ThinMint

Good News Friday! February 11th - February 18th, 2022 Typically I will post the good news that has accumulated for the week (after researching the stories). However, because of my current circumstances I’m enlisting your help. I’ll post some stuff as well, however please know I haven’t vetted any of it. Just wanted to pass it along 🙂 Please share all the good news that has occurred over the last week -even personal tidbits!

Two weeks ago, after checking three separate times with my LTAC liaison that it would be okay, I brought Felix flowers and a little plant. I was questioned several times at one of the hospital’s lobby desks, gave the name of my contact then was allowed to proceed to the LTAC floor. No sooner had I stepped into Felix’s room when The Flower Nazi showed up to inform me that Felix could not have the flowers and plant. Because of germs. Had I brought him artificial ones, you know, the dust collectors that harbor germs in the fabric, he could have them. But, not the live plants, you know, the God created oxygen helpers. Do you know how hard it is to find floral arrangements for men?!? I gave the nurses the flowers and they put it on the station counter located outside his door. 8 feet away from his room. I have brought him snacks, grooming supplies, clothing, tennis shoes, and an iPad. I’m not an expert, nor a Flower Nazi, but I’m pretty sure all those items have germs on them. Especially the bottom of the shoes and the iPad. And most definitely me. SciEnCe, being very sophisticated science-y will keep us safe. From the post office Mask Rebels. And flowers. Sadly, it cannot keep us safe from the inconsistent and arbitrary rules. * * * * * * * Getting ready to visit Felix soon (after taking a day off yesterday to run errands). Will post an update later... Hope you have a beautiful Friday, full of sane people and God’s lovely flowers.

I’m not sure why those who comply with the inanity don’t understand our frustration with it all. I mean it’s one thing to come to your own conclusions about why you’re willing to comply, and you’re okay with other folks coming to their own conclusions. It’s something else entirely in wanting to use force to make others comply to your way of thinking. I stopped by to check the PO Box and had a notice to pick up a package. I had the two youngest with me, and of course we were not wearing masks. We were in line for about 5 minutes when Employee #1, whose salary you and I pay for, told me I needed a mask. Actually, it was Employee #2, whose salary you and I also pay for, who chimed in because I couldn’t understand Employee #1. Technically, it was a customer at the counter who pulled down her mask to tell me what they were saying because I couldn’t understand either employee behind their masks. And the very sophisticated science-y wall of plexiglass. I was told to go the lobby, ring the buzzer on the door and someone would help me because, “YOU DON’T HAVE A MASK, MA’AM,” Employee #2 said, projecting her voice after pulling down her mask so I could understand her. Don’t we all want good communication skills from the employees whose salaries we pay? So I go to the closed service door, ring the buzzer (that’s been touched by God only knows how many fingers) and note that it’s a Dutch-style door. I causally wonder where they’re hiding the very sophisticated science-y plexiglass. When the top half of the door is opened I explain to Employee #3, whose salary we pay for as well, that I was told to pick up my package here. She asks by who and like a toddler, I point to the employees safe behind their very sophisticated science-y plexiglass and say, “theys told me.” She was surprised then told me to wait. Employee #4 (you’re not going to believe this: we pay for her salary, too!) brought me the package and said I had to come to that door because I didn’t have a mask. You will be surprised Dear Reader to learn that this Dutch-style door did not have the very sophisticated science-y plexiglass. Employee #4 handed me the package directly. Don’t we all want bravery from the employees whose salaries we pay?

Dr Jen is the friend who put me in touch Dr Jana. She is also the friend who sent me an early morning text on December 29th -shortly after I saw The Cross in the dawn sky. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that sometimes our obedience in following God's instructions allows us to help and bless others. I will always be grateful that Dr Jen listened to the Lord that morning... Dr Jen VanDeWater has been a sweet, gentle voice in the midst of my chaos. She is also a part of the Frontline Doctors community and is a strong advocate and participant in securing freedom for all of us. If you follow her channel you'll note that her lovely posts are a reflection of her grace and beauty. https://t.me/DrVanDeWater

Wow, y'all have some great tips, thank you! I spent last night and today doing some research and there's still more to go through! This evening I am making Felix a stew using a bone broth base. A few of you asked me about the lotion and I hope to share the recipes soon. I made a few varieties as it's fun to tinker with it. A friend put me in touch with Dr Jana Schmidt, who was a tremendous help in getting me some top quality ingredients from her online store. This includes a new favorite for me: pine needle tea with plum, dandelion and elderberry. I add a little raw honey and oh my -it's a warm, delicious hug in a mug! She also recommended pine peppermint tincture, dandelion and wormwood extracts for a couple of the lotions I made. Please note that these products are not your typical over-the-counter items. Dr Jana is a part of the Frontline Doctors community so be sure to check out her website at your leisure. https://www.janasallnatural.com/

2 of 2 Today was a good day. Using the walker, he was able to shuffle/step a few feet at a time. Using his left hand (he’s right handed) he fed himself lunch today. Of course, he’s exhausted as he has limited dexterity. The hope is to get the trach removed by the end of the week, and get him to acute care, the next step in his restoration, by the end of next week. Please let me know in the comments section some supplements/drinks/food (especially liquids) I can bring him to help boost his energy, give him strength, build muscle... If you are inclined, please pray for Felix to be filled with God’s peace, and to be emotionally, mentally and spiritually strong! (Philippians 4:8)

Sorry for the lack of updates. By the time I have a moment, I feel utterly spent and just need to sleep. 1 of 2 When I was visiting the ICU, I wanted to be there to speak to doctors (who are terrible at calling you at home and visiting the room when you’re there), to watch what the nurses were doing, to make sure he felt my presence, to lay hands on him, to pray over him, to massage him with a handmade lotion, to play music, to just sit and hold his hand. It was tough needing to be there for him and to be there for my kids. Visiting Felix at LTAC is a different kind of stress. He can now express his needs and I spend pretty much all my visiting hours addressing those needs. LTAC has their own odd hours and inane rules. And the Big City Hospital has some inane people. After almost 10 weeks of dealing with inane rules and people, I’m doing my best to keep taking the high road. I wonder if there will be covid-related jewels for our heavenly crowns? 🤔 It’s an honor to take care of my beloved. To minister to him, to show him how much he means to me, to try to give back to him all he’s done for me. I hope it’s enough. Felix and I haven’t quite been able to find the words to express the miracle that God mercifully gave us. We haven’t quite been able to find the words to express the gratitude we feel towards all you have done for our family. Our cups runneth over!

Good News Friday! February 4th - February 11th, 2022 Typically I will post the good news that has accumulated for the week (after researching the stories). However, because of my current circumstances I’m enlisting your help. I’ll post some stuff as well, however please know I haven’t vetted any of it. Just wanted to pass it along 🙂 Please share all the good news that has occurred over the last week -even personal tidbits!

When you are facing the most turbulent storm of your life, the Lord often puts very specific people in your path to help you navigate. Sometimes those individuals are there for just a brief moment. Others you know will always hold a special place in your heart. Please allow me to introduce you to such an amazing couple: Mac and Teresa Bailey, owners of The Bailey Law Firm in Memphis who were my lighthouse when the treacherous waters were rising. I had no idea what to expect from a law firm, no doubt my inaccurate perceptions influenced by the entertainment industry. They have been gracious, generous and accommodating. God knew I needed fellow Believers during this journey and I’m so grateful for their faith because they understood all the times I said, “I need to pray about that before I make a decision.” They have always been available to me, making me feel like I was their only client. Please consider checking them out for your needs: https://thebaileylawfirm.com/about/lawyers-staff/

I hope you are doing well through the inclement weather. We lost power Thursday morning, the inside temp dipping to 57 degrees (outside down into the teens). The conditions are understandably preventing me from visiting Felix. Our attorney reached out to me last night offering a hotel room for us (they’re so very thoughtful. Took their elderly neighbors to a hotel, too!). We made it through the night okay and this morning I got a hotel room down the road for us. The power did come back on a few hours later, but I decided to take the kids anyway in case we lose power again. Plus they totally deserve something *fun* for all they’ve been through lately. There’s something about hotels being a blast for kids... Our attorney and consultant are a beautiful couple who deserve to be acknowledged with a huge, public thank you. I’m so very grateful for all they have done for our family.

I’m a curious little monkey by nature. In high school I kept the stats for the boys’ varsity basketball team because who doesn’t want to know how many rebounds #38 got?! How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop? I never did learn that one because I am also easily distracted so I’d forget to count. Driving past a dilapidated, abandoned house or gas station I wonder about the history of the place -who came and went, were they happy, did they know God, how did it become neglected, where are they now? The older I get the more questions I have about Jesus. I wonder how many times did Jesus lay His hands on people? He had the power to merely speak words of healing, words of encouragement, words of love. But, how many people did He actually touch with His hands? I bet it was a lot. There’s something remarkable that takes place when we’re lovingly touched by another human being. Yes, there are lots of science-y stories about the human touch. I’m speaking of something that goes beyond being measured. When I arrived for my first visit today with Felix since his move to LTAC, he was sitting in a wheelchair, and I concentrated on that accomplishment rather than the sad, tired look upon his face and the diminished body mass. I leaned down, looked him in the eyes and asked if I could hug him. He nodded yes and I gently, but solidly, gave him my warmth, neck to neck, my hands stroking his back, shoulders, neck and hair. Within seconds he began to weep. This man, who recently awoke to the miracle that took place just for him, who has been stoic, composed and brave, melted over touches that weren’t rushed and hindered by gloves. His busy world of constant beeps, interruptions, tests and assessments stood still. And he savored the touch, absorbing the love exuding from the embrace. I often pray for God to ‘gentle my tongue.’ I think I will ask Him to ‘gentle my touch’ as well. There’s power of life in our words. We need to be aware of the power of our touch, too. It’s another reason why this whole covid business is detrimental: we need to touch. I’ll be looking for more ways to integrate loving hands into people’s lives. I suspect there are many creative ways to do so... ♥️ ThinMint

In the coming days and weeks, there will be so much more that can be shared about this season of our lives. Because I was being sensitive to our families, was concerned the hospital was monitoring and because I didn't have Felix's consent, a lot needed to be held back. I had some very intimate moments with God and I am still carefully weighing how those occasions can be shared. I still don't know how to accurately convey what YOU have done for me, for us. You have been my Aaron and Hur. Your kind gestures, sweet words, generous giving -all like a warm hug from a precious friend I desperately needed. There are some behind the scene people who need to be recognized, and I will acknowledge their efforts as soon as they grant permission. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here. Thank you for all you have done.

On December 29th I shared how fear was clinging to me and when I looked outside, the Lord had brought me a powerful message in the dawn sky (https://t.me/ThinMint2/5176) The Cross spoke directly to my trembling heart: lean into Him, trust Him, bask in His love... While running errands on January 29th I came across this and had to get it👇🏻

FROM Tracy with the Admin Team: I know we are all rejoicing in the progress Felix has made. I know I have shed buckets of tears of joy for our beloved TM and Felix. I know the children can't wait until they can touch, and hug their daddy. He has a bit to go, but everyday Felix, by the Grace of God above will continue to move the mountain until he is home. The fundraising is almost there to help our Friend and Sister and Brother in Christ meet the goal. I hope all will continue to share the GSG link and consider if possible, contributing. Cards, songs and Prayers are also contributions that are so treasured. And we all know Kris is a sentimental one. Thank you everyone for all the prayers, love, concern, laughs and praise each have given. Know you have not only touched this beautiful family but each other and all that come here to fellowship one with the other. I know I have grown in my faith, grown as a person and woman and most of all as Christian. Like the Grinch, I believe my heart has grown 10 sizes. I love you ALL, Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Love you all. And thank you for all that you do.

PRAYER FROM TEAM THINMINT: Father in Heaven, I come before the Cross and kneel and lift my eyes upon Your Son, Jesus and Praise You and Thank you for hearing our prayers and cries for this beautiful family. Today we see, feel and cry the tears of Your Mercy, Goodness, Kindness and Faithfulness, just as You said You would do if we called out to You in the name of Jesus. We humble ourselves before the Cross and Give all Praise and Glory to You. You have shown us all the YOU and YOU alone are in control and that You never break a promise. You have moved a Mountain for TM and Felix, You have blessed each of us for we are all witness to YOUR MIRACULOUS healing of Felix and the Obedience of Kris. We thank you and praise you and YOUR NAME above all else. As we continue to pray and lift this family up, continue to hear our prayers and heal Felix to full recovery, that the enemy will know that this child of yours is YOURS and will not be harmed by their evil intent. With my whole heart I too declare the You Father have already HEALED Felix and that the full measure of YOU will be seen by all. I pray that YOU will use this experience to continue to BLESS the world with the testimony that Kris and Felix will share and that YOU will prosper this family and restore what has been temporarily lost. For we know that all things are possible through You Lord Jesus for those who love you. With the faith of a Mustard seed, I ask all this in the MIGHTY NAME of JESUS. AMEN & AMEN 🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪 Please also consider donating and/or sharing the fundraiser for her and her family. Or you could send something to her and the family Kris/Felix PO Box 6 Collierville TN 38027 Thank you for the continued support and prayers, God bless, Team ThinMint GiveSendGo - Hospital's Covid Protocols Override Family Wishes: The #1 Free Christian Fundraising Site.

We are both humbled and grateful for your kindness and generosity. Thank you for the continued prayers as he faces many more challenges on the road to restoration.