Count it! One more for Jesus. The cleaning lady accepted the Lord a few weeks ago. She overheard a story my mom telling to Bruce about the latest gospel share by dad to the palliative nurse. She said to my mom from across the room, "Great story!" Mom said to her, "Have you been listening?" She replied through misty eyes, "I've been listening since the first day I came."
God's faithfulness never ceases to amaze me. My dad can no longer speak but not even being mute can stop him from sharing the faith that has made such a profound difference in his life.
This last Sunday, Pastor Cesar was sharing about Action 52. It's a movement to encourage Christians to share the gospel once a week for a year (at least!). He mentioned that he had been training the staff at Outreach Canada recently, the chaplaincy company my dad used to work for. They asked, "Is Jesse participating in this? " Cesar replied, no. There was a split second of confusion in my brain until he continued.... "Jesse has his own plan. It's called Action 365!" Amen! Who says you need audible words to speak the truth?
There have been lots of physical changes. He has been experiencing a lot more fatigue and having increased difficulty eating and swallowing. His instability has also increased when walking with assistance. He tires very easily but every once in a while you can still catch the twinkle in his eye and that mischevious smile!
My heart is sad because we can no longer have the same conversations we used to. But, if there is one conversation he will refuse to give up, I am glad it's the one about the most important message ever.
Keep praying that God would give him strength, patience and hope as the disease continues to take over his body!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
If you would like to join in...
Jesse's Girls are participating in Betty's Run for ALS on June 14th. If you'd like to join the team, we'd love to have you!
If you would like to run the 5mile (8km), you must register with the Running Room: https://www.events.runningroom.com/applications/?raceId=4358&eventId=14976&vrindex=3
If you would like to walk the 5k, registration is not necessary, but if you'd like a Betty's Run t-shirt and race package, you must register also with the Running Room: https://www.events.runningroom.com/applications/?raceId=4358&eventId=14975&vrindex=3
If you are running or walking, you can join our team Jesse's Girls online: http://www.als.ca/events/mysite.aspx?fid=2588
Hope to see you there!
Jesse's Girl
If you would like to run the 5mile (8km), you must register with the Running Room: https://www.events.runningroom.com/applications/?raceId=4358&eventId=14976&vrindex=3
If you would like to walk the 5k, registration is not necessary, but if you'd like a Betty's Run t-shirt and race package, you must register also with the Running Room: https://www.events.runningroom.com/applications/?raceId=4358&eventId=14975&vrindex=3
If you are running or walking, you can join our team Jesse's Girls online: http://www.als.ca/events/mysite.aspx?fid=2588
Hope to see you there!
Jesse's Girl
Friday, April 17, 2009
Because He Lives
When we got the news last Wednesday, I was thinking to myself, how in the world am I going to make it through tomorrow? I am currently nearing the end of a student teaching practicum which means I am overtired and stretched thin. Only by God's grace am I still functional! I was very weepy Wednesday night and was not prepared to teach on Thursday. I spent some time in prayer with a good friend that evening, and somehow woke up refreshed and ready to face Thurday. It is so true, He always gives you what you need for today. It's a one-day-at-a-time kind of thing.
We serve a God that is very much alive! I was reminded this Easter weekend of why we have hope. It's easy to be filled with doubt when you focus on all that this life can be consumed by- disease, injustice, suffering and the giant problem of evil. However, this is not our home. Em and I found a great song by Jeremy Camp that has been an encouragement to us, "There Will be a Day." I just love the lyrics:
But I hold onto this hope, and the promise that He brings
That there will be a day with no more suffering
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face But until that day, we'll hold on to you always
There have been many sweet moments in the midst of this trying time. Angela and Jordan were visiting for a couple weeks with Ethan and Maia who bring so much joy! Ethan deemed dad's neck brace his "bandaid." He's aware that Papa has some pretty big owies. He continues to pray, "Papa stay strong!"
During their visit, if dad was very calling for mom, Ethan would race to find her and say, "Grandma, Papa needs help NOW!" He was so sweet- don't you dare leave Papa waiting! Maia would find the letterboard and move her little hands around it saying, "Pa-pa, Pa-pa, Pa-pa..." Since they have been home, Angela reported that she has located every picture of him in the house and points to it, saying his name over and over again.
Right now we are praying for a few strong months. Emily turns 14 on June 12th which means... driver's permit! Mom is so badly hoping that she'll be able to go out for a spin with dad in the passenger seat! We have the ALS run on June 14th and of course, Father's Day. We would just love if God would grant us a strong June!
Your prayers are upholding us during this time! Thank you!
L to R: Em's cheering section at her basketball playoffs, March/09, Mom and Dad at home in October/08, Papa, Papa's Bandaid and Ethan in December/08
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Not So Good News
We had been anticipating dad's appointment at the ALS Clinic today for the last few weeks. It has been evident that as time passes, the disease progresses at an even more alarming rate than before. Angela and her family were visiting for the last two weeks and she noticed just over the course of her visit, many rapid changes.
Today at the clinic, they assessed his breathing and it is at 51% (down from 59% in January) . Gravely, the average lifespan from this point on is 3-6 months. The doctor's say that sometime can outlive this timeline, but it's hard to say for sure. The disease can change very quickly as we've learned in the recent past.
There are hardly words right now. Though I had anticpated something like this, there is still no way to prepare yourself for the news. There are many things to lift up in prayer right now- end of life decisions, how to spend our time and our family. I have a special burden for Emily as she tries to make sense of this situation. Pray for her- that God would protect her during this time like He can and continue to draw her close to Himself. Pray for my mom, Kathy. She needs a supernatural strength right now. She's is tired and weary but I'm sure, still finding rest in the Lord.
We don't know... but He does.
We are looking forward to Betty's Run on June 14th. Please visit the website as we prepare to raise money and run our hearts out!
Today at the clinic, they assessed his breathing and it is at 51% (down from 59% in January) . Gravely, the average lifespan from this point on is 3-6 months. The doctor's say that sometime can outlive this timeline, but it's hard to say for sure. The disease can change very quickly as we've learned in the recent past.
There are hardly words right now. Though I had anticpated something like this, there is still no way to prepare yourself for the news. There are many things to lift up in prayer right now- end of life decisions, how to spend our time and our family. I have a special burden for Emily as she tries to make sense of this situation. Pray for her- that God would protect her during this time like He can and continue to draw her close to Himself. Pray for my mom, Kathy. She needs a supernatural strength right now. She's is tired and weary but I'm sure, still finding rest in the Lord.
We don't know... but He does.
We are looking forward to Betty's Run on June 14th. Please visit the website as we prepare to raise money and run our hearts out!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Jesse's Girls Run for ALS Website it up!
Please visit our fundraising website for Betty's Run for ALS! We have a GOD-sized goal of $30,000! For more info, visit our website!
http://www.als.ca/events/mysite.aspx?fid=2588
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Gearing up for Betty's Run 2009
SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2009.
Betty's Run for ALS was started in 1996 by Betty Norman, an ALS patient. It has grown tremendouly in participants and funds raised in the last 13 years. We had the privilege of participating last year. When dad was diagnosed, there was a little over a month until the race. A week into the diagnosis, I was beginning to feel helpless and like, "isn't there something we can do for now?" There was indeed.
Last year in only 1 month, more than 60 people banded together for our team, raised over $13,000 and participated in the walk or run. Just a friendly reminder, I do recall a few individuals planning on performing better than their 40 year old uncles, no names (Dan Cay) and some people vowing to actually finish the race this year (Uncle Greg...)
This year with more time and a greater sense of urgency, we are hoping to raise $20,000! All of the funds raised go to the ALS Society. I had no idea the capacity of assistance the society would be providing for my dad. Allow me to give you a little glimpse...
When fine motor skills became more difficult they provided large handled cutlery, foam covers for pens and a button hook gadget. As communication became increasingly difficult, they provided a letter-board, a speech language pathologist and high-tech computers that verbalize typed words. As mobility became a greater concern, the society provided an automatic stair-lift, walkers, wheelchairs, a wheelchair lift for the garage and rails in the bathrooms. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is, without the assistance provided by the society, this already devastating disease would create even more difficulty for everyday living. This assistance has helped him to maintain independence for as long as possible and in whatever form possible.
Despite many physical changes, he still has the same twinkle in his eye, sense of humour, mischievous smile and strong faith. Last year, our motto was, "...so he can win one more for Jesus." Anyone who knows my dad knows that he has a fireproof passion for the Lord. He recently said, "this disease cannot take away what is most important to me- my relationship with God and my family." Many people come to visit and encourage him and leave feeling encouraged. What I most look forward to now when I visit home is sitting with dad at the kitchen table and soaking up his wisdom like a sponge and sharing with him what God is doing in my life. It's a mutually joyful experience!
His two consistent weekly outings are Emily's basketball games and church Sunday mornings. In the last nine months, he has lead 4 more people into a relationship with our Saviour! His walk with God continues to grow and inspire me and many others!
We would appreciate any fellow walkers or runners to come alongside us and any donations to help get us to our very large goal! We want to have everyone back who participated last year and many many more!
Maybe this year we'll have a sea of blue?
Check out http://bettysrun.ca/ for more info.
Betty's Run for ALS was started in 1996 by Betty Norman, an ALS patient. It has grown tremendouly in participants and funds raised in the last 13 years. We had the privilege of participating last year. When dad was diagnosed, there was a little over a month until the race. A week into the diagnosis, I was beginning to feel helpless and like, "isn't there something we can do for now?" There was indeed.
Last year in only 1 month, more than 60 people banded together for our team, raised over $13,000 and participated in the walk or run. Just a friendly reminder, I do recall a few individuals planning on performing better than their 40 year old uncles, no names (Dan Cay) and some people vowing to actually finish the race this year (Uncle Greg...)
This year with more time and a greater sense of urgency, we are hoping to raise $20,000! All of the funds raised go to the ALS Society. I had no idea the capacity of assistance the society would be providing for my dad. Allow me to give you a little glimpse...
When fine motor skills became more difficult they provided large handled cutlery, foam covers for pens and a button hook gadget. As communication became increasingly difficult, they provided a letter-board, a speech language pathologist and high-tech computers that verbalize typed words. As mobility became a greater concern, the society provided an automatic stair-lift, walkers, wheelchairs, a wheelchair lift for the garage and rails in the bathrooms. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is, without the assistance provided by the society, this already devastating disease would create even more difficulty for everyday living. This assistance has helped him to maintain independence for as long as possible and in whatever form possible.
Despite many physical changes, he still has the same twinkle in his eye, sense of humour, mischievous smile and strong faith. Last year, our motto was, "...so he can win one more for Jesus." Anyone who knows my dad knows that he has a fireproof passion for the Lord. He recently said, "this disease cannot take away what is most important to me- my relationship with God and my family." Many people come to visit and encourage him and leave feeling encouraged. What I most look forward to now when I visit home is sitting with dad at the kitchen table and soaking up his wisdom like a sponge and sharing with him what God is doing in my life. It's a mutually joyful experience!
His two consistent weekly outings are Emily's basketball games and church Sunday mornings. In the last nine months, he has lead 4 more people into a relationship with our Saviour! His walk with God continues to grow and inspire me and many others!
We would appreciate any fellow walkers or runners to come alongside us and any donations to help get us to our very large goal! We want to have everyone back who participated last year and many many more!
Maybe this year we'll have a sea of blue?
Check out http://bettysrun.ca/ for more info.
Kicking off the New Year
It's been far too long since my past post! If I do have any regular readers... (do I have any regular readers?) I do apologize!We, the original Morales clan + Maia, kicked off the New Year by hopping on a plane to Orlando, Florida. God blessed us with ANOTHER family vacation. He is so good! Travelling was a bit more difficult than it was last July, but dad did great nonetheless!
The trip began with a surprise visit from dad's good friend Brian Harrell and his family from Tennessee. He made dad laugh a lot and was a great encouragement to us all! Our cousin Chinet also visited from Florida for an afternoon. We took in Disney's Hollywood Studios (and the amazing High School Musical 3 parade) and an Orlando Magic NBA game.
We waited in line for about an hour at Disney to go on the Toy Story ride. When we got to the front we watched in horror as the individual carts whipped around in circles into the docking station. (FYI- when your neck muscles- and all muscles for that matter- weaken, whipping motions are BAD!) Dad looked terrified and said, "I don't want to go on it!" But the ride attendant assured as that it didn't get worse than this. I was thinking to myself, "Well... if it's only this bad for this brief moment in time..." But no... It was like that... the WHOLE time!
The ride whips around every minute or so between 3-D screens where the riders have to try and shoot the Toy Story targets. It's like being sling-shotted around a movie theatre with a dozen different screens. It was a fun concept but the whiplash part was no cake walk!
Everytime the animated voice counted down, "3,2,1..." I pinned my hands against dad- one on his forehead and one on his chest to avoid any more severe chornic conditions from developping. It shouldn't be funny... it really wasn't.
Mom and Ang were laughing hysterically in the cart behind (I think mostly out of horror) and probably because it was a sight for sore eyes... A man in a neck brace with 3-D glasses being pinned to the seat by his daughter, also in 3-D glasses, both holding on for dear life. There may have even been screaming...
Dad was a GREAT sport and even tried the shooting game when the ride came to the very temporary moments of peace! Just another example of his bravery, positive attitude and faith in his daughter's upper body strength!
A couple of week's later, we all had the honour of celebrating our friends, Pat and Susan Duggan's 40th Wedding Anniversary. Susan asked Christina, Em and I to prepare a song that would be special to mom and dad. We performed, "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis (their wedding song) with a slight Caribbean twist and Christina's debut on the yukelele. It was a memorable moment, but not as memorable as when dad got out of his wheelchair to dance with mom when the DJ played their song!
A couple of week's later, we all had the honour of celebrating our friends, Pat and Susan Duggan's 40th Wedding Anniversary. Susan asked Christina, Em and I to prepare a song that would be special to mom and dad. We performed, "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis (their wedding song) with a slight Caribbean twist and Christina's debut on the yukelele. It was a memorable moment, but not as memorable as when dad got out of his wheelchair to dance with mom when the DJ played their song!
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