Just gave Joyce her 11pm meds and we're all about to turn it in for the nite. An OR nurse friend of ours is spending the nite watch with Joyce allowing my daughter and I to get a little sleep. We had a home health aid come by this afternoon and give Joyce a real good sponge bath. She seemed refreshed and sure smelled good afterward. She's still having periods of really deep sleep and then sudden awareness. Sometimes it's a little humorous and other times it's a bit frightening - especially when she is trying to express fear, concern, or discomfort. Most of the time a few soothing minutes with her calms her down. She doesn't seem to be fighting quite as hard today. Still it's a wonder that she is still clinging to life here. We are praying God gives her just a little glimpse of the glory that awaits her to ease her fear of just letting go.
We keep assuring her how much we love her and how much we will love and take care of each other when she's gone. Gently letting her know it's all going to be OK. It's getting harder for me to see her and talk to her because when I do she tries to move and think and want's to say things but then goes blank - and the end result is mild agitation and often then she shows signs of pain or discomfort. Maybe we're still too connected and just sitting next to her often seems too much to bear for both of us.
She usually calms down on her own, but today we had to increase her meds a couple of times.
She's sleeping now - pretty deep - and as I laydown to try to catch a few hours - the last thought on my mind is the Lord recieving her to Himself...and the knock on my door that she's gone. His compassions they fail not! Great is His mercy and faithfulness.
Good night!
Pat
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We thank you, Father, as we are blessed to witness the love of these two.
ReplyDeleteJesus removed my fear of death- Pat & Joyce have taught me how true love goes beyond it
We hope that you and Noelle had a restful night sleep and that Joyce's sleep was sweet and comfortable as well. Bless you for sharing these most intimate thoughts and times with us. Your love for your wife and your God is a true testimony to us!
ReplyDeleteWe love you all and continue to lift you continually in prayer.
Curry's
Dear Pastor Pat,
ReplyDeleteI too appreciate the openess you've allowed us to experience thru your writings. As a fairly new Christian the conflicting questions of grieving for a loved one along with the comfort of eternial life promised by our Lord is now very clear to me. My family has a critical health matter that is in its 6th year and finally I understand by your example that both sadness and joy can go hand in hand. My prayers are continually with you and have been for the last 3 1/2 years. Blessing to you and all those who are helping you and Joyce thru this journey.
Dear Pastor Pat,
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are never far from our thoughts and prayers. I know now why we believe - who else do we have but Jesus? Your strength in Him shines through. We pray for Joyce to rest peacefully.
The Smelser Family
Pat, Joyce & Family,
ReplyDeleteBe of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24
Praying for you...We love you...
Ken & Teresa Pilbin
Pat,
ReplyDeletePraying that you and Noelle had a good nights sleep. Please give our love to the whole family. What a blessing that you have the church body there to comfort you and care for Joyce. We can't thank you enough for the living testimony of Jesus' love and strength that you and Joyce have been to us over the years. We love you, Pat. Give Joyce a kiss from us.
Juan and Karen
Lord I pray for Pat and Joyce that you would give them the sweetest/ joyful memories during there time together. That they would be caught up in You and what you have done and what you are doing in there lives. Continually poor out Your love and presence on my brother and sister and there home and family. Father replace pain and discomfort with Joy and You Lord. Amen
ReplyDeleteWe love and are praying for you.
In His Grip! The Saylers
Good morning Pat,
ReplyDeleteYou are so faithful in writing on your blog. You'd be amazed at how many people all over the country who are checking this for updates. You both have such great love from others and support. We're together with you as you prepare for Joyce's home going. You've got such a precious family. We love you all. Jim & Marsha
Dear Pastor Pat, Joyce and family:
ReplyDeleteI don't think words can describe the gratitude your church family feels for your ability to update us on what is going on with you, Joyce and your family. We love sharing our love and encouragement with all of you. We are all there with you in spirit. What an awesome example you are setting for all of those who are going through similar trials and for those of us who have lost a loved one. May God continue to keep all of your family wrapped in his arms of love.
Love In Christ,
The Angel Gomez Family
Pat and Joyce and Family,
ReplyDeleteYou are in ours prayers.
We love you all!
Love,
Steve and Norma Kaufman
We are reminded of the song by Michael W. Smith - Friends are Friends Forever if the Lords the Lord of them!!!
Pat, Not much of the day goes by that I'm not thinking of you and Joyce, praying the Lord will continue to provide peace and comfort for both of you. Your words are an inspiration, a shining example of hope in the eternal and the awesome love of our Father.
ReplyDeletePs. 119:74- Those who fear You will be glad when they see me,
Because I have hoped in Your word.
Love You Bro!
Pastor Pat, Joyce and family:
ReplyDeleteMy family will continue to pray for you all as we are one body in Christ. we love you and appreciated your faithfulness to Him and to one another.
love you all,
Wade family
Dear Pat, Joyce and family,
ReplyDeleteYou are in our prayers every day! We are thankful for the privilege of lifting you up to the God of ALL comfort, who is our VERY PRESENT HELP in times of trouble. It has been so comforting to see the unity and the strengthening of the Lord's Body as we bear these sorrows to OUR Father, OUR Emmanuel, OUR God WITH US!!!
Even now, we know that all things are possible! We pray with Jesus, "not our will, but Your will be done," Father! Please shepherd our dear sister's heart in this valley of the shadow of death.
Agape, Tim and Elaine
Pator Pat,
ReplyDeletePraying the Lord will continue to provide peace and comfort for your family. Thank you for sharing with us.
Love in Christ,
Hope
Pat & Joyce & family,
ReplyDeleteI just heard through DeeDee. Know that you guys are in my prayers. You are a great example to your family and congregation Pat. Joyce may you rest in His peace.
Torri Reese
you & your entire family ar ein my thoughts & prayers continually! i pray that the Lord gives a peace that truely passes all understanding. i do smile though...when i think of how blessed i am by your sharing your heart in such a deep way with us.
ReplyDeleteall my heart, Rachel Stratton (Dotson)
Pastor Pat,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know that I watch you on TV each Monday on Cox channel. In addition to attending CCE on Sun. AM. I find that your messages are so encouraging, helping us to grow in our love for the Lord. The last 15 mins. are very unique and touch the souls of many. I accepted the Lord over 30 yrs. ago, but I listen, as though I were hearing God's word for the first time. There's no question that God is using you to draw others, who may be lost, to come to Him.
This is a very difficult time for you and your family, but please be reminded that you are precious to Him and that "He is working thru you to will and to act according to His good purpose".
May God bless you with His peace.
Gloria
Dear Pat and Joyce,
ReplyDeleteThank you for being transparent and real so the rest of us know you are with us and we all are one in Christ. I cannot imagine this all happening to me, so thank you for opening your hearts to us. We know that the valley of the shadow of death is just that, a shadow. It's the difference between being hit by a huge truck and being run over by its shadow. We are shielded by that mighty hand that blocks out the sun only to protect us from its fierce rays. You told us once about how Jesus suffered the horror of a godless grave so we never have to endure that hopelessness. Thank you, Jesus, for taking the full measure of the Father's wrath in our place. Thank you, Father, for pouring out your full measure of wrath on your Son in order to spare us. Thank you for using Pat and Joyce to feed us your Truth that sets us free. -Judy E.
Dear Pat,Joyce,Noelle,Jordan and family,
ReplyDeletePlease know that we are with you in spirit although 2000 miles away. You have been my family and friends there for the past 27 years and now God has me with my family from birth (and they are still putting up with me too!)
We are thinking of you and praying for you daily. Physically I am here, but such a big part of me is there. I feel torn between 2 worlds. But I am trusting in God for all of you, He is the Lord of the storm. As the Daily Bread today pointed out, when Jesus said "Peace, be still" to the storm, He literally said "hush".
Just one word to the storm from the Master is enough to calm our fearful hearts. Also, the Isaiah 32 text on the front of the Daily Bread is something you should read. Very comforting words.
We will be back soon. Until then my dearest friends,keep holding on to our sweet Jesus, and like Mary, be sitting at His feet worshipping Him while He prepares Joyce for the glories of Heaven. He may just need a little more time to make her mansion there even a bit more special.
In Christ's love,
Mark, Bronwen, Micah, Matthew, Christian & Tanya