Prayer warriors, send some up for my Dad please.

[onedef92]

Just found out from my younger brother my Dad was taken to the hospital this afternoon.

Don't know what's going on exactly, except his blood pressure was lower than normal.

He's 75 and has dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), the most common type of progressive dementia. No cure, only treatment to slow the symptoms down.

We spent Christmas as a family this past weekend and I'm so glad, though. You never know what tomorrow will bring...

Please pray for Johnny Lee Shipp, one of the greatest men I've ever known. An Air Force veteran, (Ret.) a Civil Service employee, and a terrific father.

He changed my diapers when I was a baby and now I'm changing his adult diapers. Such is the circle of life, huh?

Still, If I only manage to impart 10% of the ethics and values into my kids my Father instilled in my brothers and me, I'll consider myself a successful
parent, indeed!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m111/onedef92/Family%20and%20Friends/JJD09.jpg

On the aside tip, my son, Julian, Jr., was the first male Shipp born in our family in 30 years. Mom and Dad call him "the prince of the family."

[Flatbush Harry]

Prayers for your Dad's healing and comfort, and best wishes for the New Year.

:cert:

Harry

[Datawiz]

:angel:

[Marc]

We will keep your dad in our prayers Julian. :angel:

[VatorMan]

:angel:

[beadist]

Prayers sent for your dad :angel:

[carlton_fritz]

http://i40.tinypic.com/66xgys.jpg

[oyealiz]

You know how close to home it hits for me that your dad has dementia, since my mom had Alzheimers.

Prayers and hugs sent your way.

[onedef92]

You know how close to home it hits for me that your dad has dementia, since my mom had Alzheimers.

Prayers and hugs sent your way.


Yeah, thanks Liz. It truly helps knowing there are friends out there like you who can empathize and sympathize. I appreciate it. It's really tough on my Mom, a lifelong professional caregiver.

She cared for my Grandmother (who had Alzheimer's more than 10 years) her Father (emphysema) and now my Dad. :sadangel:

[Rotorhead]

Prayers to you and your father my friend.:sadangel:

Pour your grace, O loving God,
upon all suffering with dementia.
It is frustrating
not to find a word;
it is fearful
to lose one's memories.
Bless them with patience,
a loving and supporting family,
and days of hope and accomplishment.
In Christ's name we pray.
Amen.

Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Prayers/Protestant/Aging/Prayer-For-Those-With-Dementia.aspx#ixzz1hlcxBPs2

[78SA]

Prayers said for you and your family. :angel:

[aj]

I hope things turn out OK. Sounds like a very good man. :sadangel:

[RonC5]

Prayers sent.

[xXBUDXx]

Prayers sent, Jules.

[oyealiz]

Yeah, thanks Liz. It truly helps knowing there are friends out there like you who can empathize and sympathize. I appreciate it. It's really tough on my Mom, a lifelong professional caregiver.

She cared for my Grandmother (who had Alzheimer's more than 10 years) her Father (emphysema) and now my Dad. :sadangel:


Watch over your mom, too. My dad's health was really bad after years of taking care of mom. Physically and mentally it was so hard on him. We finally had to step in and beg him to quit doing most all of it himself. We were afraid we'd lose both our parents.

[onedef92]

Watch over your mom, too. My dad's health was really bad after years of taking care of mom. Physically and mentally it was so hard on him. We finally had to step in and beg him to quit doing most all of it himself. We were afraid we'd lose both our parents.


Great advice. There is a good chance Dad will be admitted to a nursing home or other appropriate long-term care facility this time. He's been on the waiting list for some time now, waiting for a room to become available.

He was admitted earlier this year to a really good one about 10 miles from my parent's house, but my Mom decided to bring him home after a few weeks. It's a tough (and expensive) call to make, even with disability insurance and VA benefits.

[bradc6]

:angel:

[themonk]

:sadangel: sent.

[NEVRL8T]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jules.

[onedef92]

Just got a text from my brother. He's being admitted to the hospital. Still don't know what's going on. My older brother and his wife are arriving today from Macon, Ga. They're stuck in traffic somewhere along I-65.

Must be an accident or a construction delay.

[ConstantChange]

He's in my prayers.

[NEED-A-VETTE]

Prayers sent. :angel:

[MEC5LADY]

Prayers and good thoughts for your Dad and your family.

[Ol Timer]

Prayers for your Dad, Jules, and for you and the rest of your family as well. Thanks for your comments about your father's character and influence on you. Even with his mental frailty, I'm sure he's aware of your love for him.

God bless you.

[Issues]

Thoughts and prayers go out :angel:

[longhorn341]

:angel::angel:

[kingpin]

Positive thoughts coming your Dad's way!

[neece]

Prayers sent. God bless you all....we take care of Thomas' mom, who has dementia. It is maddening to say the least, an awful disease I wouldn't wish on anyone. It is hard to deal with as a caregiver and I feel for you all. :sadangel:

[jaxgator]

Prayers that this is nothing too serious that can't be taken care of with med's, if need be. May God bless your father, you and your family Jules. :angel:

Keep us posted if you can.

[mrvette]

Jules, hang in there man, sorry about your dad there, something we all go through at one point or another,

Take care, and prayers sent.....:sadangel::D

[Blademaker]

Lord,
Today, I lift up in prayer to you Johnny Lee Shipp.
I humbly ask that you heal him, and look over his family.
In your word, it is taught to us that we are to have faith in your healing powers. Well, I have that faith, Lord, and I believe.
These things I ask in Jesus name, Amen.

[LisaJohn]

Prayers sent. My granny has dementia/alzheimers too.

[OddBall]

Prayers sent for your dad and your family, Julian. :angel:

Your father has a kind and gentle face. Takes a good heart to produce that. :cert:

[LilRedCorvette]

I am so sorry to read this news, especially so at this time of year.

My grandfather had dementia along with kidney failure and I saw firsthand the struggles my Mom (an only child) had to deal with. We would visit him often at the nursing home and it was hard to see his memory slipping away.

Prayers sent. :sadangel:

[Truck Guy]

:sadangel: Prayers for your Dad and your family Julian. :sadangel:

[NCC-1701]

Prayers sent for your dad and a Speedy recovery.:angel::angel:

[BADRACR1]

Jules, you are one of the strongest men of prayer I know. I would go out and say you are the prayer rock of this forum. Know that in your time of need we will all step in the gap, lift you up and fight for you and with you.

:iagree:

Julian, truly sorry to hear this from you. Just a couple of days ago we were telling each other everyone was well. Life changes so quickly. My mom is at the hospital right now as well, but I believe it's the flu/crud going around and hopefully not anything more serious.
You and your hero will be in my thoughts tonight, and I'd be grateful if we were in yours.
Your friend always, Barry

[VetteBoy1979]

:angel:

Prayers sent for Shipp Sr., Julian! You're lucky to have him as a father, and he is luck to have you as his son.

That is a great picture of the Shipp men!

Prayers he is soon Shipp-shape! :)

[Dan Dlabay]

Will keep your dad in our prayers and may God bless him.:angel:

[Grey Ghost]

Prayers sent. Get well soon, Mr. Shipp !

My dad had a terminal illness. I helped take care of him for two years. Shaved him, bathed him, wiped his butt, and peritoneal dialysis three times a day. His mind was as sharp as ever. But the majority of his organs were damaged from heart attacks and the medicines that were given to him to keep his heart pumping. I would have continued it forever to keep him alive. But a stroke finally took him away. I know the circle of life you speak of. :seasix:

[boracayjohnny]

For Julian and any of his family? Always. Prayers sent.

[JRD77VET]

Prayers for your Dad, Julian :angel:

"The Prince" needs more grandpa time :yesnod:

Jeff

[Millenium Vette]

Prayers sent Julian. You have a beautiful family.

[Poog]

:angel:

[theriver]

Julian, without knowing him I am certain that he is a special man judging by the character you possess. Best wishes for him.

[ZipZap]

Julian, you've had quite a year with work and family. If anyone has a credit account with the man upstairs, I believe it is you. We'll be thinking of you and your family. Take care:angel:

[onedef92]

The docs are stll running tests, but my Dad was admitted to Hardin Memorial Hospital in Elizabethtown, Ky. My older brother and his wife arrived safely Monday evening and are with my Mom and younger brother.

I'll keep you posted throughout the day of any texts, emails, calls, etc. I get. Thanks so much for your prayers and support for me and my family during this ordeal.

It's rough, I can tell you that, but God is able and our faith is solidly placed in His hands.

[island14]

Julian, without knowing him I am certain that he is a special man judging by the character you possess. Best wishes for him.



:iagree:

Prayers sent OD, and I hope all turns out well for your father

[Gina]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Julian. Knowing the man you turned out to be, your dad is one of the best!

May the Lord bring strength and comfort to you and yours during this trying time.

[simpleman68]

The docs are stll running tests, but my Dad was admitted to Hardin Memorial Hospital in Elizabethtown, Ky. My older brother and his wife arrived safely Monday evening and are with my Mom and younger brother.

I'll keep you posted throughout the day of any texts, emails, calls, etc. I get. Thanks so much for your prayers and support for me and my family during this ordeal.

It's rough, I can tell you that, but God is able and our faith is solidly placed in His hands.

Thank you for the update. I'm glad they are running tests although the wait is difficult. I pray they find that the drop inpressure is a result of medication that can be adjusted or regulated properly.

My Great Aunt had high blood pressure for many years and was on quite a few meds. When she stopped some of her meds, her pressure dropped to normal for the first time in decades and stayed level.
Standing by in prayer...
Scott

[Sea Six]

I'm so very sorry to hear about your father, Julian.

Hopefully you'll have some good news to share with us all, very soon! :angel:

[Olustee bus]

For sure Jules.

[wwomanC6]

http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i359/dixonwl/smileys/08512b78.gif
Johnny Lee Shipp

[Burro (He/Haw)]

Hang in there Jules. You're a good dude. Strong. I'll be willing to bet your dad is the same. :cert:

[polarbear]

:angel:

[VITE1]

:angel::angel::angel:

[snide]

Best wishes for your Dad, Julian. :angel: :angel:

[Rob]

Julian - you can count on me. My the Lord bless you and your family.

[onedef92]

Spoke to my Mom yesterday. Arrangements are being made to have my Dad put in a nursing home about 10 miles from her house. We're just not able to give him the 24-7 care he needs at home.

The doctors say he had an adverse reaction to one of the many medications he is on and adjusted his dosage.

He should be in the care facility by the end of the week, probably Friday or Saturday. We plan on driving down to see him on Saturday. It's about 40 minutes from Louisville where we live.

Thanks again for all your prayers and encouraging sentiments. They mean the world to us.

[Yerf Dog]

Hang in there Julian. http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/yerf_dog//pics/smilies/thoughts.gif

[BADRACR1]

Just checking in on Mr Shipp. I guess the news could be better, but at least it's not worse. Still thinking about you & Dad tonight. I'll talk to my son (Daxius on here) and see if we can get the congregation going for ya. You were here for us when we needed it, and we both want you to know we haven't forgotten.
Prayers to you, friend.
:angel:

[American Made]

Prayers for your Dad. :angel::angel:

[simpleman68]

The doctors say he had an adverse reaction to one of the many medications he is on and adjusted.

Some good news when they can adjust med and fix a problem. :hurray:

Hope his going to a good care facility makes some of the awkward care-giving duties he needs regularly more comfortable for him.
Scott

[69camfrk]

Prayers for your family and your Dad. It is unfortunate that dementia doesn't go away, only slowed down. My Mom just had open heart surgery and we are having to put her into rehab tomorrow. It's tough seeing our parents get old and the health problems presenting themselves more often. I live near your family (Warner Robins) but I'm in Va with my Mom. It's been a tough holiday season. I hope all goes as well as it can.

[Daxius]

Hey One,

I am praying for you as you did for me during my time of need about when my son passed. I will also pass word along to my pastor and the rest of my church to assist wtih praying as my family will as well. I hope your dad starts doing better because I am sure your father has been there for you in times of need as my dad was. Best wishes. David Aka Daxius.

[Daxius]

Julian, My pastor said he will keep you in prayers as well as your father Mr. Shipp. Like Dad ( badracr1) said were here for you as you were for us. Friends stick by in times of need. Even my wife is going to be assisting and get her family on board as well.


Dave:thumbsup:

[onedef92]

They performed a CT scan on my Dad Thursday morning to see if he might have suffered another mini-stoke similar to the one he had in February. Will get the results Friday morning.

We are driving down to the hospital to see him Saturday and spend the holiday weekend with Mom and my younger brother. My older brother (an ordained minister) left this morning to get back to Macon, Ga. in time for church on Sunday.

It's a tremendous comfort to my Mom having her kids around and to help her around the house, run errands, etc. Just wish I wasn't that far away...

[neece]

They performed a CT scan on my Dad Thursday morning to see if he might have suffered another mini-stoke similar to the one he had in February. Will get the results Friday morning.

We are driving down to the hospital to see him Saturday and spend the holiday weekend with Mom and my younger brother. My older brother (an ordained minister) left this morning to get back to Macon, Ga. in time for church on Sunday.

It's a tremendous comfort to my Mom having her kids around and to help her around the house, run errands, etc. Just wish I wasn't that far away...

Is the nursing home close to her? Bless her heart, gotta be tough not having him there....but hopefully some relief in that he will get round the clock care that she can supervise. Continued prayers for a good CT result.

[VITE1]

Drive safe.

:angel::angel::angel:

[onedef92]

Is the nursing home close to her? Bless her heart, gotta be tough not having him there....but hopefully some relief in that he will get round the clock care that she can supervise. Continued prayers for a good CT result.

It's about 10 miles north of her house. Not too bad, considering she makes the trek to Elizabethtown weekly for food, meds, household supplies, etc...

[78SA]

They performed a CT scan on my Dad Thursday morning to see if he might have suffered another mini-stoke similar to the one he had in February. Will get the results Friday morning.

We are driving down to the hospital to see him Saturday and spend the holiday weekend with Mom and my younger brother. My older brother (an ordained minister) left this morning to get back to Macon, Ga. in time for church on Sunday.

It's a tremendous comfort to my Mom having her kids around and to help her around the house, run errands, etc. Just wish I wasn't that far away...

Prayers for your brother having to live in Macon too. :sadangel:

[onedef92]

Prayers for your brother having to live in Macon too. :sadangel:

Yeah, 8 hours away. Last time he was in town was a week this past summer. Before that, he came down during Spring break.

My younger brother lives in the same town as my parents, so he's there with them the most.

[NB2K]

Yet another thing we have in common, Julian.

Prayers sent for Mr. Shipp.:sadangel:

I know that at some place he knows that Julian,Jr. will carry on the Shipp lineage.:cert:

[78SA]

Yeah, 8 hours away. Last time he was in town was a week this past summer. Before that, he came down during Spring break.

My younger brother lives in the same town as my parents, so he's there with them the most.

I kinda meant cause he had to live in that place. :leaving:

[onedef92]

I kinda meant cause he had to live in that place. :leaving:

He lives in Waters Edge Plantation, a swanky, high-rent district. But yeah, I hear Macon's overall become a shithole, just like Memphis, Tenn. :(

[Daxius]

Julian keep me in the loop about whats going on man, I am sure Dad will want that also.

[Fasglas]

:angel:

Prayer sent !

[onedef92]

Saw my Dad Saturday morning at the hospital and spoke with his doctor.

The brain scans did NOT reveal any indication of stroke damage this time, but did show increased deterioration of the region of the brain that controls walking and other motor control.

The doctor said we can also expect Dad to become less vocal and communicative as the months wear on. :sadangel:

Mom said he'll remain in the hospital until the end of this week, (likely Friday) then be moved into Helmwood Village, a local nursing home. More than likely for the duration.... :sadangel:

I'll provide updates as they become available, but I'll be otherwise off the grid here until Jan. 21 (annual 21-Day Fast).

Ya'll hold down the fort in the interim, and thanks again for all your prayers and encouraging words.

You are providing a tremendous amount of much-needed support and spiritual nurture. :angel: :)

[simpleman68]

Thank you for the update Julian; although I wish it would have been better news.
My Step-Dad is battling Alzheimers and life is changing for a lot of us around him as well. It is always sad when bad stuff happens to good men/women. My biggest challenge is to always keep proper perspective and remind myself of all the blessings in my life.
It is far too easy to become overwhelmed with the tragedies.
See you in a few weeks, when you get back, my friend. :yesnod:
Scott

[Sea Six]

:sadangel:

We're thinking about you, OD.

[VITE1]

:angel::angel::angel:

[Chuck A]

prayers sent

[R.Zaragoza]

Prayers for your dad.

[theriver]

life truly is bittersweet...and short.

:sadangel: to your pop and wishes for better and brighter days for him.

Doug

[Iron Chef]

Sorry I missed this Julian. Prayers for you and your family. :cert:

[oyealiz]

My heart breaks for you and your family.

Prayers sent.

[VatorMan]

:angel::angel::angel:

[BADRACR1]

Our thoughts will be with you, Julian.:sadangel:

[OddBall]

Prayers still coming :angel::angel::angel:

[69camfrk]

It's a real shame to watch those you love to go out with dementia/alzheimers. My Grandmother left that way and she was a shell of a person by the time she was gone. Prayers for you, your Dad, and your family.:sadangel:

[Daxius]

All of us are behind you Julian.

[onedef92]

My Dad was admitted Thursday evening to Helmwood Healthcare Center in Elizabethtown, Ky. He's got a private room and it's a nice, clean facility.

Among the amenities, there's a:


Selective menu options for each meal
Full calendar of social and recreational activities
Weekly excursions to local restaurants and places of interest
Residents-only computer with internet access
Library
Patio and garden
Full-time chaplain
Weekly worship services and Bible studies
Active volunteer ministry
Cable television
Personal laundry service


Guess if you gotta' go out like that in your sunset years, you could certainly do worse. I sure lament seeing this day come, though....:sadangel:

[Yerf Dog]

Sounds positive. You're a good son, Julian.

[Sea Six]

:angel:

[Z06David]

Prayers sent :angel:

[simpleman68]

Take solice this is only temporary and one day he will be in the presence of His Glory. :angel:

And he will be there with open arms when you get there. :angel:

For now, enjoy the time you have with him. Cherish every second and show him a passionate love only a son can. :angel:

Well said :angel:
Scott

[syf350]

damn, my apologies, Julian, I am not sure how i missed this thread, but if one more prayer helps, it's sent! mojo coming your way my tigglebitty brother.


and on a lighter note, you ain't only overCHICKED, you're overDADed, too! good looking dude!

:cheers:

[Daxius]

The place Mr. Shipp is going into sounds great. Better than most in mine and dads area. I hate this is happening to you though. I dread the day seeing my dad going through this stuff.

[Bingo Fuel]

:angel:Prayers sent. :angel:

[BADRACR1]

I dread the day seeing my dad going through this stuff.

Don't sweat it. Won't happen.:slap:

[BADRACR1]

Take solice this is only temporary and one day he will be in the presence of His Glory. :angel:

And he will be there with open arms when you get there. :angel:

For now, enjoy the time you have with him. Cherish every second and show him a passionate love only a son can. :angel:

:iagree: Well stated.

[Blademaker]

Don't sweat it. Won't happen.:slap:

Ditto. :seasix:

[Allan]

:sadangel: