Monday, June 28, 2010

Letting go...is hard to do.

Hal here again ---

Today's visit with Ann's oncologist brought us to the realization that Ann's valiant fight against this disease has not been successful. The growth of the cancer in her liver has progressed and so rather than to have her final days filled with chemo and hospitals -- we instead opted for signing up for hospice. I must say a sincere thanks to all of the wonderful doctors, nurses, and others that have cared so well for Ann.

The time remaining is unknown -- we are led to believe that 3-6 weeks is likely. I have such mixed feelings between deepest of sorrow to relief that her pain will end and she will be soon able to see heaven.

Of course, my greatest concern about Ann's parting is, has been and will be for our two beautiful children that God has given to us. I know that the Lord will provide -- I wish God in His infinite mercy can ease their pain. I also know that I can count on so many of you acting as his angels will be with us in this tough times ahead to help.

To you the readers of this blog, I will with Ann's permission continue to post her beautiful transition from this life to the next. I fully trust that God still has many wonderful blessings that He intends to shower on all of us through this process.

I so love you my dear and will be with you every step of the way.
God Bless.
Hal

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

My heart is so heavy, your family is in my prayers...I wish I could offer up something else, trust in your love and the Lord above.

Blessings, Jen

Lori said...

I am so grateful for your friendship and to hold your hand today. I love you, Ann, Hal, Zoe, and Grace. I lift up my prayers and service to you today and always.
God bless you.
Lori

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers.

God Bless you all,
Amy, Vernon, Autumn and Briana

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you Ann, Hal, Zoe, and Grace.

God Bless You and Your Family,
The Farnsworth Family

Sallie said...

Today and everyday, I lift you all up in prayer. May God's Cloak of Comfort surround you each and every day on this journey. You have been such a blessing with all your faithfulness and postings - your faith cannot be measured with words. I thank you for sharing and send you love and prayers from S.C.

Beth Rigatuso said...

Hal, Ann and girls. It is truly an inspiration that you are sharing this most difficult journey here with all of us. I can not imagine what you are going through but I do know you have handled it with the utmost of grace. I know you have many angels surrounding you and they will help ease your burdens. My heart is with you all! Much love!

Robin said...

I want to let you guys, Hal, Ann, Zoe and Grace, how sad I am to hear this news. I know that I may be part of Ann's past and she has had a whole other life since she left Jax, but life has never been a dull moment for you Ann. I guess He needs you more Ann. Please know that you are always in my prayers and I hope that whatever time you have will be full of the girls and Hal. I will be here if anyone needs anything. I thank the Lord for you being in my life, Love you Ann.

pksarna said...

Oh, Hal. I was so hoping to never read a post like this from you and Ann. I'm just an online reader. I lost my own mother this year to cancer, and I wished and prayed to save you from that pain. Please continue to post. I will offer prayers for you and Ann and the girls. Give Ann a huge hug from me, and please tell her that she is going to see a very loving God soon, and that she has done some miraculous work on Earth.

My love,
Puja

Anonymous said...

I can hardly swallow just reading this post and hearing the news. I am truly humbled by your strong faith & love- please know that although we are merely fellow church members and friends- you have left an imprint on our hearts and taught us so much more than you will ever know! You are all in our prayers!

Anonymous said...

Dear Ann, Hal, Grace and Zoe,
I am so sorry to hear this most recent news. Ann, you have fought this fight like no other... always with such grace and strength. It was a pleasure to serve on the Relay committee with you... you are always such a joy to be around. You are ALL such an inspiration to those who know you. You are all in our prayers.
Love,
Lisa, Scott, Walker and Max

Unknown said...

Dearest Ann...It has been my great honor to know you and share with you in this great journey we call "life". I hold you and your family in my heart and prayers especially now. I am here always to offer my love & service to all of you. Your beautiful spirit has touched my heart in a way I will never forget, especially our spiritual sharing...When you go home to Heaven and our Lord, please give a HUGE hug to my beloved son Kevin for me. Till we can all reunite one day in Heaven...we will miss you and cherish the time & memories God has blessed us with. Each day has been the greatest gift. Peace & Blessings my friend...
All my love, Caroline

Rieke family said...

Your family is in our prayers. The Lord's cross is heavy at times. You are a beautiful family. God works in creative ways. God bless your family. The Rieke family

Anonymous said...

All my love and prayers to you and your family. You all have touched the hearts of others in so many ways. May God be with you now and always. Love, Anna

Anonymous said...

Ann, Hal, Zoe, and Grace:

May our Lord be at your side every step of this journey. There is no manual on how to deal with this terrible disease but you have set such a good example by your faith, strength, and courage. You have made a strong impact on everyone who has ever had the good fortune to know you.

Sue C

Sue G said...

There are no words to describe the pain and sorrow we are all feeling right now. Living so far away has been difficult not being able to help you and visit with you during this courageous battle you have been so unfairly dealt. All of you are in our hearts and prayers. Much Love and God Bless,
The Lyman, Simons and Gareri Families

Anonymous said...

Ann and Hal,

Dealing with reality and limits of remaining time are present now - but the beautiful reflection of your faith and love will live forever. You have both given your daughters a source of comfort and love in this blog that will never be erased.

May the Holy Spirit be your constant companion during this part of your journey.

Anonymous said...

Just want you to know that Sean andn I are thinking about you and praying for you. God give you all the strength and the courage to face the next transition.
Love,
Margaret

Candace Christe said...

I write this with a very heavy heart. I too am a part of Ann's past but continue to think of her and the times we had as room-mates in Florida. I was just there and went by the old place we shared and what memories we made! Ann, you have truly been a blessing in my life - not just then but now. Your great faith in our Father, now matter what trials have come your way continue to build me up as well as others. Your faith has given me faith and I will be sure to always pay it forward. Sometimes we need to be reminded about what life is really about. I pray for peace and comfort during this journey. You love and are loved beyond measure. I will continue to lift you Hal,the girls and your family up in prayer to our almighty God. Thank you for sharing your life, your love and your faith with us. God blessed us all with you. All of my love - Candace Christe