Saturday, March 7, 2009

SAD NEWS

I've often heard it said, "there is no rest for the weary." I feel that way today. I'm weary. Weary of illness. Weary of sickness. Weary of pain. Weary of those I love and myself as well, continually going from one illness to another.

Now, I know that God has all of this in His control...and I do rest in that. But, sometimes, it seems that He has just chosen our family to have one medical issue after another. And, sisters, we do it up right!

My brother in law is having some serious health problems, my sister needs to have some tests run, too. Their oldest daughter and her hubby are going through some testing, and, their youngest is getting married in 2 months.

Mom and Pop have gone from a ruptured colon with colostomy-him to a severe colon problem-her, to colostomy repair-him, to another surgery-her, to hernia surgery-him, to her current female and stomach issues.

My health has been pretty bad for the last few months...I have arthritis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia...along with a little lupus thrown in for good measure. Many days all I can do is rest. Ian had surgery to enlarge his sinus cavities which never formed correctly, a month ago, and he had lasik procedure on his eyes Friday. He has another operation scheduled on his palate in the next few months.

Alex continues to be a very sick young man. He has had some very bad days lately, with little relief from his pain. It takes all he can do to just make it through. He suffers greatly.

And, now...on top of all of this...Scooter, his companion...his best friend...his lifeline...his sleeping buddy...has cancer. He is devastated. We all are. This dog has been like an angel so many times. He has always been a very high strung, active dog. And, he still is. But, when Alex has needed him, he calms down and becomes a warm, comforting blanket for his boy. And, now he is very sick.

Our vet called today with the results of the biopsy. The type he has responds well to treatment, and sometimes goes into remission. We have made no decisions yet, and we are going to meet with the vet on Thursday. These decisions will be Alex's to make.


So, I am going to ask you again for your prayer support. Alex is so sick himself, it really takes all his willpower to deal with the pain he faces constantly. And, now his best bud is dying. He is going to have to pull the strength from somewhere to deal with this. Alex loves the Lord, and knows He will guide him.

Honestly, I am feeling really bummed out. I am feeling angry. I am feeling sad. I am feeling that this is so not fair. I am just wanting not to have to feel this at all. It seems to me that in the grand scheme of things...would it be too much to ask for my boy to just have his dog and be able to get what pleasure he can from him? I know people are sick everywhere with much worse things than our troubles...but, sometimes it is overwhelming!

Without a doubt, the Lord sent this dog to Alex. We have seen evidence of this time and time again. I also know that God is the creator of the animals we love and adopt into our lives as family members. I believe that it saddens Him that Scooter is sick...and I believe that it saddens Him more that this is causing Alex such grief. So, I will ask Him to spare Scooter's life. Or at least to allow the treatments to give him some quality of life for a while. I will ask that He give Alex the strength to make wise decisions...and to be able to live in peace with those decisions.

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"Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both. As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animals. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth? Ecclesiastes 3: 19-21.

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears attentive to their cry."
"The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34: 15, 16.

"How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom, you made them all,the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24

13 comments:

Debbie said...

You have a lot going on and I know it seems so long. But there is sunshine in the morning. I will pray for you and for your family. God bless you, Debbie

marychristina said...

I'm so sorry about the pain and health concerns in your family.....you know the song though...Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face....still I am so sorry...praying for you!

Deedra said...

I am praying for you all....and Alex's bud too! I pray that some relief is coming for you all in the very near future.

Southern Lady said...

Tonja, I have read all of your stories about your sons' health problems, and was inspired and in awe of your steadfast faith and strength throughout each crisis.

You are such a strong person spiritually and I know you will help Alex (and your other loved ones, as well) cope and do whatever they have to do to get through these troublesome and difficult days. The Lord has brought you this far ... He won't let you down now!

I pray you will feel His arms around you lifting you up and giving you the strength and will to keep on keeping on.

I will remember you in my prayers and will pray that God will give Alex some more time with his beloved Scooter.

windycorner said...

Sorry you're feeling down, friend. All the health problems are such a tough cross to bear and then to throw your sweet pet into the mix is especially hard. Thank you for giving us specifics so we can pray in a very specific way.
Tonja, know that your pain is a concern to many unseen friends and we are lifting it all up to the Lord.
{{{{hugs}}}}
Holley

Justabeachkat said...

Oh, Tonja, this breaks my heart! I've heard you say many times how good Skooter has been to/for Alex. I will certainly being praying for them both. Actually for you whole family.

Because of your faith, I know you WIll get through all these stressing situations. Hang in there sweet friend.

Hugs!
Kat
(we're in the Dallas airport waiting for our next flight)

nancygrayce said...

Oh, Tonja, I'm so sorry! You do have a LOT on your plate. I would never have even known that you have health issues because you are always so active and joyful! I pray that Scooter will be able to stay with you all and that Alex will be comforted!

Jean said...

I don't even know what to say, except I care tremendously, this breaks my heart, and I'm so very sorry.

I truly pray that as you have shared this and many people start praying, you will feel God's grace for all these situations being poured out on you and your family.

Sherrie said...

Sweet friend I am typing with tears in my eyes and love in my heart. I am so sorry for the emotionally and physical pain that you are feeling. I don't understand why God allows some of us more difficult roads than others. But I know he cares for you and your family and is proud of your Christian example to the rest of the world. He care for Scooter too and I am encouraged that he can be treated and pray that he will respond well to the treatments.

Your mamma and daddy are so precious!! What a joy to still have them both in your life. It is hard to watch our parents have health issues. Praying for you today and always!! I love you!!!

andi said...

Friend, I am so sorry. I am so sad for Alex and weary for you. I love you and will be praying for your family!

Mindy said...

Please know that you and all of your family, especially Alex and Scooter, will be in our prayers daily. Sometimes it is so hard to see what God is up to, and things seem so unfair and burdens feel so heavy. Health problems seems to be at the top of this list. But remember the Lord is faithful and will be beside you all the while. ((((Hugs))))

YaYa's Funhouse said...

Tonja, just wanted to encourage you. God will sustain you and family. I will especially be praying for Alex. We also lost our mini daucshund at Thanksgiving. He was with us for 14 yrs. I can still hear him barking somedays when I drive into the garage. He never knew he was a "dog". I don't think I ever saw him lie down outside...he was our heart.I just have to believe he is in doggy heaven. I will be praying.

Jill said...

Oh gosh, Tonja. I am so sorry about all of the health issues with your family...the pain and the suffering must be so hard. And so sad about Scooter. I'll be praying for you all.