Today I ask special prayer for my mother, Marjory Patton. She is 93 years old, and has been in the Alzheimer's unit in Waverly, Ohio for the last year plus. Apparently she tried to walk without her walker or cane. When she failed to come to supper, the nursing staff went to her room, where she had closed the door, and found her on the floor. She fractured her right hip, which already had been broken about 15 years ago. She also fractured her right shoulder. Complicating the situation, she is on plavix for ministrokes, and thus has a bleeding tendency which lasts for several days after stopping medication.

My mother and father went as missionaries to China just before World War II when I was three years old. We were moved to the Philippine Islands, but captured by the Japanese forces and placed for 3 years plus in a prisoner-of-war camp. Because of my mother's health, they were unable to return, and my father was a pastor in a number of small towns over the next 30 years. He retired to a retirement village when he was 67 and Mom was 56. They were in their own home for over 20 years, and then moved to a two bedroom apartment. Dad finally died at age 94 on December 31, 1999. After a few additional years, mother moved to a one-bedroom apartment with complete meals. A bit over a year ago, as her memory continued to deteriorate, she was moved to the Alzheimer's unit, where she has done well until this fall occurred. She is the longest time resident at the retirement village at present - about 38 years since 1971!

Mom is saved and when her memory was better, mentioned that she was ready to be with the Lord. We are praying that His will will be done. We would hate to see her totally infirm, struggling with bedsores, etc and unable to think clearly. My brother and sister-in-law drove to see Mom right after the fall; they live about 4-5 hours away. To my surprise, Mom immediately recognized my brother by name. She has not really recognized any of the family for over a year now. She will be undergoing a total hip replacement today as there is no other reasonable option surgically, and she cannot be left as she is in constant pain. The surgeon will treat the shoulder with a hanging cast, I believe, but did not want to submit her to two operations simultaneously at her age. Surgery is scheduled today at noon.

So we would appreciate your prayers that the Lord's will be done, and that He would be glorified. Thanks for joining us in prayer. I will write another regular letter at a later date.