Randy Thompson's Blog, page 2
July 25, 2024
A Believer's Journey Book Launch
Randy's book will be available on Amazon tomorrowFriday, July 26th!
Please join us on Youtube for a book launch video premier that my friend Linda & I recorded.
Youtube Video Launch
We will be sharing the Amazon link.
I will also be posting the Amazon link here on my blog tomorrow.Or you can search "A Believer's Journey" by Randy Thompson.
Thank you for following my blog over all these years! I am looking forward to posting more often.
July 1, 2024
A Believer's Journey ~ Coming Soon!
Randy's book is almost here!
Release date coming soon!
November 27, 2021
Randy Thompson Christmas CD ~ Through Different Eyes
Randy's 8 CDs are now available for download and physical copy through CD Baby.
You can also order CDs by contacting me ~lindathompson825@gmail.com
My very favorite Christmas CD ~ Through Different EyesYou will not only want this playing throughout the Christmas season, but year-round!
Thank you so much for supporting and promoting Randy's music. Means more than you will ever know.Merry Christmas!
June 29, 2019
Randy Thompson ~ Memory Care @ 4 months
Here I sit. Alone. Thinking... I'm not a widow, single or divorced. I am married. But my husband Randy doesn't live here anymore. He was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia in 2014, with early-onset as far back as 2010. I placed him in a Memory Care facility 3 months ago. (July 19th, 2018) I can't even begin to put into words the overwhelming sadness. On top of the ache in my heart, I get so anxious each time I visit him... fearful of changes, a sudden decline. Will I see something that questions my decision? Are they caring for him up to my standards? So hard. Paralyzing. Can't seem to find any rhythm to my new normal.
Ok, so I tried finishing this post several times in the past month... just can't seem to put into words these past 4 months. So I'll try again...
I visited my husband every day the first 2 months, and now every other day. I guess you could say the honeymoon is over, and now I see things about the facility that bother me... or maybe I just expected everything to be perfect. I want him dressed nicely when I arrive, and often times he's not. He's wearing someone else clothes... that do not fit. And it makes me crazy. I can't change what's going on in his brain, but I want him to look the same. I know without a doubt the timing of my husband's placement was right, but that doesn't mean it will ever feel right. How is it ever right for someone to put their loved one in a facility? And go home and go on with life. I can't. I know I didn't bury my husband, but at times it feels like I did. The layers of loss are just overwhelming. But amidst all the pain and sadness are miracles. Unbelievable miracles of God's goodness and grace... praising Him and thanking Him in the midst unimaginable grief.
Here's what I mean ~
dear friends Linda & Ralph from WI came to be with me during the transition insisted on staying three weeks after Randy's placement had no idea how much I needed them here I was able to duplicate our wedding quilt, so he'd have 2 at the facility the medical assessment was done by a Christian nurse from the facility Randy's precious 80 year old roommate raised his family in Madison, WI
the caregivers love Randy's musicI immediately fell in love with several residentswe formed a little choir of women and we walk around singingapproval for Arizona Long term care took 90 days... thank you Lord!he has never asked to go homehe is peaceful and happy and compliantthe caregivers and staff play his music whenever they are in his roomhe sits down in the dining room for his meals... a miracle.he reads the Bible with me on my iPhonewe haven't had a conversation in over a year, but he reads with such eloquence and passionI love the support group I attend at the facility once a month.a Dr now comes to his facility for check ups.Lin & I found the perfect print of Jesus at a thrift store to hang in his room
This photo was taken the night before Randy was placed in memory care July, 2018.
I finished this post several months ago, and just now posting it. Randy has since been at Brookdale for 11 months. More posts to follow.
Ok, so I tried finishing this post several times in the past month... just can't seem to put into words these past 4 months. So I'll try again...
I visited my husband every day the first 2 months, and now every other day. I guess you could say the honeymoon is over, and now I see things about the facility that bother me... or maybe I just expected everything to be perfect. I want him dressed nicely when I arrive, and often times he's not. He's wearing someone else clothes... that do not fit. And it makes me crazy. I can't change what's going on in his brain, but I want him to look the same. I know without a doubt the timing of my husband's placement was right, but that doesn't mean it will ever feel right. How is it ever right for someone to put their loved one in a facility? And go home and go on with life. I can't. I know I didn't bury my husband, but at times it feels like I did. The layers of loss are just overwhelming. But amidst all the pain and sadness are miracles. Unbelievable miracles of God's goodness and grace... praising Him and thanking Him in the midst unimaginable grief.
Here's what I mean ~
dear friends Linda & Ralph from WI came to be with me during the transition insisted on staying three weeks after Randy's placement had no idea how much I needed them here I was able to duplicate our wedding quilt, so he'd have 2 at the facility the medical assessment was done by a Christian nurse from the facility Randy's precious 80 year old roommate raised his family in Madison, WI
the caregivers love Randy's musicI immediately fell in love with several residentswe formed a little choir of women and we walk around singingapproval for Arizona Long term care took 90 days... thank you Lord!he has never asked to go homehe is peaceful and happy and compliantthe caregivers and staff play his music whenever they are in his roomhe sits down in the dining room for his meals... a miracle.he reads the Bible with me on my iPhonewe haven't had a conversation in over a year, but he reads with such eloquence and passionI love the support group I attend at the facility once a month.a Dr now comes to his facility for check ups.Lin & I found the perfect print of Jesus at a thrift store to hang in his room
This photo was taken the night before Randy was placed in memory care July, 2018.
I finished this post several months ago, and just now posting it. Randy has since been at Brookdale for 11 months. More posts to follow.
November 18, 2018
Randy Thompson CDs ~ CD Baby
Randy's 8 CDs are now available for download and physical copy through CD Baby.Click HERE
You can also order CDs by contacting me ~lindathompson825@gmail.com
My very favorite Christmas CD ~ Through Different EyesYou will not only want this playing throughout the Christmas season, but year-round!
Thank you so much for supporting and promoting Randy's music. Means more than you will ever know.Merry Christmas!
July 14, 2018
Dementia/ Memory Care
My husband Randy will be placed in a Memory Care facility in Gilbert, AZ Thursday, July 19th.
I could never have imagined typing those words. Even though I know it's time, I am heartbroken. And trusting God with every breath I take.
I remember reading that grieving your loved one’s initial diagnosis, their placement in a facility, and their actual death are very much the same. And they are right.
Needless to say, Randy & I need your prayers now more than ever ~
~ that Randy would adjust to his new surroundings as best as can be expected~ that he would feel God’s love, peace and presence~ that he would know my overwhelming love for him~ that he would thrive~ that he would be their favorite
My dear friends Ralph and Linda (the other Linda Larson ) arrived July 6th to be here for Randy & I as we transition. They insisted on staying a couple weeks after Randy is placed so as to be here for me. As the days and weeks draw near, I am more and more aware that was a good call and a precious gift from God.
Please pray ~
~ that I would trust the Lord, rest in the Lord and be strong and courageous~ that He would protect me from the enemy's lies~ for my health... as anxiety and stress have taken a toll~ that I would savor the sweet moments, rather than fear the future~ that I would sense God’s presence as never before~ that ALTCS (AZ Long Term Care) would be approved in a timely manner
Thanking God ~
~ that his memory care facility is only 2 minutes from my job in Gilbert~ that I can visit him every day after work~ that Scott Fisher @ Foundation for Senior Living recommended this facility, not even knowing it’s proximity to my work~ for my amazing team that has walked with me every step of the way ~ my elder law attorney Emily Taylor and her assistant Jessica ~ my dear friend and financial planner Joe Scheid~ my son-in-law Aaron for his wisdom, counsel and compassion ~ for dear friends near and far that have visited, called, text and emailed me words of encouragement, affirmation and Truth. I can’t tell you how many times fear and anxiety overwhelmed me to the core... thinking I could not do this another day… and I would get a call or text. They had no idea... but God did.
And finally, I thank God for everything. And I mean everything. I don’t understand everything, but I can truly thank Him. I am trusting God’s love for me, His character, His faithfulness, His ever present help in times of trouble. He is transforming me. He is fighting for me. He is the strength of my heart. And my portion forever. He allowed this. He is using it. He is all I need. He is enough.
And I am so thankful God continues to use Randy’s music and lyrics. I get monthly emails, CD orders and testimonials from people all around the country. And most of them had no idea about Randy's diagnosis until I linked them to his story on my blog. Their heartfelt stories are a powerful testament of Christ in Randy, his calling, faithfulness and humble service in sharing the death, resurrection and love of Jesus.
Randy always said at every concert ~
“We are aliens and strangers. This is not our home. I long for the day when I can stand before Jesus and hear Him say “Well done good and faithful servant” .”
I long for that day too.
Oh how I miss my husband. My friend. My helpmate. My truth teller. The love of my life.
However will I do this life without him by my side?
You can read his Frontotemporal dementia story HERE .
I could never have imagined typing those words. Even though I know it's time, I am heartbroken. And trusting God with every breath I take.
I remember reading that grieving your loved one’s initial diagnosis, their placement in a facility, and their actual death are very much the same. And they are right.
Needless to say, Randy & I need your prayers now more than ever ~
~ that Randy would adjust to his new surroundings as best as can be expected~ that he would feel God’s love, peace and presence~ that he would know my overwhelming love for him~ that he would thrive~ that he would be their favorite
My dear friends Ralph and Linda (the other Linda Larson ) arrived July 6th to be here for Randy & I as we transition. They insisted on staying a couple weeks after Randy is placed so as to be here for me. As the days and weeks draw near, I am more and more aware that was a good call and a precious gift from God.
Please pray ~
~ that I would trust the Lord, rest in the Lord and be strong and courageous~ that He would protect me from the enemy's lies~ for my health... as anxiety and stress have taken a toll~ that I would savor the sweet moments, rather than fear the future~ that I would sense God’s presence as never before~ that ALTCS (AZ Long Term Care) would be approved in a timely manner
Thanking God ~
~ that his memory care facility is only 2 minutes from my job in Gilbert~ that I can visit him every day after work~ that Scott Fisher @ Foundation for Senior Living recommended this facility, not even knowing it’s proximity to my work~ for my amazing team that has walked with me every step of the way ~ my elder law attorney Emily Taylor and her assistant Jessica ~ my dear friend and financial planner Joe Scheid~ my son-in-law Aaron for his wisdom, counsel and compassion ~ for dear friends near and far that have visited, called, text and emailed me words of encouragement, affirmation and Truth. I can’t tell you how many times fear and anxiety overwhelmed me to the core... thinking I could not do this another day… and I would get a call or text. They had no idea... but God did.
And finally, I thank God for everything. And I mean everything. I don’t understand everything, but I can truly thank Him. I am trusting God’s love for me, His character, His faithfulness, His ever present help in times of trouble. He is transforming me. He is fighting for me. He is the strength of my heart. And my portion forever. He allowed this. He is using it. He is all I need. He is enough.
And I am so thankful God continues to use Randy’s music and lyrics. I get monthly emails, CD orders and testimonials from people all around the country. And most of them had no idea about Randy's diagnosis until I linked them to his story on my blog. Their heartfelt stories are a powerful testament of Christ in Randy, his calling, faithfulness and humble service in sharing the death, resurrection and love of Jesus.
Randy always said at every concert ~
“We are aliens and strangers. This is not our home. I long for the day when I can stand before Jesus and hear Him say “Well done good and faithful servant” .”
I long for that day too.
Oh how I miss my husband. My friend. My helpmate. My truth teller. The love of my life.
However will I do this life without him by my side?
You can read his Frontotemporal dementia story HERE .
May 27, 2018
flowers from my husband
Invariably the weight of caring for a loved one with dementia takes its toll and we hit rock bottom. Recently I had one of those days. I woke up with a dark cloud over my head. Fear of the unknown, the future, overwhelmed me. I didn't know how I could do another day. I missed my husband so much that dying of a broken heart seemed quite possible. I missed his hugs, his comforting words, his calming spirit. I missed doing life with my best friend. So I prayed and cried out to God for His strength, peace and joy.
As I made my way home from work that day, with tears pouring down my face, I once again surrendered my hurting heart to Jesus. With what little faith I had, I thanked Him for His faithfulness, His provision, His love. I knew I was not alone. He was with me. I may feel lonely, but I am never alone.
Shortly after I arrived home, someone I had recently met in the healthcare business, came to my door with a huge bouquet of flowers. I was stunned. No way. You see, to me, these gorgeous flowers were without a doubt, a gift from God. To me. From my husband. I was undone. I hugged and thanked her, and when she left I collapsed on the couch and had a good cry. Once again "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire, and set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2 Thank you Jesus!
Then Randy arrived home. When he walked in the door and saw the flowers, I hugged him so tightly and thanked him over and over for sending me flowers. You guys, the look on his face was priceless. He was beaming and repeated over and over "I sent you flowers!". Every day till the flowers were withered and gone, I thanked him over and over for sending me flowers, for loving me so well, for being my husband. And every day, he would say over and over "I know! I sent you flowers!". And my love for him grew sweeter than ever.
Randy rarely ventures outside, but when he does he loves the solar water fountain in our birdbath.My grandson loves it too. And so do the hummingbirds.Check it out HERE
As I made my way home from work that day, with tears pouring down my face, I once again surrendered my hurting heart to Jesus. With what little faith I had, I thanked Him for His faithfulness, His provision, His love. I knew I was not alone. He was with me. I may feel lonely, but I am never alone.
Shortly after I arrived home, someone I had recently met in the healthcare business, came to my door with a huge bouquet of flowers. I was stunned. No way. You see, to me, these gorgeous flowers were without a doubt, a gift from God. To me. From my husband. I was undone. I hugged and thanked her, and when she left I collapsed on the couch and had a good cry. Once again "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire, and set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2 Thank you Jesus!
Then Randy arrived home. When he walked in the door and saw the flowers, I hugged him so tightly and thanked him over and over for sending me flowers. You guys, the look on his face was priceless. He was beaming and repeated over and over "I sent you flowers!". Every day till the flowers were withered and gone, I thanked him over and over for sending me flowers, for loving me so well, for being my husband. And every day, he would say over and over "I know! I sent you flowers!". And my love for him grew sweeter than ever.
Randy rarely ventures outside, but when he does he loves the solar water fountain in our birdbath.My grandson loves it too. And so do the hummingbirds.Check it out HERE
April 28, 2018
Frontotemporal dementia update
My husband Randy Thompson has
behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia
If you are new to my blog, you can read his story HERE.
I love seeing him sitting out on our patio. And yes, these days are numbered as the temps are rising here in Phoenixhe's always saying "I think you're going to make me chicken with tomato sauce"I have never made such a dish 😊he recently lost the 20# he gained 4 years ago after his FTD diagnosehard to believe it was 4 years ago this monthbut the symptoms go back to 2011love the art pieces he brings home from his adult day carestarted touring memory care facilities. So hard to imagine that one day...he whispered
"I love you"
the other day. Out of the bluehe's unable to carry on a conversation, instead repeats everything I sayso as you can imagine, it was a big dealhe is totally oblivious to the guys that are remodeling our master bathroom
he loves taking our dog Koda for walkshe repeats over & over "That's Koda!" the entire time we're walkingRandy recently ate an entire bag of organic dog treats overnight, that I had emptied in a jar on the counterthey were not the usual 99 Cent store hard biscuit dog treatsso he thought they were people treatsI was pretty freaked out... but able to laugh about it now
such an unexpected, heartfelt reaction to meeting his new granddaughter Cora Janeliterally took my breath away as I captured the sacred moment my beautiful Cora Jane. Our 6th grandchild. Mimi & Pop Pop are so blessed.
love my letter board that I now call my memory boardscripture verses on the board that Randy loves reading every daymy latest memory verse ~ Romans 12:12
Randy just shaved his beard. Himself! (with my prompting) A miracle! Usually the neighbor has to hold his arms while I do it.ok, it ain't pretty, but hey, I'll take it! attended my first dementia workshop this month. So helpful, informative... and emotionalRandy is still so sweet... never angry, sad, depressed or argumentative I think it's because our life is very quiet, routine and predictable. which makes him feel safe, secure and happymy dear friend Alice captured this rare moment while visiting from PALove my husband so much... yet miss him terribly.
September 12, 2017
my friend & mother-in-law
My precious mother-in-law Emolyn Wynworth Thompson passed away at the age of 93 on September 3rd. She is now with Jesus and reunited with her husband, her daughter Patty and son Barry.
I fell in love with my future mother-in-law even before I knew Randy was the one.
I had met Randy at a concert ministry March of 1978. My friend Linda & I sang the first set and he sang the 2nd. His music, his songs, his lyrics touched my heart unlike any Christian artist before. For the next two months we hung out, I went to his church softball games... and then to dinner at his home on Mother's Day just before I went back to Wisconsin. Little did I know how significant that event would be. I was so drawn to Randy's Mom... so warm and welcoming. Randy's Mamaw Bean (his Dad's Mom) was also there. She would pass away that summer. I would buy her '62 Chevy sight unseen while in WI that summer... and I would receive her Pyrex 4 bowl nesting set just before we married... which would be the start of my Pyrex collection.
When I returned to Phoenix Aug, 1978, Randy & I started dating. We would have dinner at his parents home pretty much every Sunday. While Randy & his Dad were watching sports on TV, his Mom & I would go to either TG&Y or Yellow Front to look at fabric. And we would spend hours talking about her life as an Air Force wife for 27 years, a Mom to 4 sons... and her daughter Patty. Patty had only been gone for 3 years when we met. She was killed by a 16 year old drunk driver a mile from their home. She had graduated from high school, turned 18 and received her driver's license the week before she went away. You see, my Mother-in-law never said the words died or killed or passed away. She always referred to someone's passing as "they went away" . I love that so much.
I was blessed to get to know Patty through her Mom... and the depth of a mama's grieving heart.
What a sacred, beautiful time of remembering, weeping together and healing her aching heart.
Randy's Mom was a Godly woman of faith. She never questioned God. She trusted Jesus. No matter what.
She read her Bible every day... because she saw her Mama read her Bible every day.And because of his Mom, my husband read his Bible every day. And she has faithfully prayed for Randy & I every single day of our marriage.
When Randy & I married she asked if I would like to call her Mom. So I did... for 38 years.But she was more than a mom to me, she was my dearest friend.
I met my mother-in-law on Mother's Day 1978 ~and I said good-bye to her on Mother's Day 2017.
My husband Randy was unable to understand the news about his Mom's passing because of his Frontotemporal dementia. He has no empathy. He just smiled and walked away. One day they will be reunited in eternity with Jesus. Oh what a day that will be.
You can read about his last visit with his Mom HERE.
I fell in love with my future mother-in-law even before I knew Randy was the one.
I had met Randy at a concert ministry March of 1978. My friend Linda & I sang the first set and he sang the 2nd. His music, his songs, his lyrics touched my heart unlike any Christian artist before. For the next two months we hung out, I went to his church softball games... and then to dinner at his home on Mother's Day just before I went back to Wisconsin. Little did I know how significant that event would be. I was so drawn to Randy's Mom... so warm and welcoming. Randy's Mamaw Bean (his Dad's Mom) was also there. She would pass away that summer. I would buy her '62 Chevy sight unseen while in WI that summer... and I would receive her Pyrex 4 bowl nesting set just before we married... which would be the start of my Pyrex collection.
When I returned to Phoenix Aug, 1978, Randy & I started dating. We would have dinner at his parents home pretty much every Sunday. While Randy & his Dad were watching sports on TV, his Mom & I would go to either TG&Y or Yellow Front to look at fabric. And we would spend hours talking about her life as an Air Force wife for 27 years, a Mom to 4 sons... and her daughter Patty. Patty had only been gone for 3 years when we met. She was killed by a 16 year old drunk driver a mile from their home. She had graduated from high school, turned 18 and received her driver's license the week before she went away. You see, my Mother-in-law never said the words died or killed or passed away. She always referred to someone's passing as "they went away" . I love that so much.
I was blessed to get to know Patty through her Mom... and the depth of a mama's grieving heart.
What a sacred, beautiful time of remembering, weeping together and healing her aching heart.
Randy's Mom was a Godly woman of faith. She never questioned God. She trusted Jesus. No matter what.
She read her Bible every day... because she saw her Mama read her Bible every day.And because of his Mom, my husband read his Bible every day. And she has faithfully prayed for Randy & I every single day of our marriage.
When Randy & I married she asked if I would like to call her Mom. So I did... for 38 years.But she was more than a mom to me, she was my dearest friend.
I met my mother-in-law on Mother's Day 1978 ~and I said good-bye to her on Mother's Day 2017.
My husband Randy was unable to understand the news about his Mom's passing because of his Frontotemporal dementia. He has no empathy. He just smiled and walked away. One day they will be reunited in eternity with Jesus. Oh what a day that will be.
You can read about his last visit with his Mom HERE.
