The Southern Gospel Sound of Redemption

Well, another school year has come and gone. I thought it was a good time for an update on Rachelle (pronounced Rachel) since I haven't given one for a while.

Rachelle will be starting a new class in a couple weeks at one of our local high schools. She technically should be going to Jr. high, but they didn't have anything appropriate for her in that age group. After visiting this class, I knew it was exactly what I had prayed for! Now I'm praying they will have the perfect aide for her too!

As many of you know, we had been trying very hard to keep Rachelle from getting sick. Well, we accomplished that for a full 14 months! She got a cold around Easter, and has had quite a time getting over the cough. Since this illness, we have noticed she has been having more difficulty with swallowing her liquids - even with them being thickened. She will be having another barium swallow test to determine if it is time for her to have a G-tube. She will also be getting a suction machine to help the saliva/liquid build up in her throat, which also contributes to the swallowing difficulty.

She has still been experiencing some stiffness in her joints. She has gotten some braces for her ankles. She is getting some for her wrists and hands. These help to prevent contractures.

Since Rachelle has been in the wheelchair full time now, we've needed a lift to get her in and out of our vehicle. Vehicle lifts are not covered by any of the programs she has and lowest price we had found is $5,000.00! My back just couldn't handle it much longer lifting her in and out, she weights about 70 pounds. She just turned twelve in May, so she is getting bigger and looking like a little lady now.

Our dear friends Dale and Jean Sparkman knew that the lift is quite an expense, and with us being a one income family arranged to have this upcoming benefit concert for Rachelle hoping to help with this and other expenses for Rachelle's needs.

We are so overwhelmed with the many folks who have continually given encouragement and prayers to our family. You may never know how much it means to us. I know this update may in some ways sound discouraging, but I assure you that is not the case. I know that for her age with this disorder Rachelle is doing quite well, and we continually see and feel the Lords hand on her and in our lives.

His touch is what has kept us going strong and happily sharing His love through our testimony with everyone with which we come in contact. I've said it before and I'll say it forever, Rachelle has truly been a blessing to our family! The Lord has given her the ability to teach us invaluable lessons in love, and in what's really important in life.

Our Rachelle Update: Friday - June 16, 2006