| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Dec 15 2013 : 5:32:10 PM
Hi girls -
Received the most heartbreaking phone call tonight. One of my dearest friend's mother who has been suffering with Alzheimer's had a massive stroke this morning. She is completely paralyzed on the left side, cannot see well at all, cannot communicate... So, so sad. She has put forth her directives to include DNR as well as no life support, so the family had to make decisions today concerning comfort measures to take as her mother's health declines. My girlfriend is beside herself, watching her mother die slowly, not being able to hear her voice or her laughter ever again, not being able to do anything to help make things better for her. Her mom is able to hold hands, but it is quite evident she doesn't recognize people. She also seems to be very much aware that something is wrong - has a "deer in the headlights" look in her eyes - but cannot communicate to ask questions or describe her own needs. The doctors have said that for now she is not in any pain, however as things progress, there will be a lot of swelling at which point she will suffer without medication, therefore they will definitely give her what she needs when the time comes. Tomorrow there will be a team coming in to assess her, but my friend said that there really isn't anything more they can do than to slowly watch her mother die. My poor, sweet girlfriend is falling apart at the seams... She just lost her dad two years ago, and he was her rock. She misses him like crazy, but at least, she says, he went quickly. Watching her mother suffer like this is killing her. She asked that anyone willing to pray please pray for her mother to have a quick and peaceful passing. I am also asking that you will pray that the Lord be with my dear friend at this time.
Thank you so much for your prayers. You all are just the best.
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| nndairy |
Posted - Dec 28 2013 : 11:58:58 AM
What a blessing you are to your friend Nini! I will continue to pray for Laura in this difficult time.
Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
http://nndairy.blogspot.com/
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| Ninibini |
Posted - Dec 28 2013 : 07:37:52 AM
Thank you, girls... And thank you especially, Lori, for the awesome prayer! Awesome!
My husband and I spent some time with Laura last night. When we got there, she just looked like the life was sucked out of her. We sat down and listened, reminisced, laughed, looked at pictures... It was such a good thing. By the time we left, the color had come back into her cheeks, the dark circles had subsided and she glowed with this amazing look of relief. I think sometimes the best thing we can do for those who are hurting is to just sit with them so they're not alone. Even if they're not alone, they can still feel very alone in their suffering. At times like this, the best thing to do is to just literally be there. She said right now they all just have such a sense of relief that it is over... Watching her Mom's slow passing, knowing she would never hear her laugh or see the clear light in her eyes again was absolutely agonizing. In her final days, Joan did respond to questions by lifting her hand, but in the last couple of days she just slept. Her passing was peaceful and serene, and they all know that she is now with her Lord, her husband, her parents... everyone. That gives them such comfort, truly. Laura said they have spent the last almost two weeks grieving, but now they are determined to stay focused on celebrating Joan's life - her love, her laughter (oh, how she LOVED to laugh!), her warmth, her joy... all the wonderful that she was - and still is now, only better! - and how blessed they are because of her. It's funny, but after Laura's father died, many "odd" things happened to let them know her dad was still with them and joyfully alive with the Lord. The same is already starting to happen with Joan. It's amazing.. It's so true: the love? It NEVER dies...
Have a blessed day! And thank you so much again for all your prayers and uplifting my dear friend, her mother and her family during this most painful and difficult time. You all are just the best. Wonderful. I'm so, so grateful to have you in my life!
Hugs and love,
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| crafter |
Posted - Dec 28 2013 : 04:48:50 AM
Dear Loving and Precious Lord, I love you Lord!! I lift up Laura and her family today, please wrap Your loving arms around them, grant them the strength to grieve for their beloved mother Lord and to treasure all of their precious memories. We know that Joan is safe with you in heaven- with no more pain and whole once again. Lord, our hearts break for our friend Laura and her family for the loss of their dear mother. You know it is very difficult to let go, please grant this dear family peace and love that only You will provide.
Lord, I pray all of this in Your name....Amen
God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy and undying love.
We are here to love each other, serve each other and uplift each other. |
| laurentany |
Posted - Dec 27 2013 : 7:55:12 PM
Prayers for comfort and understanding during this difficult time for Laura and her family.
God Bless,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
View my New Blog:
http://simplesuburbanpleasures.blogspot.com
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.
~Robert Louis Stevenson |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Dec 27 2013 : 3:00:09 PM
Thank you so much, girls. Joan passed peacefully in her sleep this afternoon. Laura and the family are deep in grief over their loss, for Joan was quite a wonderful woman, but they are also very grateful to have been able to spend Christmas by her side, and that Joan is no longer suffering. She's with the Lord now, healthy, happy and whole, enjoying eternity with her beloved husband! Thank you SO, so much for all of your prayers and well-wishes. I am sure that they have been a great help in easing these last days for everyone.
Hugs and love -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| hudsonsinaf |
Posted - Dec 27 2013 : 1:53:22 PM
Nini - Sending up prayers for your friend, for her family, and for you!
~ Shannon
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
| nndairy |
Posted - Dec 27 2013 : 12:10:03 PM
Nini,
I wish there was a way to ease her pain too. I will continue to pray for your friend, her mother, and the entire family.
Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
http://nndairy.blogspot.com/
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| Ninibini |
Posted - Dec 27 2013 : 10:37:01 AM
Thanks, Connie - so much! :)
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Killarney |
Posted - Dec 27 2013 : 09:32:35 AM
Nini, I sure will!
Connie
Imagine....#3392 |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Dec 27 2013 : 09:26:29 AM
Hi girls -
Will you please say extra prayers for my friend and her loved ones today? She just emailed. Her Mom is slipping away and is no longer responsive. The trauma of the situation is really taking its toll on the entire family, but my friend, especially, is suffering deeply emotionally as well as physically with pain and nausea. She can't sleep or eat. She is watching her mother die, and it's killing her. Thankfully her boss has given her some time off to be there with her mother; she is grateful. I'm sure it is in the back of her mind, though, that the pay loss is going to be overwhelming once this is over and she face the bills... Ugh... The things we have to deal with in the midst of having our lives crash down around us... She commented how her mother is such a strong-hearted woman; she is her mother's daughter, to be sure. It's so hard because no matter what I try to do and no matter what words I may say, I know nothing can comfort her or make things better. She just has to go through this horribly painful thing. They all do. No matter how helpless the rest of us feel in times like this, we know that we always have recourse in God and through prayer. So, please, today, especially, lift my friend Laura, her mother Joan, and all of their loved ones up in prayer to help them through.
Thank you so much - God bless you all, too!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Ninibini |
Posted - Dec 19 2013 : 10:05:51 AM
Thank you, girls...
Denise, you're so right - Hospice is amazing. Thank you for reminding me of that! :)
Hugs
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Denise Ann |
Posted - Dec 19 2013 : 04:17:39 AM
Nini,
Your friend and her mom are in my thoughts and prayers. Hospice will make sure your friends mom is comfortable and will provide much support for your friend. God bless them for the loving care they provide. Thinking of you and your friend.
Denise |
| marlee |
Posted - Dec 18 2013 : 5:01:18 PM
Nini I am praying for your friend and her dear mother. My mother, uncle and grandmother all passed from Alheimer's. So I know what she is going through. I have them in my hearts and will continue to pray for them.
Hugs Marlee
God is the painter, he paints the picture. And his son builds it, for he is the Master Carpenter!
Silly Boys Trucks Are For Girls |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Dec 18 2013 : 10:06:29 AM
Thanks girls...
My girlfriend's mother has been transferred to a skilled nursing facility that has hospice care. She IS responding to voices and can "yes or no things," but this does not change the situation at all. I do not understand at all why they are not feeding her or anything like that when she is responding, but I can't bring myself to ask. This is so traumatizing for everyone, I don't want to upset my girlfriend any more than she already is. I do trust the doctors know what they are doing - it just doesn't make sense to me at all. So, again, we're just waiting - it's just a matter of time. How absolutely heartbreaking.
In the midst of all of this, my brother-in-law's father passed Monday. They aren't having any services, per his wishes. Thankfully he was able to say goodbye to everyone he loves before he left us. My brother-in-law is throwing himself into his work, but is just having such a hard time of it. Please say prayers for him and his family as well.
You know, this is the second passing since Thanksgiving in our family (hubby's side) where they are not holding any type of service - church or memorial or anything. I have never heard of such a thing before... Does anyone know what is the proper thing to do for the family left behind? It just feels to me like there is no closure, and there are so many people who are just aching... It's as if everyone has just scattered and are in their own corners mourning. It's so painful to me without the fellowship and sharing of happy memories..
Thanks so much for your prayers, girls. It really is shaping up to be a doozie of a holiday, I'll tell you...
Love and hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Calicogirl |
Posted - Dec 17 2013 : 7:06:15 PM
Nini,
I did see that Katelyn's surgery was postponed. I didn't realize that it was after the holidays.
I am sorry that all of your loved ones are having very difficult and trying times.
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
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| prariehawk |
Posted - Dec 17 2013 : 3:55:40 PM
I'm praying. the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas always seems like a time when people pass into the next world. Don't know why that is, but it sure seems that way. Praying for a peaceful passage and comfort for your friend. It seems to me--and this may just be my imagination--that the presence of the Holy Spirit is especially felt this season, what with all that's wrong with the world. Despite all that's wrong, SOMETHING just feels so right. The Light still shines.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
| laurentany |
Posted - Dec 17 2013 : 10:43:51 AM
Nini,
Sending prayer for peace and comfort for your friend and her mom and family.
Hugs,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
View my New Blog:
http://simplesuburbanpleasures.blogspot.com
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.
~Robert Louis Stevenson |
| nubidane |
Posted - Dec 16 2013 : 6:15:26 PM
Prayers Nini..
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
| hudsonsinaf |
Posted - Dec 16 2013 : 5:36:01 PM
Wow! I am so very very sorry!!!! Will definitely be praying for your friend, her mother, and for you as well. (((hugs)))! |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Dec 16 2013 : 4:27:57 PM
Oh! I'm sorry, Sharon! I think I did post, but you may have missed it. Katelyn's sugar was waaaay out of control so they couldn't do the surgery. Stress can wreak havoc with a diabetic, especially at her age. They have postponed it until after the holidays. Her mom said when it's time to do the surgery they will give her something to control the glucose. Katelyn was really upset on one hand, and yet super thrilled on the other that she would get to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas rather than be recovering and enduring physical therapy. All is well for now, but rest assured, I'll be asking prayers for her again when it's time! :)
No word from my girlfriend... I'm sure they're all at the hospital by her Mom's side. Thank you all so much again for your prayers.
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Calicogirl |
Posted - Dec 16 2013 : 2:10:07 PM
Oh gosh Nini! I am so sorry! I just saw this. I am praying that it would be the Lord's will to completely heal your friend's mother. If He chooses not to, I am praying for a peaceful passing for her and of course for comfort, strength and peace for your friend. I am so sorry.
Have you heard anything regarding Katelyn? Did I miss a post? I am keeping her in prayer too.
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
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| Ninibini |
Posted - Dec 16 2013 : 08:42:03 AM
Oh, I know... this is just so horrible, Lori... Thank you..
My girlfriend just stopped by for a minute when the hospital called. Her mother is no longer responsive and sleeping peacefully. They said this is definitely end stage, it is just a matter of time. They said usually the patient can last from two to four weeks, but four weeks is really pushing it, more likely it will be much sooner. As I'm sure you are thinking, this is a blessing - she will sleep and dream beautiful dreams until she walks into eternity with our Lord. Right now, they are looking for a hospice placement for her instead of having her return to the nursing home.
My girlfriend is holding strong, but I started to cry, which made her start to cry. Thankfully my son knew to wrap his arms around her and give her his best godson hug. That gave her much strength. She has not had much sleep and has a full day of travel, phone calls and consultations. Please continue to lift her up in your prayers.
Thanks so much, girls - I really do appreciate your prayers.
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| crafter |
Posted - Dec 16 2013 : 06:00:20 AM
Nini,
I have your dear friend and her mom in my prayers. It is so hard to watch them waste away- oh- how my heart breaks for them. I pray that our Precious Lord wraps his loving arms around this dear family and gives them strength and peace.
Lori
God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy and undying love.
We are here to love each other, serve each other and uplift each other. |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Dec 16 2013 : 03:22:34 AM
Thank you so much, girls. This is such a difficult thing. Your prayers mean everything. Thank you so much for lifting them up! Hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Killarney |
Posted - Dec 15 2013 : 8:54:34 PM
Nini, that is so heartbreaking, I will add them to my prayer list!
Connie
Imagine....#3392 |
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