Sunday, June 21, 2009

One Phone Call Can Change It All

Strange how with one phone call the day can change in a split second.

Yesterday brought just such a call.
As we were preparing to have our family Father's Day celebration one day early I received a phone call from my brother-in-law. It is rare for him to call me so I was a bit suspicious as soon as I answered the phone. But when he immediately told me that he was going to have great difficulty talking to me my heart became heavy. I had no idea what he would tell me, but I knew it wasn't something I wanted to hear.


Nothing could prepare me for what he had to say.



He told me that my sister had had a stroke. He told me that she is in the hospital unable to speak or move most of the right side of her body. I could not comprehend how my sister who is very religious about her exercise habits and has always eaten a very healthy diet could possibly be in this condition. We had just talked to each other on the phone a few days earlier and she sounded happy.


Today is her youngest son's birthday. My heart is breaking for her and her family. I can only imagine how frightening it must be to be unable to speak. I find comfort in knowing that she is in a good hospital and has many friends and her family to be with her now. They believe now that she will be in the hospital for several weeks and is expected to recover what she has lost. I am ready to go be with her as soon as the time is right. I have been advised that the better time to come would be when she is receiving therapy.



We are supposed to be leaving for a short vacation to celebrate our anniversary. There are a lot of things up in the air now. My Mom has begun to receive Hospice care. I am told that with Alzheimer's patients that could mean the end is near, but not necessarily. Of course I know that there is really only one person who knows that for sure. I only tell you these things because I feel it necessary to take a break from doing any new posts. I hope to still be doing some visiting. I guess I also share these things because I would like to ask a favor. If you wouldn't mind including my sister and my Mom in your prayers it would warm my heart more than you will ever know. If I can ever return the favor I will be more than happy to do so. Though I may be away from posting for a while, all of you will remain in my thoughts daily.
~ Thank You ~
Love,




31 comments:

  1. Kim, this is a request I will be happy to fill. I am praying for you and your sister and your mom.

    Much love, too, across the computer!

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  2. So sorry for this news. And of course, prayers.

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  3. Prayers coming your way my friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  4. Oh Kim, I'm so sorry to hear this news about your sister. I will be honored to pray for her, that she will in fact make a complete recovery. I'll also pray for her family during this time. I'll also pray for you and your family as your Mom makes this transition. I ask that God will give you peace in your decision (whether or not to travel, etc.)

    Thank you so very much for your prayers for my family.

    Take care. Hugs being sent your way...

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  5. Oh, Kim, I can imagine how heavy your heart is.....sure, I will say a prayer for your sister and Mom.....I'm so sorry for you having to bear this news today. Take care.

    Suzanne

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  6. Dear Kim,
    Thank you for sharing your burdens and giving us the chance to pray for you and your family. All this is a great deal to face right now for you. It was good to hear that your sister has a good prognosis, but what a frightening situation to be in. We will look forward to hearing from you soon. I'm sorry that you must endure this for a time, but glad that you have the support of your husband and your heavenly Father. Yes, I will gladly pray and know that you would do the same for me when trouble comes my way.
    In Christ,

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  7. Dear Kim,

    I am so sorry to hear about your sister. Please know that I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers!

    Blessings!
    ~Nadine

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  8. Kim, sometimes life gets so unbelievably difficult. Your sister and your mom and the entire family will be in my prayers. In fact, I couldn't continue writing this comment without saying a quick prayer. Sending a gentle hug...

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  9. Oh, my goodness, I just now had the privilege of visiting your blog after being away, and I am heartbroken for you!!! I cannot even begin to imagine ALL that you are facing and processing in your life. I am so sorry!! I promise to remember you, your sister, her family, your mother and all of your family during this painful time. Thank you for giving us this privilege and for sharing with us what you are facing. You definetly will be in my thoughts through this week.

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  10. Oh, my goodness, I just now had the privilege of visiting your blog after being away, and I am heartbroken for you!!! I cannot even begin to imagine ALL that you are facing and processing in your life. I am so sorry!! I promise to remember you, your sister, her family, your mother and all of your family during this painful time. Thank you for giving us this privilege and for sharing with us what you are facing. You definetly will be in my thoughts through this week.

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  11. Oh, Kim, I'm so sorry. My prayers are with you and your family. I wish for good things to come your way. My brother is being cared for by Hospice and it is a trying time.

    Take care,
    (((Big Hugs))),
    Donna

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  12. Good morning Kim ~ I will definitely keep your family in my prayers...I'm so sorry you had to receive this news. God bless....

    Hugz,
    Michele

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  13. Oh Kim, I'm so sorry to hear this news. I am praying your sister will improve and have a good recovery. Your Mom has been in my prayers and will continue to be. Take care and I hope you get to take your anniversary trip. Happy Anniversary!

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  14. Of course I will put you all in my daily prayers. So sorry to hear of more sad news for you. Hang in there Kim.

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  15. Hi Kim,
    I will keep them both in my heart and prayers.

    Elizabeth

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  16. Kim, Thank you for stopping by my blog. I'm glad I have found you, so I can add your sister, mother, you, and your family to my thoughts and prayers.
    Hugs to you,

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  17. I've just lifted them both up in prayer and will continue to do so. May God wrap His loving arms around all y'all during this difficult time. He is an amazing God and hears our prayers. He is strength to the weary...trust in Him.

    Bless...Shell

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  18. Prayer is the best thing anybody can do in this situation. I'm sorry your sister is going through this, and that your mothers is struggling with such a debilitating disease. My husband and I will add them to our prayer list. I know you'll be busy with both situations - but keeps us posted when you can.

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  19. Kim I'm so sorry to hear this news. I'm sure you will be a big help and so encouraging for your sister when the time is right. She and your sweet mom and YOU are in my prayers
    XoXo
    Robin

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  20. Oh, I can only imagine how you must be feeling! My heart goes out to you...and I will be praying for your sister, and you mom...and you, as you cope with this time of turmoil and uncertainty.

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  21. Kim, my prayers are for your sister and her family. Such sad news and so unexpected. You and your mother are always in my prayers also. Twyla

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  22. so sorry to hear about your sister and keep your whole family in my prayers.

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  23. Hon, I am so sorry! I will send good positive thoughts your sisters way. And yours as well! It's so shocking to get news like this. Please take care of yourself so you can be there for her, okay?
    Brenda

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  24. Hi Kim
    I will pray for you. I can imagine how I would feel if it were my mom and sister.
    Hugs, Rhondi

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  25. Lost my father-in-law to Alzheimer's. I know what's ahead for you. And your sister! I am saddened by this post. You--absolutely--will have our prayers.

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  26. Just catching up on my reading, and I'm so sorry to hear your news. You'll be in my thoughts, and I'm wishing the best for you, your sister and your mom. Take care, Kim.

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  27. p.s. that previous comment was from Barbara :)

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  28. In my "skipping" around to see different blogs, I was drawn to yours because of the beautiful hydrangeas. But then I read your post and wanted to tell you how sorry I am about your sister. I will keep her in my prayers and hope for a full recovery soon. Also I will pray for your Mom and your family as you go through this hard time.
    BB from Ga.

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  29. I do not have my own Blog but have enjoyed your Blog immensely... My love and constant prayers for you and all of your family. Much Love, Laurel In Kingsport TN

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  30. Hi Kim,
    Just wanted to stop by and let you know I'm still praying for your sister...that she is making a full and complete recovery. You are missed.
    Blessings,
    Tracy

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  31. I'm sorry, Kim...I was interrupted and signed off my comment too soon. I'm also still keeping your Mom, as well as you and the rest of your family in prayer, as well.

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