We had a friend stop over Wednesday morning followed by a visit from the hospice nurse. The nurse came to draw blood and give Karen some cream (and later some powder) for her rash. Pray that it helps. In the afternoon she was able to ride in the motorized cart at Kroger with the girls (Merilee, Alyson and Angela) helping her shop. Also, Merilee's sister from Indianapolis came and we went to "The Willow" for our evening meal. Our entertainment last night was Merilee's sister playing the beginning of several Christmas songs as we tried to guess them. Lots of fun! Thank you, Kelleen!
In an earlier blog I stated that "Every Day Is A Good Day!". Karen plays a large part in making that true. She has set the bar high for facing death with dignity.
She was very pleased that she could give away some of the outfits she had purchased to wear this year for teaching. One "bargain" sweater still had the tags attached. Karen has always been a very giving person. The prospect of death has not changed that.
There has been much physical discomfort (We would call it PAIN!) for Karen since May 2010. She often remarks that it could be worse and when she compares it to the suffering of Jesus, her Saviour, says it is nothing. Karen has always been very tolerant of her personal health problems. The process of dying has not changed that.
Karen loves her family and is looking forward to having them with her for Christmas. She is diligent in her prayers for each of her children and her husband of 33 years. Knowing she is going to leave us has not changed that.
Before departing for Bethesda North Hospital on Dec. 9th, Karen told Pastor Garren, "Forget the eulogy, just preach the gospel!". "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9. The prayers, cards, letters, notes, blog and facebook comments, phone calls and visits from people are a good indication of the impact Karen has made on our lives and yet she accomplished it with humility. The giving of instruction for her funeral has not changed that.
Thank you, Karen, for making my statement true, "Every Day Is A Good Day!". Death has not changed that.
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May God continue to comfort you all at this time. He is always at your side helping along the way. As I know I have said before...All who follow this journey and pray show what a treasure Karen is to her Lord and Savior and that she, being a faithful and true servant, has found favor in His sight.
ReplyDeleteYour impact on the world has been great not only because you are giving and caring as individuals and as a whole but because you do it in obedience to our Lord.
You are all very very precious to us. We love you and pray for a truly memorable week with all your family.
Love hugs and kisses.
This is an incredible statement of faith! Thank you, Karen!
ReplyDeleteJesus Himself is sustaining Karen as she is walking through what is the most dismal and fearsome path we tread. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me..." Psalm 23:4a
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:16
Karen,
ReplyDeleteI remember playing with you a lot when we were kids and neighbors. I thought we were pretty hot stuff when we got to play in your yard until dark while our parents played cards. :)
I have such good memories as a kid at Rockwell.
My prayer for you is that you have comfort and peace. May God's blessings be with you on your journey, as well.
I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Rose (Fjetland) Walker
Jack and Karen, your continued messages are an inspiration to all of us. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. We wish we could be with you during these "good days" of the Christmas season. Love, Paul and Charleen
ReplyDeleteIt is a good day today just to keep up on what is happening each day. I am thankful for what God has allowed you to do today with the girls. Only in heaven will you know the total story of these days. Thank you for sharing your life and these moments with us. Have a great next few days with the family. I wonder if the celebration of Christmas means something so differant to each of you this year. What hope and joy the celebration of Christmas brings to us. God be with you all.
ReplyDeleteCR & GR in Oshkosh