9 replies to this topic

[Julie Daube]

My stepmom said he's in nursing home and is not eating or drinking. She said the hospitals are all very secretive and won't tell her anything, but she thinks it's congestive heart failure. Pray that he will start eating and drinking and that God will give him the will to live. Also, pray for wisdom about decisions that need to be made. Continue to pray for a miracle!

[RuthAnn Nicholls]

Indeed. I will keep praying for your dad's miracle, and his will to live. Really, hospitals, nursing home should tell her what she wants to know. She should be listed as his medical information person. I don't understand that. She should contact the doctor directly then.

This must be very hard for you. Prayers for you, too, Julie.

[chipped china]

I've been praying Julie. I have a lot of empathy for you and all involved. God is great and He can do miracles!

I hesitate to tell you this because I'm not sure if it will help or not, so please take it or leave it. I lost my mother in 2006. She got bladder cancer, had surgery but it came right back. She was nearly blind from macular degeneration, had lost most of her hearing, and had bad arthritis. She was still sharp as a tack until the moment she died. A couple weeks before that happened she decided it was time to go and she stopped eating and drinking. We all wanted her to keep trying because we didn't want her to go. In the end we accepted her decision and she died at home with her children and husband around her. Like she wanted. Saying goodbye is so heart wrenching but sometimes we have to give our loved ones our blessings for the decisions they make.

I don't know what's going on with your dad, and if there is any hope at all we need to keep praying for his recovery and so I ask our loving Lord to heal him. love, betsy

[Julie Daube]

Thanks, Betsy, for praying for his recovery and for sharing your experience. I lost my mom to a heart attack over 20 years ago, so I understand how hard it is to say goodbye. I also realize that not eating or drinking can mean someone is ready to go, but I don't feel that's the case with my dad. For one thing, he told my stepmom he doesn't want to die. He also has a family that depends on him, including a child that he and my stepmom adopted, so it seems that his work here isn't finished yet. Until this recent development, he was always full of joy and life whenever I spoke to him on the phone. I know there comes a time when we have to be willing to let someone go, but I just don't feel in my spirit that this is the time for my dad; if I really thought that's what he wanted, I would respect that. I'm not sure what is causing him to not want to eat or drink, but I know God can restore his appetite if He wants to bless him with more years on this earth.

God's Word tells us to choose life, so I will continue to speak life and health over my dad. Thanks for coming alongside me in prayer!

[DonnaA]

continued prayers

[Julie Daube]

As a follow-up, I just learned something about congestive heart failure that could explain the not eating or drinking. Apparently, it can be dangerous to drink too much because of the excess fluid, so drinking has to be monitored. A friend who has dealt with a similar situation wondered if that's why my dad is resisting drinking. This person also said it's understandable that one wouldn't want to eat in this situation. So not eating or drinking isn't necessarily a sign that someone has given up or wants to die. I felt it was important to clarify that. Knowing this has helped me to understand the situation better and gave me more hope. God is good!

[chipped china]

Julie, thank you for taking the time to explain that to me. I totally understand now and know better how to pray.

Acts 14:3 (ESV)


3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

[Julie Daube]

You're welcome, Betsy! I found the information very helpful as well. It is always good to know how to pray!

[Andrew/Esther Schaeffer]

Praying that you will know the peace and presence of Christ.

[Ginger]

Praying for the healing virtues of our Lord to touch each person just as He knows each need and each detail and to continue to give comfort and knowledge in ways we can share and understand and a Spirit of Prayer to pray ... So thankful for the Scripture share Betsy, thanks... a verse just came to mind 3Jn 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. Will continue to pray.  Grace, and tender mercies and God's peace that passes understanding.... O Dear Lord, you are our high priest, ... please, and thank you.... thank you for meeting need that we don't even know about.... blessings to you and yours Julie.... will keep praying thanks for update it does help.  When my Momma didn't want to keep on she stated she didn't want to .... my sister took care of her to the end....

 

...Manifold Grace.... will pray and thank you for sharing your experience, your strength and your hope...