Christian Photographers Community

Please pray for Faye, our dear sister, Nita's sister.






This is the "update" from Faye, on Facebook, last night.  She starts Chemo today.  She has great faith and peace about all this and wants to share this journey with everyone.  She's Nita's sister, after all ... what else would you expect? 

Another Update

Spent the night in the hospital last night. Last week I had trouble breathing so went to the emergency room. The doc found some fluid on one of my lungs so I wasn't getting enough oxygen. They sent me home with oxygen. It helped for awhile but kept getting worse. Last night I went back to the emergency having a hard time catching my breath. A chest xray showed my right lung almost filled with fluid.

They did a procedure where they drained the fluid from my lung and got 1 1/2 liters. Before they did the procedure I could barely talk without losing my breath and almost any movement make it the same.

After the procedure it was like night and day. I could sit up in bed, go to t he bathroom, get a deep breath and even talk easily.

They say the fluid is from the cancer and they hope as the chemo shrinks the tumor the fluid buildup should be less. Or they may have to drain it again.. we play that by ear. Chemo starts tomorrow.

Sister Sue left today after being here a week. Sister Pam has been here for two days. Son Rob and family will be here this weekend.

I am blessed.





I just got this message from Nita, on FB .... this is after Sue posted "Pray for Faye"

Nita Horner
We almost lost her again today. She went to anaphylactic shock with this chemo med. That's twice now. It's a new med, but she can't take this one either. They lost her pulse, unable to respond, all as before. She went from the chemo place to emergency and is the hospital now. When Pam called last, her blood pressure was coming up. EKG showed everything was ok there. She was so cold, Pam said, but they had to let her warm up slowly...something about keeping the heat in her core rather than her extremities. The first time Pam called, they weren't sure if she would make it. Now.........with two chemo drugs ruled out...I don't know if she'll try another or just decide not to do anything. This cancer is sure determined to kill her!).
When Pam first started calling me, I went into cold too..couldn't keep my teeth from chattering. Once I knew she had passed the critical point, I started warming up too.
I don't know how long they will keep her there, or what will happen. Im calling again around 4. I want to go again, of course. Pam is staying, and for that I, and Christy and Raymon, are so grateful She's such a take charge and compassionate person. Faye's son, Robbie, and his family, will be there Friday.

It's just after 7 p.m. and Nita just called.

The doctor just came to tell Faye she "only has weeks".  Pam is with her, held her as she cried, and says Faye is totally at peace.  Her husband and daughter had just left and she didn't want them to know until tomorrow.  This is terribly hard on the family, pray for comfort for Nita, her sisters, and their families.   

Father be with Nita's family at this time of heartbreak.  May they draw nearer to you and come into a closer relationship with your Son.  Touch each of them I ask and give them your peace.  Be with Faye and keep her close in your arms as she walks this final journey.

One hour later ... At 8 o'clock Nita called to say "we've changed our minds ... we're not going to be sad" It seems the primary doctor came in and was very upset with the oncologist for telling Faye she has only weeks to live.  The oncologist is 30 something and the primary is 70 something.  He says "only God knows how long you will live  ... don't call hospice yet."  It truly is all in the attitude, and Faye has a very positive attitude and strong faith.   So .... we can all continue to pray for all concerned and know that Our Father is totally in control ... He has our days numbered and He knows exactly when we will draw our last breath. 

Thanks for all your prayers ...

Thank you Jane.  I will continue to pray.

Jane, I will pray for Faye and especially for her family.  It sounds like Faye is ready for whatever God has in mind for her.

Please count on my prayers, too.  I ask our Heavenly Father to bring peace and comfort to Faye as she makes her way Homeward, and peace and comfort to all her loved ones as they travel this sorrowful path together.

Jane, thank you so much for letting everyone know what's going on with Faye.  I appreciate you.

And thank you, everyone for praying for Faye.  I know her peace is enhanced feeling all those prayers around her.

She came home from the hospital today.  My sister Pam came home this afternoon.  She called me to say that they had been going over financial things...she and Faye.  Her family just isn't ready to do that yet.  Pam has businesses and knows what should be done, and has also asked her financial attorney to get involved, so that puts Faye at ease I know. So many things to take care of.

God absolutely has guided Pam to be there, given her words of comfort, given her strength for the family.  They have leaned on her and drawn strength from her. She said she felt all along that this is how it would end, even before the doctors said.  I think we all did.   I haven't been, as have been sick with a cold, but will go next week after she has this time alone with her family.

Pam said Faye has absolute peace...and though her husband really wanted Pam to stay longer, Faye sent her on her way.  Her son and his family will be there Friday.

Please continue praying for her husband and daughter, her son, and two grandchildren who really love their grammy.  One lives with her (his mom too). My heart aches for them.

We are still numb.  I spend time either crying or pouring over all her photos on her blog.   

Hello Nita, I'm just catching up.

Praying ........

Love and prayers from us here in the Philippines. God is so faithful to His Word, especially during these times. May the peace that surpasses all understanding protect our hearts and minds.

Thank you for posting Nita.  We are praying!

Nita, thanks for updating us.  My prayers for Faye, you and all the family continue. 

Continuing to pray.

Nita please know that I have been praying since I first hears this news from Jane. She has been keeping me updated on a daily basis.

Just saw this message posted by Faye on Facebook:


Family and Friends... wanted to share the latest update with you.

My journey has been eventful since I last shared with you. It appears I can't take the chemo. I went into anaphylactic shock just as I did when they tried chemo 5 years ago. They had to call an ambulance and rush me to emergency again.

This time it was different meds they used so the doctor thinks I would have the same reaction to any chemicals they put in my body. The doctor says the two chemo drugs they have tried are the only ones they use for chemo so there is nothing else for him to try but it would be too risky anyway.

So we take it one day at a time. I am totally at peace with whatever God has in store for me. I attribute that to all the love and prayers surrounding me.

I am blessed

Faye

Jane, thanks for passing that along.   

Our Lord is totally in charge of EVERY aspect of thid situation.  We do not "gang up" on God by having more people praying, but those who do pray are greatly privileged to be part of His sovereign operation.

Amen, Al ... prayer helps get our minds/attitudes in the right place and at peace with all that God is doing or going to do ... actually all that God is, period. 

Amen Jane. 

Thank you again for your prayers, and thanks, my friend, for posting Faye's latest sharing.

I have something else that I just wanted to tell you.  Yesterday Christy, Faye's daughter, picked up her 14 year old son from school, then went to the oncologists to pick up some paperwork for her mom.  When seeing it, she couldn't resist reading, and that's the first time she knew that the oncologist had told her mom she had weeks to live, not months....3 mos at most.

She, of course, lost it.  She was very emotional and told Raymon about what it said.  They went right home (they  live with Faye) and the first thing Raymon did was to go in to see how his gramma was taking it. (He'd been staying at his dad's for a week)   When he saw her peace, he said, "gramma when I see how peaceful you are, it makes me feel that peace too."  And he was ok.

His mom was in the other room, crying, and he made her come into gramma's room and sit down and talk about it.  He told her, "Mom...Gramma isn't going to leave this earth until God says it's time to go...and when she does die, she will be completely cured and never be sick again."

She said she was never so proud of this sensitive young man a she was this minute.   It helped us all to be reminded that the minute we put off this earthly body, we are cured of all diseases, and enter into our fullness.......and oh, the most important part,  we will see Jesus.   She's looking forward to that.   

From out of the mouths of babes!  Hope he remembers that his entire life.

Amen

Know that I am here praying for all involved...

Nita, that's beautiful!  I'm so glad you came to share it with us here.  We should all be as Raymon. 

Here's more from Faye (on Facebook)

I've been thinking about how to spend my time. I've never been one who could sit and watch TV unless I'm also doing something creative.

I think I want to write but I'm not sure exactly what I want to write about yet. I guess the first thing I have to do is figure out how to use the mouse and key pad on my laptop. Its hard to sit at my desk for too long at a time so I need to get used to using it while sitting in my recliner. I've always just used a separate mouse and keyboard before.

Then I have to figure out how the dog fits in. Any time I'm sitting, he thinks his place is right in the middle of my lap. Its not that easy to balance a lapTOP on a 7 lb lapDOG.....we'll figure it out though.

So anyway.. if it continues to feel right.. writing about my journey..you are welcome to travel along with me. I can't promise any profound words of wisdom but I did find something beautiful today to share....

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Jane, thank you for bring Faye's facebook writings to us.  What blessings we'll be able to receive from her great faith.   

Thank you JAne!

Today's update on Facebook is continuing what Nita posted yesterday.  A beautiful testimony of Faith and Peace.


Faye 

The faith (and wisdom) of a child....

Earlier this week, my daughter, Christy, stopped by my oncologist's office to pick up some papers I needed to get to my employer. I think reading the doctors words was the first time the truth of the situation really hit her and she wasn't dealing with it well by the time she got back here.

She had to pick up my 14 year old grandson, Raymers, from wrestling practice on the way home and since she couldn't hide her feelings she had to explain to him why she was so upset.
As soon as they got here, Raymers came in to see how I was doing. It was the first time he and I had talked seriously about my illness and he listened attentively as I explained that I wasn't afraid and that I was totally at peace with whatever God has planned for me.

Then my wise Grandson called his mom into my room and talked to her while she sobbed. He told her that as soon as he saw that I was ok with it.. he was ok with it and that she can be ok with it too. He told her that she didn't have to cry for me because I was going to a better place and that once I went to be with Jesus, I would be completely healed.

He went on to say that, yes, they will miss me when I'm gone but one day we will all be a family again in Heaven.

Such beautiful, simple faith. And the things he said made a huge difference for both his mom and his Papa. This was two days ago and we are all talking about it openly now.

I, truly, am blessed

Let them know I am continuing to pray.

Just a few minutes ago .....

Faye

My first experience witnessing death was beautiful and moving and forever changed how I viewed death.

Before I went to work at UCAN 25 years ago, I worked as a caregiver for an older couple for 3 years. Noble and Dorothy were both in their 90's. Dorothy was blind, could barely hear, couldn't move on her own and was afraid of being alone so most of my time during my shift was spent sitting with her, holding her hand...talking to her... listening to her fascinating stories of settling in Roseburg in the early 1900's.. and opening Goettle's Variety Store.

When Dorothy got in a down mood she would often cry and wonder why she still had to be here. Many times she told me she just wanted to go be with her mom.

The day came when she decided it was time and she refused to eat. At first Noble insisted that she be tube fed but a friend of theirs was a hospice nurse and she talked him out of it. Within a day Dorothy slipped into a coma.. She would occasionally respond if I asked her to squeeze my hand but other than that she didn't move.

We waited .. and she held on...

Dorothy belonged to a local church and though she hadn't gone to church for years, the pastor still came to visit her at times. When she went into the coma I asked Noble if we could call the pastor but he refused to have him in the house. But one day he left to go make funeral arrangements and I called her pastor who came right away. I don't know anything about her religion which I think was Episcopalian, but the pastor performed a service... probably "last rites?" and left.

As he drove away I witnessed one of the most amazing and beautiful moments of my life. Dorothy raised up in bed.. something she had never been able to do since I'd known her.. her eyes were open wide and she was looking up.. and she was seeing....her eyes darting to all corners of the ceiling...She was seeing her mother.. she was seeing angels or whatever heavenly hosts were coming to take her home. The most amazing thing was the expression on her face. It was a look of awe.. of wonderment.. of excitement. I know she was seeing the light and she was so ready to follow.

She lay back on her pillow and I put my ear to her chest and listened as her heart beat slower and slower and then finally stopped.

I knew from that moment on that I would never fear death. God started preparing me for this journey a long time ago.
I am so blessed.

Jane, what a beautiful story.  Please relay my thanks to Faye.

Wowo beautiful! 

Still praying for the family

This just posted on Facebook:

Faye

I was blessed to be with both Dad and Mom when they passed on. Both were peaceful experiences. My sisters and I sat with them and sang for them during their last hours. They both always loved to hear us sing.

Singing together was always a very important part of our lives. Whenever we got together, no matter what occasion, someone would pick up a guitar and the music would begin. Or if we were just riding in the car or working a jigsaw puzzle together.. any time it was family together. No one ever said "lets sing"... someone would just start a song and the others joined in. Most often Mom and Dad and brother Morris sang with us. This love of singing together came from our Texas family roots.. My mom's family also did the same when they got together in Texas.. (I love you precious Texas family)

I explain about singing being such an important part of our lives because it is also an important part of my brother Morris's passing on.

Morris was one of the most talented, passionate musicians I ever knew. He had no music training.. everything he knew was natural..self-taught. He had the most amazing voice and every song he sang came straight from his soul. He felt his music deeply... He didn't just sing a song.. it became a part of him... like he offered a piece of himself with every song he sang...holding nothing back. Under the right circumstances I think he could have made music his career. His band opened for Ray Stevens at the Holt Center in Eugene at one time. They had a manager who tried to get them to travel for gigs.. but these were country guys from Myrtle Point, Powers, Bridge and Remote Oregon who weren't interested in doing the work it would take.

Unfortunately Morris got caught up in drugs and alcohol and eventually drifted away from the rest of the family... sometimes we wouldn't hear from him for years at a time.

I am not clear on the time or how it actually happened but at some time after mom and dad's death, Morris wanted to see his sisters and he asked us all to come to Powers to see him. Nita, Sue, Pam and I went up and spent some time visiting, reminiscing and, of course, singing with him. He didn't talk about his health, but we all knew he didn't look good.

Sometime later we got a call from one of his friends who said Morris was very sick and they were taking him to the Veteran's Hospital in Roseburg.

Nita, Sue, Pam and I sat with Morris at the VA for several days. He had Hepatitis C, his liver was badly damaged and he had toxins coursing through his body from an infected tooth... and he was dying. He could still communicate with us at first but was in extreme pain.

It took some very angry sisters to convince hospital staff that our brother should not be dying in excruciating pain and demand medicines that would keep him comfortable. After that he slipped in and out of consciousness but rested without pain.

During this time we talked to Morris about salvation and how to know he could be assured he would go to heaven. We rejoiced when he told us he accepted Jesus.

On April 8 2004 sister Nita, my daughter, Christy and I sat with Morris. He was mostly in a coma state and unresponsive. Nita and I sang some of the old family songs to him. At one point we sang the children's song "Jesus Love Me" and then went on to sing other songs. Suddenly he said "stop.. what was that song?" We questioned him about what song.. he just kept saying "that other song".. we started naming songs we had sang but he kept saying no. Finally I mentioned "Jesus Loves Me" and he said "Yes! Sing that song."

Nita and I started singing the song and our previously unresponsive brother joined us and sang the entire song with us in perfect 3-part harmony. When the song was over he said..."there.. now I feel saved"... and those were his last words.

Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak but He is strong
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so

God is so good and I've been so blessed.

Jane, THANK YOU!

Jane, thank you so very much for sharing these posts.

Nita, I wish I were closer.  I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to post much until now.  I couldn't do it very well with my tablet but now I'm in Paul's son's home using his internet and my laptop.

I just prayed for you and for Faye.  We will continue to do so.

God bless you.

Jane thank you for sharing her journey. 

Thank you Jane for these posts from Faye.

I am also watching for these posts. Thank you Jane for sharing them with us.
What a blessing they are to all of us! When a Christian can take us through their walk, it encourages us to seek a closer relationship with our Lord so that we can experience His peace.

This evening from Faye:


I started thinking about regrets... things I should have done... things I shouldn't have done.. things I could have done differently.. and decided quickly that this isn't something I want or need to dwell on.

Past mistakes.. past sins... past decisions made.. good or bad... aren't important other than for the fact that they made me who I am today...

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 the Bible tells us

Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.

Is that cool or what? Why would I have regrets when God has made me a new creature? Not only has He made me a new creature... He doesn't even remember my past sins... I love this new creature he created.

Psalms 103:12 tells us that God removes our sins as far as the East is from the West

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdMWyDyIPaE

'What Sin' by Morgan Cryar
www.youtube.com
Have you heard the expression, "Confession is good for the soul"? Well, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is Good News concerning our sin - how God forgives and forgets ...

   Finally back again.  Many many things have been going on since I was last here.   Fist of all I am so sad to here about Nita  and Jane but my wife Noreen and I will be praying for you both and it is amazing to see the faith that you have.  May the Lord be ever so close to you and I know that he will.

I don;t think that I told you that my new granddaughter was born on the 7th of Jan. at 8-24 a.m. and she was very small only just over 6lbs. and has lost weight and is only weighing 5-3 but the doctor does not seem to worried.  She is beautiful and almost 20" long and her name is  Brynley Elliot Beatrice  Brown and we just love her so much.  Her sister just wants to hold her all the time.

My wife has a new date for her knee surgery and it will be April the 10th and the pre op and to see the doctor and the anitheseioligest is the same day which is on the 26thof March so you could remember her for that.

Well I must get to sleep and may the Lord be with you all this week and give all of you strength to get through what comes your way each day.

God's richest blessings to all.   Gordon and Noreen.

I would like for Faye to know how her faith-filled messages encourage me!  If ever I face a similar situation, I pray I will be able to encourage others as she does.  What a testimony!  Thank you for sharing, and thank you, Jane for bringing the messages to us.

I am praying for the family.  And knowing the same Lord Faye knows and loves will bring peace and comfort to all the family.  How He loves us!  All glory and praise to Him.

Thanks, Jane, for these wonderful posts from Faye.  So encouraging! 

Nita tells me that, all her life, Faye has wanted to (and has) help others.  Her heart has always been compassionate and full of love for people.  Faye tells me she feels blessed if anyone finds help in her sharing.  She's just like that.  Nita says "She truly wants to make a difference in her dying as she wanted in her living. But wouldn't it be fun if God heals her now" ... but then she adds "I think maybe she and God are having a different conversation about that." 

I hope everyone is able to listen to the YouTube song, that Faye put the link to, in her latest message ... it is truly beautiful!

Jane, please let Faye know that I'm blessed by her sharing, that last one about Morris in particular. It inspires me to keep on sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in any way, no matter how simple the message is communicated.

May the Lord continue bless and keep her. May He continue to make His face shine upon her and be gracious to her. I pray that He continues to lift up His countenance upon her, and give her His peace, his shalom.

To God be all the glory!

Here's today's thoughts from

Faye 

Many years ago I read an article written by a woman with terminal cancer. The valuable lesson I learned from this woman shaped my thoughts about what really matters in life and it changed how I've lived my life.

It's a simple concept.. we've probably all heard it in one form or another. I'm sure I already knew it.. but coming from someone so close to leaving this world made me KNOW that I knew it... and firmly believe it.

In the end... when all your work is done... when your time is near... the goodbyes have been said, you are secure in your relationship with Jesus and you are alone with your thoughts...

Nothing matters.... NOTHING matters.. but love... and kindness you have known... and kindness you have shown.

No one will lie on a deathbed thinking about their riches or their status in this world. They will think about the people they love and people who have loved them. They will remember lives they may have touched through a kindness shown... they will remember how their lives were touched by kindnesses known.

When I truly came to believe this.. my next thought was... wow! What a horrible, horrible thing it would be to come to that place in your life and NOT have memories of love and kindness. I can't even imagine.

John 13:34 says "I'm giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you."

Because in the end nothing else matters.....

I want you all to know that I told Faye of your comments of appreciation for her messages, of how you are being blessed, inspired and encouraged by her words.  As I anticipated, here is her reply:

Jane thank you so much for sharing that with me. I am so blessed by knowing that something I've said has made a difference to others.

You just gotta love this woman.   

Jane, thank you again for sharing this here.  I know Faye would want that...and you know also.

I think even knowing she is leaving, I have not believed it.  Somewhere in my heart, I keep thinking we will wake up and find the doctor made a terrible mistake, or she went into an unexpected remission.  My thoughts....but I know not Faye's.  She is saying goodbye every day, and she knows more than anyone else what the Lord is saying to her.

She asked today if any of her sisters were strong enough to call the funeral home she had listed....get some information for her regarding costs and what paperwork they need.....things usually the family handles after.  Faye, being Faye, wants it taken care of before she goes to take that burden from her husband and daughter.  I told her I could do it.  So I will.   I imagine they are used to people crying.....and will let me just talk on through it.

Faye said that she is getting friend requests from school age kids....friends of nephews and nieces.  This touches her heart so deeply, and she said that from now on she will "friend" anyone who requests it.  Her story keeps reaching outward.......

Jane, if you will keep posting here....that would be good.  Thank you again, and thank you to all who are praying for us all.   God is so good.

Thanks, Nita.  I told Faye I was sharing with our friends here, and that many have expressed their appreciation.  She responded with the quote I put in my last post.  She is amazing, that's for sure.

I know some of what you are having to work through, Bestest .... I want to help, in any way you need me to.   

Nita, our prayers will be with you as you go through this difficult task. I actually went on FaceBook to see if I could find Faye, however I believe the best place to be is, here, with Jane's posting Faye's comments...... FaceBook can get too hectic and I just don't use it as an area where I feel comfortable posting.

Thank you so much Jane for letting Faye know so many are touched by her walk with the Lord. I believe He wants us all to walk just as closely, every day, so that when we go to live with Him, we may realize we are "Home"!!

This evening's message from

Faye 

Life changes so quickly. Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that a month ago I was still working.. traveling around the state for meetings and trainings.... driving...shopping... doing normal family things.

We have no guarantee that we will even have a tomorrow in this life.

The good news is that even though we are not guaranteed a tomorrow on this earth, we can know that when we breathe our last breath and our heart beats its last beat... we will be transformed and transported to a place where we are guaranteed an infinity of tomorrows.

John.14: 2,3 tells us:
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also

I Corinthians 2:9 goes on to say:
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

This says to me that we can't know... even in our wildest imaginations... how wonderful it will be when we are face to face with Jesus in Heaven. There is nothing we have ever seen and nothing we have ever heard to give us an inkling of understanding of the glories awaiting us.

I want that! I am so thankful that one day many many years ago, the Holy Spirit touched my heart and asked me if He could come in.... and that I invited Him in

Revelation 3:20 says:
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

We have a standing invitation. It isn't a one time thing.

Romans 10:9 tell us that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead.. we shall be saved.

It doesn't have to be a big production... it can be just a whisper or thought. It doesn't have to be in fancy words.... Just a simple "Jesus I believe you are the Son of God and that You died for my sins. I accept you into my life.

You don't even have to change your life after you accept Christ... God does the changing... You just have to allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life.

John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

I can't wait to see Jesus face to face and begin this everlasting life....

I can only Imagine......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lrrq_opng

WOW  such insight!  Jane thank you so much for sharing this with us.  I pray that many come to know the Lord in reading this.

  Hi Jane.  I hope that you are well.  I have been keeping up on your posts and they are so encouraging and that they make you think that we need to continue to be a witness for our Lord as often as possible. I want to say thanks for these great scriptures and words and they do help me in my walk with Christ. 
Well I know that where Judy B is it is a lot colder than where I live but I do not remember it being this cold for many years and when I went out to my van this morning it was reading outside -14 c so that is cold.

Well our new granddaughter is doing well and she has started to gain weight praise the Lord for that as she is so tiny.

Larry it was so good to talk to you yesterday and look after yourself and Pat.

Well May the Lord be with you all and keep you warm and Safe.  Love in Christ.   Gordon and Noreen.

Bless your heart, Faye!  You are making me homesick for heaven!  I have watched a number of videos about those who have been to heaven and come back, and they all affirm what you are saying.  So why should ANY Christian fear death?  It is only a doorway to a much better life, one with no pain, no sorrow, no more parting and no more tears.  Thank you for blessing our lives with your insights as you travel the road ahead of us.  You are loved---and appreciated.

Faye writes:

Been working through some of the "putting your affairs in order" stuff and "final arrangements" stuff and discovered I have a dilemma.

I got out of the habit of going to church years ago and just never got back into it. So I don't have a church home.. or a pastor... I don't even know a pastor.

My sister called a local funeral home for information about their services and when they asked her which pastor would officiate at the memorial service she could only say we haven't decided yet.

I'm trying to take care of as much as I can so my family doesn't have to deal with it but I think I need some advice on this one.

Does a memorial service at a funeral home seem too impersonal? Are there churches that will let a family have a memorial service there even when they aren't members of the church? How does someone choose a pastor at a time like this when you don't know one personally?

I know this is an unusual topic and I hope no one is uncomfortable with it. My sister, Nita, advised me that I don't HAVE to deal with this unless I just want to, but it feels right to me.

Suggestion, Go to a local Bible believing church and show the pastor her writings.  Ask if he would be willing to do the service.  The good pastors will, whether they know the person or not.  Seeing her journey would give him the direction to go in.

First I wanted you to know that her concerns about her funeral have been taken care of.

Jane asked me if I'd post for Faye tonight, as she is doing her overnight sleep test.

This is what Faye posted tonight.  It's long...but you've been following her journey.  Someone had asked her about her cancer, what was being done, and this is her response.  How I love this strong woman and sister.

from Faye..1/24  10 pm

Yesterday Penny asked about what the doctor was saying so I thought I would share the medical stuff up to now... Sorry for the length of this post

5 years ago I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. It was a rare type cancer because it evidently wasn't attached to anything but was just cancer cells floating around. It was so rare that my gynecology oncologist/surgeon took my case to a national conference on cancer.

I had a complete hysterectomy and my doctor said she was sure she got everything. Later that night she came back to my hospital room to tell me she was wrong. She had sent some "washings" to a lab and it came back that there were still some cancer cells remaining. These too were not attached to anything. She was hopeful that , chemo and radiation could take care of them.

During my first round of chemo I went into severe anaphylactic shock. Medics were called. My blood pressure was so low at first they couldn't get a pulse. I was in the hospital for several days while they stabilized me.

My chemo oncologist decided not to chance any more chemo and I had radiation instead, both inside and out.

For the last 5 years, every 6 months I have seen both my chemo oncologist and my gynecology oncologist. I've had the required blood work each time to see if there is any increase in cancer cells and the numbers have been in the acceptable range each time. Six months ago the CA125 count, which determines the presence of cancer cells was 9.

My chemo oncologist retired.. I loved this man... and so I had my (what I thought was the last) 6 month checkup with a new doctor. I knew that once you went 5 years without reoccurrence of the cancer it probably wasn't coming back and you were considered a true cancer survivor. I expected to go to this appointment and be congratulated and get a Cancer Survivor T-Shirt!

On Dec 17 I met with Dr Weese, the new oncologist. He was very straight forward. He said, unfortunately, the blood work didn't look good. My CA125 count that was 9 six months ago was now 1100. He scheduled a ct scan for two days later.

How was I feeling at this time.... You know, we often hear of others getting the news that they have a life threatening disease. But that's "somebody else"... no one really believes it would happen to them... But I still always wondered how I would handle it if it happened to me.

The first time I was diagnosed with cancer I didn't even consider that I could die. It was never part of my thought process. For the entire time.. during the surgery... the time in the hospital... the anaphylactic shock.. and more time in the hospital.. the radiation treatments.. I was never afraid. I couldn't wait for things to get back to normal.. but I never doubted that they would.

This time is different.. In the beginning Dr Weese told me the chemo probably wouldn't be able to get all the cancer. He also told me that a person can only take so much chemo before the chemo meds were as dangerous for the body as the cancer. He didn't mention a length of time and I didn't ask. I also didn't ask about a cancer stage. At that time I didn't want to know.

Last time my body didn't feel any different. I saw the doctor because I was bleeding. This time I can feel the effects of the cancer. My abdomen is swollen. At first I assumed it was gas because AlkaSeltzer helped. Then I started having pain which was worse after I ate something. So then I thought I must have an ulcer and called my doctor. He thought it was my gall bladder and scheduled the ultrasound.

In between the doctor visit and the ultrasound I had my 6 month checkup with the oncologist where he informed me my cancer was back as evidenced by the high CA125 count and scheduled a time to start the chemo treatments.

The first pain medication they gave me made me sick and after two days of nausea and throwing up everything I ate or drank, I went to the emergency room at the hospital. While I was there they checked my oxygen level and it was too low, due to fluid on one of my lungs. So I went home from the hospital with oxygen and different pain meds. I'm still on the oxygen.

About a week later I started having difficulty breathing even with the oxygen so went back to the emergency room. They did a chest x-ray and said one of my lungs was almost full of fluid, so they admitted me and scheduled a procedure to drain the fluid the following day. They drained 1 ½ litters of fluid from my lung and it was immediate relief. I could catch a deep breath again.

The following day Jan 14th I had my first, and as it turned out, my last, Chemo treatment. Seconds after they released the chemicals into my body I went into anaphylactic shock again. The medics came, got me stabilized and took me back to emergency room..

When my oncologist visited me in the hospital he said since my body reacted violently to both the main chemo chemicals he thought I would react to any chemical put into my body and there was nothing left to try.

We've been talking about Hospice. I had been under the impression that once you started Hospice care you could have no more medical procedures. Sister Pam called them for information today and I was wrong. You cannot have any other treatments designed to cure your terminal illness but you can have procedures for your comfort..

My oncologist told me my lung will continue fill up again due to enlarged lymph nodes and, of course, will need to be drained again. This was my concern about hospice. I wanted the option of having my lung drained again if that became necessary.

When he visited me at the hospital I got the impression that my oncologist was discouraging me from having my lungs drained multiple times... but today I had an appointment with him and came away with a totally different opinion. The appointment was mostly to see where I was and what I might still need from him.

I was able to tell him that how much time I had wasn't my decision or his decision but totally God's decision. I let him know that God was doing a work through me that was touching other's lives and that I believed that God would let me know when it was time to let go. It felt important to tell him that I wasn't afraid and that I was totally at peace with whatever God had planned for me. And I know God touched him. Because he told us, Christy, Pam and I, that he doesn't talk about his personal life to his patients but he shared that his mom had died of cancer and how much difference it made to her and her family that she was a believer. We agreed it made all the difference in the world.

Father, thank You for continuing to use me.

I continue to be blessed

Nita, thank you for bringing this to us.  I'm sure it was difficult for you.  What a time of trial and testing Faye has had, and how wonderfully our Father is upholding her.  Please let her know that her postings and her attitude are great blessings for everyone who reads them.   

Ohhh WOW.  Father may Fay continue to have the opportunity to be your witness as she continues down this road.

Thanks, Nita ... I am still in awe of this woman's amazing courage and strength in the midst of all this ... I love being your adopted sister, too. 

It is hard...and you might know. I know many have lost loved ones.

But truthfully, it was harder when we first learned that the cancer was back and, I felt, like a raging lion.

Now....what is happening is so much more than her cancer, and that has lifted me up into her own inspiration.  The sense of loss will come again,  but because of how she has chosen to bring her impending "going home" as a way to share with all...it's comforted us all.

I know that the Lord is so in her every moment.........she is already part way there, with Him, as you can tell by her strength and her posts.  Seeing this, feeling this, I also know that God will take care of those in her life as well.  I don't worry about her daughter and husband anymore.  She has given more than she will know until she sees HIM face to FACE.  Then she will know...

I keep listening to the song I Will Rise...on U TUBE.  Right now I can't even remember who sings it.  If you get a chance...listen.  It's beautiful and the ending for us all.

Yep...Jane...you are officially adopted.

The latest from
Faye





Faye Perry Pekas



I am so blessed to have my family and friends. Yesterday my cousin Morris Wayne and his wife Yvonne who I hadn't seen in about 10 years, came to see me... love you guys.. today another cousin Sonny and his wife Barbara came.. love you guys too.

Several friends from work have been by.. I love you Letitia, Angela, Mary Nora, Audra and Diana. And a couple more have called and will come visit next week.

My sisters have helped with so many things.. Sue came and spent a week with me. Pam has helped with financial things, gone to doctor appointments with me and made fabulous meals for my family when she is here. Nita has been here and will be back tomorrow. She has made phone calls to get information and done research.

My son Robbie, his beautiful wife, Tina and precious daughter, Shelbi were here from Oklahoma last weekend.. that was wonderful.. Love you all soooo much.

My daughter, Christy and husband, Raymon have been my own personal angels.... they are here for anything and everything I need. And Grandson Raymon with his wisdom has made such a difference in how his mom and papa Raymon deal with things. "If Grammy's ok with it, I'm ok with it and you should be too"

I've had nieces and nephews here and more are coming tomorrow. I got a couple of precious, precious songs two of sister Nita's grandchildren sang for me.. Thank you Megan and PJ.. it makes my heart happy when I listen to the songs. I love you very much.... they also made cards for me.

And, of course, I am constantly touched by comments on Facebook. Knowing that words I write touch other's lives is such a blessing for me. Not that I can take any of the credit for that.. The credit all belongs to God and I get the joy and privilege of knowing he is using me in this small way to touch others.

I am forever grateful for all your prayers. Your prayers and your love constantly sustain me. I am so blessed to have each of you in my life.

Nita - Jane - I have run out of words to express how blessed I feel with Faye's testimony. 

Jeanne - many people are feeling the same "loss of words" ... I know I do.  Faye is one very special person, and her beautiful testimony just keeps blessing us all!

Most recent from
Faye:

How do I even begin to tell you how awesome my day has been?

This morning sister Nita, her daughter Kim and two of Kim's little ones, Megan and Ryan, were here. Such precious babies.. they both made me laugh a lot.

This afternoon sister Pam, her daughter Makenzie and her son Dylan and his sweet wife Kellianne were here. It was so good to visit with them.

And I had some amazing and powerful prayer warriors lay hands on me and lift me and my whole family up in prayer.

My dear friend, Chris Shoopman, is an elder in the Bikers for Christ organization. He called me last week and indicated that he felt strongly that the elders of the group should lay hands on and pray for me and my family and he invited us to a meeting of the elders they were having today.

Nita, Kim and her kids, Raymon and Christy, Vince, a friend of Christy's and Angela and Letitia from work and I all went to the meeting place.

The prayers were intensely powerful and the presence of God filled the room.... These men are the elders of different Bikers For Christ groups throughout Oregon and one from Washington. ...Each of them prayed separately as they laid hands on my family and friends and me. We could feel the love and faith in Christ in these precious soldiers of God.

It was truly amazing watching these bikers, complete with tattoos and leathers and hearts so full of love.. lifting me and my family and friends up to Jesus.... Lots of hugging and tears and big smiles....

Thank you for arranging this Chris. I love you so very very much.

It was such a blessing to my entire family

Sunday evening ......

Faye


My Dear Cousin from Prescott, Arizona, Caara Chantrel, and her ex but still dear friend, Oscar Holiday came to visit me today. This is one of the cousins my sisters and I recently reconnected with after lots of years apart. I'm so thankful that happened and it was so good to see her today.

I'm pretty sure I have the best family in the world

Joelene Rackley, Grandson Raymer's other momma and two of his siblings came by this afternoon. They brought their newest family member, a 10 week old pug and it was so much fun to watch him and our two dogs learning to relate. Kimo.. our little terrier wanted him to play and they were soon chasing each other around the room. Callie, our pit mix wanted to mother him and in no time the baby was chewing on Callie's lips and nose and tail and Callie was licking him all over.

The rest of the day I pretty much slept.. haven't been able to stay awake for some reason.

About an hour ago from
Faye:


I guess sharing my journey would include the bad with the good.

Yesterday afternoon I started having sharp pain. It felt like it was running from my back through my chest. For awhile pain meds eased it but later as the meds started wearing off the pain seemed to be more centered in my chest... so we called an ambulance.

The medics checked me over and said there were none of the regular signs of a heart attack. They thought it sounded more like a pulled muscle.

This morning the pain was worse.. I couldn't even get out of bed until I'd had TWO pain pills.... and Christy and I went in to the emergency room while the pills were still working.

We discovered my lung had filled up again... This time even more fluid than before. They again drained off 1 1/2 liters but the doctor said there is probably an additional 4 more liters that needs to be drained off. They won't do more than 1 1/2 liters at one time so they want to do it again in a week.

As before when they drained my lung there was immediate relief in my breathing. Plus I was actually hungry tonight. That doesn't happen often so that was a big plus.

Thank you for your continued prayers Dear Family and Friends

There is so little that can be said. I'm praying seems at these times almost lame.  However as I read her Journal I AM praying.

But prayer is the mightiest weapon of all!  More prayers from Kansas!

And from northern New York!

This just in from
Faye:

I can't believe we're at the end of January already. Wasn't the new year last week?

Today was a much better day than yesterday.

I got a beautiful letter from a nephew today. I bawled all the way through it but it was a good cry. You never know how important things you do with or say to your children.. nieces and nephews.. cousins or other children.. can affect them later in life. Skeet can't come see me right now but his letter meant so much to me. I truly believe that everything we do or say teach children a lesson during their learning years.. whether good or bad. Its so important to set a good example.

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether by speech or action, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I Don't know which of you prayed for a rainbow for me today but thanks so much. It landed in my front yard, hung around for quite a while and was beautiful.

Some friends stopped by this evening. It was so good to see you Tony and Duare.

A Hospice nurse will be by to visit tomorrow. I don't know everything they have to offer yet but everyone I've talked to say their service is wonderful.

I read all the posts, including Faye's notes.  I find the tears falling so hard that they are soaking my sweater...and yet the joy I feel knowing that Faye is not only certain of where she is going, but at peace with the fact her earthly life is ending...is immense!!

I will definitely be praying for Faye and her family.

Bonnie

Bonnie, this is immense .... You surely understand where Faye is at the moment and for eternity!  She posted in FB tonight that she will not be able to post for a while until they drain more fluid from her lungs because she gets exhausted so easily.  Keep the prayers going for the family as this journey continues. 

Faye has managed to post again on Facebook .... Yesterday she wrote a quick comment that her husband had accepted Christ into his heart.  We all rejoice, as does heaven, at this wonderful news.

Faye


I feel stronger today. Was able to eat a few bites yesterday and today. Thank you Jesus.

I did get signed up for Hospice. They are a wonderful organization. I've had two nurses visit me and a social worker and a Chaplin. They are part of the team. They have someone available 24/7 for the patient or their family. They brought me a shower chair because i get so tired standing in the shower... And a friend (thanks Letitia) brought me a walker it make it easier to get to the shower.

Jesus continues to be my constant companion. I sleep a lot and in my sleep he gives me glimpses.. I don't know of what..I don't actually see it but I feel like I would if I could take one more step.. or open the door a little wider...I've asked him to give a little tug to pull me through but he isn't ready yet. I guess he has more for me to do. But I do know that its a beautiful and peaceful place and I can't wait to get there.

One huge thing that had been left undone was for my husband to accept Him as his savior! Talk about a fantastic reason for staying earthbound awhile longer He got on his knees beside me, weeping...confessed that he was a sinner, confessed that he believed Jesus was the son of God and asked God to forgive him and come into his heart. Have we got a good and merciful God or what?

Oh, WOW!!  Yes!  He is a good, loving and merciful God!  And now your dear husband will be forever with you in heaven!  Thank you for sharing that, I am just stunned at His goodness, and His timing.  Praise His name forever.  And lots of hugs and prayers for you, dear one.       

 Faye's daughter in law, Tina, had posted that wanting her to stay longer was selfish she knew.  I think I feel the same.  She so wants to be there with Jesus....and I could never wish she stay longer here, especially if she came to a place of suffering.  I'm so very grateful that so far, God has given her a path to the end without that.

She is so loved.  Even in all this, I think how she is preparing everyone with every post...getting us ready so that when she leaves, we will have already journeyed with her as far as the Lord would let us go...and felt the pain of losing her, and then her joy at going.

I'd love to have a peek at what she almost sees.   He is so very near......and already reaching for her.

Yes, Nita, I feel the same way ... but God is allowing Faye to "show us the way" and to know that she is at peace and even anticipating this last leg of the journey Home.  It seems only "natural" for us to selfishly want to hang on to her ... but, our Father knows best.  I believe He and Faye are working together to help prepare us for the letting go..... He will also heal the pain ... I know that .... I know that.   

Tears are flowing as I read of her husbands salvation.....Ohhh God is sooo GOOD!

Feel the same way..

 

Luke 15:10  (NIV)

"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Rejoicing too.....

From Faye, during the night.....


Just a quick update. Will get into more detail tomorrow.

Sunday I got pretty sick. So exhausted I couldn't get from my chair to the bathroom. We knew it was because my lung was so full but my appointment with the specialist wasn't until Tuesday.

Long story short... Sister Pam and Daughter Christy convinced the right people that we were not waiting until Tuesday, and Monday they took another 1 1/2 liters of fluid off my lung and after my appointment with the dr today they took yet another 1 1/2 liters off.

I feel so much better tonight. Was able to eat a little and am getting some energy back.

Thanks again for all your prayers and kind words.

Prayers continue for you, dear one, and for all those who love you, as well.  Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us.

This evening:

Faye 

Still feeling better today. Especially notice it in my strength and my ability to eat without getting sick.

The plan at this point is to put a permanent tube in my lung so the fluid can be drained without going in with a needle each time. There is good news and bad news that goes along with that. The good news is that the Hospice nurses can do the procedure here at home and we can keep it drained off well enough so I should be comfortable more of the time.

The bad news (but only temporary) is that they can't put the stint in until the lung fills up again. So I have an appointment on Wed next week to see the doctor and then they will put the stint in on Friday. This means a few days of feeling pretty yucky again next week.

I really like this new doctor.. the pulmonary specialist (who has a long name that I can't remember yet) She seems very confident and compassionate.

I took advantage of feeling stronger today and went by the office to pick up a few personal items... plus get some paperwork notarized. It was bitter-sweet. It was sad sitting in my office looking over 25 years worth of my history with the agency. But it was wonderful seeing everyone and getting lots of hugs.

Faye is a most wonderful friend ... and loving sister to our Nita ... I have been reposting her facebook messages here, with permision, and each time you all make comments or respond to these posts I have relayed them to her.  Here is how she replied on facebook this evening:

Faye
I am in a constant state of amazement ... I don't even have words to describe how thankful I am to be where I am right now. How could it be that I am so blessed?

Precious Father, I am so humbled to be your servant and that lives have been touched through words you have given to me. I submit myself totally to you... use me... teach me how to serve you better. Praise you Father. Amen

Thank you, Jane.  Faye is indeed an inspiration. 

I have directed others, who are dealing with, or have a family member dealing with cancer, here to read.  Even though they are not members they can read and be blessed.  Please continue your journal, my prayer is that others will come to a full knowledge of Christ through your writings.

Last night, Faye asked for prayer as she was feeling anxious and wrote that the enemy was trying to steal her peace.  Of course, many of us immediately responded.  This evening this is what she wrote:


You guys are absolutely amazing. I'm so glad that I can share this journey with you all. When I reached out to you last night you took the term "I got your back" to a totally different dimension.

It was awesome to wake up and see all your prayers going up for me. Satan doesn't stand a chance against this army

I am doing so much better today. The anxiety attack came as a surprise last night. It was the first time since I was diagnosed that something like this happened and it threw me for a loop I guess.
What a blessing to have such a wonderful support team to turn to

Thank you thank you thank you

about an hour ago near Roseburg

Jane, of course we know all prayers are heard and all are answered.  But it is so rewarding to see positive results like this. 

When I am wakeful during the night and ask "Who needs prayer, Lord?", I am given names.  Last night Faye was there, so even though I hadn't seen her request and didn't know of any particular, pressing problem, her need was given to me and I was able to join my prayers to those of others.   What an awesome God we serve!

Yes, indeed, Jeanne .... What an awesome God we serve!  Thank you.   

Amen, amen and amen!  And God bless us, every one!  Thanks, Faye for the opportunity of praying for and with you!

Can't ask for better than the subject s in this forum - prayer, prayer, praler......

Today Faye had a port implanted so the fluid could be drained from her lung.  The Hospice nurse will be able to drain her lungs in her home, so the discomfort (putting it mildly) will be managed much better. 

This is what Faye posted, on Facebook, about an hour ago:

Faye Perry Pekas


I'm home. Procedure was successful and I feel so much better. My strength is coming back. Right now I'm just very sleepy so will sleep for a bit and try to eat. Expect to feel very much better then. Love and hugs to you all.

about an hour ago near Green, OR

Donald Hostler Yay Faye, so happy to hear you have some relief!! Love you
49 minutes ago · Like..

Sue Perry-Anderson Good News!!! So glad you are feeling better and can Breath again.
44 minutes ago · Like..

Karri L Anderson Love you Faye. Glad to hear your doing better now. So happy it worked.
17 minutes ago · Like..

Gayle Distefano yea, glad to see you are home, so happy you are keeping in touch with everyone. enjoy the sunshine, love.
5 minutes ago · Like

Thanks for the update, Jane.  And praise God for the relief of some of Faye's problems.

Amen and praise God!

Praises to God for what he uses to get his work done. I am praying!

I am praying too.  For Faye, her children and grandchildren, her sisters and friends. 

As Faye nears the end of this journey, and views the Jordan River ahead, I just pray for her whole family circle as they feel sad at bidding "Farewell" to her but happy in the fact that she won't have to cross the Jordan alone.




I won't have to cross Jordan alone

When I come to the river at the ending of day
When the last winds of sorrow have blown
There'll be somebody waiting to show me the way
I won't have to cross Jordan alone

I won't have to cross Jordan alone
Jesus died all my sins to atone
In the darkness I see
He'll be waiting for me
I won't have to cross Jordan alone

Often times I'm weary and troubled and sad
When it seems that my friends have all flown
There is one thought that cheers me and makes my heart glad
I won't have to cross Jordan alone

I won't have to cross Jordan alone
Jesus died all my sins to atone
In the darkness I see
He'll be waiting for me
I won't have to cross Jordan alone

Though the billows of trouble and sorrow may sweep
Christ the Saviour will care for his own
Till the end of my journey my soul he will keep
And I won't have to cross Jordan alone

I won't have to cross Jordan alone
Jesus died all my sins to atone
In the darkness I see
He'll be waiting for me
I won't have to cross Jordan alone.

I haven't seen any updates lately......How is Fay doing Pat?

She may be "going home" soon, Judy.

I'm sure the whole family is very busy.  Nita wrote me this morning and suggested that it won't be long now.

I'm sure that Jane will be here to update us but this is what Nita posted yesterday on Faye's Facebook page:






Nita Hornerposted toFaye Perry Pekas
15 hours ago


Faye is still holding on, though at times somewhat reluctantly. She is telling the Lord she is ready to go...but knows if she has even one more thing to do....she will stay. We had a nice time of loving, saying goodbye, and lots of prayers by us all...Faye, Raymon and Christy there....and me on speaker phone. I didn't feel far away at all.

One of the reasons she is waiting is to see her nephew, my son. He is being released from prison tomorrow (drink driving) and went in one man and is coming out another. She wants to meet this man who has surrendered his life to God and has shared some with his dear aunt. He wrote her a letter that made her cry..she said a good cry...and she has wanted to see him and tell him how it blessed her. Then her husband, Raymon, gave his heart to God. Many, many blessings in the midst of having to say goodbye to this woman is nearer to an angel than I have known,

Faye was the aunt that always brought games and fun things for the kids to play with when we had our family camps. She'd take them on Safaris...teach them to quietly watch an ant family doing things ants do, everyone had a role ....birds...trees, flowers, dainty little buds or, down to the water to skip rocks or watch squirrels scamper down trees.
The kids liked to sleep in her tent, or at least near, because then the scary stories would start...first person opens with possible chance of making it out without being scared, but by the second or third, probably Marty, Skeet, Robbie....could get some pretty scary sounds for the younger kids. The warm cracking safe-place camp fire had more moving near all the time. Cause just out of the light back where the wild things might be....you would sooner or later hear snap. scrape.woooooossssh, snap,bang, bang.

Then there songs....Remember all the songs, Faye? I know you do. Maybe we can sing some tomorrow, We sang for Morris when he left us....and we sang for Momma and Daddy.....yes, we want to sing for you. Kim thinks we should sing with you "Jesus Loves Me". You sang that for Brother Mo....and he joined in after being unresponsive....when he heart that song...he wanted to sing. And at this funeral....you stood and had us all singing Jesus Loves Me. You knew the truth. Jesus does love his children, and he never wants to be far away.

Tears flowing here!

Thanks, Pat.... that's a beautiful song for Faye.  I haven't been posting anything here for a while because Faye has not been able to post on Facebook, and I was only bringing her writings here for you who don't make it to FB. 

Nita has been keeping me informed, though.  Also, there is another sister, Pam, who has been hospitalized with a near fatal emergency -- she is currently in the hospital (following surgery) in Portland.  All of this has to be the most stressful, emotionally draining time for Nita, especially, so I have not expected her to be posting here for a while. 

As Pat said, Faye is only breaths away from her Homegoing. 

Praying for the family, and for Pam.

Today Nita, along with her son Skeet and daughter Kim, went to visit with Faye.  This is what she wrote on Facebook this evening.


We had a blessed time with Faye, Christy and Raymon today.

She was so happy to see Skeet, and kept stroking his face. She told him he had a blue aura around his head. I figure at this stage she can see things like that. He had written her a letter that touched her so much she said, so they both wanted to see each other and it was perfect.

She got her new hospital bed today! After it was set up, and she was settled in, Raymon, her husband, kept playing with the remote, asking her if she wanted up more? Down? Finally she had had enough and was trying to tell him so. I said I think she wants the remote. He gave it to her, she took it, laid it on her bed, and put her hand over it. I loved it!

We prayed together, sang together, and it felt so good. We sang Jesus Loves Me...Faye sang too.

Seems to me her face is just glowing.

She gets weaker, then rebounds, is ready to go, then doesn't..when I left today I whispered, "I'll see you in heaven."

She replied, "yes......or next month".

That's my sister.

Thanks for this, Jane.

The thought that keeps coming to my mind is, "What a difference it makes when a family knows and loves their God!"  Sweet, sweet times with dear Faye--never to be forgotten by those sharing them.

There is nothing I can add beyond what has been said above.  I keep an eye here for updates on both Faye and Pam.  Sure glad Faye was able to see Nita's son as she has obviously had a large influence on her life.

Faye is still holding on.  The Lord is still preparing her place, I guess.

My daughter, Kim, went to stay with the family tonight, in hopes that they might be able to get some sleep while she sits with Faye.

They keep thinking that every day will be her last, and still she is here.  Please pray for Raymon, her husband, and Christy, her daughter. 
They really need the Lord's strength and his comfort as the days go on.

Pam is home and recovering well.  Now she just has to be patient and let others do for her and not be trying to get back into the swing of things too soon.  I'm so glad.  Losing two sisters at once would be too much.

Thank you, thank you for praying for us.

You're so welcome, dear heart. 

You're very welcome Nita.  I will definitely continue to lift this situation up in prayer. 

Prayers from me, too, know how very much you and your family has touched my heart.
God's love just flows through from each posting and I thank everyone writing for taking the time to share.
Words can't express how deeply touched I feel..

Praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow .....

You don't have to pray for Faye anymore.  She is with Jesus now.  She went Home about an hour ago.

I want to tell you about her last painting.  Some of you knew she was a photographer and  painted also.  She had such a great love for both.

Well, the night Kim stayed there with her, sat up with her so her family could sleep, Faye painted her last picture.

She asked Kim, "Do you have colors?"  Kim said she waited a second, and then said, "You mean paints?  I have some at home."

Faye replied "That's ok.  I have some here".

With her eyes closed, she began to paint, telling Kim she was now using green, and some blue...her hands were up and painting as though she had a brush.  At times her "brush" would touch Kim's leg...or her shoulder.  She kept painting her picture, adding colors until she felt it was just right. At the end she said, "...and just a touch of pink right here".

She waited sort of like she was seeing it herself and then asked Kim, "There...do you like it?"

Kim loved it.

She told her family a  few days ago that she wasn't dying, you know.   She is so right.  She went to sleep here on earth, and woke up in the Presence of Her King, Her Lord, Her Everything. 

Someone said she touched more people in her last journey than some touch in a life time.  I can agree with that.

I pray when I go, it is with as much grace as my dear sister, and that my love for the Lord will shine and draw others to Him.

Thank you all so much for your prayers.  Christy and Raymon need your prayers now.

Also Faye's daughter in law, Tina, lost her dad today.  Two family deaths in one day.   So pray for Tina and Rob (Faye's son)too.

Praying, Nita. 

I will add the names of the family circle.  What a journey she had! 

Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

We've opened up a topic where we can post our messages of sympathy to Nita and the family circle.

CLICK HERE

I pray God's peace and love comfort Raymon and Christy, as they navigate this sea of grief in the loss of a very much loved wife and mother ... and for the other family members who grieve this same loss... God's guidance, day by day, as they learn to continue on this earthly journey until we meet again ...

It just doesn't seem real that Faye has been "promoted to Glory" but how wonderful for her!

Remembering the family at this time.

Today is a good time to pray for the family--again.

Hello everyone.  It's been so long since I've been here, I was looking for the "like" button for some photos and comments.

It still doesn't seem real that Faye is gone from this earth.  My sisters and I haven't gotten together since her memorial service, and we're actually not looking forward to that because it will mean she's really not here.  We talk about it, but we're not ready for a sisters' reunion yet.

God is good and we go on, knowing we'll see her again.

I sort of feel like I'm waking up again. 

Hi Nita ....
It's interesting that you came here today.  I have just spent some time rereading all the posts here, from the first one.  I am not ashamed to admit that I was  pretty teary throughout.  I know what you mean about it not seeming real that Faye is no longer among us, here on earth.  It will take a while, I'm afraid. 

As you say "God is good and we go on, knowing we'll see her again."   

That's funny that we both checked in about the same day.   Turning toward the new full circle?    I know how you felt about Faye, so I understand.  Sue told me that she hasn't cried yet.  And she is the softest one of the sisters.  Can you imagine that?  She's just doing it the way that works for her.

I love you, Bestest .... guess it's a family tie after all ... since I've been adopted into your family.   

Aweee  You gals are the greatest!