Rip & Cathy’s Story
Usually I write inmates’ stories and give them pseudonyms. This time I’m writing about Cathy and me and am using our real names.
Please pray for Cathy. About four weeks ago she fell, dislocated her shoulder, broke her humerus (the upper arm bone) as well as the glenoid cavity (the socket in which the bone fits). Fortunately, x-rays show that the bones are beginning to heal but she will need to remain in her soft cast for another four weeks. Then it will take an additional four weeks for her bones to completely heal. I will continue as her chauffeur for at least the next four weeks. She will have an MRI this week to determine the extent of the damage to her soft tissues. She has begun some light physical therapy, but the more strenuous therapy awaits the healing of her bones. Depending upon its severity, her soft tissue damage may be overcome with physical therapy, surgery, or even a shoulder replacement. Please join us in prayer that God will heal her without the need either surgery or shoulder replacement.
I have been Cathy’s primary caregiver. In addition to my duties as chauffeur, I have learned how to roll her hair with hot rollers. This is totally new to me since I only had brothers and sons. I will not use a flat iron because she does not need to be branded in addition to all her other injuries :). We thank God that we are part of a loving church that has helped to provide meals three times a week as she heals.
Please pray for me. I feel overwhelmed. I have begun to suffer PTSD as a result of the news of Turkey’s invasion of Syria. It reminds me of my experiences when I was in Beirut in 1982 when Israel invaded Lebanon. It calls to mind horrid scenes I witnessed of mothers identifying the bodies of their children. I also harken back to the massacre of the residents of Sabra and Shatila (two Palestinian refugee camps) within six months of my visit. Furthermore, hearing prisoner’s stories take me back to aspects of my own childhood. I see a counselor, exercise regularly and try to practice good self-care.
Linda Whittlesey is retiring as secretary from OBE. In addition to taking minutes of board meetings, she has helped to edit newsletters as well as collecting and managing donations.
We thank God, that Robin Scribner, a friend who attends our church, has agreed to become OBE’s new secretary. Please pray that God also provides a treasurer for OBE as well as other volunteers.
Please pray for additional financial donations to OBE so that it might meet expenses for November and December.
Thank you for your prayers and support that make the ministry of OBE possible.
Rip Van Winkle