Merry Christmas to all

I wanted to take a few minutes and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! This season will be a little different for us. It will be the first Christmas season without Mother. I can always relish on the memories that she provided me throughout my entire life. She is being missed dearly. Mother was the type of person you would see out on Christmas eve night shopping to the last moment. I guess she did not think that she could get things before December 24th. She worked exceptionally great under pressure! She was the best.
I hope you remember the real reason for the season. It is the beautiful birth of Jesus Christ. He is the one person that can do all. Please pray and thank God for His only son. He is very special. I appreciate and worship Him. Hope you have a great time and enjoy your holidays!


God Bless,
Keith
Malachi 3:10
Trust God

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

Today is my mom's 61st birthday!!! She is terribly missed everyday!!! I know she is in heaven watching over us. She is enjoying a wonderful birthday today...more wonderful than we all can even imagine!!! Join me today wishing her a happy, happy birthday!!! If you are fortunate enough to have your mother with you, tell her how much you love and appreciate her.

God Bless You All,

Kena

Sunday Service

I wanted to thank the United Methodist Church in Prattville for a wonderful service Sunday. The had All Saints Day to recognize ones that pasted away this year. Mother was included in this service. All of our loved ones were there. My family had a wonderful day with my siblings. It was a special service and mother's picture was beautiful. I envy the place she is enjoying. Love you mother.


God Bless,
Keith

Hello

To all,

I am not sure if anyone still reads this, but if so.....

A person told me the other day, "The devil attacks the strong because he feels the most threatened by them." This is so true. This tragedy still lives within all of us, and some still cannot cope with the loss. I hope that you would pray for those individuals. The process that one grieves may be different than the others. It is a process, and you have to endure all of the steps, but it is easier to walk with God through it. All you have to do is ask him. He WILL provide.

God has provided me with a fabulous family that I seek peace within. We miss our Mother deeply, but the Lord is the only light that shines on us. My children still remember their Mimi, so that is refreshing. Everytime that we hear about a person going to see Jesus, they say that Mimi is with Jesus. Cash even said that he wanted to go see Jesus and Mimi. I told him, "one day son". The Lord called my Mother home for His reasons. We are not to judge or second guess those choices. Hope all is doing well and God Bless.


Keith
Matthew 16:24-25

Our Friends

Yesterday, we had a very beautiful service for our mom. What a testimony she is! The church was overflowing with wonderful friends and family. My prayer is that maybe through this horrible tradegy someone lost was saved in church yesterday. That would be a great gift to our family. Our Lord will use this nightmare for the good.

Thank you to all that attended the visitation and the funeral. Please continue to uplift our family in prayer.

God Bless,

Kena

Arrangements

To all,

Our family would like to invite all. The arrangements are the following:

Visitation: Prattville First United Methodist Church
100 East Fourth Street
Prattville, Al. 36067
Saturday, February 21, 2009; starting at 5 pm

Funeral: Prattville First United Methodist Church
Sunday, February 22, 2009; 3 pm
Graveside service will follow the church ceremony at Prattville
Memorial Gardens

Flowers will be accepted at the Church.

Keith

We will miss you!

Since the beginning, I feared this time would come. I am struggling for the correct words to say. Mother has left this life on earth to be with the Lord. We feel the Lord's presence, but we will have a tough battle ahead. Please pray for our family as we prepare a special ceremony for her.

You can take comfort that Mother was very peaceful. I want to extend the utmost thanks to all. I will post the funeral arrangements when we complete them.

May you not walk alone,

Keith

Phil. 4:13

Mimi

Mother,

God made you a special person;
With great character and commitment.
The love for us is everlasting.
It will be greatly missed.
To leave us is unbearable.
But God has special plans for us all.
Your care is unbeatable.
I can still feel your touch.
You are such a lively person.
Your joyful presence will be remembered.

Mimi will always be love, and your spirit will always be here.

Love you infinitely,
Keith



Mother is growing weaker. Her respirations are changing. Words cannot express the magnitude of what is happening to us. A person that we all look up to is being taken from us. This is the selfish person, but I can take great joy in the fact that she is going to a place that we all envy. I love you Mother, but God loves you more.

Our Precious Angel

Our sweet angel is still fighting for us. My Grandmother said this morning that she just doesn't want to leave her family. Please continue to pray for peace and comfort. Thank you, sweet Theresa, for doing this picture. Happy Birthday, Cash! I can't believe you are 3!! Your Mimi loves you more than you will ever know! God Bless Everyone, Kena

This weekend

Good morning to all,

We have endured one the longest weekends that I can ever imagine. First of all, Mother is still maintaining low, but stable vital signs. On Saturday morning, the nurses called the entire family around 430 am. They said gave us the word that "it would not be long". Mother is still breathing today. She has grown to a very weak woman, but she has to be the most determined and strongest person that I know. God has given us the peace that she will no longer be with us, but she is showing everyone what she is made of. What breaks my heart even more is to tell my children and Kena's children that they need to speak to their Mimi without her responding to them. They all told her how they loved her and how much they missed her. Hopefully, the Lord allowed her to hear them. They are a very important piece of her life! I have learned more in the past months than I have in a while. When you run to the Lord, during tough times, then you will find the strength and comfort.

Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."


God Bless,
Keith

I just got off the phone with my dad. He says Mama isn't doing well. It won't be much longer. Her breaths are shallow and fast. I haven't been up today because it is my baby girl's birthday. It is so hard to be happy and celebrate such a special day. Ella loves her Mimi so much! She wishes her Mimi could be here to celebrate her birthday. But, she can't because she is fighting for her life. This just isn't fair. Someone that we love so much is literally being taken away from us. It is hard not to be angry. I have to remember that our Lord is control. There is a reason for this senseless tradegy. Please pray at this moment for my mom, my dad, my brothers, my aunts, my uncles, my cousins, and my precious grandmother. We all love Sue Tatum but our Father loves her even more. Our Lord will carry us in His loving arms when we feel like we can't go on anymore.

My mom would be so proud of Keith as he has done wonderful works through this blog. He has minsitered to so many people. His words are so comforting and powerful. Thank you, Keith.


God truly cares for us and is there to help and heal when life comes tumbling down. That's how we feel. Life is crumbling down all around us. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" Psalm 147:3. We also know that during this time God gives courage and comfort. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" Psalm 46:1.
We will walk through the valley of the shadow of death holding the hand of our Good Shepherd.

Words cannot express how much we appreciate all of your prayers and concerns.

May God bless you all,
Kena

Today

Sorry to be so short. Mother is getting very weak, but she is sustaining stable vital signs.


Thanks,

Keith

Today

Mother is still fighting. She is keeping very stable vital signs. She is keeping good oxygen levels right now, even breathing on her own. We have come to substantial peace about this, but it is a very difficult situation.

Matthew 11:28-30--- "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

God Bless,

Keith

Today

There is not much change with Mother. She is resting very peacefully. The Lord's plan will work out the way He wants it, and it will be beautiful. His ways are never doubted. His timing is always perfect. He tells us that He has a plan for all of us, and we should trust Him. That is what we are doing. The prayers are being felt. We continue to pray for peace and comfort for Mother. She seems to have that.

Thank you and God Bless,

Keith

Update

Mother is still having stable vital signs. The staff is keeping her very comfortable. Hospice has been called in to assist in this. We thank you for everything.

What a strong lady

Wow, what a strong individual we have for a mother. Even though she is very weak, she is still fighting a courageous battle. We have just returned home. Mother's vital signs are still very stable. Since 3:30 Thursday, she has been removed from all medication and any machines. She is getting some medication for comfort. The nurses and doctors are amazed that she is still with us. I want to continue to thank you for the incredible support. Mother would be very thankful also. The family has felt the love of God and the effects of the Holy Spirit all day. We do have peace and joy in our life. We know the our Lord has prepared a wonderful mansion for our mother. I cannot wait for her to be dancing down those golden streets, worshiping our Savior the whole way.

Thanks for the prayers, they have been felt,

Keith

Today

Today will be a bitter sweet day for us. We have decided to withdraw the medication and ventilation from our loved one. This decision was the hardest thing that our family has ever faced. The one that we all love is not doing very well. Her little body is very tired and lost. We ask for the prayers to lift her up and to help our family deal with this situation. We ask for your support.

Thanks and God bless,

Keith

Yesterday

Mother had a bad day yesterday. She was breathing at a laboring rate. Her heart rate was elevated. The doctors did treat it with medication, but it seemed to not have any effect. I cannot report if this a downward turn, but she is not doing well. She did not have her eyes open. I wish from everyone that reads this to pray for our family and the decision that we might be faced with. We have to remember who is in control. God is and will always be.

"We know that that all things work together for the good of those who love God."

Keith

Good morning

Good morning,
I hope everyone is well today. I am trying to recover from watching the super bowl. Mother is doing OK this weekend. There is really no change form the last time I updated. Her vital signs are staying in a good range for now.

In Sunday School, we learned about abstaining from all appearance of evil. God tells us that we should not retaliate, never trade wrong for wrong. In Romans 12:19,"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay, "says the Lord." God states that vengeance will be His and we shall have comfort in that.

Take care and God Bless,

Keith

Mom

This is no real change to Mother over the weekend. She is doing OK. Kena and Aunt Deb did give her a good hair washing that was well needed. We still ask for everyone to still pray for her. This past weekend was the 6 month landmark. A half of one year is a long time to endure this kind of battle. Troubles that come our way can bring a different spiritual life that God takes glory from. We have to continue living our lives through Jesus Christ. He is our truth and light!!!


God Bless,
Keith
Phil. 4:13

Mother

Mother was doing fine yesterday. I went and visited her in the afternoon. Her vital signs were good, and her temperature was OK. I just pray and wish that I could communicate with her again one day. That is the hard part of this. She has her eyes open, but there is not any communication. God only knows what she is thinking, hearing, and seeing. I wish I knew.

I ask myself all the time, what causes catastrophes like this? Why doesn't our Lord protect and shields these things for us. We are all sinners in this world, and sometimes we steer off His path. He teaches us lessons, and He guides us back on track. We praise His name for this.

In so many words, Mother would always say that adversity builds character. If you are not on your knees, God will bring you to your knees. If you cannot recognize that God is the answer in the time of turmoil, then you are lost.

God bless you and my Mother,

Keith

Happy Birthday John Tate!

I went to visit Mom yesterday. She has been moved back to a regular hospital room again. She looked very good. Well rested and not as swollen. I went by myself which is unusual. Keith, Kyle, Daddy or Aunt Deb are usually with me. I sat and talked to her quietly because she was sleeping most of the time I was there. I told her all the things that are going on in my hectic life. She just looked at me listening to every word. I told her how much we all miss her. I prayed with her and read scriptures that were very uplifting.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Yes, we are having trouble, but we will look to our Lord for the peace and understanding we need to get through these troubling times.

Today is John Tate's 6th birthday! He is my third child. She has a very special bond with his Mimi as all my children do. I can't help but to think of what she has always told him. She would say, "John Tate, please don't grow up any more. I want to to stay just like you are right now forever." He told me not very long ago. "Mama, do you remember when Mimi would tell me not to grow up anymore?" I said, "Yes, Baby." He said, "Well, I'm not going to grow up anymore until Mimi can see me again." Today she would surround John Tate with lots of birthday hugs and kisses. And she would tell him not to grow up anymore.

Please continue to pray for Mom's complete healing. Miracles do happen and they happen everyday.

Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you give us everyday!

Kena

We love you, Mimi! We are still praying for you every day. God hears little children's prayers. You are the best grandmother in all of the world!

Love, Jack, Ella, John Tate, and Jess

Today

Mother was good today. She normally only looks toward her injured side, but today, she did look towards me on her right side. I asked her to look at me and, she attempted to look in that direction. Only imagine if she heard and understood me. That is a great feeling. We can give praise to God.

God only brings us to our knees to reroute our lives. Billy Graham said, "You who suffer take heart. Christ is the answer to sorrow." Please continue praying for our Mother. She needs every little prayer. This tragedy has changed so many lives. It hurts more and more each day.

Ephesians 4:31-32 is a tough verse to swallow.

Take care,

Keith

We Still Have Hope and Faith

Dear Friends,

I just wanted to take a moment to tell of you how much we appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers. Not a day goes by that someone asks me about Mama. I know there are so many people that love her and are praying for her. She is in a good place in the NICU. She has terrific nurses that were glad to have her back. She has really made some great friends! They take really good care of her and they are very attentive of her every need.

We are uplifted by all of your prayers. Our God is carrying us through this most difficult time. I miss her so very much. Everything I do or see reminds me of her. My children still miss their Mimi more than you can imagine. I keep pictures of her around so they won't forget her. Jack went to bed the other night crying because he said he couldn't remember what Mimi's voice sounded like. I got out some home movies so they could see their beloved Mimi. I depended on my mom for a lot of things. She helped me out with all 4 of my children. Running to ball practice or gymnastics. But most of all, I depended on her friendship. She is my best friend that I could tell anything. Our lives will never be the same. We trust in our heavenly Father to see us through this unbelievably horrific time. Please continue to pray for my dad. He misses her so very much. He is a lost soul without her.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." Isaiah 40:31

Bless you all,
Kena

A thought for the ones that need it

Hope



Hope. Nonetheless, it is very unknown and hard to hold out for. We, personally as a family, are searching for hope. Most of you know what my family is going through. We have faced adversity, obstacles, crisis, hard decisions, and the temporary loss of our Mother. Romans 8:28 states “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. God has the plans and knows the ultimate outcome. He allows us to live and hope for the good that we see. We do not have the same vision that God has. He told us that “We do not see the same has He”. Romans 5:4-5 states “And hope will not disappoint us for the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit”. In life, when tribulations come your way, you have to see the faith and hope in God. We have to turn to the gentle One that we call Jesus. He gave us His life, so we could have a better one, for now and the everlasting. Faith and Hope are sometimes seen as one in the same. Faith in our Father gives us Hope that He will see us through difficult times. Jeremiah 29:11 states “For I know that plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. We have to believe in His word, and that gives us hope. Hope. How long does hope last? How long does He leave us in turmoil? We do not know, because His plans are not known to us. We have to weather the storm and put our Hope in the Lord. He is the way to peace in our souls.

Lord,

We praise you for your works. Lord, we love you. We come to laid down all of our burdens at Your alter. Lord, thank you for your son Jesus Christ, as He died for us. Lord, we don’t understanding the turmoil that we go through in life on earth, but Lord we trust in You. We give you the praise for the things that are not yet done in our life, and we thank you for all the things that You have done. We glorify You. In Jesus’ All Mighty name we pray, Amen.

"Your greatest ministry will likely come out of your greatest hurt." Rick Warren

This is so true. You should always lean on God the most during the times that hurt the most.


Keith

Mother

Mother is doing better. Her fever has come down. She is still in the NICU unit. She is getting great treatment there.
We appreciate everyone that has visited this site, and the ones that continue to do things for our family. God has a special place for you. We have to continue telling ourselves that God loves us, and He will not place too many burdens upon us. He truly is a loving God!


Thanks to all,

Keith

Today

I just got back form seeing Mom. She looked good. She is running another fever. It is around 101. They are treating this.

KT

Today

Good morning to all. Mother is still in NICU. Her vital signs are improving. She has fought off the fever. Her blood pressure is stable, and she is breathing at a good rate. She still has some swelling in her ventricules. They are monitoring this. They might have to do another procedure to relieve this.




Thanks,

Keith
Psalms 119:2

Today

Sorry for the delay, but I have had a bout with Strep Throat. I have not been around Mom in several days. I did not want to give her anymore germs. Dad said that she looked very good last night. He said all of her vital signs were good. She is still in the NICU unit at Trinity. I am feeling better, so I am going to probably see her tomorrow. I will let you know my thoughts then.


Thanks,

Keith