I don't often ask for personal prayers, but my father-in-law is very ill. His health has been deteriorating for two or three months, and the change is astonishing. He is 82 years old, frail, and is now suffering with advanced senile dementia, which has become a terrible strain on his wife and family.
He had a bad episode a few days ago and was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Last I heard (this afternoon) he had slipped into a deep sleep and they couldn't wake him. I don't know whether this is a coma or not. At this point, we are praying that - all subject to God's sovereign will - he will remain in this sleep state and pass away soon. We would all love for him to recover and be his old self, of course, but this is real life. Barring a miracle (and I always leave room for that) if he does recover somewhat, he will only continue to suffer.
Meanwhile, I have the kids (who have been very close to their Papa) and Sweet Wifey is at the hospital with her Mom. Prayers for all would be most welcome.
UPDATE - It turns out my father-in-law was not in a deep coma, but was instead fighting an infection. They began to treat the infection with antibiotics and he came around the next day, so things are not as immediately dire as we thought, physically speaking. He is still very frustrated - sometimes angry - because his memory just will not work in a straight line anymore. This leads him to wonder why he is being held captive by strangers, and makes him believe that everyone is lying to him, etc... very painful both for him and for those who care about him. He often asks for his mother (who passed away more than thirty years ago) and wants to "go home".
So many families go through this. We are most grateful for your prayers, and are offering our own for all families in similar circumstances. If you would, please pray for peace for my father-in-law, that his mind will be eased. Also, his family will be investigating nursing home care later this week, pray that they will find a place where he will be well cared for, physically, mentally and spiritually.
Again, our deepest thanks.
You and your family are in my prayers, esp. your father-in-law. God bless!
Posted by: freddy | May 31, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, O Lord. Bless this family with comfort and hope, knowing that in Your love and mercy, You care for Your people. Guide this man safely into Your heavenly Kingdom, where there will be no more suffering. In the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
Posted by: BJ Buracker | June 01, 2008 at 02:01 AM
That's a real rough situation. I'll pray for your family.
Posted by: J.R. Stoodley | June 01, 2008 at 04:30 AM
Sorry to hear about your father-in-law, Tim. I just lost my mom, with whom I lived, and it was hard. I know it's hard when there is some kind of dementia. loss of health is hard, but the loss of self-- that's really tough. I will pray for all of you.
Posted by: Celeste | June 01, 2008 at 06:12 PM
We're dealing with this same issue with my Grandfather (92). The agitation and aggression became much better with him once he left the hospital and was able to re-orient himself to life. He's now in a nursing home and though we'd like to have him back home with my Grandma,this is the best situation for all of us. I'll keep you in my prayers. I know the stress, the strain, the concern, the grieving.
God bless,
Posted by: 4ddintx | June 02, 2008 at 06:41 AM
Thanks, all.
4ddintx,
I hope, too, that things will improve when he settles into a care facility. He can't return home, as he has made threats against his wife (his caregiver, up to now). He is no longer physically strong, but neither is she.
In his right mind, of course, he always treasured his wife, and would never in a million years have threatened to hurt her.
He is/was a remarkable man in many ways. I'll post a couple of stories, soon.
Posted by: Tim J. | June 02, 2008 at 06:50 AM