For Those Who Pray

[rabid1st]

Hi, all. As you know, I seldom talk about real life on these pages. Mostly, because I'm an introvert. But, also, because I don't like to burden people with my troubles.

Still, I do feel that your positive thoughts and support have helped me in the past...and today...someone else I love needs some spiritual assistance. So, if anyone feels they can provide...please chip in a few kind thoughts for her.

I'm the youngest and most unexpected child in our family. My siblings are decades older. So, most of my neices and nephews are about my age. One of them, my brother's daughter, Heather, is fighting for her life right now. She had pneumonia and it spiraled out of control. Now she has sepsis (blood poisoning) and a condition known as ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). Her lungs are full of fluid so she can't breathe on her own, and her body isn't recovering from the damage of the infection. ARDS permanently damages the lung tissue, so it scars over and will not work again. She, also, had a stroke, but they are not sure how much damage it has caused, due to her being unconscious. She has two little girls and is divorced, from a husband who cannot have custody.

So, send up a prayer that we can keep her girls in the family...somehow...with someone...neither set of grandparents are in a position to take custody, at this time, so Cindy, Heather's sister is taking temporary care of them. And, also, please pray that Heather recovers to the point where she can still be Mom and caregiver to her family.

Thanks!

Comments

[bohemianrose24.livejournal.com]

Ordinarily, I (an introvert, like you) probably wouldn't post this, but I'm hoping it helps...

A little less than a week ago, my grandmother passed away from basically the same condition. I don't mean to be discouraging - she actually survived this more than once in the last 5 years, so I know that even when things like this seem darkest, they can still turn around. It was just my Grammy's time to give up the fight. But I don't believe the same is true here. So I have asked my Grammy to keep an eye on your Heather and help her find her way back to your family, and to watch over her girls and make sure they can stay with the family too. I sincerely hope that everything works out for the best, and will be thinking of you all.

[jwaneeta.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. I'll pray for her.

[marrael.livejournal.com]

I had pneumonia as a kid. I still remember it, and I'm a mum (and technically separated), so yes, I'm hoping, praying and meditating that things will turn out for the best for your cousin.

[thisficklemob.livejournal.com]

Oh dear. You know I'm not a praying person, but I sincerely hope Heather recovers, and that her little girls are well cared-for.

[hoegh.livejournal.com]

My thoughts and best wishes for all of you.

[rabid1st.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry for your loss. And so grateful to you for taking a moment to give me this encouragement.

I spoke to my other niece today, the one taking care of Heather's kids for her. And things are looking a little better for the children. The Department of Children and Families is involved against the father.

And Heather's internet friends are pitching in, financially, just as mine did to help me in my time of need. And the kids now have school supplies, which was a worry for a woman who is also single and a month ago didn't have two children more children to support. That niece is being the rock of her family, holding it all together. So, I wanted her to know we are here for her, too.

I know recovery is possible. They have given Heather a tracheotomy so they can feed her without aspiration and keep her stomach working. And they don't want her to have any more visitors, now, because she got a cold from the family visits. And the last thing she needs is a cold.

[rabid1st.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[rabid1st.livejournal.com]

I had pneumonia when I was about 12 that turned into pleurisy and left my lungs very scarred. I've never smoked, because I'm asthmatic...but the doctors always ask me about smoking, because of that scarring. It is not a disease that you easily forget, in my view. I had a fever of like...106 at the time...and hallucinated a giant bear following me around the hospital. The weird thing was that while I thought the bear might eat me, I was very calm about it.

Thank you so much for your prayers and mediation. I think spiritual intervention is all we have left at this point. She is holding on, so that's something.

[rabid1st.livejournal.com]

Your thoughts for her recovery are also appreciated greatly. Thanks, Caia! And, as I said to someone above, things are looking up for the girls, as people who care about Heather are sending donations to help defray the costs. And the Department of Children and Families is backing our side in the fight against the dead-beat and dangerous dad.

[rabid1st.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much. We appreciate your kind thoughts and I believe they help, so perhaps they will.

[develish1]

will be thinking of you all love, hope it turns out okay *hugs*

[rabid1st.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much. All we can do right now is send positive energy her way.

[astitchintime-9.livejournal.com]

Technical issues have kept me from logging in to reply, but I read your post and have been sending hope and positive vibes your way on every day since.

Be assured that I wish all the best to you and your family. May your niece and her children receive the care and support that they need, and may the universe grant them strength, endurance and much love along whatever future paths they walk. And I wish for health, of course, always and in all ways.

[rabid1st.livejournal.com]

Stitchie, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, too. It looks like all of the positive energy, and a great deal of medical care, have helped. Heather is doing better, up and walking around, so...thanks for adding your spiritual push. Those are lovely wishes and I second them. Hugs.