Saturday, July 11, 2009

Holly

This is Robert, writing for Holly again. I'm sad to say that Holly's health has seriously declined in the last several weeks. Her liver has not been functioning well, and has been producing a lot of "sludge" that fills her abdomen. Her lungs have also been filling with fluid. She has a difficult time breathing and she can only get out of bed for very short periods, if at all. She is now under hospice care, since her doctors have told us that there is nothing more they can do for her. They tell us that she has only a couple weeks left, at best.

This is not what we wanted to have happen, but we have known for some time that this was coming. We have never given up praying for a miracle, but we know that God's ways are not always our ways. We have been preparing ourselves (as best as we can) and we have slowly come to terms with it. We don't know all of our Father in Heaven's plan for us, but we know that his will is always best in the end, and he must have something very important for Holly to do on the other side if he is willing to take her away from us so soon. I feel I am getting just a tiny taste of what our Savior felt when he asked, "... O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."

Throughout all this, we have been blessed by so many good friends and family. My son Scott got married on 19 June, so we were able to have a lot of family come to visit us. It was so wonderful to get to go with Scott and his new bride, Brooke, into the Washington DC temple to see them be sealed for time and all eternity. What a blessing to see two pure, humble people starting their new life together.

Holly's cousin, Jamie, decided to come and stay with us for as long as needed to help Holly and the rest of us. I don't know what I would have done without her. She has truly been a gift from God (even when I argue with her). She has experience with home health care, so she has been able to help Holly in ways I would never be able to. Holly's dad and stepmother have also come to help, as well as Holly's nana. Of course, Holly's mother has been here all along to help her out. Whenever Holly needs help or is afraid, the first person she wants to talk to is her mother. The members of our church have been amazing too. They have been bringing meals and taking Rosie on outings. They will do literally anything we need, and they have proved that over and over. I hope that I can return the favor in some small way in the future.

Holly is resting comfortably right now. I am taking off from work for as long as I need to so that I can be with her and help her in any way I can. Thank you all for your prayers.

5 comments:

Rachael said...

I am so sorry to hear this. If there is anything we can do please dont' hesitate to call. Is Holly up for any visitors? Please email me at mckailamommie@yahoo.com. My prayers are with you and your family.

Christy Bacon said...

I am so sorry to hear that Holly is doing worse. My prayers continue to be with all of you and I regret that I didn't make it out to visit. Please give Holly a big hug for me and tell her that I'll see her on the other side. Love you all!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. I met Holly in Russia Feb 2004, the night you were getting the boys. It was my first trip. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Serena

Kim said...

I am sorry to hear that Holly's health is declining so rapidly. Your family has been an inspiration to me in my life and continues to be as you share your love for our Heavenly Father and the sacrifice of our Savior and the meaning it is to you in your life. You all continue to be in my prayers and know that you are loved very much.

Ann said...

Robert, I'm not sure you will remember me. You and Holly played such an important role in my life at a similarly critical time - when my husband died in Austria. Your kindness and generosity were so appreciated! I wish there were something I could do to repay. What you will find is that you don’t so much repay as pay forward. Those chances will come.

Be strong and continue with the faith that you are already exhibiting. I have just posted the following quote in my bedroom. “Courage for the great sorrows of life, and patience for the small ones, and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.” ~ Victor Hugo ~

God loves you and many pray for you. Count me among them.

Ann Herd