My daddy, Tommy Ennis, grew up on Sand Mountain. When he was growing up he worked on a farm and became a good Mechanic. He was a Truck Driver when I was a little girl. He worked as an Electrician, Heating and Air Technician and a Carpenter. He is truly is a jack of all trades! He has met a lot of people throughout the years. He is far from perfect and has made mistakes like all of us, but one thing that I know is that my Daddy loves his family. He didn’t always know how to show it, but he learned. He is a good man and he has helped so many people while expecting nothing in return. He really would give someone the shirt off his back or his last piece of bread. He would do without before he would let someone else do without. I adore the love in his eyes when he sees his granddaughter and grandson. His heart is completely full when they are around. They are crazy about their Papaw! My Daddy had a massive stroke a week ago. He thought he was having inner ear problems because he couldn’t maintain his balance. He kept falling over. He fell and my mom called for an ambulance. He is paralyzed on the left side of his body and is having great difficulty with eating. He has been doing well mentally….until today. The Neurologist said that it seems as if the stroke only affected his motor skills, but he is very confused and agitated at times. He is restless and sometimes his thoughts do not not make sense. My daddy does not have insurance because he had to drop it back in December. I didn’t know this until the other day. You see….I became sick last September and ended up not being able to work due to the illness. My husband and I were living in Orange Beach, but decided to move back closer to family and UAB where I was being treated. We moved back, but finding a job was very difficult for my husband. We lived with my Mom and Dad for about 3 months until we could get back on our feet again. We ended up selling most everything we had in order to pay for my medical treatments and medications. We used what was left to help with groceries and bills. It was one of the most difficult times of my life. My Daddy stayed so patient and always made us feel welcome. He would try to lift our spirits….all the while he knew he was not able to pay for his insurance and a few other things that he had to let go. It makes me feel horrible! He has no insurance and is going to have to wait on Medicare. There is no guarantee that he will get to stay in rehab….which he needs desperately. The doctor stated that my Dad actually needs a good 3 months of treatment. There are no guarantees, but it is the best thing for him. If they send him home, my mother is unable to physically care for him. There are some things that she can do to accommodate him, but she is sick herself and just can’t do a lot. I live in California now and can’t even afford to fly in to see my Daddy, which is absolutely breaking my heart. I feel so helpless and frustrated. I should be there taking care of both of my parents. They don’t make enough from Social Security to even pay their bills. My mom has been sick for years and my daddy was working up until a few months ago and he is 70 years old. My Daddy has never asked for anything and he would tell me not to ask for anything for him….to ask for help for someone else, but he deserves the chance and opportunity to heal. He still has a blockage in his brain which is causing great concern and I am afraid that if he gets sent home…….we won’t be able to monitor him like he needs. My mom is exhausted and her health is in jeopardy too. She almost fell yesterday because of exhaustion and stress. Everything seems to happen at one time. I know God won’t give you more than you can handle…..but the weight sure is heavy. This is truly a heartbreaking time for our family and we appreciate everyone’s prayers and for any funds and financial help that can be given. Thank you.

Pamela Maris