Abbey, died last month

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey.

She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God,

Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven.
I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.

I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her, you will know that she is my dog.
I really miss her.

Love, Meredith.

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven.

That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, "To Meredith", in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, "When a Pet Dies."

Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope.
On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.

Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me.

What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.

By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love,

God

I believe

A birth certificate shows that we were born; a death certificate shows that we died; pictures show that we lived! Relax. And read this slowly.

I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

"The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."






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Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.

God's Problem Now

God's Problem Now ...

When the graveside service had no more than terminated,
there was a tremendous burst of thunder accompanied by
a distant lightning bolt and more rumbling thunder.

The little old man looked at the pastor and calmly said,

"Well, she's there."

A minister passing through his church

A minister passing through his church
in the middle of the day,
Decided to pause by the altar
and see who had come to pray.

Just then the back door opened,
a man came down the aisle,
The minister frowned as he saw
the man hadn't shaved in a while.
His shirt was kind a shabby
and his coat was worn and frayed,
the man knelt, he bowed his head,
Then rose and walked away.

In the days that followed,
each noon time came this chap,
each time he knelt just for a moment,
A lunch pail in his lap.

Well, the minister's suspicions grew,
with robbery a main fear,
He decided to stop the man and ask him,
'What are you doing here?'

The old man said, he worked down the road.
Lunch was half an hour.
Lunchtime was his prayer time,
For finding strength and power.

'I stay only moments, see,
because the factory is so far away;
as I kneel here talking to the Lord,
This is kind a what I say:

'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY,
BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM CHECKING IN TODAY.'

The minister feeling foolish,
told Jim, that was fine.
He told the man he was welcome
To come and pray just anytime

Time to go, Jim smiled, said 'Thanks.' He hurried to the door.
The minister knelt at the altar, he'd never done it before.

His cold heart melted, warmed with love,
and met with Jesus there.
As the tears flowed, in his heart,
he repeated old Jim's prayer:

'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN TO DAY.'

Past noon one day, the minister noticed
that old Jim hadn't come.
As more days passed without Jim,
he began to worry some.

At the factory, he asked about him,
learning he was ill.
The hospital staff was worried,
But he'd given them a thrill.

The week that Jim was with them,
Brought changes in the ward.
His smiles, a joy contagious.
Changed people, were his reward.

The head nurse couldn't understand
why Jim was so glad,
when no flowers, calls or cards came,
Not a visitor he had.

The minister stayed by his bed,
He voiced the nurse's concern:
No friends came to show they cared.
He had nowhere to turn.

Looking surprised, old Jim spoke
up and with a winsome smile;
'the nurse is wrong, she couldn't know,
that he's in here all the while

everyday at noon He's here,
a dear friend of mine, you see,
He sits right down, takes my hand,
Leans over and says to me:


'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM, HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP, AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN.

ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY,
I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY,
AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS CHECKING IN TODAY.'

Sylvia's Requests

We have been praying for Cathy Kinsella's dad for some time...........things are not going well and we really need to not only lift up Bill and Barbara, but also Cathy and her sister.........thanks.
We got back from Pittsburgh last night. I'm going to head back over there on Thursday. Dad is declining pretty quickly, I think it's time to put him actively back on the Prayer Warrior's list... It has been almost two years since he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. At this point he has about 95% bone involvement, meaning just about every bone in his body is cracked, broken or compressed. He is in incredible pain which can be (and has been) controlled with meds but my mom is having a really hard time making decisions: she can't bear for him to be in pain so they increase the meds and he sleeps around the clock (basically in a fetal position) and she can't bear to see that so they lower the meds and he is awake but in terrible pain and she can't bear to see that so they increase the meds... He is in a skilled nursing unit but doesn't qualify for hospice yet because his blood levels, according to the oncologist, are "great." Thankfully there is a terrific social worker and PA always available to mom and dad - I'm just having a hard time being 5 hours away. Anyway, please pray for peace and comfort for my dad (Bill Perfater) and maybe add to that acceptance for my mom (Barbara Perfater.) If anyone would have time to send him (them) a note as a "friend of Sylvia", the address is:

Mr. & Mrs. John W. Perfater (Bill and Barbara)
231 Norman Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16606

I know most of all, they'd appreciate your prayers! Thanks so much, wishing you a Happy, Healthy 2008!

Love,
Cathy

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The days have been long since aunt Marie's transfer to the skilled/rehab nursing unit at Country Meadows. I ask you to please pray for a compassionate, attentive nurse to be assigned to her care. In accordance with aunt Marie's wishes, rehab will be discontinued after tomorrow and hospice care will be started on Thursday. I was with aunt Marie for a couple hours tonight, making sure she was tucked in and comfortable for the night. Before I left she said, "Sylvia, can't the good Lord just spare just a little bitty space for me in heaven? I really won't take up that much room? Please tell everyone to pray tonight and ask Him to please make just a little space for me". So, I ask you this night to pray with - if it's the Lord's will, to open a little space for her, and for uncle Herman's acceptance..........uncle Herman rarely leaves her side. I told aunt Marie that I thought perhaps uncle Herman was understandably having a tough time letting go.......after 76 yrs, that's not too easy.......uncle Herman was sitting there shaking his head with tears dripping down his cheeks............she said "he doesn't need me anymore".....and he said "I think I would have to disagree with that"...........she just shook her head and said it's time for her to go. It was very hard for me to leave them tonight. Cousin Tara is flying in from NC on Friday - pray for her safe travel. Thanks so much. <3 span="">

Karen Rumore <krumore@yahoo.com>

I have a girl, Jenna, I'd like to add to the list to. She is both a new Mom and a young teenager struggling with the decision of adoption or keeping the baby. Because of the situation, her family has abandoned her, which compounds the difficulty of her decision. It looks as though she wants to keep it, but the logistics seem insurmountable (except for the Lord, that is!)

Because of confidentiality issues, I can't ask for one of your famous card showers (though I'd love to). For anyone who would just like to send an email to me with their name (first is fine) so I can create a list for her of people praying for her, that would be great. Time is ticking and she needs to decide in a matter of days. I can't imagine being a teenage mother, let alone all alone. Blessed Mother, wrap in your mantle of love!

Thank you,
In Christ Our Life,
Karen


AND A GOOD NEWS UPDATE:
Deborah Kochman <debkochman@gmail.com>

Sylvia,

Amy called this evening to tell us that her home pregnancy test was positive!!! We are thrilled but cautiously optimistic - we would all appreciate everyone whispering a little prayer for Amy and this new little one.

Thank you for the update on Aunt Marie...if she wonders at all about "why" - let her know that she and Uncle Herman (and of course the white rose story) were part of our dinner conversation Sunday evening. *hugs*

Best,

Deb

Not sure what nudged me to awaken to check PR at this early hour..........but after reading this prayer request from our friend Keith about his brother and also our friend Ken, I knew why and started praying. When I drove out to Pittsburgh to visit Katie, Meghan's roommate from Penn State who was paralyzed in the car accident - it was Keith and his wife Becky who I stayed with. Keith and Ken are twins and were roommate/friends of Victor at Penn State........Ken lives in CO and is an avid skiier, etc........Please pray for Ken's complete healing from this accident.........thanks. <3 href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1JiJzqXxgxo" title="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=">http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1JiJzqXxgxo

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Latest on aunt Marie:
When I arrived today she was in bed.......a bit drowsy as she had just retuned from physical therapy. She awoke when she heard me talking with uncle Herman. "Sylvia, come here. I have to tell you something. Today I stood up for myself. When the aide came in this morning I asked her who my nurse was. She told me Linda. I told her I wanted to see Linda right away. She asked me what was wrong.........and I told her. MY FAMILY BROUGHT US HERE BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT THAT WE WOULD RECEIVE GOOD CARE HERE. WE ARE PAYING A LOT OF MONEY TO STAY HERE AND WE ARE NOT GETTING GOOD CARE. NOBODY CARES. I HAVE A SORE SPINE AND I HAVE BEEN TELLING YOU FOR DAYS. NOBODY DOES ANYTHING. YOU FLOP ME IN BED AND THEN YOU LEAVE. Needless to say the aide went to get "Linda". Aunt Marie said she told Linda the same exact thing. I AM TELLING YOU THAT I WANT YOU TO CHECK MY SPINE AND I WANT YOU TO GET SOMETHING ORDERED FOR IT AND IT BETTER BE PUT ON IN THE MORNING AND AT NIGHT SO THAT I DON'T HAVE PAIN". What aunt Marie is referring to is the skin breakdown in her coccyx area - at the bottom of her spine at her tailbone. It is so red, raw, and sore....soon will open. Aunt Marie nor uncle Herman had any idea that I had already ranted and raved at the director of nursing yesterday before I left. This goes on and there are family members present..........I cannot imagine what those other poor residents do who do not have anyone checking in on them. I commended aunt Marie and told her I am so proud of her for taking the bull by the horn. At least while I was there when I rang for someone to help me get her out of bed to go to the bathroom the response was a bit quicker than previous days......and there was actually a hint of compassion felt. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart and ask you to please continue to pray for angels to surround the two of them.
VICTOR'S DAD:
Victor's dad will be having knee replacement surgery at Coaldale Hospital on January 9th by Dr. Meade (Marilyn, perhaps your Michelle can mention something to him??) - please pray for surgery to go smoothly, that previous medical issues will continue to lie dormant, and that dad will have a quick recovery - HE HAS HIS CARBON COUNTY SENIOR GAMES TO BE UP AND RUNNING IN MAY!!! Would take a lot to keep this guy down! : )
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Update on Ken

I spoke to him today. He is on a great deal of pain medication so that he is able to have movement. He was thrown around a lot (no seat belt) and would be too stiff for any physical therapy.

He also has a bruised liver, partial collapsed lung. Right arm & shoulder are not perfect and is cause for concern. Nerve bundle for that area may have been stretched injured damaged inflamed whatever. The recovery may or may not go well for Ken. Therapy to start now.

He will probably be in the hospital till Sunday or so.

I am leaving Friday night with Ken's friend Al Worthington and son Tim for a Road Trip west. Will hopefully arrive 24 hours down the line. As I said, it was planned before the accident and I am still going to ride out with them. Had considered flying out as soon as I heard but needed to do these last days of work to get away.

Love to all. Thanks for your replies.

Keith
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Good morning Syl,

I am asking for prayers for Gabriella Snyder. We have had her on our prayer line several times before. This time her husband found her on the sofa and was unable to waken her. \She was admtted to LVHC in acute care. They found she has some type of infection in her blood stream. They are trying to find an anti biotic that may stop this infection. This lady has had continued health problems for about two years. Please pray that she will finally get her health in better shape for the New Year and that quick results will be forth coming to clear up this recent infection. Love to you all, By the way would someone e-mail me the schedule for prayer group. I would like to make a real effort to attend this year. Carole Y.


***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Please let's continue to keep Becky in our prayers .............. the previous e-mail she is referencing I was not able to open and I had sent it back to Becky..........so know that she is appreciative of our prayers......

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Syl! I had sent you an email to thank everyone for their prayers since the hospital changed it's mind and decided to keep me and the Pastoral Care Dept Keep me in your prayers. The past month was very difficult for me and even though the result was good, I'm still feeling "shell-shocked". Love, Becky Chaplain Rebecca BurtDirector, Chaplaincy ServicesEaston Hospital250 S. 21st StreetEaston, PA 18042610 250-4027


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You may remember that Marilyn Cassidy asked us about a week or so ago to pray for Michelle who had just delivered her third child and was having issues with her blood pressure - we need to storm heaven!!!

Hi Loves,
Michelle Gaudioso is NOT doing well. I thought no news was good news, but not so in this case.
Michelle G., my co-worker Susan's sis-in-law, cannot get her bottom # of her blood pressure regulated - it's been consistantly over 100. Now they are going to test her kidneys and heart to see if anything is wrong there. And little Katherine, born Dec. 19, has a bad cold, cannot breathe, so mom has kept her in bed with her for fear of not hearing her baby in case she's in some distress. Surely not good for mom's BP either! Please continue praying for them.

Also, Ramona's father, 88, who was in Cedarbrook Fountain Hill, got pneumonia over Christmas, is now at home in Emmaus with Ramona's sister Amy from NYC providing care for him with hospice nurses. Amy is only part-time, so she will be getting no pay while home. And Ramona's husband, Jeff will have surgery to remove the mass from his rectum on Friday, Jan 4, so please especially pray for him also. That's it for now. Love, Marilyn


Hi Loves,Here are some more requests from Renee. My neighbor, Peggy, is now in Lehigh Center, doing better after breaking her pelvis, and I think somewhat improved with her stomach distention, also, but she still needs our prayers. Thanks.Love, Marilyn

Here are the requests I had mentioned and one more I just found out about. 1. Barbara, who was my boss in the Student Affairs office of PennMed when I was in college, was diagnosed with breast cancer in August. She has had a lumpectomy and four months of chemo and has more surgery and 6-8 weeks of radiation coming up. 2. Mike (from Chestnut Bluffs - Mike and Rocio) has a niece who was just born prematurely. Mike's sister Jackie and her husband Noel struggled (a long time) to have a baby in the first place and then she was delivered about 28 or 29 weeks gestation. Baby is Sloane and is about 2 weeks old and doing okay, but not out of the woods yet. 3. Gina (our neighbor here - the landlord's wife) grandfather is in the hospital with back pain of some unknown cause. I don't know his name - Mr. ? M Tell "the girls" I said hello and thanks for the prayers. Love, Renee

PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE LAST PR AND START PRAYING FOR DIANE'S MOM ROBERTA. It might give comfort to Diane if you e-mail her to let her know you are praying - or if any of you have had this experience THANKS. <3 href="http://www.blogger.com/" title="http://">http://www.blogger.com/

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Debbie Turks <http://www.blogger.com/>

Syl,

Can you please add Dr. C to the prayer chain. His father was murdered (beaten to death) on Christmas day and was buried on New Years.
It happened in his home and apparently there was no forced entry. He is one of the doctors that I work with. He is really having a hard time with it.

thanks
Debbie
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Connie P Trach <http://www.blogger.com/>

Good news -

My cousin's breast surgery (seems so long ago!) turned out OK - no cancer.
My uncle (her father) who had the heart attack and broken foot is doing OK as well. The foot is taking a very long time
to heal, but he's coming along.

I do have to prayer requests -

My aunt Barney (don't laugh - long story!), mother and wife of those above, was hospitalized early on Dec. 31st with
congestive heart failure. They sent her home on Wednesday and she should do well with meds and diet.
My cousin, on the other hand, is coming just a bit unglued. In addition to her health issues and those of her parents,
her employer is not showing a whole lot of compassion. It just makes everything so much more difficult.
A friend (God knows her name) is being treated for Stage 0 breast cancer. The doctor has assured her that this is very
treatable and that she will be fine, but it is still a very frightening thing for a young mother.
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Aunt Marie was so-so today. She had a lovely young girl who was her aide - I then went out to get her name.....I explained to Jonna that we have had a rough few days with regard to the care, but I definitely felt the care and compassion when I walked in to the room - I told her that I will be letting her superiors know what a great job she was doing. She apologized that we had a bad experience thus far "but you sure made my day - thanks, that really makes me feel good what you said!"......I know it was all of your prayers for someone compassionate to be sent to Aunt Marie. Thanks. Poor Jonna!.....I told aunt Marie that anytime she needs anything she should ask for her! : ) For a few moments aunt Marie ........sort of fades off.......she closes her eyes, her head drops, and she just has a strange look about her.....this happened when she was at the hospital..........I gently rubbed her arm and asked if she was okay.......she opened her eyes slightly and peeked up at me...."yes, I'm fine, don't worry, it's not the end YET!" God love her! I'll be picking up cousin Tara at the Philly airport tonight........aunt Marie is looking forward to seeing her but can't understand why she's coming in! <3 href="http://www.blogger.com/" title="http://">http://www.blogger.com/>
Good Morning Everyone,

I am writing to ask all of you a major favor. Most of you know my mom and dad. Would you please say some prayers for them? Ask God to keep them safe and healthy. Let me share with you a little story.

On New Year's Eve day my mom went missing for over 7 hours. As you all know, she has dementia (Alzheimer's.whichever!) but still works 2 mornings a week, cleaning for the priests of SH in Allentown. Well, Monday morning my dad drops my mom off and goes about his daily routine as they have done for the past 5 years. It turns out my mom didn't need to go in that day as it was a holiday. When the priest offered to give her a ride home, my mom told him not to worry about it and walked out the door. She intended on walking the 3 miles home as she has done before. Well, she made a wrong turn and ended up wandering around downtown Allentown for over 7 hours. She left the rectory around 7:45 am. We found her around 4 pm.

My dad has never carried the cell phone Chris and I gave him 4 years ago, so he never got the message that my mom was gone until after 10 that morning. He immediately filed reports with the Allentown and Whitehall police departments while Kayla called my sister and I. By lunch, my brother-in-law, John, had left work and he, Donna, Chris, Joey, Jonathan and I were out searching. Kayla joined the search when dad got home from the PD. Someone needed to stay home. After an exhausting few hours of searching, driving around in endless circles, Donna and John finally found her. She had no money, no ID and had been walking continuously all day. She was so disoriented that she didn't even know who Donna and John were. She was headed in the right direction home (on Mickley Road) but was so exhausted none of us believe she would have made it. I just thank God it was not as cold a day as it has been the past few.

It was inevitable this would happen one day and now that it has, new plans need to be put into action. My dad has finally agreed to USE the cell phone we gave him. I have noticed the progression of her disease a lot over the past few months - she can barely finish a sentence because she can't find the words to use. Her vocabulary is pretty much nonexistent. It is truly heart breaking.

Many of you ask me regularly "How's Mom?" when you see me. I thought I'd share the latest info with you - one of the most terrifying days of my life!! I really didn't think I'd see her again!
Again, I ask you to pray for my mom and dad and that God will give all of us the guidance to begin making the type of decisions we need to make!

Thank You,
Love,
Diane
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Hi Loves,

Ramona's husband Jeff's report yesterday was that "the surgery went fine." I hope that means they just removed the mass from his rectum and didn't have to remove anything more. She was not able to wait for him to come out of recovery because, of course, he was taken into surg. later than they expected, and her father, Mr. Trumbore, was in really bad shape, so Ramona's sister was going to pick her up at St. Luke's. Their father deteriorated much more on Friday, and had lesions all over his body. They expected him to pass away last night or today, but I didn't hear anything yet.

I forgot to ask for prayers for Ramona's sister - Amy's boyfriend's mother had part of her vagina removed on Thurs. and that surgery was successful, but please pray for her recovery. And of course, pray for a speedy and complete recovery of Jeff, too. It will be tremendously difficult since he is the driver in their family, and will now be laid up for a couple of weeks.
Their son is in state hosp. still, and he depends on his father for money and cigarettes.

Love, Marilyn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cmycross@aol.com <Cmycross@aol.com>
Good evening all,

I just had a call from a friend of mine asking for prayers. Our dear friend Trina Trexler has been on our prayer line before because she has been battling a cancer in the blood stream for two years. She goes for chemo every other month for this cancer. Last week she was diagnosed with Lymphoma. A very aggressive type she was told. She asked to be put on our prayer line especially because her son is getting married in May and she would like to be here to see this happen. Her future daughter in law's mother also has cancer, her name is Susan Sanders. Now the young people are afraid both mothers may not make it until May. A heavy burden, to be going to school (young lady is going to be an astronaut), planning a wedding and trying to spend as much time as possible with mother's they may be losing soon. Both women need prayers for their cancer treatment to go well and the young people for peace and the strength to cope with all that is going on. I also am asking for prayers for my dear friend Dolly Magan, we have prayed for her several times before but she needs God's help to control her health. She has osteoporosis, cholestral problems but her diabetes is so out of control They have tried her on a new experimental drug, also one she had to inject 1/2hr before eating a meal, several different pills and now injections. Nothing seems to bring down and keep the count down. So many people are comforted by our prayers. You are all so faithful. I am so thankful that our Lord put me intouch with you and has taught me the real friendship brought to us by praying for each other. What a wonderful God He is. Love to you all, Carole Y.

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Hi Aunt Syl, we have a prayer request for Perry's co-worker Linda. (Perry's starting his new job tomorrow so this is the office manager from his "old" job...she was at my shower.) Her husband is a firefighter and was killed in a fire this morning. They have a son who is in high school. Obviously this has been very devastating to them. They can use all the prayers they can get. Thank you! Cara

http://wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=7584157
(the name is spelled wrong in this article...it's Robeson)

http://pahomepage.com/content/fulltext/?sid=3a8740fd299d31f12464ac2e3744c19c&cid=22837

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Just received this from cousin Sharon in CT (Victor's cousin with the five young girls) - she had asked us to pray for the Abissi family a couple weeks ago - mom was dx with cancer. Pray for safe travel for Sharon - she and the girls, along with her brother Nick and his son Jake were in Lansford at Victor's dad's where we all celebrated Orthodox Christmas. Michele took the train from Boston to CT and Sharon was kind enough to pick up Michele and bring her down also so that she wouldn't miss the festivities.........they are on their way back home. Pray also for Michele, that she makes her "T" connection at midnight to get back to school - I just spoke with her and traffic must be pretty heavy as she said it feels like they've been traveling for days! : ) Thanks. <3 href="mailto:pat.walters@gmail.com" title="mailto:pat.walters@gmail.com">pat.walters@gmail.com

>
Hi Sylvia,

I'm writing to ask for prayers for mom. We think she has had one or more TIA's
and Hospice was started over the week-end. I'll be heading to PA sometime this
week.

Thanks,
Pat

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Hi Syl...I have a PR for a cousin of mine...He is 95, His name is Henry. He has been in the hospital since Christmas Eve...His health is failing, had galeblatter surgey and has not fully recovered...Pray that he doesnot suffer and if God is calling he has a peaceful journey. Thanks Julie

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"Kat" is an 11 yr old girl from Alabama who we have previously been asked to pray for.......she has a brain tumor and has been undergoing treatment......let's hope and pray tonight that this is nothing serious. Thanks. <3>

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Nick is a 17 yr old we have prayed for before.........he's currently undergoing treatment at Sloan and has yet another bump in the road.........please pray for this to resolve on its own.....this family has been through a lot.

Prayers are needed. Nick had a great time last night out to dinner. We walked 13 blocks and he ate like a horse. Shortly afterward he started experiencing an all too familiar stomach pain. After a fitful night we ended up in urgent care today. An xray has revealed another bowel obstruction. He is in cat scan right now and I have run back to the room to gather things. He is being admitted and they are watching him overnight before making a decision about surgery. He CANNOT have another surgery! We are going skiing in two weeks and he is sooo behind in school. We need his body to resolve this obstructon on its own ( a possibility). He is down and in pain. Please pray for this to resolve without surgery, honestly I don't think we could take that right now. WE just need this to resolve, please pray! Caryn

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Michele just called.........you may remember we prayed for her friend Lauren Young's grandma "Oma" in May when she became quite ill and was not expected to make it........but surprised everyone and was looking quite good at Lauren's wedding in June..........well Oma was taken to the hospital and is not doing well. Please pray for Oma.

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Frank AND Matthew just lost their wife(and mother)Chris L Christmas Day 2 years ago in a freak Ice Accident and now I just called to CHECK UP on them and theris dog SYD had to be put down.Please whisper a little prayer for them-their struggling-Thanks

Jan's mom Norma in Florida just found out she has a brain tumor-no diagnosison what kind yet-Jan is a Radiation Therapist and her mom is coming "HOME" to be in Pennsylvania to have Radiation Therapy"Consult"for treatment if it's cancer.Please whisper a little prayer that Jan can be strong as her mother goes step by step.

Thanks all you Angels, Maureen

Paul Walker MAYO Marathon

In a message dated 1/4/2008 12:37:01 P.M. Central Standard Time, grandmalindawalker@gmail.com writes:

We made our drive to Mayo in the frigid, windy temperatures on New Year's Day. The car was really blown around, but at least there was no snow. ,We met with our doctor on Wednesday morning ay 9:30 and she had already read through the files that we had hand carried up here. We really liked her and she spent quite a bit of time with us. Then we were off to the races with tests and appointments which really wore Paul out. He had an EKG, urine test, chest X-ray, bloodwork, and an appointment with the social worker on Wednesday. On Thursday, he had a bone marrow biopsy for which he was sedated - Yeah! He also completed his 24 hour urine collection. That pretty much completed all of the necessary tests since we had brought up copies and/or CDs of all of his past tests. He felt up to going out to eat last night which was great.

Today we had an appointment at The Gift of Life Transplant House which is where we would probably stay if we decide to have the transplant here. They said that the usual stay for a stem cell transplant is 6-8 weeks. The bedrooms are pretty small with a double and a twin bed in each and a recliner and small desk. TVs are not allowed because they want to encourage mingling and gaining support from others. There are common rooms with TVs and lots of sitting areas. You are provided two sets of towels and sheets and are responsible for your own laundry and cleaning. There are kitchens to cook in and numbered cabinets, freezer space, and refrigerator space. The cost is only $25 a night. It would be pretty close quarters for such a long period of time. Good thing Paul and I like each other.

Anyway, the big decision will still be where to have the transplant. We have been so impressed with Mayo. They really do put the patient first. KU, on the other hand, has a strong pull because of being at home. Hopefully when we meet with the doctor on Monday afternoon to discuss test results, there will be something that will help us make the decision.

We plan on driving home on Tuesday, weather permitting. Right now the weather channel shows snow for Tuesday, but that is still pretty far in the future.

Thanks for all of your prayers and support. We know that they are helping and bring us a lot of comfort. -- Linda(Calvin's grandmother!)

Paul Walker at Mayo Clinic for Tests

In a message dated 1/2/2008 6:17:28 P.M. Central Standard Time, grandmalindawalker@gmail.com writes:

Happy New Year to you too! We are in Rochester at Mayo. We met with the doctor today and Paul had lots of tests; more tests tomorrow and then we meet with the doctor again on Monday. Keep us in your prayers.

Thanks
Linda Walker
Calvin's Grandmother

Maggie and Grayson DOING WELL!

In a message dated 1/3/2008 9:38:17 A.M. Central Standard Time, Siggy52697 writes:

Ah, the power of prayer. Here is an update on my friend Jill's niece and nephew.
God Bless,
Mary Frances ~^~

Thanks to everyone for all of their prayers. Maggie is now 5/11 and Grayson is 6/8.