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mommy4ever
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| Posted: Oct 24 2012 at 9:14am | IP Logged
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These last few days have been like roller coasters.
Thursday I get a call, my godfather has been diagnosed with lung cancer. When he goes to the cancer clinic would I go see me. Absolutely! I was anxious, but only curable cases go to this clinic.
Friday, I had a wonderful night hosting our youth group leaders.
Saturday I get the call that my uncle, and godfather, was back in the hospital, and that he was fading fast and if I wanted to see him, I needed to get down there soon.
My husband was out of town, so all I could do was pray and request prayers for him.
Sunday, he comes home, and starts winterizing vehicles. I decided I was going to go see what XLT was about at the parish. He never said a word, he just let me go and he kept all the kids busy.
XLT or Exult, if you've never been, I highly recommend it. It is an evening filled with praise and worship, music, guest speaker and Eucharistic Adoration. I had never been to one, and never experienced Adoration before. I have caught the last moments of it. A new friend met me there, and we sat with some youth leaders. It was SO powerful. I think within 5 minutes the 2 ladies I sat with and myself were all crying, for the whole time. I swear at one time, I felt an arm across my shoulders, but yet, there was no one close enough. I had goosebumps. The music was geared toward the young adults and our youth, but the band we had were amazing, and they led us through it all. I really needed it that night.
Monday, dh calls and tells me, that I have to go to my uncle. He had been reluctant for me to go, as we have snowfall warnings. So we make some calls and get our childcare families to pick up kids, or let them know that dh will care for them if they can't. Arranged rides for kids to various functions, and at 2:30 I headed out on the 3 hour trek.
I was able to visit with Uncle that night. While his new wife and others were there, he was joking around, teasing. My aunt gathered her family telling them I needed to spend time with my godfather. He got so serious. He said he wasn't afraid to die, but he will miss his family so much. You could see his pain, both emotionally and physically. We spent quiet time, holding hands, I wanted him to rest. We talked about farming, his calves, how much hay he'd just finished harvest. 2 weeks ago he was feeling fine, and working at the farm. Here he was now, no more fight in him. We talked about my dd13. He was so outraged 3 years ago when she was at the farm, the spunky kid he knew before was gone, a shadow, after an incident at school. We talked about how she was doing. She has expressed an interest in going to an art school next year. He looked at me, and despite being the hardworking, redneck farmer, and told me if she wants it make it happen. He said that I brought her home was excellent, she was safe, and now she is wanting to spread her wings again. Now she is daring to put herself out there, let her. As much as I want her home, I think he's right. He told me to tell her, she has his permission to kick anyone's butt if they dare cross the line with her ever. Don't hold back. He told me that she will have a very hard time after the abuse, but she's doing much better, and not to worry, it will come.
It was hard to say good night to him. I went back to my parents home. That night I barely slept at all.
I went back in the morning, equipped with my computer and we watched a slide show of Easter Vigil with the younger 2. Looked at grad pictures, laughed at my mini me and her camera antics. Shared pictures of dd13 art work. Quietly prayed. Then a friend came to see him. I told him I would go, and that I had to get back to the kids. He said ok. I told him I loved him, and forever the roughneck farmer he said "Yea, thanks." LOL> Saying good-bye to him was so hard. It is most likely the last time I will see him. The difference over night was very noticeable.
The drive home was hard. I cried the whole way. As i hit the city limits, I had only one thing on my mind. I needed to go then chapel. I couldn't do it alone, and there was no one I could call, everyone was a work. So I called Sr. at the parish to see if she had a few minutes. She said she was busy, which is understandable, but for me she said yes, I asked if she could meet me in the chapel, and she got really serious, and asked what time. I don't typically call her for that, it's usually about the RCIA that she's leading and I'm helping at.
I was such a wreck, I had to pick up kids within the hour, and I knew I had to get it together, but I couldn't stop. I got there and she just took my hand and we went in, we knelt, and she started praying, she asked me who, and took the lead. By the time she was done, just a few minutes later, I was completely calm. 100%. It was powerful.
I was calm when I left the chapel, Sr. brought me around to various friends and we added my uncle to their prayer lists. All asked if a priest had been called for him, and I said yes. All said good. He was named during intentions yesterday afternoon.
Today, I'm still calm, sad, but calm. We'll get through this.
__________________
Mom to 4,
1 graduated June 2012
1 in Catholic school
2 homeschooled(one considering art school!)
ardently praying for a new addition to our family.
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Betsy
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| Posted: Oct 24 2012 at 9:40am | IP Logged
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Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. I will keep your uncle, you and your family in my prayers. 
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ImmaculataDesigns.com
When handcrafting my work, I always pray that it will raise your heart to all that is true, modest, just, holy, lovely and good fame!
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cathhomeschool
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Texas Bluebonnets
Joined: Jan 26 2005
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Oct 24 2012 at 10:27am | IP Logged
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Just reading your story put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. What a beautiful experience to be able to share that time with your godfather. The turns life takes are often so unexpected and God is there. I am praying for you, your family, and especially your uncle for the strength and peace to keep walking this road. God is there. You all are not alone. 
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Janette (4 boys - 22, 21, 15, 14)
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wifemommy
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| Posted: Oct 24 2012 at 11:49am | IP Logged
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praying and thank you for sharing Annie
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guitarnan
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| Posted: Oct 24 2012 at 2:21pm | IP Logged
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My prayers for you and your uncle continue.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Maggie
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| Posted: Oct 24 2012 at 8:58pm | IP Logged
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Thank you for sharing the beautiful story. I will pray for him.
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Wife to dh (12 years) Mama to dd (10) ds (8), dd (1), ds (nb) and to Philip Mary (5/26/09), Lucy Joy (12/6/09), and Margaret Mary (3/6/10) who entered Heaven before we had a chance to hold them.
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Topic: Some powerful experiences.
