My sister had to put their dog to sleep yesterday. "Precious" had turned 13-years-old the day before the attack. Three weeks later, she seemed to be doing well. Just this Sunday, Traci had told me they were going to quit spoiling her quite so much because of how well she was doing and the amount of time that had passed. Yesterday morning, Traci woke up to find Precious vomiting and having uncontrollable diarrhea. The veterinarian said all her organs were failing.
There is a lot of sadness in their home. The kids are trying to cope with the loss of their pet. At the same time, they're trying to keep perspective. They were able to give Precious a lot of extra love and attention that they may not have given her prior to the attack.
Precious was an older dog and was having health problems before they took her back from Mom and Dad. For a year, they were able to love her and experience the gift God gives us in animals.
Traci and Sabrina gave Precious a grave in my parents' back yard. Mom was able to direct them over the phone right next to the graves for our three dogs from childhood. Cassandra made a cross to place on the grave. You could say it's the end of an era. Precious was a pup of our childhood dogs and now they all have a spot in the backyard they enjoyed running around in so much.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Question Answered
We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. – 1 John 3:16
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13
I previously shared that I was asked the question, “When you say the words ‘I love you’, what do you mean?” After pondering this question for some time, I gave my definition of to the inquirer.
Love is sacrifice. “I love you,” says you mean more to me than myself. God is love. Therefore, when I say, “I love you,” I am telling you that God’s love flows through me for you. I want what is best for you. When you hurt, I hurt. I want to experience life with you.
I think the key to this conversation with my inquirer is found in 1 John 3:18.
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
We must back up our words with our actions. If not, our words become cheap. It is so easy to throw around the words “I love you”. The important thing is that there be sincerity in our words (Romans 12:9).
I have learned to say these three little words more often to the people I cherish. I trust that my actions support my words.
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13
I previously shared that I was asked the question, “When you say the words ‘I love you’, what do you mean?” After pondering this question for some time, I gave my definition of to the inquirer.
Love is sacrifice. “I love you,” says you mean more to me than myself. God is love. Therefore, when I say, “I love you,” I am telling you that God’s love flows through me for you. I want what is best for you. When you hurt, I hurt. I want to experience life with you.
I think the key to this conversation with my inquirer is found in 1 John 3:18.
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
We must back up our words with our actions. If not, our words become cheap. It is so easy to throw around the words “I love you”. The important thing is that there be sincerity in our words (Romans 12:9).
I have learned to say these three little words more often to the people I cherish. I trust that my actions support my words.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Dad Update 12-3-07
Dad is still in the same condition: weak and unable to catch his breath. However, he is able to rest. The doctors are growing cultures to see if there is any infection. Those will take a couple of days to get results. Today, dad's hemoglobin counts are low. There is concern that he may have internal bleeding. Tests will be done to determine if there is anything internal they cannot see. He had a platelett transfusion yesterday and will receive blood today. His vitals are all normal and the prayer is that doctors will be able to determine what is wrong so they can get him fighting through this again. Mom told me to read Psalm 4 last night before going to bed. Instead, I'm reading it this morning.
Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. -- Psalm 4
Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. -- Psalm 4
Sunday, December 2, 2007
911
Dad called last week and asked if there was a time that all of my siblings could get together with him to talk. We scheduled that time for this morning. A couple of days ago Mom called and informed me that Dad was really hoping for some specific doughnuts that he’s only been able to find here in Joliet. This morning, I picked them up to take along for our time together. Mom had put a turkey in the oven at Dad’s previous request as he never was able to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner.
Dad has been having a difficult time catching his breath lately. He also has been having some issues with his stomach and/or intestines, which has been creating some problems. Despite all of this, he was still wanting his family to come over today for some conversation.
I walked in the door with Nikelle. (Jaycie needed to spend the day at Rod’s parents because she came down with a bad cough and I didn’t want to risk exposing Dad to those germs. Rod received a call from work as we were walking out of our door this morning and had to take care of some technical problems before he could join us.) Dad was sitting on the couch trying to catch his breath from walking up a flight of stairs. My brother, sister-in-law and nephew were upstairs already. Shortly after I pulled in the driveway, my other brother, my sister and their families arrived as well.
Dad decided to challenge himself to conquer another flight of stairs to sit in the dining room rather than remain in the family room. He did it but could not catch his breath after that point. He informed us that he could hear what we were saying although he wasn’t able to respond much. We did have a little bit of conversation where he could answer me here and there. He also managed to eat a doughnut or two before the commotion began.
Knowing he needed to use the bathroom before the home nurse arrived, he was accompanied by my mom and oldest brother down the stairs. When he reached the bathroom (after two flights of stairs), he practically passed out. This is where he succumbed to the fact that he couldn’t get himself feeling better today. My brothers brought down a dining room chair so they could carry him back up to the sofa.
Dad was cold and clammy. He was sweating profusely and was really looking like a cancer patient at that moment. The sight of my Dad wrapped up in blankets on the sofa; skinny and frail was not an easy picture to accept. My sister-in-law, Fiona, took his pulse. It was strong. Mom took his temperature, which was quite a bit below normal. After a telephone conversation with the home nurse, mom prepared the suitcase for the hospital.
The nurse walked in and immediately called the doctor. They recommended calling 911 and getting Dad to the nearest emergency room. There was so much frenzy as we tried to convince the nurse that Dad needed to go to Loyola and we would drive him. We all did what we thought needed to be done in order to help. Dad just couldn’t do it. We conceded and the ambulance was on its way.
Dad kept saying over and over again, “I’m going to die.” We all surrounded him and assured him we loved him. He told us, “You need to let me go.” We assured him that he was free to go if that was what God allowed. Dad could not calm himself down. He just kept crying and saying, “I’m sorry.” Mom looked at us and said, “And can it be.” My sister and I joined her in singing the old hymn. At the chorus, the paramedics came in.
I recognized one of the paramedics as the husband of Nikelle’s Cubbies leader from AWANA last year. I went outside to talk to him and informed him of the comfort I found in seeing him there.
The younger kids all went into Grams and Papa’s room to watch the ambulance through the window. I went upstairs to hug my older nieces as my heart broke to see them watching this. The paramedics placed Dad on the stretcher, gave him some oxygen and began transporting him to the nearest hospital. My brother, Will, followed in his vehicle as mom rode along with Dad. The rest of us felt the need to continue on with the day and take care of things we thought needed to be done.
A few hours later, Rod and I went to pick up Jaycie from his parents’ house. Thankfully, my mother-in-law offered to keep the girls overnight. I accepted the offer with relief.
Rod and I stopped at Silver Cross Hospital to visit Dad in the emergency room on our way home. He looks like a cancer patient. I believe we still face what we’ve faced these past 9+ months. We’re back to one of the more difficult moments on this roller coaster ride.
He’s being transported to Loyola now. That brings comfort because they know him there and they are experts in treating cancer. Hopefully, they will be able to give him something to make him comfortable and find out what is causing all these problems. He was going to have to visit as an outpatient tomorrow anyway. My prayer is that God will allow him to go home again soon.
Dad told me at the hospital that he just wants to live or die. He hates this in between junk. I think it’s the fighting that’s so difficult. Whether it’s through living or dying, I know God is our source of peace and rest. It’s in moments like these that we have to remember that.
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.” – Psalm 62:5
Dad has been having a difficult time catching his breath lately. He also has been having some issues with his stomach and/or intestines, which has been creating some problems. Despite all of this, he was still wanting his family to come over today for some conversation.
I walked in the door with Nikelle. (Jaycie needed to spend the day at Rod’s parents because she came down with a bad cough and I didn’t want to risk exposing Dad to those germs. Rod received a call from work as we were walking out of our door this morning and had to take care of some technical problems before he could join us.) Dad was sitting on the couch trying to catch his breath from walking up a flight of stairs. My brother, sister-in-law and nephew were upstairs already. Shortly after I pulled in the driveway, my other brother, my sister and their families arrived as well.
Dad decided to challenge himself to conquer another flight of stairs to sit in the dining room rather than remain in the family room. He did it but could not catch his breath after that point. He informed us that he could hear what we were saying although he wasn’t able to respond much. We did have a little bit of conversation where he could answer me here and there. He also managed to eat a doughnut or two before the commotion began.
Knowing he needed to use the bathroom before the home nurse arrived, he was accompanied by my mom and oldest brother down the stairs. When he reached the bathroom (after two flights of stairs), he practically passed out. This is where he succumbed to the fact that he couldn’t get himself feeling better today. My brothers brought down a dining room chair so they could carry him back up to the sofa.
Dad was cold and clammy. He was sweating profusely and was really looking like a cancer patient at that moment. The sight of my Dad wrapped up in blankets on the sofa; skinny and frail was not an easy picture to accept. My sister-in-law, Fiona, took his pulse. It was strong. Mom took his temperature, which was quite a bit below normal. After a telephone conversation with the home nurse, mom prepared the suitcase for the hospital.
The nurse walked in and immediately called the doctor. They recommended calling 911 and getting Dad to the nearest emergency room. There was so much frenzy as we tried to convince the nurse that Dad needed to go to Loyola and we would drive him. We all did what we thought needed to be done in order to help. Dad just couldn’t do it. We conceded and the ambulance was on its way.
Dad kept saying over and over again, “I’m going to die.” We all surrounded him and assured him we loved him. He told us, “You need to let me go.” We assured him that he was free to go if that was what God allowed. Dad could not calm himself down. He just kept crying and saying, “I’m sorry.” Mom looked at us and said, “And can it be.” My sister and I joined her in singing the old hymn. At the chorus, the paramedics came in.
I recognized one of the paramedics as the husband of Nikelle’s Cubbies leader from AWANA last year. I went outside to talk to him and informed him of the comfort I found in seeing him there.
The younger kids all went into Grams and Papa’s room to watch the ambulance through the window. I went upstairs to hug my older nieces as my heart broke to see them watching this. The paramedics placed Dad on the stretcher, gave him some oxygen and began transporting him to the nearest hospital. My brother, Will, followed in his vehicle as mom rode along with Dad. The rest of us felt the need to continue on with the day and take care of things we thought needed to be done.
A few hours later, Rod and I went to pick up Jaycie from his parents’ house. Thankfully, my mother-in-law offered to keep the girls overnight. I accepted the offer with relief.
Rod and I stopped at Silver Cross Hospital to visit Dad in the emergency room on our way home. He looks like a cancer patient. I believe we still face what we’ve faced these past 9+ months. We’re back to one of the more difficult moments on this roller coaster ride.
He’s being transported to Loyola now. That brings comfort because they know him there and they are experts in treating cancer. Hopefully, they will be able to give him something to make him comfortable and find out what is causing all these problems. He was going to have to visit as an outpatient tomorrow anyway. My prayer is that God will allow him to go home again soon.
Dad told me at the hospital that he just wants to live or die. He hates this in between junk. I think it’s the fighting that’s so difficult. Whether it’s through living or dying, I know God is our source of peace and rest. It’s in moments like these that we have to remember that.
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.” – Psalm 62:5
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Christmas Tradition
One special tradition my dad put into practice took place every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Growing up, we didn’t go out to eat much. We weren’t a small family by any means and Dad worked two jobs and came home late every night. However, our birthdays and this time of year were an exception.
As a family, we looked forward to Saturdays during the holidays. Dad set these moments aside as a special treat for his kids. He would take us out to dinner and we would walk around different area malls to look at Christmas decorations.
Dad wasn’t sure if I remembered this tradition when I talked with him the other night. I assured him that it was a memory I was already planning to share on my blog.
I remember specifically that we would eat at the green McDonald’s when we would visit Lincoln Mall. Dad would let us order whatever we wanted off the menu. He probably knew there was only so much our stomachs could hold. Still, we would each order at least two sandwiches! My poor mom would walk to the counter with her “list” in hand while we sat at the table until she called us to help carry the food. It always took her a while to get back with the order, as she had to continually tell the workers that they had forgotten something. I’m pretty certain the McDonald’s staff were always thrilled to see our family leave.
I remember eating at Chi Chi’s when we would head to Fox Valley Mall. There was one instance while we were enjoying the decorations at the mall that I recall vividly. In general, we didn’t purchase anything at the mall. We were simply there to take pleasure in the lights and trees and such. This particular Christmas, however, mom decided to purchase porcelain dolls for my sister and I while dad kept us entertained elsewhere. If you know me well, it’s very difficult to surprise me due to the fact that I pride myself in such discoveries. Despite her efforts to have the gifts double bagged, I could still see what she purchased and announced, “You got me the doll I wanted!” Boy did that announcement change the mood for the evening. You’d think I would learn from experiences like these to just keep my big mouth shut!
Dad reminded me that we would eat at Shakey’s Buffet when we would enjoy the decorations at Orland Square Mall. I do remember this being one of our favorite restaurants although I wasn’t 100% certain that it was part of the Christmas tradition.
Duff’s was the restaurant to visit at Jefferson Square Mall. This was a unique buffet where you would stand in an area and the food would move before you in a circle. You had to grab it fast! If my memory serves me correctly, dad also took us to see a movie one Christmas season at this mall as well.
I assured Dad that he did Christmas right in my eyes. He informed me that it’s because his dad kept Christmas special for him. I certainly intend to keep Christmas memorable for my children as well.
As a family, we looked forward to Saturdays during the holidays. Dad set these moments aside as a special treat for his kids. He would take us out to dinner and we would walk around different area malls to look at Christmas decorations.
Dad wasn’t sure if I remembered this tradition when I talked with him the other night. I assured him that it was a memory I was already planning to share on my blog.
I remember specifically that we would eat at the green McDonald’s when we would visit Lincoln Mall. Dad would let us order whatever we wanted off the menu. He probably knew there was only so much our stomachs could hold. Still, we would each order at least two sandwiches! My poor mom would walk to the counter with her “list” in hand while we sat at the table until she called us to help carry the food. It always took her a while to get back with the order, as she had to continually tell the workers that they had forgotten something. I’m pretty certain the McDonald’s staff were always thrilled to see our family leave.
I remember eating at Chi Chi’s when we would head to Fox Valley Mall. There was one instance while we were enjoying the decorations at the mall that I recall vividly. In general, we didn’t purchase anything at the mall. We were simply there to take pleasure in the lights and trees and such. This particular Christmas, however, mom decided to purchase porcelain dolls for my sister and I while dad kept us entertained elsewhere. If you know me well, it’s very difficult to surprise me due to the fact that I pride myself in such discoveries. Despite her efforts to have the gifts double bagged, I could still see what she purchased and announced, “You got me the doll I wanted!” Boy did that announcement change the mood for the evening. You’d think I would learn from experiences like these to just keep my big mouth shut!
Dad reminded me that we would eat at Shakey’s Buffet when we would enjoy the decorations at Orland Square Mall. I do remember this being one of our favorite restaurants although I wasn’t 100% certain that it was part of the Christmas tradition.
Duff’s was the restaurant to visit at Jefferson Square Mall. This was a unique buffet where you would stand in an area and the food would move before you in a circle. You had to grab it fast! If my memory serves me correctly, dad also took us to see a movie one Christmas season at this mall as well.
I assured Dad that he did Christmas right in my eyes. He informed me that it’s because his dad kept Christmas special for him. I certainly intend to keep Christmas memorable for my children as well.
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