She's in heaven, now

Well, at 7:40 p.m. tonite, my aunt Kathy went to meet her Heavenly Father. She went peacefully with her daughter, myself, Crystal (Holly's mother-in-law), and Kathy P. with her. She fought a very valiant fight. Holly is doing ok, considering the loss that has just occured in her life. I know that my family will greatly miss Kathy. She was a spitfire who wasn't afraid to let you know exactly what she thought. We didn't always see eye to eye, but I loved her immensely. I just wish I would have told her when she was able understand it. My thoughts and prayers are with Holly, Brianne, and Holly's unborn baby. Kathy so wanted to meet that baby. The next several months are going to be extremely hard for Holly and the rest of the family. I pray that somehow a postive message comes out of Kathy's death. I know that is nearly impossible to think right now, but I do know that it is possible. God Bless You, Kathy. I know that you will take care of my beautiful boy, Lennon.




Prayer for the Dead


God our Father, Your power brings us to birth, Your providence guides our lives, and by Your command we return to dust.Lord, those who die still live in Your presence, their lives change but do not end. I pray in hope for my family, relatives and friends, and for all the dead known to You alone. In company with Christ, Who died and now lives, may they rejoice in Your kingdom, where all our tears are wiped away. Unite us together again in one family, to sing Your praise forever and ever.Amen.

from catholic online

UPDATE AND CATCH-UP

Ok...so its been about a week since my last and first post. Troy was out of town most of the week, and he took the laptop, and we were very busy this weekend. So here is a wrap-up of the week...

My Aunt Kathy had her brain surgery last Tuesday (March 10). The doctor wasn't able to take the whole tumor out, just pieces. When she came out of surgery the doctor said the her ICP (inner cranial pressure) was up. It is normal for the pressure to be up, but as the days went on the pressure went way up. Normal ICP is 20 or under. On Thursday morning (about 1:30 a.m.), Holly called me to tell me that they had taken her mom back into surgery to remove a bone flap because her ICP was over 50!! Not good!! She came out of surgery fine, but it seems as soon as she makes one step forward, she takes two steps back. She is not responding to pain stimulation on her feet, but she does respond to it on her hands. When she responds on her hands, she turns inward, and that is not a good sign. Holly may have to decide this week whether she wants to take her mom off of the venilator. That does not necessarily mean that she will die, because she is taking breaths on her own over the ventilator.
I can't even imagine being in Holly's shoes right now. When I talk to her, I can feel her pain over the phone. If it were me, I would want to be selfish and keep her here as long as possible. I know that that may not be the right thing to do, but I would have such a hard time letting go. On top of having to deal with everything that is going with her mother she was also given the news that her husband (James-who is in the Marines) is going to be sent to Afghanistan on April 6th. Did I mention that Holly is also pregnant and due in June? Yeah, definately more to handle than any one person should have to ever deal with. James doesn't think that he will be able to come home before he leaves, also. Holly's other daughter, Brianne, is not doing well with this news. She is very, very close to her grandma.
There are a lot of prayers being offered up for Kathy and Holly. It seems to me, at this point, that we need to start praying for a miracle. So, I found a prayer that I think seems to be fitting for the situation. It is a prayer to Saint Anthony. Usually you pray to Saint Anthony to find something that has been lost, but this prayer is definately appropriate for praying for a miracle.
Whomever may read this blog...please pray for her.

O Holy Saint Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for his creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (mention your request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles. O gentle and loving Saint Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen
This prayer was taken from www.catholic-forum.com

Bad News

Well...this is my first post and I must say I don't have good news. My moms sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor this weekend. It comes as a shock, because no one ever expected this. She is to have her surgery tomorrow and we are all praying for a great outcome.



Today, I ran many errands as Troy is getting ready to leave on a trip for work. It is a good thing I took off from babysitting because I also had to take Olivia to the chiropractor for an adjustment for an ear infection. I truly believe that this is a better solution for an ear infection than getting her on an antibiotic. It always seems to do the trick. We have been very lucky this year as far as illnesses go. We have had a few battles, but it could have definately been worse.



I am going to post a prayer for my aunt. The doctor is suspicious that the tumor may be cancerous. We will know for sure tomorrow.

St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer patients, so I thought this prayer was fitting:



Prayer to Saint Peregrine

O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you.
For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fibre of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you. (Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying) Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.