Posted on 09/18/2001 10:29:42 AM PDT by Alamo-Girl
This is an update on my beloved sister’s condition and another request for prayer. I appreciate more than words can say all of your prayers for her and the family since this whole thing began last May. We have already experienced the abundant answers to your prayers in her having two full months of happiness and health this summer! Donna has been back in the hospital because – after the last chemo treatment, while she was midway in her Leukine shots - the cancer spread aggressively into the bone. They have been doing radiation and chemotherapy and she has been “out of it” under morphine. She hates the morphine because it makes her incoherent, but she grins and giggles and mutters sometimes quite coherently about good times in the past. My niece just spoke with the doctors. Donna’s lungs have refilled with fluid and they said that would happen again even if they drain it again, though the level would not increase. So they can’t see putting her through any more of those painful treatments. The draining of fluid from her heart did seem to help her though. Likewise, the doctors have stopped chemotherapy because there is no point in making her miserable. They will however continue the radiation to help control the pain of the bone cancer. She will be moved into a rehab area so she can go home as soon as possible. They will bring in hospice at that time. They’ve moved the prognosis from 6 months to 1-2 months. I know that God can do a miracle for us and restore my sister to complete health. It is no big deal for Him. But frankly, when I saw my sister so far “out of it” and so very happy - I wondered what her spirit was saying in prayer. I am confident that God would not refuse someone who wants to come home – but at the same time I pray earnestly that He will delay her homegoing because we need her here and now – along with His people everywhere to stand against this darkness that has become evident to all in the events of last week.
According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death. For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain. But if I live in the flesh, this [is] the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh [is] more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Donna’s memorial service will be held this Saturday. Her heart stopped on Monday, October 1 at about 3:32 p.m. Her husband, daughter, son and I were right there for her final moments. PRAISE GOD!!!
Last Thursday at about 1:30 I was downstairs at the hospital with my nephew’s wife. I felt a warm rush go through me as if my sister was letting me know her spirit was free and she was happy, alive and well. We hurried back upstairs and discovered her body had slipped into a deep coma.
I had experienced that warm rush before. The evening before my mother’s heart stopped, just when she entered a deep coma – and previously when my former husband’s heart stopped while we were diving.
Praise God!!! for the blessed assurance of witnessing Donna’s graduation, both in spirit and in body! Every moment with Donna is a treasure to me and I Praise God!!! that this separation is only temporary!
May GOD bless you and your as you face the chalenges and needs to come!
Rose
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints ... Psalms 116:15
Let's just Praise the Lord ...
Amen and amen.
Love you AG. Hugs.
The following Biblical chapter should be read in the foregoing context: II Cor 12
First examine the parable of the Rich Farmer in Luke 12. You should notice two contrasting statements:
And he said, This will I do," and the other being, "But God said unto him."
When life revolves around self, when God's claims are ignored, it must be expected that He will intervene to save us from the fruits of our folly. He is our Father after all, no? "For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth" Heb 12:6
Regardless of how his word seems unkindly, He is the God of Love, and His purposes are far beyond our knowing. When unpleasant events befall us, we should seek to recognize that This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes (Ps. 118:23).
God is not working to baffle our energies or disappoint our hopes. He seeks to lead us into paths where we will find our highest development.
He that spareth not His own Son, but delivered him up for us all, now shall He not with Him also freely give use all things? (Rom. 8:32)
It would appear my dear Alamo-Girl, my darling Claire ....shall also escape the advent of a miracle...
I join you in your remorse..
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.