Things I’m praying for…

The Episcoblogger community has suffered some losses recently. I’ve noted the death of blogger Klady’s husband Jim+ below, and Larry, over at Renz in the Woods had to put down his beloved doggy Cosmo and my blog friend Kay who blogs at Ephemeral Thoughts also had to put her beloved Calypso down this weekend too! (I have great empathy for any who have to go through this experience. I did it with my cat Yoda, and I remember my whole body shaking, as I made the decision to extinguish his life, feeling that really, that decision should be way above my pay-grade. Three years later, it still brings tears to my eyes.  One of the most difficult decisions I ever had to make.)

Over the weekend, Roseann, from Give Peace a Chance, Please! came to the end of her long and painful battle with kidney disease.  She’d been on hospice about two weeks, and her husband reports she died peacefully and painlessly thanks to the loving care she received through that program.  Please, join me in lighting a virtual candle for the repose of her soul, and for the grief of her husband and champion, Gary.  Heaven has gained a spitfire angel this weekend.

I also learned yesterday, that my EfM mentor’s husband also lost his long battle with illness over the weekend as well.  He’d been in the hospital since the end of June, I believe and had many, many close to death experiences.  He was very sick and suffering.  Please join me in praying for the repose of Tom’s soul, and for the loving comfort of his wife, and my EfM mentor, Donna, who cared for him so lovingly.

Death is always so difficult, but death so close to the holidays is particularly odious to bear.  May God grant strength to those who will be facing the holidays without those they love for the first time – let’s add my cousin Helen here, and also blogger Lisa, who lost her husband Ian last spring.

I’ll also ask for prayers this week for my husband and me.  A year ago this week, events occurred that I thought would bring an end to my marriage.  I have hurt people whom I love, and I’m not sure I’ll ever heal from knowing the damage I’ve caused to them, but I’m trying.  Our marriage is in a better place than it has been in a long, long time, but this is going to be an emotionally difficult week for us both, and the sooner we get through Thanksgiving, the better, so it can be one more hurdle  behind us as we move on in continuing to heal our relationship.

Also, prayers for Grandmere Mimi who is having cataract surgery today.  The first eye was done successfully, and no problems are expected, but, we’ll pray to be sure!

ETA – Julie+ requests prayers for her parishoner Jerrey – who is struggling after having a heart attack.

And Grandmere Mimi’s surgery went well! TBTG!!

All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well. Julian of Norwich.