Guys, I don't know where to start. These last few days have been the worst of my life. I laid my beautiful wife to rest today. She is no longer in pain and her broken body is healed. I'll be honest, my faith was tested and I continue to struggle with everything and how it unfolded. We just returned from St. Louis last week from her 6 week post surgery follow up. She got a good report and she was 4 inches taller and straight after the surgery. The surgery was a major one, lasting 12 hours and performed by one of the best spine surgeons in this country at Barnes Jewish Hospital. She had spinal fusion surgery done in 2012 and in 2014 one of the rods broke in her back. We made our first trip to St. Louis for a consultation in the fall of 2014. Surgery was scheduled for the spring of 2015, but due to some autoimmune and pulmonary issues, we had to cancel. She fought these health issues for a couple of years and was finally healthy enough to undergo such a big surgery. We went back to St. Louis last year and rescheduled surgery for August 2018. She only had to get final clearance from her cardiologist and during that visit it was discovered that her mitral valve was leaking. Her cardiologist suggested to go ahead with the back surgery and we would address the mitral valve once recovered. Well, when we got to St. Louis, we were in the final stages of pre-op registration and the anesthesiologist had some concern about undergoing such a big surgery with a questionable heart. He brought in their chief cardiologist and they didn't feel comfortable doing back surgery, so it was decided to have her mitral valve replaced while we were up there since they had one of the best valve surgeons in the Midwest. Some of you probably remember me asking for prayers during that time frame. Everything went great and she spent the next 6-7 months trying to get healthy enough for back surgery, which was done on March 21 and was a great success. Like mentioned earlier, she was 4 inches taller, straight and finally got a posture and figure back. She was so upbeat and excited about finally getting a life back. She turned 39 on April 27 and I showered her with gifts because she deserved it and I was so proud of her. We went back to St. Louis and got a good report for her 6 week follow up. Life was good and then she was taken away from us on May 5. I was so angry with GOD and could not understand why he took her away from us, especially after everything she had been through the last few years. I finally realized that it wasn't the time to be mad at HIM because I needed HIM more than ever. I still don't understand and will never get answers to so many questions I have, but I realize this is part of GOD's plan and now is the time to run to HIM and not away from HIM. I am at rock bottom right now so there is no where to go but up. They say time heals, but it will still leave a deep scar. We have a 14 year old son with Autism and he is non-verbal. I am so worried about him right now because he loved his mother so much. At the final viewing before closing her casket today, he reached out to grab her hair and I lost it. He would climb up in her lap every day to smell her hair, a sensory issue. He would bring her a ponytail holder so he could grab it and rub it across his face after she pulled it up. It's just me and him now and the days ahead are going to be tough, especially with Mother's Day coming up. I am sorry for this being so long but my heart is shattered and I could use all of your prayers. Take some time to let your wife and mom know how much you love them and don't never take one day for granted. Life on this earth is precious and tomorrow is never promised. Hug your loved one and be sure to tell them everyday how much you love them. I want to say a special thanks to Buster Halford, from the phone calls and texts and also for the beautiful flowers his family sent. I also want to thank good friend Fred Newell (candyman) for a special gift he gave me last night for the tough days ahead. GOD bless everyone of you and I can't thank my brothers on here enough for your support.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/28jfqbs.jpg)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/28lgvg4.jpg)
Praying for you and your son.
Brother, I am so sorry for your pain and for the loss you and your son are having to deal with. I don't know the Lord's reasons for anything but like you I trust him. My pastor has four beautiful daughters, two of them were born with heart problems. He was telling me about the time they were in the hospital while his oldest girl was having open heart surgery. He remarked how one of the nurses wondered how he and his wife could be so calm. He told her that no matter what happened, God had blessed him with the opportunity to share his life and love with his daughter and that whatever time he had here with her was a blessing.
It's hard to lose the people we love and any words that I have for you are hollow at best though I wish them to give you some peace... We do have a hope though. It is found in Jesus and his propitious death on the cross. We will see our loved ones again. The Lord will give you comfort if you seek him. This much I do know. My heart aches with you right now because I do understand the hurt. I will certainly lift you and your son up in prayer. Let him be your strength and comfort by drawing close to him. He may seem like all you have right now. He's also all we need even through our deepest pain. He won't leave you to go through this alone.
God watch over you brother..
In Christ's perfect love,
Don
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Wow so sorry for your loss. Remember keep the faith it will help you get thru this very trying time. God bless you and your family.
I am so sorry that you and your son are going through this.
Thank you for sharing your story, as many of us read this and realize just how petty our small problems are.
Thoughts and prayers to you and your son, as well as your wife. Look to God, but also look to friends and family for support and help. There are times to be strong, and times to humbly accept help... Sounds like this is a time for both.
I am so sorry for your and your son's loss. This is heart breaking. Prayers will be sent for your family. Again, I am so sorry.
Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk
I am so so sorry for your family mnd will pray for you. Having a non verbal autism son of my own, I know how challenging that can be. Will most definitely be praying for you and your family.
Praying for you and your son. May God watch over you.
Jody,
I am so so sorry for you and your son. Man I have been and will continue to pray for you and him. So many of us roll along taking life for granted. In all this , she is with God and feels no pain. Yall will see her again. The tough part is being left behind. God will pull you through this I am certain. If I can do anything for you my friend please let me know. God bless brother.
So sorry for your loss! Will pray for strength and encouragement for you and your family!!
Prayers buddy!
So sorry for you guys loss, you will be in my prayers. Stay strong in CHRIST!
Don't forget that there a whole pile of people here who are thinking of you and supporting you and praying for you and your family. You got a big family here, drop us a line when the nights get long!
Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk
So sorry for your loss, we will be praying for you and your son!!!
Very sorry for your loss and it reminds me to always be thankful for the family time I have. Very deeply saddened by your loss !!!
So sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers sent up for y'all.
I'm so sorry for you and your son's loss. Please be strong with Christ. She is in good hands now... be at peace.
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this sad time.
So very sorry to hear. Praying for you guys and if you ever need to talk, reach out to me or a bunch of other folks here that think a lot of you. Take care friend.
Jody,
I don't know what to say. I am so, so sorry is about all I can say. I only met your wife one time and she was such a nice lady. Prayers for you my friend.
Sorry for your loss and prayers sent from ID. God Bless!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Realizing how small my problems are right now through teary eyes!! May the Lord walk with you and your son each and every day and help you to come through this stronger and more faithful than ever!!
Jody, it breaks my heart to read that post. I will continue to pray for comfort for you and your son. I pray that God covers ya'll with a blanket of grace, mercy, and peace in these trying times!
Prayers for you and your family.
Sorry for your loss Jody. My heart dropped out of chest when I read your words. Be and remain with Christ as I will be praying to him to comfort you.
So sorry for your loss, I can't imagine you pain. You give food for thought in your words, I was angry at my girlfriend for moving some acetone on me that I needed to clean a paintbrush. Stupid thing to get angry over and I should appreciate her more than I do sometimes.
I will be sure to pray for you and your son. I wish there was more I could say.
You are in our prayers brother, I hope it helps in your healing. Keep your faith brother :jesus-cross:
So sorry for your loss. God's plan is perfect and so much bigger than we can ever understand, yet many times it is so very painful. Prayers for you and your family. Stay strong in the word and may God bless you and your son.
My condolences and prayers for you and your family
I'm sorry for your loss Jody...I can't imagine. We are with you every step and if you need anything please don't hesitate to let us know. Praying for healing for you all.
God bless you brother. I don't know what I would do without my wife. I will be praying for you and your son. Stay strong.
Prayers lifted to almighty God for your peace and comfort during your sorrow. :cross2:
So sorry for your loss, stay strong, prayers sent.
Brother, I dont even know you, but you have been in my thoughts and prayers this morning. There has been nothing in my life experience to compare to your loss. I do know that we, as Christians, are not immune to the heartaches of life and any teaching to the contrary is a false notion. I also know that we are assured we would never be abandoned, and that in times of our greatest need, that the Holy Spirit pours out and Gods peace and grace will come over.
You will continue to be in my prayers.
I am so sorry. Praying for you.
Hang in there ....your going to have some tough days ...please ask and pray for strength and God will provide ....hang there :cross2:
Brother,
I have been where you are . My wife passed after a valiant battle against metastatic breast cancer in 2004. Left me to raise two daughters, the youngest - 2.5 years old. I didn't know how I would get through one day without my beloved Angie.
Fast forward 15 years and my oldest is about to complete a Master's degree in History, and the youngest is graduating high school in 2 weeks. Then headed to UGA for a course of study in Pre Med, with hopes to become a Doctor.
All that said to lead to this- you are stronger than you know and CAN do the job that is ahead of you. If you ever need to talk, send me a PM. I will pray for you and your family- it won't be an easy road, but you can do it. May God bless all of you during your time of grief and the days ahead.
My sincere prayers are added.
Andrew
So sorry .. for you and your son .... God Bless you both during these hard times ... lot's of prayers , just want you to know your OG family stands with you ... lot's of love my friend ....
Praying for you and your son.
Very sorry to hear about your loss. Will be praying for you and your son.
May God cradle you all in his arms. Prayers sent.
Jody,I am so sorry for the loss of your wife. We had just talked recently about her surgery.
May God shine down upon you and your son,in this great time of need.All the best to the both of you going forward.
Mark