Thursday, July 30, 2009

Heart thread - 07/30/2009


It has been a long time since I posted one of these and I apologize for all those whom I have not lifted up here in the interval. As Tom Schultz, OHC, always reminded me, "Pray as you can, not as you can't." So tonight I shall raise up the little that I can.

First, thanks to those of you who helped pray my friend Karen's friend Sandra to her rest. Our vicar sent this note out last Saturday:
Dear Prayer Partners,

Karen ... called me this afternoon to tell me that Sandra ... died peacefully at home last evening. We continue to hold her husband, Ed, in prayer as he continues on in life without Sandra.
Karen knew that many here and via OCICBW were praying for Sandra and she expressed her appreciation.

Tonight came this word about a beloved member of our mission:
Peter Low, faithful member of San Gabriel’s, died peacefully at his Arizona home, Monday morning, July 27, 2009. For the many that held Peter in prayer the family is grateful. We, who knew Peter, are sad as he leaves this earthly realm but know that Peter as a faithful man has returned to his Creator for eternity.
My sister just sent this word about our Aunt May:
She was sent back to the nursing home on Tuesday. I saw her yesterday. She is still very OK mentally and very depressed. She hates it and wants this to be over. She and Judy have decided on "comfort care" only. She is on oxygen but still having breathing issues. It is a nice place, and she is just wanting everyone to leave her alone. She is refusing food, just doesn't feel like eating. I told her I would do anything she wanted me to do, bring her anything she needed and all she asked was to pray this would be over soon. I can do that!
Please add your own petitions, intercessions, and thanksgivings in the comments.

--the BB

5 comments:

June Butler said...

May Sandra rest in piece and rise in glory. May God give comfort, consolation and the peace that passes understanding to Ed and all who loved Sandra.

Toward the end of her life, my mother stopped eating, too. Seems to me that "comfort care" is the right way to go for Aunt May. I'll pray "this will soon be over" for Aunt May and that she will be in comfort and at peace.

I had an Aunt May who was a second mother to me, and I have a good deal of affection for the name.

susankay said...

My paternal grandmother decided to stop eating one she was discharged from the hospital to a nursing home rather than to her home. Choice is OK.

Prayers for all.

Paul said...

Choosing not to eat has always seemed a definitive sign among those I have known who were ready to die.

terri c said...

When bodies get weary and the time is near, appetite goes away--it is the wisdom of the body speaking, knowing that earthly food is no longer of use. Is your Aunt under the care of a hospice provider? There are some medicines that hospice folks use that might help her feel more ease in her breathing; they won't cure her but might help in her comfort. Prayers rising for all.

Paul said...

Thanks, Terri C. I am at a very far remove from my aunt. Her daughter is a nurse, so I hope they are taking advantage of hospice though the word has not been in any indirect news I get.