Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Palm Trees



Palm Trees, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.
I've been having some difficulties with my camera recently, and so this picture comes from a trip I took to visit my brother a few years ago in southern California. Or SoCal for you west coast insiders. ;)

You may have been wondering about my mom's current status and how she and my family are doing. I'll try to share with you, but please forgive me if my writing is not fully coherent. Yesterday evening, I made a quick trip down to Parkersburg to meet with her oncologist. He shared her condition with my dad, me, my sister, and my brother-in-law. (My brother is currently in California). She has been on a ventilator since Sunday. It appears that her body has grown somewhat dependent on it.

Last August, you may remember, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She was given 6 months to live w/o treatment and 18 mo with treatment. Honestly, she was making amazing progress with regard to her cancer. But cancer has not been her only malady. On top of the cancer, a combination of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, congestive heart failure, and some form of heart disease have been combining to cause her to become very weak. She has been in ICU since may 13th, and has been in a very weak condition for over a month.

It has been a very difficult time for me and my family, and we have prayed fervently for wisdom, guidance, and healing in this situation (I know that you also may have been praying similar prayers in agreement). Right now my mom's body is very fragile, and she probably doesn't have much time left on this earth before she goes to be with Jesus. While I am sad at the loss of my mom, I'm also extremely happy because I know that being with Christ is far better (phil 1.21-23). She has labored well for her King, and I am excited for her to be able to go home.

Sometime this evening, I am travelling to Columbus, OH to pick up my brother at the airport. His flight arrives @5.49AM Thursday. We will travel back to Parkersburg to spend time with my mom and assist my dad with whatever arrangements need to be made.

May has been a difficult month for many in our community at h2o, but the LORD has sustained us. Often when I am praying for you, I am amazed by your faith and perseverance--it is truly an encouragement to me. Personally, as I have reflected on my own situation, I have found solace in the truth that God is good and trustworthy, and He takes the adversity we go through and makes something beautiful out of it. I think that in spite of all that we have undergone, we have a beautiful community called the church that even in our weakness grows stronger each day.

I want to thank you again for taking the time to pray for my family. Continue to pray for God's wisdom, guidance, and healing as we navigate these difficult waters. Pray that God would be glorified by our actions and attitudes and that in the midst of it all that God would use our circumstances and our responses to lead others to Him.

For from Him, and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.
(Romans 11.36)

6 comments:

Jenni said...

Billy, I will be praying for you! With the recent loss of my Grandpa (who I was close to) it's been such an interesting feeling and rollercoaster ever since. I am so thankful (and a tad bit jealous) that He is with Jesus right now and I cry when I think of Him praising Him or just walking around talking. And then I am sad for my Grandma whose life just drastically changed. It's a strange bittersweet feeling to lose a child of God on this earth. But, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of a loved one (of His)...

Michaelanne said...

Billy, this is my first visit to your blog. L&D told me about it and that you've been blogging since before the internet existed! :) I will be praying for you and your family... I didn't know how serious things were. You will be lifted up. i just recently entered the blog world: www.tesseraetoinvest.blogspot.com. come see me. - michaelanne

Anonymous said...

Billy: your mom and your family continue to be in my prayers.

darkestofwings said...

Sendin love from one dubya to anotha dubya!

Anonymous said...

Billy, our prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. I can remember thinking how much I wanted God to just take mom or dad on home with Him so they wouldn't suffer anymore; yet my humaness wanted them to stay and be my mom and dad forever! It's so hard. Let her know it's ok to go....she needs to hear that b/c mom's will do all they can to stay with their family! I love you!
Pam and Mike

Beth said...

Billy,
What's your mom's name? I would like to get a team together for the Prouty in her honor. We will be walking (or bike riding) while praying for her body and spirit. The event is July 14th.
Here's the information

http://theprouty.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=217143