And so we come to the crossroads.
Many of you know my stepfather broke his hip last week. Surgery happened Saturday and it went well but with his other health problems, complications are mounting. Last night he had a heart attack in the hospital. Today, three doctors told us there is no chance of recovery. He also hasn't eaten, and really hasn't wanted to for weeks. The palliative doctor said that's part of the process when we head to those last days. And the last days could be hours or a few months. We don't know.
And so I spent the day at the hospital with my mother and will head back tonight. Tomorrow she will make some final determinations and I will attempt to help her through the narrow passages. I don't know the way and we are mismatched traveling companions. But for all intents and purposes, I am an only child. I lost my sister years ago and my brother, who is still wounded and embittered by our childhood, hasn't been in anyone's life for years and years. What does that mean? It means I have been pressed into service where, very often, pain abounds. But God is sufficient and nobody knows the ins and outs of all of this like He does. So, I'm not alone. And having been shown mercy by Him, I have to offer it as well.
Thank you, my friends, for your loving comments and emails to me over the last several days. Your support and prayers are much appreciated. Please pray that I walk well and that my stepfather's passing is as painless for him as possible.
___________________________________________________
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
© 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Robynn. This has to be a difficult time for you and your Mother. May our Lord's love enfold you...and His wisdom guide you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jackie
Oh honey I am so sorry. Prayers and big {hugs}
ReplyDeleteKeeping your father in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteOh honey, I'm so sorry you're going through this, but I know that you'll do a wonderful job of helping your mom through those narrow passages. God will be helping your stepfather, so there's nothing for you to do other than be supportive of them both until the end.
ReplyDelete*big hugs and continual prayers*
Katie
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13
My thoughts and prayers reach out to you, your mother, your step-father...your entire family.
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord, in His Wisdom, offer strength, comfort and guidance to you all.
Robynn, I pray that God will hedge about your spirit and buffer you from pain as you attempt to show compassion toward your family. I pray a blessing over you, that you will see His hand working in your life in such a miraculous way that you will say "AH! Father God! There you are!" I pray that the drama that you experience from here on out is the dramatic presence of a Holy and Loving God.
ReplyDeleteAn only child in this? Not hardly, you are God's child.
HUGS!!!
Too many thoughts and not enough words ...except... What a TRULY fine example you are to your children.
ReplyDeleteBless you.
I'm thinking of you and sending hugs to you and yours my Mother had a heart condition and was terminally ill she broke her hip and they had no choice but to do surgery she passed during the surgery we knew this could happen but your never really prepared.(((((Hugging You))))) Darcy
ReplyDeleteBig big hug, Robynn.
ReplyDeleteSending you good vibes and strength to get you through this difficult time.
Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers, dear bloggy friend.
ReplyDeleteI am also very sorry to read this.
ReplyDeleteNot an easy time as I have been there myself.
It is always a great comfort to be able to rely on the Lord's help & support as well as the prayers of other believers. Trusting you will feel that peace that passes all understanding.
Nuts in May
love and peace
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you in this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteBe strong, my beautiful friend.
I'm was up early this morning....and am praying for you. You are on my mind, my friend.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jackie
Keeping you all in my prayers.
ReplyDeletexoxo
I'm so sorry to hear this! Saying a prayer now for you and your family.
ReplyDelete"You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You." Is. 26:3
Prayers and love to you, my friend. May the Lord's love and wisdom guide you through this difficult time. Hugs to you:)
ReplyDeleteYou will do just fine through this, Robynn. You have a big heart and although life sometimes makes it hurt to care, to love, it's also part of our journey to learn compassion here on this planet. As many have said here before me, you are not alone but you know that; we are also here in spirit with you, and God's love doesn't know any boundaries. Thinking of you with much love.
ReplyDeleteAh my dear friend...you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need me you just say the word and I will hop a plane and lend a shoulder.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you in this most difficult time! I am praying for strength and comfort in going forth and peace for all of you. Love to you!
ReplyDeleteI love your description of miss matched traveling companions! I get it in a very deep and profound way!
ReplyDeleteI experienced a nearly similar situation several years ago when my grandmother reached her time of homegoing. It was a bitter sweet time but it was also a very difficult and patience trying experience as well. My miss matched traveling companion and I had to figure out how to travel along the same road.
I will be praying for you during this time. You are ahead of the curve as you have grabbed hold of the unfailing strength that comes for Christ!
Grief and sadness are unavoidable but facing them with Christ at your side brings joy in the morning!
Your Friend
Robin
Prayers and hugs sent your way.
ReplyDelete((((Robynn))) .. may he pass gently in his sleep so no further pain happens to him or to your mom .. xo
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with your stepfather, your mother, you and the rest of your family. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you, Robynn! This is hard on you and hard on those who are making the finale steps. I have been there having lost my best friend and sister because of Cancer. Within months of her death I love my maternal granmother and both my parents. None of this is easy.
ReplyDeleteI have valued your friendship and getting to know you.
We all love you.
Praying for all of you,
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/
Awesome post Robyn you used my all time favorite scripture.
ReplyDeleteMany prayers coming your way.
You are an incredible writer, holding my interest which often drifts. Looking forward to a book one day.
Many Blessings
B.J. Brooks
(Robinson)
I've been there; you can only muddle through and hope for the best. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Robynn.
ReplyDeleteI know it won't be an easy passage but I know you will handle it well.
I admire you for your strength and for your forgiveness. It show great character.
Take care. Good thoughts coming to you from Georgia.
Pam
Sorry to hear of the sorrow and pain you and your family are going through.I will pray for you and your family.I will be thinking of you and keep you in my prayers and my heart.Lot's of hugs
ReplyDeleteKeep on Truckin
Dear Robynn
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear your sad news. Your step-dad is lucky that he has people surrounding him with love as his time to go comes near. Such a hard time for you and your Mum so hugs and prayers to you all,
Joolz
To all my loving, wise, and dear, dear friends here.......
ReplyDeleteI cannot thank you enough for such a compassionate and heartfelt outpouring of care. Your own stories have touched me and I don't know how you've endured some of the hardships you've traveled through.
I will keep you updated when things change. I apologize in advance for my absence in visiting you. When I get a few moments, I will try to post something here or at 30 Day. You are an amazing community of friends. I am exceedingly blessed. Thank you. Truly.
Holding you up in prayer, Robynn. This is hard, but you're in God's hands and He'll carry you through these tough times.
ReplyDeleteI liked your choice of descriptive words--narrow passages. So aptly written!
You and your family are in my thoughts!
ReplyDeleteDearest Robynn, you KNOW you ARE and will continue to be in my prayers today and in the days to come. I wish I could do more to help you carry this...I love you so much!! And since I'm at a loss for words...I will simply send you my love! Janine XO
ReplyDeleteYou're in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteRobynn I am so deeply touched by your words describing your step-father's declining health. I am praying for you and your family and also for him. May his time pass quickly and find him with our Lord in eternity.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your father.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry this is such a painful time for you. It will pass and there is something you'll know afterwards...
*HUGS*