Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Here we are with the promised update. Yesterday – Wednesday – was a hard day. But it brought us to a place of confidence and reassurance and, well, “casting all [our] cares upon Him, for He cares for [us].”
Overnight I had felt increasingly uneasy about the prospect of mum’s surgery, especially in light of the unremitting pain and her inability to rest even a little. Then in the morning I talked with everyone – and I mean everyone – until it became obvious that mum was nowhere near strong enough for an invasive procedure that A) she didn’t want and B) would result in even more stress and pain and anxiety.
The surgeon was great. He was completely honest and clear (and compassionate) and gave me useful, thoughtful, actionable information.
Meanwhile, mum had been slipping into a realm just below consciousness, yet obviously fraught with pain. She has been unable to eat, or swallow medicine, and everything has had to be delivered via IV since she was first admitted.
So I called in Hospice. They responded immediately. And the moment the nurse saw mum she skipped right over “consult”, and “home-based support”, and immediately offered a place in the Hospice House for round the clock care. She will be transferred around lunchtime Thursday.
Seriously, friends, at that exact moment a heavy weight was lifted from me and I couldn’t help but cry. I have cried so many tears already for her pain and her anxiety, but this was relief and gratitude and the sense of someone leaning in and saying, “Here, let me take that burden from you….” Not just spotting it for me but removing it altogether.
So here we are. I am writing late in the evening again, sitting by my mum’s bedside, because I do not know what the morning will bring. But I am so very grateful for the care, for the professionalism, and for the unselfish love I feel all around me.
In love, and because, always, love heals – DEREK
Derek,
I’m so very glad to hear that you and your family found peace with your mum’s situation. The Lord does provide the people and support we need in times of critical need. May you all continue to find comfort from the Lord’s care.
Peace,
Steve
Hospice made all the difference for us as well when my husband’s ideopathic pulmonary fibrosis accelerated to the point where he could no longer get out of bed. They made him comfortable and pain-free until the end. His wish was to be able to die in his sleep which he did. It was painful for me and my son to watch but we were so grateful for their loving care and compassion! Conoly Barker
On Thu, Sep 14, 2023, 7:43 AM Derek Maul: Words & Photographs for the
Prayers
Praying for comfort for your mum.
I know from personal experience of the tremendous benefit of hospice care, not just to the patient, but to that person’s family and loved ones. I pray for peace and comfort for Grace and for you and your family.
Thanks for your updates, Derek. Love and prayers for you all at this difficult time.
Prayers of comfort for your mum, you, Rebekah and your family.
Praying for you all and sending much love.
Thankyou Derek !So sorry about your Mum !Im praying for her !and remembering her birthday Friday that she will be Pain Free !praying for you of course !love Brenda
Derek, it is hard but one thing that is so important to let go and let God! He loves and cares for us, especially when we are worried and burdened. The pain your mum felt being lessened is such a miracle. When we don’t have ourselves, know that the Lord God is carrying you and your mum in his arms. May his shalom fill you, your mum, and your family.