Sunday, November 9, 2008

Heart Whispers

Donor Sabbath was celebrated this morning during our Sunday Service. This day touches me deeply. My dad suffered from IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis) and was told that he had possibly 18 months to live. Dad was rarely ill…I’m talking I don’t remember him as much as having a cold! When he became ill with IPF, and to know the prognosis was so bleak, was surreal. We learned his only chance for survival was a lung transplant. Health-wise he was a great candidate, however he was 64 years old and the cutoff age was 65. On February 5, 2000 my dad received a new lung! He was going to turn 65 on the 25th of June, so this was truly answered prayer! Dad survived for five years with his new lung, despite struggling constantly with rejection. The donor was an angel to our family. I do encourage everyone to sign up to be a transplant/tissue donor. So many lives can be saved by your gift.

Dad, there are no words, simply a white rose.
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Yesterday, my daughter attended the funeral of a 6-week old baby girl. This sweet baby did not wake up from her nap; it is believed to be SIDS. My heart hurts for what these young parents must be going through. May Almighty God comfort this family.

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As we begin Veterans Awareness Week, please keep all of our brave Airman, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in your thoughts. We must not forget the servicemen and women, past and present who have served their country proudly. To my sons, I am deeply proud of you both! To my Uncle John who lost his life on a destroyer in the Pacific during World War II, I wish I had met you to give you a hug! To my Uncle Pat, who enlisted in the U.S. Army, thank you for your service! To my hubster who served 6 years in the U.S.Navy, heart-felt thanks. To my brother-in-law Phil , a Vietnam Vet receiving several Purple Hearts, your sacrifice will always be appreciated. To my childhood babysitter, Davis who lost his life in Vietnam at the age of 19, my thanks. To all Gold Star Moms, may you know peace.

This day is filled with heart whispers, all of which are worthy of silent moments in prayer.
May Almighty God Bless us all!

14 comments:

Donna said...

Simply beautiful. What wonderful tributes! God bless the sacrifices of your family and friends.

Yes, we need to remember and honor the heart wispers.

Unknown said...

donna...thank you for stopping by and leaving such supporting comments!

Real Live Lesbian said...

I love your posts. I'm a donor should anything happen. Hopefully...someday...I can help someone.

Unknown said...

rll...you will make such a huge difference...not only in the life of the recipient, but also of the family!
Thank you for leaving such kind words!

Tonjia said...

I am a donor, and I encourage everyone that I know to be one also. we can all give the gift of life...

May God watch over and protect our service men and women, today and always.

So sorry to hear about the baby, how tragic and heartbreaking.

Unknown said...

tonjia...getting the word out to sign up to be a donor is so important :) the gift of life is priceless!

Tami said...

May God always have his arms wrapped around our Military Members.

My husband, my Soldier and I are each organ donors.

Thank you for this post and God Bless the donor and family that were able to give you more time with your dad.

aam

Grandpa-Old Soldier said...

Let us remember them all the time, not just on special days. They served, most lived, many died and many still suffer. Hand Salute.

Unknown said...

aam...this is such an important week. For many of us it is more than a week...it is our lives!

Unknown said...

grandpa...so very true, these brave men and women spend each day taking care of us, we must remember them every single day!

Steelers Wine Girl said...

I'm also a donor. So sad about the baby - the saddest funeral I've ever attended was for the 2 year old daughter of my basketball coach who died of Leukemia.

Unknown said...

swg...thank you for stopping by!! Good to hear you too are a donor, it is one of the finest gifts we can give!

Debbi (no 'e' on the end) said...

Please have your daughter suggest that the parents of the SIDS baby seek out a support group. Our first born daughter was a SIDS victim...she would have been 25 yrs old next month. Reading this took me back like it was yesterday. Nothing can prepare us to bury our child...especially a healthy infant. I never would have gotten thru it without peer support for sure.

Unknown said...

debbi.. my heart hurts for you. 25 years can be a long time in some respects, but 25 years can feel like yesterday as well. I will certainly pass your suggestion along. My prayers will be lifted for you as well.