My parents...

[Susan Jennerjohn]

Hello everyone,

I want to let all who are interested (and the new ones that don’t even know me) to know I have not abandoned Erich and the forum. I have been completely tied up for a long time.

I really have a serious Prayer request.

My dad has been in ill health for many years. He has had heart problems since he was in his 40’s (he is now 68) and he also had cancer. It is truly a miracle he has been with us this long. The treatment for his cancer 17 years ago was radiation and that has taken a toll on his body. I won’t get into details on this because there are many, many other ailments he has from this treatment, but it has made his heart real weak. (His smoking doesn’t help either) He is 95% blocked on one side of his carotid artery (neck) and 85% on the other. They cannot do anything with the 95% side of his neck because of the radiation treatment he had. It is too damaged and this side is the most damaged by the radiations treatment. He also fell taking his dog to the vet and broke his hip and few months ago and he has not been able to walk well ever since. We just assumed it was because of his hip replacement but the doctor felt he has clots in his legs too. He should be pretty much wheel chair bound at this time. He won’t do this so he falls and can barely make it from room to room.

It took over a month to find a doctor that would take his case because my dad cannot take much anesthetic (his heart is too weak) and the doctors are afraid to do the surgery. Pretty much it is a 50, 50 chance of survival. If he doesn’t have the surgery he will pass away and if he does have the surgery the anesthetic can kill him. My parents did finally find a doctor to do the procedure and they made the appointment. He was scheduled to go in on Thursday.

Sunday evening my mom called me and asked me to take her to the emergency room because she couldn’t see out of her left eye and wasn’t feeling well. Her blood pressure was wayyyy too low. (she is on high blood pressure meds) After hours of tests in the emergency room they found out she may have had a stroke. She was admitted to the hospital. She went into surgery and had a battery of tests done the next two days and they did find blockages and took care of them. (I won’t get into the technical details) She did get to come home Wednesday but she still is not talking real straight and can’t quite see yet out of her left eye. I got her settled and my sister stayed with her overnight so I could take my dad to the hospital for his surgery on Thursday.

We were all praying everything would come out alright with my dad and that my mom wouldn’t have a relapse in the meantime. He did great in this surgery but the doctor couldn’t finish his procedure. He was under anesthetic too long (over 3 hours) and the doctor said he couldn’t even get to my dads legs. It was too risky. I took my dad home the next day (he should have stayed another day, but my dad HATES hospitals and insisted on going home.) and he informed us that the doctor found many, many clots in his legs and now he found a new one in the artery close to his heart. He is going in for surgery again sometime in the next week. (my dad has to heal from this surgery)

My biggest worry is my dads attitude used to be VERY positive but this time he talks of going to Heaven a lot. My dad and I are VERY close and the selfish part of me wants him to stay alive, but part of me does not want to see him suffer anymore.

Please say a prayer for my parents to get well (if this is His will in my dads case) and for strength for our family. A prayer for the physician’s hands during surgery would be great also.

I will let everyone who reads this know that the biggest blessing I could have at this time is my work at home business. While I am taking care of my family the money from my business, just keeps rolling in!

When all settles down, I will be back to visit in the forum again.

Thank you for reading and bless you!

Susan

[Erich]

Hi Susan

Please be assurred both your Mom and Dad are in my Prayers and will continue to be there as long as needed. When somone starts talking about going to Heaven and being ready... in my mind that is as positive as it can get...

God has given us the will to live but he also provides us with intelligence enough to understand that when we have a serious illness... this life is coming to an end more sooner than later...

I'm sorry for your Dad's illness and hope he makes a full recovery but you and he have comfort in the fact he knows where he is going when it is all over.

God Bless

Erich

[Susan Jennerjohn]

Erich,

Thank you for your words of comfort.

"When somone starts talking about going to Heaven and being ready... in my mind that is as positive as it can get... "

You are right, and my dad does have a great peace about leaving and he is not afraid at all. The selfishness just comes out in the rest of us because we don't want him gone.

Thank you so much. What you wrote made me cry and helped me feel better about it.

This forum is truly amazing. I knew I would get comfort here.
I will be back here to help others out again soon!

Susan

[Lori]

Hi Susan…

Your Mom and Dad are in my thoughts and prayers. Take all the time you need…family always comes first.

God Bless
Lori

[stirls]

Susan - we all work to grow our online business income so that we can spend time with family - because in the big picture familiy is the most important thing we have. You have worked hard on your business and now is the time to reap those efforts to spend time with your family.

My thoughts are with you and your parents
Chris

[hazenenterprises]

Susan,

You, your family, and especially your parents are in our thoughts and prayers. We will all be praying very hard for their recovery. You can surely find comfort in knowing that no matter what happens, they have their faith and we have to accept God's will. That is very hard for us sometimes and I totally understand you feeling selfish about not wanting that time to come.

My father just underwent the surgery on his carotid artery on the left side of his neck. It was the same thing - 50/50 - he made it through surgery very well but his has so many other things going on that we live day to day wondering what will be next.

I have learned over the years of his sicknesses to be thankful for the days I do have with him and to live them to their fullest. It is so hard not to think about what tomorrow will bring but we just have to hand it all over to the Lord and know that He is in control. The hard part is accepting that sometimes.

Please know that we are all thinking and praying for you and like said previously - family comes first. The beauty of our "jobs" is that we can be with family in times like this without having to worry about a boss!

Take care and may God Bless all of you!

Robin

[talfighel]

Hi Susan,

You have also my thoughts and prayers. We are here for you if you need anything.

Tal

[Sandi Moses]

Hi, Susan

I am so sorry to hear about your parents, but I sure can relate to what you are going through.

My dad knew when he was about to die and told my mom that he was "going home" just a few hours before he did just that. It was hard when he went, but I look forward to seeing him again. I miss his dry sense of humor.

My mom died in September of 2001- I'm not even sure she knew what happened on 9/11. I had the same selfish feeling you probably have - "Mom couldn't you wait?" and instantly realizing how selfish that really was because she was finally not suffering any more.

Waiting for what you know is coming is like waiting for the other shoe to drop. You dread it but you can't prevent it. I spent months with my stomach in knots because I knew "that" phone call was coming - I just didn't know when.

I will be praying for your family. Take comfort in knowing that others have "been there, done that" and know that all of us here on the forum are here for you.

Sandi

[Hank and Dot]

Susan,

You and your family are in our prayers.

No words can ease your pain. Just know that we care.

It is very difficult to lose a parent, but what peace we have knowing they will be waiting for us and we will see them again!

May God bless you,

Hank and Dot

[Lori G.]

Susan,

I am so sorry to hear of your mom and dad. I will keep them in my prayers. Please take care of yourself Susan. I will say a prayer for you as well.

Lori

[rbarras]

Susan,

I also will pray for you and your parents. When my dad died- I began to know that he would not return form the hospital and my children began to have dreams about angles coming to take him home. This helped my children to let their grandfather go. We all miss him but the way the Lord chose to tell us what he was doing helped us get through his home going. I will ask the Lord to begin to speak to your heart to let you know what he is planning for your parents.

May the Lord give you his strength and comfort..

Ruby

[shing]

Susan,

I'm so sorry to hear of your struggles with your parents. As I was reading, I was thinking that you have experienced the closeness to your parents that few seem to feel or even value nowadays. This is truly a cherished treasure that you will always carry with you - and so will they.

I will pray for you to have strength to endure the difficulties that you are experiencing. And for your parents, as well. You're a blessing on this forum and we miss you when you're not here.

Shawna

[troyzone]

Hi Susan,

I figured you must be otherwise occupied these days as you haven't been around the forum as much lately. I'm so sorry to hear of all the difficulties you have faced with both of your parents, I imagine it is really hard for you and I've been there in many ways.

My own family has had a rough time these past several years...there are ongoing health problems, hospitalizations, some deaths in the family, and other such issues, and it seems like it's just one thing after another lately, so I can certainly relate.

You and your parents have my thoughts and prayers. I hope that things improve for you soon and work out for the best for you and your family.

Troy

[Caroline]

Hello Susan,
I am so sorry to hear of the heart wrenching time that you, your sister and parents are going through. Whereas I pray that you will have more good time with your Dad, please know that he will never leave you. The closeness that you have enjoyed will remain with you forever. Both of my parents passed away, but so often I find a piece of advice or opinion from one of them will pop into my mind, just at the right time.
My prayers are also with your Mom for a full, and easy recovery and are with you and your sister for strength and comfort. I would like to pass on some advice given to me, as a care giver for both my parents and now my husband. Take some time for you. It is so important to get away from everything for a while - even if just for an hour. Go for a walk, or pray, or meditate or do some gardening. Get outside as often as possible, into the sunlight. This will "recharge your batteries" and help you cope with the stress, and in turn be better equipped to help your parents. I know from experience that it works.
I will continue to pray for you and your family.
God Bless you
Caroline

[garovich]

Hi Susan,

Sorry to hear about your parents and the difficulties they are going through right now. It's a hard thing to watch especially when they feel like they are ready to move on (this was the case with my father last year).

Just let them know a lot of people here are thinking and praying for them.

Gary

[Sandi Moses]

Hi Susan

You might want to check this out. A guy named Mark Harris wrote a song called "Wish You Were Here" based on what a close friend said to him shortly before the friend died of leukemia. You can find the lyrics on the K-LOVE web site. Click on "music/on air", then "lyrics" and then type in the song title.

I listen all the time through the computer and the music is very uplifting. The rest of you should listen, too! Then we can all be listening to the same thing at the same time!

Sandi

[happymom]

Hi Susan-

My prayers are with you and your family. I'm not sure I could add anything to what others have said, but just know that God takes care of his children and will help you through your valleys.

Julie

[ursula]

Hi Susan,

I feel for you. I lost my Mum in September 2001 and it was torture watching her go through her illness and not being able to do anything about it.

It's difficult but with the help of God, family and friends we are able to cope. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Be strong.

Ursula

[zeta]

Susan,
It broke my heart to hear your story and what everyone in your family is going through.
The saying "when it rains it pours" is true for your case.
I am so sorry for you and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I will also put your name on the prayer list at church.

I know you have worked very hard on building your website business and hopes it
does very well for you while you are taking care of your family. If there is anything I
can do for you, just ask. You were so much help in getting me started and I thank you
for that.

God Bless You
Zeta

[ljax]

Hi Susan,
Your parents will be in my prayers and so are you, I know how tuff it is when you feel you may lose your parents. I am almost as old as your Dad and lost my parents about 12 years ago. All the prayers will help, I have come thru some pretty tuff ordeals my self the past 3 years and I know for sure, prayer is why I am here writting this email to you. I wish you and your Parents the very best
God bless you all,
Larry

[Tammy]

Susan,

I have goose bumps from reading these posts, I can't imagine how you feel!
I hope the kind words of all these thoughtful people will help you stay strong during this difficult time. It really is an amazing group of people here, and I'm proud to be part of it.
Along with all the others, your parents and family, as well as yourself are in my prayers. I wish you all well.

Tammy

[Susan Jennerjohn]

I don’t even know what to say. This forum is unbelievable. I truly can’t believe how compassionate everyone is in here. You all have put tears to my eyes. You have no idea how your prayers and comments have helped me.

All I can say is “Thank you”!

I promise I will be back in here soon to help others again just as you have helped me.

Susan

[Susan Jennerjohn]

Hi all,

Well after months of suffering my father finally found his peace with Jesus. He passed away on Tues. morning and I was able to be with him to his last breath.

I am thankful he is in no more pain and thanks to my work at home job was able to spend every single day with him.

I am now requesting prayers for strength (for my mother also) as I am having a real hard time with this. I know he is in Heaven and is at peace, but my dad was one of my best friends and I feel a huge empty hole in my heart.

I need to now get back to business (after the funeral) fast to get some normalcy back in my life. I will be back here in the forum more often too.

Thank you

Susan

[mpatton]

jennesue said:

Hi all,

Well after months of suffering my father finally found his peace with Jesus. He passed away on Tues. morning and I was able to be with him to his last breath.

I am thankful he is in no more pain and thanks to my work at home job was able to spend every single day with him.

I am now requesting prayers for strength (for my mother also) as I am having a real hard time with this. I know he is in Heaven and is at peace, but my dad was one of my best friends and I feel a huge empty hole in my heart.

I need to now get back to business (after the funeral) fast to get some normalcy back in my life. I will be back here in the forum more often too.

Thank you

Susan

Susan,

Words cannot express when we love our family members and other loved ones. You and your family will be in my prayers and thoughts as each of you go through this stage of and passage of life.

Michael

[Sandi Moses]

Susan, I am so sorry about your Dad.

How well I remember being torn between not wanting to let go but realizing it would be selfish to keep a parent here in misery when they have gone to where there is no pain and there is no suffering.

Don't expect too much of yourself too soon. "Normalcy" (whatever that is!) returns eventually but gradually. You have been under so much stress that you need to recover, too.

Hugs and prayers to your mom and your whole family.

Sandi

[Michael J]

Hi Susan

My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. You will all be in my prayers. Losing loved ones is to me the most difficult thing to deal with. I lost 3 in less than 6 month period and although it hasn't got any easier for me, I know that it's easier for them as they are in a better place.

Keep your faith strong and HIS faith in you will see you through.

Warm regards

Michael J

[talfighel]

Hi Susan,

My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.

Stay strong at these difficult times.

Tal

[cindi]

Susan,

I pray for you and your family.

If God has given your father the wisdom to not fear leaving you and the ones he loves, then that is a blessing in itself.

Cindi

[Lori G.]

Hi Susan,

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you and your mom in my thoughts and prayers.

Lori

[Lori]

Susan…I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad.

May beautiful and loving memories give you strength at this difficult time. Wish there was more we can do to help ease the pain and sorrow, we know you are going thru. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lori