Sunday 22 March 2009

Families are Forever

In the last few months, our family seems to have moved from one crisis to another. At times, some things have been more than we thought we could ever bear. Some of it has been brought on by others and totally beyond our control, some of it has been health related and, also, beyond our control. I don't write about any of it too much because I always try to remain positive, especially on my blog.

Last Thursday, Simon's Mum, was taken to hospital. She had been in bed for 8 days, not talking or eating. She was having problems breathing, so Simon's Dad phoned an ambulance. Now, she is in the intensive care unit at the hospital. She developed a condition that is, basically, very rare and life threatening. The name of it is streptococcus. It's some form of the the strep throat virus, as far as I know, and her immune system worked too hard to fight it off and started to poison her, instead of help her. The doctors have had to shut down her immune system, completely, because of it, and she is in an induced comma. With this sort of illness, the odds of survival are generally 20%. The doctor did say that given the fact that Mum doesn't smoke or drink, and that her general health is good, that the odds could be up to 50% chance. What a blessing it is to have the Word of Wisdom. In some circumstances, it really could mean the difference between life and death! We don't know what will happen, but that's a significant increase of odds in her favour.

Right now, we're all just waiting. It can take 7 days before there is any sign that the treatment is working, but she is stable. Our prayers are just constantly with her. The whole thing has just come out of nowhere, and has been a complete shock for us all. We have much faith, though, and we can certainly feel the calming power of the Spirit in such a difficult time. We're also very aware of our Heavenly Father and His mindfulness of us. We're doing okay.
One thing that has really helped us through this the most is the temple. We are so grateful for the temple and the prospect of our family being eternal. Simon's Mum always lives to the utmost degree of righteousness. Sometimes, I've even teased her for going a bit overboard, when she's told me she doesn't even watch commercials because they can be against her standards. I could never feel anything but gratitude to the way that she lives her life, now. We find it so comforting that we know, without any shadow of a doubt, that whatever happens we will be with her forever. She is an example to me in my life of the standard that I want to live up to. I really do love her.

I'll continue to update everyone on any news that we get. I just wanted to express how grateful I was today.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh Man Jamie, I am so sorry that this is happening. Our prayers are with you all. The faith and knowledge that you have of Families being together forever can be so comforting at times like this but it never makes it easier. Im certain of that. If there is anything we can do please let us know! x

The Hoffmans said...

I am very sorry to hear about this. But it sounds like your spirits are in the right place. Just know she and your family will be in our prayers. Stay strong and again I am very sorry.

Steph said...

Jamie our prayers are with you. She sounds like a good woman, and is lucky to have a loving, supportive family and strong faith. God is watching over her, one way or the other.

Pam said...

She will be in our prayers,,,actually your whole family will be. So sorry to hear of her illness. She is a wonderful woman! We love you!

Sarah said...

Jamie, I am so sorry to hear that. I absolutely love your attitude in this situation you have so may admirable qualities that I look up to. I will keep her and your family in my prayers.

Unknown said...

You are in our prayers and make sure to send our love to Margo. Take care of yourself as well. Just know that you are in our prayers. I know we are very far away but if there is anything we could do just let us know.

The Scott Family said...

So sorry to hear about this Jaime! What a shock this must be...thinking of you all and thank goodness for the Plan of Salvation and the Spirit that brings great comfort during times like these. You are so right about her faithfulness, having grown up in the same stake as the Doggetts, they were always seen as a solid,faithful, righteous family!!

Sarah Coyne said...

Oh Jamie, I am so sorry to hear about Simon's mum. She sounds like such a wonderful woman!
Our prayers and thoughts will be with you. Hang in there.

Jaimers said...

Thanks everyone! Your comments are lovely to have. We've had the first good news that she is breathing on her own now. Her organs seem to be getting stronger, but the infection still hasn't gone down. We're still praying.