Bill's 4 Food Groups

This is my parents' actual freezer.
 {This scene has not been 'staged'}
There's another freezer in the garage!

                DQ Blizzards
                   
  Specialty Ice Creams




  DQ Arctic Blasts
  
Ice Cream Sandwiches

9/15 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!

9/12 Update

We celebrated dad's upcoming Birthday.
He will be 64 this Wednesday, September 15th!
well enough to return HOME again...

9/11 UPDATE: Hospice House of the Western Reserve

A room became available for Bill, yesterday at Hospice House.  #110.  This is the amazing view out of his french doors~which we threw open for the day...

I enjoyed Cupcakes&Coffee and a long visit with my dad today.  Maybe it was a combination of the Shortening, Sugar and Starbucks~or the Spirit flowing~but we talked, laughed, read Psalms and watched golf.  {Sure, I wandered into the Common Area and the Family Room a few times to catch the Ohio State game} but the Best part, by far, was hearing my dad say he is  proud of me.  I held onto his strong grip with one hand, and wrote his words of Wisdom with my left:

"You do the best you can do...what else can you do"


"Enjoy what you do, and it goes a long way"


"Whatever started out wrong, God has made right...He really has brought our family together-with all the different personalities-and woven us all together...you kids have all been a help to one another"


"I pray you be Blessed & Happy & in God's Hands In Jesus' Name"
though there were other words he spoke as my own Blessing, I share these words and prayer with all.
God Bless

Hospice of the Western Reserve: Hospice House& Headquarters Place page

300 East 185th Street

Cleveland, OH 44119-1300
(216) 383-2222

update 8/26

Bill will be allowed to stay at Kensington until Tuesday.

As discouraged as Sadie was when she first walked the halls, it has been a Blessing!
She has found comfort and Excellent Care from all the aides and therapists-making time to write employee of the month requests!  {that's the thoughtful, generous mom I know}

Another great Blessing was the discovery of a "lift machine" the aides have used to move Bill.  Hospice has offered to rent the machine at their expense to allow my parents to have one when Bill returns home on Tuesday.

Keep on Praying for Peace of mind in decision-making, Protection over Bill and Powerful HEALING by God through His Spirit.

Keep on, Prayer WARRIORS!

Psalm 91 Lynn's Prayer for her brother

Psalm 91

 ¹ He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
       will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
 ² I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
       my God, in whom I trust."
 ³ Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
       and from the deadly pestilence.
 ⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
       and under his wings you will find refuge;
       his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
 ⁵ You will not fear the terror of night,
       nor the arrow that flies by day,
 ⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
       nor the plague that destroys at midday.
 ⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
       ten thousand at your right hand,
       but it will not come near you.
 ⁸ You will only observe with your eyes
       and see the punishment of the wicked.
 ⁹ If you make the Most High your dwelling—
       even the LORD, who is my refuge-
 ¹⁰ then no harm will befall you,
       no disaster will come near your tent.
 ¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
       to guard you in all your ways;
 ¹² they will lift you up in their hands,
       so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
 ¹³ You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
       you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
 ¹⁴ "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
       I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
 ¹⁵ He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
       I will be with him in trouble,
       I will deliver him and honor him.
 ¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him
       and show him my salvation."

AMEN

Gartner Fundraiser Tonight!!

THANK YOU is an understatement for the outpouring of Love!!

Update 8/11

Bill looked well this evening.
He is at Anna Maria's Care Center-Kensington-for therapy.

When our family walked in, this evening, he was visiting with his sisters, Betsy & Janet and their husbands.  Bill and his brother in law were playing catch!!  His reflexes were quick!
He was engaged in the conversation with everyone.

After that, he was able to eat a fruit salad--without a thickening agent or someone continually reminding him to chew/swallow, etc--that had been his condition for the past few days...Breakthrough!!!

Thank you, and please continue to pray for Bill's strengthening--God is answering Graciously!!

8/9 Update

Praise:
Therapy at Anna Maria had Bill WALKING down the whole hallway!!


Prayer:
For Bill to continue to improve with therapy.

Thursday, Sadie has a meeting to determine if Bill has shown improvement, then he can stay and receive more treatment/covered by insurance.

For Bill to be able to swallow his food&beverages.

Protection at night, so that Bill does not attempt to get out of bed or fall out, without the overnight nurse care.

Thank you,
God Bless you!!

The 5th Dimension - Wedding Bell Blues - 1969

8/8 Update

Bill's eating/swallowing was better, today.  Thank you for praying!!
May God's Will be done.



Sadie requests that visits with Bill be scheduled with her.
Please contact her cell phone at 216-288-8808.
Leave a message if she is not immediately available.


thank you,
we'll see you at the Gartner Fundraiser, on August 14th!

8/7 update

Bill is at Anna Maria, in physical therapy.
He is having trouble eating/chewing/swallowing...

Sadie's Cry
Psalm 142


A contemplation of David, when he was in the cave.  
A Prayer.
"I cry with my voice, I ask Yahweh for mercy.


I pour out my complaint before Him.
I tell him my troubles.


When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, 
You knew my path.
In the way in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me.
Look on my right, and see;
for there is no one who is concerned for me.
refuge has fled from me.
No one cares for my soul.


I cried to You, Yahweh.  I said,
'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.'


Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need.
Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than me.


Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks to Your Name.
The Righteous will surround me, for You will be Good to me."


Thank you, ALL, for surrounding my parents in their time of need!!
We Love you for standing/praying/believing for DELIVERANCE against the enemy's attempts to rob, steal and destroy the Precious Gift of LIFE that God gives to us each day.

May God Shower you and your families with Strength & Joy in this LIFE...until we all meet in Perfect Health in the next Life, and for all Eternity!
 

8/6 Friday Morning Report

HOPE
Sadie was comforted to know that Hospice visited Bill last night at Anna Maria.
She is with Bill right now, assessing his situation, anxious for THERAPY to begin.
She is comforted, also, by the overnight care nurse who is with Bill now...

PRAY
for Sadie's mind, heart and body to be calmed, so that she may make WISE DECISIONS.
for Bill & Sadie's BODIES to be STRENGTHENED-so he may return home as soon as possible-and the effects of moving him around for the past couple months are beginning to take their toll on Sadie's hips!

VISIT
the overnight care nurse is available from 12am-9am,
if anyone is interested in visiting/helping out--starting today--
Please contact Sadie's cell phone at 216-288-8808.


She is looking for people to visit Bill throughout the day,
and ESPECIALLY to commit to the 7-10pm time.
(while she goes home to care for her mother)


Thank you!

8/5 Update

Bill is now having trouble swallowing food. 

She is seeking God's Wisdom and the Strength to bring him home tomorrow!!

She is heart sick for her husband...may tomorrow come quickly!

8/4 Update

Tonight, Bill's sister Lynn was able to do some leg exercises with him and play catch--he didn't miss one shot!!
As they were about to leave, Lynn&Dennis encouraged Bill to get better so he could join them for dinner in Little Italy--he immediately started to pull back the covers!!
He is ready to GO!!


Thanks to Bill's care nurse, Molly, who was incredibly thoughtful & attentive-bringing Ice Cream treats for Grandpa, and Ethan & Sophia!!

Prayer for the day:

1.  Affordable 24/7 care for Bill, while at Anna Maria
     (Current quotes are at $500/day!)

2.  Regain his strength quickly-standing/moving, etc

3.  Show marked improvement, so insurance will agree to cover the cost of therapy/stay at Anna Maria


Thank you to all of you!!

Update 8/3

PRAISE!  Bill was approved to go to a rehabilitation facility.
He may be discharged Wednesday or Thursday to the care of AnnaMaria in Aurora.
Insurance may allow Bill up to 1 week for therapy-to get him strengthened to stand, and so therapists can teach Sadie the proper way to move him, when he returns home.

The only cost, at this time, is to hire a private care nurse to stay with Bill 24/7...

God Bless the compassionate Doctor who allowed Sadie's request.

8/2 Update

Sadie has asked that we please PRAY that Bill would get approval to go to a short-term facility for either physical or occupational therapy.  She would like him to return home, at least, the way he left--able to be lifted, pivot & turn, to move him around the house.  Sadie's hope is that Bill would be able to have therapy/skills needed to STRENGTHEN him to come home...and that he would be PROTECTED from falls, etc. while away from her care!!

Thank you for your prayers!!

update 8/1

Bill has been resting at the Cleveland Clinic.


Swelling has gone down since he has been taken off steroids.
His hands are still shaky, & needs assistance to move his body.
The visits seem to be keeping his mind alert & engaged...
Though his memory of some visits is spotty.

Sadie has been resting, a bit...

Thank you for all the Visits, Love & Prayers!
Keep Believing

Please PRAY for the doctor's WISDOM in assessing Bill.
Sadie would like to bring him home.

7/31 Update

Doctors are assessing Bill for Physical Therapy:
Please pray that some standing would be accomplished to be able to transport him, when he comes home.

Hilton Head 2005

Update 7/29

The MRI showed some growth of the tumor.
Swelling remains, and may remain--only God can take this away completely.
Radiation will never be an option again, though doctors may treat him, some way, in the future .
Doctors are waiting on the aggressive med evaluation.
Please PRAY that the nurses will continue to stay with Bill 24/7, as he fell out of bed last night!
Please PRAY for all hospital caregivers to carefully read the charts and clearly communicate with Sadie.

Most importantly, pray that Bill's pattern of waking all through the night will be corrected, to be able to sleep through the nights.  He is receiving a mild sleeping med to help this transition--and allow his body the needed rest for recovery!!


God Bless!

MRI 7/28

Bill had an MRI today at the Cleveland Clinic, and has been admitted for the next couple days.
Doctors will wean him off all medications to get an accurate assessment of his condition.

May Sadie sleep for the next 48 hours!

sleepless nights & sacrifice

Mom has been dealing with sleepless nights.  20 minutes here and there as she jumps awake and runs to dad, 24/7, every time she hears him even slightly move!  He's having to use the bathroom every 45 minutes these days-but his brain isn't telling his legs to move-without assistance, he falls.  Hospice won't stay overnight, and home healthcare says it's a "luxury" to have an overnight nurse!!!  So my mom, racing to care for her beloved husband and 90+year old mother in the same house, is trying to "figure it out", while running a household, a business and caring for round the clock needs...

Last night I could not sleep well.  In and out of consciousness, dreaming I was in my parents' home, through several hour stretches, I prayed each time that my parents would both get a good night's sleep...

Chrissy spent the day serving at my parents' house:  cleaning and massaging dad's purple feet, manicures for dad and grandma, ironing for mom, making phone calls to VA, utilities (discovering hidden costs my parents' had overlooked--saving them hundreds of $$)...

As we spoke later on the phone today, we realized that dad & mom slept soundly for about 4 hours, and God had used the 1 week Chrissy spent in Manicure classes to minister so sweetly and powerfully to their most essential needs!!

Simply put, God is with us!  He hears our prayers and answers.  He can use sleepless nights and  simple skills to care for those in need!!  When we sacrifice our comforts for one another, people FEEL & KNOW God has intervened, and Sovereign God is Glorified beyond our human sensibility!

I'm physically exhausted but spiritually exhilarated--who will be on prayer watch with us this night???

yaawwwn  

Gartner Fundraiser

GARTNER FUNDRAISER 

& SPAGHETTI DINNER

      

Saturday, August 14, 2010

               

Solon Recreation Center                            

35000 Portz Parkway

 

Side Boards open at 6pm    Silent Auction 

✜ To Help defray Medical Costs ✜ 

Dinner served at 7pm  Tickets $25

         

Sincere thanks for all the Generous Support from Family & Friends, and all who contribute to make this a successful event. And to YOU, for your continuing Love & Prayers.

 

PLEASE PrePurchase Tickets, by August 1st 

Pam DiNardo   

9896 Creekside Way 

Streetsboro, OH 44241 

440-487-8002 

Will send tickets upon payment 

To Donate Items for Silent Auction 

Nancy Finelli   440-724-8511 

 

 

✜ Two years ago, Bill Gartner was diagnosed with 

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and 

most aggressive type of primary brain tumor 

Chrissy's Hope

During a recent sermon, Chrissy listened as this story was told, BELIEVING that God can heal and even raise the dead/dying back to LIFE...imagining this for her dad!!

Matthew 9:18-26  A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman

While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.

 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed."

Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.

 When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all that region.

Dad and the Derby

Contained in this post is a letter I sent to Churchill Downs.  Although my dad was not able to accompany me to this year's Derby, you'll discover a BIT & BRIDLE about his background and belief.

March 2010

Dear Mr. Carstanjen,  

My name is Maryann and I wanted to compliment your willingness to share Churchill Downs Inc, with viewers on the program, “Undercover Boss”.  As a small business owner, I appreciate learning to grow my business by any means available, even entertainment.  Your courage to be ‘uncovered’ is commendable!

The reason for this letter is twofold, as the experience not only provided wisdom to guide your business into the future, it has also reconnected you with the people foundational for any great organization.  You seemed truly appreciative of the stories of dedicated employees, so I wanted to share a story from a Customer of Churchill Downs:

My stepfather, Bill Gartner was a horse trainer in his early life, growing up in Cleveland, Ohio.  After marrying my mom, life went on, and he worked up to 3 jobs at times, before starting his own home remodeling business.  He raised all 4 of us kids to be hardworking, respectful of God and others, and generous in giving of ourselves—time, talent and tithes.  We are truly blessed to have a very close and loving family, which now includes 4 spouses and 8 grandchildren.

In June of 2008 we were all shocked to discover that my dad had a brain tumor.  Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic diagnosed him with Glio Blastoma, the most aggressive form of cancer, with a prognosis of only a few months to a year to live!  My dad’s indomitable Faith kicked into full stride and he came through aggressive chemo and radiation treatments with his usual strength and determination.  His courage touched many lives as he maintained a quality of life that allowed he and my mom to spend treasured time together, to golf with friends, and work.  We were even able to visit our favorite vacation spot on Hilton Head Island last summer—the whole family in tow—Celebrating the gift of 1 year of LIFE!

 Last month, doctors discovered a new tumor, in another area of his brain, during a routine check up.  This one is inoperable, though, so another round of aggressive treatments are underway—to be completed by the end of April.

 Our connection with your organization is this—

My own, hardworking husband has been sacrificing and saving at a second job to provide a memorable 40^th Birthday, this May, for me—2 tickets to the Kentucky Derby!!  It’s a treat for an accessory designer and former hat shop owner.  As I considered which girlfriend I would bring, my thoughts turned immediately to my dad.  The new prognosis of a couple months to a year seems far more tangible this time around.  I knew he would appreciate this adventure far more than anyone else!!  I believe our stay at this year’s Kentucky Derby will be an opportunity to have one Great Father/Daughter bonding time and the memorable experience will be a wonderful story for him to share with family and friends—bringing comfort and Joy to the precious, passing months of Life.  With tears in his eyes, he said the Derby was something he had always wanted to experience, since those early days of training horses!!

 Thank you for sharing your story and taking time to listen to ours.  May God Bless your Life and Work as you lead Churchill Downs, Inc., on behalf of all who enjoy and appreciate its long tradition of Excellence and Excitement!

 We’ll be seeing you, “the first Saturday in May",

 Most sincerely yours,

 Maryann Wohlwend

 

                                                                                                                                                        

Sadie's Encouraging Word from God

Isaiah 38  Hezekiah's Illness

In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover."

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD,  "Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah:  "Go and tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.  And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city.

" 'This is the LORD's sign to you that the LORD will do what he has promised:  I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the ten steps it has gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.' " So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had gone down.

A writing of Hezekiah king of Judah after his illness and recovery:

I said, "In the prime of my life 
       must I go through the gates of death  
       and be robbed of the rest of my years?"

 I said, "I will not again see the LORD, 
       the LORD, in the land of the living; 
       no longer will I look on mankind, 
       or be with those who now dwell in this world. 

 Like a shepherd's tent my house 
       has been pulled down and taken from me. 
       Like a weaver I have rolled up my life, 
       and he has cut me off from the loom; 
       day and night you made an end of me.

 I waited patiently till dawn, 
       but like a lion he broke all my bones; 
       day and night you made an end of me.

  I cried like a swift or thrush, 
       I moaned like a mourning dove. 
       My eyes grew weak as I looked to the heavens. 
       I am troubled; O Lord, come to my aid!"

 But what can I say? 
       He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this. 
       I will walk humbly all my years 
       because of this anguish of my soul.

 Lord, by such things men live; 
       and my spirit finds life in them too. 
       You restored me to health 
       and let me live.

 Surely it was for my benefit 
       that I suffered such anguish. 
       In your love you kept me 
       from the pit of destruction; 
       you have put all my sins 
       behind your back.

 For the grave cannot praise you, 
       death cannot sing your praise; 
       those who go down to the pit 
       cannot hope for your faithfulness.

 The living, the living—they praise you, 
       as I am doing today; 
       fathers tell their children 
       about your faithfulness.

 The LORD will save me, 
       and we will sing with stringed instruments 
       all the days of our lives 
       in the temple of the LORD.

Lynn's Prayer for her Brother

Psalm 30  psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. of David

 I will exalt you, O LORD, 
       for you lifted me out of the depths 
       and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

 O LORD my God, I called to you for help 
       and you healed me.

 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave; 
       you spared me from going down into the pit.

 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; 
       praise his holy name.

 For his anger lasts only a moment, 
       but his favor lasts a lifetime; 
       weeping may remain for a night, 
       but rejoicing comes in the morning.

 When I felt secure, I said, 
       "I will never be shaken."

 O LORD, when you favored me, 
       you made my mountain stand firm; 
       but when you hid your face, 
       I was dismayed.

 To you, O LORD, I called; 
       to the Lord I cried for mercy:

 "What gain is there in my destruction,  
       in my going down into the pit? 
       Will the dust praise you? 
       Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; 
       O LORD, be my help."

 You turned my wailing into dancing; 
       you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. 

O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

AMEN

Hilton Head 2009

Summer of 2009 marked another Gartner Family vacation to Hilton Head Island, our favorite destination in 30+ years!  The Island traffic has increased since that first visit in the wood-paneled station wagon, of 6-to our own caravan of 5 SUVs and the next generation, of 17!

From Billy & Teddy tormenting us girls in the back of the station wagon, while baiting drivers behind us with plastic army men tied to string, scraping on the pavement out the back window...to Chrissy & I as teens, getting our base tan-complete with seatbelt marks-through the sun roof, changing seats in the little blue Saturn WHILE driving along 77!  

No one seems to take photos of the REALLY memorable moments.  

We had our system of communicating to dad when we needed a break-flashing the brights-which he ignored to "make good time"...such was the savage Life before cell phones.  But, this holiday was truly a Celebration of Life!!  The Blessed extra year God gave our dad, who never missed a beat:  golfing, going out to eat, and getting sand on his feet (which he does not enjoy) yet sacrificing all for the Love of his wife and sharing it all with our whole family in tow, at least one more time... a Heart Memory no photo could ever capture on film!!      

A very special THANK YOU to our dear friends, the Tremont Family (Karen, my precious 2nd Grade teacher at St.Rita's) who, first, invited us to use their condo on HHI--introducing us to a home away from home that would become our Happy Heritage!

God Bless all our Family & Friends,

Maryann