Wednesday, December 1, 2010

A Different Direction

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We had a quiet one with just me, Michael, Andrea, Danny and Danny's girlfriend. The turkey's still not gone, which Sophie thinks is wonderful. (Never seen a kitten eat like her!)

The biggest news concerns Michael. He accepted Jesus on Saturday! Words cannot express how much of a burden has been lifted with that faith statement. His eldest daughter, Leah, wrote him a heartfelt letter in which she told him to read specific sections of the Bible. I read them out loud to him and then asked the question, "Do you believe?" after reading. After all these years, I expected to hear the same old stock answer from him. But prayers have worked, my friends. Don't ever doubt that!!!!

In the health area: worse. He felt so poorly by Saturday night he wanted me to admit him to the in-patient unit at Hospice. I told him, let's wait until tomorrow to see how you feel. Fortunately, he did feel better. Unfortunately, I told Leah about it via an e-mail. She phoned after church and couldn't stop crying the entire time we talked. The last few days have been OK for Michael: sleeping a lot, very little physical activity. It's tough for him to even talk on the phone. His hospice nurse explained that he's maxed out on the oxygen - any more would be useless since his lungs aren't capable of processing the exchange. I asked the nurse last Wednesday if she thought his lungs were worse and she said decidedly so. I was quiet for a few seconds and she continued, "I don't know how much longer he has."

I know many of you believe in and pray to our God consistently. Pray for a quick and painless change for Michael from this life into God's loving arms. Both he and I pray for that. I know it's a different direction, but it's what we think is best for Michael.

There are times I want to go into my sewing room, shut the door and not leave. Sewing is my daily therapy, time permitting. The kittens have discovered how much they can get into in that room, so many times I have to "enforce" the rules mid-seam. Believe it or not, work has been good therapy for me as well. It's a different type of lunacy and my girlfriends at the office are extremely supportive.

It's difficult to even think about Christmas shopping (Usually have most of it done by now.) Andrea and I are going to decorate the house after the cleaning lady does her work on Friday. It'll give Milly and Sophie something else to destroy other than my batting pile!

Love ya,
Cathy

4 comments:

Cindy said...

Please remember that I am always here for you and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

BitnByAQuiltingBug said...

I know that during this difficult time, it sounds odd to say "what wonderful news", but your husbands' accepting Christ is just that...wonderful news. It must feel like a weight lifted off your shoulders and will, no doubt, give him some peace. Please know that I'll continue to keep you all in my prayers.

Moneik said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Knowing that he has accepted Christ into his life must feel like such a huge burden has been lifted. Thinking of you often and praying for you daily. Hugs.

Linda said...

I am so glad that Michael accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior. What a sense of peace it must bring you. So many of us have been raising you, him and Andrea up. I do pray for a peaceful transition. I saw this happen with my brother when he was dying of colon cancer. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is tell the person that it's okay to let go. Thank you for keeping the faith, Cathy. Love you!