I've debated whether or not to post anything about this, and after some really encouraging things happened today I decided to share. My family is going through a difficult time right now as we prepare to lose my grandpa. Grandpa Bob took a fall on saturday morning--a fall that has finally done him in. He has fallen many times, but this final fall was his last. He fractured his skull resulting in bleeding in/on the brain. The doctors have not been able to stop the bleeding thus leading to a rather slow passing away. My parents are up in Salem with my grandma right now. What a blessing it is for them to have been able to get away to be there!
After many conversations with my grandma and the doctors, it was decided that the best things for Grandpa Bob would be to move him to what is called comfort care. There he is resting peacefully and is no longer on any medication. He remains on a morphine drip to help ease the pain as his body slowly allows nature to take its course. The doctors expect him to pass within the next day or two. Because of the nature of his accident, he is in a non-responsive state. I cannot imagine the pain my grandmother is in as she sits with him desiring to communicate with him in his last days, but he is not able to do so. I cannot imagine the pain my dad is in as he was able to say goodbye before he passes, but have no response. Today is my dad's birthday, and I'm certain that he didn't plan on spending it beside his father talking with him and remembering life with him all the while, having no actual conversation. I was so encouraged today by our youth pastor, Brian, as he reminded me to take comfort in knowing that our God is a just and righteous God, and he is in control of it all.
The Lord has been so very gracious in all of this! On saturday, my brother Nathan, my husband Nathan and I, and my sister were all with my parents. We had come up to spend the day/weekend with my dad for his birthday--having no idea about the news the Lord would be presenting us with. It was such a blessing to be there with and for my dad as he received this news on Saturday. I don't know what could be sweeter in a time like that than being surrounded by all but 2 of your kids; having all your kids love the Lord; and being able to sit down as a family and approach the throne of God together to lift up one another in the challenge and struggle presented. God's grace was made known once again as we were able to encourage one another through prayer and remind each other of God's faithfulness and sovereignty. How awesome that God knew exactly what would be going on this day, and that we were able to be there with my parents for it.
Lastly, I have found great encouragement in my dear sweet church family. I shared with our sunday school class what was going on and they have been so faithful to pray and check in to see how things are going. I appreciate that so much! This situation was shared Monday morning at the church office, and as all the church staff met together to talk about their weeks, they also spent time praying for my family in this time. Then they were sure to come to me in genuine care and concern and see how I was doing and take interest in how my family is doing. The same thing happened at the Elder meeting on Monday night. Lastly, this morning I received a phone call from my dear sweet friend, Bev. She is the Pastor's wife and I shared this news with her sunday night. She was such a great friend as she held me while I cried... then called me today just to tell me she had been thinking about me and praying for me and my family. And she wanted to know how things were going. This is the essence of the body of Christ, and never before had I felt so genuinely loved and cared about by a church family. Someone even called and offered to pay for a plane ticket for me to fly up. I cannot thank the Lord enough for the church He has so sovereignly placed us in. The events of the last 2 days have been such a tremendous blessing to me and all I can say is our church family has truly been an extension of God's love and comfort. I can see so clearly from them and through them the love of God. Praise Him!!
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