The family has been busy shoring each other up. We went to the school down the street to swing on the swings(yes, I did) climb the monkey bars (yes, I did) and play on the other playground equipment(no, I couldn't, even if I wanted to)
We are taking some of the grandchildren swimming today. David has to be on his way to the airport by 4 in the morning tomorrow. I plan on going to my meeting tonight to get strengthened while David and his family pack for their trip back to Colorado.
This blog has proved to be a wonderful idea. I will read of our journey in times to come. I will reread the comments you left for me....comments that warmed my heart.
I will see some of you on Saturday at Don's Memorial at 2p.m. at the Kingdom Hall.
I slept OK last night, not perfectly but OK. I continue to pray for strength, knowing that the future will be a struggle some times. I plan on continuing to serve Jehovah to the best of my ability. It is one thing that really gives me Joy.
All my love and appreciation,
Barb
My Dear Barbara, This walk with all of you during Don’s illness has shown me how strong our family unit really is. We have gone through some real hard times together, during dad's long illness, mom's accident and now going through this bout with Don's cancer. What gets us through it is our faith in God (Jehovah) and LOVE. My friend just called to tell me that she could feel the love when she walked into the room at the funeral home yesterday. "The love of your brother was present" and she said she has never felt that before, when attending a funeral. What a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI felt that there would be a miracle; I was hoping Don's cancer would be cured but instead Jehovah had a different kind miracle planned for us. I believe there was a miracle and I am so grateful for it. Family has always been important to all us. So I say "thank you Jehovah God".
The qualities I most respected and admired in Don was his love for Jehovah, his love for you and his children, grandchildren, us girls, other family members and his friends from the Hall. He always wanted to do what was right, not from fear of punishment, but because it was just the right thing to do. Most of all, what both of us really admired was his honesty. He was truly a humble man, as Donnie said. He was not a perfect man, and I know that by hearing him in prayer, asking to have Jehovah correct his imperfections.
I am so grateful that for the past few months I had the privilege of attending his doctor appointments and treatments with the both of you. We had time to share memories with each other and with you. To be able to stay and help out at the hospital was such and honor and privilege, I am so blessed that, Barb, you and I respect each other and that you my dear sister have always been there for me. We were extremely blessed that Don Jr. was able to provide 24/7 nursing care to help with the care of Don. David set up this blog to make communication with friends so much easier and the meals that were provided by so many. We were able to have quality time with Don the last couple of weeks because of so much generosity.
This weekend was one of the hardest things we had to go through but we did it united as a family. We were blessed with the love and support of friends, (Thank you, God). I look forward to Saturday knowing again we will have the opportunity to celebrate Don's life, and to share the Promise of the Resurrection. I love you, Betty,
Barbara:
ReplyDeleteSometime maybe we can plan to go out in Field Service with you, and to spend quality time the next time we come back into Michigan, sometime this Winter. Something we haven't done with you in a long while.
We are glad you are together with your family and enjoying your time with your Grand Children (swinging on the swings, and enjoying the day). We look forward to seeing you Saturday. Tom and I plan to leave tomorrow morning.
Take care, enjoy the rest of your day, and hope you will have a good night's rest.
Love;
Mary Nicke
Hi Sister Baty!! We just got in from a long day in service and the kids and I couldn't wait to check to see if you were still "Blogging"! We have enjoyed you style of writing and sense of humor and honesty. They have been making big plans for you...things they can't wait to tell you about! We'll see you at the meeting tonight and Zach will have a seat saved for you!! Love you.....
ReplyDeleteI love your blogging too Sister Baty - I wish I had done it for Roman. It has touched my heart every day and it is probably the FIRST time that I have let myself even grieve for myself. I THANK you for that. Your strength is evident and so encouraging. I get told that all the time - but finally yesterday I was told that I don't have to be strong. So feel free to not be strong. Its easier to rely on Jehovah when we allow ourselves to not carry the weight of the world on our shoulders.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, your love story is something that most of us wish for. What a beautiful life you have enjoyed with Br. Baty, one of such love and devotion. Its not what is taken away from us that counts - its what we do with what we have left. And one day we will have it all back, hundredfold. Not a single tear other than of happiness, I can't even imagine. It will be beautiful to share it all together.
P.S. If you find Roman before I do, you know who he belongs to. Ditto for Br. Baty :)
Love,
Anna Nahas
Dear Sister Baty & Family, Just think our dear Brother Baty will hear Jesus' own voice, beckoning him to awake. Though it may seem like a dream now, it will be a dream come true very soon! What a happy time that will be! We love you very much and are praying for you. Warm and caring thoughts. Mike, Mary Lou & kids, Tracy & Jeremy
ReplyDeleteSis Baty,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you continued writing the past few days too. I posted comments before because I wanted to do my best to encourage you - but you encouraged us more than I ever could do for you. Thank you for sharing all of your stories. We love you so very much and are looking forward to seeing you in October.
"Playing" together as a family was a wonderful idea. Probably relieved stress for every one. Glad you were to attend KH meeting tonight. Hope David's family has a safe trip home to Colorado. Feeling blue that we'll miss Don's memorial service on Saturday but we'll continue to think of you. Love you Barbara.
ReplyDeleteLaura & Paul (W)