Heart thread - 07/20/2010

My friend Mike bids our prayers for Wes. Wes' partner Scott is one of those who worked hard at the Our Saviour clean-up day (and was at San Gabriel last Sunday).

Wes had a stroke this afternoon. He's at UNMH now and doing "okay". It seems to be on the right side affecting the left side of his body with some (unknown to me) level of paralysis. He's alert, can speak though with impaired articulation due to the paralysis, and his memory seems fine. All good signs. Scott doesn't have much more info until more time has passed and more tests are done.

David@Montreal invites us to pray for many who need to be held in our hearts.

Beloved Giants of prayer and practice

I've had two calls this afternoon for prayers for Rosemary, our little Armenian bird, who last Thursday was rushed back into hospital with severe breathing difficulties- one call from Dave, Rosemary's wonderful husband, the other from my baby sister Jenny who is Rosemary's friend and chief caregiver when Dave is obliged to work in Ottawa during most weeks. As you might remember from earlier prayer calls, this is Rosemary's second bout with cancer and her determination to get through this is incredible. Dave and Rosemary have two young sons.
So prayers for Rosemary and Dave please, their sons, and my baby sister Jenny please.

Prayer's for dear Kirstin please- undergoing her second round in the school of cancer also. Kirstin has just begun a very aggressive course of teatments which will be taking over the forseeable future. Last I heard she has been released from hospital from the first round and is currently at Bishop's Ranch in California. [Update: and is now heading back to hospital for the next round.]

Another cherished sister in faith, Fran has been having a really rough time recovering from a gall bladder operation, and has been on a medical fast. Fran, her Beloved, and her step-daughter are due to leave for holidays any day now, and she's still struggling with the first steps towards healing.

Prayers please for my former colleague Louyse who underwent brain surgery late last week. The tumor was only discovered after her throid had been irradiated, and she was experiencing balance, perception and speech defecits. Louyse will have a long path of healing ahead of her.

Prayers please for a fiesty friend who manages a life with some pretty incredible challenges and demands made on her. She is currently travelling overseas for her work, .... Prayer for all involved- for the children, for the pressure and multiple demands my friend tries to balance.

And speaking of fiesty- one beloved sister who might occasionally admit to certain mother bear-like qualities; she, her husband, and their chosen son have been undergoing some horrendous trials in the last days- the system at it's near-worst. This sister is one of the most articulate, passionate, spirit-filled priests I know, so prayers for all three- that grace and strength, insight and peace will be given sufficient to the path ahead and that generous, life-giving justice will prevail.

News of Frank- he and his latest round of cancer appear to be at a standstill. The effects of the ongoing treatments are mild compared to what he as previously been through, and his attitude is incredible. With restrictions, he and Carol are having a simple summer, surrounded by their three wonderful daughters, their spouses & the grandchildren out in BC. He called Mam the other day to see how she is doing with her situation and three times sent along his thanks to 'David's Giants' who have 'made all the difference'

And speaking of Mam, even if she is my Mam, I have to say she's incredible! No complaints, no despair, she's the first one to tell you just how lucky she is that she's still got her arm, that it wasn't her hip, that she's got family to look after her, and that they're doing it so wonderfully. The whole experience has visibly aged her, and yet though there is still occasionally some confusion with individual words, her attitude is always grateful and positive. Mam saw the surgeon late last week, and will begin physiotherapy next Wednesday. She's still unable to live on her own as long as she has the cast, soshe is staying with my sister Joanne and her husband Ken. Today, for the first time since the accident she actually made it to Church with my sister Jenny.

So much to be grateful for, but even more to offer up , and like Frank says you guys really do 'make all the difference.'

love always- always Love

Continued prayers for Doris, Mark, Mother Sandra, Tad (who gets around with greater ease as time passes). For Alex and his mom, for Jack and his family, for my sister Shirley, my nephew Jay, and my grandniece Esther.

For the unemployed, the homeless, and especially the despairing.

For those killed or injured in the train crash in eastern India.

--the BB