Oct 27, 2008

Tragedy Often Follows Times of Celebration

Our family had the most wonderful time of celebration this week as we watched our nephew Matt hit the big screen. While we were celebrating and laughing with joy over his accomplishments, Skip's mother was sacrificing her sleep, her energy and all her strength to care for her sick and aging mother.

I haven't written much about Nonnie (Skip's grandmother), but over the last few months, her health and mind have been deteriorating at a rate which is very hard to face. We are safely resting in our home an hour and a half away, but Skip's mother and father have been awake, serving, comforting and caring for Nonnie who is 92 years old and lives with them.

I am asking for your prayers this morning. Nonnie had a rough weekend and (Linda)my mother-in-law has not slept for more than a couple of hours all weekend. Hospice is involved on a small level, but Linda had been the primary care giver. We think Nonnie may have broken her hip yesterday and she is at the hospital right now having x-rays and they are trying to alleviate the pain. She is not coherent and we know she has had very little rest.

When I talked to Linda last night she was very down and so tired. I wish I could just jump in my car and be there. I'm not sure what I could do to help now, but I know when I find out, I will do it. We were planning on going to Victoria Friday for our traditional trick or treating with the grandparents, but we may be going earlier.

My prayers are for Linda and Otto more than anything. I know the emotional stress in caring for an aging parent can be overwhelming. I saw it with my daddy and his wife as they cared for my Popie we just lost last month.


Please pray that Linda knows that she has served her mother as unto the Lord, and that God is pleased with her. Pray that God gives her rest and comfort to keep going through what lies ahead for her mother. Give her and Otto extra patience and good health to endure. And lastly, pray that if it is Nonnie's time to go, that her last moments on earth will be peaceful, that she will not be in pain, and that it happens surrounding those she loves. Pray also for my sweet husband who is extremely close to his Nonnie.

These verses are speaking right to my heart this morning. I am praying them over my family. If you are struggling this morning with your own trials and suffering, may you also find comfort through the Word.


Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Hebrews 13:5 “…God has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

Isaiah 40:28-31 “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings of eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”


Thank you dear friends!

5 comments:

Debbie said...

Oh Susie, I am so sorry. I will be praying for Linda, Otto, Nonnie and your whole family. I know her passing will be so hard on all of you including the kids.

What wonderful verses God has given you at this time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

I love you,

Debbie

Susan said...

Oh, Susie, my heart goes out to all of you. I think sometimes it is as hard on the care giver as it is on the patient. I;m glad you will be able to go and offer some assistance. Yes, we do serve as Unto Our LORD!!!
Susan

Mayhem And Miracles said...

I'm praying comfort, Susie, for each one of the family who this touches. Physcical and emotional comfort - and thanking God that the spiritual comfort of choosing Jesus is already there. If you get a chance to talk to Nonnie, please tell her we are praying.

Linda said...

I will join my prayers with yours Susie. I think about this sort of thing often these days as my own parents are aging and beginning to fail in small ways. Your in-laws are doing a very wonderful thing.

Shawna said...

I am so sorry to hear this, Susie.