After spending two days in Kennestone Hospital, The Chip Cash Family came home, and Baby Jacob moved into Amber’s old room. Our first impression of Jacob was “what BIG, manly hands and feet he has!” But then, his shrill, high-pitched, “soprano squeal” left us all laughing at the hilarious contrast!

In August, I purchased a family membership to the Atlanta Zoo (actually, they called it a “senior” family membership, which I didn’t appreciate at all!!), and we began to take the kids out to see the Panda Bears, elephants, tigers, apes, etc. Of course, Jacob was too small to enjoy the scenery, but he seemed to enjoy the outside air. Amber slept through most of the first zoo visit, so it was mainly a chance for the adults to get some exercise and fresh air.

During the fall months, our zoo trips got interrupted by an injury to my left, “bionic” knee. Apparently, I have a torn muscle, tendon, or ligament (they don’t know which - only that the joint fills up with blood), so I’ve had to restrict my walking, and I have to sometimes use a cane on bad days. However, I’m happy to report that in spite of my knee, I’m feeling better than I have in years! My back and right knee are doing great!!
Some of you may know that I started honeybee venom therapy in October (yes, I’m intentionally stinging myself with honeybees, and if you’ll come on over to my house, and I’ll sting you too!). My brother has voiced some concerns about my “mental state,” but I’m as good in that regard as I ever was (ha-ha!).

Bee Venom Therapy has been around for thousands of years, but I only learned of it recently. One honeybee sting is about 100 times more powerful than a single cortisone shot (i.e. it’s a strong, natural anti-inflammatory, and it’s being used by many arthritis and MS patients with remarkable results). You can read more about this at: www.apitherapy.org and my soon–to-be-developed website: www.beevenomtherapy.com. I think it’s interesting to note that honeybees, or honey, are mentioned

The year 2000 has been busy and productive in many ways, including Amber’s physical condition. As most of you know, Amber has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, but a new neurologist believes that she doesn’t have CP. He recently ran some extensive tests for neurotransmitter disease, but they were also negative. In essence, none of the tests so far have revealed any brain disease or abnormality at all, even though we know there is a problem “somewhere” because she can’t do many things that Jacob is now doing at 6 months!

In October, Pastor Mark Walker and the Mount Paran North congregation prayed for Amber during Jacob’s dedication service. At Thanksgiving, in late November, Jamie’s mother saw Amber for the first time since September and said that she was amazed at the difference in her! She’s using her hands in more purposeful ways and showing improvement in her upper body movement and control. She still can’t crawl, sit up, or walk, but she’s scooting around a lot more and has a wonderful sense of humor. Occasionally, we find her laughing to herself in her crib as though she’s heard a really funny joke, and she sometimes laughs out loud at certain sounds. She loves music and seems to enjoy life on its limited terms. We are blessed to have her and believe that God has an important purpose for Amber’s life and that He’ll heal her in the fullness of His perfect timing for her life.

In closing, I’d like to wish each of you a very prosperous and productive new year. I’m writing the last few words of this newsletter on New Year’s Day of the “real” new millennium, and my thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

Love in Christ,