Please Pray!

Well, since my old laptop expired, I have't had much time to write here on my blog. When I was reminded by a dear friend that she enjoyed reading it, I thought maybe it was a good time to get back to it. It can be quite helpful to get my thoughts out and work things through a little.

My husband's family was dealt a tragic blow with the sudden decline of their beloved patriarch. At first we were quite hopeful that it was something "simple" and treatable, possibly a reaction of different medications he was taking for a painful back and anxiety. Knowing he needed help they took him to a hospital where he could see specialists, where he was quickly admitted and has remained while they run tests. The tests so far have come back far worse than we could have even imagined. The family has been through a lifetime of worry and woe in one short week.

I am entirely grateful that God is walking through this journey with us, without Him it would seem hopeless. I did not have that assurance when my Grandfather died when I was around 10 years old, and I was completely devestated. I still feel the loss to this day. This, however is an entirely different experience, where my Grandpa's death was quick and unexpected. Although the onset of this was completely unexpected, we've been given time to be with him to show our love and care for him with the understanding that we may not have long. God can still perform miracles, so we continue to have hope that he can be fully restored and will do so until proven otherwise. We hold fast knowing that God has a plan.

Before we were aware that he has cancerous tumors in his head, liver and lungs (and probably other places) we promised the girls that they could go see him in the hospital. We warned them that he was ill, confused and in pain; that he might be sleeping or not recognize them because of pain or medication, but that it would make both Grandpa and Grandma happy to go and see them. This is completely unfamiliar territory for me, as there wasn't a chance to say goodbye to my grandfather, and I have never been at the beside of someone so ill. No preparations are enough to not be affected by what you see and feel in that room. Understandably both girls were upset, but all of us were blessed that he recognized them and even spoke directly to them. Before we left, he told them he was proud of them and that he loved them. Confused or not, that was an extremely touching moment.

So, it is with a heavy heart that I ask you to join us in prayer for our father, and grandfather. Even though the news from the Dr's may be grim, through God all things are possible. Strength to fight, strength to stand, strength to help, strength to accept, strength to hope... all of these are possible with the help of prayer.

With Father's day coming up quickly, I urge you to take a little time to tell or show a Father in your life how much he's appreciated. This year I plan to do that by rubbing the feet of the man who lays in a hospital bed unaware of how little time he may have.