Update 1-22-03 on Karen (Thunderhead)

Scroll to the bottom of post for current updates...

Hello my friends. First let me share that Karen (Thunderhead) misses everyone and sends her love to all. She would so like to be able to be at USM with her extended family.

Karen has touched the hearts of many here and throughout her life. She has a special spirit. I am thankful to have found USM and by doing so, found a friend in Karen. My life has changed by Karen's presence in it. And I think all who have met Karen, either by net or in person, will be able to say the same thing.

She is very sick. When I walked into her room and saw her, it was hard not to let my sorrow show. I am sure in my eyes; Karen could see the tears I was holding back.

She has had a blood clot pass through her body. She passed out when it struck her heart. By God's grace she survived this episode. Then again when it lodged in her lungs. She went into respiratory failure. God's grace once more allowed her to survive. She is very weak and having trouble breathing. I pray that she will continue to recover and is given more time to be with us.

Karen is an amazing woman. She has worked very hard to make all the arrangements for her funeral. One detail left to complete was speaking to a Minister about her memorial service and what her desires were. She can rest now with respect to this concern. Pastor Bill went with me and met Karen. He will conduct the service as to her instructions.

I know in my heart that Karen is saved through Jesus and when the time comes, she will be with our Lord.

Revelation 21: 22-27

The Glory of the New Jerusalem

22) But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23)The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. 24)And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. 25)Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26)And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. 27)But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

This is Karen's as well as my own belief. I find comfort in the promises of our God.

I will continue to visit her in the hospital and post updates daily. Continue to pray for God's healing hand upon Karen.

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Update 1-12-03

Karen's condition remains the same. She is very weak and unable to talk much. Her pain is being eased through a morphine pump which makes her very tired. I was able to spend some time with her today and her friend Gary was by her side.

I had printed the private messages that I have received from those wanting to share words and prayes with Karen as well as the replies from this post when they were at 102 and took those with me for Karen. She was unable to read so she layed with her eyes closed while I read them to her. Several times, I thought she was asleep so I paused the reading. Her eyes would open and she requested me to continue.

I thank USM for the kindness and prayers that have been shown to Karen. I know it is comforting to her in this time of great illness. She thanks you all and would return the hugs if she could.

There may come a time this next week when she will be able to go home and have in-house care from friends, family, and Hospice. The equipment being used in the hospital can be set up in a home and I'm sure she would be more comfortable.

I will continue to print new replies and messages as they come in and take them to Karen as often as possible. Continue to pray as often as you can. I shared with Karen a scripture passage that was requested of me by another member of USM. I feel this passage was inspired by God through this person and meant for Karen at this time. It is my desire to share it with the membership of USM...

In this passage, as Paul neared the end of his life, he was able to look back without regret or remorse. In these verses, he examines his life from three perspectives: the present reality of the end of his life, for which he was ready; the past when he had been faithful; and the future, as he anticipated his heavenly reward...

Paul's Valedictory

2 Timothy 4:6-8

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8) Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

There is comfort in the promises of God.

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1-14-03

I was able again to spend time at Karens side today. My wife, Theresa, and I went to see her this evening. Karen has slept continuously for two days. (long pause...)

I held her hand and told her how much we all love her and prayed by her bedside. She has such a special spirit. As sick as she is, that is still evident. While I was there the nurse came in to say that someone was on the phone and asked if I would take the call. I had a wonderful talk with a friend of mine and someone who Karen loves. Thankyou Catherine for calling. It was so good to talk with you and hear your voice. I will always remember the dinner and laughs we all shared such a short time ago. After your call, I held Karens hand like you asked, and had a good cry....

I thank everyone for all the wonderful replies and prayers given for Karen. Continue to pray and expect a miracle, because either way, we're going to get one...

Seeing the Invisible

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18) while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

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1-15-03

I left work early today inorder to spend some time with Karen before church (Wed. is always a church night). I had a very beautiful and emotional experience tonight while visiting Karen. Her condition remains the same and her departure draws near. When I arrived at Karen's room I found her Mother, Patty, at her side. This was the first time I had met Karen's mom. She, like karen, is a christian woman. She had been there for hours with her bible reading scriptures to her daughter. There was also another young woman there with a beautiful harp playing soft music and singing for Karen. The sound touched me deeply and brought tears to my eyes. I sat with Patty and we held each others hands. I was told about how much Karen loved music and that she sang also. I regret never having heard her voice in song.

Never again will I put off until tomorrow the things I needed to do today...

I printed this post again with all the replies when they were at 246 as well as other posts from USM members. I placed them in a 3 ring binder and left it in her room. It will be there for friends and family to read while they stay with Karen. I again want to thank everyone for all the kind thoughts and prayers. I know these will mean alot to Karen's family. They also are providing strength for me.

I leave tonite with this scripture...

Psalms 23

The LORD the Shepherd of His People

A Psalm of David.

1) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2) He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3) He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

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1-16-03

Hello USM friends. Karen is resting comfortably. They have changed her medication from morphine to some other. This other drug is suppose to not cause hallucinations like is common with morphine. When I was there today her friend Gary and her mother Patty were by her side. We all talked and shared stories. I believe Karen is able to hear even though some may label her "un-responsive". She was squeezing Gary's hand and tried to sit up several times during our visit.

Once again today, Cynthia came to Karens room with her harp and played the most beautiful music. Cynthia is a Music Thanatologist. This girl has a truly deep spiritual side. When she looks at Karen and touches her head, there is such a gentleness about her movements. Karens color even changes as the music is played. Cynthia says the music is coming from Karen, Karen's spirit directs the notes. The sound of the harp resonates an overwhelming calmness at the hands of such a skillful and masterful musician. I thank God for giving people these wonderful gifts to share with us.

Praise to the LORD for His Love and Faithfulness

A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath day.

Psalm 92:1-4

1) It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;

2) To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night,

3) On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound.

4) For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands.

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1-18-03

Sorry for the delay in updates, my phone line was out for about 24 hours. Yesterday and today I spent time by Karens side. Her condition remains unchanged. She is a strong spirited individual. I am sure she is able to hear. At times while talking to her she becomes restless and tries to respond but is just to weak.

Yesterday while I was in her room Pastor John Brewer from Cheney Community Church stopped in. We talked some and then he prayed with Karen and recited the 23'rd Psalm.

The prayer post from Lady Nyx and all the replies are wonderful. Thank you so much. I printed the prayer post when the replies were at 271. I also printed this post when the replies were at 384. There are several other posts from members that I also printed and will be adding to the binder in her room tomorrow.

Unfortunately, Monday I am being sent to New York on work related business. I may be there for up to 10 days. It breaks my heart to have to leave at this time, but I can't get out of it. I am taking a laptop with me and hope to be able to be online from my hotel room. I have arranged to receive updates on Karen daily and will continue to share them here. Thank you everyone for all your support and prayers for Karen.

I end tonites update with a scripture from Revelation,

Revelation 3:7-8

The Faithful Church 7) "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, "These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":8) "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

God is holding the door to heaven open for Karen. Karen, with little strength, has kept His word and not denied His name. May the flood gates of God's grace and love pour out upon Karen....

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1-19-03

I delivered the updates and posts to Karens room today and placed them in the binder. I should have gotten a bigger binder. There's over 100 pages there now from all you wonderful people. God bless you all!!

Karen remains the same. She does respond some. She tried to open her eyes while I was talking with her today. I know she hears the beautiful messages you all have sent. I am leaving for New York in the morning but will keep USM informed as best I can while out of town. I have Karen's mothers phone number and will be cheking on her often. Continue to keep her in prayer as well as Patty, Karens mom. It was just four months ago when Patty lost a son and Karen lost a brother. It's difficult to understand sometimes, and the best we can do for our friends is be there and pray.

Thank you USM for your wonderful spirit and the love you have displayed throughout. You all deserve an award and it's this bond we all share that makes USM like no other...

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Update by Ginger on 1-20-03

In the absence of our dear friend Dan (King Caspian), I would like to give the update today. We have been so fortunate to have received so much from KC, we will miss him tremendously. This is the first piece of information that I was able to get first hand from another of her closest friends.

Karen's boyfriend Gary called us last night to let us know how she was doing. Her condition really hasn't changed at all. Karen is able to non-verbally convey if she is displeased with something, but other than that she is resting comfortably. Her extensive knowledge of nutrition has allowed her to build up her resistance. Thus this cancer possibly would have taken its toll earlier. Gary mentioned that her lingering is giving an opportunity for her loved ones to say or do things to obtain closure of some type. I guess there is a purpose in everything.

Gary also allowed us to know that the donations that the dear people on this site gave to Karen, were appreciated by her more than any of us might ever know. She was able to make nearly all the arrangements that she wished to have. She and her family was able to supply the remainder. So everything is exactly as she wished it to be and she has great peace in that thought. Gary said that it has been unfathomable how much we have given in every way to Karen. They never would have guessed that so much could and would have been lavished on this dear soul. I let Gary know that it was certainly our pleasure to give her love, as she always showed us nothing but care and love. It was impossible to have not loved her.

I'm not sure when the next time I might be able to speak with Gary to get more information, but he did say that he would certainly call if she takes a turn for the worse.

USM certainly has the cycle of life contained within it. We see babies born to some of our great USM-ers, marriages and conversely we must see the finality as well. During these years we also have the opportunity to enjoy each others company. How fortunate are we ???

On a personal note, I know that hundreds of us feel more than fortunate to actually feel the pain that we are feeling right now. That of course means that we loved her tremendously. We loved her care, support and compassion ... and thus we feel the pain. At this kind of time, we know that the old adage is correct. It is definitely better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved her at all.

May God be with our dear Karen.

Also, on a side note ... the hospital that Karen is in has requested that we have not so many calls coming into the nurses station, asking about Karen's condition. They realize that we are all very concerned about her, but USM-ers are driving them a bit nuts with our calls. I can understand where they are coming from if only 20 or 30 of us called once a day, that would be a tremendous amount of their time on the phone with us. Maybe we can try to patiently depend on these updates to fill us in, rather than taking the nurses away from her bedside. Thank you.

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1-22-03

I received a call earlier today from Patty, Karens mother. Today God's merciful hand reached out and took Karen to be with Him. I had said earlier in these updates to expect a miracle. God chose not to give us a miracle but chose to give it to Karen. She now stands within the gates of heaven with our Lord. She now stands in a place where there is no pain, there are no tears, engulfed in God's grace and love.

It has always been my belief that upon death, those saved go directly to heaven to be with our creator. In Luke 23:42&43 is the request of a thief crucified with Christ and our Saviour's response, it says:

42)Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." 43)And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

"Paradise" is only used in the New Testament in this passage, again in 2 Corinthians 12:4 and once more in Revelation 2:7. The word suggests a garden (it is the word used of Eden in the LXX), but in all three New Testament uses it speaks of Heaven.

I also find comfort in a passage from Romans,

Romans 8:38&39

38)For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,

39)nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The floodgates of Heaven are open and God's love pours out upon our friend Karen.

Continue to pray for God's comfort upon Karens family and friends.

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