Hi, Guys!!!

I dont know about you, but I am REALLY looking forward to Labor Day. Mike started a tradition of watching Lonesome Dove Mini Series all the way through on Labor Day while he lived in Colorado. Last year I joined the tradition and we are looking forward to our 2nd time together of setting everything aside and spending a day together lost in the old west of struggles, honor & relationships.

Dara is excited about "serving" us. We are getting snacks and meals ready so that all we have to do is ring a bell and Dara is determined that SHE is going to "serve" that whole day. We shall see!!!

Speaking of the iron chair princess. We have entered a new world. Gone are the days of luxuriously sitting in an office while some of the top name experts of different fields come to us as they review the records of each other as they care for Dara's specific needs. We are now "in the system" where our primary caregiver "refers" us to specialists. OH MY GOSH!!! I'm NOT sure how we are going to survive Dara's senior year - and I DONT know how special needs kids survive without Scottish Rite or the Shriners. The community service offered by these organizations are TOP NOTCH!!!

This past week we have connected with a orthopedic specialist who has confirmed that the best course of action is to move toward surgery of straightening Dara's back (and he has prescribed a new wheelchair - which now is taking phone call after phone call between vendor, primary care giver, specialist AND Dara & me - sigh!). We have xrays scheduled as we begin the process one step at a time.

NEXT will be urology specialists that we will have to coordinate with orthopedics (in the past all this was done FOR Dara - and now it is up to us - THANK YOU, MIKE for joining in the coordinating of appointments, rides, tests & doctors while managing a growing business and becoming involved with a couple of different ministries at our church).

Of course we havent even TALKED with a neourosurgeon yet - who will have to coordinate with the orthopedic surgeon - AND finding named experts who will work with medicaid (SoonerCare) patients.

Once again, Dara and I are learning to relax and enjoy the adventure that is taking a bit of turn NOT to our expectations and yet in some ways out of our control and I must say that Mike is a WONDERFUL anchoring kind caring protective supportive humorous factor in this bend of our journey.

In the middle of feeling overwhelmed and out of control with scheduling, we are LOVING keeping up with our "grown & gone" kids. Chase is THOROUGHLY enjoying work and college and Ryan is looking forward to new living arrangements with a friend who has moved back into the area and is LOVING his new job. Ty has put his application in at FireLake Casino since Thunderbird has slacked off QUITE a bit and Ty was QUITE enjoyable as we celebrated his 23rd birthday just a week ago. Dal is learning the process of ownership of a car 5and working with agencies of state in being responsible as an adult and has a fun companion in Megan who is KILLER at Trivial Pursuit!!!

Terri & Gabriel are doing quite well in Dallas as the news of Terri's competition win is beginning to open doors for BOTH Terri & Gabriel since Terri's performance was notably improved (I believe I'm reporting this correctly) and recognized by two of her college professors. A couple of opportunities may be opening up for Terri to work on her masters and Gabriel to be an instrumental coach as well as continuing his performing career.

That's a quick update on the 8 lives that "turn" around this household. Now - must get back to finishing the 420 handwritten postcards I am sending out to the children of Emmaus about our choirs starting!!! THAT is a whole nuther story!!!

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Cherri