From Jeff’s Caringbridge site:
On Monday, Jeff was extremely agitated. He had been awake since 5 am on Sunday with no naps, very restless and having trouble finishing sentences. The meds we had on hand were not able to relax his state of mind at all, so the doctor called in Thorazine. He finally fell asleep after 8 pm on Monday. He's been unable to really communicate since then. He cannot swallow without choking and all the fluid his body was retaining is going to his lungs which makes his breathing sound awful.
The doctor came to see him yesterday and told us it won't be long now. We are giving his medications through two ports that are just under his skin. And he has a patch to help dry up some of the excess fluid in his lungs I know you probably have questions that I haven't thought to address here. I apologize for that. It's so hard to know how much information is too much or not enough.
We know he can still hear us, as his eyes flutter when we talk. He smiles when we say "I love you." So please feel free to continue writing messages to him, and I will read them.
We declared last night to be our "Christmas Eve." One of Jeff's family's traditions growing up was to open a gift on Christmas Eve. I am a purist and always thought we should wait until Christmas morning. (Partly because I'm one of those silly people who is still wrapping after the kids go to bed on Christmas Eve.) Last year, I finally gave in and we announced the beginning of the "One-gift-on-Christmas-Eve" tradition. When I told Jeff's doctor how much Henry was hoping Daddy would make it until Christmas, he said "Christmas is a season, not just a day." So when Henry asked again if Daddy would make it until Christmas, I decided we should just make last night our "Christmas Eve." And don't you know, they got two gifts out of it instead of one. :)
I know there's no good time to lose a loved one, but Christmas seems to be an especially hard time for this to be happening. Please pray for a swift and peaceful passing. And continue to pray for our family as we make our way through this unfamiliar territory.
19 comments:
I have no words, Adrienne, but I have tears and prayers to offer. I wish I were nearby; I would wrap you in a hug. Praying that you can feel the love of God wrapping you like a blanket, and that He will guide you on this impossible journey. I love you, friend...
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Oh my sweet Adrienne....I am so very very sorry. I am praying my HEART out here!
I loved how you said that Christmas is a season. I hope your time together on your Christmas Eve was magical. Enjoy your time and know that I am praying comfort and PEACE for you all.
This was the passage I read over my oldest son's best friend's bedside just before he passed:
from Isaiah 43:
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That's how much you mean to me!
That's how much I love you!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.
"So don't be afraid: I'm with you."
Adrienne, I have no words. I sit here with tears streaming down my face. I send out so many prayers for you and the family. (((HUGS))) I wish I knew the right thing to say, but I don't. Therefore, I'll just say prayers and send you love and thoughts.
Adrienne, any words seem empty at this time, but please know that we will all be praying fervently for your family. Psalm 23
I have posted with on my blog, asking for further prayers for Jeff and your family. You are in our prayers.
Praying so hard for you and your family right now. Love you so much and my heart is breaking that this is happening to you. :(
Oh Adrienne, No time is a good time --but this season is one of the hardest... You all were so smart to have your Christmas while Jeff was still alive. That was good--not only for you and Jeff, but especially for the children. May God Bless ALL of YOU.
I wish I had words to help you --but I find myself crying my heart out for you and your family... I know that you want to see Jeff pain-free --and once he is with God, he will be totally at peace. I know you know that --but that doesn't make it easy. We as humans left on this earth, do miss our loved ones when they go to be with God. That's just normal.
My love and prayers are with you, Adrienne...
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
May the Peace of God remain with you.
Much Love,
Betsy
Oh Lord wrap your arms around this family.
Adrienne, I don't know you at all, but will pray for peace and comfort. There are just now words...
Praying for you and your family Adrienne.
So many from all over are right with you praying Adrienne including me. I hope you all are finding peace and comfort knowing Jeff will no longer be suffering soon. Hugs and prayers always to you!
I will certainly be praying for all of you, and that there will be peace. Please feel God's arms wrapped around you - I know He is there!
Adrienne, I went through this as a teenager with my stepfather and I vividly remember what you are describing. I am praying for you and your children, may you have some peace in this difficult time.
Adrienne, I went through this as a teenager with my stepfather and I vividly remember what you are describing. I am praying for you and your children, may you have some peace in this difficult time.
Dear Adrienne,
I will be praying for your family. I lost my dad to cancer when I was 14, but I still carry such wonderful memories of him. Christmas is a very difficult time to lose a loved one. I will pray that the Hope of the birth of our Savior fills you, your family, and Jeff with His peace.
After reading what you wrote I closed my eyes and prayed, Lord please give me something special.
All I got was the hymn.
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth with look strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
You will find this on You-tube.
Much love to you all.
Crystal Mary
Adrienne, my heart goes out to you.
I'm glad you celebrated Christmas. Last November during the last week of my Mom's earthly life, I played Christmas music all the time. It was peaceful and I guess I just didn't want to miss celebrating Christmas with her one more time. In Advent we prepare for Christ's return to take us home; so in a way, what better time to go home to be with Jesus.
I pray that our Heavenly Father will hold your whole family in his arms right now, and that the peace of the Christ Child will fill your hearts.
With love and prayers.....Janice
Prayers for Jeff and you and your family and friends coming your way at full power!
When someone I love passes, I sing them Happy Birthday (privately). May the celebration of Jesus' entrance into this life be the Light Jeff sees and for you to follow.
I am humbled by your vulnerability and your openness with your story. Believe me when I say your story is making a difference in my own weak faith. Thank you. And thank you, Jeff.
Crying and praying for you and your family, Adrienne. I haven't experienced what you are going through, but our family has been going through extremely difficult circumstances this year, and it's been so incredibly hard, BUT God really is sufficient. I know, without a doubt, your faith and the One it's in will somehow bring you through all of this. God is SO good all the time. Wish I could give you all a hug.
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