Life has seemed so good for us lately. Jerome and I have reached a new, great level in our relationship. The girls, while still a challenge, daily bring joy and laughter to our home. Our families are doing well. Business is going great. And yet, my heart is hurting for families around us. So many things have happened recently. Things that are the "shouldn't happen to good people" type of things. And it is so hard to see. Our hearts have been heavy, our burden to pray great. I would humbly ask your permission to share a few of their stories, so that you can join us in prayer. Each of these families is truly a treasure, giving so much to our lives. It hurts to see them hurt. Please take some time to pray for these families.
The wife of one of Jerome's co-workers was just diagnosed with breast cancer. They are doing a PET scan today to see whether or not it has spread beyond the breasts, because previous tests have said both yes and no. She is undergoing a full round of chemo, and then will have a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in December. To top it off, their beautiful baby girl, born in December, was just diagnosed with hip dysplasia. She has just been fitted with casts that she will wear until her hips heal correctly.
The husband of one of Jerome's co-workers had a tragic ATV accident this weekend. He was driving, and the vehicle rolled, crushing his hand underneath. They flew him to Denver because his hand was severed. The surgery to reattach his hand was unsuccessful, and they are amputating the hand today.
One of the matriarchs of our church had a heart attack this week. I spoke with one of her (many) daughters today, and she is in intensive care at our local hospital. I have known this woman literally as long as I can remember, and she is probably the last woman I would expect to fall ill. I just saw her on Sunday, gave her a big hug, and got caught up on all her extended family's gossip. She is one of the most active, caring women I have ever met. Needless to say, her family is in shock, and deeply saddened.
The last situation I can barely describe without tears. The mother of one of Katrina's dear friends is deathly ill. In July, at seven and a half months pregnant, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. They delivered the beautiful baby girl early so that they could begin treatments on the mom. There have been numerous complications, and while the baby is healthy, Mom is not. She is extremely dehydrated. On Sunday, the fluids (blocked from hydrating her due to the cancer) backed up into her lungs, causing it to collapse. The surgery to repair her lung has left her on a ventilator and in extreme pain. She is sedated, and will probably not be awakened from this. They are going to take her off of the blood pressure medication this morning. The doctors are anticipating that she will probably be with Jesus by this evening.
We got to see her husband and Katrina's friend at a birthday party a few weeks ago. He was exhausted, but hopeful. He said that she is a fighter, that this battle has only strengthened her faith in God. He has been taking care of a newborn and a six year old, working a full time job to support his family, and spending as much time at the hospital with his beautiful wife as possible. He has extended family surrounding him, but still, his burden is great.
My heart hurts. I saw this beautiful, strong woman not days before she was flown to Denver in July. They had no idea anything was wrong. She was just looking forward to being able to reach her toes again. And, now,unless there is a true miracle, her children will be without a mother by the end of the day. How do you explain death to a six-year-old?
I know full well that I will most likely have to sit down with my baby tomorrow night and try to help her understand why her dear little friend's mommy went to be with Jesus. Katrina is so sensitive - she cried when we told her Nevaeh's mommy was sick, she cried for joy when the baby was born healthy, she cried the first time we saw them back in Durango. I know she will cry tomorrow. So will I. How do you help a six-year-old understand?
Thank you for letting me pour my heart. It is heavy, and it hurts. I don't understand why all this is happening, right now. But I know my God is great. I know my God is good. I know my God is the Ultimate Healer, the Ultimate Physician. And that, above all else, is where we MUST place our trust.
4 comments:
I know exactly what you are feeling. I went to bed last night and didn't sleep for a long time. I was praying for all the families I know who are going through these unimaginable tough times. And I was praying against fear in my own heart. Realizing that tragedy can strike anyone, anywhere and wondering when it was going to be my turn. We know a good God. We may not understand how He works but I trust Him. I prayed that over and over last night. I trust You God. I may not understand but I trust You. So hard. My heart breaks for Alisha and her family. I, too, cry when I think about it. This is going to be a very difficult day.
I am have been praying for this family as well. I just found our 2 days ago that one of my friends from high school died suddenly from a blood clot due to a recent surgery. She left behind an 8 yr old, 4 yr old and a 1 month old. As far as I know she knew Christ, but her family is wrecked by this devastating tragedy.
Over the past year my eyes have been opened up to others who are hurting more than ever before. Jill what you said is right. Not to understand, but to trust. And to reach out with the love of Christ to those hurting. Sorry didn't mean to write a post as a comment. Praying for you today.
Whew... as I type feel your burden to pray Tiffany. I was wondering if there is anything our church might be able to do to help the Daddy and babies who's Mommy is so so sick. We can also pray in Katrina's RT class on Sunday for Katrina and her friend. So much hurt in this world. But the good news... the very good news is that we have an amazing powerful... SO SO loving God that will watch over protect and take care of everyone. As the body of Christ...it is our job to be those hands and feet. YOU Tiffany are an amazing example of this. Call me and let's talk about what we can do as a church to support Katrina's friend's family. Peace sister... lv u, Jen
No words Tiff. Just tears and prayers. God is good. I just know it.
Post a Comment