Does that mean that I never have doubts or fears? No it does not. I have my daily struggles like everyone. I am sad about losing my physical abilities and the fact that I am becoming more house bound. The days are long, and the nights are longer yet. The greatest loss is the ability to communicate and the frustration of being misunderstood. In group settings I quickly feel isolated as others talk and I am unable to participate.
My other problems right now are the leg cramps that keep me awake for most of the night. I usually fall asleep at 5 am. The other problem is choking on phlegm deep in my throat and struggling to cough it up. I break out in a sweat every time it happens.
God has been taking care of us through the love of His people in the form of meals, cards, calls, pastoral visits, emails, grass cutting, volunteers doing physiotherapy and watching over me in the night. I see these all as gifts from God, moving in His people like a host of angels.
I am never alone because Jesus Christ, my elder brother, sees me, watches over me, and prays for me 24/7. He never slumbers and never sleeps. He hears my cries and groans, and understands all my needs perfectly. He is the God-man who has been through it Himself. I talk to Him all the time. He is the Great Shepherd, and I try to follow Him through green pastures, dark valleys and and up the steep narrow pathways, because the end of the journey is peace and safety with Him.
Jack.
Hello Jack, I was wondering if you have a cough assist machine? We had one for Chris and it was a great help for him. We also had a suctioning device. Not always so comfortable but it does help get rid of the phlegm. Chris also had medication for leg cramps at night but right now I cannot think of the name. Maybe you can ask your doctor.
ReplyDeletePraying for you always,
Mary V.
Dear Mr. Westerink,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this update and letting us know specifically how we can pray for you. Praying the Lord will continue to give you and your wife endurance and peace,
Anita Higgins (nee VanDoodewaard)
Hi Jack,
ReplyDeleteI am just wondering if you have asked your doctor about the possibility of taking Quinine (Qualaquin, Quinine Sulfate) for your leg cramps. It is only available by prescription because of potential side effects, but maybe this is something for you. The thought of you struggling each night, and not getting your sleep is heart-breaking. May the Lord surround you with comfort and care, and may He give much wisdom to your doctor's and caregivers, so that you may be as comfortable as possible. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi Jack,
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and praying for you and Lena.
My dear husband Doug and I walked the same road you and Lena now travel.
Our God is faithful.He will never leave you or forsake you.
Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Maureen Ord
Dear Jack, 2 Timothy 4:17 Not withstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me ....and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen
ReplyDeleteMay Paul's confession be also true in your life. May He preserve you and bring you into his heavenly kingdom where He will be glorified for ever and ever.
Praying for you,
Wilma
Hi Jack and Lena, we pray for you often as do our children. Earlier this year I heard a beautiful song that really impacted me and put life and its difficulties in perspective. It is called "Blessings" by Laura Story.
ReplyDeleteWriting from Cubulco and thinking of you
Nico Kattenberg
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not our home
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise
Dear Jack:
ReplyDeleteThis is Phil Pierce. We met at your school, Rehoboth. I am the field rep for A Beka Book. I just want you to know that it is a pleasure to say that we know each other. I pray for you and will continue to do so.
Thank you for your trust and faith in God. What a testimony to us all! We stand by you. Isaiah 41:10 holds be when I am down, may it hold you today.
ReplyDeleteVirginia Kennedy ACSI