Lead .. or Follow .. by Tommy Nichols

THANK YOU Michael Bell ONCE AGAIN YOU DID AMAZING !!

From our editor, Tommy Nichols, this weeks editorial. From the PEA RIDGE POST

Its a very good read and I'm sure that you will like it too. Thank you Tommy for what you do.

Here's our story of the week.

Every since I was old enough to stand on my own two feet my father and mother pounded into my brother and I to be a leader and not a follower. I've been blessed to have such amazing examples of just what that is all throughout my childhood. Since age 3 I would watch my amazing local legend of a father go and lock himself into a room for hours on end to study to become the leader and success he has now become.

I saw my mother sacrifice time after time and give up on her dreams for those of my brother and I and do it all with a smile on her face and then go out of her way to take care of many a child in this community so they would have a chance in this mine field called life, she did it not wanting or demanding thanks or praise but because it was what was the right thing the AMERICAN thing to do and because her parents raised her to be a leader as well, those were my perfect examples of leaders.

As time would pass as always does I would watch my dad transform into the perfect definition of a leader. I would be watching TV at my dad's old office and he would walk in with many a random stranger and I would have to leave and would run to the next room to listen to them through the walls as they would talk and as I think back now how neat it was to have all these random people that would come to him for help and advice, why? Because he knew what he was talking about and because he was a leader in our little small town community.

My father would run for office, advise candidates, run their elections and be appointed by state representatives, senators and US Congressmen to many boards because these people knew what he stood for that he could be counted upon and there it is again, because they knew others looked up to him and respected his opinions because he was a leader.

Due to my parents my brother and I are what is sadly a rare case in this day and age, I am an independent and rely upon no one to guide me, tell me or show me what to do or what I should or how I should think! We live in a time where everywhere you turn there is something or someone screaming at you demanding you to fall into a certain category and God forbid if you go against it.

America use to be full of strong minded country first people's sadly those times have come and are long gone we are a land of the follower being lead by the hand and with a blindfold over our faces by those in this case is a political party, actor, talking heads on the television, social media and the worst of all the main stream media itself. Over time people have been beaten and broken down mentally and told you are not to stand up or stand out you are to be what my parents demanded me not to ever be you are to be a follower. No, not anymore we must return to the America of old where it was smiled upon and parents tried to teach their young as mine did to be the voice of the group and not just another voice in it.

Ask yourself why do they want all of us to just follow along with the crowd and be walking, breathing zombies we've now become? It's so the few at the top can maintain control, control of what you see, what you hear, what you think and what emotions you feel so they can use you anytime they so please be it for monetary gain or to help keep them in control politically a land of the follower is much easier to control than a land full of independent minded leaders! If everyone would instantly just stop following along mindlessly, blindly and opened up their eyes and stop believing anything that comes across on the idiot box and began to think, research and took a stand and began to lead and not follow can you imagine the euphoria that we as a nation could enjoy? Boy how great that would be!

A lot of our problems would be gone, especially in the political arena because we would not be the moronic shell we currently are and would not allow these people to push us around and use our brains and voice as they so please.

If we stood up and started thinking for ourselves and doing our own research instead of having some intern at CNN, MSNBC or FOX typing up what a small minority at the top tell them to and then have the soul less beings on the box read and shove into us to take as fact we would then be the one's with all the power and control.

There would be no more need for these slander TV political ads that are currently being shoved down our throats because we would know the real truth there would be no more nonfactual, unneeded, uncalled for name calling and hate speech from or to one political party to the other. It would simply be a brand new America where we the people are once again back in total control and can get back to the days of old back where being a leader is the "cool" in thing and not frowned upon and we can stop being that follower that my parents warned me all those years ago to never become.

We must raise our youth and teach them that it's ok to think for yourself and ok to disagree with others and just because you do you're not an evil person or a racist it's smiled upon to stand up and be what we so desperately need more of in the America of today, it's a good thing to be the leader!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!

THANK YOU
THOMAS (TOMMY) J. NICHOLS
Editor for the Pea Ridge Post
https://www.facebook.com/thepearidgepost/

Helping around THE HOUSE - fixers and doers

These folks are between jobs and will help you fix, clean, paint your house  -- and do yard work to assist the homeowner.  

CHUMUCKLA ROCKS
Allie and Van Sims .. 
paintedstoneco@gmail.com

850 572-1798








They work very hard and get the job done.  They have done enough of their own repairs and help with others to know what they are doing. 

This recent work on a house and yard in Chumuckla was WELL WORTH what they charged.  










Contact them via their facebook page for now .....  CHUMUCKLA ROCKS. (She paints themed rocks for people and groups to buy for fun and gifting.) 

 Allie and Van Riggs Sims  FB Contact (messenger)

A Simple Piece of Fabric by Tommy Nichols

It's just a simple piece of fabric. It has three colors has thirteen stripes and fifty tiny stars. To the world, it's just another flag, but to us it's so much more. It may be of simple fabric, but the stitching that binds it together is made up of all Americans, past, present and future. 

One may say its the blood that has been spilled by our brave men and women that have fought and died for it, or one might say its the blood of all those that have stood against it and tried to forever erase it from this world! Our flag is not like the flags of other countries, yes, our flag may have some things in common with some, but the difference is we don't look at it as just a flag. No, when an American looks at our flag we see so much more. 

We see a small group of people who were willing to die for just an opportunity, nothing guaranteed, just a simple shot at being something this world had never known. We see a group of men who were willing to sacrifice everything from their homes to the lives of their families for this flag. A group of men coming together in hiding to place their knowingly treasonous signature upon a simple piece of parchment that would take a long sea voyage to our own oppressor to show we will no longer be held down. We see a small unorganized band of rag tag military young men and boys who wanted to fight the top military in the world for

the chance to wave this flag whenever they so chose. 

We see General George Washington riding high upon his noble steed while showing complete confidence, even in the most dreaded of times. We see our nation growing by more than half with the Louisiana Purchase from the French. We see Lewis and Clark, encouraged by manifest destiny, going out and conquering the unknown to reach our sister shore of the Pacific. When gazing into that red white and blue banner we see Abraham Lincoln giving a short little speech on what was a battlefield where many men had fought and fell for the freedom of our enslaved brothers and sisters. We See FDR creating The New Deal to help pull us from the depths of a dark moment in American history, The Great Depression and one by one every citizen pushing ahead knowing better days are on the horizon. 

We see the empire of Japan cowardly and viciously attacking our Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor in what they thought would break our backs and force us upon our knees, but in all reality the only thing it would do was spark a fire that till this very day still rages within all Americans, Admiral Yamamoto was indeed correct by saying" I fear all we have done is awaken a sleeping giant and fuel him with a terrible resolve!" We see all races and all colors coming together to create a movement, a movement that would forever change this land for the better. 

We see Dr. Martin Luther King telling the world of his dream of all

races coming together as one to make this country even better and truly create what our founding father's were speaking of when they wrote those words that "All men are created equal" We see a flag that has faced many trials and tribulations and has overcome each and every time always for the better, we see a flag that will forever fly high into the heavens for we are a nation under God, we may not be a perfect nation, we may have our disputes and issues but we are one that is always going to do what is mortally correct we were raised with American values, these values are not something we take lightly no, generation after generation all American parents instill these into their children to continue to pass onward, they are very simple. 

Always stand up for the little guy, always try to do the right thing (though we are not perfect and there are times we may stumble, but just remember as long as we get back up, dust off and get back on the right path we will be fine!) , never start a fight, but be dang certain you finish it if it comes a calling, always respect your elders your parents and a man and always treat women as if on a pedestal! These aren't that hard to do and one would think all should do these simple tasks (oh how sweet a world this would be) But the sad thing is they don't, there are those that strive and live in that small dark area known as chaos, confusion, carnige and well, simply put just evil. 

When every American STANDS up squints their eyes, puts that right hand over their chest or our veterans salute and look skyward towards that oh so simple beautiful banner a waving in the wind,

that Red, White and Blue, we all get those very same goose bumps we all have the hair stand up right along with us on the back of our necks, why? It's all because of that idea that a few had so long ago that would blossom into this great, mighty land and because of the forever fight to keep that idea alive the sibling struggles we'd have thru the years all the growing pains of a nation and because of all the great people we have loved and lost that have fought for this land and that very flag along this journey. 

So when asked what do you see when you look at our flag? The answer is very simple, as simple as can be, WE SEE AMERICA! This is what these Americans see when they see our nation's flag! 

Chris Horn: A new start, hard work and dedication.
Christian Perry: Honor most of all.
Jonathan Phillips: Freedom for all.
Robbie Coffield: Soldiers that fought for us and then would never come home.
Frank Trommlen: I see a country that has given my family so many opportunities and freedoms!
Kristin Bolton: I see and feel pride!
Chris Hilburn: Freedom and the blood of our soldiers.
Felicia Norris: I see people standing together as one.
Travis Cantrell: Pride, freedom and dedication.

Nick Carr: Home, sacrifice, dreams, freedom, and ‘MERICA!
Matt Mertins: Freedom, sacrifice, bravery, and simply said GREATNESS!
Cody Martin: Thankful I was born here and not someplace else!
Dylan Hesser: The only word, HOME!
Garry Swanson: The pain of the Boston massacre, Pearl Harbor,

the Twin Towers and more. 

I see pride in what occurred after them as we all would come together and put aside all our differences to first mourn then to fight back with a vengeance and overcome!

https://www.facebook.com/tommy.nichols.313

Matt Dobson - Catching Cricketts

Matt Dobson is an author of several faith based books. This one is a new road for him. It is an Historical Romance and it involves the long disappeared community of Coon Hill near Chumuckla. You can sense the reverence he has for his roots in this area and the appreciation for the pioneers of Coon Hill. Contact Matt to find his book ... which is also available from Amazon.

Matt's roll in raising funds to restore the Coon Hill Cemetery has been an example of community spirit and giving. An Annual 5K Run for the Cemetery raises funds to repair damage and maintain the historic place. 

Here - Matt is awarded an IRISH BLESSING from a Navy Veteran for his work as an Army Chaplain. Presented at Coon Hill.

NEED Some Fresh Contributors

This Blog has been around for a lot of years. One of the great advantages of the blog is that it can reference any post easily and be re-posted to ANY social media by a simple link.  IT is as easy as a word processor. As easy as Facebook. Posts here are OFTEN shared to Facebook or Twitter.

IT becomes a superb base repository for news and events of the community. Essays (columns), photos, videos, obituaries and other interesting and informative local items are encouraged.
(I've grown a little slack on obituaries lately - its easy - just cut and paste a link to the funeral home or newspaper link or copy and paste the info).

 IF YOU HAVE some interest in helping inform the CHUMUCKLA community and those who care about it, let vic@buzzcreek.com have your email to get you on the team.

Having ten or twenty contributors is NOT a problem.

Not many rules except to follow the usual social media courtesies. I try to keep this blog free of politics but basic ballot information is encouraged.  There are a lot of social media sites that excel in political debate. Use those to extend those discussions.

Are you game?  Send vic@buzzcreek.com your email so we can get you on the team.

IF you feel you can help improve the presence of the chumuckla.com website (which is a WSYWIG free site provided by Google for free) - let me know.  A little time once every week or two or even every month or two can be a big help to the community. IF you are interested in it ... you can figure a lot of other people are too.

Vic - at 12ponder.com

(which is a link to a post on this blog actually)

Blessed We Are - by Tommy Nichols

How blessed are we? I realized yesterday morning when walking our hyper dog Tex and kitties Puppet Master and Rasta Man (yes, I the big thick bald headed long beard man walks his cats) That we all are literally blessed, God gave us a beautiful place to live! 

The Northwest of the state of a Florida is a rare mixture of outdoor beauty and excitement along with a rare history no other can boast. We are blessed to wake up each morning and have the option to decide to either go hop in a tube or canoe and hit the creeks of the Canoe Capital of Florida and just relax as we float by with our mind drifting ever so slowly away from any problems we may have. We could choose to take a trip to Santa Rosa Island and stroll along the world's whitest beaches and take a dive in that emerald, green, clear, and salty water of Pensacola Beach, or we could head on over to Navarre Beach and cast a line from the longest pier on the Gulf Coast and try to hook that oh so sweet wall hanger that you'll be telling your buddies for the rest of your life was even bigger than the mount gives it credit for.


We have some of the finest farm land around with some of the best family farmers running them in which allows us to shout to the world about how great our peanuts and cotton are. We are blessed with some amazing, truly astounding lakes and mighty rivers that some of the top fresh water activities take place upon all year round. Our forests and parks easily out do those of other cities and states, Blackwater River State Park will make you think of simpler times and if you listen closely you can still hear the men swinging axes as they cut down timber to float down to historic Milton Florida. 

We have some crazy good history right below our very feet that we're blessed with, one can go to the first settlement of US Regions in Pensacola and stand right where those same Spanish explorers once stood with a face of shock and awe as they looked upon the beauty of what would become our home but at the time was home to our nation's first people the Muscogee Creeks.


How many others can say their homeland was at one time under the rule of five different flags? The first being that of those same Spanish explorers that came aground many a year ago looking to make a permanent settlement in the new world, the next would be the French followed by the British and when the war between the states erupted, it flew the flag of the Confederate States of America, then finally, and to this very day it shines under the flag of these United States of America.

We're blessed to say our home is the Cradle of Naval Aviation at Pensacola Naval Air Station along with other great bases nearby such as Corry Station and Whiting Field, where many years before us there were brave men and women doing everything they could to help conquer this new way of war. We are beyond blessed that we share our home with one of the most elite flying performers in this world, we call them our angels in blue, but to the world they're known as The Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team.

We're blessed that we can go pay respects to all the bravest of the brave men and women who have given their all in defense of our country at the Veterans Memorial Park and Wall South, not many others are as blessed as us with such an honor.

 We can then easily head over to one of the breathtaking forts for a quick history fix, be it, Fort Barrancas, where at one time Confederate forces had occupied it or Fort Pickens where the great Apache Chief Geronimo was once held and then walk over to pay homage to our lands fallen at Fort Barrancas National Cemetery our version of Arlington. 

We even can learn to dive at some of the best dive schools around and then head below those sweet emerald waters and pay a visit to the USS Oriskany, which became the biggest artificial reef to be purposely sunk in 2006, I mean, come on -- how awesome is that? Then as we come ashore we can check out the absolutely astounding Pensacola Lighthouse and bask in it's glory and its great history. We are blessed to have such cool things allowed to us to go take part in to pass the time such as just that our country's great American pastime baseball, for back in 2012 the Carolina Mudcats the double A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds organization would be brought here and would become our Pensacola Blue Wahoos and have an immaculate stadium built to play in at Admiral Fetterman Field. 

                   

Our area is so blessed, and plays a huge role in all of the national sports leagues along with singers and actors across the land, we have an NFL Hall of Fame member in Derrick Brooks and Emmitt Smith, current NFL stars Alfred Morris and Damarius Randall and more, boxing living legend Roy Jones Jr. MLB Hall of Famer Don Sutton with current MLB stars Josh Donaldson and Addison Russell, screen actress Katy Mixon, singers Aaron Tippin, Chloe Channell and Austin Carlile along with CBS news great Bill Kurtis, many WWE (wrestlers) such as current champion Roman Reigns and lastly two time PGA Master's Champion Bubba Watson. 

We live where many cultures have chosen to settle and call home creating a great melting pot of sorts, that in turn brings us many different forms of food, great learning experiences and opportunities to become even more worldly a people. We were truly blessed when the good lord gave us all these special gifts, why he chose to bless upon us all this one will never know all we can do is be eternally grateful and thank him for blessing us all.

We can walk tall and proud with a huge smile upon all of our faces knowing he chose us, it's all of our duties to help maintain, keep and share these wonderful blessings with all the world and continue to help our areas bright light shining for many a generation and all to forever see.

How blessed are we !

by Tommy Nichols - Aug 2018

Colbert Campbell 1934 -2018

One of Chumuckla's most endearing persons has passed away after a period of illness.  Yes. He was my favorite cousin.

OBITUARY AT TRAHAN FUNERAL HOME

VISITATION AND FUNERAL

 Sunday, JULY 8  1pm - 5pm

Wallace Baptist Church

6601 Chumuckla Highway

1:00 - FAMILY

2:00 - Visitation

3:00 - Funeral at Wallace Church

Followed by internment at Elizabeth Chapel

.................................

With heartfelt condolences and prayers

Colbert Campbell

Pace - Colbert W. Campbell, age 84 of Pace, FL, passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2018, after a long life of service to his family, his employer, his country, his church, and his community.

He was born on January 18, 1934, in Chumuckla, FL., to the late Cuyler H. Campbell and Bessie Savelle Campbell. Colbert served in the Air Force and was retired from civil service at Pensacola Naval Air Station. He was a long-time member of Elizabeth Chapel Methodist Church and more recently a faithful attendee at Wallace Baptist Church. He was on the Board of Directors of Chumuckla Water System. He will be lovingly remembered and appreciated for his years of service as caretaker of Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Clayton Campbell, Otto Campbell, Oswald Campbell, Donald Campbell, Winston Campbell and a sister Evelyn Jamison. Surviors include his wife of 63 years Rema Ingram Campbell; his daughter, Sharon Schile (Donnie) and his son Ronnie Campbell (Rosemary); four granddaughters, Christen Campbell, Caitlin Campbell Polhamus (Sam), Rachel Campbell, and Ashley Hendrickson and one grandson Trey Hendrickson; five great grandchildren; brothers, Rufus and Glen, of Chumuckla, FL.; and sisters, Lucille Lee of Robertsdale, AL., and Louise Gregory of Pensacola, FL.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, July 8, 2018; visitation, 2:00 P.M. Wallace Baptist Church in Pace; service at 3:00 P.M.; Burial to follow at Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery. Rev. Brother Andy Martin, Officiating;

Pallbearers are David Campbell, Joe Campbell, Keith Campbell, Dale Campbell, Roger Campbell, Ronald Campbell;

Mr. Campbell's niece and nephews will be honorary.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wallace Baptist Church Building Fund.

Published in Pensacola News Journal on July 8, 2018

Elvie McClain (Cox / Griffith) 1928-2018

Elvie
McClain

Obituary for Elvie McClain

Elvie McClain, age 90, of Pace, Florida, passed into the arms of our Lord on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. Elvie was the first of six children born to the late Theodore Roosevelt and Clara Mae Griffith. Elvie was born in Walton County and spent most of her formative years in Santa Rosa County. Elvie attended Milton High School and subsequently worked in food service; last at Sacred Heart Hospital. Elvie was an active member of St Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Milton. As a convert to the Catholic faith, Elvie found great joy, peace and comfort in the services there.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Buford McClain; a brother, J.B. Griffith; and a son, Kenneth Wade Cox.

Elvie is survived by two brothers, Wayne (wife, Christi) and Carl (wife, Del) Griffith; two sisters, Lucille Monk and Willa Broxton; and a son, James Earl Cox. Elvie was a proud grandmother and great grandmother.

A Viewing (10 a.m.) and Funeral Mass (11 a.m.) will be held in her honor on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Milton, Florida.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the doctors, nurses, therapists, dieticians and care assistants who lovingly looked after Elvie at the Santa Rosa Medical Center, Sandy Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center and the Santa Rosa Health and Rehabilitation Center. No one could have received better care!

Lewis Funeral Home, Milton, Florida, has been entrusted with arrangements.

WATERMELON CONTEST

The 63^rd  Annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 23rd.  We are requesting both homeowner and commercially grown melons for contribution to our Big Melon Contest and Auction.

Entries must be brought to the Washington County Agricultural Center, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley FL. no later than 3:30pm on Friday, June 22nd.

Winners of the contest will be announced prior to the scheduled auction at 12:00pm and will subsequently be auctioned off along with all other melon entries. Champion, Reserve Champion and individual class winners will receive a monetary premium courtesy of the Panhandle Watermelon Festival committee. In addition, winners will be released to local news media outlets.

Please call or email with your varieties and total number of melons you plan to submit. This will help us plan space and allow us to better organize the contest.

Please direct all questions to Matthew Orwat, mjorwat@ufl.edu Phone: (850) 638-6180.

Update. Lynne

SUNDAY - FEB 24 2019


TUE - FEB 19

2/16/19, Saturday, more... Other than Saturday's Tracheostomy and MRI, everything else stayed steady... wakeful, initiating all breathing and vital signs remain good. Rediscovering her mouth and tongue now that the Endotracheal tube has been removed.

2/16/19, Saturday, more... MRI showed little change and have a consult in for Neurosurgery, to see if they see any reason to intervene. Otherwise likely to go back to Long Term Care at Select Tuesday, or at least sometime soon after.

2/17/19, Sunday... Very good day. Moving along getting used to the Trach and weaning off any support/supplement the ventilator was providing. Probably back to Select Monday or whenever otherwise ordered (still waiting for that on Tuesday) .

2/18/19a, Monday... Still @ WFH in ICU1 (2nd floor). Will eventually return to Select, but no timeline for that yet... Lynne's doing good. Not sure when transport back to Select will occur... maybe Tuesday, or who knows. Trach has made a big difference for Lynne. Now off the ventilator, but still supported with some oxygen. Vitals stable and good.

2/19/19, Tuesday, Probably safest to call before visiting, just to make sure where we are.


THURS - FEB 14
NOT GOOD NEWS


We're at WFH ICU2 (2nd floor). I'm afraid Lynne's liver may be failing, and that most likely means discontinuing treatment and looking at palliative care. I'm waiting on one more check on the lab values before I make a decision, but I'm struggling with it. Keep me and Lynne in your prayers!

And then the next Dr says he will do another MRI and depending, may still recommend doing a tracheostomy, but forego the PEG/Stomach feeding tube, and let her liver do whatever it will now or some other time. Vitals and breathing and wakefulness are still going strong. I'm all about optimism, but this rollercoaster is rugged! Seems like Hope is still vying for a place in line though!
WED - FEB 13

2/13/19 p.m.... Currently arranging transport to West Florida Hospital, ICU5 (on 2nd floor) sometime this evening. Not sure how soon the transport will occur. Not sure when they'll remove the endotracheal tube, place a tracheostomy, feeding tube, etc, either, or how long they'll hold her there before returning to Select Specialty Hospital (I'm assuming). More as I know more.

FROM 2/13/19 a.m....
PT has Lynne sitting in a chair right now and looking out the window into the trees and sunlight, very alert! It's a good morning!


Tuesday Feb 12

2/12/19... Lynne had a similar day to yesterday with responsiveness and wakefulness. Ammonia was slightly elevated,  but not an issue that would cloud her wakefulness. Didn't get PT attention to sit bedside or in a chair today, but did get some limb exercise. Will probably be scheduled and transported sometime in the next 24 hrs to West Florida Hospital for removal of the endotracheal tube and placement of a tracheostomy and probably also a different sort of feeding tube. Then likely back to somewhere in Select Specialty Hospital. Nothing certain on any of that yet. I'll update on our changes of location as soon as I'm aware. Thanks for your continuing prayers! 

XXXXXXXXX

Monday Feb 11

2/11/19...

AM The PT Team put her sitting on the side of the bed for a 1bit and got some good eye responses to look in various directions. Now she's been seated in a rolling reclining chair beside the bed, upright and for 1-2 hours before maybe back to the bed. All very responsive compared to trying for that purely lying in the bed. Whoopee!

PM

 The Physical Therapy Team put Lynne sitting on the side of the bed for a bit and got some good eye responses to look in various directions. She was then seated in a rolling reclining chair beside the bed, upright and for over 2 hours before getting back into the bed. All very responsive compared to trying for those  responses purely lying in the bed. Whoopee! By the end of the day though, she seemed pretty tuckered out, but still responded to some commands, wiggled her toes just a little, but seemed agitated, maybe at the endotracheal tube still in place, or possibly by some confusion/disorientation that might mean her ammonia got elevated... will see in lab results sometime Tuesday. If it's elevated ammonia, that clouds determining what about her wakeful state is stroke and what may be caused by the ammonia issue.  Might be in for a Tracheostomy in the next day or so, because that Endotracheal tube must come out. Hope for the best on that prospect, but at least w!

 akefulness is close at hand. Thanks for your continuing prayers! 

XXXXXX

SATURDAY, FEB 9

2/9/19, day 23... More toward wakeful overnite and this morning! Gittin' 'er Done, a little at a time! HOPEFUL! Lynne was trying hard today to attain wakefulness, but didn't quite get there. She would open her eyes wide, turn her head toward the sound of voices, and even lift her head a little. I expect she'll make some progress overnite as the seizure medication continues to leave her system. Still breathing on her own with some supplement of oxygen and her vital signs continue to be good. I'll have her glasses handy if that helps her get her bearings at any point in waking up.

XXXXXX

FRIDAY, FEB 8

2/8/19... I think Lynne made progress toward waking up today. She moved her head toward familiar voices numerous times today with her eyes at least partially open. The medical team says she should be waking up, and they further reduced the seizure medication trying to help that along. Lynne's liver metabolism isn't the most helpful with that, but it's still in the game, along with her continuing to breathe on her own (supplemented by some oxygen) and maintaining respectable vital signs. Had an EEG about 4:30-5:30 this evening and the Neurologist was on hand to observe that seizures really weren't a continuing issue right now and the latest CAT Scan didn't show any significant change, so the Brain Bleed has stabilized. He's still expecting Lynne to wake up. That said, if she doesn't pull that off by mid week next week, his prognosis will likely dim. Thank you for your continuing prayers and thank you for your support just to keep up with Lynne and her roller coaster ride!

I forgot to mention earlier, but visiting hours are 8a-10p with the exception of 6p-8p which is report/shift change and associated prep for and after that.


XXXXXX
THURS PM Feb 7

2/7/19...There were some PA/Nurse Practitioner visits Wednesday after mid afternoon (for Nephrology/Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology) and an Infection Control Dr dropped by wanting to culture for possible source of elevated white blood cells. The EEG, to see what the brain waves show, is still in for scheduling as of Thursday p.m.. They did a CAT Scan late Wednesday, but I haven't heard yet what it showed. Thursday was really a pretty similar day to Wednesday for Lynne's eyes opening. Thursday the Neurologist said so far that doesn't reflect a cognitive response like wakeful awareness, but both he and the Pulmonologist are still expecting a wake up, so Hope is the Word of the Day! Any rehabilitation efforts will be the next challenge once we get wakefulness and there's something of a shelf life on that to regain as much as you can as soon as you can, so keep us in your thoughts and prayers toward good outcomes there. Thanks so much for all the support you've been providing! 

XXXXXXXX

WED am Feb 6

2/6/19... Correction on the Rm#. It's ICU Rm#5, not 6. Cuz'n Martha gave me a very thorough report of 2 Dr visits yesterday evening while I had gone home for just a bit. The Neurologist reduced or stopped much of her medications that could have been attacking the Brain Bleed, but may also have been preventing her waking up too. This morning Lynne is opening her eyes without commands and I'm pretty sure she saw me, moving her eyes toward me. I'm ecstatic, but keeping in mind the roller coaster this has been. Everything this morning seems very hopeful. Will be getting another EEG and CAT Scan today.

XXXXXX

TUE, FEB 5

Just general info...

2/5/19... Lynne is now at Select Specialty Hospital, ICU Rm#6. Enter the Hospital front entrance, proceed straight ahead till you must turn right or left. There is a Family Waiting Room right there with 2 entrances. If going to ICU Rm#5, just make a left at that intersection and there's a metal door activation button on your left. Depress that button and the double doors to your right will open. You'll be looking at or into ICU Rm#5. Visitors in the room is limited to 2 at a time. Visiting hous are 8a - 10p. If you happen to go out of the hospital after 10p, you may have to call the security staff to let you back in. I dont expect any change in Lynne's status, but have not asked for an update yet. If there's anything noteworthy, I'll be sure to pass that along.

https://pensacola.selectspecialtyhospitals.com

Oh, Don't forget to log in at the front desk, indicate the room# you're visiting and the time in/time out, and take visitors badge.

MONDAY FEB 4
2/4/19a2... We're waiting on transport to Select Specialty Hospital, anytime now. Will send new Rm# etc when we get there or I know it otherwise. Lynne opened her eyes a little on her own this morning, so that was good to see. Neurologist said though the brain bleed appears to him, based on the most recent MRI, to have increased in size from the initial MRI. He's still wondering what the cause of the bleed is, now considering that it could relate to the possibility of a small tumor not yet detected. The Roller Coaster continues, but I'm optimistic that the eyes opening, even a little, is a good sign. Certainly appreciate your continuing thoughts and prayers


SAT FEB 2

2/2/19a... Still waiting on Lynne to wake up.  Vitals good, breathing on her own. Went for for an MRI about mid-day today and waiting for that to be read. Sounds like a Tracheostomy is in the plan in the next few days, just for continued safety with her airway, to be done while she's still @ WFH or possibly after transfer to Select Specialty Hospital in a day or 3 when a bed becomes available there. Your continued prayers always appreciated!

xxxxxx

Fri. Feb 1

2/1/19... Seems like seizures are under control, antiSeizure medication still being administered, and no longer in an induced coma... no sedation, so in a postictal state waiting on her to wake up... could be soon or take Hrs, Days, Weeks, just not easily predictable. Planning to assess her for transfer to Select Specialty Hospital,  maybe in the next day or 3. Planning for another MRI sometime today. Select can take over where the CCU at West Florida Hospital has been maintaining her in her postictal state waiting on her to wake up, then go into assessing her neuro responses for deficits when she wakes up and plan rehab for there or elsewhere. Select's  Web link is: https://pensacola.selectspecialtyhospitals.com https://pensacola.selectspecialtyhospitals.com

Select Specialty Hospital - Pensacola

7000 Cobble Creek Drive

Pensacola, FL 32504

Hrs: 9a-10p, some limit on #s

Phone: (850) 473-4800

XXXXXXX

UPDATE TUE JAN 29

Sounds great! Today has shown improvement.  Going down for a CAT Scan soonish. I'll report progress after I hear from that

Follow up

1/29/19b... The Neurologist was by and seemed content to keep waiting on the wakeup to remove the endotracheal tube. Did another CAT Scan this afternoon which was basically no noteworthy change. The Brain Bleed has stopped, but there's still some residual swelling/edema. Nothing to prevent waking up. She has moved her head side to side some when stimulated, but not opened her eyes yet.

The Hospitalist was next, and has brought in the Kidney Specialist/Nephrologists to manage fluid issues, like sodium level, fluid retention/swelling/edema, etc. Still hunting the sweet spot for medication to manage ammonia, but its improving.

The Pulmonologist is happy with her breathing, all on her own, supplemented with some oxygen. When she does wake up, he'll manage removal of the endotracheal tube.

Looking continually more optimistic for a wakeup sometime soon. Then we can begin to evaluate her responses to neurological tests that will reflect any deficits the stroke may have caused and start addressing those for rehabilitation. All prayers are much appreciated as we keep marching.

XXXX

UPDATE - Jan 28, Monday 

The Neurologist was by and seemed content to keep waiting on the wakeup to remove the endotracheal tube.

The Hospitalist was next, just now, and given her fluid retention, the increased ammonia (been juggling to find the right dose to manage the ammonia, same as we do), the condition of her liver, and the intracranial bleed that occurred, he said her prognosis is poor. 

I'm still optimistic for a wakeup so we can evaluate her responses to neurological tests that will reflect any deficits that can be addressed for rehabilitation. All prayers appreciated as we keep marching.

XXXXXXXXX

Update: Jan 27 from Jim

The Neurologist report was much more optimistic following today's EEG. Now looking toward trying to wake Lynne up, however the Pulmonologist works that through. Thanks for all your prayers, but keep it up as we try to move through the next process and into recovery and rehabilitation working with whatever deficits are presented. This is a much better place to be than yesterday!!

XXXXXX

FROM JIM JAN 26

I just sent to the Carswell 1st Cousins...

I need to let y'all know that Lynne suffered a Hemorrhagic Stroke/Brain Bleed 9 days ago (1/18/2019) and, except for the 1st day of admission during which she seemed to have dodged a bullet, she's eventually been intubated so they could protect her airway as they pursued some high intensity sedatives to try and eliminate seizure activity which has been a factor preventing them from getting best access to evaluate damage from the stroke and begin any treatment that might indicate. So, she's still heavily sedated, still trying to breathe on her own (but supported be the ventilator) and getting nutrition through a Nasogastric Tube. There's still hope for recovery and rehab for any deficits, but those prospects keep sliding away. Still hoping and praying for a good outcome, but beginning to think and plan for the more grim prospects too. Appreciate your prayers. I know some of you are still neck deep in recovery from Hurricane Michael, so we're all praying for y'all too.

Feel free to share further as you wish. I'm not going to Facebook with anything. The only # you can reach me on is (850) 221-8248. Vic and Wanda are up with the situation and there's been abundant help to sit with us or spell me for errands etc. I'll try to keep you updated as this continues.

XXXXX

Update: Lynne Campbell 1-25-2019.

Since hemorrhagic stroke event of 1/18/2019

At this point, from voices of experience it would be a miracle if Lynne recovers. And, if she does, her brain is so bruised she would never be the same, personality or functioning. 

It could be weeks, or months but it's sinking in that recovery is not likely.  From neck down all vitals good. Brain seizures kick in with any reduced sedative. Pray for Jim and the boys too.

Text Jim. (850) 221-8248

XXXXXXXXX

Many locally know about the Senior Meals at Chumuckla Community Center every weekday from 9am to noon.  But JAY ALSO Has a program ! For Jay, your contact is 

Josh Newby jnewby@coawfla.org

(850) 292-8846

open the graphic below and print it for someone you know

To sign up for the Chumuckla Meals (so they are free)

email Charlene Miller 

ROCKS OF CHUMUCKLA

IF YOU FIND A ROCK...

.... You or the next person who finds the rock that you photograph and then pass-forward might be up for a small prize (see below) .  
Look for hints when you post a photo of your rock at the CHUMUCKLA ROCKS FB page. 
  

As an alternative you can email your photo and a short description of your find to vic@buzzcreek.com. We will post if for you. We won't post private information and only your name if you agree to it.

To enhance the experience of a FINDER -  take a digital photo and post it with a brief note about the area where you found it or what you learned from the rock: maybe a store area or a community location.  Enjoy it a few days and then "re-gift" the rock to a random location that is not hard to find so someone else can enjoy the FIND.  Or use one of the photos from the fb page to repost.

Every month or so, all the posts to the page will be collected and a random poster will be selected to win a modest prize - like a book from the Jay Historical Society or some interesting item.  

Good luck and enjoy the fun.  Here are some examples

FYI Local Authors and History

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vEat558Z14XJdHyJ2

Jay Museum visiting

Check out this review of Jay Museum on Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/h7PVWiL8g552

Genealogical Society Meets April 21

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL PAGE

Family History Research | Northwest Florida

The Challenge of Holmes County Family History Research | Northwest Florida History & Genealogy

Brenda Elaine Hopkins McGraw 1951-2018

Brenda Elaine Hopkins McGraw, 66, of Jay passed away on March 2, 2018. She was born on July 15, 1951 in Pensacola to Aaron and Helen Hopkins.

On Wednesday, February 28, 2018, she celebrated 49 years of marriage to her husband, Clifford. She was a Godly wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, daughter, sister-in-law, and friend.

Brenda was a lifelong member of the IPH Church where she ministered alongside her husband for 45 years.
She was preceded in death by son, D’wayne McGraw and father, Aaron Hopkins.

Survivors include: husband, Clifford; daughter, Tina (Jeff); grandchildren: Christopher, Joshua, Abigail, Benjamin, and Brady; mother, Helen Hopkins; sisters, Hazel (Burdell) and Helen; brother, Troy (Virginia); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Trahan Family Funeral Home of Milton is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Covenant Church of God, 4645 School Lane, Pace, FL.
Special thanks to Covenant Hospice for their exceptional care.

Joyce Morris Raney 1937 - 2018

Joyce Morris Raney

Service
Sunday, March 4th, 2018 2:00pm
New Bethel Baptist Church

Today a very special lady had a memorial service at our church which was her church also, her vocal voice was so special, Roy and I were sick,unable to be there, we will never forget Joyce Raney,

Friends in Chumuckla . On Thursday afternoon my Aunt, Joyce Morris Raney passed away. She was the daughter of the late John (Obb) and Vera Mae Morris.


Lost one of my dear, sweetest sister's in Christ last week to the Heavenly Angel Choir! Ms. Joyce Raney sang like an angel & I will miss her beautiful voice until I am singing with her in the Heavenly choir,TOO! Prayers continue for her FAMILY & all of her friends who miss her as much as I do!!! See you when I get home, Ms. Joyce