Hi Everyone,
My sister Priscilla's husband Rusty was diagnosed with Pick's Disease about 2.5 years ago. He was a brilliant professional, getting his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration when he was 48-years-old. Rusty was an avid hunter, a great Dad, and an uncle my sons loved and respected.
Over the 2.5 years, Rusty went from a serious professional, father, and grandfather to a fun-loving 7-year-old boy with a 5-minute-or-less memory. He was constantly cared for by my sis, his loving wife of 41 plus years. On Mother's Day at my Mom's house last week, Rusty was annoying the "adults" as only a 5' 10" hairy 7-year-old could, asking hundreds of questions, and teasing the girls at the gathering.
The following Tuesday morning, Rusty had a massive stroke at 4 a.m. while lying in bed with Priscilla. We knew Pick's would result in a stroke for Rusty, and this one was sudden and massive. Rusty was rushed to the hospital and survived for several hours, but the brain and then the heart could no longer function. I comforted Priscilla, encouraging her to "let Rusty run into the arms of Jesus." He died 24 hours after our conversation. He was 63.
Priscilla got saved two years after I did, and then prayed for and witnessed to Rusty for 30 years before he finally accepted the Gift of God, six months before he was diagnosed with Pick's Disease.
So please pray for Priscilla as she grieves and adjusts. They have three adult children, Shamie, Brad, and Ashton. I am sure they would appreciate your prayers, too.
In His Grip,
Kevin
Oh, my dear Kevin...
I'm so sorry to read this but what a wonderful "homecoming" he had--straight into the arms of his dear Saviour. How I long for that day! I just prayed for Priscilla as she grieves. This is natural and the time for family and friends to gather around her.
Thanks for the little thumbnail sketch of our dear Christian brother's life.
Kevin, Rusty has now shed that horrible disease and is free again of it. I send my condolences to your sister and all of your family.
Kevin I, too, am praying for Priscilla and the family as they walk through this time of grief. What a relief to know that Rusty had accepted God's gift of salvation while he was still able to be fully aware of what it meant to be a child of God.
I know little of Pick's Disease but the husband of another friend of mine suffers with it. He responds differently than Rusty, however: with much anger and rages and a total personality change. Only God can understand such things, but I do pray that He will comfort and encourage the families.
Is your sister living in Louisiana?
Kevin I am also prayer for your sister and the family.
Quote from: Jane Walker on May 28, 2008, 11:45:44 AM
Is your sister living in Louisiana?
Yes, southwest Louisiana, the city of Westlake.
kevin
My sympathy to the family as well Kevin. Death is such a tragic event, it leaves the loved ones grieving and leaves what seems like an empty hole through our hearts.
I will join with the others here in prayer for this family, and just know like Al said, he is no longer suffering but has a new body free from sickness and pain, and any suffering. The Word of God tells us we have a host of in the heavenlies that are cheering us on through our daily lives and I believe that host is family, friends, and many other dear precious Saints that have gone before us. It seems like Heaven recieved a great addition with this brother in Christ coming home.
God bless and know that someday we will be united with those who have gone before us....
LarryBoy