When we got there, Mom was pretty unresponsive. She recognized us, that was good, but she was very distant and we couldn't help but wonder if this was the day she would receive her new body, be reunited with her family members who have gone on before her and best of all, meet the Lord face to face! Her breathing was labored and you could see the great concern she had for Dad in her eyes. She tries so hard to keep from stressing Mel and never wants to add to his problems or be a difficult patient.
Dad was pretty shook up, too. It is so hard seeing the person you deeply love go through a struggle of this magnitude, never knowing when that kiss is the last. You feel so helpless, as if standing on the sideline unable to contribute to the situation.
After saying our, "Hello's" and sharing hugs all around, things settled down a bit. I asked Mom if she would like me to read some scripture to her, sing some hymns or just sit and enjoy some quiet rest. She moved between scripture and hymns, never opting for the quiet time. Both were very relaxing to her and there were a few times she even joined into the hymns! Before long we were all (Adam and Jackie were with us as well : ) singing hymns and Christmas carols with Mom listening mostly, but every once in a while a few words would slip from her lips. Even when she didn't have the strength to sing, her lips would be forming the words she didn't have strength to make audible. I know, in her spirit, she was praising her risen Lord!
Jim and Candy stopped in for a few minutes to see her as well. Jim shared some of his upcoming treatments and probable surgery timeline. They are going to have it so difficult as Jim and Emily are both facing surgery at the same time frame - sometime in February. Jim will be out of work for up to 5 months, but home for most of that recovery time. A colostomy is inevitable and we are praying that it will only be temporary - please join us in that prayer. However, he is preparing himself for the reality that there is a good chance that it will have to be a permanent part of his life.
Emily will be in Pittsburgh for at least 4 months as she recovers from her bone marrow transplant. Right now she is at home but having a tough time of it. The combination of leukemia and chemo treatments have wracked her body so the most basic of actions, like a shower, are both painful and exhausting. I'm not gonna lie, she can get a little grumpy - I wonder why? NOT. Her mediport is still painful for her as well.
It is hard seeing their family face such tough, imposing hardship. As of now, their employers are understanding and supportive, but they have many days ahead that will be very trying. Again, we truly appreciate all your prayers. The Lord is mighty, indeed! He hears the prayers of the righteous and is full of compassion and mercy.
By the way, we had gone to Erie planning to spend the night due to how poorly Mom was doing, but by 9pm, she had made a turn for the better and had regained some strength. She got a couple bites of food down and some Italian Ice to keep her hydrated. With the love of family (my mom and dad had stopped in and joined us in fellowship, too) and a little time, she had become more alert which made Mel feel much better. So well, in fact, that we decided to head home for the night. God is good!
Dawn called today to see how they were doing and found them to be having a much better day. Ahhh. That is a relief.
Thank you for joining us through this mixture of times, those of great joy and those of great hardship. That is a sign of a strong community, that they come together to support one another. You are truly a greater blessing than you will ever know!
May the Lord greatly bless you throughout this fantastic time of year!
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