If you feel so moved, I'd appreciate your prayers from Maria's Dad. He went into the hospital earlier this week with shortness of breath. He's been in for a few days and only made marginal improvements.
His name is Robert. He's in his mid 70's and was a smoker for over 60 years. He started when he was 12 and didn't quit until a couple of years ago. He has emphysema and has had throat cancer. He now has COPD and likely pneumonia, though his lungs are so damaged they cannot see for sure. He cannot even get out of bed without being extremely exhausted, yet he's convinced that he doesn't need to be in the hospital and wants to go home.
This has been very stressful and hard on the family. We are several hundred miles away, and Maria's youngest brother is the only one of the four kids in town. It's hard being this far and not knowing how we can help. We cannot just run and help, though it feels like we should (and we, or at least Maria, still may). We are certainly grateful of all her brother is doing on his own.
If your willing, pray of course for his health, for his doctors, for peace for Maria's Mom Donna who is overwhelmed right now and strength and patience for her brother Adam.
Thanks.
I'll certainly be praying for him and the family.
My mom had COPD. Had also smoked for 50 years, had quite for 20 and then developed the COPD. The first time she went into the hospital (we didn't know she had it because her breathing had only gradually diminished until one day she was almost passed out) it was pretty scary the first week or so but she did regain her strength. Same thing, my sister was the only one in town (we were only a few hundred miles away and could come) but my brothers were on the west coast. You do feel helpless at those times.
ttk
What a difficult time. :-(
I'm sorry brother, and will pray for you, your family and Maria's dad. Ttk's experience is very encouraging. May the Lord allow you such an experience.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers folks. Her Dad actually went home today. He's still not well, but he's able to be home which takes a load off of everyone.
Thanks.