I'm home today until 3:00 pm--daughter-in-law Ann Harrison is with Jim today until then. This morning I went to mass at Missionhurst--Shirley and Frank Marvin had arranged a healing mass in Jim's honor and I was surrounded by the most wonderful group of friends that anyone could ever ask for (our "extended family", AKA "The Group"). It was as if I were an infant and was being lifted up and held close by all these caring, loving people! God truly works and dwells within us. Cheryl Keane was there and gave me such hope (which I will convey to Jim) when she told me of her fight against stage 4 Hodgkins Disease more than 20 years ago. She, too, was treated at NIH and related how they would "take her to the brink and bring her back up again" during her chemotherapy. We need to have that same faith.
When I got home there was a message from Jim on our answering machine. And he said, "I had a wonderful night last night--I had an apparition and it was you in your youth. And then I woke up at midnight and saw it was Erin in the room! What an angel she was!" Well, Erin, I guess it's true what you always hear--that you look just like your mother. Thanks all and love, Barbara
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FAITH FAMILY FRIENDS! The magic combination which has always gotten us through everything. That group has been through thick and thin together and always comes up with the best ideas. They sure knew how to lift you up this time! What a great "apparition" for Jim to see your younger (Grace Kelly) self in your beautiful daughter. Thanks for such an inspiring message. And thanks "Group" for taking such good care of my precious sister and her beloved sweetie pie. PS: Is the Pope still hunting you all down? Love to all, Susan and John
ReplyDeleteAdded note: This is the prayer Mary and I prayed all night when we lost Johnnie: "Be still, be still, and know that I am God. I've told you not to worry, now be still." It always helps me to feel calmer. Loving you both enormously, Susan
ReplyDeleteBarbara and Jim, Loved being with you today, Barb, and you, Jim, were very much with us at Missionhurst. Hoping that today has been a good one for you, Jim, and will find you on your way back to Falls Church soon. One of my favorite authors is Joan Chittister and she says, "The friends of a family become the family." Fred and I feel as close as family to you and are eternally grateful to you for enriching our lives. Keep up the spirits, Jim. We can't wait to hug you again at home. Much love to both of you and your whole family. Carol and Fred
ReplyDeleteUncle Jim,
ReplyDeletePrayers for your health were one of the last things Johnny wrote about in his journal. I am sure he is pulling for you infinitely more now from his place at Jesus's side. Love you guys,
Charmaine
Wow! What a great update, what great stories and what great comments! Sure wish we could give you hugs and kisses- well we're sending them air-mail. Heard that Alyssa and Frank got to talk to you while I was at work this evening. Wonderful! I work again tomorrow so maybe I'll get to talk to you on Saturday- at which time I hope that you will be in your own bed or on your own couch. Our prayers are with you always! Have another good sleep tonight. And yes, Erin has always looked like her mom!
ReplyDeleteLove you both, Jeanne, Frank and Alyssa