I wanted to just let everyone know that I posted some incorrect information in the previous blog. Uncle John had only been receiving 100% oxygen for 1-2 days post surgery, not the whole time. I thought I should give Uncle John credit for being stronger than I had noted. Instead of an update from me, I have posted an update and a personal letter to all of you from Maureen.
A Time for Thanks!
To all of our friends and family,
In the past week, as John has rested more, I have had much time to reflect on the past 22 days. Though some of it still seems quite surreal to my children and I, we have all been reminded of the many blessings we have been given. On Ash Wednesday, I was sitting by John’s bed watching him sleep. I decided it was a good time to reflect on the Way of the Cross. I happened to have a prayer book with me that gave a reflection on each station. When I came to the one about Simeon helping Jesus carry His cross, I thought of each of you . . . Since this journey began, each of you have helped us carry this cross in such an incredible way. Through your love and support which have been manifested through the many cards, calls, visits, meals, donations, and friendship, we have been lifted up and carried. Through your love, in the midst of our sadness, we have found peace, hope, strength, courage and above all God’s love. Through your willingness to reach out of yourselves to love and care for us, our spirits have been refreshed and renewed to keep on hoping and trusting in God’s providence.
When John’s initial event happened on the eve of February 4th, our family was plucked out of one life and dropped into another. As Bridget has noted many times in the blog, it has been quite an emotional roller-coaster for each of us. Our emotions have ranged from shock to sadness to hope and even elation with each small step toward healing. We have struggled with fearful moments, which have turned to joy with the knowledge of how God has surrounded us with His love and care. I know Bridget has already shared the many ways in which the Lord has provided for us on the evening of February 4th and beyond. I am so appreciative of her willingness to share her time and talent in giving those who care about John and his family, the chance to be connected to our journey. I am also so appreciative of the many prayers that have been the fruit of her “blogging”. There is no doubt in my mind that it is those prayers that are sustaining and bringing God’s healing love to John and to us. I just wanted to take a moment from the deepest part of my heart to thank each of you for being there and loving us when we needed it most. Each of your acts of kindness have touched our hearts and given us courage for the days ahead.
On my way home from the hospital tonight, I was listening to Celine Dion’s song,
“Because you loved me”. I immediately thought of two things.:
First, this song so beautiful describes the life I have been priviledged to live with John. I found myself reflecting on all of the little ways in which John showed us he loved and cared for us. In the deepest part of my being, I know that Shawn, Kerry, Matt and Gavin and I will now have the opportunity to give back to John all that he has given to us over the past 26 years. He has spent his life doing little things for us. Now it’s our turn. . . . . .
Second, this song so perfectly describes what each of you have given to us since John became ill. I know it is alittle lengthy, but I’d like to share it with you in gratitude for all of your love. Maureen
Because You Loved Me……
For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I’ll be forever thankful baby
You’re the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You’re the one who saw me through, through it all
Your were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ‘coz you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me
You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I’m grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don’t know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ‘coz you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me
You were always there for me’
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You’ve been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you.
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Dear Maureen,
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to read your grateful and graceful words as you face the new life you have been "dropped into" and your words of encouragement for all of us your friends. I also liked reading your niece's blog of John's "gift" and caring for each visitor. He seems strong and wonderful and I hope his lungs and heart regain the same strength.
Hoping to be able to support you somehow. Thinking of you and John and your children.
Teresa B. Carson
Maureen,
ReplyDeleteI am trying to think of something we can do for you. I have a few thoughts....I cannot tell you how much we enjoy reading the blog each day. Your strength is amazing and truly gives me strength everyday. God is using your family to help all of us to gain the strength and faith we all need each and every day.
Our love and prayers,
Carole, John, Elena and Joshua Matteo
Hi Maureen and family,
ReplyDeleteIt was great to read your note, and know that you are making it through each day with the grace of God. We are grateful to Bridget for keeping us informed. I know you need prayers more than phone calls.
When times get tough, please know we are all praying for you.
Love and prayers,
Ann Marie Greaney and family
Dear Maureen & John, Shawn, Kerry, Matt & Gavin. Please know that the Bula family thinks of you and prays for you EVERY DAY!!! We love you all so much. We want so much to help but we know that you need our prayers!! Well, you have them! We appreciate this blog greatly - thank you VERY much, beautiful Bridget. (You write marvelously!) We feel so close to the situation without bothering you every minute. John is an absolute MIRACLE - the miracle that he was praying so fervently for. And you all, too, are his miracles - so strong and brave. Each of you are an inspiration to us all. God bless you. Know that you are always in our hearts, our thoughts and our every prayer. We love you so very much! Kathleen, Jim, Brian and Mary Kate Bula.
ReplyDeleteDearest Maureen (and family),
ReplyDeleteI am convinced God put you in my life for a reason. You have always been able to see the positive in everything around you, even when others (me) would be hiding in the back of a dark closet not wanting to face reality because of fear. I am convinced you will see this incredible journey several years from now as “just a small hiccup” in your blessed life. How fortunate we who know you are to experience this with you. Although we could never being to share with you the emotional strain of this difficulty situation, your unyielding faith in God is inspirational and an indisputable testament to what is really important in this life. You and your family have truly brought home the edict “With God’s love nothing is impossible”.
georgie