

The Lord has been gracious to bring healing, peace, and especially patience to both of us. We can only praise His holy name for all that He is teaching us.

Yesterday we read Psalm 121 and were reminded that our help comes from the Lord. As we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the one who authors and perfects our faith, we trust that He who began a mighty work in us will continue...

To say that this journey has been challenging would certainly be an understatement. However, it has been filled with the joy of the LORD throughout its entirety. We truly appreciate all that you have done to make it a bit easier for Dennis along the way!

We are both very grateful to all of you for your cards, emails, telephone calls, and visits.
Dennis' mailing address is: PO Box 242, Lattimore, NC 29089 [he loves receiving cards!], and his landline is 704-434-6691. He still has some difficulty talking, but the inflammation seems some better today!

Most of all, we thank you for your constant prayers!



Maranatha...

In God's amazing, eternal "hand-tailored" grace,
Donna

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig

All Is Well at 1232 Padgett Road

It's been incredibly busy these past couple of days. Dennis is elated to be home again! We are focusing on sleep and rest as well as a good nutritional plan of action! We have a long list for whoever would like to grocery shop ... and THANK YOU in advance!

Yesterday I did some marathon cooking, and we both got some much needed rest for which we are very grateful. ... I know it's difficult if not impossible to imagine;  but, Dennis is having trouble talking. He has a cough which is dry but otherwise benign according to the chest x-ray.

Feel free to call for a short chat or just leave a voice mail ... These encourage Dennis!

We are so grateful for friends and family and all of our dear brothers and sisters in Christ!  WE LOVE YOU !

In God's amazing, eternal " hand-tailored " grace!
            Donna

Homeward Bound

Leaving the snow in Cleveland

Rumor has it that it is close to 70 and sunny at home... and, we are more than ready to soak up some vitamin D. Speaking of "D," he has been so committed to a whole foods nutritional plan as well as drinking 60 ounces of water daily...This has certainly helped him be able to leave the hospital! It's interesting the diet that is routinely served to hospital patients--and, those having had heart surgery--no less!

It is such a blessing that Dennis has the green light to return home. It will be quite a long period of recuperation; but, we are "on board" to do what we can to be healthy and happy!

Speaking of boarding, we will be doing that in the next hour.... Dennis' plans are to spend a quiet evening at home and just get some much needed sleep!

It's been a great day with John and Mark helping us! The snow has stopped, and we should be in flight very soon.

Thanking God for His presence on this journey!

"Every good and perfect gift is from God..."

Thirteen and Counting

VAROOM!    Let's Go to Lattimore!

The sky is laden with clouds, and it's snowing in Cleveland. A great time to make your own sunshine, Dennis is ready to "break out of here!"

Each day is an adventure here at Cleveland Clinic; but, today the news of perhaps being discharged [tomorrow] brought great joy!

It is with gratitude that we assess all that has been, all that is, and all that is to come! Thanking God for healing and the continued sinus rhythm which has been steady since the pacemaker placement...

Without delay, we have set travel plans into motion, and if all goes well, Dennis should be able to return to Lattimore by Thursday. We concur that Dorothy was right, "there's no place like home." He looks forward to sleeping in his own bed...actually, just sleeping will be quite a welcome gift!

Dennis has come a long way, and we continue to pray for healing, comfort, and strength. Asking the Lord to help us handle little details and give traveling mercies as the flight will be somewhat of a challenge...Hoping he doesn't set off too many alarms!

Today's devotion was taken from I Kings 19:1-12, and it was entitled "When God Is Quiet" ... It reiterated how God provided for Elijah with seemingly big miracles and other times in a still small voice. We claim the prayer, "Lord may we see You today in the small details of life in ways that we hadn't noticed before. Thank You for the gift of Your quiet presence, wherever we may find it today. 

In God's amazing, eternal "hand-tailored" grace ... 
              Donna


Chrysalis...You are such an encourager!
I LOVE YOU! 
Some people are worth melting for...



Bless Your HEART

"Create in me a clean heart O God; renew in me a right spirit."     -- Psalm 51:10

This morning we took turns reading Psalm 51 verse by verse...and were touched by this verse in scripture...

A woman named Kim came in to collect blood samples and told us her story of recommitting her life to Christ. Dennis related his experience with a staff member named John with whom he prayed yesterday. Reminded in scripture that God loves a contrite heart and broken spirit--which bring humility--we prayed and WE PRAYED!

Dennis went in to surgery at 12 pm and is now back in his room ... All went well and his heart is in normal rhythm!

Dennis is at peace with this decision. It will allow close monitoring of his heart rhythm; he is calling it his fuel injector--leave it to a "car man" to think out of the box ... no pun intended!

Thank you for your prayers and concern ...

For now, texting (or email) probably works best for communicating ... It is sometimes difficult to use the phone to return all of the calls in the hospital ...

If you desire a return call , please leave a voicemail and let me know who you are! We appreciate everyone's support!

In Christ...God's amazing, eternal gift,
    Donna

The HEART Of It All

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”  
 ~Luke 10:27

 

This morning Ben was on the elevator going to see his dad. We talked about Ben's mom and Dad and how his dad had been hit by a coal truck in West Virginia, had a stroke six months later, and was at Cleveland Clinic for a double lung transplant. We covered a great deal as we rode five floors to the J wing of the hospital. As we exited to go our separate ways, I asked Ben if I could pray for him and his family. I also asked him if he knew Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He smiled as only a twenty something year old could, and he said emphatically, "YES" ... and, I asked about his dad ... Ben told me his dad was a minister and that his parents were believers. He had three brothers and sisters who were not planning to come visit.

 

This afternoon, Dennis walked to the cardiac rehabilitation lobby to watch the huge screen TV as Green Bay dominated Seattle. We met and talked with Charles and his wife and daughter as we watched the game. We had prayed earlier in the day, and our sermon for today was one by Charles Stanley, Handling Life's Difficulties. We had claimed the promise in James that we are to ask God for wisdom and believe He will give us what we need. Well, Charles' daughter was a nurse, and, in the course of conversation, she shared that she had a pacemaker. She even showed us her scar, and she told Dennis that she never really had any trouble living with it over the past three years. THIS WAS DEFINITE CONFIRMATION !  What a sweet blessing to have this gift of speaking with someone who was not only knowledgeable but also could share from personal experience. This gave Dennis a sense of peacefulness as he was already resting in the Lord! All is well, and God is so gracious to send others to support and encourage us in His timing!

 

Well, time lapsed, Dennis took a nap, and the Seattle Seahawks celebrated their victory over Green Bay! Dinner arrived and Dennis drank the last of 60 ounces of filtered water to keep him hydrated over the next fourteen hours. The surgery is scheduled to occur around 2 pm tomorrow.

 

So, we remain vigilant and prepared for the next steps that God will order on this journey. Thankful for all that the Lord is doing to show himself powerful, mighty, and our strong tower! Believing in His promises...Trusting in His grace and mercy...

 

Donna 

 

 

One of a Kind HEART

It has been a day where the "joy of the LORD" has been the source of strength. Conferences with the team of physicians and learning more about the treatment options available filled the day. As you know, Dennis is a very special, unique man, and it appears that his heart is "one of a kind" as well. A team of super intelligent, well-trained, and experienced physicians who are also electrophysicists studied Dennis' case in depth. They explained that they had NEVER seen these concurrent issues in a patient. The meds to control his heart rate slow his heart, and due to the unexplained, idiopathic "pause," it is a concern that the atrial chamber is not conducting electrical impulses to communicate with the ventricular chamber as it should. The final decision to place the pacemaker was made by the head of the cardiology department here at Cleveland Clinic. Nonetheless, the team, AND DENNIS, are holding out hope that this may self-correct. They have monitored him very closely, and throughout the day, Dennis continued to experience atrial fibrillation and the mysterious "pause" that inevitably follows his self-conversion out of AFib. 

We have prayed for wisdom and discernment and have open hands to trust the Lord and rest peacefully with the decision to place the pacemaker. Filled with gratitude, Dennis would rather not have the pacemaker; but, his prayer is that God would use his life as the pacemaker does its job and that he would be given opportunities to serve His Lord.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Dennis is still having some trouble, coughing profusely, when he tries to talk; but, feel free to call him for a short conversation or send a text message or an email.

704-301-5991
senddavis@gmail.com
donnajoearl@gmail.com 

Cleveland Clinic
Patient: Dennis Davis
Deliver to:     J3-5   16
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44195 


Grateful for all that the Lord IS doing in Dennis' life and grateful for all that the Lord will continue to do...

In God's amazing, eternal "hand-tailored" grace,
Donna

Plans To Order

"A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD orders his steps."   ~Proverbs 16:9

A change of plans was in order today as a team of physicians met to discuss/determine the best course of action regarding a problem of conduction between the atria and ventricles of Dennis' heart. It was decided that he will need to stay in Cleveland until Monday at which time a pacemaker will be implanted. Depending on his recovery time, he should be able to return home next week.  

He is doing well overall--eating whole nutritious foods, drinking over 50 ounces of water per day [Whoo! Whoo!], has discontinued all of his pain meds, and is continuing to get stronger each day! He was really looking forward to getting back to Lattimore tomorrow so this decision--although by necessity--was somewhat of a disappointment. However, we recounted a story related some years ago by the Christian surgeon, Bernie Seigel (author of the best-selling book, Love, Medicine, and Miracles), wherein he shares that many people were very upset because they were not able to get on their plane flight home due to delays...but, the plane that they were to board crashed killing everyone on board.

Nathan (Nate), Dennis' young, but very wise beyond his years, nurse for today encouraged us by sharing his story that "everything happens for a reason...!"  So, we are accepting and trusting the LORD as HE orders Dennis' steps on his journey.

Our devotion (Isaiah 55:8-11) for today reminded us that God's Word is like refreshing rain in the desert...It brings new life and nourishment to an open heart...

God's Word is like refreshing rain

That waters crops and seed;

It brings new life to open hearts, 

And meets us in our need.

             ~Sper  

  

Hurry Up and Wait

Much stronger today, Dennis has been walking, and we spent some time in the family room. Getting some much needed rest, naps were in order several times during the day!

Today brought closure to many of the decisions regarding post-surgical care. Dennis is ready and waiting to go home! This day has seemed like a "hurry up and wait" day...so, we prayed for patience.

Dennis has experienced atrial fibrillation and a "pause" that a team conferred about around 11 pm this evening. We should know more about this tomorrow.

Reminded that rest and quiet are prerequisites for spiritual growth although foreign to our daily living, our devotion focused on John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abide in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing."

Gratitude of the Heart

Thankful for the surgeon, the nursing staff, and all who have been a part of Dennis acquiring a new heart...literally and figuratively!

Today was filled with appointments with a myriad of people including the nutritionist, respiratory therapist, nurse practitioner, physician and everyone in between. 

Dennis also grieved the loss of Catherine, his wonderful first cousin, who used to dress him up and who has helped him immensely over the years. We have been praying for all of Catherine's family.

A telephone call from his childhood best friend, David, and a visit from Eric Morton, a researcher at Cleveland Clinic, made his day very special.

There were many decisions to make today, and we spent a great deal of time in prayer over these decisions seeking wisdom and discernment. We claimed the promises in James that tell us that if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given him... Now, the hard part...The rest of that verse in James says that when we ask we should believe and not doubt for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind...So, we ask according to God's will, and we believe!

Today we are thankful for Dennis' progress however big or small...We are grateful for the staff who really care and love their patients ...

We pray that our lives will be a testimony for Jesus Christ as there is a great Eastern religious influence here. There have been many opportunities to tell others about Jesus... and, there have been even more to show the love that we have for the Lord to them! Pray that we will be bold and have a real burden for those who do not know Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior.

With a heart of gratitude...that overflows...

In God's amazing, eternal "hand-tailored" grace,
     Donna

 

Cleveland View From Dennis' Own Room

WHOO WHOO

All Is Well With Dennis' Heart and Soul

Tuesday Dawning

Tuesday morning dawned, and Dennis reported a much more sound night's sleep in his private , short-term stay room. Today he is promised a suite, so we look forward to that move.

We have a mantra that we NEVER complain about any kind of food; so, we thanked God for the plain folded egg, rice krispies, and apple juice! Dennis ate all of it!!!

As expected, it is extremely painful when he coughs. Weak from losing 10 pounds overnight, he, nonetheless, continues to steadily improve.

Today, Amy is flying back to Raleigh. Dennis has been so encouraged by her visit, and we pray for traveling mercies for her.

Our devotion for today was very encouraging. Taken from Our Daily Bread, the psalmist speaks of how God's love sustains us in difficult times. You can read it by going to the following link. We hope that you, too, will be encouraged!

http://odb.org/

THANK YOU for your continued prayers!

In God's amazing, eternal "hand-tailored" grace,
     Donna

Crossing the Line to A Sweet Suite

Evening UPDATE ...

Okay, we are watching the Ohio State College Football Championship in Dennis private room in Ohio, and the score is 21-20.
             Whoo! Whoo!

What a day ! Dennis was in AFib early this morning...the decision was made to shock his heart for the purpose of achieving a normal rhythm; however, subsequent to the shock, Dennis remained in AFib. 

Although exhausted, he did sit in a chair for 4 hours today. He also ate some pasta and fruit--his first solid food since Thursday night.

Around 7 pm , when we thought all was lost, Dennis was offered a short-term stay room, and he converted out of AFib. 

Looks like a winning streak for Dennis and for Ohio State!

I don't believe in luck, but GO BUCKEYES!

Inch By Inch

Monday , January 12th

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."    - James 1:12

Good Morning! It's a new day!

Dennis is progressing each day toward recovery! Yesterday presented it's milestones and challenges! He got a good shave and sat up for 4 hours. Experiencing significant pain when he coughs, he's still managed to get off the narcotics which were making him very nauseous.

Around 4 pm yesterday he went in to AFib again and has not converted out of it. There is a 48 hour window to use some meds to help the rhythm convert to normal . For now, our prayer is for healing according to God's will! Dennis would really like to go to his own room today, and there is a possibility that he may be able to be moved.

Last night when Dennis prayed aloud it was his prayer that the Lord would bring healing and give him strength through the night. He is feeling much better this morning, and his first words to me early this morning were words of thanksgiving and praise. Everyone around him has been influenced in a positive way!

Thanking God that HE is always with us ! Looking to him for wisdom, strength, and courage to continue to persevere...FINISHING STRONG !

PRESSING ON

Yesterday Dennis had a challenging day! Around 5:30 pm, he went in to atrial fibrillation. His blood pressure dropped extremely low as "an army" of nurses and doctors surrounded him. He was up and sitting in a chair at the time the AFib occurred. It continued throughout the evening as we were praying that the heart might go back in to rhythm without shocking it. At 10 pm, his heart did convert in to normal rhythm ... PRAISE THE LORD ... Dennis had told the doctor that "He preferred to skip the jumper cables" ... the "car man" in him!  So, he is very, very happy about this.

He was not feeling well at all yesterday evening because he did not even watch all of the Panthers game ... athough he tried and held out hope ... LOL!

This morning the nurse told him that his platelet count is low, so they are doing some tests to try and address this issue as well.

Today is a new day, and we have read in God's Word this morning, "Do not fear ...; you are of more value than many sparrows"  Luke 12:7

"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Our prayer as we face this day is to trust our Holy and Sovereign God in all things !

The plan is to wean Dennis off of more meds, get him up for a couple of hours, and for him to be able to rest as he perseveres with the soreness and significant pain of moving around after the open heart surgery!

Thank you for your prayers!

In HIS amazing, eternal "hand-tailored" grace
    ....Donna

The Morning After

MILLER PAVILLION AT CLEVELAND CLINIC

It's a frigid 3 degrees here in Cleveland where Dennis is still in ICU ... It's exactly 24 hours since the 7 hour surgery began. Early this morning around 6:45 am, Dennis was alert and coherent. The nurses asked him if he knew where he was, and he told them the name of the city, the clinic, and the physical address here on Euclid Avenue!!!! Candidly, they praised him for the most complete answer they had ever received from a patient. Dennis was delighted to hear about all the calls and emails from friends and family...and especially the promo production underway by Greg....It's good to know things are in order at home; Dennis sends thanks to Chrysalis for taking such excellent care of Clyde! THANK YOU Mike, Wayne, David, Mike, Martha, Don, Beth, Gail, Andy, and everyone who is praying for Dennis... There is power in prayer!

As would be anticipated, Dennis is very tired...His words, "I'm wore out!" He has controlled his pain so far with the morphine pump which is positive. His blood pressure has been prone to dropping so he is still receiving meds to keep it in a normally acceptable range. He had an episode of nausea this morning, but it was easily controlled with meds. He is doing well with the respiratory therapy; however, he experiences a great deal of pain when he coughs. He remains in good spirits making me and the staff smile and laugh out loud !  HE'S A TROOPER !

We are looking forward to Amy's arrival this evening, and hopefully Dennis will be able to watch the Panthers play (Whoo! Whoo!  Karen)

With hearts of gratitude we are thanking God for his abundant grace and infinite mercy as we draw near to Him.

Thanking all of you for your support! 

If you want to send a message you can comment on this blog or email Dennis at senddavis@bellsouth.net. 

In God's amazing, eternal "hand-tailored" grace...
              Donna

Great News

~posted Friday, January 9th at 11:15 pm

When I went to ICU at 6:30 pm this evening to visit Dennis, he recognized me and squeezed my hand....The nurses asked me to stay in ICU since he was so responsive, and around 8 pm, he began to swat at the tubes which was great news! They took the breathing tubes out about an hour later. He was somewhat alert and thinking clearly.I fed him ice chips, and he drank out of a straw (those of you who know Dennis know he doesn't do straws! So, again whoo whoo!) By 10:30 pm, he was asking me when I was going to get some sleep...so, I left him shortly after that to eat and get some rest! He is in a great deal of pain and adept at using the morphine pump every 6 minutes...however, overall, I think he is doing phenomenally well handling the pain, soreness, and stiffness not to mention the after effects of a 7 hour surgery. 

Thanking God right now for protecting Dennis through the surgery and for the somewhat miraculous recovery this evening. What an incredible blessing!

Thank you all for your calls, concern, emails, and snail mail cards! They are greatly appreciated!

The nurse will be calling me at 6 am with an update and I am planning to go to ICU around 6:30 am to see Dennis and hopefully catch the doctor doing rounds...

Continue to lift Dennis up crying out to our Jehovah Rapha for healing!

To God be the glory!!! Great things HE has done!

Will send update tomorrow afternoon!

Post-surgery UPDATE Friday, January 9th

Many thanks to friends and family who have kept in touch today. I just spoke with the surgeon, and Dennis did very well before, during, and after the surgery. It lasted much longer than expected because of the scar tissue surrounding his sternum. The plan was to fuse the sternum by inserting titanium plates and wiring it together. This was not possible, so they wired it together and left it primarily as it was prior to the surgery. His heart valve was replaced and is working well and the arterial bypass was successful according to the surgeon.

Dennis will not go to a recovery unit; he will be taken to cardio ICU and the ventilator will be breathing for him until the anesthesiologist makes the decision to remove it. This is expected to happen over the next 24 hours...(the sooner the better; but, he was under anesthesia for an extended period--so it could be longer).

I am going in to see him in about 45 minutes, and I am allowed in for 15 minute visits until 9 pm. Cell phones are forbidden in ICU, but feel free to call or text, and I will return your call.

 I will send another update at that time if I possibly can. If not, I will post tomorrow morning.

I covet your prayers for Dennis and for me.

Grateful for your care and concern...

In God's amazing, eternal "hand-tailored" grace...
            Donna

[Donna's cell:   704-301-5991]

Ready and Praying

Dressed and ready to go at 5:40 am, the first hours of the morning held our prayers to our Sovereign God for strength, courage, peace and healing! Sleep eluded Dennis as he was battling some acid reflux and could not drink any water (presurgery restrictions). He was prepped for a 4 hour surgery and a recovery in ICU while still on the ventilator. We were advised that he may come off the ventilator today or tomorrow depending on how he is responding subsequent to the surgery. He is to receive a new valve and the surgeon will also do a bypass of a minor horizontal artery. ...The short term as well as the long term prognosis is excellent!

Thank you for your prayers and encouraging emails, "prearrival" cards, and texts and phone calls . Feel free to call or text to this number. I will be sharing these as soon as I can rejoin him. We cannot have flowers or any objects/gifts in the cardiovascular suites (hospital policy)...

As soon as I know more, I will post ... MANY HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY...

Cell: 704-301-5991
Email: senddavis@bellsouth.net

The Chill of Victory

Cleveland Bound from Lattimore

Cleveland bound, the challenges paved the way to adventure as we landed safely in Cleveland yesterday. The whirling waves of Lake Erie beneath us sent shivers up our spines as the wings of the jet banked in to the crosswinds. We could FEEL the cold!

Shielded from the subzero degree temperatures, the clinic sent a limousine to pick us up; and we are so grateful for the Intercontinental Hotel which connects to the hospital. On the way, Donna misplaced the car key and Dennis has lost his cell phone. Just enough adventure so that we don't get bored!!!!

All of Dennis' appointments have gone well, and we are waiting now to see the surgeon and get a more specific time for the surgery. Dennis is celebrating the impending victory of being the recipient of a bovine valve donor. He's  positive, and we have prayed together asking God to give strength and courage. We have prayed for the doctors and staff and are praying for our lives to be a testimony for the Lord that brings glory to Him.


Thank you for your encouragement and prayers! We are both using Donna's cell phone [704-301-5991] for now (Dennis suspended his hoping it will be found)...Dennis is checking email at: senddavis@bellsouth.net.

Taking a little nap while waiting to see Dr. Griffin