I got an email from Kathy's sister today-here it is. I just spoke with Kathy and she asked that I send this out to everyone. The doctors were in today and told her that they only give Jim 1 - 2 weeks. She said they could be wrong but she didn't think so. Please be in prayer from Jim, Kathy, Chris and Tara. Tara and her husband are driving up and Chris should be there by tomorrow so that they can decide together whether they should try and bring Jim home. They all need some private time together. She asked that you please not call right now and give her some time. Please do not think that your prayers have not been answered. God has a better plan for Jim's life even though he is taking him away from everyone that loves and cares for him. He has suffered so much these past few weeks and God knows that and he will be waiting with open arms to welcome him home. Please keep them in your prayers. I'm numb, as I know Kath is. Thanks to all of you for your wonderful support!! Love, Debby
Deb I'm so sorry to hear this news - it's horrible. I know it's hard to even fathom, but God is taking Jim home to be with him, and he will no longer suffer. We've all been praying for you, Kath and Jim and will continue to do so. Please call me (201-256-5357) or email me (mary@godolphins.us) if you need to talk. She just needs time alone with Jim and family right now and to sort through this shocking news, and plan for the future. I know this from what my mom went through.
Thank you ,my dear friend. I'll probably take you up on the email later, right now, I'm kind of going in circles. We just lost one of our sweetest church members yesterday morning also, so this has been quite a week so far. Remember Joy's husband and children also in your prayers. Love you, Debby
Of course, my friend. Anytime, Deb, please. Absolutely, will do. Now let me share something with you that I'd love for you to share with Kath. It's the poem from the prayer card from my dad's funeral. It may give her some solace in her grief. Safely Home I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in heaven at last. Did you wonder why I so calmly Trod the valley of the shade? Oh! but Jesus' love illumined Every dark and fearful glade. And he came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread; And with Jesus' arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely For I love you dearly still; Try to look beyond earths shadows, Pray to trust our Fathers' will. There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth- You shall rest in Jesus' land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh the joy to see you come! (I hope I haven't offended anyone with this poem)
Ah, so sorry Deb, I offer my thoughts and prayers in this dark time, and hope that Jim and his family both find peace.
NO one should be offended and if they are, pfft! Thank you Mary, I will copy it and send it to Kath when she can handle it better. Love, Debby
Deb - whenever you feel she's ready. It truly helped me after my dad died - helped with the grieving process. I had to have my mom send me some more because the one I had was so dog eared and tear stained. I cry every time I read it, but only because I know he's where he belongs. My mom would tell you differently since they were married for almost 52 years when he passed. It took her a long time to get over losing him, as I'm sure it will take Kath, but I promise you, as much as she loves him, she'll be happy to know he's not suffering anymore. My dad died of Alzheimer's and it was horrible to see him suffer every day. Love me
Mrs. Debbie My prayers have been sent. I believe I have missed a few prayer requests for this family because I am not sure who he is to you and what illness he has, but it is very apparent he is very close to you. I had a conversation with a close family friend when my father died. He told me that God had a job for my father to do and his work was done. What that job was nobody but God knows, and I should take comfort in knowing that Dad has completed his work and was now in the arms of God watching over us. For a 19 yo boy that was pretty hard to accept and understand, but it did bring me comfort. It has also stuck with me and brought me peace when my Mother passed from cancer a few years ago. So I hope that it will also bring you peace.
Really sorry to hear it, much of what you told us primed us for it, but it's always hard to actually hear what is coming. God Bless Jim and his Family, and as Ducken so eloquently put it, Jim's job here on earth is complete, and now he is going home to rest. God Bless you as well Miss Debbie for exerting the positive energy you are in regards to your friends. The world needs more friends like you.. Kenny
Thank you. Kathy and I have been friends for 45 years, Jim is her husband. We are as close as sisters. They live in Ohio, he is at the Cleveland Clinic. all the details are in either this thread or the christian thread. I'm numb right now, I'm not remembering much. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. Debby
Your prayers and friendship are the most wonderful things you can give me Raul. God Bless You. Love, Debby
Here's the latest from Kath every one: We are going to try and bring Jim home tomorrow. He will be going into Hospice care in Fairfield. The doctors are telling me Jim has Stage 4 lung cancer in his native lung that has spread to his liver and is creating havoc in his kidneys as well. They say now it is a matter of days. I want to thank all of you for your prayers. God will heal Jim, he will have his perfect healthy body in heaven. The next few days will be tough so you may not hear from me for a while. I do thank God for giving us the 5+ years after Jim's lung transplant. We have had a marvelous year traveling and Jim's next trip tho heartbreaking will be the best trip of all. Love, Kathy Thanks for your prayers everyone. Keep them up, she needs them more than ever now. Love to all of you, Debby
I'm sorry that I've missed this. If there is still hope, I'd like to know Jim's mother's name and if his actually name is James. That will help me to pray.
Yes, his name is James. I don't know his mothers name, she passed away several years ago. We're waiting word now to see if he was able to handle the 4 hour ride in an ambulance from Cleveland to the hospice about 20 minutes from their home.
Even if his mother has passed we still pray in her name. If you could find out, it would be helpful. If not, then this isn't the first time I've had to pray with only a first name, but it's better with the mother.
Kathy's latest email: Jim passed away this morning at 9:45. We were able to bring him home from Cleveland yesterday to a Hospice facility in Fairfield. Love, Kathy Keep her and her family in your prayers. Thanks to all of you, you don't know how much support I feel from all of you here. I will tell Kathy all about you and let her read your posts when she's up to it. Love all of you, Debby
At least you know he is in a better place and his pain is finally over. Still very hard for those left behind.
Yes, I'm so thankful he's out of all that pain. My heart just feels broken right now. I'll really miss him a lot. Plus, I'm worried about Kathy and how she's holding up. She has family there of course, but she's just been a part of my life for so long. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. I can't put into words what they mean to me. God Bless, Debby
SO Sorry to hear this, my friend. God's peace and love to all of you at this difficult moment. Let me know if you need anything. GB
I'm so sorry to hear that. I know it's very hard to lose someone but it's comforting to know he was among loved ones. Kathy and her family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I`m sorry Deb. Somehow we find the strength to overcome these sad times,trust me. My prayers and thoughts are always with you and your dear friends and family.
I didn't catch this until today. My condolences for the loss of your friend, and my prayers are with his family.
I am sorry to hear of the loss, but his suffering has ended and has gone home. I will keep you and his family in my prayers. And I am sorry for this being a little behind, I have not been around very much the past few days.
