Last night Sandy and Cara stayed with Mom and Dad in the room. It was a long night as they slept fitfully and listened to Dad's breathing change to a rattling sound. Since then his breathing has become more labored, and the rattling sound fills the room. It is hard to watch him as his body slowly shuts down, to remember the man he once was and to see him lying in bed, so near to death.
We don't know when the end will come, but we are so encouraged by your comments, and the prayers we know you are praying.
Andrew, Daisy, Katherine, and Nana joined them at various points through the morning. It has been a long day with many visitors (Ellie, Ed, Aunt Florence, Sue, Glen, Bill, the Hollands, the Julianis, Karen Keller, Marlene Hammerschmidt, Terry Traylor, Jim Spaulding, Joe, Diane and Chuck Marsh). Dan Macha has been here through the day, faithfully praying and encouraging Dad in "finishing the race". Nana has been sitting by Dad's side holding his hand, quietly letting him know that she is there. We are singing hymns and other songs, reading scripture and telling Dad that we are there for him. There have been many moments of tears, but also moments of praise as we recall God's promises, and are reminded of the hope of heaven.
The facilities here are really quite nice, and it enables us to step out of the room and gather on the couches in the family room to decompress, and then step back in to be with Dad again. We have just received dinner, and are looking forward to a warm meal after a day of eating snack foods- it is such a blessing.
We feel that the end is near, but that Dad is holding on, waiting for Julie to arrive. She has been driving since Saturday from Texas with her family of 8. They are due to arrive anytime now.
We will keep you updated if his status changes.
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12 comments:
When Roger stands face to face with Jesus, he will hear "Well done good and faithful servent". We are praying for you.
Love in Christ- David and Susan Kelly
Keeping your family in our prayers.
Jim and Shelley Colbert
Susan is so right.
Still with you and praying.
Please know that we are thinking of the entire Clark Family and praying for your comfort and strength.
With love,
Cristin Mann
My heart is breaking and I'm glad you are all together now as you walk Roger home. I am praying for you constantly this evening.
This morning my two girls were dressed in angel wings marching around the room making a joyful noise with a variety of instruments. Made me pray for you and rejoice with Roger who will be praising His Savior with the real angel choir. I thought too about how he is a Friend Of God and how God will not abandon his friend Roger to the grave. We love you all!
Sandy,
It's Shiny and my little family who still remembers the love you and Joe showed us during our short time at New Life. Praying for you and the family as God ushers your daddy Home. Hope you find this song encouraging. Love you guys.
http://www.imeem.com/people/JjmBB9j/music/7mkRhV_O/wayne-watson-home-free/
Thank you for these portraits that you all are faithfully sharing. They are a beautiful glimpse into the love of your family, for one another and for God, even during a most difficult time. Sam asks to pray for "Elijah's Pop" at bedtime prayers. We have been praying for tender and sweet moments of love.
I'm praying for you all as tears run down my cheeks! I have warm memories of my time in your house and your dad!
Grace and Peace,
Angel
I can hardly see for the tears. I have been in Spain, with very sketchy Internet, getting back late last night and immediately going to the blog. In the few days so much has happened.
I can hardly believe we are now all, each one of us, those on this side, cheering for Roger to cross the finish line. I picture a window of heaven opening, I see the view that only Roger sees as our crowd diminishes from view, and the cheering of that "great cloud of witnesses" becomes a roar--they rise to their feet, cheering and clapping, yelling "HOME, ROGER!" Their voices join ours, we hear them, and for a split second, we see them; we see Roger cross over into eternity--we hear how our voices fade, and we see that all Roger can see is Jesus. For a split second, we too see Jesus, not as in a glass darkly, but in the fullness of glory, as Roger sees him. The window closes, and we feel at once exhilarated, our voices hoarse from shouting, and then depleted. The race is over for Roger--we have seen a glimpse of what it is we are all one day called to do. Our brother has gone before us, and all pain and suffering melts away. He has crossed the finish line--he has run the race well, unencumbered, pure. And now his real life begins. How grateful I am to call Roger friend, to know that when I one day cross, Roger's voice will rise above the rest, yelling, "HOME! COME HOME! HOME TO JESUS!"
With much love to every one of you,
Lyn
We love you all and are praying along side of you. Much love,
Sarah
We are praying for all of you!
Love,
LouAnn Marinucci and family
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