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1 April 2008, 90th Birthday Update on Colonel R. B. Thieme, Jr. Not only are we celebrating the occasion of the Colonel’s 90th birthday, but we are celebrating also the power of the Word of God in his life. God’s matchless grace guides the Colonel through the death-shadowed valley of Alzheimer’s. He continues to pray, expressing a soul full of gratitude and love.
The Colonel’s sleep is undisturbed and his waking hours are restful. He continues to have a good appetite and his ability to eat and enjoy his food has not diminished. His vital signs are good, his appearance is excellent, and his skin is in good condition and well tanned. He still recognizes loved ones, although to a lesser degree, and his energy level has decreased a bit. He is comfortable, and exhibits a tranquil inner-happiness and peace. The Colonel’s day is filled with many gratifying moments. Watching his own Bible classes on DVD is still meaningful to him. If he has his eyes closed, as soon as he hears the sound of his own voice his eyes open wide and he looks at the TV screen. While watching his DVDs, the Colonel’s verbal responses have been: “Wonderful,” “Yes,” and “Good.” When told, “That’s you, Bob, teaching Bible doctrine.” The Colonel responds, “That’s what I’m doing.” and “Why, sure.” The Colonel is given lots of tender loving care. And, prayer support is a vital part of his daily care. He is thanked daily for the Bible doctrine he has taught and for his dedication to the truth throughout his ministry. He is appreciated and loved by so many. All through the Christmas holidays, the Colonel was chatty and alert. He really enjoyed two programs: Live From Lincoln Center–The New York Philharmonic and Joshua Bell’s Romantic Violin, and New Year’s 2008 in Vienna. He was also entertained by a John-Wayne-movie marathon. Through the cool of winter and now in the warmth of spring, the Colonel has daily outings. On one occasion when the Colonel was told he was going for a ride, he responded, “I am so happy.” During an outing a gentleman approached inquiring if this was Colonel Thieme. He said the Colonel saved his life. While in prison he received one of the Colonel’s publications, believed in Christ, and continued to study doctrine. Upon his parole he established a prison ministry. What a wonderful illustration of the principle: every circumstance of life becomes the environment for the function of royal ambassadorship. Chester, the neighbor’s one-year-old Shih Tzu, is very comfortable sitting on the Colonel’s lap. He rides confidently with the Colonel for several blocks, needing restraint only when he spots a squirrel. Grandpa cat is the Colonel’s constant companion: lying at the foot of the Colonel’s bed, on the Colonel’s footrest, on his hand pillow or just sitting beside him on an unoccupied chair. “Grandpa” will even ride with the Colonel in his wheelchair around the back patio and down the driveway, jumping off just before the chair reaches the street. Betty is doing well. Her round-the-clock caregivers are especially attentive and doing a wonderful job meeting all of her needs and making her surroundings pleasant. She is very comfortable. Betty is more alert on some days than others but she still enjoys going to church on Sunday, having her hair done weekly, sitting on the patio to enjoy the flowers, and the sounds and activities of the day. She watches her favorite TV programs, “The Westminster Dog Show” and the “Dog Whisperer.” She has a good appetite and gets lots of restful sleep. As the Colonel and Betty both celebrate their 90th birthdays this month, they could truly say:
Thank you for your faithfulness to Bible doctrine and for your persistence in prayer on behalf of the Colonel and Betty. |
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