Simple White Envelope

by Nancy Gavin (This story originally appeared in Woman's Day magazine 12/14/1982)

SIMPLE WHITE ENVELOPE:

It's just a small white envelope stuck among the branches of our
Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has
peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas --oh, not the true
meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it -- the
overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie
for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma -- the gifts given in
desperation because you couldn't think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts,
sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for
Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12
that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended.

Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team
sponsored by an inner-city church.

These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed
to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast
to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new
wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other
team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to
protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously
could not afford.

Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as
each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his
tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't
acknowledge defeat.

Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, 'I wish just one of them
could have won,' he said. 'They have a lot of potential, but losing like
this could take the heart right out of them.' Mike loved kids -- all kids --

and he knew them,having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse.

That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a
local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling
headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church.
On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside
telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His
smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in
succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition --one
year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey
game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had
burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The
envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last
thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children, ignoring their new
toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the
envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.

As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but
the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there. You
see, we lost Mike last year due to cancer. When Christmas rolled around,
I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But
Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the
morning it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst
to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The
tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our
grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation
watching as their fathers take down the envelope.
Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us.

May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the
true Christmas spirit this year and always.

Merry Christmas Prayer

Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

- Robert Louis Stevenson

Please Pray for Brian Stapp Family for their Loss

I wanted to let eveyone know about the funeral services for Brian Stapp.

There is a viewing on Friday, December 26, 2008 at the Wilkerson Funeral Home, Dierks, AR.

The Funeral Services are Saturday, December 27, 2008 at Mt Holly Baptist Church, Dierks, AR at 10:00 am.

I plan on attending the funeral, and will pass on all of the support that I received from the employees of Mid-States Supply to the family. I can honestly say that I am very proud to be part of a company that showed so much support for a fellow employee, that most had never met or talked to.

I hope that you all have a safe and the Happiest of Holidays!

Thank you

Trish Kitchen
Branch Manager Springdale
Mid-States Supply
1490 June Self Drive
Springdale, AR 72764

Kokila Ganesan NEEDS prayer

I request you to include my close friend's wife name also in your prayer group's 'Request list to God'.

I heard from my friend this week, that his wife is diagnized with Leukaemia. Her name is Mrs. Kokila Ganesan.

Only 7 months ago we met this cheerful couple, when they both came to my daughter's wedding.

She is now undergoing treatment in Chennai, India.

Though the severity of her illness is known, we still heard about miraculous survivors from it.

Hence we still believe, God can listen to our prayers and extend her life until her children establish their own families.

Thanks & Regards,
Ven Venkatesan

So this is Christmas

Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn . If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a 'Merry Christmas' that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no 'Christmas' tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in, and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :

I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

For Hope Champion

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ocie/nikesf08/hchampion
DEAR FRIENDS
I AM TRYING TO SUPPORT MY SON JOHN'S WIFE, HOPE CHAMPION.
WE ARE PROUD OF HER EFFORTS TO FIGHT CANCER WHICH HAS BEEN AN ENEMY TO OURS AND MANY OTHER FAMILIES IN THE PAST.
ANY SUPPORT;[VERBAL,PRAYERS OR FINANCIAL]WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
THANK YOU
ED CHAMPION

Sally Sluggett prayer PROGRESS!

Dearest Prayer Group,
Thank You for your enlightening prayers for Sally. To bring you up to date of the last few weeks: Sally was given a tracheotomy so the feeding and breathing tubes could be removed. After that she was slowly brought out of her heavy sedation, stabilized enough to breathe, then eat on her own and was moved to rehabilitation. She is now at home. The trachea has been removed, the incision is healing, and even though she tires easily it is hard to keep her high energy spirit down. Her husband has not yet felt comfortable telling her how dire her straits were. Maybe that is a good thing.
Thank You again for your prayers,
God Bless,
Mary

Penny Ferretti needs your prayers

Dear Prayer Group,
I am sending a prayer request for my friend's mother Penny Ferretti. She has been diagnosed and being treated for blood cancer. Please add her husband Ed and the rest of their family so they may feel God's strength during these trying times.
Wishing You God's Love and Light,
Mary

Sally Sluggett Rewarded by your Prayers

Dear Prayer Group,

I have seen the Power of Your Prayers. May I be so bold to ask you to say another Prayer for my dear friend Sally Sluggett. She has been in Barnes Hospital, St. Louis since July 21st. She was first diagnosed with pneumonia and then Legionnaires Disease. The very next day after your prayers her health immediately stabilized. She is still in intensive care and heavily sedated, but they were able to reduce her oxygen intake and the last x-ray of her lungs showed improvement.

If I may proceed further I have only know Sally for a few years. From the moment I met her I knew she had a big heart. She took me to New York for my first time last November. I was very skiddish of the big city. But she showed me around, we had a grand time, and we rode the subway. Sally didn't think twice about giving her lunch from Carnegie Deli to a homeless man or stopping us from boarding our train to try and help a begging girl with green snot running out of her nose down to her mouth by giving her tissues and talking to her, about what I never asked. Sal said she thought the gal was a drug addict. I always thought I was compassionate but I suddenly realized I had become a bit hardened through the years. Sally thankfully jolted me back to what the true meaning of compassion is all about. Her actions have made me a better person. And now I ask for your prayers for her. Please say a prayer for Sally.
God Bless,
Mary

For those who have seizures

Let us join in prayer for those that have had seizures, that they may recover fully and discover the trigger that causes these things so that they may manage their lives here on earth for the greater glory. Amen.

This prayer prompted by a seizure event in Kevin Fath's family; his mom and family would benefit from your prayers. Thanks RGB

A prayer: "For Those in Pain"

Lord sometime I want to howl in pain and anger when I hear of the death of some person or child who is innocent of any sin or evil.

I often direct this anger towards you because I don’t know
where else to place it.

I don’t understand how a loving God can stand by and watch this cruel world send its rock slide of pain down upon the innocent.

But that is exactly the point Lord, it isn’t you that sends
the pain, it is something that exists in this world that
is evil.

Something that we cannot describe fully, rolls over the
top of us when we least expect it.

We struggle to understand, but wisdom and insight
fail to be our gifts and we settle back into ignorance,
sorrow and blindness.

That is when we can turn to you for help. The past
is done but the future is pregnant with possibilities.

Our departed loved ones leave behind the sweet
taste of their love in great abundance and it is
this that will redeem our spirits and offer us
succor.

Lord turn us from bitterness and in your wisdom
show us how to spread love and not our sorrow
to the world around us.

Amen


Deacon Tom Coffey
Spring 2008

Lynda Hilborn update - Sunday - 11 May 2008

The following was forwarded to me nearly a month ago (how time flies)...and I am just getting caught up with adding a few requests for prayer to the PGPG blog...this one is certainly a welcome NEW addition to our group... Thanks for sharing Chris R.

RGB
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello everyone:

Today is the eve of our departure to Dalhousie University Speech Program for Aphasia, in Halifax Nova Scotia. I thought this would be a good opportunity to send you an update and, as always, solicit your continued prayers.

Although some of you have been on this prayer chain since the first day. Some of you may be receiving this for the first time. For those of you that have been with us for varying periods of this past year, I thank you for your support and prayers. I believe that it has been through these prayers that God has blessed me with the recovery we have seen so far. Although I fully acknowledge she has a long way to go, Lynda has come a long, long way from where she was a year ago.

For those of you that have just recently joined us, may God bless you for your support of us in prayer.

Now for the update:

Since I last provided an update on Lynda’s Birthday (April 13) there has been some improvements in several areas:


* Although we did have her gall bladder removed, it only slightly improved her condition. However, recent test have confirmed that she has two stomach ulcers which are likely causing her the pain she is experiencing.

* Although happy we found these problems it seems almost inconceivable that the other 3 GI doctors that ran so many tests on her didn’t find them.
* The treatment for this is a bit slower than we would like so there will still be issues with this pain for a while.

* We have dropped her sodium intake down to zero. On the surface it appears that she has stopped needing the 24 grams of sodium chloride a day she needed before. She may now be able to sustain her sodium levels by more natural intake.
* Along with the sodium, we have been able to get her off of nearly all medications. She is down to only three medications she has to take routinely. (This is down from 24 medications when I brought Lynda home from the hospital in August)
* She has on a few occasions articulated information which seems to indicate at least a beginning of a return of past memory. I’m excited about that because the past memory will also provide her with her past talents and abilities and minimize those things she has to “relearn”.
* Lynda also routinely indicates an understanding of the fact that “things are not normal”. She also articulates the desire for things to be “normal” again.


Now for the prayer requests:

Praises:


* Portsmouth Christian Schools (the school that Lynda taught in for many years and was actively teaching in at the time she got sick) and several of the individuals and Sunday school classes at our church (Biltmore Baptist) raised a very significant amount of money to help with the expenses for the therapy program we are going to attend over the next several weeks. Their efforts cover more than ½ of the expenses. Praise God for this much needed help.
* We have found what is likely the cause of her biggest physical problem and have a plan to treat it.
* I have a boss and company that are providing the opportunity to go to this therapy program.


Requests:


* The treatment provided Lynda will take away her pain and any physical discomfort.
* The therapy will be a resounding success.
* Lynda will continue to recover her long-term memory and the ability to use it and articulate it properly.
* Safe and expedient travel and great experiences while we are in Canada.
* That God will bless each and every one of you as you continue to pray for and support me and Lynda.


As you know, because many of you have lived this year with us, this has been a tough time to say the least. It has been a roller coaster ride with emotions I never dreamed of experiencing.

As Lynda and I go to Canada to this clinic, I know that in many ways the work we will do will be harder than anything we have ever done before. But the rewards stand to be greater than any task we have ever undertaken. I believe that everything we experienced in the first beautiful 36 years of our marriage has been God’s way of preparing us for this past year and the recovery before us in the years to come.

I looked back at the journal we kept (mainly as part of Jenny’s nightly emails to each of you) and found that May 12, 2007 is the day we were first informed that Lynda had some level of brain damage. It seems very appropriate that the anniversary of that terrible news is the day that we embark on what could be the most important part of her recovery.

I am excited about this opportunity and I know that each of you has contributed in a very large way to my ability to not only survive the past year, but to be able to provide Lynda the atmosphere, treatment and therapy to bring her back as far as she has come. Through these efforts and the grace of God, she has reached a level that will allow this therapy to become fruitful. You have given so much of yourselves to make my job easier at a time when I could not have needed it more.

Thank you seems like such an inadequate word, but it is said with the utmost sincerity.

Thank you!

Chip and Lynda

Maggie n Grayson UPDATE!!!!

thanks to all of your prayers.......here now is maggie may 10lbs 1/2ozs and grayson 12 lbs 1/2ozs

best wishes to all

jill

Sarah Macey's Surgery...INCREDIBLE

From: st macy
Date: Sat, 17 May 2008 04:32:19 +0000


Please forward to anyone you think might be interested.

First and foremost, we are completely overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and response to the messages about Sarah. This morning we were checking e-mail and had prayer after prayer after prayer being offered for her and our family. You are an incredible support to our family and a beautiful testiment to the power of prayer and faith in God!

A special thank you to all from the St. Joseph community. WOW! What a blessing to have you in our lives. Messages from staff, students stopping every hour to pray, classes saying the Rosary, cards and pictures being sent, and the list goes on. We will never be able to thank you enough for what you did and continue to do for us. The Parish, School, and EEC were absolutely incredible with their response of hope and faith for us. That was a true beacon for us.

Sarah went into surgery this afternoon. What had promised to be a "flipping intense surgery" (the surgeon's words this morning - ha) with a lot of potential complications was successfully completed earlier than expected. The surgery had been predicted to be 5-6 hours if things went smoothly, longer if complications. It was about 4 hours. According to the CT scan, the tumor had spread throughout viens and lungs and could potentially be difficult to extract. The surgeon was able to remove all the visible tumors (the lungs will still needed to be treated via chemotherapy). It will probably be Tuesday before she is considered "fully recovered". Chemotherapy will start shortly after that. They inserted a port for the chemo which will reduce the number of times she needs to be stuck with a needle. As pathology reports come in, we will work with the oncology group to develop a treatment plan. We will keep everyone posted on the developments.

Although we still have a long road ahead of us as we wait for pathology reports and develop a game plan of how we will continue to treat Sarah, this is definitely a wonderful surprise compared to what we thought we would be facing based on the scan reports from yesterday. I truly believe that the power of prayer had a lot to do with today's positive outcome. So many people forwarded the message to others that we had prayers being offered by multiple denominations throughout the US, Masses being offered for Sarah, Rosaries being said, etc. Because of your incredible devotions and prayers, Sarah's surgery was smooth and we are looking a a less intense recovery from it.

Thank you!

May God bless you and your families!!

The Macy Family - Steve, Joan, Catherine, Isabelle, and Sarah

Sarah Macey (3yr old) Needs Your Prayers

We wanted to update everyone with Sarah's condition.

Our escapade with Sarah, our 3-year old, started on Tuesday night when we found a bump on her abdomen. After talking with our doctor's office, we thought she might be a little "backed up" since her play had increased with the nice weather but her fluid intake had not. With complaints of a tummy-ache throughout the night, we decided to take her into the doctor's office on Wednesday.

Our theory of constipation changed to one of a possible hernia and a referral for an ultrasound. While at the imaging center, we received word that the swollen abdomen was due to a Wilm's tumor. With films in hand and a lot of questions in our heads, we headed for Children's Mercy - Downtown for admittance. This is what has developed over the past 24 hours:

She has a Wilm's tumor which is a cancerous growth on a kidney. It occurs in children typically between 3-8 years old. The CT scan shows that it has spread into the major viens/arteries to the heart and leg and into her lungs.

On Friday she will under surgery to remove her kidney with the Wilm's tumor and "clean" the veins/arteries. They will also explore to see if there is further spread not seen on the CT scan. She will then undergo chemotherapy to attack the growths in her lungs and potential other sites. A port will be implanted during surgery through which her future labs and meds will be drawn/delivered. We don't have a definite treatment plan until surgery and pathology reports are complete, but the doctor said to expect it to be a year or two for treatment.

We have been humbled by the extraordinary outpouring of support from family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. It is times like this we realize how blessed we are with such wonderful people in our lives. You may not realize how reassuring your words and actions of support and encouragement are to us. We will never be able to thank you enough. We will keep you posted as to the developments in Sarah's condition. Thank you & may God continue to bless you all!!!

The Macy Family - Steve, Joan, Catherine, Isabelle, & Sarah

All You Need is...Love. Who is Love?

When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.

Father, God bless all my friends and loved ones in whatever it is that You know they may be needing this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.

Paul Harvey's Prayer for all of us(a)

'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'

A Psalm - A Cruel Disease, by Deacon Tom

A Psalm
Cruel Disease

Lord; fate has loaded us with so many disasters
and we try to overcome them but we have little
confidence in our ability.
We struggle to make sense out of the turmoil
that infects us when illness and death
seem to hover closely by us.

We must watch our loved ones suffer
with illness in that even a wise person
can not understand and we feel that we are
without resources.
We writhe in the agony of not knowing why
this illness is so cruel.

Lord our God you know what we have to
contend with.
You know what it is like to see you’re loved
one suffer under the cruel
bludgeoning of senseless pain.
You understand our suffering as friends,
siblings and lovers of the victims.

You made your children, the Hebrews,
emerge from the cruelty of slavery in
Egypt and become a nation.
You saw your son Jesus Christ die
a bitter foolish death on the cross
and through your wondrous grace
rise again to glory.
In all of the dark days of our world
you always have blessed us with
your love. Now we pray for
your children who are terribly ill and
without resources and we ask you to
touch their life with your warmth and
healing presence.

We know Lord that we don't always
see your healing and love as we face
the darkest moments of life, but it is
there.
It is not just healing that we need.
We need to find ways to deal with our
sorrows and live with our cross.
Show us the way out of this senselessness.
Lord you are the divine healer, the
master physician we are you loving children
bless and grace us as you see fit.

Deacon Tom Coffey
Spring 2008

Fake Friends / Real Friends tutorial

FAKE FRIENDS: Never ask for food.
REAL FRIENDS: Is the reason you have no food.

FAKE FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. / Mrs.
REAL FRIENDS: Call your parents DAD/MOM

FAKE FRIENDS: Never seen you cry
REAL FRIENDS: Cry with you

FAKE FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back
REAL FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours

FAKE FRIENDS: Know a few things about you
REAL FRIENDS: Could write a book about you with direct quotes from you

FAKE FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that is what the crowd is doing
REAL FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds butt that left you

FAKE FRIENDS: Would knock on your front door
REAL FRIENDS: Walk right in and say 'I'M HOME!'

FAKE FRIENDS: Are for awhile
REAL FRIENDS: Are for life

FAKE FRIENDS: Will talk bad to the person who talks bad about you.
REAL FRIENDS: Will knock the person out that talked bad about you

FAKE FRIENDS: Would ignore this
REAL FRIENDS: Will send this to all their real friends and hope to get it back!

If you were killed today, I'm sorry I wouldn't be able to come to your funeral, because I'd be in jail for killing the person who did it.

The Cup of Hot Chocolate

A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired. During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups-porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite -- telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate.

When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said:
'Notice that all the nice looking; expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each others cups.

Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate we have.

The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything that they have.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Thank the Lord for your blessings in 2008. And enjoy your hot chocolate!

James Bockwinkel

From: bockwig@yahoo.comTo: bockWINkel@aol.comSent: 4/26/2008 3:22:15 P.M. Central Daylight TimeSubj: Special Prayer Reqquest for JAMES

Rick,

James needs more prayers than his mom and dad can provide. Please ask your faithful to say one for James.

Every since late January, James has gone from one cold to another. Even had to go to ER once. Well, two days ago, they finally diagnosed his illness. MONO. Anyone who ever had it knows how it can drag you down. He is in his final semester of his final year with graduation 5/11 and lots of papers and reports due in the next week plus finals. James needs some spiritual uplifting.
Thanks
Uncle George

Paul Walker HARVEST

Paul had a morning full of tests and then another appointment with the tranplant doctor. He signed consent for the additional drug to mobilize his stem cells. They will be harvesting his stem cells with the help of this new drug starting Monday, March 24. They generally harvest enough for two stem cell transplants in case another is needed; however, there is a possibility with his past trouble that they may only be able to harvest enough for one tranplant.

A rather major change is that KU is going back to inpatient transplants for awhile. Assuming the harvest is successful, Paul will be admitted to the tranplant unit on March 31, the first day of his chemo; and will be there for approximately three weeks or until his counts go back up. Last Friday, we talked to another myeloma patient that we had met at the support group. He was to be three weeks behind Paul on the tranplant schedule; but due to Paul's delay, he is now two weeks ahead. Anyway, he was told last Friday, that he would be inpatient. That gave us time to kind of get our heads around this before meeting with the doctor today; at least it wasn't a total surprise. We both feel comfortable with this change and feel that this is another way that God is taking care of us.

Again, thank you for all of your support and prayers. We know they are helping.- Linda(Calvin's grandmother!)

Dustin Carter

http://sports.aol.com/story/_a/with-an-iron-will-he-finds-a-way/20080229222809990001

If you cannot access this story, let me know. It is inspiring to say the least.

Scripture Verse for your Birthday

Click it out ------> http://www.birthverse.com/MYBIRTHVERSE.CFM

The Cabbie and the Preacher

A cab driver reaches the Pearly Gates and announces his presence to St. Peter, who looks him up in his Big Book. Upon reading the entry for the cabbie, St. Peter invites him to pick up a silk robe and a golden staff and to proceed into Heaven.

A preacher is next in line behind the cabby and has been watching these proceedings with interest. He announces himself to St. Peter. Upon scanning the preacher's entry in the Big Book, St. Peter furrows his brow and says, "Okay, we'll let you in, but take that cloth robe and wooden staff."

The preacher is astonished and replies, "But I am a man of the cloth. You gave that cab driver a gold staff and a silk robe. Surely *I* rate higher than a cabbie."

St. Peter responded matter-of-factly: "This is heaven and up here, we are interested in results. When you preached, people slept. When the cabbie drove his taxi, people prayed."

The Taylor Rozier Cancer Story

Rick,

I am certain someone in your Prayer group is praying for someone with cancer. They might find this story from Incarnate Word Academy in St.L. one of joy. (Good to have some Kleenex handy though for some tears of joy).

Uncle George

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfrDljSmaEo

Paul Walker Cancer Treatment Update

Paul had labs today and his platelets are starting to go up, so the plan is to start the harvest or collection of his stem cells on Monday, 2/25. The chemo and infusion of his stem cells will be the following week.

We are anxious to get started; but, obviously, somewhat apprehensive.

The central line that he had put in on Friday was a bigger deal than we realized; and the care of it is somewhat involved. Once we start going to the cancer center daily, they will take over its care.

Thanks for your support.-- Linda(Calvin's grandmother!)

Man raised from the dead by prayer.

Article and video here:
http://www1.wsvn.com/features/articles/specialreport/MI75423

Paul Walker UPDATE...UPBEAT~!

In a message dated 2/12/2008 6:15:05 P.M. Central Standard Time, grandmalindawalker@gmail.com writes:

As of last week, the plan was to start harvesting Paul's stem cells the week of 2/18, and then the chemo and transplant the week of 2/25. He had a couple of full days of tests and consultations last Thursday and Friday. Most everything looked good, except his platelet count was low. This could be due to some medications which he is now going to hold or due to an infection. A low platelet count could make the harvest more difficult. At any rate, everything has been bumped back a week in hopes that the platelet count will go up. The really good news is that the results of his bone marrow biopsy show that his plasma cells are now only 2%. In June when he was diagnosed, they were at 10%. In October, when all of the pain started, he was at 70% in some places. At the beginning of January at Mayo, he was down to 5% after a little more than two cycles of the induction drugs....and now 2%. Actually 3% is normal; I always knew that there was nothing normal about him! The most recent skeletal x-rays show that he has compression fractures in his vertebrae that were not present in his 11/20/07 x-rays. This would explain the terrible pain he had in late November and December. The oxycontin is what is now controlling the pain. In the future he may consider having cement injected in the vertebrae. This would possibly help him get off of the pain meds. But first things, first....and that is the transplant.

Anyway, thank you for all of your prayers. They are really working. We will continue to need them in the coming weeks and months.-- Linda(Calvin's grandmother!)

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."






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

*************************************************************************************************************************
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! : )
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
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
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

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


****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
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/

***********************************************************************************************************************


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
*************************************************************************************************************************

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.
************************************************************************************************************************

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
*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
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.