Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Good Theology

This is Chantell...
Today we met with a 75 year old doctor who started the ER here at St John's and was also the chief of the medical staff at one time. His name is Dr Holland. He is now the doctor in charge of the St John's hospice care. He is definitely a man who has spent his life doing what God made him to do. We believe he gave us a pastoral care visit just as much as a medical visit. He agreed to accept Regan into their program. He still makes house calls and also works with hospice here at the hospital. He answered our questions and believes that we are making the right decision to work towards taking her home. He believes that she will be most comfortable at home and we can comfort her there much easier than here. I feel a little overwhelmed because I have never cared for someone who is so near to passing. I keep remembering that I have felt overwhelmed other times when we were discharged from the hospital. There is always a time of adjusting to the new normal. I have been there other times I think the most difficult part of this last leg will be to let certain things go.....(I don't do that well, I am much better at working hard to fix it.)

For the last few years Brian and I have both realized the power of a strong theology. A strong theology has saved my life, taught me how to parent, and schools me on what a good friend should look like. I don't look at solid Christian theology as an option. It simply is the truth, the way and the life. There is no option. I have not option but to believe that those who mourn will be comforted, that the last breathe is not the end but when true life begins, that in our weakness some how He makes us strong, that what God calls us to he equips us for......all of this has nothing to do with our own personlized faith...it is simply THE Truth.

No one knows what Regan will do. We expect that in the next few weeks she will grow weaker and weaker. We are even now beginning to back off of some of the treatments and meds and simply deal with what she presents to comfort her. We imagine if Regan holds on we will be home sometime this weekend. Meanwhile we will bask in the warmth of her smile and be comforted by her sweet presence. We will testify that our God is good...all the time...our God is good.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Regs,
I will be home on Friday (late at night) and will see you soon. I have the ball, the cross I got at the church and something else for you. I am still praying for you. I will see you soon.
Your firend,
Elliott

C and B,
I am warmed by your words, courage and faith. We leave Mexico at noon on friday and will be back in Lincoln around 11 or midnight. If it would be okay, I'd love for E to have a "playdate" with his little friend. She is the only friend that he wanted to get presents for here in San Miguel. I want her to know how much he cares for her. In his rough and tumble way, he has a very soft spot for your girl.

We continue to pray and love you,
'bec & boys

wade & casey cummins family said...

We are still praying for you and Gracie asks me daily to post a comment so you can tell Regan for her that she loves her very much. She has colored several pictures for her. We love you all and you are all on our minds everyday all day. Thank you again for posting. I would call but Mom and Dad said you wanted to just spend your time with Regan. We love you all dearly. I have several friends praying for you Regan and you all. XOXOXO

Casey

Chuck Bennett said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chuck Bennett said...

Thank you for sharing with me today during our visit. God is truly using your family as a tremendous witness in this very difficult time. Your faith and dependence on our awesome God was and is a blessing for me. Regan and your family are on our hearts and in our prayers.

Psalm 8 comes to mind...

1. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 3. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4. what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5. You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 7. all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, 8. the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. 9. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

May God bless you and give you peace, strength, wisdom, comfort and understanding during this difficult time.

Chuck

Julie Russell said...

Hi, Regan. I just wanted to tell you again how proud I am to know you and how proud I am that you know me. I am thinking about you all the time. I love you.

Shan said...

Hey guys! This is the SFG in Joplin, MO. We just want you to know that we love you and have thought about you often. We are meeting tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. for coffee...we'd love it if you'd meet with us in prayer, even if it's just for a short time. Know that we're praying alongside you as spend these precious moments with Regan...we love you all.
Shan, Meg, Manda

annette billington said...

Thank you for your wonderful courage and testimony in the goodness of our Lord Jesus. Your faith is inspirational and tender. I know from experience just how awesome God's love is at these critical times. My thoughts and prayers are with you all the time throughout the work day. What a privilege and blessing it is to know all of you and especially sweet little Regan.

Cara said...

I came here from a link posted at the Beth Moore blog. I've read all your posts.

You are an incredible picture of TRUE faith in God. I have to tell you that I have been cut to the core by your example here. I have been taught, and challenged. I am really unable to put into words what I feel in the depths of my heart. But in this time of great difficulty for your family, I pray that the presence of God will be a tangible thing for you guys.

Rock Collector said...

We are praying for your family. thank you for sharing so openly through this BLOG. What a bright testimony in a very dark world.
We Love ya'll

Rick, Melissa, Jake, Ben, Hannah, Abby, Silas.