Dad's current condition is fragile. For those of you who do not know what is going on with him he has lung, liver, and bone cancer. The doctors have done everything they can do for him and now it is a matter of keeping him comfortable. We are obviously grieving this but are at peace knowing dad is a Christian and his future is secure thanks to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Mom will be checking into various hospice options since he is currently at Sparrow Hospital and is unable to care for himself. When she has made a decision that is the best for him we will fill you in on the details.
If you would like to visit him we welcome that. We just ask that you keep your visit to around 15-20 minutes since he has to expend a lot of energy to speak and he needs it for breathing. As I said earlier he is at Sparrow Hospital in room 577 West. The best way to reach our family is blogging back to us. You can certainly use our home phone numbers and e-mails as well for those of you who have them, but the blogging would make it easier on us to manage.
Many have asked me how can we help. The biggest thing you can do for us is pray for strength during this time. Mom is doing well under the circumstances, but there are many hard decisions ahead of her that she will need a clear head for, so pray for her that she would have courage and wisdom through this process. Dad and mom also love getting cards. They really encourage them and are read often in the room. Please do not send flowers up since it makes it harder for dad to breathe. Plants are fine and make the room more cheerful. Mom has a hard time requesting anything since she doesn't want to appear that she taking advantage of people. If you are so inclined a big need right now is meals. Hospital food is not the greatest, but also expensive. If you wanted to call ahead before you come and ask if you can pick up a salad for her or something that would be great. A special treat for her is a Biggby coffee or tea in the afternoon. She loves the lattes or chai tea. Dad loves a Wendy's cheeseburger, ketchup, mustard and pickle, fries and a frosty. PLEASE DO NOT FEEL OBLIGATED TO DO THIS. IT IS ONLY FOR THOSE WHO WERE ASKING AND WE WILL NOT FEEL BAD IF YOU DON'T SHOW UP WITH FOOD OR LATTES! : >)
Finally, thank you for reading all this and taking the time to care for my family. God has been so good to us and we can see His love through people like you that he has sent to comfort, strengthen, and encourage us. Stay tuned for updates in the future.
Mike
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My heart grieves for you and the family. This is a hard time you are going through. We have been praying for Chet since we found about about the cancer, and I had opportunity to visit with him before we left for Florida. We have been praying for your family also. Chet is a great guy! He gave his heart to his job at church, and I enjoyed working with him. Praise God he is a believer and you have the confidence you will see him someday again in heaven. We will continue to pray for Chet and you and the family. In Christ's love, Bill and Sandy Rinck
ReplyDeleteMaddi has a saying..."Only let friends and family hold on to your left hand." And for the answer of why that is, you need to open your Bible and read Isaiah 41:10&13...."Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness." vs 13 "For I, the Lord your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, 'Do not be afraid. I myself will help you.'"
ReplyDeleteThrough these trialsome days...please remember these words. Remember WHO they came from. And that it is impossible for Him to lie. (Hebrews 6:18)
The entire church staff and leadership are praying for all of you -- we all think so highly of Chet and Sheryl and we're asking for God's encouragement, peace and wisdom for you. We're glad for the faith that he has given you, knowing that He loves us with an everlasting love.
ReplyDeleteIn His grace,
Pastor Doug and Becky
Chet, Sheryl, Mike and family. We have been close friends for many years. Our heart and prayers are with you every day. You are never far from our minds. As everyone has already expressed, we want to give you every support we can during this difficult time. If there is anything we can do to make this time any easier please call. God Loves you and will never forsake you. He can carry you through.
ReplyDeleteLove, Emery and Sharon