Prayers and Warm Thoughts...

[azskyman]

In the years since joining S2k, I've shared some warm wishes and special prayers from my keyboard with some of you during times of need.

We have a little "need overload" at the moment in our family these days.

From our youngest of days, we're always taught to take turns. I guess this is ours.

Within the last two weeks I have lost an uncle, learned of the death of a former classmate, lost a steadfast friend of two decades to a series of strokes two days before Thanksgiving, kissed our son, his wife, and our granddaughters goodbye as they moved back to the Midwest over the weekend, got a call from our youngest son that his wife, our daughter-in-law (who is 4 months pregnant with our first grandson) was in the ER with serious kidney infection (or kidney stones) and then last night learned that Kathy's (my wife) father had a stroke and is paralyzed and speechless as bleeding continues to steal away his remaining dignity and his life.

She leaves from Phoenix first thing tomorrow to go back to Illinois to be with her family....and to be with him.

We are no youngsters ourselves. We realize that life has its ups and downs. And we know there is purpose and good that will someday grow from all of these things.

But on this night, we'd surely accept your prayers and warm wishes not for complete healing and all happy endings, but for good to grow from whatever outcomes we together will face.

I know you as good people, good friends, and of strong hearts and great shoulders to lean on. We just appreciate any moments of goodwill or prayers you may wish to send our way.

I'll not update daily, but will post an update now and then for those who choose to walk beside us for a short while.

And just gently smile when we glance your way.

Thanks.

Steve and Kathy

[tropicana]

thoughts and prayers to you and your family!

[vbhoutex]

OH Steve, overload is a gross understatement!!!! You know my prayers are flowing for you, Kathy, and the rest of your family!!!!! You have always been there for me, and for the rest of us at STORM2K and indeed it is now our turn.

STORM2K PRAYER WARRIORS let's get it into gear!!!!

Give my birthday twin a huge hug from me and make her give you one back too. I will be praying for travelling mercies for her and your children also.

May God's PEACE AND GRACE envelope and surround you and yours.

[CajunMama]

Prayers being said for you and your family. You know we will be here when you need us.

[Cookiely]

My prayers are being sent to give you and your family the strength to endure these trials.

[Pburgh]

Steve, your wisdom and strength have always been here for us. You have really guided us thru some troubled waters throughout the years. My thoughts and prayers are definitely with you and your family during this time. ((HUGS)) to you and Kathy.

[TexasStooge]

Many thoughts and prayers are being sent from Texas.

[DaylilyDawn]

Steve, I am praying for Kathy's father that he will heal and sending hugs for you on the loss of family and friends.Remember the good times shared with them and they will be with you always. Remember that you have your Storm2k family to turn to in times like these.

[azsnowman]

Steve, my dear Brother...you and Kathy have always been there for me in our times of need, without prompt, you send your thoughts and prayers up the mountain. With that said, it's our turn....rest assured my dearest friend, you have our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord touch your hearts and give you rest in this time of need.

Dennis and family

[JonathanBelles]

I hope you and everyone around gets better. Prayers going to your family. Hugs and smiles to everyone. Storm2k will continue walking in your footsteps as your second family.

[Miss Mary]

Steve - of course I will keep you and your family in my prayers. That is quite a lot to deal with, all at the same time too. You have been very supportive over the years to those in need here at S2K, it's the least that we all can do for you now. Please know that we are all thinking of you and hoping for the best with Kathy's father and your father-in-law. So sorry to hear of your dear uncle's passing and your two good friends. Finally, I hope and pray your first grandson is doing well and Grace's pregnancy concerns are over.

Mary

[breeze]

Steve, my prayers will certainly go out to you and Kathy and your family! Life seems to
turn around sometimes on a second's notice, but, God will help you and your family deal
with the changes, moment by moment. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

~Annette~

[azskyman]

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. They are as real as sunshine on our shoulders this time of year.

Kathy is back in Illinois and with her family. As you might expect, none of us want to see people we care about in such a condition. He has only the use of his left arm and hand. He had a seizure yesterday morning followed by a rise in temperature to 101. One day at a time.

On a positive note, daughter-in-law Grace is on a heavy duty antiobiotic and feeling somewhat better. I especially know this because when we talked she asked if I would come over to San Diego sometime in January and help decorate baby's room, adding some of my wall art to make it uniquely "his." And I will.

Thanks again. Funny how miles make worry and concern more difficult, but genuine messages from people who really care assure you that distance doesn't matter at all.

Steve

[angelwing]

Prayers coming from Philly for you and yours,
Mary

[southerngale]

Gosh, skyman... that's a lot to deal with at once. I'm glad to see that your daughter-in-law is already improving though. I read your post yesterday morning and have been praying for you all. May God comfort you all as you deal with the losses of loved ones and the health of your father-in-law.

[petal*pusher]

Please know my sincere prayers join the others...you certainly have an excess of worries here! You have always shown compassion and understanding to every situation presented here on these pages...thank you for allowing us to offer ours to YOU!

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.........Pam

[isobar]

Steve, You are so near and dear to us all, through the years a source of strength, support, and wisdom. My heart is heavy to hear of all your recent struggles. I'm praying right now for you and your family and friends for healing, peace, and protection. May you feel the comfort of friendship travel across the miles and into your heart.
Donna

[Pburgh]

I'm so glad that Grace is feeling better. You had two boys and will have two grandaughters and a grandson. I had two girls and have two grandsons and a grandaughter!! I want to see pictures of that room please.

How is Kathy's Dad doing today? My Mom had a severe stroke several years ago and recovered well. She's 84. I hope your father-in-law has the same wonderful recovery.

My prayers will continue from the Burgh.
((HUGS)) my friend
Karan

[Stephanie]

(((HUGS))) Steve & Kathy!

I am so sorry for your loss and for the other health related problems your family has been having.

You have always been the wise one, our emotional rock here at S2K. It's only fitting that we are that rock for you in your time of need.

You and your family have my prayers and my deepest sympathy.

[azskyman]

Ours is certainly not to question why, but here's a biting sting to an already troubled set of circumstances.

Kathy's dad has been able to speak a few words and is eating some. Yet he is permanently paralyzed. Now that he has stabilized it will soon be necessary to move him into a care facility from the hospital. He was pleading to go home yesterday, and that just cannot happen.

What he does not know, and may never know, is that his brother Joe fell at his home last night and passed away as a result of the injury.

Both are in the 80's, and they have lived productive and good lives in many ways. But their exits from this world are painful and gut-wrenching for the family.

Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. They are a source of comfort and reassurance.