Dear Family and Friends,
It is with broken hearts, but rejoicing spirits that we are posting this evening. Our beautiful mother completed her journey on Saturday morning. As we have all prayed, it was calm, peaceful, and in God's time. We praise Him for His perfect healing.
We have waited to post until we had the arrangements completed. They will be as follows:
Tuesday, Feb. 10: This will be at Gate City United Methodist Church
Visitation from 3:00PM - 7:00PM
Memorial Service: 7:00PM
Wednesday, Feb. 11: Graveside Service at Holston View Cemetery: 11:00AM
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the following:
Scott County Cooperative Ministries
Food Pantry
113 W. Jackson Street
Gate City, VA 24251
OR:
Gate City United Methodist Church
Building Fund
103 E. Walnut Street
Gate City, VA 24251
Our mother was such a compassionate and caring woman. She was always helping others and has taught us the importance of this lesson. Serving Jesus by serving others was her remarkable talent and we know that if you are reading this blog you have experienced this. She had tiny feet but left large shoes for us to fill! We will miss her more than words can express but rejoice in the knowledge that she is walking in the Light.
Our gratitude to each and every one of you is immeasurable. Our family is finding it much easier to cope with this because we are being lifted up by your prayers. Thank you for everything you have done, both big and small. Please keep us in the loop as you go through your daily lives - we love and pray for each of you.
Be strong and faithful in the knowledge that GOD IS GOOD...ALL THE TIME...ALL THE TIME...GOD IS GOOD...
Love,
Roger, Patti & Otis, Luke, Linley, Jack, Laura & Eric
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
February 7, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
Late this afternoon we saw a great decline in our mothers condition. Her breathing became very rapid and shallow. I am actually posting from the nurses station in the hospital - we have befriended the staff and they have graciously allowed me back here. I felt that it was important that we reach out for prayer during this time. Please continue to hold us up as we go through the night. Our hearts are breaking, but there is no pain - only peace. She is comfortable and resting well.
We love you all. I will post as things change.
God is good...All the time... (especially now!)
Love,
Laura
P.S. Diane, thank you so much for the inspiring words. Patti is over my shoulder and we both appreciate you thinking of us.
Late this afternoon we saw a great decline in our mothers condition. Her breathing became very rapid and shallow. I am actually posting from the nurses station in the hospital - we have befriended the staff and they have graciously allowed me back here. I felt that it was important that we reach out for prayer during this time. Please continue to hold us up as we go through the night. Our hearts are breaking, but there is no pain - only peace. She is comfortable and resting well.
We love you all. I will post as things change.
God is good...All the time... (especially now!)
Love,
Laura
P.S. Diane, thank you so much for the inspiring words. Patti is over my shoulder and we both appreciate you thinking of us.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Hi Everyone,
Today Mom had a good day! After a 36 hour nap, she awoke this morning and kept her eyes open most of the day. Dad was able to get a little jello in her, so he had a great day! Today really supported the fact that she has been resting in comfort.
What a tough walk this is - but we know that God is still holding us in His hands.
Thank you for the many kind words and support that we have received in so many ways. Patti and I are constantly reminded of how wonderful our mother truly is (Dad too, but we don't want him to get the big head!). We love to hear funny and touching stories of how she did something small, yet a great impact was made. She really just wanted to help others and minister through her talents.
On a different note, those of you who have visited the hospital have probably had the joy of meeting our dear friends Carol and Allen. We love them dearly and have been able to lean on them so heavily. Happy Birthday, Allen!
May God give each of you peace and guidance today and every day. God is good...All the time....
Love,
Laura
P.S. - Liz, thanks for your email! I got it!
Today Mom had a good day! After a 36 hour nap, she awoke this morning and kept her eyes open most of the day. Dad was able to get a little jello in her, so he had a great day! Today really supported the fact that she has been resting in comfort.
What a tough walk this is - but we know that God is still holding us in His hands.
Thank you for the many kind words and support that we have received in so many ways. Patti and I are constantly reminded of how wonderful our mother truly is (Dad too, but we don't want him to get the big head!). We love to hear funny and touching stories of how she did something small, yet a great impact was made. She really just wanted to help others and minister through her talents.
On a different note, those of you who have visited the hospital have probably had the joy of meeting our dear friends Carol and Allen. We love them dearly and have been able to lean on them so heavily. Happy Birthday, Allen!
May God give each of you peace and guidance today and every day. God is good...All the time....
Love,
Laura
P.S. - Liz, thanks for your email! I got it!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Tuesday, February 3,2009
Hi Everyone,
After figuring out some medical challenges we were able to help mom rest much easier today. Her aggitation was greatly reduced and she slept all day. It was a very peaceful rest that made us feel much better about her comfort, but we were not really able to judge her condition.
It is bitter cold and snowy here - we hope this finds you all safe and warm on this wintry night. We had a brief celebration of dad's birthday today. I won't tell you how old he is, but we think he looks pretty good for an old man!
God is good...All the time...
Love,
Laura
After figuring out some medical challenges we were able to help mom rest much easier today. Her aggitation was greatly reduced and she slept all day. It was a very peaceful rest that made us feel much better about her comfort, but we were not really able to judge her condition.
It is bitter cold and snowy here - we hope this finds you all safe and warm on this wintry night. We had a brief celebration of dad's birthday today. I won't tell you how old he is, but we think he looks pretty good for an old man!
God is good...All the time...
Love,
Laura
Monday, February 2, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Hello Everyone,
Today was a very tough day for us. We continue to see neurological and physical changes in our mother that are heartbreaking. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers. As I mentioned yesterday, somedays we really have to open our eyes to see the joy that we know is all around us. Today was one of those days for me.
Edie, thank you for your kind words. They have given me comfort when I really needed it. Today was tough.
But I can not end this blog on a negative - my dad (and my mom!) would not want that. We continue to sing, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." and lift up our verse, "This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." There is so much power and healing in these few words. May God shine his face upon each and every one of you.
God is good...All the time...
Love,
Laura
Today was a very tough day for us. We continue to see neurological and physical changes in our mother that are heartbreaking. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers. As I mentioned yesterday, somedays we really have to open our eyes to see the joy that we know is all around us. Today was one of those days for me.
Edie, thank you for your kind words. They have given me comfort when I really needed it. Today was tough.
But I can not end this blog on a negative - my dad (and my mom!) would not want that. We continue to sing, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." and lift up our verse, "This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." There is so much power and healing in these few words. May God shine his face upon each and every one of you.
God is good...All the time...
Love,
Laura
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
I am finding it a little discouraging to sit down and post tonight. We have seen some definite neurological changes in Mom this weekend and it can be a little tough to find joy sometimes. She is still fighting - but who is surprised? As Dad would say, she is tough as a pine knot. We are so blessed to be able to witness her faith and strength, but that does not necessarily make this journey any easier.
Although we have had some struggles this weekend, there are some definite praises and miracles: Debbie Keith was able to walk down the hall to Mom's room and speak to her. They are such dear friends and we know that Mom recognized Debbie's voice. We have also been able to reach out to many of the other tired and struggling families on this floor who are going through similar challenges. There is comfort in being able to share our story (and our food!) with others who just need someone to talk to.
I will try to keep you updated as I can. Thank you for all of the love and support that we continue to receive. We can truly feel the presence of the Lord with us through your prayers.
God is Good...All the time... (even as we walk through the valleys!)
Love,
Laura
I am finding it a little discouraging to sit down and post tonight. We have seen some definite neurological changes in Mom this weekend and it can be a little tough to find joy sometimes. She is still fighting - but who is surprised? As Dad would say, she is tough as a pine knot. We are so blessed to be able to witness her faith and strength, but that does not necessarily make this journey any easier.
Although we have had some struggles this weekend, there are some definite praises and miracles: Debbie Keith was able to walk down the hall to Mom's room and speak to her. They are such dear friends and we know that Mom recognized Debbie's voice. We have also been able to reach out to many of the other tired and struggling families on this floor who are going through similar challenges. There is comfort in being able to share our story (and our food!) with others who just need someone to talk to.
I will try to keep you updated as I can. Thank you for all of the love and support that we continue to receive. We can truly feel the presence of the Lord with us through your prayers.
God is Good...All the time... (even as we walk through the valleys!)
Love,
Laura
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Just a quick note. Mom's condition is about the same. She has moments of clarity and seems to enjoy when there is laughter in the room, but does not like the bright lights and external noise that are expected in hospitals. We try to be very sensitive to her reactions and keep her resting as best we can. We still believe she is pain free, and know we are blessed to be able to say that.
Keep us on your prayer list. We know that we have learned more than we had ever hoped about this crazy journey that is cancer. We have known others who have walked this path, and now that we are here it is an unbelievable roller coaster. I guess I never knew the specific struggles that are involved with this disease. We have been blessed to see our mother face these daily challenges with the armor of God on her side. Her strength, determination, faith, and courage keep us motivated and smiling.
God is good...All the time...
Love,
Laura
Keep us on your prayer list. We know that we have learned more than we had ever hoped about this crazy journey that is cancer. We have known others who have walked this path, and now that we are here it is an unbelievable roller coaster. I guess I never knew the specific struggles that are involved with this disease. We have been blessed to see our mother face these daily challenges with the armor of God on her side. Her strength, determination, faith, and courage keep us motivated and smiling.
God is good...All the time...
Love,
Laura
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