The Stapleton Saga! The good, the bad and the ugly! Part one!

On April 4, 2011 I woke up and called my mother as I always do. There was no answer and I just knew something was wrong. Later that day I got a phone call from my father that Mom had got up that morning and was purple and fell she was taken by ambulance to the emergency room and was being taken care of. I hung up terrified and burst into tears. I called many people to ask them to pray and they all were so sweet to comfort and support me. I thank God for Christian friends and family who not only prayed for us but upheld us during this time.

I prayed all afternoon and by that evening Mom had to be taken by ambulance to Tucson Medical Center and was put on a ventilator and was in the ICU. I longed to be there to see my Mother and help my Father and Brother. I kept getting updates and didn't sleep a wink that night. While waiting outside a huge storm brewed and the wind and rain swept through our neighborhood bringing tornado watches and flash floods. I sat huddled next to my strong, warm husband and he shielded me from the storm on the inside and out.

The next morning the updates were not great and I felt a pressing urgency to get to Arizona. I talked to many people that day all who had the same burden for me. Luther worked the next day and I packed what usually takes me a week to get together. As I waited for Luther to get off work I received so many calls, prayers and encouragement. A dear friend from church had gathered some cash and a dvd player with all kinds of Disney movies. It made me feel so loved and taken care of and I can not tell you how much my church family means to me.

We traveled along and spent our first night in Knoxville Tennessee. The next day felt like we were walking in quick sand. The boys had to use the restroom more than usual and the lines to everything were super long. I was talking to a friend on the cell phone when a man in a mini van pulled up and pointed down at our tires. We got off at the next exit and sure enough our tire was completely flat. Luther tried three cans of fix a flat and a patch kit but to no avail. We were in a tiny town in Arkansas and blessed that there was a place very close to where we were. We made it just before they closed! After 17 long hours in the van we finally made it to Dumas Texas. We met Aunt Beth and Bob for breakfast at Albert's. It was so good to see them and spend time talking and getting caught up. I hated to leave her embrace and felt the warmth of it through the miles.

We finally arrived in Willcox Arizona that Friday night. We stayed with Cody, Penny and Emma who fixed us a nice pizza dinner. It was so good to see my little redheaded niece. She has grown so much and her Uncle Shusher and Aunt Mimi couldn't take their eyes off her.

I think this is where I will leave the saga for today! Tomorrow I will start on being in Arizona!! Thank you all who prayed, supported, encouraged and upheld us on this journey!