Well, it's just been a crappy day. Bad news about Val, and I had to say goodbye to Jenny in person- they leave for AZ in a couple days. I am not a crier, but I am about ready to weep a big puddle.
How do you decide when to take a person off life support? I don't expect an answer for that, but just something that has been going through my mind all day. Val responds to commands by blinking. She made it known today (by blinking 3 times for yes) that she would want to be rescusitated (I am too tired to look up the correct spelling, sorry) if her heart stopped working. My mother-in-law, affectionately known as Maude, is basically the big decision maker. Her baby sister is laying in a hospital bed looking at her. I just can't imagine.
I would like a response, though, for this question...
What are your favorite bible verses that you would turn to in times like these?
11 comments:
Kara, I'm here crying with you. Go ahead. Let it all out. I love you!
A couple of my favorites. I hope they help.
Isa. 43:1-3
Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name. You are MINE. When you pass through the waters I will be with you, when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned: the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your GOD the Holy One of Israel your Saviour.
You're not alone. Val is not alone. Maude is not alone.
Matthew 6:25-34
He cares even for the bird and flowers, how much more He cares for you. (and Val)
I'm praying you feel the comfort and wisdom of our God.
Oh Kara, What difficult decisions modern medicine can create. I am praying.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:2-5)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God
I know...I made that heart-wrenching decision and know that I made the right decision. I could never explain to anyone how my thoughts were on that day, but I never felt alone. Praise God. I felt Him throughout that long day and I know that I did not walk alone at all. Maude will make the right decision and she will just know. Val is not alone either, nor are any of you.
I thought of David during my times of despair without parents. One verse that comes to mind is Psalm 62:5-8. Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
I am praying for you and Casey's family. The days ahead may be tough but if you need some time to run up to the hospital, please let us know. I can watch the kids or whatever.
Wow, what a difficult situation. I'm so sorry. I really found comfort this year in Phil 1, which Paul wrote as he was facing the possibility of his own death. Whether facing death or even whether God chooses to heal, it is such a sweet reminder that to be with Christ is all of our ultimate destination and that is where our hope lies. Eventually death will touch us all, but Jesus took the sting out of death and it is just a temporary parting.
Thank you friends. I'll make sure Laurie reads these. I know she will be thankful, too. My Laurie is a tough old gal and she is really carrying the family right now I think.
Just to say we are praying for your entire family. There is such awesome power in prayer. I second Laura's scripture suggestion. (Phillipians 4:6)
The hymn "Be not afraid" is always very comforting.
Betsy
Kara, I cannot provide you with the comfort of my favorite bible versus in a time like this to provide comfort...however, I do believe that if a person is cognitively competent enough to blink 3 times in order to communicate she wishes to LIVE, it's NOT time to turn off the life support. Maude, Laurie, you, Casey and your families are all in my prayers...love to you all,
brandi jo
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
(Close is my favorite word in this verse.)
Look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always.
Psalm 105:4
(It's through his strength you will all make it.)
I will continue to pray for the family. ~Cathy
Brandi Jo- Thank you, I'm sure that's what Maude is thinking.
I don't know much about strokes, but hers was the worst kind you could have, it happened in the brain stem. She responds to painful stimuli in her upper extremities, but no response on the lowers. Laurie said Val will have tears in her eyes when they talk about certain things... she has trapped in syndrome I guess, she sure does know what is going on.
wow kara, I'll be praying for your family. I'm so sorry.
Beside Still Waters by Charles Spurgeon is a wonderful little book with daily scripture based reading for someone walking through hard times.
Kara and Casey - Thanks for the updates on Aunt Val. Sarah had emailed me first and then I checked your blogs. Marcia has a huge responsibility. At least for now Val can respond and indicate what she wants. Please keep us all updated. Thanks.
From Gary's cousins Al & Ellen in Georgia
Post a Comment