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.
I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because
He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call to Him as long as I
live. (Psalm 116:1, 2)
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:
I have been young, and now I am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous
forsaken, Or his descendants begging bread. (Psalm 37:25)
Thank you for your faithfulness to Bible doctrine and for your persistence in
prayer on behalf of the Colonel and Betty.
