No more of it. Paula just told me of a friend of hers who went in for her last weekly OB check before the baby is born and found there was no heartbeat. Her sixth baby died. It was a boy. His only brother was looking forward to having a baby brother.
Please pray for this family today.
I will continue my prayer for them by not whining anymore about my pregnancy. I will enjoy every moment I have with my baby. I don't know what got into me the last few weeks but I've been a royal pain. I'll try to bear all with joy from this day forward.
Showing posts with label pray. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pray. Show all posts
Monday, April 05, 2010
Monday, March 01, 2010
Sick Days, Birthdays, Happy Days, Sad Days
After our Crazy Dance Party a few Friday nights ago,
we got strep in the house. The whole works (except for Trina and I) had to go to the doctor and get meds. THEN, Tommy couldn't breathe one night, so we went to the ER with him and he got a steroid shot, with the lovely info that the doctor thought he must have croup. Really? Croup (virus) AND strep (bacteria)? How lucky can one family get? Everyone else got the virus too, including Trina.
It took three weeks and finally, today, everyone sounds and feels a whole lot better.
On Wed. we celebrated Tommy's 2nd birthday (he was sick and miserable, I don't have any pictures of that day, but here's a shot of him at that dance party the Friday before. He danced so much he collapsed on the floor...several times...especially when he saw the camera was on!)
We then celebrated Mari's 4th birthday on Friday. She went to a pre-school screening (I don't intend to send her to school, but I just like the screening and the people who do it in this town. They're very supportive of homeschoolers in this district.)
She wanted to wear her crown and bring her purse along for the screening. It was pretty obvious that it was her birthday, since she wore this special collar that said "Happy Birthday" that she'd been saving ALL year, just for the occasion. They sung "Happy Birthday" to her at the school. She was so pleased. She also said goodbye to the neighbor as he took his kids (that we babysit) off to see their grandma. Mari hollered across the street, "Bye! Hey, did you know today's my birthday?" The neighbor said, "Oh yeah! That's right!". Mari hollered again, "You forgot to say 'happy birthday'!". He thought it was funny...I thought she was getting a little to into the princess thing.
That girl's got some MAJOR sass going for her. I have a feeling she's going to work it until she figures out some other thing that will work for her to get out of doing chores and taking naps.
Saturday morning, Butch's parents took the birthday kids (including Butch) out to their breakfast/shopping for birthday gift/shopping for cake, tradition that we started a few years ago. It makes the birthday kid feel really special but we figured three birds with one stone was the way to go this year! Butch reported that this exchange happened at Perkin's:
Server: Do you want pie, or ice cream?
(she got a choice for her birthday)
Mari: Ummm, I think because I'm FOUR, I should have cake and ice cream.
She got ice cream. Butch put the brakes on the princess complex there, but she handled it just fine!
Saturday night, we had my side of the family over to celebrate the birthdays in our house (Butch's was Sunday!) and my twin niece and nephew (birthday today) and my other nephew who will be 4 this Saturday. It was super funny to sing happy birthday for 3 cakes (two names on each) and it ended up being a total blast. We had a couple other people over, too. Our neighbors (who are like family since we have their children over every week for babysitting)and Tommy's godparents, Rachie and Billy. Even Matt and Anna got to come from Menomonie with their dog, Jake. A good time was had by all!
The "sad days" in the title only refers to the illnesses...but there is some sadness in that the worry of an unstable economy is threatening Butch's job. He has been laid off (this will be the third week) for the first time in years and years. His company is very stable, one of the only companies that does what they do, and THEY are feeling the pinch...I can't imagine how the rest of the construction/industrial world is doing right now and for the past two years. I don't know how people live on just unemployment, but I know we can't. We can NOT sustain this for very long. I don't know what we would do if he were laid off for more than 5 or 6 weeks. We have to make some tough choices, I know that, but with 7 kids, there are certain things that pass the "want" category and really are the NEEDS. We need a roof over our heads, clothing on our bodies, food in our bellies, and transportation. What can we let go? Not much. We have come to depend on the internet for communication, education, and bill paying...although, the thought just occurred to me that if I can't pay bills, what's the point of paying them online? Just (mostly) kidding! I'm cracking up a bit here. This is all a lot of worry that a LOT of people are going through, I know that. It does make things a little easier, knowing that there are a whole lot of people in this sinking boat with us. Misery loves company, right? Ugh. How about misery can take a hike. I wish misery would leave people alone once in a dang while. Misery stinks on ice.
Well, the ONE good thing that comes from having Butch here is that he is helping with school. Math is hard (said in my best Barbie voice) and Butch does it so much better than I do! He gets to see how schooling works for each child, which is something he misses out on while he's working. He has also gotten to take them ice fishing a few times (something he's never really done before) with one of his retired co-workers (a great friend of the family). That's been great bonding time with the kids, too. Butch and the kids also primed and painted the entire basement. We had all of the equipment and paint but hadn't had the time to finish that job until now. If we only had money, as well as time, we could put in carpet and trim things up...but that might have to wait for a while. We haven't driven each other crazy quite yet, but I'm sure that day is coming.
Oh well, I guess we'll just have to gear up...
Find the strength to push each other to not give up...
Remember to lean on God, who will help us when we feel like falling...
And when we fall...
And get discouraged...
We can know that all of that prayer and love will carry us through...
And help us (however shakily) get to our feet...
Until we rise again!
Triumphantly calling from the highest mountaintop!
"Come let us praise the Lord with joy: let us joyfully sing to God our saviour. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; and make a joyful noise to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. For in his hand are all the ends of the earth: and the heights of the mountains are his. For the sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
Come let us adore and fall down: and weep before the Lord that made us. For he is the Lord our God: and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. Today if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts..."
we got strep in the house. The whole works (except for Trina and I) had to go to the doctor and get meds. THEN, Tommy couldn't breathe one night, so we went to the ER with him and he got a steroid shot, with the lovely info that the doctor thought he must have croup. Really? Croup (virus) AND strep (bacteria)? How lucky can one family get? Everyone else got the virus too, including Trina. It took three weeks and finally, today, everyone sounds and feels a whole lot better.
On Wed. we celebrated Tommy's 2nd birthday (he was sick and miserable, I don't have any pictures of that day, but here's a shot of him at that dance party the Friday before. He danced so much he collapsed on the floor...several times...especially when he saw the camera was on!)
We then celebrated Mari's 4th birthday on Friday. She went to a pre-school screening (I don't intend to send her to school, but I just like the screening and the people who do it in this town. They're very supportive of homeschoolers in this district.)
She wanted to wear her crown and bring her purse along for the screening. It was pretty obvious that it was her birthday, since she wore this special collar that said "Happy Birthday" that she'd been saving ALL year, just for the occasion. They sung "Happy Birthday" to her at the school. She was so pleased. She also said goodbye to the neighbor as he took his kids (that we babysit) off to see their grandma. Mari hollered across the street, "Bye! Hey, did you know today's my birthday?" The neighbor said, "Oh yeah! That's right!". Mari hollered again, "You forgot to say 'happy birthday'!". He thought it was funny...I thought she was getting a little to into the princess thing.
That girl's got some MAJOR sass going for her. I have a feeling she's going to work it until she figures out some other thing that will work for her to get out of doing chores and taking naps.
Saturday morning, Butch's parents took the birthday kids (including Butch) out to their breakfast/shopping for birthday gift/shopping for cake, tradition that we started a few years ago. It makes the birthday kid feel really special but we figured three birds with one stone was the way to go this year! Butch reported that this exchange happened at Perkin's:
Server: Do you want pie, or ice cream?
(she got a choice for her birthday)
Mari: Ummm, I think because I'm FOUR, I should have cake and ice cream.
She got ice cream. Butch put the brakes on the princess complex there, but she handled it just fine!
Saturday night, we had my side of the family over to celebrate the birthdays in our house (Butch's was Sunday!) and my twin niece and nephew (birthday today) and my other nephew who will be 4 this Saturday. It was super funny to sing happy birthday for 3 cakes (two names on each) and it ended up being a total blast. We had a couple other people over, too. Our neighbors (who are like family since we have their children over every week for babysitting)and Tommy's godparents, Rachie and Billy. Even Matt and Anna got to come from Menomonie with their dog, Jake. A good time was had by all!
The "sad days" in the title only refers to the illnesses...but there is some sadness in that the worry of an unstable economy is threatening Butch's job. He has been laid off (this will be the third week) for the first time in years and years. His company is very stable, one of the only companies that does what they do, and THEY are feeling the pinch...I can't imagine how the rest of the construction/industrial world is doing right now and for the past two years. I don't know how people live on just unemployment, but I know we can't. We can NOT sustain this for very long. I don't know what we would do if he were laid off for more than 5 or 6 weeks. We have to make some tough choices, I know that, but with 7 kids, there are certain things that pass the "want" category and really are the NEEDS. We need a roof over our heads, clothing on our bodies, food in our bellies, and transportation. What can we let go? Not much. We have come to depend on the internet for communication, education, and bill paying...although, the thought just occurred to me that if I can't pay bills, what's the point of paying them online? Just (mostly) kidding! I'm cracking up a bit here. This is all a lot of worry that a LOT of people are going through, I know that. It does make things a little easier, knowing that there are a whole lot of people in this sinking boat with us. Misery loves company, right? Ugh. How about misery can take a hike. I wish misery would leave people alone once in a dang while. Misery stinks on ice.
Well, the ONE good thing that comes from having Butch here is that he is helping with school. Math is hard (said in my best Barbie voice) and Butch does it so much better than I do! He gets to see how schooling works for each child, which is something he misses out on while he's working. He has also gotten to take them ice fishing a few times (something he's never really done before) with one of his retired co-workers (a great friend of the family). That's been great bonding time with the kids, too. Butch and the kids also primed and painted the entire basement. We had all of the equipment and paint but hadn't had the time to finish that job until now. If we only had money, as well as time, we could put in carpet and trim things up...but that might have to wait for a while. We haven't driven each other crazy quite yet, but I'm sure that day is coming.
Oh well, I guess we'll just have to gear up...
Find the strength to push each other to not give up...
Remember to lean on God, who will help us when we feel like falling...
And when we fall...
And get discouraged...
We can know that all of that prayer and love will carry us through...
And help us (however shakily) get to our feet...
Until we rise again!
Triumphantly calling from the highest mountaintop!
"Come let us praise the Lord with joy: let us joyfully sing to God our saviour. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; and make a joyful noise to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. For in his hand are all the ends of the earth: and the heights of the mountains are his. For the sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
Come let us adore and fall down: and weep before the Lord that made us. For he is the Lord our God: and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. Today if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts..."
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thank You For Your Prayers
Keep them coming. Michael Talley passed away in the loving arms of his wife, Nicole. Here is her caringbridge (Monday, Jan. 25th) post:
My beloved Husband Michael passed away this morning around 7:20am. He passed away peacefully as I laid in the bed next to him. I felt a presence lay next to me just before I noticed he stopped breathing. I believe he gave me one last hug, until we are together again in the ever-lasting world of our heavenly father. I can't stop crying, my heart hurts so badly. I just got home for the first time in 30 days. I thought it would be hard but to see the pictures in our home of Michael gave me such comfort. He must be close by giving me comfort as he walks with Jesus. The children are still at school I'm sure they will know as soon as they see me. Please pray for me as I tell them.
I will be talking with Father this afternoon. I will let everyone know the arrangements at that time.
Thank you and God Bless!!
Love Nicole
The wake is tomorrow night and the funeral will be on Thurs. morn at 11am. Here is the local paper obituary:
Michael B. Talley
Leave a message at either site for Nicole and her kids, if you wish. It's going to be a rough time for them now. I know they are very supported by family and friends, but it won't change the fact that they'll have to go on without their daddy, husband, friend...I can't imagine.
My beloved Husband Michael passed away this morning around 7:20am. He passed away peacefully as I laid in the bed next to him. I felt a presence lay next to me just before I noticed he stopped breathing. I believe he gave me one last hug, until we are together again in the ever-lasting world of our heavenly father. I can't stop crying, my heart hurts so badly. I just got home for the first time in 30 days. I thought it would be hard but to see the pictures in our home of Michael gave me such comfort. He must be close by giving me comfort as he walks with Jesus. The children are still at school I'm sure they will know as soon as they see me. Please pray for me as I tell them.
I will be talking with Father this afternoon. I will let everyone know the arrangements at that time.
Thank you and God Bless!!
Love Nicole
The wake is tomorrow night and the funeral will be on Thurs. morn at 11am. Here is the local paper obituary:
Michael B. Talley
Leave a message at either site for Nicole and her kids, if you wish. It's going to be a rough time for them now. I know they are very supported by family and friends, but it won't change the fact that they'll have to go on without their daddy, husband, friend...I can't imagine.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Pray, Keep Vigil
From today's post on Caringbridge:
"Last night Michael's body started showing signs that his time here on earth is coming to the end. His breathing has slowed down and his blood pressure is low. Organs are also showing signs of shutting down. I starred at him most of the night, afraid to close my eyes, that if I fell asleep he may take that last breath. This morning the nurse practitioner was in and felt he may have 24 hours left. My heart just sunk. I am aware of everything but it still hit me hard, to think I will soon never see him again. I ask everyone to pray for Michael as he begins his journey home. May Jesus and all his angels wrap their arms around him and guide him.
I love you so much honey, it's time to be free from suffering. I will always be with you our love has no end!
Love Nicole "
Please, light a candle and pray for this family tonight.
"Last night Michael's body started showing signs that his time here on earth is coming to the end. His breathing has slowed down and his blood pressure is low. Organs are also showing signs of shutting down. I starred at him most of the night, afraid to close my eyes, that if I fell asleep he may take that last breath. This morning the nurse practitioner was in and felt he may have 24 hours left. My heart just sunk. I am aware of everything but it still hit me hard, to think I will soon never see him again. I ask everyone to pray for Michael as he begins his journey home. May Jesus and all his angels wrap their arms around him and guide him.
I love you so much honey, it's time to be free from suffering. I will always be with you our love has no end!
Love Nicole "
Please, light a candle and pray for this family tonight.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The End
...of a lot of things this year. It seems time to say goodbye to a friend. It's the "end" of his life here on earth, but the beginning of his eternal rest. Please pray for him and his family.
Butch didn't have any major endings, but he didn't have any major illnesses or injuries this year!
The end of my marathon endeavors. I won't be running another marathon. Maybe I'll run another half this year, but I'm pretty sure the marathon training and run wrecked me for the Olympics, anytime soon.
It's the end of the never-ending weird weather year. We barely had a summer. I hope the winter will be mild and short and we have a refreshing, decent MN summer.
This year marked the end of a marriage in our family. It shook us to our core and seriously damaged our ability to trust. We have become much stronger through this, don't worry, but please pray for the family as we try to figure out the new "normal" and if you don't mind, pray that my brother finds a good job to support his family.
This year was the end of our 8 member family! We're working on number 9 and everything is going very well in that regard. She'll be making her appearance around April 18th.
This year has also seen the end of a two-driver-only family. Katrina got her driver's permit now and all we need are some clear roads for her to practice on, so she can get her license in the fall of 2010!
We all worked on playing guitar since last Christmas and we've all gained a TON of knowledge and ability (YAY for youtube!). For a very minimal cost, we've been able to get guitars for everyone and free lessons to each other and from the internet. I highly recommend this method of music education. When you are learning something that you love and that can be picked up relatively easily, take advantage of it! We can't afford expensive lessons for all the kids, so this was a great adventure that can last for years!
Matty became an official altar boy this year, that's something new. He RELUCTANTLY did the training and has helped for exactly ONE Mass (one more this weekend then for Anna's wedding next weekend), but it's a start and helps him to better understand the Mass and become more "church community" involved. It really helps that we seem to get totally cool priests that kid around with the kids but are completely reverent and orthodox for Masses.
It was the end of waiting for Weazy to receive our Lord in the Eucharist! She had her FHC this spring and it was a wonderful event for her. She really couldn't wait (even though I tend to want to wait until I think they're ready...she really was ready!) and got to receive with her cousins and the parish school kids.
It was the end of total homeschooling for this family. I tried Kindergarten for Bocker this year and he LOVES it. It's been getting hard to wake him up so early for the bus, but I think I'll be driving him a lot this winter, and I don't mind. It's all kindergarten at his school (public) so I like the idea of him learning the early skills from someone other than me for just a couple hours a day. Hey, it's free, right? I'll bring him back home next year, as I don't really think he'd do well at the bottom of the "pecking order" in the grade school and I think he has learned the patience to sit and do lessons now at home. I really like the primary school, though, so I'll be sending the other kids there when they are ready for Kindergarten too. Hopefully they'll all get the same teacher. I like her style.
It was the end of Mariela drawing stick persons with giant heads and spiky hair. That girl draws me at least 30 pictures a day with massive scenery and details you can not believe. I have to get my scanner fixed so I can put some of her amazing art on the art blog.
No major endings for Tommy. He's just working on all the new things like being a super football fan of the universe! He is hilarious in his knowledge of the game and excitement for it. He plunks his little body down in the crook of Matty's arm or Daddy's and watches and cheers like an old pro fan. I can't believe he'll only turn TWO this February! It seems like he's been around forever.
We ended our first year babysitting the two neighbor girls. We've had a few bumps with separation anxiety here and there, but we've really enjoyed the extra company and watching them grow along with our little ones. I think Tommy is in love with the 1 year old. He can't keep his hands or lips off of her when she comes in the morning. He loves ALL babies, of course, but, I think because she only comes a few times a week with weekend breaks, that he appreciates her more when he sees her after a long separation. It will be interesting to see how he acts with the new girl in the house! I don't know if any other girl could ever replace his "ee-yah" (what he calls the neighbor girl). I can see the future where our lives separate maybe for years and they meet again in college and realize they've loved each other all along...heehee, that would make a cute story!
Well, I'm starting to think of more and more BEGINNINGS and less endings, so I'll stop now and continue the stories in the NEW YEAR...maybe even tomorrow! Hopefully, it will be a happier, less stressful year. I don't THINK it will be, but I do hope it will be. That's all we can do, right?
Happy New Year, everyone!
Butch didn't have any major endings, but he didn't have any major illnesses or injuries this year!
The end of my marathon endeavors. I won't be running another marathon. Maybe I'll run another half this year, but I'm pretty sure the marathon training and run wrecked me for the Olympics, anytime soon.
It's the end of the never-ending weird weather year. We barely had a summer. I hope the winter will be mild and short and we have a refreshing, decent MN summer.
This year marked the end of a marriage in our family. It shook us to our core and seriously damaged our ability to trust. We have become much stronger through this, don't worry, but please pray for the family as we try to figure out the new "normal" and if you don't mind, pray that my brother finds a good job to support his family.
This year was the end of our 8 member family! We're working on number 9 and everything is going very well in that regard. She'll be making her appearance around April 18th.
This year has also seen the end of a two-driver-only family. Katrina got her driver's permit now and all we need are some clear roads for her to practice on, so she can get her license in the fall of 2010!
We all worked on playing guitar since last Christmas and we've all gained a TON of knowledge and ability (YAY for youtube!). For a very minimal cost, we've been able to get guitars for everyone and free lessons to each other and from the internet. I highly recommend this method of music education. When you are learning something that you love and that can be picked up relatively easily, take advantage of it! We can't afford expensive lessons for all the kids, so this was a great adventure that can last for years!
Matty became an official altar boy this year, that's something new. He RELUCTANTLY did the training and has helped for exactly ONE Mass (one more this weekend then for Anna's wedding next weekend), but it's a start and helps him to better understand the Mass and become more "church community" involved. It really helps that we seem to get totally cool priests that kid around with the kids but are completely reverent and orthodox for Masses.
It was the end of waiting for Weazy to receive our Lord in the Eucharist! She had her FHC this spring and it was a wonderful event for her. She really couldn't wait (even though I tend to want to wait until I think they're ready...she really was ready!) and got to receive with her cousins and the parish school kids.
It was the end of total homeschooling for this family. I tried Kindergarten for Bocker this year and he LOVES it. It's been getting hard to wake him up so early for the bus, but I think I'll be driving him a lot this winter, and I don't mind. It's all kindergarten at his school (public) so I like the idea of him learning the early skills from someone other than me for just a couple hours a day. Hey, it's free, right? I'll bring him back home next year, as I don't really think he'd do well at the bottom of the "pecking order" in the grade school and I think he has learned the patience to sit and do lessons now at home. I really like the primary school, though, so I'll be sending the other kids there when they are ready for Kindergarten too. Hopefully they'll all get the same teacher. I like her style.
It was the end of Mariela drawing stick persons with giant heads and spiky hair. That girl draws me at least 30 pictures a day with massive scenery and details you can not believe. I have to get my scanner fixed so I can put some of her amazing art on the art blog.
No major endings for Tommy. He's just working on all the new things like being a super football fan of the universe! He is hilarious in his knowledge of the game and excitement for it. He plunks his little body down in the crook of Matty's arm or Daddy's and watches and cheers like an old pro fan. I can't believe he'll only turn TWO this February! It seems like he's been around forever.
We ended our first year babysitting the two neighbor girls. We've had a few bumps with separation anxiety here and there, but we've really enjoyed the extra company and watching them grow along with our little ones. I think Tommy is in love with the 1 year old. He can't keep his hands or lips off of her when she comes in the morning. He loves ALL babies, of course, but, I think because she only comes a few times a week with weekend breaks, that he appreciates her more when he sees her after a long separation. It will be interesting to see how he acts with the new girl in the house! I don't know if any other girl could ever replace his "ee-yah" (what he calls the neighbor girl). I can see the future where our lives separate maybe for years and they meet again in college and realize they've loved each other all along...heehee, that would make a cute story!
Well, I'm starting to think of more and more BEGINNINGS and less endings, so I'll stop now and continue the stories in the NEW YEAR...maybe even tomorrow! Hopefully, it will be a happier, less stressful year. I don't THINK it will be, but I do hope it will be. That's all we can do, right?
Happy New Year, everyone!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
EMERGENCY! ALERT! PRAY!
From the Talley's caringbridge for today:
Good morning,
Michael had a rough evening and night. The pain now has moved into the back of the neck radiating to the top of his head. This morning he was hitting his pillow due to the tremendous headache. We recieved orders to increase his pain
pump yesterday afternoon but the pain continues. I also have been giving him oral pain meds on the hour. Michael has been sleeping since yesterday at 10:00am. This is the only way for his body to deal with his discomfort. I have just called the nurse again.
I just spoke to the nurse regarding his pain and she said the doctor wants to transport Mike to the hospital by stretcher tomorrow morning. They would like to start him on a new IV medication that works well with his current one. He will most likely become even more sedated. If this medication controls the pain better without any other complications he may come home in three days. If he becomes worse he will remain in the hospital for his remaining days left here with us. The doctor feels this is our only shot to get better control otherwise he will be continuously trying to play catch up with his pain.
I knew he was hanging on to see Christmas with us, I was hoping he wouldn't be in so much pain.
We all received wonderful presents from him. The kids and I each got a teddy bear made out of Michael's shirts. The kids say daddy on the arm and mine said, Mike. Last night they all slept with their teddy's that smell like daddy.
Then he turned to me and said what do I give to my wife? Knowing this is the last present I give her. He handed me a necklace with a Gold heart pendent that opens for our pictures to be placed into. On the back he engraved " I will always be with you! Love Michael. The tears rolled down my checks. I can't believe with everything he has been enduring he wanted to give me one last gift. I will always treasure and wear that necklace for the rest of my life. Thank you, Honey! Last night I just layed on the bed next to him and held him tightly. I just kept asking Jesus to come and relieve his pain. I told him I will love him for eternity and I will not say goodbye. Our love has no end! Michael kept saying, it's time for me to go home. We looked at eachother then and told eachother how much we hate whats happening. That we will miss being together.
God Bless!
Love Nicole & Michael
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
December Hope
Please say a prayer for my friends in their most difficult hours! Michael Talley is hanging on for the holidays but he is in a lot of pain and is afraid to sleep, lest he never wake up. Here is his caringbridge site. Here is a lovely article in the Star Tribune about the family. Here is a story (with video!) of the Talley surprise we pulled off a couple of weeks ago. The Santa is my dad! There are a lot of my friends and some of my family in the crowd! It was such a nice day and it made the family so happy to see the love and support they have.
Please, leave an encouraging message/donation or just drop a line to let them know that you are praying for them. Michael needs assurance that his family will be lifted up when he is gone.
Thank you!
Please, leave an encouraging message/donation or just drop a line to let them know that you are praying for them. Michael needs assurance that his family will be lifted up when he is gone.
Thank you!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Last Christmas
I hate the sound of it, but they are trying to make the best of a rally, in how he feels right now, to decorate the house and prepare for saying goodbye. PLEASE, if you can donate ANYTHING to keep this family in their home when their daddy dies, please, do so!
I usually can't stand Fox 9's sucky local reports but this time, they did a good job profiling my friend Nicole and her family in my hometown. Watch it here.
I usually can't stand Fox 9's sucky local reports but this time, they did a good job profiling my friend Nicole and her family in my hometown. Watch it here.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Talleys
"Today the nurse was out from hospice. She changed the dose Michael could receive from his PCA pump due to his increase of pain through the weekend. He state's honey, its hurting all over. My neck, shoulders, back, and the swelling in my lower extremities is awful. Last night we tried using the Oxycontin in between dosages of the Morphine. It helped some but not enough. We also, tried some Ativan to help relax him before bedtime. He sleeps well but becomes very disorientated and has bad dreams. He even got up once and I found him sleeping standing up at the bathroom sink with the water running. I guess that drug doesn't agree well with him. I told the nurse maybe we should try something else. I don't need him falling or something. I have just stood bye all these months while Michael took care of his own treatments and medications but now it will be my job to make sure he is getting the right dose and care that he needs. The nurse feels the confusion at times will become more evident and she would prefer that I take over these areas. I have been so proud over the last year, Michael able to care and do for himself. I feel it's important to keep independence as long as you can. As his wife, I will take over and provide the best care ever. For he deserves the very best.
Michael states" you Nicole are the only one I trust to care and love me completely, you are my angel!
"Ooh! Honey I feel the same about you as well.
The nurse sent pressure stockings as well to try and pull the edema out of his feet and into the upper body. It may work or it may not. For his swelling is different then the normal swelling you or I would get from our vessels. Her concerns are dehydration for Michael is not getting the fluids anymore it's being stored in his body instead. Their is nothing we can do about this. She placed him on a water pill but we can't go to high due to his low blood pressures. Lately they have been 80/44 which is very low. It has been hard sleeping next to him the last couple of nights. I hear his breathing slowing down. I think will he take that next breath. Then I pray, pray and pray!!! The nurse said today I think Michael was given the strength these last few weeks to see you through and now he will be able to relax knowing everything's all right again. I thought, okay! I can stay sick for a long time. I can keep him taking care of me, if that means I could keep him longer. Then she just hugged me tight. She said, " Nicole you are a strong women I can tell and you will get through this. Then my tears came like a water fall, I just don't want to be strong anymore, I just want my husband physically here with me forever! God please give me strength.
As for Nathan he is finally turning the corner, he should return to school on Wednesday. His cough may persist for few more days.
God Bless to all!!
Love Nicole & Michael"
Michael states" you Nicole are the only one I trust to care and love me completely, you are my angel!
"Ooh! Honey I feel the same about you as well.
The nurse sent pressure stockings as well to try and pull the edema out of his feet and into the upper body. It may work or it may not. For his swelling is different then the normal swelling you or I would get from our vessels. Her concerns are dehydration for Michael is not getting the fluids anymore it's being stored in his body instead. Their is nothing we can do about this. She placed him on a water pill but we can't go to high due to his low blood pressures. Lately they have been 80/44 which is very low. It has been hard sleeping next to him the last couple of nights. I hear his breathing slowing down. I think will he take that next breath. Then I pray, pray and pray!!! The nurse said today I think Michael was given the strength these last few weeks to see you through and now he will be able to relax knowing everything's all right again. I thought, okay! I can stay sick for a long time. I can keep him taking care of me, if that means I could keep him longer. Then she just hugged me tight. She said, " Nicole you are a strong women I can tell and you will get through this. Then my tears came like a water fall, I just don't want to be strong anymore, I just want my husband physically here with me forever! God please give me strength.
As for Nathan he is finally turning the corner, he should return to school on Wednesday. His cough may persist for few more days.
God Bless to all!!
Love Nicole & Michael"
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sad News
Please, if you have time, visit my friend's site and give them a message of love and encouragement? They have stopped treatment and are leaving Michael's care in God's hands. He is in a lot of pain and they don't know how much time he has. They are trying to find some peace in their decision, but they don't want to lose their daddy/husband/brother/son. Please, pray for them today.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaeltalley
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaeltalley
Friday, August 28, 2009
All Aboard
This time, it was a dream about a train. I've never considered the hobo life, but apparently, it's somewhere in my subconscious.
My sisters and I are just getting done with a huge train ride. We are in our old bedroom in the basement of my parent's house, discussing our adventures. We all agree that it was a mistake to ride on TOP of the train cars because of low bridges and rain. We laugh when we remember how we went on this clover leaf thing and how we got separated when we were playing "leap from car to car" that one time. My sisters are much more experienced train riders than I am and I am in doubt that I'll ever get as "into it" as they are. We start discussing family issues and I disagree with how they are handling a certain issue.
I have a lot of anger about something but my sisters are at peace. They had brought a person along on the train ride with whom I am super angry. They get all lovey-dovey and say good bye to that person but I am holding on to my rage. I want to call and chew that person out. I want to punch them in the face. With every nasty name I call that person, with every fault and sin I point out, my sisters laugh and say they are "over it and why can't you be?" I get angrier and louder. I know it won't do any good, but the anger is so that it's making my voice hoarse and my blood pressure rise. The most infuriating part is that my sisters are so calm.
I wake up with a dry throat and nausea.
I don't know if the nausea is because of the pregnancy, the thought of riding on trains, or the deeply sick feeling I get when I think about the person that is causing so much anger in the family.
On a totally unrelated note:
P.S. PLEASE pray for my long suffering friends. They just keep getting blow after blow and they need tons of prayers right now: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaeltalley
My sisters and I are just getting done with a huge train ride. We are in our old bedroom in the basement of my parent's house, discussing our adventures. We all agree that it was a mistake to ride on TOP of the train cars because of low bridges and rain. We laugh when we remember how we went on this clover leaf thing and how we got separated when we were playing "leap from car to car" that one time. My sisters are much more experienced train riders than I am and I am in doubt that I'll ever get as "into it" as they are. We start discussing family issues and I disagree with how they are handling a certain issue.
I have a lot of anger about something but my sisters are at peace. They had brought a person along on the train ride with whom I am super angry. They get all lovey-dovey and say good bye to that person but I am holding on to my rage. I want to call and chew that person out. I want to punch them in the face. With every nasty name I call that person, with every fault and sin I point out, my sisters laugh and say they are "over it and why can't you be?" I get angrier and louder. I know it won't do any good, but the anger is so that it's making my voice hoarse and my blood pressure rise. The most infuriating part is that my sisters are so calm.
I wake up with a dry throat and nausea.
I don't know if the nausea is because of the pregnancy, the thought of riding on trains, or the deeply sick feeling I get when I think about the person that is causing so much anger in the family.
On a totally unrelated note:
P.S. PLEASE pray for my long suffering friends. They just keep getting blow after blow and they need tons of prayers right now: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaeltalley
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Prayers for Grandma *Update with Concern
(in comments from Trine):
Update for you: I just got a call from one of Matt's sisters. Not to alarm anyone but Joyce does have a low grade fever which could or could not mean some type of infection, though they don't know where. It could be something as "minor" as a bladder infection. Either way, these days in recovery are going to be tough and she is not 'out of the woods' yet. The other word we got was that she may potentially need a pacemaker. Her heart rate appears to be slowing too much when they slow down the temporary external pacing. They are bringing in a specialist. She says she doesn't have any pain and considering that her breast bone is in two pieces currently being held together by staples and her heart was just operated on, I'd say she's pretty heavily on pain meds. Therefore, she isn't really remembering much when people visit but she is doing okay.
In other words, thanks for the prayers so far and if you could spare a few more that would be great!
I'm going to tell you a little story and end with a prayer request. Skip to the end if you've heard this one already:
My hubsie used to run with a weird crowd of peeps back in the high school days. They were mostly jocks and party guys who's parents had some dough, and lived the good life. He did have this one, odd feller friend named Matt. Matt was the youngest of ten farm children and had tons of fun raising his pigs and working on the farm. Matt was mostly cared for and tried to escape from his older sisters (and did a fair job at it) throughout his youth. He had a hard, but interesting life out on many acres of beautiful land. Rolling hills, peaceful pastures, swampy backwoods were his life. To get "into town" for football or wrestling practice, he had been known to drive the farm truck before he had his official license. See, farm kids could drive work vehicles (under age 16) around town if it was "official farm business". So, to get out of any potential troubles in that regard, he would throw a few hay bales in the bed, just in case. Him and Butch have all kinds of goofy stories about their adventures on the farm. Some of them involving beer and uneven lines in the fields...but that's a story for another day.
Matt's parents were very special to Butch. He almost looked to them as other parents and loved them very much. Matt's dad passed away a few years ago but I can't really talk about that without getting very sad. All I can say is that I miss his grin and his ginormous hands until I see Matt's hands and Bubby's grin.
Matt's mom, Joyce is an angel on earth. She is simple, wonderful, sweet, and loving. She's also very wise in many ways. I could go on and on but one thing that could illustrate the impression she has had on Butch is that I pretty much had to pass muster with Joyce before our relationship could continue (I met her only a few weeks after I had met Butch!). I knew it was a "test" when I met them. It's a good thing I came from a farm family environment because I felt right at home with that nutty bunch! I think back to that first meeting and how she hugged me the moment we met...I could never imagine that we could be REAL FAMILY someday and that Joyce and I would share genes with some of the most loved children in the world!
Trine sent me this email today:
As most of you know, Joyce (Matt's mom) went in for a routine check-up last week and the dr. found what he thought was a 'minor' blockage in one of her coronary arteries, so she was slated to get a stent put in early this week. Well, yesterday they found that she had at least 3 maybe 4 arteries with serious blockage thereby requiring open heart surgery. Her surgery is scheduled for 11am today. She is at Abbott. She is feeling really good (didn't have any symptoms or signs that she recognized anyway) and some of Matt's siblings were there until late last night and all 10 will be there today before and after the surgery. The surgery is said to last at least 4 hours. I don't know any other details but I will update you as we hear news.
Please say a little prayer that God is watching over Joyce and her doctors and keeps her safe. I don't know about you but I would be DANG scared knowing I had to have this procedure. But she's one tough cookie and I'm sure she'll be fine for her surprise 80th birthday party coming up in July!
She IS a tough cookie and has survived a few other major surgeries and uncomfortable procedures (Matt was 13 pounds for pete's sake!) but please, take the time to pray for her today! She might be tickled to know that people from all over the world prayed for her during this scary time!
Thank you!
*We just received word that everything went well. She had to have a triple bypass and as far as I know, no other procedures. She is heading to the ICU soon.
I just spoke with Matt and I'm going to be leaving work to head to Abbott shortly.
Thanks for your concern and prayers!
Katrina
Update for you: I just got a call from one of Matt's sisters. Not to alarm anyone but Joyce does have a low grade fever which could or could not mean some type of infection, though they don't know where. It could be something as "minor" as a bladder infection. Either way, these days in recovery are going to be tough and she is not 'out of the woods' yet. The other word we got was that she may potentially need a pacemaker. Her heart rate appears to be slowing too much when they slow down the temporary external pacing. They are bringing in a specialist. She says she doesn't have any pain and considering that her breast bone is in two pieces currently being held together by staples and her heart was just operated on, I'd say she's pretty heavily on pain meds. Therefore, she isn't really remembering much when people visit but she is doing okay.
In other words, thanks for the prayers so far and if you could spare a few more that would be great!
I'm going to tell you a little story and end with a prayer request. Skip to the end if you've heard this one already:
My hubsie used to run with a weird crowd of peeps back in the high school days. They were mostly jocks and party guys who's parents had some dough, and lived the good life. He did have this one, odd feller friend named Matt. Matt was the youngest of ten farm children and had tons of fun raising his pigs and working on the farm. Matt was mostly cared for and tried to escape from his older sisters (and did a fair job at it) throughout his youth. He had a hard, but interesting life out on many acres of beautiful land. Rolling hills, peaceful pastures, swampy backwoods were his life. To get "into town" for football or wrestling practice, he had been known to drive the farm truck before he had his official license. See, farm kids could drive work vehicles (under age 16) around town if it was "official farm business". So, to get out of any potential troubles in that regard, he would throw a few hay bales in the bed, just in case. Him and Butch have all kinds of goofy stories about their adventures on the farm. Some of them involving beer and uneven lines in the fields...but that's a story for another day.
Matt's parents were very special to Butch. He almost looked to them as other parents and loved them very much. Matt's dad passed away a few years ago but I can't really talk about that without getting very sad. All I can say is that I miss his grin and his ginormous hands until I see Matt's hands and Bubby's grin.
Matt's mom, Joyce is an angel on earth. She is simple, wonderful, sweet, and loving. She's also very wise in many ways. I could go on and on but one thing that could illustrate the impression she has had on Butch is that I pretty much had to pass muster with Joyce before our relationship could continue (I met her only a few weeks after I had met Butch!). I knew it was a "test" when I met them. It's a good thing I came from a farm family environment because I felt right at home with that nutty bunch! I think back to that first meeting and how she hugged me the moment we met...I could never imagine that we could be REAL FAMILY someday and that Joyce and I would share genes with some of the most loved children in the world!
Trine sent me this email today:
As most of you know, Joyce (Matt's mom) went in for a routine check-up last week and the dr. found what he thought was a 'minor' blockage in one of her coronary arteries, so she was slated to get a stent put in early this week. Well, yesterday they found that she had at least 3 maybe 4 arteries with serious blockage thereby requiring open heart surgery. Her surgery is scheduled for 11am today. She is at Abbott. She is feeling really good (didn't have any symptoms or signs that she recognized anyway) and some of Matt's siblings were there until late last night and all 10 will be there today before and after the surgery. The surgery is said to last at least 4 hours. I don't know any other details but I will update you as we hear news.
Please say a little prayer that God is watching over Joyce and her doctors and keeps her safe. I don't know about you but I would be DANG scared knowing I had to have this procedure. But she's one tough cookie and I'm sure she'll be fine for her surprise 80th birthday party coming up in July!
She IS a tough cookie and has survived a few other major surgeries and uncomfortable procedures (Matt was 13 pounds for pete's sake!) but please, take the time to pray for her today! She might be tickled to know that people from all over the world prayed for her during this scary time!
Thank you!
*We just received word that everything went well. She had to have a triple bypass and as far as I know, no other procedures. She is heading to the ICU soon.
I just spoke with Matt and I'm going to be leaving work to head to Abbott shortly.
Thanks for your concern and prayers!
Katrina
Friday, March 06, 2009
EMERGENCY!ALERT!PRAY!...UPDATE!
RETROACTIVE PRAYER WORKS TOO! KEEP PRAYING!!!!!!!
Praise GOD!:
"God Bless Everyone!!! Thank you for the prayers!!! I just got my test results back......... There is a noticeable difference in the size of my lymph nodes and the right side of my tounge. They got SMALLER!!!!!! The chemo is working!!! Praise God!! I will continue to take the chemo treatments for about another 3 months. At that point we will determine whats next. Remission? is it possible? With all the love and prayer I believe it is!! This is the first good news we have gotten since September 26 2008. That was the day I was diagnosed. I am so excited I don't know what to write!! I love you all. God bless everyone of you!!! Nicole and I will update again soon. I feel the need to celebrate!!!"
Here is the update for my friend's husband, Michael:
"Hi everyone, I'm back home again!! I feel a little better, stronger. I have a Pet Scan on Thursday at 7:30 am. Hopefully this test will show some sign of improvement. If it does not, then I will stop treatment and put the rest in God's hands. As usual I'm a bit nervous about the results. One good thing about this is, I will have an idea if this treatment is working. As you can imagine I will be praying extra hard tonight. I would like to send a special thanks to Jill and Bill Bartel for the I Tunes gift card. I bought a movie and some music with it. These come in handy when your stuck in a chair for 4 to 5 hours of chemo treatment! Thanks to everyone else who has sent me cd's to put on my Ipod also! One more thank you for all the prayer and support that we receive. We are grateful and proud to belong to such a wonderful community. I will update and let you know the test results as soon as I get them. God bless you all!! Love Mike and Nicole."
Please pray they have some hopeful results. They really need a miracle here.
Praise GOD!:
"God Bless Everyone!!! Thank you for the prayers!!! I just got my test results back......... There is a noticeable difference in the size of my lymph nodes and the right side of my tounge. They got SMALLER!!!!!! The chemo is working!!! Praise God!! I will continue to take the chemo treatments for about another 3 months. At that point we will determine whats next. Remission? is it possible? With all the love and prayer I believe it is!! This is the first good news we have gotten since September 26 2008. That was the day I was diagnosed. I am so excited I don't know what to write!! I love you all. God bless everyone of you!!! Nicole and I will update again soon. I feel the need to celebrate!!!"
Here is the update for my friend's husband, Michael:
"Hi everyone, I'm back home again!! I feel a little better, stronger. I have a Pet Scan on Thursday at 7:30 am. Hopefully this test will show some sign of improvement. If it does not, then I will stop treatment and put the rest in God's hands. As usual I'm a bit nervous about the results. One good thing about this is, I will have an idea if this treatment is working. As you can imagine I will be praying extra hard tonight. I would like to send a special thanks to Jill and Bill Bartel for the I Tunes gift card. I bought a movie and some music with it. These come in handy when your stuck in a chair for 4 to 5 hours of chemo treatment! Thanks to everyone else who has sent me cd's to put on my Ipod also! One more thank you for all the prayer and support that we receive. We are grateful and proud to belong to such a wonderful community. I will update and let you know the test results as soon as I get them. God bless you all!! Love Mike and Nicole."
Please pray they have some hopeful results. They really need a miracle here.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Not So Funny *UPDATE
Here is the update from Michael Talley's PET scan:
Hi this is Mike and Nicole. We just came back from the doctors. The news was not good. I am back to square one. The cancer is still there, and just as big as before. This explains the swelling and pain I have been enduring. This is a very aggressive cancer. The doctor wants me to start another round of treatment. This time with three different types of Chemo at the same time. It will be very painful. This is one option. The other is to leave it in Gods hands, and treat the symptoms as they occur. We need some time to think about what's best for us and Mike. We thank you for all your love and support. Love Mike and Nicole
This is not good news for his family. I can't imagine the decisions they must make now.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are a lot of people to pray for today. Our little friend Avery is getting palate surgery this morning (probably worked out alright but pray anyway please!).
Here are the last updated posts from Michael Talley:
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 04, 2009 08:18 AM, CST
Well, I just left Michael at the Mayo clinic for his two hour pet scan. It was so hard leaving him there by himself. They called his name and said okay we have him for two hours, see you then. I think we both thought we could sit together during prep time but I guess not. I could see how scared he was in his eyes. I told him keep praying, and he will never be alone, I am always with him. I also reminded him how many people are praying and thinking of him right now! I know he does not feel confident the cancer is gone, but I have faith that he is in remission. I guess we will find out very soon. Love Nicole
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 03, 2009 12:44 PM, CST
Hello everyone! Well it's Tuesday, and we are getting ready to leave for the Mayo. To say I am scared is a huge understatement!! I don't know what the results will be, and to be honest I'm expecting some bad news. The amount of pain I have been enduring, along with the continuous sore throat, makes me think that. I know I am supposed to stay positive, but it is hard to do. I hope and pray that I am wrong, and the cancer is gone. Either way I will have some answers. So, thanks to everyone for their support, and prayers. We will write in here as soon as possible about the results. Till then God Bless, Love Mike
I also heard that Amy Welborn's husband died suddenly yesterday (at the gym). Butch is going to start running to train for the half marathon and he's going for his annual physical tomorrow. I'll feel better if he gets things a little more under control, asthma-wise.
It seems like we can never get out of winter without facing some sort of major loss and sorrow.
Hi this is Mike and Nicole. We just came back from the doctors. The news was not good. I am back to square one. The cancer is still there, and just as big as before. This explains the swelling and pain I have been enduring. This is a very aggressive cancer. The doctor wants me to start another round of treatment. This time with three different types of Chemo at the same time. It will be very painful. This is one option. The other is to leave it in Gods hands, and treat the symptoms as they occur. We need some time to think about what's best for us and Mike. We thank you for all your love and support. Love Mike and Nicole
This is not good news for his family. I can't imagine the decisions they must make now.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are a lot of people to pray for today. Our little friend Avery is getting palate surgery this morning (probably worked out alright but pray anyway please!).
Here are the last updated posts from Michael Talley:
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 04, 2009 08:18 AM, CST
Well, I just left Michael at the Mayo clinic for his two hour pet scan. It was so hard leaving him there by himself. They called his name and said okay we have him for two hours, see you then. I think we both thought we could sit together during prep time but I guess not. I could see how scared he was in his eyes. I told him keep praying, and he will never be alone, I am always with him. I also reminded him how many people are praying and thinking of him right now! I know he does not feel confident the cancer is gone, but I have faith that he is in remission. I guess we will find out very soon. Love Nicole
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 03, 2009 12:44 PM, CST
Hello everyone! Well it's Tuesday, and we are getting ready to leave for the Mayo. To say I am scared is a huge understatement!! I don't know what the results will be, and to be honest I'm expecting some bad news. The amount of pain I have been enduring, along with the continuous sore throat, makes me think that. I know I am supposed to stay positive, but it is hard to do. I hope and pray that I am wrong, and the cancer is gone. Either way I will have some answers. So, thanks to everyone for their support, and prayers. We will write in here as soon as possible about the results. Till then God Bless, Love Mike
I also heard that Amy Welborn's husband died suddenly yesterday (at the gym). Butch is going to start running to train for the half marathon and he's going for his annual physical tomorrow. I'll feel better if he gets things a little more under control, asthma-wise.
It seems like we can never get out of winter without facing some sort of major loss and sorrow.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Can't Go
We wanted to go to the rally at the Capital today. There's a service at the cathedral every year then a march down to the capital. It's so uplifting and nice. It's doubly great during the week because the legislators come out and speak. Mari woke up with a croupy cough (been going around here), and my stomach isn't so great so it looks like we'll have to miss it this year. I just heard this on the radio (100.3 ktlk):
An SUV crashes into Planned Parenthood Offices in St.Paul
(St. Paul-) Police are at the Planned Parenthood offices on Ford Parkway in St. Paul, where an S-U-V crashed into the building just minutes ago. Planned Parenthood tells K-TALK this was no accident, that they were clearly targeted. We're still waiting official confirmation from St. Paul Police. No one was hurt. This is the anniversary of the Roe V. Wade decision that legalized abortion. A rally by thousands opposed to abortion is scheduled for today at the state capitol in St. Paul.
(KTLK News)
Horrible. What a phenomenally BAD idea. The whole movement is about LIFE. I somehow don't think that any right-minded person would imagine inflicting bodily harm on anyone in pursuit of...SAVING AND PROTECTING LIFE!!! I imagine it was a very desperate person but more facts will come out soon. Really, the news just broke minutes ago so I don't know the whole story. I'm glad nobody got hurt (maybe the only thing hurt would be the reputation of the millions of very wonderful, peaceful protesters that get out there EVERY DAY to pray and protest the slaughter of innocents.).
I will pray that they have a good day at the protest.
An SUV crashes into Planned Parenthood Offices in St.Paul
(St. Paul-) Police are at the Planned Parenthood offices on Ford Parkway in St. Paul, where an S-U-V crashed into the building just minutes ago. Planned Parenthood tells K-TALK this was no accident, that they were clearly targeted. We're still waiting official confirmation from St. Paul Police. No one was hurt. This is the anniversary of the Roe V. Wade decision that legalized abortion. A rally by thousands opposed to abortion is scheduled for today at the state capitol in St. Paul.
(KTLK News)
Horrible. What a phenomenally BAD idea. The whole movement is about LIFE. I somehow don't think that any right-minded person would imagine inflicting bodily harm on anyone in pursuit of...SAVING AND PROTECTING LIFE!!! I imagine it was a very desperate person but more facts will come out soon. Really, the news just broke minutes ago so I don't know the whole story. I'm glad nobody got hurt (maybe the only thing hurt would be the reputation of the millions of very wonderful, peaceful protesters that get out there EVERY DAY to pray and protest the slaughter of innocents.).
I will pray that they have a good day at the protest.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Set Them Free UPDATE!
Better than nothing, but they should have been fully pardoned. God bless them.
(This was an email note from Laura Ingraham, you can sign up for her e-blast on her website. After that, there's a transcript from a House record of a Rep. Jones R-NC that is interesting. I can't imagine my neighbor, who is a police officer, being in jail and being kept from his two children and wife, for doing his JOB! Please pray for these two men and their families.)
Laura's E-Blast
http://www.LauraIngraham.com
January 16, 2009
Like every history-conscious president before him, President Bush has spent his final weeks in office shaping what he hopes to be his legacy. In short, he wants to be remembered for advancing America's security. In last night's final primetime national address, he described how after al Qaeda attacked America, "most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before Nine-Eleven. But I never did. Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our Nation. And I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe." He's taken this message of protecting Americans to interviews with Mike Wallace, Brit Hume, and Sean Hannity.
He even sat down with Larry King.
Yet there's one thing he's still not done: Commute the sentences of U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ignacio "Nacho" Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean.
As Laura Ingraham Show listeners already know, Ramos & Compean were arrested and jailed after shooting an illegal alien along the El Paso border in 2005. The victim, not that he deserves such a label, was a drug smuggler fleeing for Mexico. He wasn't badly hurt, yet after a problem-riddled trial, the agents received 11- and 12-year sentences. (By comparison, radical attorney Lynne Stewart received 28 months for providing material support to anti-American terrorists.) Since then, Ramos & Compean have been locked up in solitary confinement; Ramos has been beaten by fellow inmates, his home has been burglarized and vandalized; both agents' children are being raised without a father, and their wives have been deprived of their husbands.
Again, all of this comes as payment for their attempts at securing America. Commuting Ramos and Compean's sentences would hardly be partisan or even controversial.
Democrats like Reps. Bill Delahunt (D-Ma.), Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) support commutation, as do all but three of Texas's 34 congressmen. Even Johnny Sutton, the U.S. Attorney who tried the case, has said the decade-plus sentences are excessively harsh.
Last night President Bush acknowledged the importance of immigration and border control (homeland security) to American security: "America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil. This is a tribute to those who toil day and night to keep us safe - law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces."
President Bush has shown, time and again, his reservoir of compassion for U.S. troops is bottomless. Yet the Border Patrol is no less deserving. Already Ramos and Compean have served three years behind bars. Before departing, Bush must right this grave wrong - by issuing a final reminder that he always stood behind those serving on behalf of America's security.
(Mr. Walter Jones, R-NC)
Mr. Speaker, tonight I won't take nearly the 5 minutes that I have allotted, but I and many Members of the House have been trying to help two border agents, Border Agent Campean, and Border Agent Ramos, who are now serving 1 to 11 years in Federal prison, the other for 12 years in Federal prison for shooting a drug smuggler.
What makes this so sad, quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, is these men have had a wonderful record of serving the American people on the borders of this country, trying to help defend America from those who want to come to this country illegally, and especially those who have drugs or may be terrorists, quite frankly.
But these two men were found guilty in a Federal court, and I am afraid that all the information that could have been used to help these two men not go to prison was under seal. That is a legal issue, and I won't speak to that, but I will say that I want the people to know tonight, my colleagues here in the House, that the drug smuggler who had a record of smuggling drugs from Mexico to America was the one that they shot when he was trying to escape after his van crashed with 743 pounds of marijuana. These men thought they were doing their duty for this country, and therefore they shot at this drug smuggler as he was leaving. The bullet actually went through the buttocks and went out, and according to the medical examiner that meant that he was turned like he was going to face them and possibly, if he had a weapon, fire at them. They thought he had a weapon.
Mr. Speaker, the sad thing is that Agent Ramos 2 weeks ago was beaten in a Federal prison. These men, their lives are at stake, and we call upon the White House to look seriously at this case.
We think there are legal questions as to the indictment and to the process itself. We would like for the White House and the Attorney General's office to look seriously at whether these men should at least be given some type of pardon while their hearings are being heard. But we are calling on the White House to please look seriously at giving these two men an opportunity for pardon, because I do not know how we can say to the American people that our law enforcement, who are trying to protect this country from those who are invading this country, whether they be from Canada and Mexico, and yet with our border agents do the best job they can under very, very difficult situations, then they end up spending 11 and 12 years in Federal prison.
Again, in closing, and I will be closing, we are asking the administration to look carefully at the possibility of a pardon. There are many Members of the House, both Republican and Democrat, that are concerned about this case.
In fact, today, Senator Feinstein from California, a Democrat, called upon Mr. Leahy, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, to look into this case.
Mr. Speaker, with that, I will close by asking the President to please show the families of Mr. Compean and Mr. Ramos that justice does prevail in America if you are trying to defend the Constitution and defend the people of America.
(this just found in the news...horrible)
(This was an email note from Laura Ingraham, you can sign up for her e-blast on her website. After that, there's a transcript from a House record of a Rep. Jones R-NC that is interesting. I can't imagine my neighbor, who is a police officer, being in jail and being kept from his two children and wife, for doing his JOB! Please pray for these two men and their families.)
Laura's E-Blast
http://www.LauraIngraham.com
January 16, 2009
Like every history-conscious president before him, President Bush has spent his final weeks in office shaping what he hopes to be his legacy. In short, he wants to be remembered for advancing America's security. In last night's final primetime national address, he described how after al Qaeda attacked America, "most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before Nine-Eleven. But I never did. Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our Nation. And I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe." He's taken this message of protecting Americans to interviews with Mike Wallace, Brit Hume, and Sean Hannity.
He even sat down with Larry King.
Yet there's one thing he's still not done: Commute the sentences of U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ignacio "Nacho" Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean.
As Laura Ingraham Show listeners already know, Ramos & Compean were arrested and jailed after shooting an illegal alien along the El Paso border in 2005. The victim, not that he deserves such a label, was a drug smuggler fleeing for Mexico. He wasn't badly hurt, yet after a problem-riddled trial, the agents received 11- and 12-year sentences. (By comparison, radical attorney Lynne Stewart received 28 months for providing material support to anti-American terrorists.) Since then, Ramos & Compean have been locked up in solitary confinement; Ramos has been beaten by fellow inmates, his home has been burglarized and vandalized; both agents' children are being raised without a father, and their wives have been deprived of their husbands.
Again, all of this comes as payment for their attempts at securing America. Commuting Ramos and Compean's sentences would hardly be partisan or even controversial.
Democrats like Reps. Bill Delahunt (D-Ma.), Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) support commutation, as do all but three of Texas's 34 congressmen. Even Johnny Sutton, the U.S. Attorney who tried the case, has said the decade-plus sentences are excessively harsh.
Last night President Bush acknowledged the importance of immigration and border control (homeland security) to American security: "America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil. This is a tribute to those who toil day and night to keep us safe - law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces."
President Bush has shown, time and again, his reservoir of compassion for U.S. troops is bottomless. Yet the Border Patrol is no less deserving. Already Ramos and Compean have served three years behind bars. Before departing, Bush must right this grave wrong - by issuing a final reminder that he always stood behind those serving on behalf of America's security.
(Mr. Walter Jones, R-NC)
Mr. Speaker, tonight I won't take nearly the 5 minutes that I have allotted, but I and many Members of the House have been trying to help two border agents, Border Agent Campean, and Border Agent Ramos, who are now serving 1 to 11 years in Federal prison, the other for 12 years in Federal prison for shooting a drug smuggler.
What makes this so sad, quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, is these men have had a wonderful record of serving the American people on the borders of this country, trying to help defend America from those who want to come to this country illegally, and especially those who have drugs or may be terrorists, quite frankly.
But these two men were found guilty in a Federal court, and I am afraid that all the information that could have been used to help these two men not go to prison was under seal. That is a legal issue, and I won't speak to that, but I will say that I want the people to know tonight, my colleagues here in the House, that the drug smuggler who had a record of smuggling drugs from Mexico to America was the one that they shot when he was trying to escape after his van crashed with 743 pounds of marijuana. These men thought they were doing their duty for this country, and therefore they shot at this drug smuggler as he was leaving. The bullet actually went through the buttocks and went out, and according to the medical examiner that meant that he was turned like he was going to face them and possibly, if he had a weapon, fire at them. They thought he had a weapon.
Mr. Speaker, the sad thing is that Agent Ramos 2 weeks ago was beaten in a Federal prison. These men, their lives are at stake, and we call upon the White House to look seriously at this case.
We think there are legal questions as to the indictment and to the process itself. We would like for the White House and the Attorney General's office to look seriously at whether these men should at least be given some type of pardon while their hearings are being heard. But we are calling on the White House to please look seriously at giving these two men an opportunity for pardon, because I do not know how we can say to the American people that our law enforcement, who are trying to protect this country from those who are invading this country, whether they be from Canada and Mexico, and yet with our border agents do the best job they can under very, very difficult situations, then they end up spending 11 and 12 years in Federal prison.
Again, in closing, and I will be closing, we are asking the administration to look carefully at the possibility of a pardon. There are many Members of the House, both Republican and Democrat, that are concerned about this case.
In fact, today, Senator Feinstein from California, a Democrat, called upon Mr. Leahy, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, to look into this case.
Mr. Speaker, with that, I will close by asking the President to please show the families of Mr. Compean and Mr. Ramos that justice does prevail in America if you are trying to defend the Constitution and defend the people of America.
(this just found in the news...horrible)
Saturday, December 06, 2008
EMERGENCY, ALERT, PRAY!
My friend from school, Nicole's husband isn't doing so hot. They have four young children and could use your help (he is receiving radiation and is very ill and cannot work). I know this is last minute, but if you're from MN and live within an hour or two of St. Michael, could you PLEASE consider coming to town for a benefit dinner/silent auction tomorrow afternoon? It is reasonable price for dinner and the silent auction is SURE to have lots of desirable items for gifts or for yourself! If you can't attend, anything you could maybe contribute (do you do an annual holiday donation as a family?) to the fund for this family. They are people I know personally who really could use your help in this desperate situation!!!
Here is their caringbridge update:
Mike had an appointment with his ENT doctor today. They decided that Mike needs to continue using his tracheotomy tube to assist in his breathing. He has too much secretions to stop now. The last few days were kind of rough on Mike. He wasn't able to swallow liquids. He also got pretty weak again and walking around was more difficult. Sleep is still elusive during the night as well.
But, he is feeling better today and at this point, plans on attending the benefit on Sunday. Please plan on joining us and cheering him on post-radiation!
We hope to see many of you on Sunday! Thanks again for your continuing your support these past two months!
***************************************************************
The Benefit Dinner/Silent Auction is only TWO days away (now, one)! It will be held at the NEW St. Michael Middle School (on Naber Avenue) on Sunday, December 7 from 2:30-7:00pm. A catered broasted chicken dinner will be available from 3:00-6:00. Cost is $12 per person, $30 per family of four. "Cupcake" the Clown will be there with face painting and balloons for the children.
We have over 250 items for the Silent Auction, so be ready to bid! We have many items that would make wonderful Christmas gifts. Cash and checks will be accepted.
Items for the men include: Deer Hunting trip for 2, Guided Musky Trip on Lake Minnetonka, Ryobi drill, Poker Table Top, Carhartt jackets and tickets to the MN Vikings, Twins and Wild games.
Items for the women include: Gym memberships, Facials, Theater Tickets, Keurig Coffeemaker, Designer Purses, crafts and Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Bath and Body Works baskets.
For the kids, we have: a brand new American Girl Doll (Mia) with accessories, Groovy Girl Basket, Slumber Party baskets, Tickets to Water Parks, Family Fun baskets, homemade blankets and much much more.
We hope you all can join us on Sunday, December 7. Please pass on the invitation to your family and friends!
Here is their caringbridge update:
Mike had an appointment with his ENT doctor today. They decided that Mike needs to continue using his tracheotomy tube to assist in his breathing. He has too much secretions to stop now. The last few days were kind of rough on Mike. He wasn't able to swallow liquids. He also got pretty weak again and walking around was more difficult. Sleep is still elusive during the night as well.
But, he is feeling better today and at this point, plans on attending the benefit on Sunday. Please plan on joining us and cheering him on post-radiation!
We hope to see many of you on Sunday! Thanks again for your continuing your support these past two months!
***************************************************************
The Benefit Dinner/Silent Auction is only TWO days away (now, one)! It will be held at the NEW St. Michael Middle School (on Naber Avenue) on Sunday, December 7 from 2:30-7:00pm. A catered broasted chicken dinner will be available from 3:00-6:00. Cost is $12 per person, $30 per family of four. "Cupcake" the Clown will be there with face painting and balloons for the children.
We have over 250 items for the Silent Auction, so be ready to bid! We have many items that would make wonderful Christmas gifts. Cash and checks will be accepted.
Items for the men include: Deer Hunting trip for 2, Guided Musky Trip on Lake Minnetonka, Ryobi drill, Poker Table Top, Carhartt jackets and tickets to the MN Vikings, Twins and Wild games.
Items for the women include: Gym memberships, Facials, Theater Tickets, Keurig Coffeemaker, Designer Purses, crafts and Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Bath and Body Works baskets.
For the kids, we have: a brand new American Girl Doll (Mia) with accessories, Groovy Girl Basket, Slumber Party baskets, Tickets to Water Parks, Family Fun baskets, homemade blankets and much much more.
We hope you all can join us on Sunday, December 7. Please pass on the invitation to your family and friends!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
God Reminded Me
I went to check on my sister's boyfriend's nephew (Mason caringbridge site) and found that his mother had provided some links of people to pray for. I always loved the name "Liam" so I was drawn to his site:
Here is a mother in the worst moments of her life.
As I was reading the whole journal, Niklaus came downstairs for his story (that I promised him if Tommy fell asleep about 3 hours ago). How could I tell him, "No, just go back to bed!" because it's late and he should be sleeping? How could I waste one minute of time or attention from my beloved children when there are mothers out there just praying desperately for one more minute with their dying child?
PLEASE, if you could offer some sacrifice for her baby today, if you could just pray for some sort of miracle for her. I think she's at the end of her rope as she watches her baby slip away from her so painfully. Please pray.
Thank you.
Here is a mother in the worst moments of her life.
As I was reading the whole journal, Niklaus came downstairs for his story (that I promised him if Tommy fell asleep about 3 hours ago). How could I tell him, "No, just go back to bed!" because it's late and he should be sleeping? How could I waste one minute of time or attention from my beloved children when there are mothers out there just praying desperately for one more minute with their dying child?
PLEASE, if you could offer some sacrifice for her baby today, if you could just pray for some sort of miracle for her. I think she's at the end of her rope as she watches her baby slip away from her so painfully. Please pray.
Thank you.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Antonia
My blogfriend, Antonia (private blog) is having her baby today (in England) and needs lots of prayers to get through. She has the worst form of placenta previa so the wish list for good results is long:
-an easy delivery
-little loss of blood
-healthy mom
-healthy baby
-fast recovery (she's been in the hospital for MONTHS...she needs OUT!)
-nursing success
-good hope for more babies someday
Please pray for her today. Thank you!
-an easy delivery
-little loss of blood
-healthy mom
-healthy baby
-fast recovery (she's been in the hospital for MONTHS...she needs OUT!)
-nursing success
-good hope for more babies someday
Please pray for her today. Thank you!
Thursday, October 02, 2008
EMERGENCY ALERT PRAY PRAY PRAY!
I just found out this week that a former classmate of mine is having a hard time. Her husband has just been diagnosed with some kind of throat cancer.
She always was a very good person and a sweet, dear, loyal friend. I hope you could find time to pray for her and her family (four small children) today for strength to get through the therapies that will hopefully cure her husband.
I think the last time I saw her was at Mass where she had her daughter baptized (youngest). She has the most beautiful, red/blond-headed children. I can't imagine how hard it must be to see their dad suffer like that.
Here is their website for my prayer warriors. Please visit it and contribute, if you can.
Thank you so much!
(photo of Mike and Nicole from their caringbridge website)
She always was a very good person and a sweet, dear, loyal friend. I hope you could find time to pray for her and her family (four small children) today for strength to get through the therapies that will hopefully cure her husband.
I think the last time I saw her was at Mass where she had her daughter baptized (youngest). She has the most beautiful, red/blond-headed children. I can't imagine how hard it must be to see their dad suffer like that.
Here is their website for my prayer warriors. Please visit it and contribute, if you can.
Thank you so much!
(photo of Mike and Nicole from their caringbridge website)
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