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Thank you for checking out our website/blog. By journaling and updating this website we will attempt to keep friends and family up to date on what is going on inside our lives. Living with a terminal illness (ALS) and demonstrating how God is working in our lives to bring Him glory during this trial. We appreciate your gracious prayers and support during this season of our lives! We Love You All So Much!




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Wednesday, January 6, 2010

We have not posted for a while. After our last post, during the week of Christmas, Eric's breathing was not good and he seemed very lathargic at times. I actually went to bed each night crying thinking he might not wake up. By the following Sunday, he seemed to be so much better. I don't know if something was wrong or he coughed up the problem as he still coughs a lot. I am relieved that he is doing better but still very aware that he could have those problems again as the disease is progressing. This disease is leaving him in a state of pure dependance, which is so hard for all of us.
We have been talking about hospice coming in to help since November at his las ALS clinic appt. We decided we would call them after his feeding tube was put in and we had been trained on using it. Then is was Christmas so we decided to wait til the week after Christmas. They came in last week Monday and we have been meeting the support staff from Faith Hospice in Holland. We have a nurse who comes once a week, a girl to help with personal care two hours a week and a social worker and a Chaplain who came to visit us. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but now it will be what we need, when we need it. Most people think of death when they hear the word Hospice. This is not neccesarily the case for us. They are here to provide care and comfort support for us since Eric has a terminal disease. We know someone with ALS that has had hospice support for some time now. We have no guarantee of tomorrow and are still thanking God for each day he gives us together as always.
Eric is not having a good day today. We have cancelled all of our plans today and he has spent the whole day in the bedroom in his chair. He has been uncomfortable and very tired and weak. It has been a rough week. My sister received news that her cancer has returned and they don't believe it will ever go away. She is starting chemo again next week. Some have said that they think our family is being tested like Job. I have just read the beginning of Job again in my Bible study this week and I don't believe anyone on this earth has been tested as Job has or responded as he did. After his animals, servants and then his children had been killed all within moments of eachother, he responded in Job 1:20-21:
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised."
I try to worship God in the tough times, but I don't find it the first thing I always turn to. God has been a constant comfort to our family and I have also read some verses yesterday in 2 Corinthians that talk about God's comfort. I love all of these verses and I will just reference them as my posts tend to get a little long and I want to finish this post. 2 Corinth 1:4-6, 2 Corinth 2:14, 2 Corinth 4:16-18, and 2 Corinth 12:9.
Eric is not up for visitors lately, but please send your comments, e-mails or phone calls and I will share them with him. Please continue to pray for our family as that is all we really need right now.
Love,
Lori

15 comments:

anne said...

think of you sooo often!
praying for you tonight in MN!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update Lori, I've been checking on both your blog and your Sister's and am uplifting your family in prayer. We love you!

Chad & Jenni Walters

Sheila said...

Eric and Lori
Know you are in our prayers, and the kids prayers at night, they never miss a night that they dont pray for a peaceful night sleep for your family. You are such a blessing Lori with your beautiful smile, hang in there girlfriend!

Anderson's said...

We love you guys and you are always in our thoughts and prayers. We are here for anything you need. Eric, Lori, and even the kids.....you inspire me. God has a very loud and clear voice through you. It is amazing. Praying for you now and every day!
Brad and Kristen

Karen said...

Dearest Foxes, You carry you in our hearts. We feel you with us in the huge river of God's grace. We love you all. Shalom.

jessica said...

Hi, Foxes. Praying for you as much as I can. Jan's daughter, Jessica

Anonymous said...

Lori and Eric and Family,
We are thinking and praying for you everyday. We may be far away by prayer can reach you no matter where you are. We pray everyday that God's Hands and Arms will wrap around you all from us and give you comfort and peace. May God uplift you today. We love you all.
Love Sandy Hocker and Family

Anonymous said...

Eric and Lori
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys and your family. You have a powerful testimony of faith and courage and I know God will use this trial to speak to others. One thing we know as christians, is that one day we will all be together in glory worshiping our King Jesus! Thanks for the example you've shown of true courage.
We love you guys!
Your sister in Christ,
Terri Kerkstra

Anonymous said...

Eric and Lori, You are always in my prayers and thought of so often. - Paul and Lori Kik

motherof2 said...

Always thinking, praying, and being blessed by your testimaony.

Margorie

Anonymous said...

Dear Eric & Lori...I am a fellow PALS member...I introduced myself to you at the walk....and have been following your blog everyday. I would love it if you would send me your e-mail address
cecbarb@comcast.net is ours. Eric, I do know how hard it is to be going through this...and I to am fearinng the process of this disease as it continues to get worse...it is so hard to keep up your spirits and stay positive. But, as you know the sailing is not always smooth...there are lots of storms...but our anchor will continue to hold us...and give us the peace that we need. We are so blessed to be part of "God's Crew". May He continue to bless you and your family...with good days. Please send me your e-mail I have a letter that I would love to share with you....Barb Harkema

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the update Lori. We think of all of you often and keep all of you in our prayers. We'll remember to keep your sister in our prayers also. What a testimony you all are!!We love you, Gary,Amy ,Wes and Dan Marschner

Unknown said...

Hi Eric and Lori
Lori today I was remembering our 4year old ROCK class at KCC. It was fun to serve with you - I always loved your smile. I wanted to remind you of what an incredible impact Eric had on John. John graduated H.S. in May and is serving in New Zealand as a worship/missions intern at a church plant there. Eric's impact was a part of making that happen. Love you both. Sherry Gorveatte

artandcat said...

Eric and Lori, I am praying for you and sending love your way. I think of you often and lift you up in prayer. You are both courageous examples to the world of the miracle of Christs love. Peace, Amanda and Craig Travis

Ingraffia's said...

Praying for you guys! Hope to hear an update soon!
Jason and Heather Ingraffia

Family is FOREVER

Family is FOREVER