Last Downriver column for a while

How does one adequately say thank you to a community and its people for all their prayers, love, hugs, and support when you need it? Well, here goes.

Last Thursday morning, my husband suffered a stroke and lost his ability to speak and his right side is paralyzed. Thank you, Grays River EMS folks for your gentleness, kindness, speed and professionalism as well as your medical skills in getting him to Longview in a timely manner. As volunteers and friends, you are each one in a million, and I appreciate you so much.

To everyone who has called, visited, brought meals, made many offers to help with whatever I needed, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is such a comfort knowing you are there should I need any of you.

An extra special thank you to our family members for coming and bringing the inspiration and drive for Del to push himself enough to pull through this. He is doing very well as I write this. He was transferred to the southwest rehabilitation center in Vancouver on Tuesday where he will get intense speech, physical and occupational therapy to relearn some of the skills that he lost. With his drive and determination I have no doubt he will come through this. In the meantime, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as we go through what may be a long process. We both love this beautiful place and the wonderful friends, family and neighbors who have helped us make this valley our home. Thank you, thank you.

This will be my last column for a couple of weeks as I will be travelling to Vancouver daily for Del’s rehab and a few learning sessions for myself in how to cope with the after effects of a stroke.

On September 16, at 10 a.m., Grays River United Methodist Church will hold a special worship service focused on children. The Children's Service will kick off the Sunday School year and honor Sunday School teachers and volunteers. Children of all ages will assist with the service. We hope area children and families will join us. Because this is Grandparent's Day, we will be honoring grandparents as well and invite them to attend.

September 15 also begins the church Saturday Bible Study. Pastor and author John Indermark will attend the first session along with Grays River Pastor Pam Brokaw as discussion begins on his book, "Traveling The Prayer Paths of Jesus." The Bible Study spans six weeks on Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (with the exception of September 22 when there is no class) at the Church on Highway 4 in Grays River. There will be light meals after each Bible Study. Sessions are free and the public is welcome. If you are interested, please call Pastor Pam Brokaw at 360-909-5802. Everyone is welcome at Grays River United Methodist Church.

Classes for the Valley Bible Preschool will begin with many little smiling faces coming through the doors on September 24 at Valley Bible Church in Rosburg. Classes will be held each Monday and Wednesday. A healthy snack is offered each day. The preschool is a non-denominational bible based program that offers a well- rounded academic program along with the bible based learning approach. Children ages three and a half and potty trained, and older are welcome to attend. There are currently spaces available so if you have a child that you would like to send to Valley Bible Preschool, please contact the teacher, Becky Erickson at 465-2555 for more information about enrollment. Or, perhaps you are a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, a neighbor or friend who would like to help sponsor a child financially so he/she can attend preschool. If so, please call Becky Erickson and she will help you through the simple process. Preschool is a great early step to building character and academic success for our future students.