What a long strange journey this has been. 
 
Aug. 19, 2009 2:55 pm 
Updated: Aug. 23, 2009 10:35 am
 my wife of 27 years is home. 2 and a half months ago hosiptal drones wanted to know if she had a living will when she collapsed at their front door, after about 3 weeks in the icu unit a doctor told me her prognosis was she would be a vegetable, i heard, "she will be lucky to walk again." my wife arrived at the shepherd center and walked out without assistence and climbed in my yahoo truck and i drove home. she is sleeping upstairs now. she will teach again. it's her "calling." i can't believe when i read back thru my earlier blogs and a more personal journal how much things have changed. i feel like a newlywed, not in a sexual sense, more just an exploration in what we like/enjoy together. she still does not like sweets, has a sense of humor and is very patient. strange behavior indeed. i'm looking forward to see how my tater has changed and how she adapts.folks i  did not believe in santa claus, the tooth fairy, or anything i could not taste, touch, see, or feel. miracles happen folks! and i believe with all of the prayers, karma, good/kind thoughts, whatever you want to call it my wife was willed back to "life" may all of you that helped please breathe a sigh of relief, my claire is home. i hope that your trials are short  and as welcome as mine have been. she is home, and life is good. from now on expect my irreverent sense of humor coming at ya staight between the ears! so many kind thoughts, karma, prayers reflected back at you. i wish i could have a group hug! i'll get moose to post camera phone pictures of my tater on her last day when she is available. our address is 1007 brookwood ave. col. ga. 31906. some folks had wanted to know...thanks ya!
 
Comments
Aug. 19, 2009 3:05 pm
OH MY GOSH! Thank you Jesus! I'm not a crier, but I'm tearing up, so happy!!!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 3:06 pm
Shoot, how the heck do you spell teering? I don't even care, you know what I mean!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 3:10 pm
Yup...BIG smile and BIG FAT HAPPY tears...welcome home Claire...nicely done, girl!!!!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 3:14 pm
A true blessing welcome home Claire.
 
Aug. 19, 2009 3:27 pm
AMAZING!!!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 3:28 pm
Words cannot describe how happy I am that you and your tater are home and doing well! (((BIG HUGS))) and WELCOME HOME CLAIRE! ♥
 
Aug. 19, 2009 3:29 pm
Gulp!! Wow, such a long distance, such a journey she, you and family have come. See, Gary, this is my point. Obviously, God wanted to tell you something, teach you something. Why can't God just tap one on the shoulder and say, " Can we talk." Instead of knocking your feet from under you. I've decided that when He knocks your feet from under you, He now has you looking up and He figures now, you'll listen. Thank God and heaven for Claire. But, Gary did you expect otherwise, look how she has held together all these years putting up with you. Love ya'. And Claire, I pray God holds you close to His heart and keeps His arm around you to continue on your wonderful healing path. You know, Claire, you're going to have to join AR now, don't you. Whether you wanted to or not, you are now part of our family. So, Claire, what's for dinner? God bless you and God speed to you and all the Derr family. Yipeeee!!!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 3:39 pm
Yahoo!!! So glad to hear she's home!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 3:46 pm
God does answers prayers! So happy for you both and the rest of your family/friends. Things like this make us all realize we can't take one day forgranted. Going to go give my FH (future husband) a BIG OL' HUG!!!!!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:00 pm
God is good. I'm so happy for you and the girls! Do take good care of her - don't over do!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:03 pm
God bless you and your precious Claire. May he continue to watch over you and your family always. Enjoy your lives together and never take anything for granted. A BIG HUG to you, Claire and your girls.
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:09 pm
I have big tears of utter joy flowing right now! I am so happy for you and Claire, she is a truely amazing woman! There is nothing in this world stronger than prayer and your love for another person!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:12 pm
God answered the many prayers for healing that were lifted up for your Claire! What a tremendous testimony you both have, GDerr. First, He gave you love, now, He's given you a miracle. It must be shared! I am so incredibly happy for you both!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:15 pm
That is excellent news and really brightens my day. I'm thrilled for you and tater.
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:21 pm
I'm SO HAPPY for you and your family. GO CLAIRE, YOU TOTALLY ROCK!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:27 pm
Gary, my daughter and I are sitting here in tears. You may not like it, but you and Claire are just as much a part of our family as my kids. I am so happy for and so grateful God chose to hear our prayers and respond this way. You take care of her and yourself, we're still praying for you. God Bless you all, Chris
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:35 pm
Wow! That's all I can say. I am so happy for you and your family. It's amazing what the power of prayer and karma can do. Claire is meant to be here on this planet. Whether you know it or not, your journey these past few months has affected everyone who has heard about it in some way or another. There is a lesson here and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing with us. Now, if I can quit crying, I am going to hug my family.
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:37 pm
I'm so happy to hear about this. What a miracle for your dear wife. Tears for happiness right now on my face. Please keep us posted and take some pictures if you can.. Know that we are all thinking about you 2 and your daughters. Welcome to the good night :)
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:40 pm
Yay! WELCOME HOME, gderr and Claire! ♥
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:44 pm
Oh, how awesome !!!! You have indeed been Blessed !!!! I am so very glad you have your Tater back !!!! Echoing back 'GO CLAIRE, YOU DO TOTALLY ROCK' !!!!!!! (((((HUGS))))) ♥
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:45 pm
Woohoo! That is terrific news! She is not ready to leave this life yet, God has further plans for her. She has to be a really strong woman to have fought to live. Just take it easy and get to know each other again.
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:46 pm
Claire, welcome home! Gary, Claire, and girls, I'm so happy for you! And I still think you need to visit the first hospital again and whack that stupid doctor upside the head with a REAL vegetable, say a rutabaga, so in the future she'll be able to tell the difference! Congratulations again!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 4:59 pm
So glad the two of you are home together. My thoughts and prayers for Claire's continuing recovery and transition to home. Wishing the two of you the best that life has left to offer you!
 
ruth 
Aug. 19, 2009 5:06 pm
i am not sure why i started reading the blogs, but one day i ran across yours and thank GOD i did because i have also experienced your miracle, i have been praying for you, claire and family i think of you all like family i know you and i have never met , i am sure to meet you all would be a pleasure,i am a grandma and 72 yrs.old. my heart has been sad for you but now i am rejoiceing ,when i read todays blog i did tear up but this time it was a happy cry i thank jesus for the answered prayers,and may he forever bless you and yours.GOD IS SO GOOD!!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 5:07 pm
YAYYYYYYY! She's back ,life is good and GOD IS AMAZINGLY GOOD FOR THOSE "QUALIFY"!!! YAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 5:25 pm
Yay! This is the most awesome news!!!... :)
 
JNB 
Aug. 19, 2009 5:30 pm
So glad to hear she is home. I will continue to include ya'll in my prayers for her continued recovery. Take things as they come during this time, dont sweat the small stuff. Some day down the road, you'll both laugh at some of the things she might say or do during this time. Enjoy being together and please continue to keep us informed of her progress. God bless you and your family.
 
Aug. 19, 2009 5:32 pm
So happy for you and your family
 
Aug. 19, 2009 5:39 pm
The power of LOVE. I'm so happy that your family is together again in the same home. I know that in your hearts there was no distance what so ever during these past months. I can't wait to see what this new journey brings to you both. Mag
 
Aug. 19, 2009 5:48 pm
Yea, I'm so glad to hear this wonderful news! Here's a part of an e-mail I received the other day and it is very appropriate to pass on to you. "When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better" and "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you." May you, Claire and your daughters continue to be wrapped in God's loving arms. ((hugs))
 
Aug. 19, 2009 5:49 pm
Probably the best news some of us have had in quite awhile. We get so wrapped up in our little everyday situations that it takes a miracle like this to make us sit up and take notice. Thanks for keeping us up to date AND thanks for the address. Keep the cards and letters coming folks, the family can still use all the support we can give.
 
Aug. 19, 2009 5:50 pm
God is awesome! I am so happy for your family. The journey and story continues...
 
Aug. 19, 2009 6:22 pm
Great news Gderr!! Welcome home Claire!!! God Bless you all!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 6:30 pm
Way to go, Claire. The world needs all the History Day teachers it can get. Cheers to you from another NHD teacher.
 
Aug. 19, 2009 6:53 pm
Yay! I'm so happy for you and your family! I think she is going to get stronger and stronger now that she is back home! I am sending you and your family positive & warm thoughts! You must be so happy she is home! Can't wait to get your funny, sweet posts back! Bless you and your family! ((hugs)) Cara
 
Aug. 19, 2009 7:12 pm
Claire, Gary, and family, I am so happy for all of you. I feel like my heart is going to burst!! Thank you Jesus for keeping this beautiful family together. I love you guys!!! Jayne
 
Aug. 19, 2009 7:30 pm
What a truely wonderful outcome. Best wishes to all of your family.
 
Aug. 19, 2009 7:43 pm
Wonderful news!! God is good and the Derr family is happy and home. What can I say that hasn't been said already? My heart is lighter knowing how wonderful your day has been. I know just being home will help everyone to continue to heal. I'm sure you're going to be bombarded with all kinds of visits. Everyone wanting to hug Claire! Take care and continue to enjoy your life.== Rohnda
 
Aug. 19, 2009 9:31 pm
Sniff, sniff. Pass the kleenex. Fantastic news. I am so pleased for you. With such a great life partner, I know she put ALL her effort into her recovery -- she has so mucch to live for and look forward to.
 
Aug. 19, 2009 9:32 pm
Just think of the stories she will share with her students when she enters that classroom again. Congratulations, all of you. Thank you for sharing your lives with us all.
 
Aug. 19, 2009 9:34 pm
I am read this crying b/c you deserved to have your lovely wife home and now Thank The Lord,she is!! YYAAA! You are a true wonderful human being! Kelly, I just spell it A Miracle! I am reading her post as I am typing mine. Gary, you both deserve your young lives back and now you are getting the chance again! God Speed! Love, Patty
 
Aug. 19, 2009 9:48 pm
Thank God for giving you the strenght to be her backbone and her rock Gary. You have been an inspiration to all of us of what the power of love and dedication is. You have truly shown what the words "in sickness and in health" mean. These baby steps that you have walked can now be celebrated in a run with your arms outstretched, shouting from the top of your lungs, Thank You Lord! And for Claire, I leave you this: Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
 
Aug. 19, 2009 11:04 pm
Happy, happy, happy tears!!! Gary, I just read your post and echo everything that has been said here. I thank God for His goodness and know there is a reason you all have been though this together. I know that Claire will continue to improve faster now that she is home with you and all things familar. Thank you so much for keeping us posted during this dreadful time of your life. We have all adopted you into our familys and love you like our own. Pray God to keep you in the palm of His hands and know that you are loved.Looking forward to more wonderful posts from you!
 
Aug. 19, 2009 11:05 pm
Yay! Nice going, Mrs. Derr. We all knew you could do it.
 
Aug. 20, 2009 12:12 am
CONGRATULATIONS!! to both of you Gderr and Claire!! Welcome Home!!
 
Aug. 20, 2009 3:19 am
All thanks and glory to God!!!! A miracle indeed, has occured! Never underestimate the power of prayer and the outpouring of love from all your friends here at AR. May God continue to bless you and Claire abundantly!
 
Aug. 20, 2009 3:56 am
What an amazing way to discover that we've got a GREAT BIG WONDERFUL GOD! I'm happy that things worked for the good! Prayers and hugs!
 
Aug. 20, 2009 4:26 am
We all are so grateful and excited for you and Claire and wonderful daughters! Thank God!
 
Aug. 20, 2009 4:43 am
I am so very happy for you all. Praise God from whom all blessings come! Welcome back Claire! Grace to you all. kdstreet
 
Aug. 20, 2009 5:24 am
Gary and Claire, I've thought of you often these past few weeks. Gary, I can't imagine what you've been through. Claire, I'm soooo glad to hear you're home and you'll be teaching again soon. God bless!
 
Aug. 20, 2009 5:42 am
Hooray!!!! Welcome home, Claire!
 
Aug. 20, 2009 5:46 am
I guess this means that your tater is officially a "home" fry now! Praise the Lord that this part of your journey is over. I pray for continued improvement and peace in your lives.
 
Aug. 20, 2009 6:37 am
Wow! Welcome home, Claire!
 
Aug. 20, 2009 6:49 am
Awesome news, gderr! I got goosebumps as I read your blog, so very touching. Congratulations to both of you on making it to this homecoming!
 
Aug. 20, 2009 7:19 am
Had someone in shepard's who is now in pathways (?) rehab and hopes to come home to Tupelo with his mother for a while to finish recuperating, so we totally understand how thankful you are to finally be home. He was in shepherd starting in March. Prayer really works.
 
Ivy 
Aug. 20, 2009 9:21 am
Woohooooo!!! I'm sure Claire was ready to get home! :) Gary-you have been so kind to us to blog Claire's journey with us-I'm sure you have both been each others'inspiration. I hope Claire & you all have some quiet comfortable days to adjust and enjoy being together. We will continue to be praying for her....hope that yall have a wonderful weekend!!
 
Jan's Kitchen 
Aug. 20, 2009 9:22 am
OH, thank God! I am so very happy that Claire is home with her family! I'll bet you are all so thrilled to have Claire home with you. Not to mention how excited she must be! I'm sure you will see progress in leaps and bounds now that she is home with you. This is a true "Love Story" and like Scotdog, I am weeping too! You are so very lucky to have each other, I'm sure there will be trying times but just remember the Future is yours! Claire is so fortunate to have you in her corner! We wish you every happiness and a very healthy, wonderful life together. God Bless. Janet
 
Aug. 20, 2009 9:24 am
SOOOOOOOOO happy for you and your bride! God bless you all!
 
christyscrivner 
Aug. 20, 2009 9:56 am
Praise the Lord!~ I am so happy for you Claire! You are meant to teach! We miss you at Richards! The gifted program is not the same without you! You have been given a gift - the gift of loving the students and wanting to help them learn! We have been given a gift in you! We are so happy you are home safe and sound!
 
Aug. 20, 2009 11:36 am
Yippeee-Yahoooooo!! Welcome home, Claire..God Bless You. @>--;--
 
TIE 
Aug. 20, 2009 11:39 am
What wonderful news! God has blessed you and claire with more time together! I'm so happy for the both of you. May you, claire and your family stay healthy and safe!
 
Aug. 20, 2009 12:21 pm
Wow!! I feel sooooo happy for you, Claire and your family!! What a journey! And what a happy happy ending (or beginning!) Somewhere in my heart, I always knew Claire would be coming home and would make it through this. I think the miracle here may just be the complete love you have for Claire and your family. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Sue
 
Aug. 20, 2009 3:22 pm
That is wonderful news Gderr. I am so happy for you both. Have a great time together. Big (((hugs))) from Oregon
 
Aug. 20, 2009 5:25 pm
So happy to hear the wonderful news. There is no place like home-hope the recovery continues it's swift path.Claire rocks & Gary-you are a rock! best wishes & prayers to your family continue coming from CA!
 
Aug. 20, 2009 5:49 pm
How wonderful! Continued good wishes & prayers to all of you. Claire is truly blessed to have such a loving supportive family.
 
Aug. 20, 2009 9:32 pm
So very glad to see this post! Happy, happy homecoming (to you both)!
 
Aug. 20, 2009 9:36 pm
Such good news Gary! Praise the Lord for Claires recovery. She has come so far in the last months... you both have in different ways. I don't remember who said it but I read someones post saying that you are a true example of what "in sickness and health" really means. You have been such an inspiration to me as I enter into a new relationship and a new marriage. I never have seen a love like you have for Claire (and I'm sure she has for you) until I started reading your blog. I can't begin to say how happy I am for all of you and how much you have changed my life. A true inspiration... both of you. And for Claire... WELCOME HOME GIRL! You just keep on keepin on and get better every day. God bless you all. Love, Star
 
Aug. 20, 2009 10:11 pm
One more post.. I was going to post this on a previous blog and my computer kept giving me trouble and then i got caught up in moving and everything and it didn't get done. Here is a poem for you and Claire. I want to post this because, when things seem difficult to handle, I find amazing comfort in this simple phrase.. "this too shall pass". I hope this poem speaks to you as well...This too, shall pass away... If I can endure for this minute Whatever is happening to me, No matter how heavy my heart is Or how dark the moment may be ... If I can remain calm and quiet With all the world crashing about me, Secure in the knowledge God loves me When everyone else seems to doubt me ... If I can but keep on believing What I know in my heart to be true, That darkness will fade with the morning And that "this will pass away, too!" ... Then nothing in life can defeat me For as long as this knowledge remains I can suffer whatever is happening For I know God will break all the chains That are binding me tight in "the darkness" And trying to fill me with fear ... For there is "no night without dawning" And I know that "my morning" is near. ~ Helen Steiner Rice ~
 
Aug. 21, 2009 6:51 am
YAHOO! That is wonderful! Now things can begin to get back to "normal" and what a great opportunity to renew your love! God Bless you both!
 
Aug. 21, 2009 7:10 am
Fantastic!! Hugs & Kisses and shouts of hooray are coming your way!! PTL!
 
Aug. 22, 2009 5:26 am
Gary, I knew this day would come.God is faithful.I hope I can visit you all soon. I know she still doesn't care for sweets but you suppose a fresh loaf of sourdough bread or white bread she would like? Will be in touch soon. Bill(aka) Breadaddy
 
Aug. 22, 2009 4:41 pm
I am so glad that Claire is better and I really want to thank you so much for taking us along on this journey with you, I think it has touched each and every one of us in our own way. I have told so many people about her that every few days someone will ask about "that guy on your websites wife" She has touched so many. We love you Claire!
 
Aug. 22, 2009 7:15 pm
God sure does work miracles. I am so happy for you, Claire and your entire family.
 
Aug. 23, 2009 8:27 am
Hallelujah!! God bless you and Claire and the girls! Wonderful news!!
 
Aug. 23, 2009 10:35 am
It seemed like an impossible situation way back then but just goes to show, nothing is impossible for God. I felt your hurt and felt your pain and cried with you as your poured yourself out in your writings. I am truly happy that you have your "tater" back and that all is well in your household again. Without mama, things just don't seem right.
 
 
 
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gderr
 Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Member Since: Mar. 2008
Cooking Interests: Grilling & BBQ, Slow Cooking, Italian, Southern, Mediterranean, Healthy, Vegetarian, Gourmet
Hobbies: Gardening, Camping, Boating, Fishing, Reading Books, Music, Charity Work
 
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About Me 
i enjoy cooking. the wife considers it a chore. i hate yard work. she loves it. we mesh. i love bass fishing, reading, music, baseball, college football and my family.
My favorite things to cook
i love vegetables, soups, and italian cusine.
My favorite family cooking traditions
holidays are a big deal! christmas is my time to shine. i try to add a new recipe each year, but the family demands pretty much the same menu. kinda frustrating!
My cooking triumphs
i cared for my mother in law about 3 months when she had shattered her shoulder. i didn't work, so money was tight. we survived on only wife's paycheck during that time. ma-n-law had diet restrictions. it was difficult to make cheap, nutritious meals everyone would eat. we prospered as a family and learned alot about each other's strenghths and weaknesses.
My cooking tragedies
a stove top fire. i explained that one already. the grill falling over was another one...oops grill season is here! i love the tragedies...those are the ones that i'll always remember!
 
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