Melancholy
Update (Tuesday afternoon): First, let me say how humbled and blessed I am by your kindness and words of comfort. My uncle died last night, as expected. What we didn't know was that he was an organ donor, and if plans unfold properly, a desperately ill 44-year old man is receiving new hope via a liver transplant as I type this. It's amazing at how much peace that knowledge brings. In addition, the last report on my aunt -- the deceased man's sister -- was also quite positive. Her brother's untimely death may have actually prolonged her life, an amazing turn of events I'll try to share later. Again, thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers and words of encouragement.
I don't feel much like posting anything, and may not for a while.
The fragility and uncertainty of life has been reimpressed on my family, as an uncle lies in a coma in Dallas, without hope of recovery, and an aunt was admitted to the hospital in Denton this morning with a possible heart attack and faces the prospect of surgery.
It's an ironic blessing that I had not seen either of these people in at least a couple of years, until we visited with both of them at our family reunion only ten days ago. Both seemed in good health.
At this time of life, each family reunion is adjourned with the silent thought that this might be the last time we're all able to be together. It's still a shock when that inevitability actually becomes reality.
Thankfully, the reports on my aunt are quite optimistic.
I appreciate your understanding if posting is sporadic, and perhaps non-existent over the next few days.
1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
-- Psalm 103:1-5
Eric, your aunt and uncle are in our prayers right now. We ask for God's mercy and supernatural healing for them, and His peace that passes all understanding for all of their beloved.
Posted by: Bret at October 9, 2006 11:01 PMBret has offered the best consolation. Know that we're praying for your family and you. We know that you'll experience the grace Jesus offers.
Posted by: Phyllis at October 9, 2006 11:16 PMMy love is with and the family. You know my thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Posted by: Rachel at October 9, 2006 11:25 PMI'm sorry to hear the news, Eric.
My prayers are with you and with them.
Posted by: Brian at October 10, 2006 06:30 AMOur prayers are with you as well.
Posted by: beth at October 10, 2006 07:08 AMGod's blessings on you and your family. You'll all be in my prayers.
Posted by: Denise at October 10, 2006 07:54 AMMany blessings to you and yours.
Posted by: Rob at October 10, 2006 08:26 AMPraying for y'all.
Posted by: jen at October 10, 2006 10:36 AMI'm so sorry to hear the news. It is encouraging that you so recently spent time with them, as evidence that God's grace is amazing. And as you recently said, this is yet another reminder of the unpredictability of life and the need to spend our precious few moments here on earth with those we love. My prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: gwynne at October 10, 2006 11:56 AMAs usual, I'm a day late and a dollar short; but may he rest in peace, your uncle.
Posted by: Foo at October 10, 2006 03:25 PMTerribly sorry, Eric. Life plays out both with joy and sorrow and we mortals have very little to do with it.
I had an uncle die two weeks ago, my close family you can now count on 1½ hands, it's so sad to lose the ones you love but a joy to remember their lives. I'm glad I've always taken pictures.
Posted by: Wallace-Midland, Texas at October 10, 2006 05:34 PMI am sorry for your loss Eric. I read your update at the top too. Will have you and the family in my prayers.
Posted by: Catez at October 10, 2006 09:14 PMSorry to hear. The Montgomery's will be praying for you.
Mark
Posted by: Becky at October 10, 2006 10:06 PMFamily reunions seem to be fading in our fast world. For those of us who still enjoy such messy gatherings, it is a bond and a commitment to those folks we hold dear and special. It is a time of keeping stories and laughter.
And it is exactly those memories that help us when we lose a friend, a relative from that circle of kinship.
So hard, this part of life.
Posted by: Cowtown Pattie at October 11, 2006 09:59 AMHow nice that in death, your uncle gives life...isn't that the way it should be? What a tribute to his spirit...I'm thinking of yall.
Posted by: Julie at October 11, 2006 11:56 AMI found your update quite moving. I'm looking forward to learning more about how God works for good even in the midst of sad times.
Blessings and comfort and peace to you and your family.
Posted by: Jim at October 11, 2006 03:52 PMPrayers ascending for you and your family. It sounds like your Uncle was a man who planned well for the time when he would go on ahead. I know the memory of your recent family reunion will always be sweet.
Posted by: Deborah at October 11, 2006 06:00 PMPraise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received by God.
II Corinthians 1:3-4
May you and Debbie be comforted even as you comfort others. Know that Steve and I are praying for y'all.
praying for you.
Posted by: mis_nomer at October 12, 2006 12:54 AMMy sympathies and prayers on your family's loss, prayers for the organ recipient and your aunt for better health.
Posted by: Jennifer at October 12, 2006 12:13 PMAbout the publisher
Random Abbye photos...
"Glove Box Stories" is Back!
Eel on a Wheel
Meteorological Musings
Random Thursday
Is stupidity the Net effect?
More Invaders
Back Yard Birds
Book Review: "The Year of Living Biblically"
Sometimes, you get lucky...
June Sunset
It's Official...
Google's new favicon rocks the design world
Give the Gift of Flame
The Incredible Shrinking Math Skills
The Neighborhood:
West Texas Blogs:
[Midland unless otherwise indicated]
Other Texas Blogs:
The Business:
The Church:
The World:
Sorry to hear about your family Eric. Hope all turns out wel.
Posted by: Reagan at October 9, 2006 09:57 PM