A Sentiment

God knew what He was doing when He sent a gentle breeze and brought a lovely butterfly to set my heart at ease. The happiness of your friendship and the gentleness of your words have touched my life in special ways and now I feel assured. Thank you for your loyalty and for reading everyday. I only hope you find things to make a happy day.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

A Letter from Joe

Here's a letter that went out to far away friends and family from Joe.

Hello,

I am writing to let you know that my wife's  oldest son, Tim, passed away this afternoon. He has been very ill over the past four months or so from a systemic infection. He was hospitalized back in February treated and sent home.  Tim returned to work after a few days at home but about three weeks ago he passed out at home and was taken to the hospital. He was placed in an ICU where he stayed for about 12 days. The infection had come back with a vengeance. The infection severely damaged his liver and kidneys shutting them both down. Tim went to a regular medical floor and stayed for a few days. while there he was receiving dialysis every other day which he seemed to tolerate, but after two treatments of dialysis, his blood pressure crashed and he almost died so they put him back in ICU. In a meeting this past Sunday the lead doctor a GI specialist, told us that Tim was not going to live more than 6 more months. he said a liver transplant was NOT a option because with his weakened condition and the ongoing bacterial infection any attempt to do a liver transplant would be fatal. Mainly  because of the anti-rejection drugs that would have to be given so as to not reject a new liver, it would leave Tim wide open for for a massive systemic blood infection which of course would then be fatal.

We went to visit today early this morning. When we arrived Tim was receiving a treatment of dialysis, again he was not tolerating the treatment well. Another ICU doctor took the two of us and
Tim's wife into a conference room and  explained that time was not doing well at all. He also said that they have done everything that they can to turn Tim's condition around to no avail. He questioned whether Tim should be put through any more of the treatments, when in fact the treatments were not going to change Tim's outcome. He thought that Hospice, now under the circumstances, would be appropriate. We all agreed. the Doctor wrote the order for Tim to be placed in hospice care and be transferred to a medical floor ASAP. After meeting with the hospice people, we said our goodbye to Tim, and told him we would be back to visit him. 

When we got home there was a message on the answering machine to call Tim's wife Renee or the hospital. We called Renee and was told that right after we left Tim passed away.
Prayers would be appreciated

This has been so short, but seems like forever. He's at peace now and not suffering. There will forever be an empty spot in our family. He was so much fun to raise and watch as he grew.He was a good  boy who just couldn't understand why his little friends wanted to be mean and hit sometimes.We had to teach him to defend himself... He was a happy go lucky  kid...always something interesting in his little pockets....As he grew up, he was the one who could get us to laugh and be happy. 
Thanks to all of you for prayers, comments, and blessings each and every day. I so depended on all of you to help me through this. I still need you.
Balisha

37 comments:

Hillcresthome Prims said...

I am so sorry about your son. I will be praying for Tim, that he is at peace and is strong and his health is great now that he is with the Lord. Please let your wife and Tim's wife know that we here at blogland are PRAYER WARRIORS.
Tim is with all of you just not in body.
God Bless you all and prayers for the whole family.
Warm Big Hugs,
Tricia and Ken (my husband)
PS I read this to my husband and he is going to call our Pastor and have your family on the 24 hour prayer chain.
Thank you Joe for letting us all know, I am sure this was difficult for you to write.
XOXO

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

[hugs]

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

May God's love and the love of your family as well, comfort you. My condolences to you Balisha.

Margie's Musings said...

I am so sorry about the loss of your son, Balisha and Joe. I had so hoped he could recover. Nothing can be as bad as losing a child. I pray the Lord will comfort you and help the pain to be eased with time.

Nancy said...

I am so sad for you. Hugs to you and prayers for strength.

Blondie's Journal said...

Joe, thank you so much for writing this post, I know Balisha must be overwhelmed with grief. Since learning of Tim's grave illness, I have been praying as if he were one of my own family members. I had tears in my eyes when I read your post and learned he has passed away. I will continue to send prayers that you, Balisha and Renee find strength and peace in knowing that Tim is no longer suffering.

Balisha, I consider you a dear blogging friend and of course, I will always be here.

Much love to both of you,

XO,
Jane

From the Kitchen said...

Balisha: I am so sorry that your precious son has passed away. May God welcome Tim and comfort you and your family.

Best,
Bonnie

JCDiTaranto said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Balisha and Joe. Please know that in your brave posting about Tim's illness, you have instilled in me (and I'm sure many others), a reminder of how fragile and unpredictable our lives are, and to cherish loved ones while we can.

Lona said...

My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family. It is so painful to lose loved ones. God Bless and prayers for strength and mending hearts. Hugs.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Balisha, so sorry. Thank your Joe
for posting this letter...

Barbee' said...

Hugs and prayers. This is a sad day. Yet, I think Tim is in glory land. I hope to meet him someday.

Judy said...

I wish I was there!! Just to sit. Just to hug. Just to weep with you. To run errands or whatever you needed. To hold your hand. May you feel the comfort of Jesus' hand on your shoulder, the Holy Spirit nearby and God's presence over all of you. Blessed Mother knows and shares your grief. Love you so much--Judy

Diana LaMarre said...

Oh,Balisha, my heart goes out to you and your family. You will be in our prayers.

Sharon said...

Sending a hug your way ~ and prayers for strength and comfort ~

Christys Cottage Wildlife Garden said...

Dear Balisha and family...I am so sorry for your loss. But I know that Tim is in a better place now and no longer in pain or sick. May God's love be with you at this time. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

acorn hollow said...

I am so sorry, knowing he is at peace helps but still so very hard.
I will continue to keep you and the rest of his family in my prayers.
Cathy

Pat said...

DearBalisha,
My sincere condolences. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child. Praying for you and your family. God bless...

Babajeza said...

I'm so sorry for you loss. My condolences to you.

Unknown said...

You and your family have my deepest sympathy. May the precious memories or your son sustain you during this difficult time. The bible says, 'Blessed are they who mourne for they will be comforted'.

May God continue to bless you and keep you.

Cyber Hugs,

debra @ homespun said...

Oh my I am so sorry! I cannot even imagine how you must be feeling ...I had hoped for recovery and thought he'd have months and perhaps get better.

I know that he is with God now and perhaps this happening quickly spared him more pain and suffering but your poor hearts must be broken and I just send love and prayer as I should shut up now because no words can really help :(

Jeanette said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the memories.

MsGraysea said...

Dear Balisha and famliy, I am so very sorry to read this evening that you've lost Tim. There just are no words it seems. Please know so many of us are praying for you all and sending you a lot of love and wishes for peace.
Marcia

debra @ homespun said...

I commented earlier but I just want you to know that you have stayed in my heart all day and I wish that I could be there physically to send flowers, cook, help,hug, cook more, clean, whatever you all needed.

Mitzi said...

My prayers are with you and your familyll

Anonymous said...

I came here from another blog. There are no words that can help, but please know many prayers are being said for you and your family. May you feel God's comfort and presence daily.

Noelle Johnson said...

Oh Balisha,

My heart hurts for you and your family. Thankfully, we know that God feels our pain and is there to comfort us.

My prayers are with you!

Noelle

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

continual thoughts
and prayers
coming your way..

Claudia said...

Dear Balisha,

I am so very sorry to hear of he loss of your son. Words are inadequate, but know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

I know he is at peace. Bless you all,
Claudia

Judy said...

Thinking of you today, as I said my morning prayers.

Sue said...

So very sorry to hear the news about Tim. Please know that my prayers are with you. I hope you can take comfort in your beliefs and the love of your friends and family.

gardenbug said...

Balisha, I will be thinking of you and your loss for a very long time.
I too have lost.

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I will pray that you find peace in your heart.

Maureen Wyatt said...

Words fail me but I care and I'll pray for your heart to be at ease.

Betty Sneeringer said...

So very sorry for your great loss. Prayers that your aching heart will be comforted.

Betty

cindy said...

I was so sorry to hear about your loss. I will be keeping your family in my heart. peace.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

CraveCute said...

I saw the note in your sidebar about your son and had to come back to this post and leave a message for you. I can't imagine all you have gone through, but I have grieved for both my parents and other relatives and friends. The only comfort I have ever found is that I know they will be waiting in heaven and someday I will see them again. Blessings ~ Diane