God has his angels minister to us, but they are sent to obey his direction. Not that we aren't sent to obey, but our will gets involved in it, too. So though I have called people God has put in our lives 'angels', these are people who have given of their humanity, their hearts, their time, their resources. So many have helped us in so many ways from back home and are our loved ones, special in our lives before this and always will be.
There are also some wonderful people I want to tell you about from here in Houston...
Stacie -- she is a palliative care person here at St. Luke's Epsicopal Hospital. She was one of the first people to sit with me while I heard some very hard news from the doctors. After the doctors left, she stayed with me. She asked my who Allen is. She wanted to know what kind of man, father and husband he is. She asked us about our lives and loved ones. What a caring person she is. She visited us nearly every day and was with me when I was having to consider hospice care for Allen. She was with us as we saw Allen starting to respond and even though the doctors didn't hold out hope or even think his responses were purposeful, but just physical reflexes, she stood with us, hoping with us. She didn't 'side' with us. She stood with us. Her hand, her shoulder, her kindness has been a blessing. As Allen has progressed she has been here to interpret the doctors' orders for us so we can understand. Lord, bless Stacie, her husband and children and give them all they have need of and multiply back to her for all she has given to me and all the people she ministers to.
BTW...
Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is the medical specialty focused on improving overall quality of life for patients and families facing serious illness. Emphasis is placed on intensive communication, pain and symptom management, and coordination of care.
Palliative care is provided by a team of professionals working together with the primary doctor. It is appropriate at any point in a serious illness and can be provided at the same time as treatment that is meant to cure.
1 comment:
Linda, we are so glad there has been someone there to help you that understands exactly what you are going through and can help guide you through it. Palative care personnel are some of the most caring individuals I have ever seen and I know the good Lord has to be standing there with them at all times for them to be able to do what they do. We are praying that the fever goes away soon. It is very hard when someone has to lay in a bed for a long time, but we know the nurses are doing the best they can to help that situation. Our love is with you every minute of the day and night. I can tell from Facebook and from responses to your blog that you have a lot of friends and family pulling for Allen and praying that God will bring him back to himself soon. Hopefully you will be able to get him back to the Valley next week and that will make him happier even if he isn't at home because he will know that you will be more comfortable at home than at an extended stay hotel. We love all of you and say our prayers daily that Allen will get better very soon. Love ya
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