November 2013, Nashville, Tennessee~

Dear All~

Tippie D. Young here.  Know it's been a while since I last wrote, but I have been incredibly busy.  

I am happy to say that through physical and occupational therapy, I am now able to move my right arm and hand (but not my fingers) and I have regained all my speech since my stroke I had back in 2009 (four years ago).  I still wear the brace (AFO) on my leg, but that's just a small cross to bear compared to where I was, not only when I had my stroke, but back in 2008, when I got sick with necrotizing fasciitis.

I am still working with the kids at Christ Community Assembly of God Church; they keep me young, and I love my job so much!  It can be hard, but I thank God I have help and that the kids understand that I can't do some things; so they try to help out as well, which I greatly appreciate.  They are learning about love, compassion, and acceptance at a very early age, which are good foundations for their future.

The kids are growing so fast:  Kirkland, Jr. and Kenneth are no longer so little.  Kenneth is twelve and Kirkland, Jr. is seven.  Both are in school; Kenneth is now in middle school and Kirkland, Jr. is in grade two.  Both are whip-smart; they get that from their daddy.  They are doing very well; both Kirk and I are proud of our boys!  They are our world, our very reason for living!

I did write my book; unfortunately, it is not a best seller (nor is it widely read), but at least my story is out there.  I just hope that it brings somebody who has survived a severe illness (or other life-altering event) hope.  That was the goal in telling my story.  They sell it at our local Christian bookstores and at 1/2 Books, as well as Waldenbooks.  You can also get it through Amazon.

We are getting ready for Thanksgiving.  We are going to my Mama's for Thanksgiving; we will spend the weekend with her and with Pop.  Pop has been ill with multiple sclerosis; it's been hard on Mama, so I and the family are going  to help ease the burden somewhat.  Pop has been having a hard time lately.  We are looking forward to it, but I am sad that Pop is sick.

Well, I hate to go, but the phone is ringing; it must be Kirkland, Jr. calling for me to come pick him up.  (Kenny will come home in an hour, after we get back.  Kirkland, Sr. is at work; he won't get home until 7 p.m.)  Take care; may God bless you as much as He's blessed my family and myself!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Tippie.  :)