I've been thinking a lot lately about the cost of connection. I guess I started thinking about it during our trip to Oregon. We had a spectacular 50th anniversary party, thank God. But, after that, nothing went right. You already know we had a funeral. What I didn't tell you was that my brother-in-law went in the hospital for emergency gall bladder surgery on the day before the funeral.
Like I said, nothing went well. Later this morning Jeffrey's brother is scheduled to have his fourth surgery. This one is invasive. Very. The doctors have already removed more than two liters of bile from Arlen's body. They began this surgery Wednesday night, but had to postpone it in the hopes that his vitals would stabilize. Basically, they were waiting for him to grow strong enough to survive the surgery.
Jeffrey flew back to Oregon yesterday to be with his family and offer what help and support he can. Sloane came home today. She misses her Daddy. Her surprise at not seeing him after a week away quickly changed to a very grown up concern for her Uncle Arlen. She's worried. I'm worried. We all are. Sloane and I sit at home, safe in Missouri, and wish that we could hold our family close, could hold them and pray with them and love them. In person.
I was going to write about the cost of connection. About how being connected to people means you share their pain and their sorrows as well as their joys. I was going to write about what a sweet burden that is. But, just now...
Just now I don't have the energy to string my words together with any skill. None of us have slept much these past few days, and my thoughts aren't clear enough to write well. But, I can still tell you what is on my heart in this moment. Here is the truth: Jeffrey's best friend, his brother's life is in danger. Here is another truth: We serve a big, big God who is mighty to save. And another truth: Prayer is the one thing we can offer, really the only thing that will make a difference.
And so I ask you to pray. Please pray for Arlen Lawson. Pray for his total healing and quick recovery. Please pray for his wife and daughters. Pray for his son and his parents. Pray for his brother, my husband. Pray for all the people who love him. Pray for his doctors. Pray they will be wise and skilled and successful. Please pray.
Arlen's surgery is today at 7:30 am Pacific. That's nine hours from now. I'm going to pray for a while, and then try to sleep. Thank you, in advance, for your prayers, your support, and your love. It's good to know I can count on you. And I do know it. I do.
Update 7/31 3:00pm
Thank you guys for your prayers for Arlen. He is out of surgery now. The doctors couldn't figure out what had stopped the leakage, since they certainly didn't. Of course, our family knows exactly Who did the healing. Arlen still has a long haul and won't be out of ICU for quite some time yet. But, the report is good. The doctors are pleased and the family is encouraged. Thanks again for all your prayers. Please don't stop.
45 comments:
Oh, my dear, I can imagine how agonizing this is for everyone. You and your family have all my thoughts and prayers and positive wishes. Sending strength and love to you in Missouri and the family in Oregon. My David is in Oregon tonight and I will speak to him in the morning and tell him about Arlen's surgery. Somehow it is comforting that he is there. Call if you need or want to, anytime. xo – g
Relyn, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and your families families. Trust in the Lord.
my thoughts are with you all.
hugs to you ♥
I will keep you all in my prayers with much love and many blessings
Love Jeanne♥
Your faith and your family must be a huge comfort to you right now. And if a prayer from West Berkshire can help (a tiny extra bit) I will so gladly send it.
Thinking of you. Hoping for a happy outcome. xx
Prayers flying to Arlen, to you, Jeffrey, Sloane and all your dear family as you wait. Do hope all goes well, and Arlen has a good recovery. Thinking of you all just now... ((LOVE & HUGS)) Should you need some frivolity & fun, I'm having a giveaway, stop in if you can... :o)
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you: I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.
Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you." Isaiah 43:1-4
Prayers are with you and your loved ones. Keep us posted.
Prayers have been sent. My thoughts are with Arlen and his/your family.
Yes, he and your whole family will be in my prayers. I am so sorry!
I hope that Arlen's surgery goes well, Relyn and I'm sure that the love and strength your family shares will be a tremendous help to you all.
lifting him up in prayer
xo
I have added Arlen and all of the family to my prayers. As you know, it was just a few months ago that I found myself in a hospital waiting room with no control over what was happening to someone I loved more than anything. It is shocking, stressful and exhausting. I wondered at the time if people are better off if they don't love as fully...because when you truly love, you are so open to pain. I have no doubt that it is worth it to love with your whole heart.
Your family is in my heart today.
I will,Relyn, pray for you and your family, for healing and for comfort, may our dear loving Father be with you,giving you strength
-Suz
I clicked on your post not long after surgery began and immediately sent up a prayer for everyone. It sounds like he has a lot of love and prayers surrounding him today.
Stay strong and cuddle up with Sloane today. I bet she's ready for some mama-time after being away.
Hugs,
With you. And praying....
-Jennifer
Relyn,
My thoughts and prayers are with Arlen, his doctors and nurses and the rest of you. God bless.
PS The church you saw on my blog is actually an archabbey. It is located in St. Meinrad, IN. I visited there on a recent Midwest trip.
May peace be with you and your dear ones during this storm.
My prayers are with you all.
buckets of prayers are being sent your way, to be scattered where you need them...
by now the surgery is done and i hope with all my might, that everything went well....
be strong, Relyn. i pray that everything will be okay for you and your family. and i pray for your prayers to be heard and answered.
done. xoxo
Oh my goodness me, what a dreadful time for everyone. I will think of Arlen in my prayers, and all your family xx
Relyn,
My prayers are with you and your family! I know this must be so hard for you, and I really hope it all turns out okay. Much love to you!
xoxo Mary Jo
Oh Relyn, I am so thrilled to hear the news of Arlen. I talked to Jackie earlier in the day and she didn't have this info, so it is great news. Only God can take care of the situation when the doctors and others cannot. Praise the One who made us. Still praying for Arlen, Dale, Ethel and of course for Jeffrey as he continues to mend. I love you.
Prayers going your way and Arlen and his family's way.
xo Erin
Prayers of healing and hope for all of you.
I was happy to read your update and hope that Arlen is beginning a recovery.
In our prayers, I find solace in seeking what God is asking of us. In this search, I think that you have found the power of connection, the importance of faith and the hope that comes from love.
Blessings to you all, Relyn.
Lord, please hear our cries, please take notice, please have mercy....Please, please, "with long life satisfy him and show him your salvation"....Please Lord, in Jesus' name I ask you for this intervention.....
Please Lord.....
Healing, Restoration, all things new....
Psalm 91
Sending prayers for continuing recovery for Arlen, and for strength for you and your loved ones.
- Helen
i just got here ..sitting now with my hands folded in my lap ..giving thanks for a successful outcome ..and the love of a family .. blessings ..now rest
i was relieved to read the update...god is here in portland and there with you and everywhere you need him to be. i miss you so much today... as i did yesterday and will tomorrow once again. under the willow tree you and me and god.
XO
Continuing prayers for Arlen, and for the whole family.
Oh wow Relyn just going over the last few posts you have certainly had it tough lately. I do hope all continues to go well for Arlen and your whole family.
hugs to you
love
kim
I hope he recovers quickly and steadily, and that you all have the strength to get through this and help him along as he gets better; he'll be in my prayers.
I'm sending warm healing thoughts to Arlen and loving support to the entire family, Relyn. Hugs to you.
I so happy Arlen is in recovery now. I will pray to continue the healing process. Thanks for sharing your burden.
A beautiful, heartfelt and bittersweet post Relyn! But how amazing what just a few days difference can make (and lots of thoughts and prayers as well)...things sounds so much more positive for Arlen- that is such wonderful news!
We have a faithful God ... blessings of continued healing and peace.
Many prayers to you him and to your family my friend.
Oh, I wish I had seen this sooner! I will continue to keep Arlen and your whole family in my prayers! And, please, consider this a long distance hug...xoxo
sending prayers, dear relyn. xoxo
Thank God. Arlen was blessed with the prayers of not just your readers, but likely all who knows him or even heard of his plight.
Scary how things like this make our vision much sharper and our focus much clearer. Life is to be cherished. xoxo
So sorry to hear this, Relyn! I hope all is going better and everyone is adjusting to the rhythm of life's challenges. It sounds like you've had alot of support and I'm thankful for that! Just know I'm thinking of you and wishing the best!
Big hugs to you,
Kirsten
ahhh... i love coming to your blog. i'm so thankful for update you posted here... and love hearing what our mighty God has done... sigh... hoping you're feeling peaceful and rested. and that your words come back soon.
just catching up. sigh.
sending so much warm love your way, to you and your family.
Oh Relyn, I am so sorry you and your family had to go through such difficult times. But I am glad that Arlen is getting better. (I kind of read this unfolding backwards, so I already knew he was going to be ok!)
It sure puts a clear perspective on things, doesn't it? Makes you see what is most important in life...although, you live this way every day.
I send you and your loved ones lot's of hugs and well wishes. xoxoxoxo
Post a Comment