Lillie Ammann's Blog, page 112

Clergy Appreciation Day 2013

Thank you, Father Chip Harper, priest at All Saints Anglican Church of San Antonio.

Thank you, Father Ed Morgan, priest at Holy Trinity, formerly at All Saints.

Thank you, Father Jerry Sherbourne, Army chaplain, formerly at All Saints.

All of these men have been important in my life and my faith walk, and like the last guy in the skit in the video below, I just want to say, thank you. May the Lord continue to bless each of you in your ministries and in your lives.”

National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2013

I was very blessed that I owned a business at the time I had a stroke more than twenty years ago. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was new legislation at the time, and there weren’t many disabled people in the workforce.

The prospect of returning to my company was a strong motivator in my recovery. When therapy was difficult and exhausting, I pushed myself so I could get out of the rehab center and return to work.

My desire to be a functioning member of society was not unusual. I think most handicapped persons want to contribute, and many are able to make great contributions. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and I hope employers and other workers will recognize the importance of making “reasonable accommodation” (as required by ADA) to help those with disabilities perform their jobs.

One day not long after I returned to work after the stroke, I visited a client in her office. My interior landscaping company maintained the plants in the lobby of the building she managed. I visited some clients each month to ensure their plants were receiving proper care and to make certain the client was happy with the plant care. After the meeting, I couldn’t leave on my own. The configuration of the office didn’t allow enough room for me to position my motorized scooter to be able to reach the door handle. I had to ask the client to open the door for me.

As she held the door for me, my client said, “I would never go out in public if I had to use one of those things.” She motioned to the scooter.

“Do you think I should stay out of public just because I need help walking?” I asked.

“I meant it as a compliment,” my client said. “I wouldn’t be strong enough to handle what you go through.”

“First,” I answered, “you can’t know now how you would react if you were in this situation. You might surprise yourself and realize, as I have, that whatever challenges we face, we each have a choice when we wake up in the morning. We can’t choose our challenges, but we can choose what we do in response. I can lay in bed, feeling sorry for myself, or I can get up and go to work, using this assistive device, as the medical community describes scooters, canes, and other things that help disabled individuals to function.”

“Well, I don’t think I’d be that strong,” the lady said. “I admire you.”

“You use an assistive device to work,” I answered.

She looked at me in surprise and looked down as if to see if she had suddenly ended up in a wheelchair.

I continued, “You wear glasses; obviously you have a vision disability.”

“That’s a lot different from being in a wheelchair.”

“Different only in degree, not in kind,” I said. “You need glasses but someone else whose vision impairment is more severe than yours may need a voice-operated computer because they can’t see the screen.”

She wasn’t easily convinced, but after a little more discussion, she understood my point: Qualified workers come in all sizes, shapes, races, ethnicities, and abilities/disabilities. We’ve all heard stories of brave soldiers who return to battle after severe injuries.

If a double amputee can fight in a war, surely a lady in a wheelchair can sit at a desk and perform a job. A  young man who is deaf can work in a position that doesn’t require talking to customers. An adult with Down syndrome, a woman who uses a walker, a man with only one arm, a person who requires oxygen—all have obvious handicaps, but they also have talents and abilities. By focusing on their strengths and abilities and making accommodation for their disabilities (an office door wide enough for a wheelchair, a place to plug in an oxygen machine and space for it to sit, elimination of a specific task such as occasionally lifting heavy boxes from the job description), employers will find that disabled workers can be among their best and most productive employees.

Employers, instead of looking at the assistive device or the disability, look at the individual. Don’t judge him by the wheelchair or the oxygen machine or the Down syndrome facial features. Instead, judge her by the work she can do and the contributions she can make to your business.

Don’t reject an employee or coworker because of a disability; accept that person for his or her abilities.

Have you had any experience with disability employment–as a disabled worker, as an employer, or as coworker?

 

 

photo by:


USDAgov

Comparing Ebooks and Print Books

I think you will find this infographic comparing ebooks and print books very interesting. You probably know that I’m an avid fan of ebooks and seldom read print. When I’m asked to review a book, I always ask for an ebook to read. In Bible study at church, I use the print workbook with the rest of the class, but I have to keep my magnifying glass handy to be able to read the print. Although the research shows that most people read faster in print, I read much slower in print, primarily because of my vision problems.

One statistic that surprised me was the number of books read in the past year: 15 books on average read by people without e-readers and 24 books (a combination of print and ebooks) on average read by people with e-readers. I’m not surprised that those who read on e-readers read more books; I am surprised at the small number of books read. Twenty-four books is closer to what I read in a month than in a year.

 

This Infographic is produced by Coupon Audit and Lillie Ammann.

If you would like to use this infographic on your own blog or website, copy the code in the box below and paste it into your site.

This Infographic is produced by Coupon Audit and Lillie Ammann

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One Year Ago …

On Sunday, September 23, 2012, I was happy to be home. In the previous three weeks, my husband had been in the hospital twice and in a nursing home for a week. During that time, our helper Betsy Gonzales supervised modifications to the house and lined up round-the-clock care so Jack could be at home.

We had arrived home Wednesday evening and had been interviewed and accepted into hospice the next day. Hospice workers were in and out, introducing themselves, bringing medicine and supplies, and setting up schedules.

Among the materials provided by the hospice agency was a little booklet about the dying process. Based on the descriptions of the various stages, Jack was four or more months from the end of his life.

Then late Saturday afternoon, he exhibited an action that was listed as occurring in the last two or three days of life: he suddenly wanted to do something he hadn’t been able to do for some time. My sister Nancy Nicholson described what happened:

Jack turned to Lillie and said, “Let’s go out for enchiladas.” Jack hadn’t been able to sit up, much less go out, so Lillie suggested they send me to pick up enchiladas and bring them home. Jack started putting his legs off the side of the bed and insisted he wanted to go out. Lillie said she would much rather eat at home. Finally she convinced Jack, and off I went to Taco Cabana. When I got back to the house, I mixed his next dose of Ativan in a few bites of enchilada before taking the box to Lillie in the bedroom. She fed Jack the first bite, and he said, “Oh, that’s good.” When she lifted the spoon with the next bite, he shook his head and kept his mouth closed. Lillie reminded him he had wanted enchiladas, and he finally ate the second bite. But when she tried to give him another bite, he asked, “Why am I eating enchiladas?” Before either of us could answer, he said, “Oh, I asked for enchiladas.” He shook his head and said, “I don’t want enchiladas … I want enchiladas.” He refused another bite. “I don’t want enchiladas,” he said. “I want enchiladas.”

We kept trying to get him to eat a few more bites, and he kept saying, “I don’t want enchiladas. I want enchiladas.” I whispered to Lillie that I was ready to eat the enchiladas with the Ativan!

Those two bites of enchiladas turned out to be Jack’s last meal. (excerpt from Jack Stories: Favorite Memories of Jack Jordan Ammann Jr)

Jack soon went to sleep and slept through the night. The next morning, Nancy was in the kitchen while I took a shower. When I got out of the shower, I heard a strange noise and realized it was Jack breathing heavily. I ran into the bedroom and called Nancy. By that time, his breathing was shallow. The hospice nurse had instructed us to call them if anything changed, so we called and described his breathing. The person answering the phone said he would send a nurse. A few minutes later, the nurse called to tell us to give him a dose of morphine, which stabilized breathing as well as eased pain. Nancy picked up the bottle of morphine, removed the lid, and measured out a dose. She held the dropper over Jack’s mouth to give him the medication, then said, “Lillie, he’s not breathing.”

Peacefully and quietly, Jack had gone home to the Lord.

A short time and a few phone calls later, the house was filled with family, church family members, and friends. As we waited for the hospice nurse to arrive to pronounce Jack dead and after that for the funeral home to pick up his body, we gathered around Jack’s bed and shared favorite memories. When our priest, Father Chip Harper, arrived after the second church service, I greeted him and invited him to come back to the bedroom where we were telling stories about Jack. “Jack stories! I love them,” said Father Chip.

That was the beginning of Jack Stories: Favorite Memories of Jack Jordan Ammann Jr. I gathered stories about Jack at the viewing, at the reception following the funeral, and by personal contact with people–especially those out of town–who had been unable to attend the funeral. I added stories Jack told about himself and my stories (most of which had been previously posted here).

The final story in the book describes Jack’s final farewell to me:

I dreamed that I was standing at the kitchen sink. Something caught my attention and caused me to look over my shoulder. There stood Jack—young, healthy, and strong with a huge smile. He radiated pure joy. Suddenly I was in bed and Jack was standing over me, smiling and handsome and oh-so-happy.He never moved or said a word, but his smile and radiant joy said it all.

How can I be sad when he is so filled with joy!

World Alzheimer’s Day 2013

September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day to raise awareness of “the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.” (Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation)

Finding a cure or at least a treatment for this disease is a cause close to my heart. My first experience with dementia (probably Alzheimer’s) was with my grandfather when I was a child. Back then, Alzheimer’s was not well-known, even in the medical community, and my grandfather was diagnosed with “hardening of the arteries.”

His behavior became violent, and for the safety of himself and others, the family had him committed to the state mental hospital. Since I had not reached my twelfth birthday, I was not allowed to visit him. I remember my parents driving the nearly 100 miles from our rural home to the hospital. They and my grandmother went inside to visit Grandpa, and my siblings and I waited in the car.

I turned twelve after he had been there a while, but by that time, his condition had deteriorated so much that I was not allowed to see him. He died a few days after my birthday. My last memory of him is my father and his sisters forcing Grandpa into the car to take him to the hospital. He was screaming that he wasn’t going to the hospital, and he would jump out of the car during the trip.

He had been a strong man, a cowboy in his younger days, and he had a kind and gentle personality, always showing respect to everyone, especially women. He was a wonderful storyteller—I can’t remember any of the stories he told, but I remember sitting at his feet with my siblings and cousins and listening to his cowboy tales. After he became ill, he became abusive to my grandmother and used the most vulgar language, totally out of character for him.

I’ve written about my father several times, especially in Father’s Day posts and posts about Alzheimer’s. Along with several other family members, I was a caregiver for him during the last seven years of his life when he suffered with Alzheimer’s. His final days were such a blessing because we saw him lose his fear and take on such peace that we understood and felt it with him even though he could not communicate in any tangible way.

My most recent experience with dementia was caring for my husband during his final years until he died one year ago day after tomorrow. I was so blessed to be able to care for him full-time at home with the help of a part-time caregiver (wonderful Betsy who still takes care of me!). There were struggles, as anyone who has even a rudimentary knowledge of this disease will understand. However, there were also special moments that I will not forget.

Jack was almost fearless, but there were two things he feared: that he would no longer recognize me (he saw my father forget my mother after nearly 50 years of happy marriage) and that he would end up in a nursing home (as my father did—my grandfather would have gone to a nursing home if there had been any that could have cared for him). I am so thankful that neither of those things happened. He knew me to the end, and, although he spent a week in a nursing home while Betsy was lining up full-time help at home, he thought he was in a hospital, and I was able to stay in the room with him constantly. Knowing how devastating this disease can be, we were blessed in so many ways.

Here on my blog, you will find a great deal of information about Alzheimer’s as well as links to many other resources for caregivers. Simply type “Alzheimer’s” in the search box, and the results will include a number of posts on the subject. In addition, I highly recommend two books: one written by my sister and edited by me and the other compiled and edited by me—not that I am biased or anything. You can find these books on my Books page.

My sister, Nancy Nicholson, has written a wonderful little book for caregivers. Help! What Do I Do Now? Caring for Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s is targeted to family members who have recently found themselves caregivers. The book is short and easy-to-read, which makes it especially helpful to caregivers who have lots of stress and little time. The book is filled with practical advice and examples of dealing with specific situations. Most of these situations are common among Alzheimer’s patients, and you are likely to find help for behaviors that are challenging to you. If the exact situation isn’t covered, chances are very good that at least one of the examples will be close enough that the suggestions will be useful in your situation.

The second book is not specifically about Alzheimer’s. Jack Stories: Favorite Memories of Jack Jordan Ammann Jr is a collection of stories about my husband Jack. I am obviously biased when I tell you he was an exceptional man, but when you read the stories from many people who knew him, you will see they agree. One of the recurring themes is that Jack treated everyone as an equal, regardless of their station in life. The staff in the doctor’s office wrote about his habit of always thanking them for everything they did. The night crew at the Walmart where we shopped talked about how they looked forward to our weekly visits. Several people mentioned that Jack was better educated and “smarter” than they were, but he never showed off his intelligence or education unless someone else was being arrogant or condescending to someone else. Then Jack would pull out all the stops to show the other person they weren’t as smart as they thought they were.

The reason I recommend this book for World Alzheimer’s Day is to encourage anyone dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer’s.  Jack was special before the diagnosis—he was just as special after the diagnosis. People said he should be written up in the Reader’s Digest as their “most unforgettable character” when he was healthy—they said the same thing when he had Alzheimer’s. He made people laugh before he  began to lose his memory—he made people laugh after he forgot what year it was. I and countless friends and relatives loved him when his mind was intact—we loved him just as much when the connections in his brain were no longer intact.

Life will be different after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, but life can still be good.

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day 2013

The signing of the Constitution of the United States on September 15, 1787, is commemorated on Constitution Day. Citizens, both native-born and naturalized, are honored on Citizenship Day, which also occurs on September 15th.

It is fitting that these two observances take place on the same day because it is up to the citizens to ensure that the Constitution continues to be the law of the land.

The Constitution has served us well for 226 years. We, the citizens, need to watch what our government is doing and take action when the federal government extends its authority beyond that assigned to it in the Constitution.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Guide us as citizens in our duty to elect the right people to protect and preserve the Constitution and keep this country the land of liberty. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (adapted from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.)

Beauty from Ashes

Today is the 50th anniversary of the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The church was bombed simply because the people who attended happened to have black skin. Four little girls, ages 11 to 14, were killed, and another girl severely injured.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NASB)

The murder of four young girls getting ready to participate in Youth Sunday at church galvanized the attention of the world and helped to ignite the civil rights movement. People who had ignored the movement rallied behind the cause when they were confronted with the murder of four innocent young Christian girls getting ready for Sunday School.

Beauty from the Ashes of the 16th Street Baptist Church describes how Junie Collins Williams, the sister of one of the girls killed in the bombing and another girl who was severely injured, has found peace through forgiveness. The article says this:

Freedom is seen in the face of a black woman who refused to succumb to bitterness despite enduring unspeakable loss and brutality. Instead, she trusted Jesus to heal her, enable her to forgive, and give her the courage to share her testimony with the world. She is an enduring example of beauty rising from the ashes.

You can learn more at In Memory of Four Little Girls.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast created man in thine own image; Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil, and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice among men and nations, to the glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (1928 Book of Common Prayer)

O ETERNAL God, our heavenly Father, Who alone makest men to be of one mind in a house, and stillest the outrage of a violent and unruly people; We bless thy holy Name, that it hath pleased thee to appease the racial violence and institutional racism amongst us; most humbly beseeching thee to grant to all of us grace, that we may henceforth obediently walk in thy holy commandments; and, leading a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, may continually offer unto thee our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for these thy mercies towards us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (adapted from 1928 Book of Common Prayer)

Back to Church Sunday 2013

Tomorrow is Back to Church Sunday, a great opportunity to invite someone to church. If we truly believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to Father except through Him, we will want to share the Gospel with everyone. What if we could save someone from Hell? We can! Share the Gospel and invite people to church.

If you’ve been away from church for a while or never attended, consider yourself invited!

The video below sums up the Gospel in a short rap. I also love the acrostic for GOSPEL from my client Margaret Blincoe’s devotional book Message in a Word: Inspired Succinct Sermons Uniquely Expressed.

God’s Only Son Purchased Eternal Life

First National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children

Today is the first observance of the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children. In the last 40 years, 55 million unborn babies have been killed in the womb. Very few of those were buried; many were thrown away in the garbage. There are 25 burial sites, many with graves holding hundreds of bodies retrieved from abortion center trash cans. Memorial services will be held at each of these sites for all the aborted babies who were never given a proper burial but treated as waste.

Almighty God, Heavenly Father, who loves every one of His children and has a perfect plan for each of their lives, hear our supplications on behalf of the millions of children who are being killed in the womb; in Your mercy, protect their vulnerable lives; touch the hearts of their mothers and those who influence their mothers’ choices; show them a better way; and give them the peace that passes understanding when they do Your will. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Below is a moving video from an adult survivor of abortion. She was a twin and the abortion was successful in killing her twin, but weeks later, her mother discovered she was still pregnant. She carried this baby to term, and that child, Claire Culwell, grew up to become a pro-life activist.

Remembering 9/11 Twelve Years Later

Today we remember 9/11 on the twelfth anniversary of the terrorist attack. The 9/11 Memorial Museum is collecting stories and artifacts of that fateful day The museum contains artifacts from the Twin Towers, but it is also built around the remains. It is a museum built around an artifact.The museum showcases many of the artifacts of the event—everything from the pillar shaped liked a cross to the last column with personal notes, photos, and other things left by searchers and workers on the last column removed from the building.

In addition to pieces  of the buildings and planes and other artifacts, the museum is preserving personal memories with oral histories from survivors and memories from individuals who lost loved ones. Visitors to the museum can hear from those who escaped, rescue workers who risked their lives to help others, and people who lost loved ones.

May this country once again come together in unity as we did after 9/11.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Below is a video about the museum. We will never forget!