Updates on James Armstead (June's Daddy)

Does anyone remember Michigan J?

2011-05-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

So it has been almost six months since my our last entry. Dare I apologize?

Anyway, again we have had our ups and downs within our household. Sometimes being frustrated with each other, Daddy, medical insurance and the likes. Although our schedule is much better, it is still sometimes difficult because we are so exhausted some days. But there are other days we feel as if we can conquer the world through Christ.

So far, we have had a few therapy sessions in which Daddy did not participate AT ALL! I think we get more out of him when we try and do it ourselves. :-/

One day, the speech therapist came after months of my mom trying to obtain an appointment. Now, it is hilarious as I think back on it. But at the time, my mom was fuming! Hahaha! Yes, I guess you can hardly imagine Opal Armstead being any kind of upset. But ooooh was she!

Well, the therapist came tried to do some sort of evaluation, but Daddy would not open his mouth! Ha! He said absolutely nothing. Nada--not one word. My mom said she felt so foolish trying to convince the therapist that Daddy, does indeed talk....sing, laugh, etc.

OMGsh! I could only imagine how foolish she must have felt, as well as appeared. Now, I must tell you this has happened twice! The second time was a surprise visit. Marna even tried to record him to prove it. The therapist told us that he actually needed to see and hear Daddy speak to analyze his swallowing and movement of tongue. So after he spent almost 30 minutes with Daddy trying to make him, rather waiting for him to speak, he had to leave. My mom said, it wasn't even two minutes after leaving our home, Nuk came in the room and started chit-chatting with her Grandpa as they always do, and you know what happened, right? Yes, James Armstead was just-a talkin' and blowin' kisses back and forth between he and his baby. Unbelievable!!

So now you know my why Mommy was furious. Lol! When I came home from work, she told me the story. She said that she is DONE! She said that she is not going to force the issue, push it, or try and make him do anything. Because Daddy obviously is going to do what he wants to do--when he wants to do it. Well, I don't think this is anything new for James Armstead. Oh well.

In the meantime, I have been calling him "Michigan J-ames". Does anyone remember him? The singing frog? Well, I was a Looney-Toones fanatic as a child. I LOVED cartoons--still do! To give you an idea of what it has been like. I have attached the cartoon below.

One Froggy Evening - Michigan J. Frog Cartoon on YouTube

Daddy trying to talk a little bit back on February 23, 2011

Oh yes, by the way, I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!

--June

Wow!

2011-01-30T12:59:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

Yes, it has been over a month. Ooops!

Well, Marna and I have been playing the "tag...you're it!" blogger game. Hahaha!

Sigh. Our schedules still are kind of out of sorts. But we are working hard running our individual businesses, as well as Daddy's company, trying to take care of Daddy, do what we need to do in our personal lives and keep sane all at the same time. There are not enough hours in the day to complete all that needs to be done. What is a family suppose to do?

Anyway, here are some quick updates:

Daddy did one more run the the ER a couple of weeks ago. He actually indicated that his chest was hurting and wanted us to call 911. Of course we did immediately. I remember requesting, if at all possible, they not turn on the sirens. Lol! I don't think our block could handle another James Armstead wake up call of fire trucks and ambulances. The doctors ran all sorts of tests and scans and found absolutely nothing wrong. They resolved to send him back home some hours later.
The doctor lowered the dosage of some medications and two days later he became more alert. He actually started laughing one day! It was hilarious. He was truly tickled pink and could hardly stop. My mom and I were shocked! Since that time, he has laughed and chuckled several times at comments made or just observing us interacting with each other.
He is not as feisty as he had been before, which is good. He is more mellow. Thank God!
The diaper changing situation is so much better. We have a schedule and system that works. Yay! (finally) We even have become faster in the process. Amen!
I still have the 3:00 AM schedule to help my mom change him. But we don't start his tube feeding until 7:00 AM now. The doctor wants us to try to get him back on a normal eating schedule.
Marna has been giving him physical therapy while we play the insurance game waiting for professional therapy. She has been able to attach his hands to the trapeze bar above his hospital bed. We also play tug-of-war with a sheet we put big knots in. I massage his face and jaws each day with anointing oil. A few days later, he tried to open his mouth and speak. I must say, Miss Aleja (Nuk) can get him to try and speak anytime she pleases. (rolling eyes) She's his Sweet Little Baby Girl so he'll say anything for her. Lol! He also tried to repeat his ABC's with John (one of our CNA's).
We are constantly checking his memory by informing him of when someone, whether it's a customer of his, family member, friend, etc. asks about his progress to see if he remembers who we are referring to. YES, he remembers all who have asked about him. Isn't that wonderful!?!
He fusses and grunts at the television (that he can't see) when something disagrees with him. He has always liked listening to Christian debates on the radio. So when a show on Christian television comes on called Town Hall (or something of that nature) he wants everyone to be quiet so he can listen intently. As soon as they say something that is unbiblical or disagrees with him, you can hear his displeasure. Hahaha! That is when I say, "Daddy, you don't like what he said?" Then he quickly retorts back with his mouth closed, "Uh-uh!" while shaking his head. I have to laugh at him, and then silence myself, 'cause he still wants to hear without any interruptions. He is funny.
The night before last, we were watching/listening to TBN ( links below). They had two men give their testimony of going to heaven and hell then being sent back to earth to tell the story. When the one told his testimony about heaven, I asked Daddy if he was familar with what the man described and did he experience the same things? Hmmm? Lets just say, James Armstead has MUCH to share with all of us!

Friday Jan 28, 2011 - Jan Crouch hosts Dwight Thompson, Bill Wiess, Don Piper, HLE Cast & Singers in Orlando, FL. - (Video: 56k 100k 300k)

So far, these are most of the imporant updates I wanted to share with you. Please continue to pray for us and for our strength while continuing this labor or love for Daddy.

--June

What We've Been Doing So Far

2010-12-05T21:32:00.000-08:00

It seems as if each time I have to apologize for not updating the blog sooner. I apologize. We have been so busy with taking care of Daddy.

First, I need to make you aware, that he did go back into the hospital Monday night, the week before Thanksgiving. Sigh. I returned from church that night only to arrive a block away from our home---seeing flashing lights. I slowly drove closer to our house thinking, "If I see our lights on and our gate open, I know this is for us." As I got closer, I saw a fireman run out of our door! "Oh God, what now!?!" I called my mom from my cell phone because I couldn't come any closer. The fire trucks were blocking the street. When my mom finally answered the phone, I just asked, "Do I EVEN want to know?" She called 911 because his breathing sounded funny and labored, which made her nervous.

I finally was able to park the car and get into the house. They had taken Daddy's vitals and everything appeared okay. They debated somewhat back and forth if they should take him. Finally, they asked Daddy and he nodded his head indicating he wanted to go the the hospital. Well, we agreed! If he wants to go, then please take him.

After taking various test in the ER, the doctors found out that Daddy, did in fact, have another heart attack! Yes, you read correctly! We were so distressed and somewhat shocked. I think that is when I resolved to really, truly, honest to God give all of this matter over to HIM. I thought I had, but somehow I picked up all the worry, care and concern again. I realize if I don't lay this whole situation at the Lord's alter, I will be a complete basket case! The enemy would just love for our family to completely lose our minds! God forbid!

Anyway, Daddy stayed there a little less than a week--five days to be exact, then he was back home that following Saturday. While he was in the hospital, we were not able to visit him everyday like we had before, which made us a little upset. But at the same time, we were pooped! None of us had the energy or mindset to do so. Taking care of Daddy at home had taken a toll on us. We were so exhausted and frustrated. Daddy was mean acting and irritable. And for someone who could not talk, he sure was able to say the phrases, "Shut-up!" "This is stupid!" "Leave me alone!" and the word "NO!" We were in amazement of the words he was able to express even though they were not nice. :-|

Anyway, he would fight us brushing his teeth, changing his diaper, wiping his face, etc. I mean everything we tried to do for him, was a fight! Goodness! Well, five days after his Seton Hospital stay, he seemed more mellow and cooperative. Not sure what all happened during his stay, but it obviously was good for him and us as well. Maybe God used that time to whip him into shape and give us a breather because when he arrived back home, we were ready for him--attitude and all! Hey ol' man, you're not gonna push us 'round! We still have to take care of you. It's showdown time! Lol!

In the meantime, Thanksgiving was good. He prayed over and blessed our food even though he is not able to eat. We asked him if he wanted to pray and he nodded his head and mumbled a few words and moved his lips as we all stood around his bed holding hands. Good enough.

Oh, I wanted to publicly thank Pastor Leversie Johnson and Ms. Ruth Jackson (Nicolas' grandma) for preparing our entire Thanksgiving dinner. Thank you, thank you and thank you again! We appreciate everyone who has, still is and will continue to do whatever the Lord places on your heart for our family. It will NEVER be forgotten. God bless you abundantly!

Well, tonight I massaged his hands and feet with a generic version of Icy-Hot and baby oil from my favorite 99 cent store. Lol! We have been waiting for approval from his insurance for hand braces or splints. This has been an ongoing battle. I took it upon myself to purchase braces from Walgreens and jerry-rig pieces to slide within to help keep his hands and fingers straight. If we continue to just wait for his insurance, Daddy will be a crinkled up ball! We shall see how it goes. So far, I was able to put the braces on his hands, which was quite a challenge because everything is so tight, sore and stiff. But we are hopeful.

It is getting late. I better get to bed. :-)

--June

A Pair of Extra Male Hands?

2010-11-09T00:30:00.000-08:00

Okay. So far, everything is somewhat running smoothly. We are a bit tired, but trying to do our best. It has been a complete week since Daddy has come home. He is doing better in his therapy sessions and hopefully, they will continue if he is approved for more days. This all depends on his progress reports. The home care has really been great! We are able to work, etc. while he is taken care of for about five hours a day.

But this is our dilemma: The diaper changing situation. Nicolas works and goes to school, so he is not always available during the hours we need him. My uncle, Pastor Jewell is not available during the weekends, but he has been able to help sometimes throughout the weekday. Unfortunately, sometimes Daddy has to wait to be changed because we don't have the help, which is NOT good.

My Plea: If there are any male family members and/or friends who are available to help roll Daddy back and forth (it takes about 20 minutes) while my mom changes him, it would be sooooooooooo appreciated and a stress off our minds. This is mostly needed in the evenings during the week before we all retire for bed and a few times of day during the weekend. If the Lord leads you, please contact my mom. Thank you. Bless you! :-D

--June

Thank You

2010-11-03T17:02:00.000-07:00

We're Doing Much Better Now

2010-11-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

I will blog briefly, then I must get to sleep because I have the 3:00 AM "Daddy-Watch". ;-)

Home care worked for the first time today. It was a BIG relief! They came in at 9:30 AM and stayed until 2:30 PM. She (Lydia) changed him, bathed him, lotioned him down, brushed his teeth, combed his hair, added more formula to his tube feeding, flushed him (giving 200 ml of water through the tube feeding), repositioned him, checked his blood pressure, and temperature throughout the day, and changed him again before my mom arrived home.

All I had to do was administer his medications and flush him again when I arrived home at 5 PM. Marna gives his morning medications with insulin around 9 AM and evening medication at 9 PM. I refill and restart his tube feeding for the day at 3AM in the morning. With our new and improved "The Armstead Household Way" schedule, we should have him completely fed and changed him for the final time each day no later than 10 PM. This will work for us. That way, we can ALL sleep throughout the night. I am an early riser anyway, so the 3:00 AM shift is perfect for me! That is usually when my alarm goes off anyway. I had to make just a few minor adjustments to include Daddy in my schedule, but I'm good! The 5 pm shift is for whoever is home, between Marna and I. Sometimes she has to work late, and I take it or vice versa. As for my mom, well, we have to work with her regarding the medications. Over the weekend, she tried to give him the 35 ml of insulin. Some spilled out of his skin, she freaked out because she was not sure if it would hold him the rest of the day. So she continued pricking his finger every 3 to 4 hours all day to make sure his blood sugar reading stayed within the proper range. Lol! She has much on her mind, so Marna made sure all Mommy has to do is change him once or twice a day with Nicolas or with my Uncle Jewel and check his vitals (blood sugar, blood pressure and temperature). Mommy is satisfied with that! We will retrain her once things have calmed down and she is not so nervous about everything. Hahaha!

But I must say, our past weekend was filled with many, many tears, uncertainty, prayer, discouragement, doubtfulness, disappointment in ourselves, etc. You name it! As excited as we were for Daddy to come home, it turned out to be a horrible weekend physically and emotionally. Per my previous post.

Monday started out very hopeful. We had somewhat of an interview with an agency for in home care referred by the facility (Pacifica Nursing & Rehab Center) Daddy was in the past 3 months. They were very friendly and kind. It was very similar to the treatment we received in Pacifica at the rehab. By the way, our family must share how absolutely wonderful the Pacifica Nursing & Rehab Center is in a later blog post. Goooo Pacifica!! They took VERY good care of Daddy during his stay.

Anyway, the in home care agency came (about 7 people) to our home yesterday, to meet us, assess the situation, see which one of them would be a perfect fit and stayed almost an hour. We were very pleased with the manner in which they handled things. It just felt right for all of us. Thank you, Lord. Needless to say, they started the next day (today). So far, we are very please with the work done today. Most of all, Daddy was pleased. Lol! And that is saying a lot because James Armstead can be quite the critic. It was a relief and a stress was lifted. We all went to work and/or school feeling very comfortable with leaving the help in our home and most of all, in complete charge of Daddy. :-)

Lord, thank you. You always have a ram in the bush. God is an excellent provider!

--June

The First 24 Hours

2010-11-01T02:42:00.000-07:00

Well, what can I say? Daddy needs a lot of care--24hr care.

How we will handle this, I have no clue. We are already exhausted and have had little to no sleep. This was just the weekend, not a regular work day. Maybe this was the Lord's way of giving us what we wanted, but also showing us there is a much, much more involved than we had anticipated.

Lord, we surrender. Instruct us as to what to do.

We have an interview with an in home care agency tomorrow morning. We informed them that we need someone ASAP. Although, what we asked for is care during our work hours, we still have the night to consider.

He got very, very, very, extremely angry with me trying to help my mom change him. She made sure she kept him "covered" and all I had to do was roll him over side to side. About the third or fourth time with us doing this in the early hours of the morning (around 1:30 AM , I believe 3:00 AM and or 6:00 AM) he was fed up and very irate. We finally figured out what he was saying or at least trying to convey. He does not want or will not let ME (June), help my mom in that capacity:

Leviticus 18:6-7 (King James Version): None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD. The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

This is the only scripture I was able to find tonight, but there are a few of them them with the same tone. I remember him teaching on these types of scriptures. And when I spoke with him, this is what he is having a serious problem with.

I am sure there are some that think this is totally foolish, but I, on the other hand, totally respect my father, his beliefs and wishes. The truth is, yes, this is quite biblical. Granted, we don't have anyone else (male) to help my mom except Nick who works and goes to school. So much for having a house full of daughters. :-/ We are at a loss as to what to do and how to handle this matter. He finally agreed to allow Nick to help my mom. So that is how it is for tonight/this morning. Sigh.

We have a schedule of medication to administer as well as his tube feeding. We have to check his blood sugar, blood pressure and temperature every couple of hours, etc. He ran a slight temperature today and we had to ask my Aunt Elaine to run to the store for Tylenol because we couldn't leave the house. So yes, this is definitely an additional full time job. A job I am not sure we are able to handle ourselves. The schedule maybe too intense for our working family. I also don't want us to be so exhausted, we make mistakes administering his medication and so forth.

Jean, my sister in Virginia, said she will research and review all he may qualify for, as well as resources and/or agencies that could be of assistance for families in this predicament. I'll be the first to say, we need help. :-( I also think we are "too close" to the situation because it is our daddy/grandfather/husband, so we are highly emotional.

Please don't hesitate in contacting us if you know of any resources or anything you think we may not be aware of. Then, I can forward any information to Jean. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you so much.

--June

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2010-10-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in this morning's post, today is Daddy's 70th birthday. Well we just returned from a visit at the rehab and guess what we found out?

DADDY COMES

HOME SATURDAY!

Yaaay! Wooo-Hooo!

Yes, it was a shock to us too. We have so much to do and so little time to do it. We thought we had a couple of weeks, but now we only have a couple of days. We haven't seen him smile in a very long time. But today, he was smiling the best he knew how. :-))

This morning I was watching Joel Osteen and he preached on being open to the way God will do things, and not how we expect Him to do it. As my mom and I drove to visit Daddy this evening, I shared with her what the message was about. LOL! I love the way God always seems to prep me for what He is about to do, usually within the very same day, if not the next. Hahahaha! I have learned that I am NEVER really ever prepared in the natural sense, but I AM learning how to be open, more like preparing my heart for whatever God decides to throw my way. Hahaha! Maybe that is what He really means by "preparation"--to just have your heart open. Be it unto me (us), Lord according to YOUR will!

--June

Sigh

2010-10-25T03:52:00.000-07:00

Not sure where to begin...

Well, today is Daddy's birthday. He is 70 years old. We all wondered what we would do or how we would celebrate? Would he remember and would we tell him if he didn't? I think we, at least I, feel numb.

Daddy is to come home in a few weeks. My mom is really working hard trying to prepare the house. It has to pass inspection before they will release him to us. We will have to put the hospital bed in the living room because it is the only place it fits.

We are not certain how we will accomplish this task of taking care of him, but with God's grace it will be done. That is what we hold on to--God's strength and power, not our own.

We are all very tired and have been stressed out with all that needs taking care of and other issues that have seem to just POP UP. I for one, have had my share of "situations" that have been out of control and FAR beyond my control. But I dare not complain or accuse God falsely.

My mom has visited Daddy everyday since May 13th...until the day I ended up in the ER. Mommy met me there at the hospital so she wasn't able to visit Daddy. Sigh. Hypertension being the culprit. I don't have a history of it, but with all that has happened and what I am going through, my blood pressure jumped from always being extremely low to an all time-over the top high! Yes, high enough to be in the ER. I guess the 75 pounds I have gained and not walking as regularly as I did before has not helped. :-| Well, all that to say, I was prescribed 3 different medications and have to check my pressure 3 times a day. Ugh!!!

My doctor said because I don't have a history of it at my age, if I lose the weight, get back to my physical activity/exercising, etc. she is sure she can wean me off. Thank you and Lord have mercy. But in the meantime, I take little to no phone calls, unless it's an emergency, cut down the amount of clients I take each day, leave work at an appropriate time, have a designated lunch break to actually LEAVE the salon, exercise at home in the morning, cut down my food portions, went back to a vegetarian diet (because that is when my weight was under control and I felt my healthiest ever in life), try to enjoy life a little bit more, stay away from stressful situations as well as people, spending more time reading and trying really, really hard to relax. The last thing I want is to be laid up right next to my daddy. No, thank you!

I am learning to do what I must, accomplish what I can and leave the rest alone. I will spend more time doing what I enjoy and what calms me. So back to sitting at home alone, listening to soothing music, making waist beads, cutting out hair photos, fantasizing about clothing while browsing through catalogs and yes, crocheting. Lol! And finally, I'm buying an outdoor bike for Christmas! Yes, Merry Christmas to ME!! Just had to vent. Pardon.

Okay, so enough about me. As for Daddy, these are most of the questions that arise, so I will take this time to answer them. Also, I hope this will help with those who are continuing to pray for his recovery. Consider the following "prayer targets".

1) He is not ambulatory. He can do absolutely nothing for himself.

2) He is still not able to talk. Sometimes, it sounds as if he is grunting here and there.

3) He does nod his head "yes" and and shake his head "no", but only when he feels like it.

4) Sometimes he remembers people and other days he does not--us included.

5) He was getting so upset, aggressive and sometimes slightly violent, that we had to decide as a family to put him on anti-depressants until we were all able to handle him a little better--rehab staff included. None of this was suggested by the facility, this was our doing. We didn't want him roughing up the cute little nurses there. Hahaha! The last thing we needed is for him to appear to be some big, tall, violent, mute, intimidating black man, whose hair hasn't been combed in 5 months, swinging at anyone! Geez! We already begged the doctor to remove the "boxing mitts" they had on him 24/7. Let him not ruin what we worked so hard for. :-/

6) Yes, he is still being tube fed. We have to learn how to work the machinery. The facility said they would give us lessons.

7) I guess Marna and Mommy will continue to brush his teeth. I'm sure they will teach me.

8) I read the Sunday School lesson to him, but some Sundays he is just not interested in hearing what it has to say--including us.

9) No, he is not able to use the plastic urinal--still adult diapers.

10) He remembers some things and some people. But can't remember key things and key people. For instance, he remembers nothing about his business, the building, not event the name. But somehow remembers Third Street. He remembers my salon, and Marna's baking business, but does not remember downtown San Francisco. He does not remember our home, our street or the neighborhood, but he does remember our noisy staircase. (shrugging shoulders) He does not remember the orange car he drives, but remembers the green SUV, which I am driving now and his SUV that Marna drives. He doesn't remember his spices, "his" kitchen, or that he even use to cook...like everything under the sun! He doesn't even remember teaching Sunday School! Wow.

I played this game with him: everything that he didn't remember, I would just start describing in full detail to him. I remember that Sunday, it was fun, at least to me. He listened intently and seemed surprised by some of the things I told him he use to do. It also made me realize how much my daddy did and did for us (his family). I'm am just glad memories are not the only thing I have. :-) I still have my daddy...AND the memories. I look forward to what God will do in our lives and the new beginning God has given Daddy (and us). We are just starting from scratch. That's all.

Oh yeah, one more thing and I will end with this: After playing this game with Daddy and realizing there is so much that is a complete blank to him (that is the day I realized he did not know who I was), I had to tell him my name and which child I was, then going on to who Marna and Jean were as well. Being a little nervous, I just thought I would ask if he was still praying? Rather, did he still remember HOW to pray? He gave me this look as if, "Yeah, girl! I still pray!" Lol! So, I wasn't satisfied with that. I continued with, "Daddy...ummm, now you still remember...well, you know who God is, riiight?" Hahaha! He gave me a look as if, "Whose this crazy woman who keeps asking me all these dumb questions?" and nodded his head. To that, I gave a sigh of relief, patted him on his shoulder and said, "Okay good, that is all I needed to know because as long as you remember who HE is, 'cause everything and everybody else is truly secondary. You gonna be all right if you just remember HIM. HE's all you need anyhow." At that, I gathered my things, told him I loved him and headed on back home completely satisfied.

--June

Well...

2010-08-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

So my dad has had three weeks into therapy and at first hadn't seen much progress. Then one day June said she went to see him and was wiping his face and realized that he wanted to help her wipe his face and he let him guide her hand over his face to wipe it with the towel.
PROGRESS!
So I started going to his therapy sessions. Last week was my first week.I went up there twice. I asked him if he'd help me help him brush his teeth. He kind of fought me at first but kinda gave in towards the end and let me guide his hands up to his mouth with the toothbrush. I spoke to him told him i loved him and he had to cooperate and participate. The therapists were impressed with the progress made. :)
They asked me if I'd come again since he responded so well to me. of course i would. and when i came back i prayed over him told him i loved him and brought his glasses. i realized after a few tests that if he could see well enough he could read. he said he could. :)
Soon the therapist came in and we started with the toothbrush. i put it in his hand and guided his hand up to his face and mouth and after a little bit of time he started to make the quick tooth brushing movements! he even tried to bend his hand the other way to get the other side of his teeth... unfortunately he wasn't quite brushing his teeth... LOL but he was trying and understood the command and did it. my mom sits with him and they go over different body parts on her arm, knuckles, fingers, elbows, arms, and he can identify and touch each one on command.
My take is that he's completely frustrated and tired of this "hospital deal" he wants to go home. i think sometimes he's scared this is as good as it's gonna get for him sometimes. i also think that he's been a little bit traumatized by all that's happened to him. he's not realizing the odds he's beating everyday. not to mention he's VERY STUBBORN! (i see to the extreme of where i get that from--lol) i just pray he will continue to submit himself to the process of recovery. he's been so active and so independent all his days and so this is really sucking for him i'm sure.
I actually feel better helping him and supporting him in therapy. i feel more useful and productive when i am there than just a visit. no that i don't want to just visit, but sometimes just sitting there looking at him s NOT helpful for me. and finally i am starting to feel at peace with everything. like internally. i don;t feel the inner turmoil i had at first. not granted i want everything back to normal i want my daddy better and at home, but in the meant time in this waiting process i am don't feel the same level of distress as i had felt before.
externally i (and the whole family) are very tired. the house is a mess (now granted i was never really much of a neat freak) but there's hardly enough time in the day to clean. we all work all day come home and scrounge up something to eat and pretty much all retire to our beds/rooms to relax sometimes its like come home and relax? or, come home an do more work like cleaning, washing clothes, doing dishes, and many times relaxing wins out so we stumble around through the house cleaning when and where we can when we have the energy, but really we all need and extended vacation. this has been a grueling process, but the Lord has made sure we've had the energy. Because this is impossible. We go 7 days a week at least 14 hours nonstop coupled by being mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically involved in all aspects of everything. it just takes a lot. A LOT! and to be honest just our day to day life is very hectic and busy even without this situation going on, so imagine it now! so forgive us for slacking on the blog etc. we are trying and this is going into month 3! ugh! to be honest... just UGH! but we are keeping it moving! we are Armsteads lol. keep us in your prayers

What can I say?

2010-08-24T22:54:00.000-07:00

We have been so emotionally and physically drained. I know our blogging has been few and far between. I think the duration of this all has been wearing on us. At least, I will speak for myself.

Over the past few weeks, I have had many crying spells wanting things to just go back to normal. But I understand nothing will ever be the same again. I remember one Sunday afternoon visiting Daddy while he was still at St. Francis. All I could do was just hold his hand and pray over him. He was trying to say some things and I could not understand what he was saying...somewhat as usual. But I could see the hurt in his eyes and I in turn, was hurt for him. I think that was the day I started crying while driving home and it has been that way ever since. Or finally getting home and being terribly irritated if not already crying.

The running down the staircase thing still bothers me terribly. One night, Pico came home from work and after eating upstairs in the kitchen, he ran back down the stairs. I remember jumping out of my sleep, my heart beating rapidly and I just started to cry. It's like flashbacks. Last week, Nuk somehow got something in her eye and it was stinging. Screaming at the top of her lungs (I could hear it through the floors downstairs) and running to Marna. This all made me fly out of my room to the bottom of the staircase yelling and screaming upstairs, "WHAT IS WRONG?!? WHAT HAPPENED!?! GIRL, WHY ARE YOU SCREAMING!?!?" Again, flashbacks. My heart was racing...and of course, I started to cry. When will the trauma end?

Our schedules are sporadic, and we are just drained. We are taking turns going to the hospital, but it takes so much out of you. Especially, when Daddy does not respond the way you would like him too. Some days are better than others for him. Sometimes we arrive only to find out he didn't really participate or cooperate in his therapy sessions. That is always disheartening. We want him to get use to being up and alert, which is not always the case.

We are trying hard to keep positive and upbeat, watching we say or what we are confessing over him and ourselves. We don't want to fight against or delay what God has already spoken over Daddy.

I have days when I am a fireball praying and confessing the specific promises over our family and then I have days when I just want to crawl under a rock, give up and tell everyone to GO AWAY...please. Lol! Isnt' that just terrible? Hmmm? Maybe not. I guess it just makes me human.

Today, when my mom and I visited he didn't respond so much. The weather was so hot and he was uncomfortable. I asked my mom if he had an extra pairs of socks. I know how much I don't like socks while in bed, so I could only imagine how uncomfortable he was. I took a pair to the nurses station and asked if they had a pair of scissors I could borrow. Lol! I politely, cut the toes off the socks, handed the scissors back to the receptionist at the desk and said, "Thank you" with a smile. The tricky part was removing his heel protection boots and old socks. He is so tender, sore and stiff that I didn't want to hurt him by moving his legs too much. But I knew that if I removed the regular socks and replaced them with the ones I just cut so his toes would hang out, he would feel much cooler. Well it worked, with not too much aggravation to his legs. After wards, I asked if he felt better or at least a little cooler. He nodded his head in agreement and went back to sleep. But my mom and I could tell it was more of a peaceful sleep. So much so, he started to snore. :-)

Okay, so I confess: I still cried when I finally was at home.

--June

Update! Finally

2010-08-11T01:32:00.000-07:00

okay so we know we have lagged on the updated with my dad. I really didn't realize how many people were keeping up and reading this on a regular basis. For the last almost month we have been running back and forth still visiting my dad in the hospital. He has made it miraculously through this septic infection and is doing much better. In fact, they have just transferred him on Monday 8/9/2010 to a skilled nursing and rehab facility. Thankfully it's not too far away either maybe take us no more than 20 minutes to get to him (and its a WAAAAAAAY less stressful car trip than trying to go down town San Francisco everyday. But even then, God is good because the hospital they placed him was very close to us, and we managed to find parking less than a block away the ENTIRE TIME!
So now he is in a skilled nursing facility where the major point is going to be to get him physical, occupational, and speech therapy. We are waiting on the results of his evaluation and plan of action. I plan to sit in on some of his therapy sessions so I can see what they are doing. Overall we are pleased with the news facility, its very neat and clean and that staff is very nice. We've spoken to several people who were either patients themselves or had loved ones in the facility and they have nothing but good things to say about the place.
Also he is able to once again have visitors. For a time at the hospital we had to restrict the visitor for two reasons. #1, in the beginning of the infection (the worst part) he was very alert and the nursing staff were working hard to keep his vitals stable, because whenever anyone went in his heart rate, blood pressure etc, went hay wire and they wanted him to just be calm and get better. Then we had to worry about how contagious the infection was. We didn't want anyone to get anything and the doctors and nurses did not want to risk possibilities of corss contamination with patients especially when he was in ICU.
At any rate he is MUCH BETTER, so those of you that want to visit please contact us by cell phone (if you have it) or by email, or at work. Please call beforehand so we can verify where he is at. DO NOT ASSUME! So many of our family and friends have gone to the wrong places because they have moved him around so much. So PLEASE verify BEFORE you try to go and visit him. And we want him to have visitors, we want him to see everyone is concerned about him getting better, and it will lift his spirits.
I think that he has had ups and downs emotionally (to say the least) and to see people (even if he can't remember everyone all the time) will make him feel much better. I think the most best part of this whole thing (in addition of course to the MIRACLES) has to been to see and hear all the outpouring of concern for my dad.
For me (Marna) at times it has been very frustrating. I simply want my dad back to normal. And I have to fight and pray about being angry. Not at him or God even, but just that I want my daddy! I admit this of course because even thought I pray and believe, I am not superwoman (and my family are not superhumans) and there is a very real and human emotional side at times, but when I go though my moments, I take the time to come to myself and be grateful I have a God I can lean and depend on and THAT is the MOST IMPORTANT thing of all. After I've shed my tears or whatever I can come back strengthened through my prayer and the belief of the promises of God to MY FAMILY!

As Promised... (recap #2)

2010-07-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

Since I can't sleep, I thought this would be a great time to continue where I left off.

3) As I stated before in the previous post, Daddy was removed from the rehab facility that Friday morning. The night before, my mom and I visited him and he was sleep...again. But this time, when I touched him he seemed kind of warm. I asked my mom to feel him and she agreed. Not only was he warm his right arm and hand seemed swollen. I went to the nurses station to make someone aware that he didn't feel right. He felt as if he had a fever. Someone returned to his room and handed me a towel with a plastic bag of ice cubes. :-/ "Hummmm? What is this for??" I asked. She then took the bag and towel from me and propped it on Daddy's forehead. Now, to be honest, I don't remember if I said, "You're kidding, right?" out loud or just to my mom. But she propped it on his head and left out of the room. Oooo-kaaay? (not okay)

His nurse finally came in and checked his temperature..104. I then asked about how he was feeling earlier that day? I was not really getting a straight answer. Unfortunately, this often was the case. I believe she left out to get Daddy medication for his fever and I headed back to the nurses station to have them pull his chart. I wanted to know what is temperature was like earlier. Ugh...104! No one called the family and no one called the doctor assigned to him. Which were specific instructions on his chart, per his doctor.

Yes, we prayed. But my mom whipped out her cell phone and called the doctor immediately. All I know is right after she hung up, the doctor called the nurses station. Enough said. I could tell the staff was nervous and very upset after speaking with the doctor. Not good. Ooops...someone dropped a very BIG ball somewhere!

We prayed over Daddy again. My mom and I were very upset. The fever started to break. I think they were instructed to call the doctor every 2 hours throughout the night with a report. We also called.

That evening we rode the bus home silent. Other than, me sarcastically confirming that I was handed a bag of ice for Daddy's forehead. Once home, I told my mom that I wanted to speak to the case manager. Mommy gave me the number and I left a message. Mommy didn't want to talk to anybody. She didn't want to return any phone calls or anything. This whole thing was not okay. Not at all. That night, I cried. Oh boy, did I cry. I was so distressed and uneasy. I remember texting one of my spiritual mothers, "I WANT MY DADDY!!!!" I cried to the Lord, that none of this is okay. I told Him that my daddy took VERY good care of us and we lacked nothing and this is not right for him to be in a position that he is not cared for properly. That is not the seed he has sown all these years. If the things he was encountering were happening to us while in his position, HEADS WOULD ROLL! Then I cried and cried and finally cried myself to sleep.

I think I woke up later to use the bathroom. I remember looking in the mirror seeing my eyes so puffy, they were almost swollen shut. I didn't care! I didn't care if I looked a mess going in the work that morning or not! Who cares! Once returning to bed to get back to sleep, I just looked up at the ceiling, "Lord?!? What? Tell me what to do?!? Do we wait? What do we do? I want Daddy out of there, now. I don't feel comfortable with him there. Is it just me? Am I over reacting? Give me a sign? Do you still have this?? God where are you? What if we make the wrong decision? What if we are too hasty? Why won't you answer me? I'm afraid. God, I am so afraid..."

That morning, I abruptly awoke from a dream:

Everyone, I can recall, coming to each hospital to visit Daddy since having the heart attack, was there. We were all in a very large crowd coming to visit him. When we all arrived, we asked if we could see James Armstead.

Then the staff came out to greet us and said, "Oh I'm so sorry. Mr. Armstead passed away." The crowd was in an uproar, "WHAT!!!!! OH MY GOD! NO!"

I asked, "What are you talking about?! What do you mean, he died? How did this happen?! Why didn't you call?! How?! Why!? What?!" We were all so devastated and confused. We couldn't believe it. The feeling walking away was hopelessness and betrayal. But there was nothing anyone could do. He was already gone and the only replies we received from the staff were, "Oh, I don't know." or "Umm, I just got here." or "Let me check his chart." or "I am sorry." No one really knew anything. These are similar answers we received to questions we asked about his care (in real life) while visiting Daddy at this rehab facility during his brief stay.

My first thoughts were, "Awww-Nawww! (as the young people would say, "Heck-Naw!!") Lord, I hear you LOUD and CLEAR! I don't know where Daddy is gonna go, but he finsta (that is home talk for "about to") come up out of there!!" I was on a mission. I got up, got dressed and headed to work. On my way, the case manager returned my call. I told her everything that had happened the night before and some other incidents that took place that my mom only shared with me the night before. I told all! The case manager was livid! She told them she wanted Daddy's blood test results ASAP and she better get a call from them before noon. Wow! I think that was about 7:30 am that Friday morning.

After I hung the phone up with the case manager, I received a call. A lady asking for, "Rose." I informed her that there was no one here by that name and was she aware she had called a salon? She said, she knew it was a salon, but someone told her that Rose had transferred or moved to our location. She just said thank you and that it was okay and we hung up. Not that calling the wrong number does no occur, but this was rather strange. Only because it was so early in the morning and right after speaking with the case manager about Daddy "moving" or "being transferred."

I went ahead and continued to prepare for my first client. Then a "eureka" moment: "Wait, let me look up the word ROSE!" I've been asking for signs, right?

ROSE: Move to a better position; Rise up; Get up and out of bed; Return from the dead; Exert oneself to meet a challenge

Don't you just love, God? Lol! Even in the seriousness of all this, He always jokes and plays these type of "Trust Me" games. At least with me, I know He does. God, now you knew I would look this up in the dictionary! Hahahaha!

By 11:30 am, I received a call from Marna stating Daddy had been taken to the ER up the block from the rehab facility. It was only the next day we found out Daddy not only had an infection, that was septic, they also found a blood clot in the right arm that ranged from his shoulder to his elbow. He was very, very sick. And yes, I do believe that under these circumstances, Daddy would have just "passed away" like in my dream if he would have stayed at that rehab facility. Although, I do know for a fact, that his brief stay there was for a reason. My God wastes nothing. Absolutely, nothing.

There is still more, I have to write about that happened previously to bring you to where we are today. But for now, I have to jump to what is going on this week.

---------------------------------------------------

Now, to bring you up to speed with what is currently happening. Daddy is still in the Critical Care Unit. They are monitoring everything very carefully. About two days ago, they did have to insert a tube down into his stomach, through his nose. Sigh. He is very upset about all of this and quite fussy. We can't make out all that he is saying, but we are very clear, that he is not happy and everybody knows it. They are trying to drain the fluid of bacteria from the infection out of his stomach and they don't want to contaminate the feeding tube already in his stomach. So it has to go through his nose.

I'm glad none of that happened on my visit. Ugh! I know I wouldn't have been able to handle all of that and how he dealt with it. So that was on Marna's and my mom's watch. Marna said, he was very, very, highly upset when they returned to his room. He was talking, but fussing too. When they finally came home, they were a little distressed. My mom said that it always feels like two steps forward and one step back during this whole ordeal with Daddy. I know what she means. It is like we still trust God, but the longer this goes on the harder it becomes emotionally. It's like an up and down, up and down roller coaster ride that has not ended.

That was the night they not only told my mom that during the scan they saw the fluid in his stomach, but they were concerned about the start of pneumonia and an area in his head that appears as if he had a stroke.

Good Grief!

You know, I figure we can always get down in the dumps every time we hear a bad report or a negative comment, or we can take what was said and place it at God's feet. "Here Lord, they said this or that. You take it, 'cause I don't know what to do with it. Other than, use it as a prayer target." I am understanding what it means to place your burdens at His feet and continue to praise Him. Because we sure can't do a thing about it!

The next day, we arrived at the hospital only to find a nurse re-positioning Daddy's tube. I had to leave the room. My mom stayed in there to hold his hand, up to a certain point. From the waiting room I heard him moaning, groaning and yelling at the nurse, "Stop it, Stop it, Stop it!" When I returned, the nurse said that he pulled the tube out with his BAD hand--the one they didn't bother to restrain because they didn't think he could move it--he had not been moving it all this time. Daddy was mumbling and grumbling about this being too much stuff. At least that is some of what we were able to make out. I had to tell the nurse that he is very sneaky and they have to really watch him. My mom told her that he will lay there plotting and planning how to do something. At that, Daddy started to smirk, smile and sort of laugh. It was good to finally see him do that. But that also meant he had something else up his sleeve. ;-) Unfortunately, they had to restrain both arms. The nurse started laughing and said that was good Daddy was a fighter and also displaying cogitative thinking. But they can't have him doing that any more.

So he is just lying there, both arms restrained, with a tube in his nose, port in his stomach, a direct line in his neck, catheter in the front...and the back, poop bag hanging on one side of the bed and urine bag on the other, being repositioned every two hours, poked in the finger to check blood sugar more than just a couple of times a day, not able to communicate fully, clot in his arm, bacteria fluid in his stomach, infection in his blood, swollen legs and feet, with caution tape draped about his bed. Have I forgotten anything? Oh yeah, and wanting breakfast. God we need a miracle. Only you can do what is impossible.

The next morning this is the bible text that arrived on my cell phone:

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."- Mark 10:27

Lord, I believe You do the impossible.
And we will continue to praise you while we wait.

Praise You In This Storm

I was sure by now

God, 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

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

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 lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Casting Crowns

Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

2005 Club Zoo Music (BMI) /
SWECS Music (BMI) (adm. by EMI CMG Publishing) /
Word Music, LLC (ASCAP) /
Banahama Tunes (ASCAP) (adm. by Word Music, LLC)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28 (New International Version)
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (The Message)

Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God. - Psalm 42:5-6a (Contemporary English Version)
The LORD Will Protect His People I look to the hills! Where will I find help? It will come from the LORD, who created the heavens and the earth. - Psalm 121:1-2 (Contemporary English Version)
Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said: “ Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” - Job 1:20-21 (New King James Version)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn't, it wouldn't make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn't serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up." - Daniel 3:16-18 (The Message)

Until next time,

June

As Promised... (recap #1)

2010-07-16T05:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, I guess the best way to do this is use my usual number format. Lol! I will try to recap and update as much as I can remember from the past couple of weeks.

1) I can't remember all the different days and what happened on each day, but I do remember certain things that happened while Daddy was still in San Leandro. One of the major events was not being able to wake Daddy up one evening. My mom and I drove to San Leandro that night to visit as usual. When we arrived my Uncle Carl (mom's brother) visiting from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Cousin Anita (mom's cousin) were there. My mom was anxious for Daddy to speak to us that night. But he was sleeping. Not that this was unusual, but he had been sleeping quite a bit more after Father's Day. This particular night, it was a very deeeeeep, somewhat disturbing sleep. He would not wake up. His vitals were okay, but the nurse was unable to wake him up. So much so, that she became very nervous--she even said so. She tapped him, shook him and think even popped him on his arm and in his face a few times. No response, just snoring very hard. I could tell my mom was very upset and worried. I just asked, point blank, if he was breathing. He was, but would not wake up. The next thing I knew, a slew of nurses, and the doctor on staff came rushing down the hall to his room. All I could do was stand in the hallway listening to them all yelling while frantically popping him, "Mr. James, Mr. James, Mr. Armstead wake up!" over and over again. My thoughts were everywhere. "God, you continue to speak these wonderful plans you have for Daddy and our family, but what is all this commotion each time? Lord, I believe you, but good heavens, now what--what next?" I thought. Finally, after poking him to check his insulin, he woke up.

After speaking with a few people the next day explaining what had transpired the night before, I was told it could be "sun-downers." I had never heard of that before, but Daddy did sleep deeply most of the day and the nurses said he would be up all night talking and even singing. Hump? Who knows. Now, with what we know today, I believe that was possibly the first indication that something was going amiss. The infection.

I believe it was only a day or two later (which was a Saturday the 26th) he was transferred to San Francisco to the rehab facility.

2) Once he arrived there, I visited him the next day which was Sunday the 27th. My mom and Marna were going to church and since he was in a new facility, my mom wanted me to visit him early instead of waiting for them later that evening so we could all go together. Now remember, he was transferred to a downtown San Francisco facility. So, I headed out there mid-afternoon only to find a lot of traffic once I exited the freeway. On a Sunday afternoon, what could possibly cause all this traffic? :-/

Now, to those that know me, already know I am just as naive as they come..at least, next to my mom of course. Hahahaha! My Aunt Elaine (daddy's sister), after hearing many of the incidents in life that happen to my mom and I, always makes the comment that she loves us and that is why she has decided to keep us both. Lol! So you can imagine, how long it took me to finally realize I was stuck smack dab in the middle of the Pride Parade. All the streets were blocked off, there were droves of people, etc. It took me over an hour to make it to rehab facility.

Once there, Daddy told me he that they put water on him. I laughed and said, "Oh they gave you a bath, huh?" He replied with a smile, "Yep." I know he was excited because he sounded as if he was. He had not seen water in over a month! Poor Daddy, he is so hygiene conscious that I know this whole not taking a real bath thing, could possibly have been just as irritating as everything else he was going through. So putting water on his body was monumental in his eyes!

I read the bible because he wanted to hear the book of Joshua. So I read the first five chapters. He mentioned something about "the land" and "Moses" which do pertain to the story of Joshua. It amazes me how he can remember almost everything from the bible and spiritual things, but sometimes he may or may not remember his name, who we are, and so forth.

I didn't stay long because I didn't want to have any problems getting home with the parade festivities beginning. I think I was there with him about an hour and finally told him I was going home because he began to fall asleep. Daddy was only at this particular facility until that Friday (early morning).

I think it is Marna's turn to visit Daddy with my mom tonight and my turn to watch Nuk. So it's possible that I will be able to blog part two this evening. Granted, Miss Nuk doesn't beg me to watch a movie with her. A person can only take watching Shrek and Donkey like a limited amount of times before screaming for mercy! LOL! Somebody, HELP ME PLEASE!!!

But I must share how Daddy was removed from that facility and rushed to the ER up the street that Friday morning. God watches over us! That I will say.

Until tonight (hopefully),
--June

Sacrifice

2010-07-10T03:48:00.000-07:00

Well a couple days ago I got a call from my friend who was telling us that we needed to do everything possible to make sure our dad knew we cared for him and that we loved him and supported him through all that he was going through in his recovery.
I thought to myself that, I was... at least I think I am. Right?! I am. We are... aren't we?!
I thought of all the trips back and forth to the hospital no matter where he was. Someone was going with my mother everyday. If it wasn't me, June took her. We sat for as long as we could during visiting hours after finishing up business, and for me securing a sitter (if I needed to) and getting out to the hospital visiting him, watching him, telling him we love him, supporting him, praying for him, advocating for him, whatever he needs making sure we do our best to see that he gets it, and keeping a hawk's eye on every medical professional that has anything to do with his care, talking to his doctor's and not taking "no" for an answer. I think his Armstead women have it well covered. I believe we are putting forth a pure and honest effort and doing the best we can and that if there are any cracks in "the system" the Lord will show us and give us the favor and wisdom to correct it.
This morning I woke up from a dream. In it, the Lord basically confirmed what my friend said about supporting and sacrificing for my dad. He then took it a step further to go deeper so I could understand the absolute selfless sacrifices required. The Lord pointed out that my dad is here to finish up some business/ministry for him and that is important, but He wanted me to understand the sacrifice my dad made for us.
Not only has my dad given his life to love and support his family, to train his children to be decent and proper God-fearing women and business women. He taught us to think for ourselves and if we could dream it we could find a way to make it happen (if its God will). He (and my mom) have undoubtedly supported everything we have done WITHOUT QUESTION! But there is a another deeper level to this whole new situation. My dad had basically died, and was given the chance to come back.... and he chose to do it-- PURELY FOR HIS FAMILY! He was already in heaven before Our Father God, in paradise! He chose to come back to this world of disease, pain, suffering. He has stuck in there with us FOR US! He is truly going through an ordeal FOR US! My daddy loves us! I mean if you've read the blog you've seen all the dismal reports of heart attack, and recovery, infection and blood clots, kidney issues, UTI and bowel infections, and he will undergo intense and probably painful physical, occupational, and speech therapy, stemming all for his love for us and not wanting to "leave us hanging." I truly love my father and I am now understanding the life of sacrifice he lives on SO MANY LEVELS!
The Lord further revealed to me.... This is the same kind of sacrifice He has done for us. He left eternity to come down to earth and SUFFER through this life and even die for us so we can have the chance (if we freely accept it) to be with Him in heaven when we leave our world of pain and suffering and disease (dis-ease) on Earth. He said to make sure your readers know how to get to me. Its easy and the best decision you can make. I say decision because as always you are free to take it or leave it. No one will force you. But, if your are interested say this prayer aloud:
Lord Jesus, forgive me of all my sins, wash me in your Holy Blood. I believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for me, and was buried and raised on the third day by the Father. I open the door to my heart to receive the Lord Jesus Christ in to my heart as my Lord and Savior. I claim healing mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally and financially. Thank you Lord for saving me! I pray You save my family and direct me to a church home that will teach me Your will for me in my life, and how to live for You! In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN!

Not Enough Hours In The Day!

2010-07-10T01:01:00.000-07:00

The day before yesterday, I spent two hours in the ICU visiting Daddy with my Mommy. Five minutes in the actual unit seeing him and holding his hand and the other hour and 55 minutes in the waiting room trying to get my laptop to run properly so I could blog. Battery issues. Welp, it didn't quite work. So much for that!

I can't stay in the ICU long because his heart rate elevates when we are there (that's why no visitors), which his nurses are not comfortable with and then I also sort of get sick, dizzy and a headache. I don't know if everything has been too overwhelming or what. I asked the nurse about this and I was told that people getting sick while visiting in the ICU happens often. She explained about the air in the room, the various patient sicknesses, and the different kinds of medications all happening at the same time. My mom also made note that my sisters, my daddy and I are so sensitive that we can hear those rodent repellent alarms. Lol! And with all the electronic machinery, gadgets, etc. in the room she wouldn't be surprised if the surge of energy is too much for me. Maybe. Who knows. Although, I do remember the same thing happening while Daddy was at Seton, the first week or two, until he was gradually weaned from each device.

Okay, now it's time for quickie updates before I get back to sleep.

1) Daddy was moved from the ICU to the Critical Care floor upstairs the day before yesterday. Believe it or not, this is great progress. I know it doesn't sound any different, but they assured us that it was. Also, I am not sure if he is okay to have visitors now that he is on a different floor. But I will find out.

2) While Marna and my mom visited yesterday, the physical therapist came to assess him. Wow! That's fast, huh? Well, great! They said he was more alert and was able to answer with short answers. He was responding to the questions being asked of him. Even better! We had not seen him like this in a few weeks. So they are getting a handle on this blood infection that had taken over his body which had him lethargic and sleeping all day. Amen! Now it all makes sense as to why it appeared he was regressing after being weaned from the trachea, while in San Leandro.

3) The doctors have been great! A group of specialist have gathered together to review his case. His attending doctor has included, I believe, a cardiologist, an internalist, a gastrointestinalist, and a hematologist on his team. We are so grateful. We thank the doctors for doing all that is within their power through the education and medical skill God has given them. It is a blessing. But in the end, God has the final say and absolute authority. HE does what He wants and wills. We praise God for the special attention He is allowing the nurses, doctors, and specialists to give Daddy in his current, yet temporary condition.

This evening is my day to be with Mommy at the hospital. So maybe I will be able to really back track and update the blog this Sunday while at home with everything that has transpired. There is still so much I promised to share. I have little to no time each day, but I have not forgotten...

Lots of love,
June

Bumps, Hurdles, and Hoops of FIRE!

2010-07-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin!?! So much has happened in such a short period of time. We have spent the last few days running back and forth to the hospital's ICU.

Daddy developed a septic (blood) infection and he has a clot in his right arm that ranges from his shoulder to his elbow.

Now. Sigh. Well, we know that God's word is true and everything is not as it appears to be. But I questioned the Lord last night. I know what God has said. I know what He has promised. I know it will be be as He has spoken. But Lord, during our prayer time...what exactly do we pray? What do I pray? To continue to ask you for daddy's healing is pointless, if you have already spoken. Furthermore, You asked my family, "Why do you doubt what I have told you?" and "I will fight Satan myself." All of this I understand, but Lord, we are so worn out and you said you would not put more on us then we can bear. But Lord, this is becoming quite unbearable.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (New International Version)

And does this scripture have anything to do with what we are going through anyway? Is this only applicable to temptation? What? Answers, answers...I need answers.

Do I spend time in prayer just thanking you for what you have promised and consider it done? Or do I continue to beg and pray healing scriptures over Daddy. The day before yesterday, I thought I needed to fast. Then I was convicted. It was like to Lord telling me He didn't need my help as if I was going to add on to or enhance what He is already doing. So I didn't fast. I went ahead and fixed me a nice big bowl of Ms. Jackson's (Pico's' grandma) spaghetti, and called it a day.

Later that night, I was sitting around watching God TV and this praise and worship leader in Canada was speaking. He was telling the story of his 2 year-old son who wanted to help him tighten his keyboard racks. He said his son came running in the room with his toy tools eager to help his father. Of course he was not really helping him, but he thought it was cute that his son wanted to try and help him. He then said later God told him, "You know that you don't really help Me, don't you? But I like that you want to help Me." Lol! Wow! Now, that was the revelation of all revelations. Hahaha! Right on time God, as always.

So I have established that I have not, am not and will not help God in healing daddy. It's not possible to help God. Daddy's healing and recovery is already done. I will continue to praise Him and give thanksgiving for what He has done, is doing and will do. I ask that you do the same. Also please pray for our strength as a family during this time. The running back for forth having to see daddy in this condition is very, very difficult. It is wearing on our emotions and exhausting us mentally, which leads to physical exhaustion and discouragement. Thank you.

I still have to update you all on everything that has transpired up to this point. The dream(s) I have had that led up to daddy ending up in the hospital ER in the first place. I will try my best to blog within the next couple of days. We have such little time to do hardly anything anymore.

Okay, so I better get dressed. Today is my day to help out at daddy's office.

Love you all!
--June

So sorry...internet issues at home

2010-06-30T05:18:00.000-07:00

I remember the Saturday before Father's Day, my mom and I visited Daddy. As a family, we were debating if we should or should not acknowledge Father's Day the next day in front of him. We decided not to because we didn't want to upset him further. We figured he was not aware of what day it was anyway. Well, we were wrong. As we arrived to the hospital and stepped off the elevator, we heard two male nurses in his room wishing him a Happy Father's Day on tomorrow. Ugh! Change of plans. Lol! One nurse mentioned he only had three daughters and just one granddaughter. I remember daddy looking over at him and saying something we could not make out. But the look was, "I hear ya, man!" Hahaha! Poor daddy, he's lived in a house full of women for at least 50 years.

I also think that was the day he asked me, "How was life?" when I walked in the room. I looked at him and started laughing. I responded, "Mine is great, Daddy! And I am glad to see you. How is yours?" He replied, "I'm good (or) great." I just thought that whole conversation was funny, because he is the one confined to a hospital bed. :-| Lol!

Later that evening, I prayed over him and he prayed too. Then I sung, God is an Awesome God to him. He smiled while I sang and said, "Yes." I guess he could testify to that song first hand. He eventually dozed off talking in his sleep.

On Father's Day, we sat with him a couple of hours. My mom and I arrived and Nicolas (my nephew) was already there. Pico (Nick) had already been there an hour or so just sitting with his Grandpa. When we walked in and wished him a Happy Father's Day. He was sort of sleep. But the first thing he said was, "Nick was here!" I told him that Nick was still there and had not left. He had a confused look on his face. I told him, "Pico has been here just sitting with you. You can't see him from the bed." Pico got up and said, "I'm still here Grandpa." He walked over to daddy's bed and held his hand. Daddy looked up at Nick and smiled. He was so happy to have his grandson there. You could tell that daddy was very proud. We prayed together, and again, daddy prayed too. We couldn't make out all of what he was saying, but we knew that he was praying over us as well. We stayed a little while until he dozed off to sleep.

On Monday, the 21st, I was finally able to attend church again and it felt good. I had not been able to go since all of this had happened. Our schedules have been so chaotic with running my daddy's business, our individual businesses, household responsibilities, checking in on daddy, hospital visits, and just our own personal lives, etc. It seems as if there are not enough hours in the day. Rather, it felt that way before, but NOW, it REALLY is like that. Now that daddy is back in SF, maybe, just maybe things will calm down a bit.

There is still more that I need to update on the blog, but I am tired. My first client is at 7:30 this morning. I better get a little more rest before getting ready for work. Whew! I'm sleepy, but praise Jesus, I have a job! Amen? You have to learn to appreciate even the small things. Lol! Thank you, Lord.

I will try to update last weeks events later today. Our internet at home is down or acting up--something Marna tried to explain to me. Shrugging shoulders. All I know is...Hallelujah for AT&T's 3G wireless cards! :-o

--June

We've been very busy...

2010-06-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hello all! This past week has been very busy for us. I will try to update everything that has transpired within the past week on tonight.

For starters, Daddy was transferred to a long-term rehab located in San Francisco. Hallelujah! The trek back and forth to San Leandro was a bit much, but we did it with love and patience. We would have continued it need be because that is what Daddy would have done for any of us. :-)

The new facility is really nice and located in downtown SF. Daddy really enjoyed being downtown, in the heart of the city working and running errands. He knows the city streets like the back of his hand. Lol! I hope the location gives him a sense of familiarity.

Until tonight's updates,
--June

WOW!

2010-06-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so no i don't spell check or reread my posts.... LOL sorry i am tired by the time i post. LIKE NOW!

So i went to church today to spend Father's Day with the Lord who was my father first! This is first year i really recognized this and I thank God for that! For really showing me the truth.

I got home from church and went pretty much right back out and to the hospital. I got there and my dad was probably praying but he was talking out loud when I came in and I said, "Hi Daddy, Happy Father's Day!" and i gave him a kiss on his forehead.
He told me he wanted breakfast! (LOL-- don't i know it!) i told him he can't eat yet, and that when he finally can eat and when he comes home we're gonna have to change our eating habits... we are going to have to eat more healthily (is that a word?). He looked at me with this face, like i don't like these changes you are speaking of...
I played messages from my oldest sister and my daughter and he closed his eyes and smiled. :) I read my card and he asked me when was he getting out of here. I said, "Daddy, i dunno. You have to do physical therapy and you have to get strong and maybe get the strength to walk. I dunno when you are getting out."
He also said he knows his children, but he says it hurts him because he doesn't have all his memories like he should. I said, "oh daddy your memory is coming back. Your memory will come back.You have to be patient. We all have to be patient."
We sat for a little bit and he would pray alittle bit and fall asleep then wake back up, and repeat it. But then he said, "You know the angels are larger than life itself."
"What angels? Did you see angels?"
"Yep."
"When? When you were gone?"
"Yep. They took me and we went UP."
"Daddy, you were flying?"
"Yep."
I couldn't believe what he was telling me! "What else happened? Did you go to heaven and see God?!"
"Yep."
"Did He talk to you and give you some instructions?"
"Yep."
"Well, what did He say?"
"He told me He loved me very much [then i couldn't make out what my dad was saying] a Christian weapon.."
"Did he say you had to come back."
"Yes He did."
"Daddy, did you see anyone else?"
"Yep."
"Who?"
"Daniel"
"Daniel? From the Bible Daniel."
"Yep."
"And you two were talking?"
"Yes."
"Well what did you talk about?"
[I couldn't make out what he was saying.] He starts going in and out of sleep again
Well, I know for some of you you may think that i was trying coax specific answers out of him, but I was not I wanted to make sure he and I were on the same page. My dad is not some delusional man, he deals with facts. Many of you who know my dad know he wouldn't even bother with making some thing like this up.. what a waste that would be especially this far in the game. The truth is... this is the beginning of him telling us what happened from his perspective. And even this little bit so far is AMAZING!
On one last note, on Thursday or Friday I spoke to Kaye, she soooo encouraged me and my mom (and our family. She said the Lord gave her to tell us about Isaiah 40:41 (really that whole chapter) It was an amazing scripture and we wholeheartedly receive what she is showing us.
Thank you, Lord Jesus for being my daddy first, and for returning my earthly father to us.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

2010-06-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks for Staying (Audio)

When a shooting star falls
All the world looks in awe
It seems so amazing
but falling stars don't shine
They have no place in the sky
We forget about the ones still hanging

Falling is easy
Standing takes strength
You have remained my star
And I want to thank you for staying
And not leaving for
Never taking the easy way out
For loving and always showing me
What being a father is all about

I see you everywhere
You're the old man in a chair
Sharing his wisdom
You're the coach and the teacher
You're the hero and leader
Forever we'll applaud who you are
And what you've done

Falling is easy but
Standing takes strength
You have remained my star
And I want to thank you for staying
And not leaving for
Never taking the easy way out
For loving and always showing me
What being a father is all about

And you never left me though you could
And just like a Gibraltar, you have stood
I'm who I am today
Because you stayed forever

You have remained my star
And I want to thank you
I want to thank you
Thank you for never leaving me
For loving and always showing me
What being a father is all about
For loving me
Always showing me
What being a father is all about
What a father is all about
What a father is all about

Da'Dra Crawford-Greathouse
Written by Kim Rutherford, Israel Houghton and Arron Lindsey

HE-Motions by T.D.Jakes (2004)

I Love You Daddy,

--June (your #2 Brat)

Well...

2010-06-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

So today I went with my mom to see my dad. To be honest he looked a bit disoriented today, a lot of blank stares and staring off into nothing. He was talking but he sounds kind of like a small child when they are learning to talk you can make out some words but you can't always complete the sentence or thought. So that's kind of what its like right now. Anyway, the last few visits he has been asking us to read scriptures to him, and one time he was talking about something being "bright" and then something about him "dying" and a "light" i can hardly wait to hear what he has to say when he's finally able to really speak well.
My cousin came by to see my dad today while we were there. He sat down and i told my dad that it was his nephew coming to see him. He started talking and my cousin (his nephew) was able to understand him, and he even became easier to understand during his visit, he was dozing off and on and in and out of sleep. My cousin told me what they were talking about. He (my cousin) said my dad was saying that [my dad] didn't like people seeing him with the wires and in the hospital like this, and that he wanted to go home. He also said he has a lot of things he wants to say but they aren't coming out his mouth right, but he said there was a lot on his mind. He said he will do his physical therapy because he wants to go home. That was good that was the most we've gotten to understand fully from him in a long time. My dad fell asleep for a long time and my cousin left... when my dad woke up he said, "what happened to the guy i was talking to?" I said, "daddy you fell asleep for a while and he finally left." My dad just looked around like hmmmm ok.
I decided ask him, "do you know who I am?" He said "no." **Sigh** it was a little sad. and i remember the nurse telling us that some days he may remember and some days not, and that overall it's going to take some time for his memory to come back to him fully, and we have to be patient. And I am... It was just sad he had no recollection of me (as of now) but he will soon enough.

Text Message from Marna

2010-06-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

Marna Armstead (10:49 pm): Please join me in a prayer for my dad. Please pray exodus 4:11-12 for my dads speech. He's speaking but having a hard time he's very sad and frustrated.

The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
Exodus 4:11-12 (New International Version)

-----------------------------------------------

My mom and I visited my daddy this evening. He was really talking alot tonight, but I couldn't understand or make out what he was saying. After asking him to repeat everything over and over again or to slow down, he got very frustrated and yes....he began to cry. Sigh. Ugh! We have NEVER witnessed my daddy cry before, ever. So this was very disturbing. I began to stroke his head and tell him it is okay and to be patient with the process. It was an entire 15 minute pep talk of what God has told us and how we would never give up on him, so he could not give up. I told him that God promised that he would talk and walk again even better than he had before! To this, he looked at me. I even told him that he has been a good daddy and has supported us, been there for us, and has done EVERYTHING for us! Should he really expect any less from us?? We have been to the hospital everyday to see about him, advocate for him when he couldn't for himself, look at him, stroke his head, hold his hands and talk with him, even if we don't understand all that he is saying. He is still here and he is STILL our Daddy! God gave him back to us! Ooooh he tried so hard to hold the tears back. This experience makes me realize just how vulnerable we all are, even your daddy. I asked him would he be patient, like we are being patient going through this entire process with him and he told me okay. I even reminded him that he just started talking a week ago and he had not spoken in over a month. He was in a comma for an entire week and this is going to take whatever time necessary. I know that he is frustrated and we are too because we see how frustrated he is, but DON'T give up. He would never allow us to give up or tell him what we "can't" do. It (that word can't) was not allowed in our household. I asked him does he believe what God has spoken to us about him? He gave me a weak, "Yup." That was good enough. He allowed me to pray over him, and to just thank God for his life and to ask God to give us more patience and remove all of our frustrations while we trust Him for what He has said He will do. And He WILL DO IT!!! I told Daddy that we love him and we want him home, just as bad as he wants to be home, but we will trust God for His timing. That is what Daddy would tell me, so I in turn told him the same thing.

Yes, this is all very hurtful and I cry too at night. But I see God moving and doing something very special with our family and I am anxiously awaiting the wonderful results!

But as it is written: “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:6-9 (New King James Version)

I choose to trust you with this process My Lord and My God,
June

The Best Gift EVER!

2010-06-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

You know, each year I reach a birthday, I am just thankful to see another year. Today, I turned 38 years old and I worked at the salon on some paperwork, then later worked at my dad's office to help out there.

I told my friends, family, sisters, nephew, niece and mom, "Today is my birthday and I am happy...because my Daddy is alive. That is the best gift ever." :-)

Lord, thank you for your mercies. I love you.

--June

p.s.
My mom and I will head out in about an hour to visit my Daddy.

Oh, yeah...I almost forgot:

2010-06-14T02:26:00.000-07:00

Wow! The most important thing that I forgot to mention in the previous post my daddy said:

My mom mentioned to him that his Aunt Eula said, she loves him and his praying for him. He in return said, "Tell them don't worry about me. (something--something)" and later told us, "I know the Lord."

Talking, Talking and More Talking

2010-06-14T02:01:00.000-07:00

I guess after not being able to speak for an entire month, you would have plenty to say when you finally can. Oh Boy! Did James Armstead talk yesterday!

Granted, you can't really make out a lot of what he is saying, but he knows exactly what he is saying. Lol!
Well, these are some of the things he was trying to convey to the nurse, my mom and I:

1) Something about "0100 and 0300". Now he continued to try to get his point across, so he kept saying it over and over. I didn't realize what he was referring to until my mom wrote down the numbers. She thought he was at first trying to tell us a zip code. Nope that wasn't it. Then he said, "two hours". Okaaaaaaaaaaaaay? So it dawned on me that he was giving us a time span: 1:00-3:00 is two hours, but two hours for what? To be honest, I then thought he was just randomly saying things or expressing abstract thoughts. Which would have been okay, you know, we were just happy he was trying to say anything at all even if it didn't make a lick of sense. Hahaha! I later realized he was talking about the eye drops someone put in his eyes, something about the doctor, something about two hours, and made it very clear he doesn't want any more eye drops because he has a reaction or allergy to it. This I was able to make out.

2) He does not like the teeth brushing thing they do in the hospital. The solution does not taste good. To this he would close his mouth tight, shake his head back and forth (the "no-no" thing he does) real fast, then say, "I don't like it!" Sigh. The poor nurse would just coax, "Mr. James, open your mouth. Or just stick out your tongue, Mr. James. Will you let me at least clean your tongue, Mr. James?" He would not cooperate and continued to tell us what he didn't like. I told my mom that he sounds like some inebriated, swollen tongue, old man telling everybody what he don't like and what he ain't gonna do! Geez! I couldn't believe how stubborn he was being. Oh my gosh! Unbelievable. The nurse was sort of laughing. She told my mom that she has to do this a couple of times a day because of the fungus that grows in the esophagus because of him being on the respirator and ventilator as long as he had been. I then told him, that Nuk asked him to please cooperate with doctors and nurses so he can get better faster and come home. To that, he got silent and the nurse immediately asked me who Nuk was? She noticed his reaction when I mentioned her name. My mom then told the nurse that she would try to brush his teeth, because she had enough of this! Maybe he would cooperate with her--and he did. Lol! The nurse laughed and asked how long had they been married? I told them 50 years come February and then she really started laughing.

3) My mom showed the nurse a photo of our family and a picture of Nuk. My dad then blurted out to the nurse, "That's my baby (something--something) 9-years old (something--something) grandson, Nick (something--something)." Hahahaha! We shared with the nurse all that had happened throughout the last month with him. She was amazed and said that she was referring him to rehab tomorrow. She said with him going through all that he had, he was still fighting her about his teeth and tongue brushing, could tell her about his grandchildren, told me no more eye drops, and figured out a way to spit (at a distance) phlegm from his lungs while laying flat on his back (I know, gross huh?), and with him talking up a storm, that he was definitely READY for rehab!

4) He even tried to tell my mom what he wanted her to read from the bible. Something about someone's wife, although he did say something about Abraham. But when I asked him about Sarah, he told me no. So I started listing each book of the bible until he told me which one. He stopped me at Samuel, but was not able to tell me 1 Samuel or 2 Samuel. So my mom just started to read the beginning of 1 Samuel about Hannah. He dozed off to sleep while she read to him. But he would wake up periodically and say something we couldn't understand and doze back off.

My mom and I laughed and said, when he is really able to communicate, those doctors and nurses are going have their hands full. He is going to give them a run for their money, that's for sure! They haven't experienced him full and in effect yet. Lol!

--June

Spiritual Warfare & More Miracles

2010-06-10T23:50:00.000-07:00

So yesterday me, June, my aunt Pam and my mom went out to the hospital to see my dad and pray. My Pastor who is also my uncle (and my aunt Pam's husband) met us out there becasue he was already in Oakland. We were smiling and having a good visit, and got ready to pray. My uncle was praying very hard and earnestly for my dad and just said "amen" and smiled at my dad and told him that [my dad] was going to be alright! No sooner did he say it, then he just collapsed like the life went out off him. We all looked soo shicked we couldn't beleive it. My uncles eyes were eopen and he was slumped over beteween me and my aunt. We immediately started praying and he semed to come to, but was very out of tti cold clammy and weak... we got him over to a chair and called the nurses and docotrs and they rushed rght in and started assessing and helping him. He then started having what looked to be a seizure and then stopped.... all i could think (while praying) was No Lord, No! We cannot will not go through this again. Not again! Since we were at acute care facitlity and not a full fledged hospital, the paramedics were called adn took him to Kaiser. There me and my aunt and my pastor sat and talked and laughed and joked. Things were better, he felt fine all his tests came back normal. The Bible says we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but spiritual wickedness in high places. That means that when you go to do a spiritual thing expect spirutal things to take place... sometime tey manifest in the physical though. I believe the spiritual thing that took place was the loosening of the spirit of sickness from my dad and that spirit (some people like to call it "energy" but it's more than that... its a real being) attempted to attack and take hold of my uncle. But my uncle having just prayed, was only suseptible to a "shadow" or slight form of it becasue it could not take hold or manifest in a pure spirit. Iam i taking you too deep? Sorry.... spiritual warfare is no joke.... have you ever hung around a very happy or very sad/depressed person... you know how they say their energy can "rub off" onto you? Well that is a real and true principle.... but like I said before... it's not mere "energy" it s a spiritual force.
Well we had enough excitemnt for one night... The humorous part in hindsight was... I wish you could have seen my dad's face the whole time this was going on. He had this expression on his face like what the "heck" is going on? LOL... like i'm the sick one... you can to see me.... what's he doing falling out like this...all across my legs to say the least?! Yesterday was a crazy day. I've had enough excitement on that level to last me the rest of my life..... Thank you.

BUT TODAY!
Today my mom put a call in to speak to my dad's new doctor at the new facility. We were both at work and I was workign on the computer when the doctor called back. My back was turned to my mom but I could hear the conversation. She went through our usual explanantion to the doctor about how we are expecting a complete recovery and etc etc. So I'm still listening to her talk when she says... "HE DID?" Are you sue you have the right person... James Amrstead?" By now, I've stopped everything I was doing and turned around to watch my mom. Becaue I'm like 'what happened?' She said "Really? What did he say?!" I'm like 'what?' She's talking... and I'm trying to figure it all out. Then she says to me... He's talking! Jim's talking!" I was stunned.... Not that I didn't believe it, but it just happened SO suddenly! Well AMEN! SO the doctors said now when they considere his plan of action, they can be evn more aggressive then they thought! Great! My daddy is talking! Amazing! My sister took my mom up there, and they said he told my mom, "I love you." **tears of joy** I joked that my dad probably thought I better show some prgoress,.. casue I'm not having folks come up and passing out on me... They can just stay home if they're gonna be doing all of that (which would be somehting he'd think or say) All I can say is God is good!

Can you say...Post-Traumatic Stress? Good Grief!

2010-06-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

Nooooo, not really. Hahaha! But sometimes, I sure feel that way. Last week, I spent most of my time fussing with Nick and Nuk about running down the staircase at alarming speeds. Every time I hear that sound, I have flash backs of my niece running frantically down the staircase to my studio yelling that Grandpa was not breathing. Ooooh! My heart jumps each time. I can hear and feel every beat and it frightens me so bad. I can't stand it! Lol! So I made my household announcement that nobody do that anymore from here on out--don't run down the staircase. Don't run down the staircase especially, screaming. As a matter of fact, don't scream. Don't jump, don't bump, don't drop nothing, don't walk, don't talk, don't speak, don't sleep too sound, don't eat too fast, don't eat too slow, etc. As a matter of fact, do you have to eat? Hahaha! As you can see, I was on a rampage. My nephew just looked at me crazy as if to say his auntie has snapped!

Yeah, Marna and I were joking one day while sitting in my dad's room waiting for him to wake up. I said, "Girl, you think we gone need counseling after this mess?" We both just started to chuckle and shake our heads saying, "Daddy dun' messed our heads up. Geez! Girl, we jus' messed up fo'eva now!" Lol! (Pardon the grammar, but this is what we call "home-talk.")

So, do I really need counseling? How knows? But I will take it to Jesus first. :-))

Anyway, I just need to rest and calm myself down. That is all. We have all been through a lot, but life moves forward and so will we.

Yesterday, my Daddy was transferred to a rehabilitation facility in San Leandro. It was somewhat emotional for me. Granted, I am glad Seton determined that he is ready and stable for the next phase, graduating from CCU. But it was strange because this is unfamiliar territory. For the last month, (tomorrow being 30 days) we have visited him daily and got comfortable with the location, the staff, the other visiting families, and all. They were familiar with us and my dad. Now, being at a new facility just feels, "raw." That is the only word I can think of that describes how everything feels.

The facility seems nice, I just have to get accustomed to it, as well as the distance we must drive to visit Daddy. We arrived yesterday, during the shift change. My Daddy arrived probably an hour or so before. So James Armstead was just a newly transferred patient who was recently wheeled into one of their cold, once vacant rooms. Sigh. The nurses and doctor working last night asked us more about his previous care for feedback. They had not had a chance to read any of the his paperwork yet. Everything was just new and different, that is all.

Marna, my mom and I prayed over him before departing but it was hard. Again, during our prayer time, God told us some wonderful things to look forward to concerning my dad's recovery. What he spoke was very encouraging and uplifting. It definitely, made me feel better about leaving Daddy on that side of the bridge. We left with tears in our eyes, but they were tears of joy knowing that we as a family can totally depend and trust God to do ALL that He promised and showed us He would do. I don't think I have ever had this type or level of trust in the Lord before. I have been a born-again Christian (Lol! the fa'real type of life-altering, living saved, over-coming life, born-again...not just attending church on a regular basis, having a front for all to see, but still doin' yo stuff on the unda', suppose to be born-again) for about 19 years. My before years just going to church, don't count. I didn't know what it all meant anyway. Well, now, I felt a need to clarify the differences. Hahahaha! Anyway, back to what I was saying: I trusted God with my tongue, but not really in my heart. I hope that makes sense. Hmmmm? I sung songs that said I trusted Him, and told Him I did, but I think it was more like, positive reinforcement or affirmations for myself. Laughing really hard now!

Yeah, you can say a lot of things that are not really resident in your heart. I just don't think I have ever been put in a position to a degree, where I HAD to really, totally, fully, completely trust God on the level I have had to trust Him with this situation with my Daddy. With this experience, there is no Go Left, Go Right, Climb Over, or Crawl Under. Baby, you have to GO STRAIGHT THROUGH this. There is no other way--this is the way. I praise God for using this to build my faith and trust in HIM!!

Okay, I have to get my shoes on. We are headed to San Leandro. For those who would like to visit him, please contact my mom (Opal) at their office to get the information and the location: 415.822.6225

Until next time,
June

Quickie Update

2010-06-07T04:32:00.000-07:00

I just wanted give you all a quick update of what has happened this weekend:

1) The day before yesterday, my mom and I visited my dad. I thought I heard him try to say, "Hi" when we walked in, but the sound escaped out through the trachea. The nurse wanted me to try and make him do it again, but of course, he wouldn't. :-| So we were sort of disappointed. We even tried to get him to mouthed something to us and he wouldn't.

Later my mom mentioned something about him one day saying our names. At that he nodded. Well, Amen! To that, my mom was all excited and teared up. It was sort of funny to me because knowing my dad's personality, I figured he is not going to allow himself to be in position where we are telling him what to do and when to do it. Lol! I can appreciate that. Hahaha! Because we are use to him "runnin' the show" if you know what I mean. It was quite hilarious because the James Armstead personality pops out each and every time and I am glad.

2) Yesterday, we visited and he slept most of the time. After about an hour of just sitting and talking and laughing among ourselves with his nurse, he woke up. It took him a while to respond. He was really sleepy. Sometimes I notice if they have him somewhat propped up he tries to look at his feet. He tries to see if he can move them, and he does.

When he was really awoke, we were talking about the nurses having 12-hour shifts and mentioned to him about his niece, Niki graduating from nursing school last week. He turned his head towards me and was really paying attention to what I was saying to him. As if to say, "Really, she did?" From his response, I realized he knew what we were taking about and who we were referring to. I then told him while he is just laying there, since he has nothing better to do during the day, try and lift his forearm repeatedly to exercise it. About 10 minutes minutes later he reached up with his right hand and scratched his mustache! BINGO!!! He did it so fast, we were stunned! Later he lifted his left hand and reached across his chest and flopped it back down. I think it takes him a lot of energy to do those simple movements we able-bodied people take for granted. Also, there may be some delayed reaction trying to process the movements in his head. But we have time and we are patient. I think he lifted another hand and tried to show my mom he could make a fist. It was a weak fist, but none the less, it was some sort of fist. It was something he had not done before. God is strengthening his body and I am glad. Still waiting for him to speak, but God has a set timing for everything.

I think the nurse said physical therapy is the next phase. We trust The Lord to transfer Daddy out of the CCU (Cardiac Care Unit) to wherever He sees fit for his next phase of care. God is so good. I know have a new understanding of God's "Mercy".

-June

OMGsh! I just read Marna's Post...

2010-06-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

So the scripture that the Lord gave Marna, I have on a very large wood piece. My friend, Leona and her husband, Joe engraved it for me for me over 10 years ago. I have it downstairs hanging among all the rest of my wall-to-to-wall covering of scriptures. :-)

I just spoke with Marna and she said she never saw it, or at least she never read it. Go Figure! (rolling eyes) Lol! Marn-ita, you like, totally, never pay attention to none of my stuff. Hahaha! It's huge and has been there hanging downstairs in my room for, like, I don't know...years?? Geez!

More Updates & Clarification

2010-06-03T05:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, yesterday they removed the feeding tube from my dad's nose and put a port into his stomach. I didn't get a chance to visit him yesterday because I threw my back out. UGH!!! Oh well. So I came home after my last client. Rather Marna, picked me up later after I whined and whimpered over the phone with my mom. Lol! I think I just need to rest. We have been running and running...and more running. It is time to slow down. So it may be due to stress.

Marna and my mom went to see my dad, but came back shortly. They said he was sort of in and out because of the meds they gave him to perform the procedure. They are not sure if he even recognized they were there. So I didn't feel so bad although I just wanted to look upon him. Progress has been slow, but AMEN for progress. I would rather be going through this process with him opposed to the planning of or aftermath of a funeral. So we are truly blessed. Now I have a new understanding of when Christians say, "I thank Him for waking me up" or "He woke me ups this morning!" Truly, because on Thursday, May 13th, my daddy DID NOT get up or wake up!!

I am not sure if many of you understand all that took place that morning. My mom heard what could have possibly been my daddy's last breath. Except for the Grace and Mercy of God! Even after the CPR, the paramedics working on him for well over 30 minutes, there was still no breath, no pulse, no nothing. There was enough time to:

Have a conversation with the Lord about what was happening with my dad at the moment.
Then have a conversation with my Daddy (spiritually). Between he and my mom, I think our family watched enough sci-fi and supernatural-miracle type of television shows with them to know Daddy was still in the house watching all that was going on. Lol! I started just talking with him. Well, I remember first asking God for permission to speak with Daddy. I knew he was standing at The Gate and the decision had not been made as of yet. After feeling as if I had been granted permission, I just calmly started talking. I told him that I knew how tired and exhausted he was. I told him that we as a family will do whatever needs to be done to help alleviate him of the tremendous stress he was under. That we will each do our part so he could finally rest. But if he had to go and wanted to go, I would understand. It would be hard and we would be very sad because we would miss him. Also, I wanted him to experience the and see the full fruit of all his labor this many years. I wanted him to see me finally get married and walk me down the isle. I wanted him to be here for when I had children, etc. All these things I told him. But at the same time, I wanted God's will for him. I remember telling God, that my flesh wanted my daddy back...but ultimately, I wanted HIS will and plan for my daddy and our family. And if this is what needed to happen....then okay. Lord you will carry us through. Then past all the commotion and me talking to Daddy and God, I heard my mom in the front hallway. She was talking to Daddy too. She reminded him of their 50 years. I heard her clear as day, "Okay Jim, what about my 50 years?!? What about Nicolas and Aleja? Don't they need you?" Then I heard Nuk (Aleja) pleading with God for mercy. "God, please have mercy! I beg for your mercy Lord!" I think she even yelled, "Grandpa (come back) PLEASE!" That little girl was praying ever since the time my mom yelled that he wasn't breathing. At that moment, I realized that it couldn’t possibly happen like this. Daddy leaving like this? Lord is this your plan? Why so tragic and so abrupt for one who has served you and taught his family to serve you? What happened to the “ripe” old age you give those who do your will, Lord? There must be more you want from him, Lord? Is this to get his attention? At that point, I began to speak with Daddy again saying, “Daddy, not like this. Right now, Nuk really needs you. Don’t leave in this manner. Come on Daddy, NOT like this.”
Still this was enough time to hear Nuk pleading with God over her Grandpa as well as my Aunt Pam (my mom's sister) and her granddaughter, Emani to drive to our location to pray. All the while, Daddy is still not responding to anything the paramedics are doing. Still no pulse. Sigh.
I remember climbing over the paramedics (3 or 4 big men) and over my parents bed once I realized what I had on....or didn't have on. Hahahaha! I needed to go downstairs and throw on something more appropriate. But I could hear them through the ceiling/floor with the defibrillator. I would just hear, "CLEAR!" and then a big THUD sound as I listened and looked up at the ceiling. If I am not mistaken, this was the 4th time. The paramedics did it a few times when I was upstairs trapped between my parent’s bathroom and back hallway already.
I think I heard my Aunt Pam arrive and run up our staircase yelling "Get on the floor!! PLEAD FOR GOD'S MERCY, NOW!!" Thought we didn't hit that floor?!? If we had to eat carpet, we was gonna do it! My Daddy's life was on the line! We humbled ourselves before The Lord in a QUICKNESS! No time for freaking out, humble yourself before God Almighty the best way you know how.
So you can imagine, how long this was going on. Like Marna said in a previous post, it was a very long time. And it was. Let there be no mistake. James Armstead was GONE. I am surprised at how long they worked on him, but I am glad they did. I am not sure if that is routine as far as the length of time they will try, but God is good. No doubt about that. I know not too long after us all pleading for God's mercy, my mom said a paramedic finally yelled that he had a radial, but it was faint. But it was enough for them to take him in.
So we found out that he had three blocked arteries, two of which they put stints in. The third was too damaged. He was on like a cooling mechanism to quickly heal his heart for the first couple of days. It was like putting him on ice. Burrrr! If he only knew all his body has gone through. He was comatose from an entire week. He only opened his eyes two weeks ago, but was too weak, tubes inserted in his body from head to toe, not able to interact and on a respirator. Boy oh boy, the stories we will share with him. I am sure he too, has stories of his own. When he is able to finally speak, I can’t wait to hear!
Clearly, this was a modern day Lazarus story. I always wondered if I would ever see the Lord raise someone from the dead like what I read in the bible. I think I have seen almost everything there is to see in this walk when it comes to miracles except that one. Haha! Oh wait, I have seen people healed, but I am still waiting to see body parts grow back. Maybe that only happen in other countries?? Only heard about it, but now, I want to see it. What?!? I am serious. Lol!

Anyway, I see my niece has posted on the blog. Lol! She did tell me yesterday that she wanted to share her version of the story because she has some things to share too. I told her to ask her Mamma if she could. I forgot she told me about that dream she had.

And yes, if you are able to come out and support my sister and cousin this Saturday for their desert fundraiser at my salon, please do.

Until next time,
June

Woke Up To Show You What the Lord Just Showed Me

2010-06-03T02:07:00.000-07:00

Okay So I was reading my Bible and last night and I went to bed, but i clearly heard the Lord tell me to keep reading, but I was sleepy so I lay down anyway to go to sleep (i dunno why i do this... it never works) I didn't sleep for long as I woke up just tossing and turning. I said okay Lord if you really want me to read the rest of these scriptures then wake me up really wake me up because i'm to tired/lazy to even turn on this light. SO i la there and lay there and couldn't get comfortable and couldn't get back to sleep. Then I turned over and saw something flashing in my computer bag. I misplaced my bluetooth on Monday and was upset and frustrated because I thought I lost it (again) I seem to misplace these stupid things all the time. So when I saw the flashing I couldn't believe. Did he just show me where my blue tooth was and I had it with me all this time. Plus I would have never found it in the daytime because I wouldn't have seen it blinking. I even thought to myself. Lord if I need to read these scriptures, then show me something with my (cell) phone. LOL... the Lord hears your thoughts I tell you. So I sat up and said to myself okay okay I'll read. :) So I got up and turned on my light wondering if I was supposed to find a specific scripture or just keep reading where I left off in 2 Samuel. The Lord clearly told me 2 Samuel (I really can't explain how He speaks to me,.. it's almost like just hearing my conscious, but it's someone else...i dunno if that made sense... that really just may make me seem even more crazy... but whatever... everything is right, plus i don't have time to concern myself with what other thinks along those lines). I open my Bible to read and the Lord shows me this scripture 2 Samuel 7: 18-29 (King David's Prayer):
18 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said:

"Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 19 And as if this were not enough in your sight, O Sovereign LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign LORD ?
20 "What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Sovereign LORD. 21 For the sake of your word and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant.
22 "How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. 23 And who is like your people Israel—the one nation on earth that God went out to redeem as a people for himself, and to make a name for himself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt? [c] 24 You have established your people Israel as your very own forever, and you, O LORD, have become their God.
25 "And now, LORD God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. Do as you promised, 26 so that your name will be great forever. Then men will say, 'The LORD Almighty is God over Israel!' And the house of your servant David will be established before you.
27 "O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, 'I will build a house for you.' So your servant has found courage to offer you this prayer. 28 O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. 29 Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever."

The Lord means what He says, and says what He means and will do all that He sets out to accomplish. It just further confirms all that the Lord has been saying to us, The Armsteads from the beginning since this whole incident happened.... Everything is a test and nothing is what it appears to be. The test is are you going to give in to what you see, or hold on to what God said it's going to be which is the what it IS going to be?

Aleja's DREAM- The Incence

2010-06-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

One night I dremt that my mommy lit 5 incentce each represented one thing god did in god's life the 1st one was red. Red represent the blood of christ that he shed on the cross.The 2nd one was yellow. Yellow represented the sun shine on the day god was reserected from the dead. The 3rd one was blue. Blue represented the living water.The 4th one was black. Black represented the Devel dieing. The 5th one was white . White represented HEVEN. For some resen I could understand toung becuase my mommy was speaking it! And she was crying because she was extreamly happy she was saying something about love and safty and that my Grandpo would be back and bader than ever.THANK-YOU!

Remembering Dreams & Eating Cake

2010-06-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

Okay so today I was sitting here thinking about some dreams i had, maybe no more than 2 years ago. I had a dream it was me my mom June and Jean 9 I think) sitting on a boat and my dad was also in this boat with us but he was asleep. Well we were all watching these waves rise up and then we would be all scared and what not, but each time we'd ride over the waves. It got to a point where we'd anticipate the waves and then we would anticipate rising above the waves. All the while my dad was sleep and didn't even notice anything was even happening. I'd have to look back into my journals to even find the dream to know hat all happened. And right now suddenly I find that we are living this dream. It has not been the easiest. I come home exhausted, trying to figure out how to run his business and deal with his clients in a way that preserves his integrity. I don't mind doing it, but I really wish I knew his wishes regarding certain situations. i am working hard to make sure everything is done right. i wish my dad was here to tell me what to do... :(

I have the SassyCakes Fundraiser this Saturday June 5th. from 5-8pm which means i will be cooking and repairing all day Friday and most of the day Saturday. this is a big event to help me and my cousin Qiana raise money to really get the things we need to really get this business up and running. If you are in San Francisco on Saturday evening. Please consider supporting us and stopping by. It will be at June's Body, Soul & Spirit Salon in San Francisco 222 Leland Avenue (@ Rutland). I have attached a flyer image. If you have Facebook Account you can RSVP for the event here. I'd really like RSVPs because it helps me get a better count of who is coming. See the flyer below, and Thank you in advance!

Train Up A Child...

2010-05-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to upload this message for a while, but couldn't find a compatible format after transferring it from my cell phone to my computer.

This is a message from Nuk (Aleja: Marna's daughter) to me (June). The night before, she sort of had a vomiting spell. We explained to her that sometimes when you are nervous or upset about something, it may make you sick to your stomach. We shared how it could possibly be her nerves. Especially, after taking her STAR exam and this whole incident with her Grandpa. I told her every morning since Daddy had the heart attack, I wake up feeling sick to my stomach. But I know I have to move forward. After patiently listening to us, (especially me, sharing my feelings with her) she politely said, "Auntie, I am not nervous about taking my STAR test. And I am not worried about Grandpa because God already told me HE is taking care of him and everything. But I did feel sick 30 minutes after I ate those french fries my mama bought me from Wendy's."

Hahaha! I thought, "Oh. Well, excuuuuse me." But since she knew I was having issues every morning, she figured she would pray for me. I received this message later that morning on my cell:

5/18/2010 - Nuk's Prayer for June (audio)

Proverbs 22:6 (Amplified Bible)
Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Ephesians 6:4 (Contemporary English Version)
Parents, don't be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.

Lord, continue to show us how to raise and train Nuk in her own individual gifting and for the exact purpose you have called her. ;-) We are seeing and benefiting from the fruits of our labor. Amen! By the way, I have not been sick to my stomach in the morning since her prayer. Lol!

Supportive Emails, Text Messages & SMS from God

2010-05-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

These are just a few of the emails & text messages I, personally, have received. Maybe I can find out from my mom who all have sent cards, gifts and etc. and publicly thank you.

5/13/10
Am praying even now 4 u
Stephanie

What hospital is he at? Im praying for him, ive call u n the house, hes like a dad to me as well n hes strong hes going to be okay!! Please keep me posted
Ieisha

June we're praying for your dad and the family. Let me know if you need me to do anything ( no matter what it is)
Dacia

Praying for you and your dad. God is in control. , love you sister June.
Victoria

Ok, stay encouraged and remember the Lords plan for Uncle James & family is flawless. Love you all! Tell auntie
Damia

Thank u for update was just composing a text to u. I snsed the Lord saying he still has work but that He and James r in conference. I will let Joe know.
Leona

ok. We know he is healed in Jesus Name.
LaDonna

Lord have mercy, well I love you guys and hang in there I know it's hard
LaCarla

We praying sis june god bless you and your family thanks you for let me know he was a blessing to me. Your dad is a strong man. There are angels at your dad side i can feel it here
I know that god got his hand on him did god show you some in the past. Think on how your dad can to your shop to get a hair cut and he will talk to you. you have been by his side he loved the times you and he had. Hope you got some sleep may the lord bless you and shine his love in you and your family. Thanks jesus he is with you and your family
Debra

Be at peace. God is with you. My prayers are with your mom also. Father right now we come to you in Jesus name asking you right now for nothing more than the power of your name that is above every other. have mercy on us lord. Lord for our flesh is fragile and we look to you to keep us. I speak peace to the heart of my sister and her loved ones-hold her from your place we can only Dream of-in your most holy name we thank you. Amen
Stephanie

Oh Father I plead the blood and I ask that you move on behalf of Dad Armstead, God please have your way. I rebuke an bind the enemy in Jesus name and I pray for full restoration in JESUS NAME! Sis June, I pray that the Holy Spirit comforts you and you lean on Him in during this time. Love you. Cast all your cares on Him for He careth for you.
Victoria

U r n my prayers. No worries. God is n Total Control.
Lois

June- I'm so sorry to hear about you dad. You & the family are in my prayers! Pls keep me posted on his condition. Stay strong. _
Sheemah

Omg June my prayers are with you and your family! Let me know is it anything you need me to do! I am so sorry! Just try to get some rest! Call me tomarrow I am hear if you need me! Love you! Try to get some sleep!
Paulet

How can I support u other than prayer? I feel so helpless...I've been praying for u & family evertime it crossed my heart
Utuma

Oh Sis June. Im praying for you, I love you. God is in control. FATHER BLESS DAD ARMSTEAD, PROTECT HIM GOD, GUIDE THE DOCTORS HANDS. THANK YOU LORD THAT BY YOUR STRIPES WE ARE HEALED, HAVE YOUR WAY IN DAD ARMSTEAD’s life, in Jesus name, amen!
Victoria

05/14/10
That peace and strenght and healing be given to all... amen
Felicia

We are praying for you Sis June and family you have the power of God ,
Sis debra and Family

June logged on to the Blog and was glad read of the good news. Prayers continue, as always, for all of you. Much love, In God we tust.
Rose

June I'm so sorry 2 hear bout ur dad. All of u r n my prayers!
Neise

June, if you/mom need anything, give me a call. Mom says she is praying for you guys.
Dacia

yes pls do im praying! i love yall June!
Brandi

SO TO HEAR OF ALL THAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH YOU WILL HAVE MY PRAY AS LONG AS YOU MEED THEM AND WHAT ELSE I CAN DO LET ME KNOW
Rutha

I know this is hard but he is still here and he is geting the rest that he needs
Geannie

Keep trusting in God and love for us even when all hope is gone becuz he is Our hope & strength.
Utuma

Praise the lord. Talk to him-tell him how much you love him and need him when you go in. I believe the lord is speaking to him throughout you are standing on a rock-a pure rock. things around you may crumble but you will not. thus saith the lord.
Stephanie

Yes, I've been checking the blog every couple of days. This morning, I remembered that one of the entries mentioned the doom-and-gloom nature of the physicians' reports. I asked God to 1) place someone who is saved on the medical team--nurse, doctor, therapist, specialist; and 2) would He please consider placing an angel on the medical team. Not that either of these folks would be obvious about their presence. Just that they be there, as part of the health care team, to counter the naysayers.
Don't expect any conspicuous signs and wonders, no harps and choruses, no rainbows and halos, etc., to cause these individuals to identify themselves, but if you happen to notice certain signs...
Regards,
Lizette

June,
Of course you know that your father is in Our Father's hand. Your prayers are heard and answered.
Rose

father in the name of jesus we stand in the gap and pray for this great family of god whom is always on the battlefield for others. We ask right now lord that you would comfort, strengthern and assure them with your peace love and grace. Lord restore the head of their family father give him a new testimony to share about your goodness and grace your restoration power and how you call man from the dead like lazerus we thank you lord amen.
LaWanda

I am praying and will pray. He will carry us in His bosom.
Charlene

June,
My prayers are with you and your family. May the good Lord shine upon you and yours and restore your dad to abundant health and joy. Praise God!!
In prayer,
Alecia

Of course my prayers go out for James' healing and recovery and for strength to the family. I have also asked for the Armstead family to be put on my church's intercessory prayer list.
Marcia
San Diego cousin

June, you and your family are in my prayers. I know God is a healer. About a year ago my daddy was hospitalized. He was in the hospital on and off for about a total of 60 days. He has had a wonderful recovery and is doing so much better thanks to the goodness of the Lord. Be assured that God is in control and working all things out for our good. To God be the glory!
I am praying for your daddy and all of the caregivers that he encounters. I am also praying for you and your family.
Donna Marie

June - I will keep your father and your family in my prayers. – Carmen

Dear June ,
Holding you and the family up in prayer and believing with you for your Father's total healing and restoration.
Sabrina

June--I have just said a prayer for your father, your family, and the medical team, according to John 14:13-14 and John 16:23, and in the Name of My Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. Please, please keep us posted.
Regards,
Lizette

Sending sincere prayers for your father and my thoughts are with you and your family, June. Do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of even the slightest assistance.
Rollanda

June,
My prayers are with you at this time. I am praying and believing in healing for your Dad and comfort for you and your family. God promises to never leave us or forsake us so I know He is holding you right now.
I understand that our Saturday appt. will be rescheduled.
Blessings,
Yvonne

will do, I pray all will go well for you and your family.
Diane

It's an honor to be asked. Consider it done. I'll also call Lois just in case she doesn't know yet.
Kimberly

June:
I will put your Dad's name up for prayer at prayer meeting. We all have these times when we must be strong and lean on our faith to sustain us.
God Bless you and your family!
Millie

June,
My prayers are going out for your father's recovery. I am also praying for you and your entire family.
Love and hugs to all of you.
Helene

Hi June,
Prayers are on their way for your Father, and your family.
Love,
Susan

I pray for your father, fear you not, just BELIEVE!!!
Borko

Good Morning , just wanted to let you know that we and thre prayer wars will keep your father in prayer as well as your your family and just know the Lord love us and he will come and see about us , all is welll God bless
Sis.Betty

My Dear June,
We will hold your family close in out hearts\ and pray for all of you, especially your Dad...Be strong, you are loved
Karen

June,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Hope he recovers. My prayers are with you and your family.
Regards,
Jo

June,
I am sorry to hear the news about your father. Of course, I will lift him before the throne of Jesus and ask for protection and healing.....wisdom for the doctors, as they treat him, and peace and comfort for you and your family. May you feel the prayers of the saints and the presence of the Lord.
In Him,
Linda

So sorry to hear of this :(
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kia

Good morning,
I am praying right now; Father in the name of your son Jesus we are praying for a complete healing and recovery for June's Father. We are asking for peace of mind for the family, so they that may rest in your loving arms.
This I ask in Jesus name Amen. I surrender all to you!
God bless you all,
Minister Lisa

Of course, June. Your father and your family are in my prayers.
Love,
Viva

Dear June,
Thank you so much for your response. After receiving the email about your father, I didn't expect to hear from you as I'm sure his health situation is taking up much of your time and focus. I have been praying for him throughout the day and will continue to send you all light.
Stay strong and take care,
Andrea

I'm saddened by the news June. Hang in there. We're thinking about you.
-Nick

Hello June - Just want you to know that I prayed for your father before you requested and will continue to pray for him and that he experiences a speedy recovery: All mighty Father in Heaven - if it be your will - please touch and heal June's father. Bring him to complete healing stronger than he was before. I pray that June's father know you personally and that you are his Lord and Savior. Please Lord, if you will, touch June's father with your mightly hands of healing power and allow her father to remain with his family. In your Son - JESUS name, I pray this prayer. Amen
Dyane

June,
Your father, you and your family are in my prayers.
Pearl

Dear June,
I received the Prayer Request for your Dad; and of course I will pray for him as well as you and your family.
In Jesus Name,
Dawn

Hi June,
I am so sorry to hear about your father and I just stopped and said a prayer for him father and your family.
I will keep you and your family in prayer.
God Bless and take care!
Madonna

June, I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet. Just wanted to let you know my heart goes out to you and your family. God is a healer, comforter, and a keeper and he never fails. Your dad will be fine.
Trina

Im sorry that your father is ill. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Love u June!
Melinda

Your father is in my prayers
Lorraine

Dear June,
I received the Prayer Request for your Dad; and of course I will pray for him as well as you and your family.
In Jesus Name,
Dawn

Oh, it is a privilege to lift up your family in prayer.
Blessings,
Linda

You're welcome. How are you? I can feel the Power of the Lord working in your situation. He will carry you through this.
Kimberly

I pray for your father and we know that our father is a healer,I will come in agreement with you and your family ,be bless
Jada

Good morning! I spoke with marna briefly yesterday to check in and get info for camille's dad! I have been pleading the blood of jesus since I heard. I love u and ur family dearly and u are all in my prayers! God bless!
Alicia

Good morning June,
Keeping your dad & family in prayer. Please keep us updated.
Christine

05/15/10
Hey June, I did in fact hear about your dad. I will keep you all in my prayers o.k.
Tasha

This is one of the random text messages I receive daily on my cell phone. The funny thing about this is up until that day which was the 15th, I had not prayed anything specific for my dad. I think I was still somewhat in shock. I really was not sure what God's will was during this time. At any rate, I was awken with this text message at 6 am, May 15th two days after his heart attack while still in a comatose state. As soon as I read it, I jumped up and started yelling out to God EVERYTHING my brain could possible think of that I wanted for my dad! Lol! Ya know, it is sooooo funny because God always texts me. Hahahaha! I have many hilarious stories of what I call "GOD Texting June" incidents. The Lord is funny to me, because I always say, "Lord, NO ONE would believe me if I told them this story!...or that YOU really do this." Shrugging shoulders...maybe each time it is just something between He and I. Lol! Who knows?? :-) Well, below is the text I received:

biblesms: Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:24

God bless you my sis in the lord hold on
Ok my rich friend i know its not easy but god will help you and your family
Can you tell dad i love him and he got to make some more spice he make for me
Debra

How is everything?? I pray for a victorious report in the Lord
Utuma

05/16/10
This is another random text message. Now of course this is around the time, the neurologists were telling my family that Daddy was basically going to be "a vegetable."

biblesms: Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
Mark 10:27

Hi June, we wanted to let you know that we're still praying and keeping the faith.
Dacia

Yes WE DO, HE IS HEALED, WITH FULL RECOVERY OF MENTAL FACULTIES, PHYSICAL FACULTIES, AND EVEN YOUTH 2 B RESTORED! O SHEPHERD OF ISRAEL, SHINE FORTH!
Stephanie

Hey June, I need to get more specific in my prayer for Mr. Armstead and I don't want to assume. So, what needs to be targeted? Heart, breathing, nerves, etc. 
LaDonna

All of the above!!!! They are concerned for his mental and physical capabilities...trying to take him off of everything (machine and meds)
June

05/17/10
God bless you and you take care of your dad when he get out
Powerful testimony god be the glory
Debra

How you guys doing, I'm feel so bad this is happening, and you always been a good friend since I met you as well as ur family, I love you guys and yall can make it
LaCarla

Isn't cool the type of scriptures that were coming in each day? Okay, so this is when Daddy still had not awaken. Jean, Stanley and Nick were headed to Californina during that time. We were trying not to get discouraged, but hanging in there. It was hard.

FRM:BIBLE-SMS.COM
SUBJ:Jeremiah 32:27
MSG: I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?

Hey, Auntie Opal, June and Marna: I've been thinking and praying 4 u. Jean& Damia have been giving me updates. I will continue 2By faith, keep u guys uplifted. La'Tonya when he starts talking again, tell him his niece "Shane" aka La'Tonya. Loves him :)!

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I haven't been on my email in a while.
Of course, I will keep your father in my prayers...The Infinite power and love of God is present in all circumstances.
Luverne

June,
I just want to send you a hug this morning. We have been thinking and praying for you all weekend.
Regards
Karen

05/18/10
Dear June,
I hope you are doing ok... I just saw the email about your dad. I am thinking and sending good thoughts your way....
Take Care...
Elizabeth

Hello June,
Yes, I will continue to pray for your family. Be encouraged!
Sandra

This is the day, the Lord finally spoke to us. He told us the plans He specifically had for my dad and our family's future. It was kinda cool! Notnhing like a hearing God talking to you personally in regards to your particular dilemma or situation. Maybe I will get a chance to type up what was said exactly. I will ask God and see if He wants me to post it though. ;-) This was the day, I think doctors called my mom to find out about "directives" concerning my dad. It was a rough day...until God spoke with us. But here is another text message I received that day:

KDYA_1190_AM: Romans 5:3 - We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

05/19/10
Dear June and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you everyday to heal your father and the entire family.
I am sending love and hugs to all of you.
Helene

To all of you (Armsteads)
We are returning home and will arrive early morning Thursday. God is truly in control and has covered James with his healing power. We continue to lift him and YOU up in prayer.
Willie and I will see you sometime Friday.
God's Blessings,
Willie & Becky

Dear June;
How sorry I was to hear about your Dad. My recommended Trichologist Angela in Baltimore just informed me her mothers in the hospital. My God be with the both of you!
Rodney Barnett

Dear Fellow Christian,
I will certainly remember your father in my prayers and stand with you in faith for his healing. Father honors his word and promises to heal. Amen.
Thanks
Makis

Dear June,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Myself and the team at Saleema International will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Warmest Regards,
Saleema

We choose to trust Our Lord! This is during the time, we each had to get back to our indivdual businesses. We were trying to figure out our schedules, household responsibilities, organizing paperwork and bills, looking for where my daddy put things, trying to find other things, praying about what was needed for the extra medical demands, etc. It was unbelievable and overwhelming! But we settled our minds and decided not to stress but trust The Lord over EVERYTHING. This will be a powerful testimony to all. God be it unto the Armstead Family according to YOUR will. Amen!!! This text came that afternoon:

KDYA_1190_AM: Psalm 20:1 - May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you...

05/21/10
I am sorry to hear about your father, June, and wish you and him and your family healing and strength.
We'll keep you posted, and please let us know how you are, too.
Marian

Hi June,
I hope you, your dad and the rest of your family are well. May God continue to bless and be with you all.
Thanks,
Alecia

05/22/10
Yeah...we definately have been doing this. That's for sure!

biblesms: My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
Psalm 27:8

05/23/10: Nothing in particular that day. Just a Sunday to rest, relax and bask in the God's presence.

05/24/10
Hello June - just checking to see if all of our prayers were a success for your dad's temporary situation? How is your dad? Please let me know - I'll continue to keep you and your family in my daily prayers.
May GOD Bless you and yours,
Dyane

Morning June, glad to hear your dad is doing well. I will
continue to pray for you and your family. I have decided and am ready to
schedule my appt now. Please give me a call at your convenience. Thank in
advance, God Bless
Trina

Another 6:00 am text message:

FRM:BIBLE-SMS.COM
SUBJ: Psalm 125:1
MSG: Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

05/25/10
I will always keep you and your family in my daily prayer - those doctors may not know where the bleeding is coming from but our Doctor in Heaven knows - I will stand in agreement with you and other members in your family that GOD will supernaturally heal your dad - "Father I pray that June's dad is supernaturally healed - however you want to heal her dad Father - let her dad be healed. Let him be stronger than he was before he went in the hospital. Let his family's faith increase in you. Let your will be done Father." Amen
Again, I will continue to pray for his total healing, in my daily prayers. I'll ask my Pastor to pray for him as well.
Stay strong,
Dyane

Subject: A Prayer for You and Your Family

You never know when God is going to bless you!!
Good things happen when you least expect them to !!!!
Dear Lord, I thank You for this day,
I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning.

I'm blessed because You are a forgiving
God and an understanding God.

You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me.

Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought
that was not pleasing to you.
I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe
from all danger and harm. Help me to start this
day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let
me make the best of each and every day to clear my
mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden
my mind that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper over things I have
no control over. And give the best response when
I'm pushed beyond my limits.
I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my
heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.

Keep me strong that I may help the weak...
Keep me uplifted that I may
have words of encouragement for others.
I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way.
I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood.
I pray for those who don't know You intimately.
I pray for those that will delete this without sharing it with others.
I pray for those that don't believe.
But I thank you that I believe that God changes people and God changes things.

I pray for all my sisters
and brothers. For each and every family member in
their households. I pray for peace , love and joy in
their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs
are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows
there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God.

Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.
I pray that these words be received into the hearts of
every eye that sees it.

God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!

In heaven it's already done, the ONLY hard part is waiting for the manifestation. GOD is in complete in control. Will pray this through with u.
Dyane

...and another text that came that afternoon:

KDYA_1190_AM: Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Hahahaha! Isnt' this the truth. This came at 6:00 am.

biblesms: We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

05/26/10: Nothing...

05/27/10
Not that I was afraid, but sometime I just cry at night adjusting to this entire transition in our family.

KDIA_1640_AM: PSALMS 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.

05/28/10: Nothing...

05/29/10
This is funny because this is the day my mom and I were up late at night hysterically laughing at this entire situation:

Daddy can't even talk to tell us what needs to be done or how he wants it done.
Mommy is just smiling and laughing consoling others instead of them consoling her.
Not as if we didn't already work hard, but now we all have to work extra hard to keep all of our businesses afloat (without Daddy) as well as his business. Lol!
My Mommy has to drive. This is the most funniest of all! (inside family joke)
Nicolas (my nephew) acting like my Daddy in the household: confronting us when we forget to lock doors, checking to outside to see whose car alarm went off, standing in the garbage can to make room for more trash, filling the cars up with gas, making waffles or breakfast every couple of days, etc. Nick (Pico) was born an "old soul." Lol! He couldn't run from it if he tried! Hahahaha!
Daddy even did most of the cooking in the household because that was his stress reliever after each work day. We would just come home and food is prepared. He made the decision and choices. Okay, so we are all really spoiled. What can I say? Now we all look at each other as if to say, "Soooo, what we gonna eat??" The joke is on us, huh?
I had to get my mommy a cell phone.
Teaching her how to read a blog. She is really learning how to work the up and down arrows...we leave the finger pad alone. :-o
The way everything is supernaturally happening to us all--blessings we have not asked for.

I mean the list goes on and on...

My mom said, "Now you know people must think we're just crazy, right? Maybe they expect to find us cowering over in fear and sorrow?" Then I did this impersonation of her at the hospital greeting all daddy's visitors as if she was some overexcited bellhop or concierge at ritzy-nitzy Hotel Opal. Hahaha! I told her, "Mommy, I think everyone is totally amazed at how strong and sincerely accommodating you are...so yeah, they all probably think you have lost your ever-loving mind! They all have come to be in support of you and our family because they are genuinely concerned about Daddy, and that is not what happens. You in-turn are emotionally supporting most of them. You have total peace. You really do!" To this, her response was, "Oh...oh yeah?" Then we started laughing all over again! I am so glad we serve Jesus. What would we do without Him?!?

Anyway, this is the text I received that morning:

biblesms: You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3

Until next time,
June

Lol! Well The Cat Is Out Of The Bag Now...

2010-05-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

Hahaha! I just read my sister's post about her visions, dreams, the Lord speaking to us, etc. and thought, "Oh well, now they all know." Yes, we are a family with "many experiences." Or maybe, I should say "encounters." Lol! A spiritual gifting given to us from heaven above which happens to be very prominent on my daddy's side of the family.

I usually see something happening waaaaaay before it does. Sometimes it is stressful because no one believes you. I spent most of my life thinking I was nuts because the things God would reveal to me were so far fetched that I had a hard time believing them myself... then they would come true exactly as He showed them to me. But I'm much better with accepting how God uses me. Now, I don't care what others think. I know what I see and I know what I hear!

I remember right after my dad had the heart attack, the first question those close to me asked was, "June, did God already show this was going to happen to your dad!?!" And my first question was, "Did Daddy see this coming and didn't want to frighten us?!?" My dad and I would always talk about our dreams, visions, etc. while I would cut his hair. He called it, "gettin' his ears lowered." It was sort of our bonding time together. But he would only share with me things he saw or heard that he was excited about like business, other countries to visit or move to, and answers God gave him to questions he had. It was very rare that he would share with me anything that really bothered him that he knew was about to happen. Unless it was in regards to our safety or a decision we were about to make. Those types of warnings he would always make known. He would tell us what he saw and the outcome of our decisions. Well, all I can say is, it would happen just like he said. He would just shrug his shoulders and say, "Now didn't I tell ya that was gonna happen?! I tried to warn ya, but you didn't want ta hear me. Now ya just have to deal with the consequences of being hard-headed." I will just say it was very humbling whether we admitted or not. Exactly, what he said would happen, happened!

I think I learned early to find out from my daddy first! Hahaha!

Well, I will say, I did have a few dreams a couple of years ago about an earthquake hitting our home. There were a lot of firemen and family members around yelling that we can do it and encouraging us. I will have to try to find those dreams in my journal to remember all the details. But I guess I would say this experience with my dad would be a good interpretation of some of those dreams. :-| Wouldn't you think?

Okay, now for real updates:

The day before yesterday, Marna and I wanted to make sure daddy knew why he was in the hospital. That bothered me tremendously! I didn't think he knew. We found out that he did not. After I got him to STOP ignoring us (yes, he is pretty ticked off that he is in the hospital), Marna was able to share with him what happened and why he was there. It was pretty sobering. He did not know. I wanted to make sure he didn't think that we just threw him in the hospital to leave him there. Hopefully, this will help him cooperate with the nurses and doctors now that he knows how serious all of this is. He is very frustrated that he is there. He can't talk. They have his arms restrained. He his not able to do things on his own. He is NOT a happy camper right now. He shakes his head to almost everything we tell him as if to say, "No...none of this is okay" or "I don't believe this is happening to me." It is very frustrating for me to see him in this state because I know how frustrating this is for him. But after we told him, I saw his demeanor changed for the rest of our visit. Don't get me wrong, he is still very upset that he is there. But he was more responsive to us. Well at least he stopped ignoring us and pretending we were not there. Sigh.

Yesterday, when we visited, he was more alert and interacted with us more. I could tell he was happy to see us, but how much it hurts to see us as well. Not sure if he was fighting back tears or not. I would just rub his head and continue to say,"Daddy, this is only temporary. I would not lie to you." He would close his eyes, bite his bottom lip and shake his head "no-no." I would continue to tell him, "Yes, it is daddy. You have to believe what we told you God said regarding this situation. Just because you don't want to believe it, doesn't mean it's not so. It doesn't matter what it looks like. God said so, Daddy, so it will be....just like you always tell me."

Marna told him she would bring a fat marker and paper for the next visit. We want to see if he can write. It is a way of exercising his hands, giving him something to do, and challenging him to work at something (what he is accustomed to doing).

Continue to pray that he stays encouraged. My mom is concerned about depression setting in. But we speak against that in the name of JESUS! No depression will come. Amen!

I better get up and ready for work. I didn't realize how late it was. Have a blessed day!

--June

Well...

2010-05-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

Okay so between June and I we wil try to update as much as possbile. Sometimes it will look like we might be back tracking but I think that's just becasue neither one of know when the other is updating.

June's pretty much covered the baiscs about what's going on.

Although I am accepting it, everyday just seems unreal. I haven't cried about him as much lately, but Aleja does every now an dhten at night. I try to imagine what she's thinking... listening to everyone talk, not being able to see or having seen him since it all happened. She prays for him everyday and tells me how much she wants to see him and loves him and everything. She's preparing things for him for when he returns home.

To be honest this is an exhausting process... I know each of our family members has their own burdens to bear regarding this, but i think aside from trying to learn to run his business without any help it's been a little stressful and tiring for me but the Lord will provide the wisdom and insight on how to deal with it and what to do.

On the spiritual side I have seen and experienced quite a bit since the beginning of this whole thing. I know the Lord is trying to build us up and take us hire by showing us all what we're made of. From almost the beginning, the Lord has been showing me stuff and revealing things to me to help m, e stay strong. I few days after his heart attack I was in the bathroom waiting for Aleja after a visit. The visits the first week were especially draining since we didn't know what to expect and the doctors were trying to give him a bad report. So although I could be strong during the visits, I would get very sad and partially depressed and I had to fight hard to stay encouraged. Well, like I said i was in the bathroom waiting, and starting to feel down and i heard like a voice (internally) say, "My daughter, if i wanted to take [your father through death] I would have taken him." Immediately, the Lord started revealing to me scenarios where my dad could have died. Like, he could have died during the night while everyone was asleep, my mom could have overslept at moment he was dying, the paramedics could have given up on him, etc. and I was like wow. He then said, "I would NEVER torture you like that." He was telling me that their was a reason behind all of this and not to worry, my dad would be fine.
A few days later I had a vision of a large angel standing guard over his bed. The angel's wings were curved/curled over like a barrier guarding him. His guardian angel. Although I didn't see a face, I knew it was an angel. In fact I made it a point to pay attention to what kind of angel it was. I remember seeing an angel, over my aunt in a dream before she died, but her angel was HUGE! HUGE! Like I couldn't even see the top of the angel I just know the angel told me he was there to help my aunt "transition" (die). It was the angel of death and I wanted to make sure that wasn't the same angel over my dad-- it wasn't (whew).

I also had a dream last night that we were looking for my dad in his hospital bed in hiss room and he wasn't there, and we looked down the hall and my dad was just walking and talking all fast moving quickly. I'm not sure what it meant, but it seemed to be good.

Nuk's (Aleja) Letter to Granny

2010-05-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

I think Nuk (Aleja Cobarruviaz - Marna's daughter) wrote this letter to my mom either the same day my dad had the heart attack or the day after. At any rate, I wanted to post it. We keep it taped on the wall in the hallway at our house.

We have been really busy...our apologies.

2010-05-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

I will try to update more, while at the hospital tonight.

But just for the record, here are some answers to questions many have had:

1) Yes, daddy was in a comatose state for a little over a week since the heart attack.
2) No, he is not able to verbally communicate with us at this time. He still has the feeding tube in his nose/down his throat.
3) He has the temporary trachea.
4) He is a little too active for the nurses so yesterday, they had to put restraints on his hands. Sigh. I believe my mom said, he had pulled some tubes out.
5) Not sure if he is able to write at this time.
6) We need to speak with the doctors to find out what is the next step or what we are waiting for.
7) He is still on the respirator which is the reason he has the trachea.
8) They are also keeping him somewhat sedated because of his activity as well as for pain from the tubing and trachea procedure.
9) My mom told me today, they had to give him two pints of blood and he was suppose to have an external scan of some sort today. We will find out more when we arrive at the hospital.
10) She let a message for his assigned doctor today, but I am not sure if she has heard from him or not as of yet. She should be on her way home shortly and I will find out if she spoke with the doctor today.

I will try to post what we find out tonight. Please continue to pray. We will do what we can to keep you updated. Thanks!

Oh by the way, Linda Robinson, can you call the salon (415.333.7261) so I will give you her telephone number? She is looking forward to speaking with you!!

--June

Whew! Jesus, Jesus, Lord Jesus!!!

2010-05-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

I think I am a bit overwhelmed. My dad is more alert and more awake. I know if he could he would JUMP out that bed. Lol! I don't know if he knows where he is or not though. The last thing he probably remembers is going back to sleep early Thursday morning after making a stop in the bathroom. My goodness!!! God is so good!

This is just the beginning of the recovery process. We are patient, but most of all we trust and believe God!!

Oh great! Nicolas (our Nico-Pico) just walked in!!! We are here at the hospital and Nico just go off the train.

Again we thank you for your prayers and continued support. Many of you have contacted me questioning how you can help and wanting to know what you can do. Thank you for being concerned.

My sisters and I have discussed what we believe is needed at this time. We have decided we need gift cards from Costco and Smart & Final. Anything you do would be a great help to our family at this time. You gifts can be sent to:

June Armstead & Family

Post Office Box 34190

San Francisco, California 94134

Again, thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you!!! Continue to pray, please.

My dad has to have a temporary trachea put in tomorrow morning. They don't want him to catch pneumonia because he has been on a respirator for an entire week. Thank you Lord in advance for a successful procedure.

MIRACLES HAPPEN!

2010-05-20T16:29:00.000-07:00

Praise God,
The praise report for my dad is he's awake he's trying to focus and can shift his eyes back and forth to focus on different people and things, he's moving his shoulders, arms, feet (a little) and trying to talk (he can't yet with the breathing tube down his throat). He was trying to move so much that they had to give him a lil "cocktail" to clam him down. Keep praying... God hears us and more than that... he's answering us!

AMEN!

Sigh! Okay God...We Trust YOU

2010-05-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Everyone!

And a good morning it is. We are now just getting our schedules together in regards to how The Armstead Family household will function while my dad is recovering. Bear with us as we try to return phone calls, emails, etc.

Total exhaustion hit us hard last night. Now we realize that it is important for us to get our rest, eat properly and most importantly trust The Lord in this matter. No stresses and no worries when The Lord is in control.

Yesterday, we prayed before we left to head out to the hospital. We needed encouragement because the doctor's prognosis was not very positive based on some test results from the EEG (A graphical record of electrical activity of the brain; produced by an electroencephalograph). Even when you know what God has specifically told/showed you, it is still sometimes difficult to continue to hear the negative or see the opposite. But our faith and endurance in times of trouble is being stretched and built up. We intend to come together as a family, stand in faith and believe God's Word over my daddy. And that is where we stand! Amen!

During our visit with daddy, he had his eyes open and blinked a little here and there. He is still not responding with squeezing our hands or fingers yet. Nor is he focusing visually on anything at this time. But let GOD be true and every man a liar!!! The Lord has already told us what HE is doing with HIS son, James and what the glorious results will be. We choose to believe James Armstead's Maker and Creator. ;-) That is what daddy has taught us to do anyway. And that, we SHALL DO!

GOD has the final say.

In the mean time, maybe I can record some episodes of Have Gun, Will Travel and Gun Smoke to play in whatever room they will eventually move him to when he is feeling better. Yesterday, when we walked in they had the Oprah Show playing. Lol! I thought, "Oh wow...I don't think this is making him happy. This will NOT do. No, not at all." Marna found an ESPN channel and we both started laughing and shaking our heads and saying to each other, "Now ya know, Daddy ain't goin' fa this, right?" Haha! (No offense Ms. Oprah.)

Anyway, please continue to pray for my daddy and our family. Pray for his brain function and that everything return back to normal. "Return, Restore and Renew" are the words my cousin, Qiana continues to hear during her prayer time. Those are the words we have decided to agree upon together in prayer over daddy today! Amen.

Tonight I will work on positing all the emails, text messages, etc. to the blog. Granted, if the Lord says the same. I love you all and thank you so much for standing in the gap with our family. Also, thank you for the meals, words of encouragement, helping us prepare the house for Jean, Stanley and Nick's arrival, and other thoughtful gifts. It is appreciated and needed.

--June

Marna's Experience Pt1 (The Incident)

2010-05-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

So, I was told to share everything that has happened from my point of view so here we go:
I woke up to my mom running into the room telling me "he's not breathing!" I jumped up and ran into my parents room to see my dad lying on the bed with his eye s glossed over making a strange gurgle/snoring type sound i will never forget. I tried waking him and nothing happened. We called 911 and they started giving me instructions on how to start CPR. Thankfully Aleja had run to get June and June was coming up the stairs they grabbed him off the bed and onto the ground and started (I forgot that June was CPR certified-- I need to get certified or take a class, and so do you, if you're reading this). The paramedics came and started working on him and i ran into my bedroom and started praying and crying out to the Lord. My heart was racing and I was scared! I got my phone and called my Uncle/Pastor but he was not answering so I called my cousin and all I could say was "My dad's not breathing get Pastor Jewell."
The paramedics were working on my dad a looooong time and I was thinking this is NOT good. Please don't give up on him. PLEASE!
The peculiar thing through out all of this was that there was a calm about this emergency. Although I was scared, I wasn't panicking. Even Aleja wasn't screaming or in devastation. It's like the Lord was in the midst already orchestrating everything. The only thing I kept thinking and praying was Lord please don't take my dad. And it's my birthday tomorrow, please don't do this, please don't leave me with this kind of memory around my birthday. But even still, I was calm. Everything seemed unreal! I was being carried through the many miracles the Lord was working were already manifesting!

2010-05-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

Last night, my daddy opened and closed his eyes (on command)!!! It was very slow, almost as if his eyelids weighed 100 pounds each. But he was able to do it. Amen! We all are very excited and very encouraged at this time.

My nephew, Nicolas is on his way to San Francisco from college and my sister and her husband are catching a flight later this week.

Marna has some very powerful testimonies of what the Lord has spoken to her in regards to my dad. Hopefully, she will get a chance to share some of the awesome things she has seen and heard the past couple of days on this blog.

My mom has been a TOWER OF STRENGTH through all of this. She is a praying woman. She told me last night this whole experience with my dad has increased her faith. I think that is a wonderful testimony.

Well, we are all headed out to take care of business (exactly as daddy would want us to do). We will head to the hospital later. Looking forward to more improvement of his physical and mental faculties.

By the way, www.God.TV/Live has been a tremendous comfort to listen to during the night. My favorite is IHOP 24-hour Intercession/Prayer Room.

Some time today, I will try to post many of the prayers and encouraging words that have come via email. I thank you all so much. To GOD be the GLORY!!!! (and Him alone)

2010-05-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

We have had so many friends, family and loved ones come to Seton Hospital to pray for my dad, share their concern and just love on us as a family. My father knows sooooooo many people and has connections everywhere either for business, church family, fellow Christians, etc. It has been great! I thank you all who have come by, or called, emailed and/or text messaged.

Right now, my mom and I are here at the hospital just waiting. We are preoccupying our time with writing down all the business we need to take care of and things we need to remember to find out about when she returns to his office tomorrow.

His vitals signs seem to be stabilized and we have every hope for his complete recovery. Please continue to pray as we trust in the Lord.

Thank you again,
The Armstead Family

(typed by June and Opal)

Prayer Request for June's Father

2010-05-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

Requesting Prayer

Over the past year, we have receive numerous requests for the FREE Prayer Book. With these requests, some of you have asked our intercessory team consisting of June Armstead, Opal Armstead (my mom), Debra Robinson, Barbara Starks, LaDonna Slade and Denise Johnson to pray for you and your family member's needs. Diligently bringing your precious petitions before The Father is a pleasure, as well as an honor.

Today, I have a prayer request for my father, James Armstead. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance yesterday morning (5/13/2010) due to heart complications and not breathing. Would you please keep my family in your prayers as we trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for my daddy's healing and complete recovery.

Due to this family emergency, The Pampering With A Purpose event on Sunday, May 23rd is postponed until further notice. I will also contact clients regarding upcoming appointments.

Again, I thank you so much for your prayers.

June Armstead
Owner

My Family

Updates on James Armstead (June's Daddy)

Does anyone remember Michigan J?

Wow!

What We've Been Doing So Far

A Pair of Extra Male Hands?

Thank You

We're Doing Much Better Now

The First 24 Hours

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Sigh

Well...

What can I say?

Update! Finally

As Promised... (recap #2)

As Promised... (recap #1)

Sacrifice

Not Enough Hours In The Day!

Bumps, Hurdles, and Hoops of FIRE!

So sorry...internet issues at home

We've been very busy...

WOW!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

Well...

Text Message from Marna

Exodus 4:11-12 (New International Version)

The Best Gift EVER!

Oh, yeah...I almost forgot:

Talking, Talking and More Talking

Spiritual Warfare & More Miracles

Can you say...Post-Traumatic Stress? Good Grief!

Quickie Update

OMGsh! I just read Marna's Post...

More Updates & Clarification

Woke Up To Show You What the Lord Just Showed Me

*Aleja's DREAM- The Incence*

Remembering Dreams & Eating Cake

Train Up A Child...

Supportive Emails, Text Messages & SMS from God

Lol! Well The Cat Is Out Of The Bag Now...

Well...

Nuk's (Aleja) Letter to Granny

We have been really busy...our apologies.

Whew! Jesus, Jesus, Lord Jesus!!!

MIRACLES HAPPEN!

Sigh! Okay God...We Trust YOU

Marna's Experience Pt1 (The Incident)

Prayer Request for June's Father

Aleja's DREAM- The Incence