Went to visit Dad again this evening after a day of our 'normal' routines. It was nice to have a bit of a break from sitting around the hospital all day, but at the same time, we feel badly for not being able to be there the entire time. Mom was at the hospital for most of the day, though, and when she couldn't be there, a few friends stopped by to sit with Dad.
A few updates as far as medications go. They have decided to stop the antibiotics since they know now that it's not a chest infection. Not much point in keeping Dad on them when they aren't doing anything. They have also started him on a saline solution through the sub-cue lines rather than through IV. With an IV there is concern that the fluid will just go to Dad's lungs. But with the sub-cue lines, he stays hydrated without the concern of the excess fluids. He was sleeping pretty deeply the whole time we were there this evening, but Mom said he was awake/aware earlier in the day. His speech is becoming quite slurred, though, and very hard to understand. It's another one of the signs that the cancer is continuing to take over.
So, as always, we ask for your continued thoughts and prayers. It means so much to read the comments left and know that we are not journeying alone.
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About Me
- Gerald Folkerts
- A former teacher, Gerald is an artist, who now works at home out of his third-floor studio. He is an avid camper, who loves to travel and spend time outdoors. He also has a very eclectic taste in music, and is a firm believer that you can never have too many books or cds. Gerald is also a member of Covenant Christian Reformed Church, and belongs to an octet of very talented singers, called "Celbr8". He is a great husband, father, and grandfather, and enjoys spending quality time with all of his family.
7 comments:
Day after day, week after week, month after month we read about Geralds progress and how the Folkerts family copes. Our hearts ache for you, we think of you and we pray for you. The Lord has a plan that is so far beyond our understanding and yet we see that you trust Him. You are a blessing through that. We will never know when Gerald will be called Home but can only leave it with God. Bless you as you have moments to share Geralds smiles, words and expressions. Mark and Judy
You and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. God never lets go even through the calm and the storm. He holds you up during this difficult time. I pray that Gerald would also sense God's presence and know that He is there with him. My heart aches for your family as I have been through the same thing when my mother lost her battle many years ago. May you and your family continue to find comfort and strength from our Saviour.
Blessings
Diane
... you are blessings for your father and sources of comfort.. ..we say a prayer for gerald every sabbath...my thoughts and prayers are with gerald and all of the family.. amy
Dear Folkerts Family
I am sending you the lyrics to a song that I find inspiring. If you get a chance to hear it please do. It is a simple song of great depth.
We continue to uphold you all in prayer.
May God's peace be with you.
Love David, Dorothy & Family
Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus) by Chris Rice
Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!
Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!
And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!
Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!
O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!
And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
Our prayers are with all of you at this time -- with you and with Gerald's brothers and sister, and especially with his mom. We know that God is watching over you and holding you gently in his hand as you go through this time of waiting. We know that Gerald will missed by many.
Marg and Jake
It is remarkable to read the daily blog and see the journey as it has unfolded over the last many months. It has affected us all. The relentless attack of cancer, Gerald's up and down status as he responds to the various procedures and medications, and the family's efforts at trying to maintain a loyal vigil and yet strive to have some form of normalcy. It affects all of us. We feel so helpless in terms of visits, advice, comfort and support. And yet, through these months, all of us have been affected in some way that will impact the way we view life. Gerald was always a deep thinker, an analyst of life. I am sure that he has sensed much love during these months, the same love and compassion that he so naturally extended to others during the time when he was well. I continue to pray for him and the entire Folkerts family, many who have had to travel far and often to be here for him. God give all of you want you require. Ted
Thank you for sharing your gravel road journey - the joys and the pain - with a 'stranger' that has become part of your lives over the months. My life is richer; I have been encouraged; I have 'watched' hope and faith in action, and I have prayed often for you all. Silent tears fall as I re-watch the special of the art show and listen to the message, as I look through the different paintings of restless slumber or sing "Bless Me oh God". I find myself thinking of you often throughout each day, wondering whether the journey of the moment has brought you to another steep hill with deep crevices or whether you have rounded a corner to behold an incredible scene of pastoral beauty.
Tonight, I sing an 'old', but perhaps familiar prayer for you.
Precious Lord, hold their hands,
lead them on; help them stand.
They are weak, they are worn, they are tired; through the storm, through the night; hold their hands till the light;
Precious Lord, hold their hands, Help them stand.
Precious Lord, hold Gerald's hand,
Lead him home.
May God continue to give you all much strength along with a strong dose of peacefor each day's travels .
Blessings,
A friend
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